by Feng Yise
Ye Yuan's words shattered Ren Xingchun's sense of superiority to dust.
Ren Xingchun opened his mouth but did not know how to refute.
His entire person seemed to have been sapped dry. It was as if his whole person aged greatly instantaneously.
Ye Yuan's words hit the nail on the head. He had no way of refuting at all.
The Ren Family's few years of flashiness were just on the exterior. Ren Xingchun had long realized the Ren Family's crisis. Hence, he groomed Ren Hongling and the Ren Dong later on without sparing any effort.
But just as Ye Yuan said, the Ren Family's foundation was too shallow and simply could not be compared with the Cao Family.
Within the Cao Family's third generation, indeed, there was nobody who could surpass Ren Dong. But the Cao Family's second generation was much stronger than the Ren Family's!
In the Cao Family's second generation, just the Alchemy Sovereign experts numbered quite a few. Who dared to guarantee that among these people, there wouldn't be a peak Alchemy Sovereign being born in the future?
As long as a peak Alchemy Sovereign appears in the Cao Family, his position as the City Lord would be in imminent danger!
And the Ren Family only had Ren Yujie this early-rank Alchemy King.
Ren Yujie was quite talented in the area of managing the city. But, on the alchemy path, it was rather forceful for him.
Ren Xingchun spared no effort to quash the Cao Family on the one hand. On the other hand, he had no choice but to borrow the Cao Family's prestige to strengthen Wu Fang City's rule.
The hardsh.i.p.s in between this, only he himself knew.
Who could have thought that such a young youth actually saw through the Ren Family's peril at one glance?
It was precisely because of so that after Ren Xingchun knew Ye Yuan's identity, he became even more dejected.
Ren Xingchun very much wished that Ye Yuan could become a member of the Ren Family. But his personality was like this. He would not lower his pride to say some submissive words. His attitude was still very unyielding.
Ye Yuan ignored Ren Xingchun's awkwardness. He went to Xu Zihui's side and poured essence energy from his palm into Xu Zihui's body.
Ye Yuan could only refine Tier 4 medicinal pills right now. It could not have much of an effect on Xu Zihui at all.
But Ye Yuan had many ways of treating people. Although his realm was not high, using essence energy to help Xu Zihui ease his wounds was still doable.
Before long, Xu Zihui's complexion became a little rosier. Although his wounds were not healed yet, he could still labor to say some words.
The conversation between this grandfather and grandson, although Xu Zihui was unable to stick a word in, he still took it all in.
Honestly speaking, he felt that City Lord was very impressive all along. But he did not think that the City Lord Manor's crisis actually already reached such a state.
It was precisely because of so that he admired Ye Yuan even more.
This boy was so young. Not only was his strength and means extremely formidable, but his visual prowess also greatly surpassed ordinary people. His future accomplishments were boundless!
"Thank . . . Thank you very much, Young Master Ye!"
Xu Zihui forcefully propped himself to stand up and wanted to give a bow to Ye Yuan. But Ye Yuan stopped him and said unhappily, "Disregarding that you got injured because of me, just based on our friendship, is there a need to say a word of thanks?"
Xu Zihui went blank and could not help being overjoyed in his heart.
Hearing Ye Yuan's tone, he took him as a sworn friend for life or death!
Although his realm was much higher than Ye Yuan's, to be able to be recognized by Ye Yuan at this time, he could not contain the joy in his heart.
To be able to become friends with a peerless prodigy like Ye Yuan, others could not accomplish this even if they were envious!
Xu Zihui nodded hard at Ye Yuan to express that he understood.
Seeing this scene, Ren Xingchun's face became even blacker.
This brat was so polite to his own subordinate. But to himself, Ye Yuan had the manner of keeping him a thousand miles away.
Definitely did it intentionally for him to see!
Xu Zihui saw Ren Xingchun's face too and could not help smiling bitterly as he said, "Young Master Ye . . ."
"Brother Zihui don't need to be courteous with me. Directly call my name, or call me younger brother." Ye Yuan interrupted him
Xu Zihui was blank. He nodded and said, "Then I won't be melodramatic. Ye Yuan, I know that I'm an outsider, but can you allow me to say a few words?"
