Published: March 8, 2025
“Entering the martial arts world, the first thing to do is to find out the fate of Ao Xieyun! If dead, bring the body back for revenge! If alive, bring the person back for revenge!”
This was what Ao Tianxing said when the family’s disciples set out. The bottom line was clear: no matter whether Ao Xieyun was dead or alive, he must be brought back! Moreover, no matter what, those who harmed Ao Xieyun must pay the price!
“You six, if any of you dare to play tricks or harbor ill intentions, what awaits you upon your return is the complete loss of your cultivation! Don’t think we don’t know what you are thinking!”
This was Ao Tianxing's warning to his six nephews!
The large team had already set off; Ao Tianxing then asked, “Is Young Master Xie feeling better?”
“Young Master Xie has taken his leave,” a servant reported. “Though he hasn’t fully recovered yet, upon seeing our Ao Family in such a state, he decided to leave, saying: saying goodbye to the patriarch in the current situation would surely make the patriarch feel sad, so he left directly.”
Ao Tianxing nodded, feeling chaotic in his heart. Although Xie Danqiong left without notice, he truly understood Ao Tianxing's state of mind.
Once everything was arranged, he went to the inner chamber. He then entered the secret passage, winding down for an unknown distance until he arrived in front of a peculiar underground stone chamber.
“Ancestral Patriarch, why did you insist on sending those six out during this turmoil in the martial arts world?” Ao Tianxing asked, somewhat perplexed and resentful.
Across from him was a large room built entirely of high-quality White Crystal, almost transparent. From the outside, one could see three hazy figures within.
“Do you think Xieyun must be alive?” After a long pause, an old voice came from inside.
“Yes!” Ao Tianxing replied, “I’ve gathered news from all fronts. The Ou Family and Dark Demon clan have been hunting Xieyun, but they have never succeeded. There are even rumors that he was rescued by Chu King of Hell; I believe this is certainly not baseless…”
Silence fell on the other side.
Suddenly, a long sigh escaped, and another voice slowly said, “The three of us have been in closed-door cultivation for fifty years here. If we cannot break through the lord-level fifth rank barrier in a few more years, our lifetime achievements will come to an end.”
He paused and continued, “In other words, if we cannot break through; within twenty years, the three of us will surely perish one by one! Our lifespans are nearing their end.”
Ao Tianxing’s eyes widened in shock. “How could this be…”
“We certainly cannot safeguard the Ao Family for eternity; the future of the Ao Family lies with the younger generation,” another voice coldly stated, “However, young people who are disobedient, ambitious, and resort to infighting cannot be utilized, no matter how great their abilities are.”
“They have seven talents in this generation, and the Ao Family is rejoicing, believing that revival is within reach; but the three of us are worried day and night,” that cold voice continued. “One must understand that genius inevitably brings ambition and a desire for power!”
“If Ao Xieyun is not dead, let him use his means to subdue these people, recruit them, or kill them! If he is dead, let these six fight amongst themselves for the first position! Even if there are injuries because of it, it is unavoidable, and it’s better than future fragmentation.”
“But if Ao Xieyun dies at their hands, there’s nothing to say.”
The first elder calmly remarked, “This is the noble family; there is no such thing as fairness; each person has their own ambitions, and those who want to rise must show their capabilities!”
Ao Tianxing opened his mouth, his face displaying heartache. If the seven outstanding family disciples were to be treated this way, how many would actually remain?
“No matter what, the three of us will not intervene; we will just wait for the outcome. As for you all… you can use your own methods. However… the patriarch’s guard team and the neutral Imperial Throne cannot be touched. The Dark Star Guard and Ao Eagle Assassination Team cannot be touched! This is fundamental and unshakeable.”