Chapter 84: Ten-Day Deadline

While the Xiao Sect's branch families were powerful and dominant in their respective regions, they were only sovereign over limited areas. Though affiliated with the main Xiao Sect, these branches were considered largely dispensable by the main sect, their primary purpose being to provide fixed annual tributes. There were hundreds of such branches throughout the Azure Wind Empire, yet their combined strength barely constituted a fraction of the main sect's power.

The branch families dared not offend the imperial family. While the New Moon branch might utter threats like "flattening the New Moon Profound Palace," they would never actually act on them. If they were to provoke the imperial family, leading to their eradication, the main sect might not even bother to intervene. The main Xiao Sect, however, was an entity that surpassed the Azure Wind Imperial Family. Harming someone affiliated with the main Xiao Sect, unless it violated a core principle, was something even the Azure Wind Imperial Family would absolutely not dare to do.

If Xiao Tiannan's words proved true, Xiao Luocheng's status would instantly elevate from merely a young master of a Xiao Sect branch to someone directly affiliated with the main Xiao Sect. These two identities were as different as heaven and earth. The latter was like a colossal mountain, suffocating the people of the New Moon Profound Palace.

If this were truly the case, then Yun Che had caused an utterly catastrophic disaster. If the main sect were to assign blame, not only the small New Moon Profound Palace but even the Azure Wind Imperial Family would be unable to protect him. Moreover, if this incident enraged the main Xiao Sect, not only Yun Che but also those who protected him would face dire consequences. Destroying a New Moon Profound Palace would be effortless for them.

"Are these words... true?" Qin Wuyou's brows furrowed tightly, his palms already slick with cold sweat. He had never imagined that this matter would involve the main Xiao Sect. Not only he, but even the Azure Wind Emperor standing there would be terrified.

"Hmph! I wouldn't dare lie about anything concerning my main sect, not even if I had ten times the courage!" Qin Wuyou's reaction was entirely unexpected by Xiao Tiannan. He continued sternly, "Considering Yun Che only entered your New Moon Profound Palace today, I won't blame you. Just hand him over. This is a tremendous concession to your New Moon Profound Palace! Otherwise, once the main sect is angered, this New Moon Profound Palace will cease to exist!"

"Furthermore, before coming here, I already used a sound transmission talisman to report this matter to Elder Xiao Wuji of the Main Sect's Medicine Branch! Within ten days at the latest, Elder Xiao Wuji will certainly send people, or perhaps even come himself! Palace Master Qin, if you remain stubborn, by then, not only will you be unable to protect that damnable Yun Che, but you will also jeopardize yourself and this entire New Moon Profound Palace!"

Xiao Tiannan had already informed the main sect about the incident... Qin Wuyou and the elders' expressions shifted once more.

"Palace Master, we simply cannot afford to provoke the main Xiao Sect. Yun Che has only been at our palace for a day, yet you have protected him so fiercely, even daring to strike the branch master. You have already shown immense benevolence and righteousness! In this situation, handing him over would be for the sake of the entire New Moon Profound Palace, and no one could possibly criticize us for it," an elder stepped forward and whispered.

"Alas, you're right. Yun Che is a prodigy, but it's a pity he caused such a grave disaster. It seems he is not destined for our palace. Palace Master, it would be best to hand Yun Che over. Otherwise, if our palace truly becomes implicated, the consequences would be unimaginable," another elder sighed.

Qin Wuyou's expression flickered, becoming dark and uncertain. He subtly glanced towards someone in the corner, who gently shook their head at him.

Qin Wuyou's brows instantly furrowed. After biting his lip slightly, he finally let out a sigh and said, "If Sect Master Xiao's words are true, then our small New Moon Profound Palace genuinely cannot protect him, and we will only bring disaster upon ourselves. However, I cannot hand him over to you right now. Otherwise, even with the main Xiao Sect as a compelling reason, I would be ashamed to remain in the New Moon Profound Palace, and it would be branded as heartless and unrighteous!"

Xiao Tiannan's brow darkened, and then he sneered, "Are you suggesting... that your New Moon Profound Palace would rather face utter annihilation than continue to harbor this Yun Che?"

Qin Wuyou shook his head. "Naturally, I cannot disregard the safety of the New Moon Profound Palace. However, I have a compromise. Sect Master Xiao just mentioned that someone from the main Xiao Sect would arrive to deal with this matter within ten days. So, how about Sect Master Xiao grants me ten days? Within that time, we will certainly expel Yun Che from the New Moon Profound Palace. By then, he will no longer be a disciple of our institution, and we will naturally have no reason to protect him further. His fate, whether life or death, will be entirely his own. As long as he remains a disciple, I absolutely cannot hand him over."

Xiao Tiannan stared at Qin Wuyou for a moment, then slowly nodded. "Palace Master Qin is indeed a man of loyalty; I, Xiao Tiannan, admire that! Very well, I will grant you these ten days! That Yun Che is merely a worthless life; whether he dies sooner or later, he still dies! I will, for the sake of Palace Master Qin, grant him ten additional days of life. However, I hope that after these ten days, your Profound Palace does nothing to inconvenience my Xiao Sect."

"Let's go!!"

Xiao Tiannan was also anxious about Xiao Luocheng's condition. Since he couldn't personally kill Yun Che that night, he wasted no more time. With a command, he turned and departed.

