Chapter 1425: Challenging the Master Tower

Although Luo Xuanqing did not want his sister to be a sacrificial pawn in a political marriage, he understood the implications of allying with the Zhang Clan and knew that the arrangement could not be easily altered. If it were truly possible to change, he would not be in such pain, completely at a loss.

"I promised my sister I wouldn't investigate, but rest assured, Grand Elder, I will have someone look into it. If that doesn't work, I'll ask *him* to take action!" Luo Xuanqing said, gritting his teeth after a moment's pause.

"Have someone investigate? Who are you referring to? This matter must not be leaked, or we'll face immense trouble!" The Grand Elder frowned. If news spread that the Luo Clan intended to kill the person their young princess loved, they would undoubtedly face severe criticism. Thus, a trustworthy individual was essential.

"This person is my close brother; he's absolutely trustworthy!" Luo Xuanqing nodded. "It's no one else but Master Zhang Xuan, the very person you just urged me to get to know better, Grand Elder!"

"Him?" The Grand Elder paused in surprise, then nodded. "He braved death to rush into the lightning for you; such brotherhood is indeed precious. He's a reliable person. However, you must be extremely careful not to leak this information. Otherwise, I fear her wrath will turn everything upside down!"

"Don't worry!" Luo Xuanqing nodded. "This young brother Zhang Xuan has no connection whatsoever with my sister. They don't even know each other, let alone communicate!"

"Very well. Handle it carefully. I await your news…" The light screen flickered, and the Grand Elder said no more, vanishing in a flash from before them.

"Elder Qi… With so many experts in the clan, why send me?" After the Grand Elder departed, Luo Xuanqing closed his eyes, his body trembling uncontrollably. If he were to kill the person his sister loved, and she were to discover it, their sibling bond would be irrevocably severed, never to return to its former state.

"Sigh!" Knowing his thoughts, Elder Qi shook his head. "Don't blame the Grand Elder. He has his own reasons for acting this way!"

"Reasons? But did he consider my feelings?" Luo Xuanqing gritted his teeth.

"She is your sister. If you kill the one she loves, it remains a dispute among the younger generation that we can mediate if we feign ignorance. It's much easier to control. If the clan officially sends someone, the matter will escalate significantly, becoming irreparable… As a clan member, you should understand this principle!" Elder Qi explained.

Luo Xuanqing's fists clenched, but he offered no reply. He was intelligent; he understood all of this. As someone fiercely protective of his sister, he had often declared that any man unworthy of her who dared to approach her would be beaten to death. If the man his sister loved were to be killed, he would have a plausible excuse. This approach would keep the Luo Clan uninvolved and protect the great clan's reputation.

"Secondly, you must remember what happened to your five elder brothers… The clan owes you all a debt! This matter is a test for you. If you succeed, no one will question your position as interim clan leader. Otherwise, some might object…" Elder Qi continued.

"I know…" Luo Xuanqing's eyes reddened as he heard the mention of his five elder brothers.

"Alright, if not for others, then think for them. You should be clearer than I am on how to make this choice…" Elder Qi said with a sigh.

Luo Xuanqing remained silent for a moment before finally raising his head. "I know what to do!"

"Good… Go as soon as possible, and absolutely do not leak any information!" Elder Qi waved his hand, said no more, and vanished from the spot, as if tearing through space. The moment he departed, the previously sealed space opened, and the sounds of birds chirping from the surroundings flowed in once more.

"Sigh!" Luo Xuanqing let out a breath and stood motionless, lost in thought. After an unknown period, he sighed. "Sister… I am so sorry…"

Forcing his sister into a political marriage was undoubtedly against her wishes. Yet, it had to be acknowledged that the young genius from the Zhang Clan indeed possessed the qualifications to be her match, whereas the man she loved was merely an insignificant figure from an empire, utterly inconsequential before the immense power of the Zhang and Luo Clans.

"Actually, the Grand Elder's primary reason for having me intervene is this: if I don't act, the Zhang Clan will! And once they make their move, the Luo Clan will be in a much more disadvantageous position…" He shook his head. Being intelligent, he fully grasped the other party's implications. The Zhang Clan's young genius's intended bride had been "poached" by another. Anyone in their position would feel a profound loss of face and would inevitably demand the death of the one who had "poached" her. If the Luo Clan acted preemptively, they could avoid considerable trouble. Even if the Zhang Clan sought to cause issues, they would find no grounds, and his sister would not face mistreatment after her marriage. Although both were considered top-tier clans, the Zhang Clan still significantly outmatched the Luo Clan.

"Alright, I'll go find Brother Zhang Xuan. It's most suitable for him to handle this…" After some self-adjustment, Luo Xuanqing's composure returned, and his eyes glinted. Since Zhang Xuan knew the full story, he was indeed the most suitable person to take action. However… this would likely implicate his brother, needlessly dragging him into a predicament. Yet, if Zhang Xuan truly undertook this task, Luo Xuanqing would fully acknowledge him, and the benefits he would gain from his increased status would undoubtedly be significant. Whether this would prove to be a blessing or a misfortune for Zhang Xuan remained unknown.

He hastened to Zhang Xuan's courtyard, and after a brief inquiry, learned that Zhang Xuan had gone to the Hall of Wisdom. He immediately rushed there.

"Master Zhang isn't here; he's already at the Master Teacher Tower!" he was told after a few inquiries.

"The Master Teacher Tower? Is he attempting to become an 8-star master teacher?" Luo Xuanqing was taken aback. His sister had set that record, so he was naturally aware of it. He had never imagined Master Zhang would also attempt it. Given the enormous lightning tribulation at the Hall of Trust, nearly everyone knew that Zhang Xuan, the one behind it, was now attempting the Master Teacher Tower challenge. It was no longer a secret. Indeed, almost everyone was aware.

"The Master Teacher Tower isn't easy to clear… This guy is truly bold…" Luo Xuanqing shook his head and swiftly flew towards the Master Teacher Tower. While the Master Teacher Tower could indeed help one quickly become an 8-star master teacher, if it were that easy to clear, only a handful of individuals would have succeeded in the tens of thousands of years since the establishment of the Saint Son Hall. He had once considered attempting the challenge himself but ultimately stopped, knowing that his strength was insufficient to complete it. This place demanded not only formidable strength and exceptional talent, but, most critically, a profound understanding of supplementary occupations. This last requirement alone was enough to stump countless individuals. After all, not everyone possessed his sister's unparalleled talent for mastering anything she studied.

He hastened to the Master Teacher Tower and soon saw countless figures gathered there, including Acting Hall Master Zhan Tiancheng, whose eyes shone with anticipation from a short distance away.

"It's started…" Just then, someone cried out, and immediately, the first floor of the Master Teacher Tower lit up.