Chapter 130: Xuanyuan Qingshan

As the elder’s words fell silent, Xiao Yu and the members of the Enforcement Hall all fixed their gazes on the old man. Especially Xiao Yu, who, upon careful scrutiny, felt a faint yet unsettling aura emanating from the elder, one that seemed tinged with danger.

“May I inquire your esteemed name, sir?” Xiao Yu asked with great respect.

“Heh heh, I am Xuanyuan Qingshan, guardian of the Xuanyuan clan’s mountain,” the old man replied with a smile.

Upon hearing the name Xuanyuan Qingshan, everyone present, except Xuanyuan Huangdao, was momentarily taken aback. The name was far from unfamiliar to them.

Xuanyuan Qingshan, the guardian of the Xuanyuan family’s mountain—though calling him a mere guardian hardly captured the truth. He was more accurately described as the protector of the entire Xuanyuan lineage. No one truly knew the extent of his power, but it was known that he had lived during the same era as the third head of the Xuanyuan family. Centuries had passed since then, yet Xuanyuan Qingshan remained remarkably vigorous. Such longevity was unparalleled, even among cultivators who had reached the Tribulation Crossing stage, a testament to his formidable strength.

“Ah, so it is Senior Qingshan. Might I ask what guidance you have for us?” Xiao Yu asked, his expression tinged with reverence.

Even Jiang Chao beside him grew serious. He had heard many rumors about Xuanyuan Qingshan, but what truly shaped his attitude was a single phrase from former Southern Dream: "The Xuanyuan family, Xuanyuan Qingshan—best not to provoke them!"

Jiang Chao knew well the true identity of Southern Dream—an immortal dispatched from the higher realms to guard the pathway to the Immortal World. This matter had long been concealed by the Enforcement Hall; aside from the four hall masters, even the deputy masters were unaware.

It was now clear that the Immortal World sought by cultivators indeed existed, but for unknown reasons, the path leading there had been sealed.

“Just some advice, nothing to be called teaching,” Xuanyuan Qingshan said with a faint smile. “Regarding what you’ve done in the Sakura Kingdom, as a patriot, I find it quite satisfying. But as a member of Yanxia, I feel it somewhat inappropriate.”

“What do you mean, Senior?” Xiao Yu furrowed his brow.

“My young friend, you must understand: force alone cannot conquer the world. Even if you were to eliminate every empire threatening Yanxia, you cannot erase their hearts. The great empires have long coveted Yanxia. It’s inevitable they will let this incident fester, then find a weakness to exploit against us. When that time comes, Yanxia’s people will suffer greatly.”

This truth was clear to everyone present. Even Xiao Yu understood the gravity of the consequences.

“The Xuanyuan family speaks wisely. Yanxia has only just driven out these powers after great effort. But what you are doing now pushes Yanxia onto the brink once more. If you are not handed over to these empires for explanation, war will soon erupt—and you will become Yanxia’s scapegoat!” Jiang Chao’s heart leapt with satisfaction upon hearing Xuanyuan Qingshan’s words. When the major empires united to denounce Yanxia, Jiang Chao had harbored such thoughts, but Yuan Heping and others never agreed to the empires’ demands.

Xiao Yu had already brought disgrace to their Enforcement Hall; Jiang Chao loathed him deeply and eagerly wanted this outcome.

“So, you mean Yanxia intends to hand me and my brothers over?” Xiao Yu leaned back lazily in his chair, asking without a trace of concern.

At this, Yuan Heping snapped irritably, “Kid, can’t you let the Xuanyuan elder finish speaking?”

Xiao Yu smirked but said nothing.

“No matter. Perhaps I didn’t make myself clear. Force cannot conquer the world, but it can instill fear. Killing is not always the best way to deal with those who resist. You must make them fear you. When one truly fears another from the heart, that is the greatest blow,” Xuanyuan Qingshan chuckled softly.

Hearing this, a faint smile appeared on Xiao Yu’s face. Xuanyuan Qingshan’s words revealed that the Xuanyuan family supported his actions, and as for Yuan Heping, there was no need to say more. The only opposition now came from the Enforcement Hall.

Jiang Chao’s expression grew dark and grim. The situation had clearly exceeded his expectations. Neither the Xuanyuan family nor Yuan Heping blamed Xiao Yu; they tacitly approved of his deeds. What was this if not aiding the devil?

Meeting the gazes directed at him from the hall, Jiang Chao snorted coldly. “Since you’ve all made up your minds, so be it. But I declare here that the Enforcement Hall will not intervene. From now on, whatever happens is no concern of ours!”

With that, Jiang Chao’s gaze returned to Xiao Yu’s before he gestured broadly, and he and the four companions beside him vanished from the hall.

Watching Jiang Chao and his group disappear, Yuan Heping showed a trace of helplessness. Xuanyuan Huangdao, Xuanyuan Qingshan, and Xiao Yu remained expressionless.

“Enough. Since that troublesome fellow has left, I shall take my leave as well. It’s been a long time since I’ve visited home,” Xiao Yu said, rising slowly to bid farewell to Yuan Heping and Xuanyuan Qingshan.

“My young friend, please wait. Might you be interested in visiting the Xuanyuan family estate?” Xuanyuan Qingshan suddenly stood and extended a warm invitation to Xiao Yu. Xuanyuan Huangdao and Yuan Heping were both taken aback; even Xiao Yu paused in his steps.

The world knew of the Xuanyuan family’s presence in Yanxia, yet no one truly knew their location. To outsiders, the Xuanyuan clan was shrouded in mystery.

“Heh heh, young friend, there’s no need to be startled. I felt an instant kinship with you, hence my invitation. If it troubles you, simply disregard my words,” Xuanyuan Qingshan smiled.

At this moment, Xuanyuan Huangdao also spoke up.

“Xiao Yu, in a few days our Xuanyuan family will hold the Divine Festival. Many forces from the ancient martial world will be invited. If you wish to understand the current powers in the ancient martial realm, I suggest you visit us.”

Hearing this, Xiao Yu’s interest was piqued. He had long heard of the annual Divine Festival held by the Xuanyuan family but had never had the chance to attend. Now, with time available, a visit seemed fitting.

With this in mind, Xiao Yu nodded slowly. After setting a meeting time with Xuanyuan Qingshan, he departed from the hall.