Super War God in the City

Chapter 158 158

Having regained her composure, Qiao Yuchan took a secretive glance at Ling Fan beside her, who appeared indifferent. Her confusion deepened. She knew Feng Liangbi's temperament all too well, so how could he have changed so suddenly?

She couldn't fathom what was happening, but she was certain it had something to do with Ling Fan. Overwhelmed with curiosity yet knowing it wasn't the right time to ask more questions, she simply nodded at Feng Liangbi, "Mhm, I'm relieved that you agree. You may step down!"

"Does anyone else have any issues? If not, you're all dismissed!" Qiao Yuchan didn't even bother to pay attention to Yu Xinghai; she wanted to disperse the assembly right away.

But why would Yu Xinghai comply? His Direct Disciple had been crippled, and such a grievance could not simply be left unresolved and unclear!

"Damn it, when it comes down to it, you can only rely on yourself!" Yu Xinghai cursed inwardly.

In his eyes, Feng Liangbi must have realized he was being used and deliberately staged this act, but when did this fool become rational when dealing with Qiao Yuchan's affairs?

"Family Head, I have a serious matter to report. Cao Teng was beaten twice by Protector Ling, and his Cultivation was even nullified by him yesterday. If you, Family Head, cannot provide me with a satisfactory explanation today, I, Yu Xinghai, will not stand for it!" Yu Xinghai immediately said with a cold face and a stern voice.

The crowd fell silent upon hearing this. Although few present had witnessed the incident apart from the people involved, it was undeniable. By all reason and emotion, even Qiao Yuchan couldn't fully excuse him.

"I have heard a bit about this incident. Wasn't it Cao Teng who provoked trouble first? And yesterday, you and Cao Teng were together; Protector Ling acted impulsively, and you didn't try to stop him at all?" Qiao Yuchan said indifferently.

Yu Xinghai had always been a thorn in her side. Knowing that she couldn't delay, she had to take a wait-and-see approach. Glancing at Ling Fan, who remained indifferent, she felt slightly reassured.

Upon hearing Qiao Yuchan's words, Yu Xinghai felt a chill in his heart, having anticipated that she would protect that young man, and indeed she did!

His face became unsightly as rage boiled within him; swallowing his anger simply wasn't an option. "Family Head, Cao Teng is my Closed-door Disciple. I have painstakingly nurtured him for over a decade, and now he's been crippled in an instant, all my efforts wasted! If I cannot seek justice today, I would be too ashamed to continue as the Qiao Family's Chief Elder!"

As Yu Xinghai finished speaking, Pang He also stood up and said, "Family Head, I second that motion!"

Subsequently, a group of ordinary Elders stood up in support, "We second that motion!"

In that instant, nearly half the people in the grand hall had taken a stand.

Qiao Yuchan coldly watched those below who were petitioning, all of whom were from Yu Xinghai's line, exactly as she had expected!

Lei Yao's heart sank. "It's over, I knew Yu Xinghai wouldn't let it go easily. Today's matter won't be easy to resolve. The Family Head must either punish Ling Fan to quell Yu Xinghai's indignation or use this opportunity to overthrow Yu Xinghai—or both sides will suffer!"

Feng Liangbi's eyes drooped slightly; he knew of Yu Xinghai's ulterior motives and hadn't expected him to dare to force the issue in the grand hall today.

Hou Yueshan's expression turned cold, remaining vigilant. In the past, she might not have cared, opting to stay out of it mostly.

Bei Rushuang's pretty face turned pale with tension.

Only Ling Fan sat there, slightly tilting his head, his eyes showing a not-quite-smile.

"Elder Yu, are you trying to stage a coup?" Qiao Yuchan asked, her face cold.

Yu Xinghai's body trembled slightly as he said in a deep voice, "I wouldn't dare. I'm merely seeking justice! If the Family Head insists on protecting him, it will not sit well with the people, and I'm afraid it will not convince the masses."

Qiao Yuchan's icy gaze swept over those below, "Is there anyone else who is unconvinced? Stand up, all of you!"

The rest, including Feng Liangbi and Hou Yueshan, stood still, not moving an inch. Needless to say, Lei Yao and the others followed suit. Kang Zuo, witnessing the scene, dared not muddy the waters.

"Heh, so you're saying that it's only your line, Elder Yu, that is unconvinced!" Qiao Yuchan nodded slightly.

"What kind of justice do you want?" Qiao Yuchan said expressionlessly.