Ye Yuan nodded slowly. The meaning was clearly permitting it.
Xu Zihui was secretly relieved, and he opened his mouth to say, "I never would have dreamed that you're actually City Lord's grandson! I've followed City Lord for many years. His grace to me is as heavy as a mountain! Even if he really killed me, I wouldn't have any complaints either. But seeing you grandfather and grandson wrangling until like this, I really feel very upset!"
Chapter 532 - Lowering One's Head
Talking up to here, Xu Zihui sneaked a glance at Ye Yuan, only seeing that he did not have a displeased look.
Xu Zihui pluck his courage and said, "You are blood-related kin in the end. Even if City Lord has all kinds of faults, the fact that he's your grandfather can't be changed. Since you're all one family, why is there a need to cause a scene to such an extent? Regardless of what he has done, his original intention was for the Ren Family, no?"
But Ren Xingchun was enraged when he heard that, "Xu Zihui, do I need you to poke your nose into other people's business? How can this City Lord's merits and faults be appraised by you?!"
Ren Xingchun thought very highly of Xu Zihui all along. Otherwise, that blow just now, Xu Zihui would have already gone to the western paradise.
But no matter how highly he regarded him, Xu Zihui was also just a subordinate of his.
A subordinate saying his master had 'all kinds of faults' in front of his face, with Ren Xingchun'x temperament, how could he preserve face?
Ye Yuan said with Xu Zihui with a smile, "You see, he doesn't care about your kindness!"
But Xu Zihui did not have any embarrassed look and shook his head as he said, "City Lord's temper, I'm aware. This life of mine was given by City Lord. Whether he accepts my grace or not is his problem. But whether I do it or not is mine! Since Ye Yuan you have a good opinion of me and call my Brother Zihui, then even if I die, I'm also not willing to see you grandfather and grandson fall out and become enemies."
Ye Yuan glanced at Xu Zihui and shook his head as he said with a sigh, "Brother Zihui is very loyal. To be able to make friends with Brother Zihui is truly Ye Yuan's fortune!"
Ye Yuan's words were naturally not said for fun. If there weren't Xu Zihui, Ye Hang would probably be long dead at this time already. And the current situation would also definitely not be how it was right now.
If Ye Hang really died, Ye Yuan would surely go into a frenzied state. Even if Ren Xingchun were Ye Yuan's grandfather, he would definitely kill him personally too.
Ye Yuan recognized Ye Hang this father, but it did not mean that he recognized Ren Xingchun this 'grandfather'!
If he really killed Ren Xingchun, Ye Yuan would not have any psychological burden at all.
If not for Xu Zihui this person being so upright, even if he knew Ye Yuan and Ye Hang's relationship, he might not be able to withstand Ren Xingchun's pressure and take a principled action.
Ren Xingchun's prestige all these years in Wu Fang City was still exceedingly terrifying.
This situation currently, although Ye Yuan was extremely displeased, it was still not at the extent of falling out entirely. Especially under the circ.u.mstances where he held the initiative.
Ye Yuan slowly came in front of Ren Xingchun and extended his hand to say, "Give it!"
Ren Xingchun was stunned. "Give what?"
"Healing medicina
l pills!" Ye Yuan said coolly.
Ren Xingchun looked at Ye Yuan and glanced at Xu Zihui again, his expression flickering continuously.
He knew that this was the last chance Ye Yuan was giving him. If he refused to give the medicinal pills, his relationship with Ye Yuan would most likely be unable to be mitigated forever.
Ren Xingchun could sense that Ye Yuan's stubbornness was absolutely not beneath his.
But handing over the medicinal pills was equivalent to him lowering his head to Ye Yuan.
He injured his subordinate but used his own medicinal pills to heal. This by itself was a form of submission. Yet, Ren Xingchun was an extremely tyrannical person. There had only ever been others lowering their heads to him. Where was there the part of him submitting to others?
Everyone held their breaths, awaiting Ren Xingchun's choice.
With this falling out, Ye Yuan and the Ren Family would probably have no way of getting together again.
Xu Zihui did not say anything by the side. He had interacted with Ye Yuan for a period of time too and more or less understood a bit of Ye Yuan's personality.
