by <unknown>
"Sudden temperament change? Lost all appetite?" Ye Yuan ruminated on the symptoms that Li Hong said.
It was very clear that his old weakness surfaced again.
"Yes. Is it possible that . . . Savior knows this illness?" Li Hong enquired.
Ye Yuan diverted the topic by laughing and saying, "Since you guys are here for the sake of saving your family's young patriarch, then what are you waiting for? Hurry up and go!"
Chapter 354. Trouble Comes Knocking! |
Reaching the Level Three region, the gale winds were noticeably weaker.
The human martial artists living in this region were mostly living in a tribal manner.
Ye Yuan rode on a miniature spirit boat. After two days of flying, he finally arrived at the Cloud Prancing Tribe.
Along the way, Ye Yuan poked around and got the information that the Cloud Prancing Tribe was very far away from the Lan Family Tribe and completely could not extend here. This made him set his mind completely at ease.
"Young Master Ji, ahead is our Cloud Prancing Tribe," Li Hong pointed a little way off and said.
The Lan Family Tribe all knew Ye Yuan's identity. Ye Yuan obviously would not use his real name and walk around. Hence, he gave Li Hong a fake name.
Of course, it could not be counted as fake either, because Ji Qing, this name, was also considered Ye Yuan's real name.
Ye Yuan naturally saw the Cloud Prancing Tribe too, because this tribe was much bigger than the Lan Family Tribe, looking rather like a small town in the Endless World.
Once they entered the tribe, a rather primeval aura reached his face. Ye Yuan had to admit that the Fierce Gale World's living conditions were indeed overly grueling.
Li Hong and the others brought Ye Yuan straight to the patriarch's compound. But the scene before their eyes made them dazed. A foreboding feeling welled up in their hearts.
Gazing over, white silk hung everywhere outside the compound. It was actually the manner of having a funeral.
Li Yan's tears already flowed down uncontrollably. "Sniff, sniff, is Young Patriarch . . ."
"Shut up! Young Patriarch will step into the Soul Sea Realm in the future and inherit the patriarch position. How can he possibly die?" Li Hong said through clenched jaws.
In truth, he already knew too. Holding a funeral procession at this time, it was almost certain that something happened to Young Patriarch. It was just that he was unwilling to admit it verbally.
Right then, seven to eight people suddenly walked out of the mansion. All of them were in mourner attire.
The face of an elderly person at the front darkened when he saw Li Hong and company. He said to the group of people behind him, "Come, men! Take down these five rebels for me!"
"Yes!"
The seven to eight people behind him acknowledged right away and was about to come forward to arrest Li Hong and the rest.
Li Hong's expression changed, and he said furiously, "Elder Zhu Shan, the five of us are loyal and steadfast to the tribe! When did we become rebels?!"
Zhu Shan smirked coldly and said, "Loyal and steadfast? Harrumph! I think that you have ulterior motives! Young Patriarch was terminally ill, and we asked you all to go hunt for medicinal herbs separately. In the end, the other three groups all returned on time. Only the five of you took so long to come back, causing Young Patriarch to leave this mortal world! Li Hong, do you still dare to say that you're not rebels?"
"What?! It's really young patriarch?! No way, impossible . . ." Li Hong muttered under his breath.
Confirming the news of young patriarch's death from Zhu Shan's mouth, Li Hong's entire person was overwhelmed.
"Humph! What's impossible?! Before the five of you set off, Master Dao Yuan repeatedly urged you all to absolutely bring back the Purple Illusion Blood Ginseng within two days. But you actually delayed for a full two days! The Purple Illusion Blood Ginseng is one of the most crucial spirit medicines. Without it, Master Dao Yuan also can't make something out of nothing! In the end, last night, Young Patriarch, he . . ."
Talking up to here, tears also coursed down Zhu Shan's old face. Clearly, he felt great pain towards Young Patriarch's passing.
An elderly man was already filled with such bitter grief, let alone the others. Li Hong and the others already had tears flowing down their faces long ago.
This Zhu Shan's excuse was impeccable from the very start. Even Ye Yuan was also hoodwinked.
