Chapter 422: Xu Xiao

The Jade Court Guard hurried away. Chen Mufeng's expression was grim. Li Chengliao took a sip of tea and asked, "Chief, what happened?"

Chen Mufeng turned around and respectfully replied, "Young Master, it's just a minor matter... Allow me..."

Li Chengliao, smiling, poured him a cup of tea and said softly, "There are no minor matters, only family affairs."

Chen Mufeng's expression subtly changed, and he quickly said, "It's just that Miss Liu... she has a childhood sweetheart, the young master of a local family named Xu, who has some inherited property. His ancestors were town officials. The Liu family initially wanted Miss Liu to marry into this prominent family, but then our family head took an interest in her, and they immediately changed their minds... This has caused some trouble..."

"Oh?" Li Chengliao chuckled, suddenly realizing, and said playfully, "It seems I've become the dissolute young master who steals another's bride, just like in the storybooks!"

Chen Mufeng immediately felt awkward and said in a low voice, "Just now, the manor sent two people to invite Miss Liu... but they were beaten back by that man. Although those two possessed cultivation, they were no match for him."

As soon as these words were spoken, Li Chengliao's smile instantly vanished. He gazed at the middle-aged man before him and said softly, "On my Li family's territory, with me, the head of the Zhong branch, sending people to invite her, she dares to beat them back? What does he think my family is? Whether she wanted to marry or not, we never forced her. It was a simple matter. Why make such a scene!"

Chen Mufeng remained silent, lowering his head and saying, "Your subordinate has already sent the Jade Court Guards..."

"Wait." Li Chengliao frowned and replied, "I've only just come down from the mountain. Let's not blow this out of proportion. Several clan elders dislike such commotion, so let's not draw their attention; it wouldn't look good."

Chen Mufeng nodded repeatedly. Li Chengliao continued, "Take two Jade Court Guards with you. I'll go see for myself."

He straightened his brocade robe. Chen Mufeng accompanied him downstairs, saying as they went, "This Young Master Xu is also strange. He used to be mute and was stuck at the second stage of Fetal Respiration for years. He only broke through recently and began to speak. Everyone praises him for his accumulated strength finally bursting forth..."

The Liu Family Manor.

Although the Liu family had been in decline for many years, they once had a glorious past. The courtyard, though dim and old, was vast, with grey bricks and stones, and an exquisitely carved stone table. A woman stood leaning against the stone table, her face filled with worry.

She had a beautiful face and a cool, aloof demeanor, yet her brows were slightly furrowed, betraying a hint of sorrow. At the other end stood a robust young man, handsome and dashing, with astonishing vital energy radiating from him.

"Fifth Brother... you're too impulsive... The Li family's power is immense and deeply rooted. They even have geniuses cultivating within the sect and are allied with immortal clans through marriage. How could you offend them like this? When they came to the door, I could have just found an excuse to handle it. By beating those two out, haven't you blown things out of proportion!"

Xu Xiao (Fifth Brother Xu) crossed his arms, shook his head, and sneered, "You don't understand. How many times can excuses work? As long as that Young Master is still coveting you, he'll eventually send people to pester you. And the Liu family won't miss the chance to climb higher. We *need* to make a big scene to make him back off! The Li family values their reputation and has strict rules. I'm afraid we won't make a big enough fuss!"

Liu Lingzhen gently shook her head and whispered, "You haven't left the courtyard for years, and you couldn't speak before, so you don't know the true power of the Li family..."

"Don't worry!" Xu Xiao laughed heartily and said proudly, "I've already broken through to Qi Condensation! The Grand Dao is right before my eyes!"

"What!" Liu Lingzhen immediately turned pale, both startled and delighted, saying, "It's only been a few years! You've broken through again!" She paused, then regretfully added, "It's just a pity it's two years too late. You're already twenty-five. That portion of spiritual energy from heaven and earth, the Xu family gave it to your eldest brother..."

"No matter." Xu Xiao raised an eyebrow and said disdainfully, "I don't even care for that thing! It was just a mere Pure Cave Spring Qi. I used something much better. It's just that my breakthrough was too fast, and I can't reveal it to others yet. Although I have a secret art to conceal it, I can't guarantee that the Li family doesn't possess some eye technique that could see through it. So, we'll have to wait a few more years..." His tone shifted, and he sneered, "Just wait for those running dogs to show up. If they dare to lay a hand on us in broad daylight, what good will it do Li Chengliao, even if he is the Eldest Young Master? The people from the Clan Justice Hall are watching closely. They can report directly to Qingdu, and he'll have plenty of trouble!"

Hearing his words, Liu Lingzhen calmed down significantly and said softly, "I'm just afraid the Clan Justice Hall will be biased..."

"Hahaha." Xu Xiao said confidently, "I've checked the records these past few days. The Clan Justice Hall always promotes by investigating and exposing powerful figures... If there's wrongdoing, the one in power is always held accountable first." He sneered, "As long as we don't mess up, even the Jade Court Guards won't be able to do anything to us! And above them, the Immortal Sect is watching, upholding justice; they would never let us suffer!"