"Sect Master, are we truly leaving just like this?" Xiao Zaihe followed behind Xiao Tiannan, his face etched with reluctance.

"Hmph! That Qin Wuyou not only has a tough attitude but also possesses strength comparable to mine. The people I brought tonight are all ordinary disciples, so forcing the issue would only lead to losses," Xiao Tiannan said coldly. "Even if I brought enough force to assault the Profound Palace, it would undoubtedly attract trouble from the imperial family. He wants ten days, and I'll simply wait these ten days! Once the main sect's people arrive, let alone a mere Yun Che, this New Moon Profound Palace will face dire repercussions!"

"But with ten days, many unforeseen circumstances could arise. What if that Yun Che escapes New Moon City..."

"Hmph! A joke! Since he's within New Moon City, how could he possibly escape the grasp of our Xiao Sect? During this period, dispatch people to closely monitor the exits of the New Moon Profound Palace. If Yun Che is found leaving, capture him alive if possible; if not, kill him on the spot! Also, remember to have guards keep a close watch on the city gates."

"Understood!"

"Brother-in-law! This is bad!"

Xia Yuanba frantically rushed back to Yun Che's room, profusely sweating as he recounted the recent events in as much detail as possible. Then, he panicked, "No! Brother-in-law! You must leave here immediately... This matter actually involves the main Xiao Sect! How could this happen!"

"The main Xiao Sect..." Yun Che immediately thought of Xiao Kuangyun, his brow furrowing slightly. Then, he sneered inwardly, realizing he was now completely at odds with this Xiao family.

"Even so, Palace Master Qin didn't immediately hand me over, which is quite strange," Yun Che mused, tapping his chin. The four major sects wielded unparalleled oppressive power in the Azure Wind Empire; when they were involved, no one dared to defy them. While Qin Wuyou possessed great courage, he was clearly a rational individual. Yet, in a matter concerning the main Xiao Sect, he surprisingly chose not to rationally hand me over immediately to distance himself and the New Moon Profound Palace. Instead, he insisted on buying these seemingly insignificant ten days...

This left Yun Che feeling not gratitude, but rather a sense of oddity.

After all, he was neither Qin Wuyou's benefactor nor a relative. He had only just arrived at the Profound Palace that very day and, like a harbinger of doom, had immediately stirred up such enormous trouble. Protecting him against the Xiao Sect's branch family was understandable, especially given his astonishing display of talent. However, to maintain this stance against the main Xiao Sect's intimidation... that simply wasn't logical.

"Junior Brother Yun, may I come in?"

At that moment, a soft, pleasant girl's voice came from outside the door. Yun Che paused, then stood up and said, "Senior Sister, please come in."

The door was pushed open, revealing Lan Xueruo's uniquely radiant face, as fair as glistening snow. Xia Yuanba hurried forward, urgently saying, "Senior Sister Xueruo, you've arrived at just the right moment. Please help my brother-in-law think of a plan! We absolutely cannot let him fall into the Xiao Sect's hands, otherwise, otherwise..."

"Alas!" Lan Xueruo sighed softly, then gently said, "I never expected things to turn out this way." As she spoke, she suddenly noticed Yun Che's surprisingly calm expression. Far from showing fear or panic, he didn't even betray a hint of nervousness. She immediately asked, somewhat surprised, "Junior Brother Yun, what do you plan to do next?"

"Hehe!" Yun Che chuckled slyly, his gaze lingering on Lan Xueruo's flawless, snow-white face. He grinned, "I haven't quite figured out what to do tomorrow, but as for today, I'll certainly enjoy Senior Sister's concern... I never imagined that in times of trouble, not only would Yuanba be here, but also such a beautiful and gentle senior sister showing concern. I suddenly feel quite fortunate."

The atmosphere, which should have been tense and oppressive, became strangely lighthearted due to Yun Che's remarks. Lan Xueruo vaguely detected a subtle oddity in his tone, and her voice became somewhat unnatural as she replied, "Although you've only just entered the Profound Palace, I am your senior sister after all, so it's only right for me to be concerned about you. This matter involves the main Xiao Sect, and your life could very well be at stake. It's truly regrettable that our Profound Palace finally welcomed such a refined and talented junior brother, only for him to potentially be gone so soon. Senior Sister truly can't bear it."

Yun Che looked at Lan Xueruo for a moment, his face finally becoming dejected. He said somberly, "Having heard these words from Senior Sister, I am already very happy. At least even if I die at the hands of the Xiao Sect, there will still be a beautiful senior sister who occasionally remembers me."

"Brother-in-law!" Xia Yuanba clenched his fist tightly. "You won't die at the hands of the Xiao Sect! Even if it costs me my life, I will protect you and help you escape New Moon City! Once you're out of New Moon City, the Azure Wind Empire is vast, and they'll never find you."

Yun Che smiled at Xia Yuanba, but said nothing.

Lan Xueruo suddenly said, "Junior Brother Yun, don't be too pessimistic. I... I might have a way to save you."

"What method?" Yun Che and Xia Yuanba asked simultaneously.

Lan Xueruo considered carefully before slowly explaining, "My hometown is in Azure Wind Imperial City. Within ten days, a family member will come here to take me home. At that time, I can have him take you with us. This family member possesses very strong profound energy and will be bringing a high-grade flying profound beast. If he decides to take you, even if the local Xiao Sect branch discovers it, they will certainly be unable to stop him."