He was extremely domineering facing a leviathan like the Myriad Sword Sect and directly detained Qin Hongtao's grandson.
Now, facing a Ren Xingchun, Ye Yuan being able to do it to such a step was already giving him tremendous face.
As for how he chose, it would be up to Ren Xingchun himself.
Ren Xingchun felt his heart beat very fiercely. He froze there without moving for a long time.
He never thought that he would actually be checkmated by his own grandson.
Facing Ye Yuan's overbearingness, Ren Xingchun actually had dread in his heart!
Ren Xingchun was perfectly clear about Ye Yuan's ability. Once the Ren Family had Ye Yuan, it was far from as simple as having a descendant with an exceptionally promising future.
Ye Yuan's prowess by itself was already ample to astonish everyone!
The Cao Family's dread towards Ye Yuan right now simply could not be described using words.
Originally, Ren Xingchun was also extremely wary of Ye Yuan. But if Ye Yuan joined the Ren Family, the Cao Family was completely nothing to be scared of!
With Ye Yuan, the Ren Family would have an additional living Thousand Query Wall!
"Faster! My patience has a limit!" Ye Yuan said with a frown.
Ren Xingchun drew a deep breath and took out a Tier 4 healing medicinal pill from his storage ring. He slammed it sullenly on Ye Yuan's palm.
Seeing this scene, everyone heaved a long sigh in relief.
Ye Yuan lightly swept a glance over the medicinal pill in his palm and said disdainfully, "A dignified peak Alchemy Sovereign can only refine this sort of rubbish medicinal pill? Forget it, who ask me to be unable to refine Tier 4 medicinal pills. Brother Zihui, you make do with these and take them."
As he said this, Ye Yuan casually threw the medicinal pill to Xu Zihui.
Ren Xingchun's face went black, and he said furiously, "Stinking brat, this Azure Flower Jade Dew Pill is the highest grade healing medicinal pill in Wu Fang City! You actually say that it's rubbish?"
Ye Yuan said crossly, "An exalted peak Alchemy Sovereign refining a Tier 4 medicinal pill can only come out with just high-grade. You have the face to take them out?!"
Ren Xingchun said with a cold smile, "Who doesn't know how to brag?! If you have the capabilities, refine one yourself for me to see!"
Ye Yuan chuckled but did not speak. But the contempt in his expression stimulated Ren Xingchun greatly.
He had yet to flare up when Ren Dong interjected, "Grandfather, if Master he broke through to the Alchemy King Realm, refining transcendent-grade Azure Flower Jade Dew Pills should be not an issue!"
"You rascal! Why are you helping outsiders? Also, he's your cousin! What are you calling him master for?!"
Hearing Ren Dong cut in, Ren Xingchun immediately blew up and directly shouted.
But Ren Dong grinned cheekily and said, "You already said that he's my cousin. How is it helping outsiders? Furthermore . . . we're each involved differently. It doesn't affect any thing! Since I acknowledged Cousin as my master, he'll be my master in this lifetime!"
Ren Xingchun's face went black, and his figure moved, carrying Ren Dong in his arm.
"Stinking brat! Still being stubborn! Watch if I don't take care of you properly when we return! Also, you, Yujie! Go back and face the wall to reflect!"
As he said, Ren Xingchun's figure moved, vanishing from inside Feng Ya Pavilion.
Seeing Ren Xingchun's distant back view, Xu Zihui said gratefully, "Young Master saved face for City Lord. Zihui is endlessly grateful!"
Xu Zihui perceived that after Ye Yuan took the medicinal pill earlier, he deliberately displayed a disdainful look as an impromptu jest. This way, everyone would not appear to be overly awkward.
Although Ye Yuan forced Ren Xingchun to lower his head, he was after all one of the top alchemists in this small world.
This face still had to be given.
Ye Yuan had a black face as he said unhappily, "What young master? Why are you at it again? Just call me Ye Yuan in future! Over here at my place, you're not a subordinate but a friend!"
Chapter 533 - The Cao Family's Distress
"What did you say? Ye Yuan is Ren Xingchun's grandson?"
These two days, the news that Ye Yuan was Ren Xingchun's grandson slowly spread out within Wu Fang City. The Cao Family was naturally among the first batch of family clans who were informed of this news.