Liu Lingzhen nodded vaguely, listening to her beloved's words. Xu Xiao's spiritual sense stirred, and he said in a deep voice, "Someone's coming!"

Sure enough, the sycophantic voice of a Liu clan elder came from outside. The courtyard gate was suddenly pounded, followed by two creaks, and then the voice of Liu's mother from outside: "Zhen'er! Open the door quickly!"

Liu Lingzhen immediately paled and pulled Xu Xiao, urging him to leave. However, Xu Xiao remained still and said coldly, "It's too late. I doubt he can see through my cultivation, so let him in!"

Liu's mother, however, didn't wait for her to open the door. With a creak, she pushed it open and entered. Leading the way was a young man dressed in light-colored magical robes, with a spear on his back. His gaze swept over the two, and he waved his hand.

The middle-aged man behind him, who surprisingly possessed Qi Condensation Stage Five cultivation, simply pushed with his hand, forcing a group of Liu family elders and uncles out. The door slammed shut. The young man, with an air of heroism in his brows, simply said, "Li Chengliao of the Li family. Greetings, fellow cultivator."

Liu Lingzhen immediately felt as if she had fallen into an ice cellar. Xu Xiao was also startled for a moment, having not expected Li Chengliao to come in person. He forced himself to say, "Xu Xiao of the Xu clan. Greetings, Young Master."

Li Chengliao, seeing the knowing glances between the two, immediately understood. His smile remained, and he said softly, "Young Master Xu truly has a fine demeanor. The esteemed Xu clan has finally produced a heroic figure."

Li Chengliao's words left Xu Xiao speechless, all his prepared rhetoric useless. Liu Lingzhen was even more caught in a dilemma. Xu Xiao froze for a moment, and Li Chengliao continued, "Previously, the Liu family members revealed Miss Liu's name, which was truly a foolish thing to do! And those two servants even took money from the Liu family, eager to escort Miss Liu over. Fortunately, Young Master Xu intervened, almost causing a misunderstanding!" He said pleasantly, "This time, it was my manor's lax discipline. I've secured a cultivation spot from the peak as compensation for the Xu family and Miss Liu, and I've already sent someone over. I came personally to apologize. I hope Miss Liu will not fault the manor for its unintentional mistake."

Regardless of Xu Xiao's reaction, Liu Lingzhen was stunned for a full two breaths, then her face lit up with joy. She looked at him with great favor, bowed in thanks, while Xu Xiao merely lowered his head and assented. Liu Lingzhen's happiness was evident on her face.

Li Chengliao gave him a peculiar look, then decisively left. A group of Liu family elders and relatives crowded around, trying to persuade him to stay and tearfully pleading.

This group of people had been profligates when the Liu family was powerful. Now that they were old and in charge, they had made an even greater mess. Li Chengliao exited the courtyard, shaking off the Liu family's tearful pleas and entreaties, and departed with Chen Mufeng.

As Li Chengliao departed, Chen Mufeng seemed to have held back many words. Once they reached the main hall, the middle-aged man leaned close to Li Chengliao's ear and whispered, "That Fifth Brother Xu... he truly is at the third stage of Fetal Respiration."

Li Chengliao's smile also vanished, replaced by an expression of doubt. He said softly, "Setting aside the Liu family's entire household being scoundrels, Liu Lingzhen is indeed a fool with a pretty facade. It's a good thing no engagement was set, otherwise, problems would have arisen sooner or later. As for Xu Xiao... his sudden rise is quite peculiar."

Li Chengliao pondered for a moment and asked, "Tell me all the details about that Fifth Brother Xu, both before and after!"

Chen Mufeng also understood the gravity of the situation and quickly said, "..."

Li Chengliao calculated for a moment, then said doubtfully, "Could it be that this person stumbled upon some great fortune?" Doubt arose in his heart, and he turned to ask, "I recall the Liu family head... he's a miscellaneous Qi cultivator, isn't he?"

"That's correct."

Hearing his reply, Li Chengliao clasped his hands behind his back and said thoughtfully, "Send someone to summon him. Bribe him with some spiritual artifacts, and have him go test out this Fifth Brother Xu."

Chen Mufeng paused slightly, feeling that Li Chengliao's action was overly cautious and somewhat disapproving. However, given Li Chengliao's noble status, he still nodded and proceeded to carry out the order, leaving Li Chengliao standing in the hall, gazing at the tea that had long since grown cold in the wind: "I'll see for myself if there's a monster at play here."

The Liu Family Courtyard.

Just as the Li family members left, Liu Lingzhen joyfully exclaimed, "He has no aristocratic airs! He's truly a good person!"

'A good person?' Xu Xiao sighed inwardly. Li Chengliao's response had completely exceeded his expectations. He thought bitterly: 'What a clever move to turn an enemy into a friend! No wonder the Li family can wield absolute power over the lake, monopolizing spiritual fields, imposing tyrannical taxes, extracting every last bit of spiritual rice, and then monopolizing cultivation slots through connections, ensuring only their aristocratic children can enter the Immortal Sect to cultivate... They've truly solidified their position as an aristocratic family!'