The lifesaving spirit medicine did not arrive. Zhu Shan arrested Li Hong and four in his rage. This was also human nature.
After all, to the Cloud Prancing Tribe, Young Patriarch was their future, their hope.
But right when tears were flowing down Zhu Shan's old face, a young man behind him sold him out.
The others were still fine, but the excitement and exhilaration on the youth's face could not be concealed no matter what. To this end, he even lowered his head, fearful that others may discover it.
It was just that this scene was captured by Ye Yuan.
But Ye Yuan did not say anything much. This was other people's family affairs after all. He, an outsider, naturally could not poke his nose in. But it left a mark in Ye Yuan's heart.
After all, his goal was still to borrow the use of the transmission array.
Li Hong, Li Yan, and the rest took a blow from this news. Their minds were already in kind of a stupor long ago.
"We're at fault, we're really guilty! It's all our fault that we didn't bring the Purple Illusion Blood Ginseng back in time! Except . . . Elder Zhu Shan, can you let us see the young patriarch for one last time?" Li Hong said agitatedly.
But Zhu Shan snorted coldly and said, "Humph! Young Patriarch was our Cloud Prancing Tribe's future. You committed such a heinous crime against him and still have the face to see him? Aren't you all afraid of profaning him and letting him unable to get peace in death?"
Zhu Shan's words struck the heart word by word. With him saying that, how could Li Hong have the face to go meet Young Patriarch a final time?
Seeing that his words already took effect, Zhu Shan said to the people behind him again, "What are you all still standing there for? Quickly take them down! En? Hang on! Who are these two people?"
Actually, Zhu Shan saw Ye Yuan and Lan Feng long ago. He only pointed the spearhead to Ye Yuan at this time.
He did not pay heed to Ye Yuan. It was just that Li Hong they all actually brought a Third Level Sea Transformation Realm back. This made Zhu Shan rather fearful.
Zhu Shan's words made Li Hong feel frightened in his heart. He only remembered that Ye Yuan was still by the side at this time.
Causing Young Patriarch's death already made him unbelievably guilty. If he even implicated his savior, he would really find it hard to absolve his sins even with a hundred deaths.
"Elder Zhu Shan, the five of us met a Crimson Tailed Scorpion on the brink of advancing in the Level Four gale region. Fortunately, Young Master Ji rescued us. I request for Elder Zhu Shan not to make things difficult for him." Li Hong hurriedly explained.
Who knew that Zhu Shan's face changed and he said grimly, "You all are clearly aware that the tribe is facing troubled times right now. You actually still dare to bring outsiders over?! In my view, they are highly suspicious! Did you all purposely collude with outsiders to harm Young Patriarch?"
"How can Elder Zhu Shan say such things? The five of us are staunch and steadfast to Young Patriarch. This point, Patriarch can stand witness! Young Master Ji and us really just met coincidentally! I hope that Elder Zhu Shan can let them leave!" Li Hong was taken aback as he said.
"Humph! Young Patriarch's ailment is originally very odd already. The cause still hasn't been found out up until now. Young Patriarch just passed away last night, and you guys brought outsiders to the tribe. It's seriously too suspicious! The way I see it, it's still better to keep the two of them here! If investigations reveal in the end that they really have nothing to do with Young Patriarch's death, we'll naturally let them leave!" Zhu Sh
an said.
Ye Yuan's eyebrows furrowed. He did not find trouble, but he did not think that trouble still came knocking.
Immediately, he said icily, "Keeping us here also has to depend on whether or not you have this capability!"
Zhu Shan smiled coldly and said, "Heh heh, revealed your true colors? If you don't have any ulterior motives, why would you be afraid of us investigating? Looking at your appearance, are you planning on resisting stubbornly to the end? Isn't it just a Third Level Sea Transformation Realm? How can our Cloud Prancing Tribe be unable to even bring out a couple of Sea Transformation Realms?"
Ye Yuan was just about to speak when Li Hong resolved his heart and blocked in front of Ye Yuan!
Chapter 355. You Can't Accompany Him Even If You Die |
"Elder Zhu Shan, Young Master Ji is my, Li Hong's, savior! I can't let you bring him away!" Li Hong said firmly.
