Nine Dragons Saint Ancestor

Chapter 422: 422 Not in control of oneself

Lingyun Sect, inside the manor!

Yun Xiao’s departure seemed to have quieted the room in the manor, too much had happened today, whether it was Xu Qingyuan, the former Sect Master, or Elder Guo, all were deeply contemplative.

Not to mention father and daughter Xu Lingsong and Xu Hongzhuang, their thoughts were surging like tides, and even long after Yun Xiao had left, they hadn’t calmed down, pondering who knows what.

”Sect Master Xu, now that the lady’s severe poison has been resolved, this old man will take his leave!”

It wasn’t until a slightly somber voice spoke up that the others were brought back to reality, it turned out that Ran Xing, knowing staying here was only losing more face, no longer wished to endure this kind of peculiar humiliation.

”Mr. Ran, please don’t be so formal. Since you’ve come to our Lingyun Sect, you are a distinguished guest of ours; Xu here certainly won’t let you leave empty-handed!”

Having snapped back to reality, Xu Lingsong seemed to have regained the elegance of a generation’s Sect Master; his words greatly satisfied Ran Xing, who indeed was quite frustrated by this fruitless endeavor.

Driven out by the Xuanyue Imperial Family like a bereaved dog, Ran Xing used some overbearing means and approached the Lingtian Imperial Family, hoping to use this opportunity to owe Lingyun Sect a favor, but unexpectedly got face-slapped by Yun Xiao again.

Having been thwarted by Yun Xiao twice in succession, how could Ran Xing not harbor hatred? If an opportunity arose, he would likely turn that young man who made him lose face into pieces, to vent his deep-seated anger.

”Mr. Ran Star, this is a token of appreciation from our Lingyun Sect, I hope you won’t disdain it!”

Xu Lingsong was very skilled at managing relationships, much more tactful than his father, and immediately took out a Waist Storage, handing it over to Ran Star.

Even an Earth Rank Low Level Meridian Refining Master, though he hadn’t cured the Sect Master’s wife, was a figure worth currying favor with for Xu Lingsong; who knows when he might need this person’s help again?

Taking the Waist Storage and sensing the items inside, Ran Star finally showed a smile, bowed with folded hands, and said: ”Sect Master Xu, you are too kind. I will be in the Royal Family; should you need any assistance, feel free to ask!”

Even an Earth Rank Low Level Meridian Refining Master needs to cultivate, and since Lingyun Sect is the largest sect in the Lingtian Empire, Ran Star would rather not seek items himself, it’s best if Lingyun Sect could take care of it.

Hearing this, Xu Lingsong was overjoyed, that was exactly the response he wanted, but before he could further the conversation, Ran Star had already waved his sleeve robe and said: ”I take my leave!”

It turned out that Ran Star’s words were just mere politeness, there was nothing left for him here, naturally, he couldn’t stay longer in this ”heartbreaking” place, and thus he turned and left.

Xu Lingsong, who had hoped to foster some connection, couldn’t help feeling a bit disappointed, but he knew the temperament of high-ranking Meridian Masters was peculiar, and thought better to wait for another day.

”Elder Guo, please step out for a moment!”

While Xu Lingsong was still staring at the back of Ran Star, lost in thought, an almost somber voice of the old Sect Master Xu Qingyuan came through, startling Elder Guo, who then seemed to realize something, promptly bowed respectfully, exited the room, and closed the door behind him.

”Lingsong, now it’s just the three of us, no outsiders, about the matter of the Shang Family’s annihilation years ago, shouldn’t you tell me now?”

Xu Qingyuan turned around, glanced at the still uneasy Xu Hongzhuang, and spoke, causing Xu Lingsong to tremble slightly, revealing a bitter smile.

This question also snapped Xu Hongzhuang back to reality, she turned her head to see her father’s expression, her face instantly turned pale, and she tremulously said: ”Father, is it... really you?”

Before, within Xu Hongzhuang’s heart, there always lingered a voice, or rather a wishful thought, that the tragic annihilation of the Shang Family years ago was solely Yu Qian’s decision. If that were the case, then upon the day the truth is revealed, perhaps there would still be a chance for reconciliation between her and Yun Xiao.

Now, however, Xu Lingsong’s failure to immediately refute Xu Qingyuan’s sharp questioning, regardless of the reason, likely tied her father to the Shang Family’s annihilation.

If Xu Lingsong was involved, it represented a fundamental difference from Yu Qian; after all, Xu Hongzhuang’s father was tied to the grudge of killing Yun Xiao’s mother, how could such issues be resolved?

Slap!

As desperation overwhelmed Xu Hongzhuang, Xu Qingyuan also understood the situation, though old, he’s still fiercely spirited, and he couldn’t contain his fury, stepping forward and slapping his son with a loud crack.

”How could I, Xu Qingyuan, have raised such a malicious son? To annihilate a family, you could actually do such a thing?”

Xu Qingyuan, furious to an extreme, resented the fact that his iron had not turned into steel, utterly unable to think of anything else; annihilating a family, a deed damaging to the heavens, moreover, related to his old friend’s family from back in the day, how could he not be fury-driven mad?

Being slapped by his always affectionate father, Xu Lingsong bore no grudges but instead revealed a hint of desolation, responding, ”Father, you are unaware. I was compelled by others, it was beyond my control!”

