Chapter 273: Matters Concluded

Chapter 273: Matters Concluded

Yu Xiaogui and Fei Wangbai had struggled against each other both openly and secretly on the lake for many years, so Yu Xiaogui was well aware of Fei Wangbai's true character. He knew that Fei Wangbai was a smiling tiger, one who spoke honeyed words but hid a sword behind his back.

Seeing Fei Wangbai's attitude now, he was greatly alarmed. Without another word, he swiftly rode the wind away, not even bothering to leave a harsh word behind, leaving behind only his hastily retreating silhouette for the two to see.

The two did not stop him, standing in the air as the members of the Li Family cheered below. Fei Wangbai cupped his fist and smiled, saying, "Congratulations, Brother Tongya! And of course... Many thanks to you!"

Li Tongya understood the implication of his words, knowing that the Fei Family must have made a substantial profit from the Milin Prefecture marketplace. He cupped his fist in return and replied, "Brother Wangbai, your timely arrival was most appreciated. Thank you!"

Wu Shaoyun, who had been standing awkwardly as a spectator, had watched Yu Xiaogui leave without a word and now finally saw his chance to speak. He approached with a somewhat embarrassed smile and introduced himself, saying, "I am Wu Shaoyun from the Wu Family in the southern prefecture. Greetings to you both, fellow Daoists!"

Wu Shaoyun had hesitated earlier, not daring to assist Yu Xiaogui out of fear of Li Chejing's might. Although he had not helped, he had shown deference, so Li Tongya responded courteously, speaking softly.

"Greetings, fellow Daoist!"

Wu Shaoyun's awkwardness had eased slightly seeing Li Tongya's politeness. Unsure of what to say next, he finally spoke, somewhat dejectedly.

"To seize opportunities and spirit items, one must engage in combat... If it results in death, that is fate, and no one can be blamed. I came here upon receiving news and had to inquire to set my mind at ease. I bear no ill will toward you..."

His words were clever, subtly explaining and expressing a desire to resolve grievances. Li Tongya, not wishing to make enemies, only nodded gently. He rarely acted out of greed, mostly responding only to threats, but sixty years of cultivation had occasionally seen him overcome by such desires. Wu Shaoyun's words relieved him, and he returned the courtesy with a cupped fist.

The two said no more. Wu Shaoyun offered a few polite remarks and also invited them to visit the Wu Family in the future, and then rode the wind away. Fei Wangbai also cupped his fist, and Li Tongya, after a deep look at him, finally spoke, "Though your family has gained much from the Yu Family's accumulated wealth, you have destroyed the marketplace and killed many members of the Yu Family, making a bitter enemy of Yu Xiaogui. Be cautious of revenge."

Fei Wangbai, unaware of Yu Yufeng's death, nodded deeply in agreement with Li Tongya's words. "Yu Yufeng is indeed formidable, unmatched on this lake. It is truly terrifying. I will restrain my disciples. However..." his voice trailed off.

Fei Wangbai's expression turned resolute as he solemnly cupped his fist and said, "The enmity between our families and the Yu Family is now as deep as the sea. There is also Yu Muxian within their ranks. I must ask the Sword Immortal for his continued protection..."

Li Tongya's heart skipped a beat.

Li Tongya stared blankly at the suspended An Zheyu, his serpent-like brows revealing chilling malice, as if the person hanging before him was someone he loathed deeply.

For a moment, he was speechless.

Everyone fell silent. Several younger disciples looked uncomfortable while Li Xuanling and Li Xuanxuan frowned at the sight. Only Li Yuanjiao's eyes shone brightly, staring intently at An Zheyu.

An Zheyan, oblivious to the others, grabbed An Zheyu's hair and carefully cut it. An Zheyu could only whimper pitifully, his sculpted body trembling slightly. His eyelids and cheeks were now gone, and his blood-red eyes seemed ready to fall out of their sockets at any moment.

Li Xuanxuan's face was grim, but seeing Li Tongya's thoughtful expression, he dared not reprimand An Zheyan. Suddenly remembering something, he whispered in Li Tongya's ear.

"We paired An Zheyan with Li Feiruo, who is now pregnant. We must inform him immediately... An Zheyan likely doesn't know this yet."

Li Tongya, snapped out of his daze by Li Xuanxuan's somber reminder, shook his head as if waking from a dream. He sighed deeply, and with a sweep of his long sleeve, sent a burst of mana striking An Zheyan's abdomen.

An Zheyan was immediately thrown sideways, rolling three times on the ground before vomiting a mouthful of bloody filth. It was a disgusting and horrifying mix of pieces of flesh and skin, and the sight of it caused everyone's eyelids to twitch.

An Zheyan's mouth was full of blood and he had on a dazed expression, seeming to be slipping into deep delirium.

"He is far gone..." Li Xuanling muttered softly. However, he saw his father, Li Tongya, shake his head.

Li Tongya stepped forward, lifted An Zheyan by the collar, and roared like thunder in his ear, "An Zheyan! Li Feiruo is pregant!"

These words, which had been infused with mana, made An Zheyan tremble, blood trickling from his ears. Li Tongya released his grip, and An Zheyan collapsed to his knees with a thud. The Qi Cultivator of the sixth heavenly layer began vomiting once more while crying and laughing all at once, tumbling about on the ground until he was covered in blood and filth.

Li Tongya flicked his fingers, sending forward a force that killed An Zheyu instantly. The agonized head fell limp before a large blot of black-red blood flowed from his nasal cavity, splattering on the ground.

The hall fell into a profound silence, the eerie stillness accentuated by the autumn wind, leaving everyone engulfed in an unspeakable sense of suffocation.