When these words from Li Hong came out, Li Yan and the others also slowly shifted their feet to block in front of Ye Yuan.
Seeing this sight, Ye Yuan felt rather surprised.
Originally, him saving Li Hong and the rest was just a matter of convenience. Li Hong agreed to bring him here to use the transmission array. It was also considered a fair deal for both sides.
Ye Yuan and the Cloud Prancing Tribe had no connections at all. He naturally did not wish to be involved in their domestic affairs. Moreover, he was in a rush, so he was disinclined to bother with these things.
He initially planned on teaching this Zhu Shan a lesson before leaving the Cloud Prancing Tribe. But he did not think that this Li Hong was so loyal.
Since that was the case, there was no harm in him meddling in this side business.
Seeing Li Hong's actions, Zhu Shan did not get angry but was delighted instead. But his face had a furious look as he said, "Li Hong, is this you steeling your heart to revolt?"
"Why does Elder Zhu Shan say so? I, Li Hong, am a member of the Cloud Prancing Tribe in life, and a ghost of the Cloud Prancing Tribe in death! It's just that to let me watch helplessly as my savior is thrown into jail, I can't do it!" Li Hong said without being servile or disrespectful.
"Fine! Since that's the case, then don't blame me! All of you listen up! Li Hong colluded with outsiders and caused Young Patriarch's death! In the name of elders, I command you all to execute the five of them!" Zhu Shan said grimly.
Li Hong's expression changed. He moved his lips wanting to explain but ultimately did not say anything. Instead, he turned around and said to Ye Yuan with a bitter smile, "I'm so sorry, Young Master Ji! I didn't think that I'd implicate you two to be wronged unjustly! The deaths of the five of us are insufficient! Lord Ji Feng, please hurry up and bring Young Master Ji away from here!"
Ye Yuan smiled and said, "You fools. Other people are exploiting your loyalty to eliminate dissidents and you all still stupidly deliver yourselves to the door to let them kill you."
Li Hong was stunned and asked uncertainly, "What do Young Master Ji's words mean?"
Ye Yuan waved his hands but did not clarify his words. Instead, he said, "You don't bother with what my words mean first. Bring us to see that young patriarch."
Not that Ye Yuan did not wish to talk, but it was not convenient for him to say some things right now.
The matter within a tribe, if he, an outsider, talked too much, he would invariably be suspected of sowing discord, and it would be hard to avoid drawing suspicions.
In addition, Zhu Shan stated categorically that he and Li Hong conspired to cause young patriarch's death. These words became even harder to say.
"But Young Patriarch already . . ." Li Hong's face dimmed.
Ye Yuan patted Li Hong's shoulder and said smilingly, "Take a look first, then talk! You guys and Young Patriarch were as close as brothers. Can't be that you're not even going to see him one last time, right?"
Being patted by Ye Yuan, Li Hong finally mustered up his courage and nodded his head fiercely.
"Even if I get smacked to death by Patriarch in one slap, I also have to give Young Patriarch a kowtow!" Li Hong said.
Finished talking, he turned to Zhu Shan again and said, "Elder Zhu Shan, please let me go and give Young Patriarch a kowtow and admit my fault. I'll commit suicide before him to apologize for my offense!"
Ye Yuan was stupefied but did not say anything. With him making a move, Li Hong might not even get a chance to commit suicide!
"Taking your own life to apologize for your crime? Bringing these two outsiders? You aren't trying to wreak havoc in the mourning hall, are you?! What are you all waiting for; get to work!" Zhu Shan said.
"Stop!" Just as everyone was about to make their move, a voice barked.
When Li Hong saw the arrival, his face involuntarily showed great ecstasy. "Elder Li Min!"
Li Min nodded slightly and said to Zhu Shan, "Patriarch asked them to go inside and explain the reason. If there really was an intentional delay, punishing them then won't be too late."
Finished talking, Li Min turned right around and went in.
Li Hong was overjoyed when he heard this. With Patriarch's order, he believed that Zhu Shan would not dare to say anything else.
Zhu Shan's face was green as he looked at Li Min. Clearly, he did not think that Patriarch already knew what transpired outside the door.