'That young master was polite on the surface, but who knows if he's holding a grudge inside? It seems I can't stay here much longer. I should leave early and venture out. It won't be too late to return and overthrow this hegemon once I've cultivated an immortal foundation and divine abilities...' He whispered, "Zhen'er, once you break through to Qi Condensation, let's go out and make our mark!"

This was something Liu Lingzhen had always wished for with him, but at this moment, a hint of hesitation appeared on her face. She softly said, "But... but he's already given me a cultivation spot on the mountain... With demon calamities raging outside, isn't it better to earn a stipend in this safe place? The Li family is quite good too... they never kill people for blood essence."

Xu Xiao sneered, transmitting his voice with spiritual power, "Such a massive power, one can easily guess they must have some unspeakable dealings. Li Ximing can refine so many pills, yet his cultivation doesn't fall behind. Perhaps he relies on demonic arts and blood essence... secretly killing people without the Immortal Sect knowing. How good could he be? If the Immortal Sect were to find out, he'd surely face severe consequences!"

Liu Lingzhen thought carefully, found it very reasonable, and looked at him admiringly. Xu Xiao continued, "When you and I either roam the world or join an immortal sect, and return as Purple Mansion cultivators, wouldn't it be a wonderful thing to replace them? By then, let alone this small stipend, the entire Southern Shore will be ours."

The strong confidence radiating from him completely captivated Liu Lingzhen. Compared to this, Young Master Li's politeness and reluctance to cause trouble just now seemed inferior. She giggled and nodded vigorously.

Xu Xiao paused, feeling that things were becoming somewhat difficult. Li Chengliao's actions were too unexpected. He simply turned his hand, pulled out a pill, and whispered, "Go into seclusion now to break through. Take this pill. We won't wait for Qi Condensation; once you reach Jade Capital, we'll depart."

Liu Lingzhen immediately became excited and asked with a hint of doubt, "But where did you get this... you mustn't steal from home..."

"Don't worry," Xu Xiao said softly.

After seeing Liu Lingzhen into the backyard, Xu Xiao stepped out, intending to leave. His breakthrough to Qi Condensation was still a secret and could not be revealed, which was why he didn't depart by riding the wind. Just as he stepped out of the door, he saw an old man standing before him, his face contorted in a ferocious grimace.

"Patriarch Liu." Xu Xiao secretly disdained him, but for Liu Lingzhen's sake, he still asked. Unexpectedly, the old patriarch immediately began to curse, "You bastard without a mother! Seducing my daughter!"

A fierce expression surged onto Xu Xiao's face, and he said savagely, "I'm only respecting you, old man, for your daughter's sake. Don't be ungrateful!"

Old Man Liu had been waiting for him. He immediately lunged forward with a palm strike, muttering curses. Xu Xiao clamped down on the old man's arm with one hand, restraining it like an iron vice. Unable to pull his hand back, the old man reached for the treasured sword at his waist with his other hand.

Xu Xiao sneered. His other hand, swift as lightning, seized the sword. With a pull and a push, he parted his lips and exhaled a plume of dark, obsidian fire.

Old Man Liu immediately felt a sharp pain in his chest. He quickly pulled out two talismans, but they were both incinerated to ashes before the fire. He felt his entire body go limp, as if all his cultivation was being burned away. He gasped and choked, on the verge of losing consciousness. However, Xu Xiao had no intention of escalating the matter. With a soft inhalation, he drew the fire back into his abdomen and said coldly, "If you dare cause trouble again... I'll make sure you don't die a good death." He turned his hand, and a small black talisman appeared in his palm. He slapped it onto Old Man Liu's chest, warning, "Dare to reveal my information, and as soon as you open your mouth, this fire will incinerate you completely!"

"Hmph! Demonic... Demonic cultivator!" Old Man Liu was unworldly. Seeing the dark, eerie, and bizarre spell, he was instantly terrified, blurting out "Demonic cultivator." Under the other's ruthless gaze, he clamped his mouth shut and collapsed to the ground.

Xu Xiao sneered and strode away. Old Man Liu timidly scrambled to his feet, spat venomously, then quietly slipped into the backyard, collapsing to his knees with a thud, whimpering and afraid to speak.

A Jade Court Guard, whose appearance was quite similar to Chen Mufeng's, also landed in the courtyard, his eyes wide with shock. He murmured, "Just one move... just one move..." That black flame, let alone Old Man Liu, even he, a second-stage Qi Condensation cultivator, felt an intense sense of threat. He said, paling, "Could he be some reincarnated being, or perhaps he received some immortal's legacy! I, Chen, have never seen such a genius!"

No sooner had the Jade Court Guard surnamed Chen finished speaking than he saw a figure leaning against the back courtyard door. It was Xu Xiao, who had returned. The young man held a fiercely burning black flame in his hand and looked at him ominously: "Commander Chen... why meddle in affairs that don't concern you..."