Sharing Honor and Disgrace

Facing Liu Qiang's fury, Qin Jishi's expression remained calm, without the slightest change.

In his eyes, Liu Qiang was nothing more than a clown capering on a stage, not worth mentioning.

Yang Kun secretly glanced at Qin Jishi and, seeing that he had not flown into a rage, quietly breathed a sigh of relief. If he had gotten angry, Soaring Dragon City would be finished.

Qin Jishi's inaction did not mean Yang Kun would do nothing.

The Liu Family had developed far too rapidly over the past few years, and their disciples had become arrogant and overbearing, acting as though they no longer regarded the Yang Family as worthy of notice. This greatly enraged Yang Kun.

There had even been widespread rumors that the Liu Family was showing signs of replacing the Yang Family.

More importantly, they had Black Eagle Prefecture backing them. If Yang Kun had not latched onto the great tree that was Qin Jishi, he might have thought twice before moving against the Liu Family.

But now?

This thing that did not know whether it was dead or alive actually dared offend Qin Jishi. How could Yang Kun let such a chance to eliminate them slip away?

"Three Clan Leaders!"

Zhang Jinhua slowly stepped forward. "Our Zhang Family indeed bears an inescapable responsibility in this matter, but there was a reason behind it. If the Liu Family had not provoked him with words, Jishi would never have attacked him. Our Zhang Family is willing to take responsibility for him."

"You'll take responsibility?" Yang Kun froze, then quickly understood.

It seemed the Zhang Family still did not know Qin Jishi's identity. Otherwise, would they be so fearful?

Having figured that out, Yang Kun said solemnly, "Clan Leader Zhang, of course you must take responsibility."

Was this him declaring his stance?

"I told you, it seems our choice was wise. Even the Yang Family is on good terms with the Liu Family. Won't all of Soaring Dragon City follow the Liu Family's lead from now on?"

"Mm, with Black Eagle Prefecture backing the Liu Family, even the Yang Family has no choice but to bow its head."

"We must hold tightly to the Liu Family, this great tree. Whether our families can rise to prominence depends on them."

"..."

Those factions that had been wavering and secretly drawing close to the Liu Family no longer bothered to hide it. One after another, they spoke up, condemning the Zhang Family's wrongdoing.

They looked ready to raze the Zhang Family to the ground.

They had incurred public outrage!

Apparently not expecting this turn of events, the Zhang Family members stood as if facing a great enemy.

"Clan Leader Yang, I am deeply grateful that you came to support our Liu Family."

Liu Qiang's voice was hoarse. "Once I deal with Qin Jishi and the Zhang Family, we can discuss matters in detail."

"Ah~" Yang Kun stopped him. "Clan Leader Liu, I think you have misunderstood what I meant. When I said the Zhang Family should bear responsibility, I meant responsibility toward Qin Jishi."

"Toward Qin Jishi?" Liu Qiang did not understand. "Clan Leader Yang, what do you mean?"

"Isn't it obvious enough?" The corners of Yang Kun's lips lifted. "Qin Jishi is the Zhang Family's son-in-law. He was humiliated, yet the Zhang Family did nothing. Naturally, they bear an inescapable responsibility."

"Besides!"

"Every grievance has its debtor. Liu Kai was not injured by Qin Jishi. I believe Clan Leader Liu should not be pointing the spearhead at him."

Yang Kun's sudden change in attitude left everyone utterly confused.

Liu Qiang frowned tightly. "Clan Leader Yang, I do not understand what you are saying."

"You don't understand?"

Yang Kun chuckled softly. "It's all right. You will understand soon enough."

"Xuan'er, was Liu Kai injured by Qin Jishi?"

"Ah~"

Yang Xuan was initially stunned, but when he saw the meaningful look in Yang Kun's eyes, realization dawned on him. "Father, how could Liu Kai have been injured by Qin... Qin Jishi? He provoked me, and I injured him."

Then, before everyone's disbelieving eyes, Yang Xuan walked over to Liu Kai and lowered his voice. "Liu Kai, of all people you could have provoked, you just had to provoke my Uncle Qin. Sorry, bear with it."

As his words fell, Yang Xuan used both fists and feet, and screams once again echoed through the Zhang Family.

This...