When Cao Zheng heard this news, alarm and panic were all over his face.
This news was undoubtedly a bolt out of the blue to him.
How monstrous Ye Yuan was, Cao Zheng already had a taste of it.
His performance at the Thousand Query Wall made Cao Zheng unbelievably panic-stricken.
Originally, Ren Xingchun falling out with Ye Yuan at Exquisite Jade Pavilion even delighted Cao Zheng endlessly. Who knew that the situation would change drastically. News suddenly came from the Ren Family that Ye Yuan actually was Ren Xingchun's grandson!
Ye Yuan's realm was not high but was an exceptionally troublesome character. Not only was his alchemy knowledge extremely terrifying, he even had the support of the Three Sects and Qi Hai behind him. He was simply unshakable by anyone.
Such an existence became a member of the Ren Family. This simply could be said to be a catastrophic disaster for the Cao Family!
The Cao Family's greatest confidence and reliance right now were the Thousand Query Wall. Yet, this confidence in front of Ye Yuan could not withstand a single blow.
If Ye Yuan was not a Ren Family member, for the sake of Wu Fang City's collective interest, Ren Xingchun had no choice but to stand on the Cao Family's side.
But, if Ye Yuan became a Ren Family member, the situation would be entirely different.
With Ye Yuan's alchemy knowledge, he could completely come and challenge the Thousand Query Wall's seventh level directly. Even if the challenge was not successful, as long as Ye Yuan's performance was sufficiently heaven-defying, he could also push the Ren Family's prestige to another height.
At that time, the Ren Family completely did not need to rely on the Cao Family's prestige anymore.
Because Ye Yuan was another Thousand Query Wall!
Ren Xingchun had long viewed the Cao Family as a thorn in the side. If he had a living Thousand Query Wall like Ye Yuan, it was impossible for him to let go of the chance to suppress the Cao Family!
"Yes! The information is already confirmed! Back then, Ren Xingchun's youngest daughter eloped to the Southern Domain with an Alchemy Master without any background, and she gave birth to a boy in a mortal kingdom. That boy is Ye Yuan!"
The one talking was Cao Zheng's eldest son, Cao Kun. At present, he was already an early-rank Alchemy Sovereign expert.
Entirely different from Cao Fang being utterly suppressed by Ren Dong, Cao Kun was an elite among the Cao Family's second generation, standing
out above the entire city!
Apart from Cao Kun, the Cao Family still had a number of sons who were all Alchemy King experts.
Compared to Ren Yujie, it was seriously way stronger!
These few sons of Cao Zheng were the people Ren Xingchun was wariest of. Especially Cao Kun. It was very likely for him to impact through the realm of peak Alchemy Sovereign in the future.
As long as the Cao Family gave birth to another peak Alchemy Sovereign expert, the Cao Family's declining trend would gradually turn around.
These few years, Cao Zheng had always been enduring silently. It was for the sake of waiting for Cao Kun to rise up.
But Ye Yuan's appearance completely ruined his plans.
Cao Zheng s.u.c.k.e.d in a deep breath. He sat back down onto his seat with tightly knitted brows.
This news was too shocking. He was caught somewhat off-guard.
"Any other news?"
Cao Kun's expression was not too good either as he said, "Some news even came out of City Lord Manor. It's just that I don't know if it's true or false."
"Speak!"
"It's said that Ren Xingchun will send out a public notice two days later to announce an important issue! Although it's uncertain what it is, it may be assumed that it can't be not related to that Ye Yuan!"
Cao Zheng felt an incredible headache. Originally, in this Wu Fang City, the momentum of all of the luck was gradually leaning towards the Cao Family.
Yet, Ye Yuan's appearance completely turned the situation around.
After a long time, Cao Zheng looked his son and asked, "How much strength . . . do you feel that Ye Yuan really has? I'm talking about . . . Thousand Query Wall!"
That day when Ye Yuan challenged the Thousand Query Wall, although Cao Kun wasn't present, he researched Ye Yuan's answers carefully after the incident too, and it actually gave him a feeling of suddenly seeing the light.
As a Cao Family descendant, the most important thing was to study the Thousand Query Wall.