. . . . . .
The group entered the inner hall. A coffin was placed in the center of the inner hall. Inside should be the young patriarch.
The moment Li Hong and the rest saw Young Patriarch's coffin, they immediately lost control and burst into tears, kneeling in front of the coffin.
"Young Patriarch, it's all Li Hong's incompetence! I killed you!" Li Hong, a grown man, cried like a baby.
When Ye Yuan saw this scene, he also knew that Li Hong and this young patriarch were as close as brothers.
Zhu Shan also followed in at this time. But he smiled coldly when he saw this scene and said, "Li Hong! Stop acting! I'm afraid that Young Patriarch's illness was caused by you from the start, right?!"
"Zhu Shan, don't jump to conclusions! Lord Patriarch will naturally make a decision!" Li Min frowned and said.
Before Zhu Shan spoke again, an old man at the helm opened his mouth and said blankly, "Little Hong . . . you come over."
This old man was shockingly a Ninth Level Sea Transformation Realm powerhouse. It was just that his complexion was very haggard and he looked downcast.
The voice was not loud, but Li Hong's body suddenly trembled and he stopped crying too.
"Lord Patriarch, Little Hong . . . is guilty! Little Hong came late!" Li Hong said as he kneeled onto the ground with a slam, choking through sobs as he took out the Purple Illusion Blood Ginseng.
The patriarch sighed lightly but did not take the Purple Illusion Blood Ginseng. Instead, he said, "Little Hong, I'm the one who watched you and Little Yang grow up. I know your feelings. It's just that this time . . . sigh . . . tell me the process of how you guys obtained this Purple Illusion Blood Ginseng."
Li Hong nodded and recounted the course of events on how they obtained this Purple Illusion Blood Ginseng, including the matter of Ye Yuan saving them.
When Li Hong was talking, the old patriarch lifted his head slightly to take a look at Ye Yuan but did not say anything.
"This means that you all didn't delay even for a moment?"
"Patriarch, Li Yang and I regard each other as brothers. He was gravely ill and on the verge of death. How can I dare to delay at all? It's just, I didn't think that . . . I was still a step too late in the end!" Li Hong said with a face full of self-condemnation.
At this time, another elder sitting at the head snorted coldly and said, "Li Hong! This step too late of yours is so coincidental! Little Yang he just passed away last night, and you brought outsiders to the tribe today!"
Li Hong eyebrows knitted when he heard that and was just about to speak. But he heard the patriarch let out a sigh and said, "Little Hong, after Little Yang breathed his last
yesterday, the Elders Association made a decision . . ."
The patriarch did not say the words at the back. But everyone present all knew what he was going to say.
Evidently, the Elders Association already set his crime, pinning Li Yang's death all on Li Hong's head.
Li Hong sucked in deeply, stood up, and slowly walked before Li Yang's coffin, and said slowly, "Li Yang, we practiced swords together since young, stole Lord Patriarch's medicinal pills together, and fought together. I didn't think that you would leave first today! It's all this Brother's fault! I didn't bring the Purple Illusion Blood Ginseng back in time! But, I absolutely didn't betray you! The sky and sun bear witness! Li Yang, I'm coming to accompany you!"
Finished talking, Li Hong revolved essence energy and smacked a palm towards the top of his skull!
When Zhu Shan and Zhu Tian watched this scene, the corner of their mouths showed a pleased sneer.
But right when Li Hong's palm was about to touch his crown, a figure appeared beside him like a ghost.
Slap!
Li Hong's hand was hit away!
"Young Master Ji! Why did you stop me?!" Li Hong exclaimed in surprise.
Ye Yuan smiled lightly. "You can't accompany him even if you die."
Chapter 356. Eyes Are All Blind |
The shocked one was not Li Hong alone. Among the people present, most did not clearly see how Ye Yuan made his move!
Ye Yuan was clearly still very far from Li Hong. But in the blink of an eye, he already reached Li Hong's side.
His movements were actually even quicker than Li Hong hitting himself!
Only now did Li Hong know that he underestimated this Young Master Ji these few days. If Ye Yuan wanted to kill him just now, he would already be a dead man now!