”How absurd! Our Lingyun Sect is the foremost sect in the Lingtian Empire, who across the entire Hidden Dragon Continent could possibly coerce you, the grand Sect Master of Lingyun Sect?”

This statement made Xu Qingyuan even more infuriated; indeed, with Lingyun Sect’s position, coupled with the strong national power of Lingtian Empire, who would dare provoke them?

”Hehe, naturally there is none on the Hidden Dragon Continent, but what if it’s someone not from the Hidden Dragon Continent?”

Xu Lingsong gave a bitter smile; the words he uttered left both Xu Qingyuan and Xu Hongzhuang in shock, their expressions drastically changing as they seemed to have realized a possibility.

”Could it be... Could it be from the Middle Three Realms? Why... Why would this happen?”

Xu Qingyuan’s voice trembled. No matter how one viewed it, Lingyun Sect only dominated the Hidden Dragon Continent; if it were the Great Powers from the Middle Three Realms, not to mention a single sect, even if a Meridian Rushing Realm Early Stage powerhouse appeared, perhaps Lingyun Sect would be extinguished in a flick?

”The specific name of that lord I do not know, but the mere aura he emitted stripped me of all courage to confront him. For the sake of Lingyun Sect, father, what choice do you think I had?”

Seeing his father convinced, Xu Lingsong no longer concealed the truth. When that tall and thin elder initially arrived at Lingyun Sect, Xu Lingsong didn’t dare resist at all knowing that if such a person were truly angered, Lingyun Sect could potentially vanish in an instant, just like the Shang Family of Moon Bow City.

”But... why would such a mighty figure obliterate a small family like the Shang Family? I remember, the strongest member of the Shang Family was merely at the Meridian Rushing Realm Early Stage, right?”

Xu Hongzhuang finally couldn’t hold back and asked. She clearly understood that a minor clan like the Shang Family, unless bound by a marital agreement, wouldn’t even be worthy of Lingyun Sect’s attention.

Now, a mighty figure that even Lingyun Sect dared not confront had exterminated the Shang Family, which left Xu Hongzhuang utterly perplexed. Perhaps she wanted to comprehend the deeper reasons to explain it to Yun Xiao one day?

”I... I also don’t know; it seemed he was searching for something?”

A trace of confusion flashed across Xu Lingsong’s face, recalling the news brought back by Yu Qian, he added, ”However, it seems that he didn’t find that item, and... it’s very likely on Yun Xiao!”

At this point, Xu Lingsong appeared to have made a decision, not declaring it aloud, but his speculative words caused Xu Hongzhuang’s complexion to change again.

”Does this mean Yun Xiao is in great danger?”

Yun Xiao crushed the Jade Pendant, but Xu Hongzhuang couldn’t be heartless. At this moment, she suddenly grew anxious for Yun Xiao’s safety. Since the Great Power from the Middle Three Realms didn’t find what he wanted, if he knew Yun Xiao was still alive, he would probably not rest.

”Don’t worry, after that lord eradicated the Shang Family, he quickly returned to the Middle Three Realms. There is a strong Sealing between the Middle Three Realms and the Lower Five Realms; even if he wants to descend to the Lower Realm again, it won’t be easy!”

Xu Lingsong didn’t know why, but at this moment, he reassured Xu Hongzhuang, which relieved the two across from him.

However, what Xu Qingyuan and Xu Hongzhuang failed to notice was the fleeting fierceness in Xu Lingsong’s eyes. He spoke lightly, but if that powerful figure really descended to the Lower Realm, aware Yun Xiao was alive and had even visited Lingyun Sect, who knows if his wrath might extend to himself?

Thus, Xu Lingsong resolved, regardless of whether Yun Xiao possessed that item, for the future safety of Lingyun Sect, he could not allow Yun Xiao to safely return to the Xuanyue Empire.

Moreover, both parties had already formed an irreconcilable enmity. After brief contact, Yun Xiao’s current talent particularly made Xu Lingsong very wary. Given time, Yun Xiao might truly become a formidable enemy to Lingyun Sect.

In front of his father and daughter, it was inappropriate for Xu Lingsong to elaborate. He was aware that their demeanors didn’t resemble his; dishonorable acts like these, they would absolutely not commit, and if they found out, they would do everything to prevent it.

”About Yu Qian, how do you plan to deal with him?”

Having received Xu Lingsong’s explanation, Xu Qingyuan felt somewhat less irate; although still helpless, he knew his son was considering Lingyun Sect’s best interest, a priority they both held dear.

”Father, look, this situation was beyond my control, and Elder Yu Qian acted under my orders. I think it would be best not to delve too deeply into this matter?”

Xu Lingsong furrowed his eyebrows, but this was also the excuse he had long anticipated. Believing in acting from Lingyun Sect’s greater good, his father would likely not rebut his suggestion.

”Hongzhuang, what do you think?”

Xu Qingyuan didn’t respond to his son but turned his eye to his beloved granddaughter, immediately noticing a sudden resolve on her face, as though she had made some decision or come to some understanding.

”Elder Yu Qian acted on his own, exterminated a whole household. I propose we expel him from Lingyun Sect!”