Yu Xinghai saw Qiao Yuchan's tone become more gentle and couldn't help but snicker inside. So what if you're the Family Head? You're too inexperienced, and in the end, you still have to compromise with me, don't you?

Continue your adventure with empire

"Elder Yu, your disciple offended Protector Ling, and it was entirely his own fault. Your actions today in coercing the palace are a grave taboo for a family servant!" Feng Liangbi immediately stood up; he felt that it was time for him to step forward.

At the same time, Hou Yueshan also stood up, "Elder Yu, I have served the Qiao Family for thirty years, how can I stand by and watch you disrespect and offend the current Family Head!"

Yu Xinghai was immediately dumbfounded. Forget Feng Liangbi, but what's the matter with Hou Yueshan?

It wasn't just him who was dumbfounded. Lei Yao and Qiao Yuchan were even more stunned. Today was not only a change in Feng Liangbi's temperament but even Hou Yueshan, that eccentric old lady, had taken a shocking one-eighty-degree turn in attitude.

Qiao Yuchan turned her head and looked at Ling Fan, her mind tossing and turning like raging waves. She had been the Family Head for over a year, and these two had always been a thorn in her side.

And this guy had been here for only about two days, yet it seemed like the entire Qiao Family was within his grasp -- how could she not be astonished?

When comparing the two, Qiao Yuchan, who had always seen herself as a favored child of heaven, suddenly felt like trash in front of Ling Fan, her heart filled with defeat and despondency!

Amidst his shock and astonishment, Yu Xinghai took a deep look at Ling Fan, his eyes betraying an indescribable fear. He knew the change in Feng Liangbi and Hou Yueshan must be related to Ling Fan. This guy had only been here for a few days?

If he were to stay longer, what then? This person absolutely must not be allowed to remain, Yu Xinghai vowed inwardly. If he'd had any hesitations before, now he was resolute.

At this moment, he still held the advantage; acting decisively there was still something to be done. Even if those two defected, he still had half of the Elders on his side.

Even if he left the Qiao Family, he could still lead a comfortable life. There would be plenty of people willing to recruit him, and the Qiao Family would surely be greatly weakened, just waiting to be challenged by the other Heavenly Vein Families!

Having made up his mind, he paid no attention to Feng Liangbi and Hou Yueshan, "Don't try to put a high hat on me. I just want to ask you, Elder Hou, if it were your granddaughter who had her Cultivation disabled, would you still be able to talk so righteously?"

Hou Yueshan was taken aback by the question. Yu Xinghai was right; if the roles were reversed, she would probably be even more desperate. But there were no 'ifs,' and it was Ling Fan who saved her granddaughter.

Seeing that Hou Yueshan remained silent, Yu Xinghai immediately turned his head to Qiao Yuchan, "My demand is not excessive. He disabled my disciple's Cultivation, so he should also disable his own Cultivation as an apology!"

"Impossible!" Qiao Yuchan rejected outright without even thinking.

By this point, with Feng Liangbi and Hou Yueshan by her side, she no longer had any misgivings. If Yuchenghai chose to defect from the Qiao Family, so be it; better a short pain than a long one. It would be good to rid the family of this cancer once and for all.

The ordinary Elders under Yu Xinghai inwardly sighed; they thought they were just coming out to show their support, not expecting things to escalate to this point, backfiring on them.

Many of them did not want to leave the Qiao Family. Although they had other options, being in another family inevitably might lead to being ostracized, which wouldn't be as comfortable as staying here.

Yu Xinghai also did not expect Qiao Yuchan to be so decisive, without any room for bargaining.

After weighing the situation, with things having reached this point, it was impossible for him to compromise. If he compromised today, he would completely lose his position in the future.

In the case of an internal struggle, with Feng Liangbi and Hou Yueshan backing Qiao Yuchan, he would not gain any advantage. If it really came to blows, how many of the Elders under him would be willing to risk their lives? He was not a fool.

The only option now was to take advantage of the fact that the people under him had not yet reacted and lead them in defecting from the Qiao Family.

Yu Xinghai was a decisive man. Once he had settled on a plan of action, he no longer hesitated; delay could lead to change.

Just as he was about to speak, suddenly, Ling Fan, who had been silent the entire time, unexpectedly stepped forward.

Gazing coldly at Yu Xinghai, Ling Fan said indifferently, "You want justice, don't you? I'll give you a chance to seek it. But I'm afraid you're just a coward without the guts to take it!"