The sudden turn of events left everyone completely dumbfounded.

They could not understand what the Yang Family was doing. Could it be that they intended to declare war on the Liu Family?

"Xiong'er, I think Clan Leader Yang is right."

"Understood!"

Though Zhao Xiong did not understand, he turned and joined Yang Xuan.

"Ah... you... Yang Xuan... Zhao Xiong... Are you trying to start a war with our Liu Family? Stop... My aunt is the Black Eagle Prefecture Lord's concubine."

"..."

Liu Kai's hoarse screams and roars did not stop them. Zhao Xiong grew less certain with every blow, while Yang Xuan became increasingly ruthless...

And your Liu Family still dared become enemies with Qin Jishi? You must be blind as bats.

Though Yang Xuan did not know Qin Jishi's identity, could his origins possibly be ordinary if his father valued him so highly?

"Father... save me... Father..." Liu Kai could see it now. If he did not beg for help, the two of them would beat him to death.

"You dare harm my son? You're courting death!" Liu Qiang was beside himself with rage. No longer caring about the doubts in his heart, he gathered dense profound energy in his palm and suddenly struck out with threads of chill.

"Hmph~" Yang Xuan snorted. "With me here, you still dare make a move?"

With that, his fist surged forth to meet Liu Qiang's palm with the force to smash through everything in its path.

Boom!

Fist and palm collided, and the residual energy spread swiftly in all directions like ripples.

Those weaker disciples were sent flying every which way by the force, crashing heavily to the ground.

Liu Qiang staggered back, his eyes filled with shock.

"Earth Fiend Level 3?"

"Creak~"

Liu Qiang's eye twitched as he ground his teeth. "Yang Kun, are you trying to become enemies with our Liu Family?"

"Not become enemies." Yang Kun smiled. "I want to destroy your Liu Family."

"Destroy us?" Liu Qiang said coldly. "You are not qualified."

"Let me tell you, Black Eagle Prefecture stands behind our Liu Family. If your Yang Family and Zhao Family do not want your clans exterminated, get the hell out of here immediately."

"You want us to get out?" Yang Kun showed no fear. "I think it is you who should get out. So what if it is Black Eagle Prefecture? You can call the Black Eagle Prefecture Lord here and let me see whether he will protect you."

With Qin Jishi here, Yang Kun would dare challenge even the Sacred Domain Liang Family, let alone Black Eagle Prefecture.

"You..." This was not the outcome Liu Qiang had expected. "Is it really worth offending our Liu Family for the Zhang Family?"

"Liu Qiang!" Yang Kun seemed to have lost patience. "Today is the Zhang Family's wedding celebration. I do not wish to kill anyone. Let me make this clear: from this day forward, the Zhang Family and my Yang Family will share honor and disgrace."

"And our Zhao Family as well," Zhao Tai echoed.

"You!" Liu Qiang had not expected their attitudes to be so unyielding. Always cautious by nature, he had no choice but to wonder whether the two families had backers no weaker than Black Eagle Prefecture.

For a time, the scene fell into a deadlock.

The three men looked at one another. Yang Kun's and Zhao Tai's eyes were filled with resolve.

The oppressive atmosphere did not last long. Liu Qiang gritted his teeth and said word by word, "Fine... fine... I will remember today's humiliation."

"Let's go~"

Liu Qiang flicked his sleeve and cast Qin Jishi a vicious glare before leaving with his men.

The family factions that had come with him were utterly dumbfounded. They could neither leave nor stay, especially the Bu and Sun Families, who had been the most arrogant just moments ago...

The Zhang Family had actually found the support of the Yang and Zhao Families. Those factions that had not kicked them while they were down secretly counted themselves fortunate.

Even after the Liu Family had left, the Zhang Family members remained stunned, unable to react.

"Clan Leader Zhang, should these people stay or leave?" As Yang Kun spoke, his eyes flicked toward Qin Jishi.

That subtle gesture happened to fall into Zhang Shiqing's eyes.

"Clan Leader Zhang, we were truly forced into this."

"Clan Leader Zhang, you must understand us."

"..."

The two clan leaders of the Bu and Sun Families immediately declared their positions, placing all blame on the Liu Family.

Zhang Jinhua could not be bothered to argue with such fence-sitters. He waved his hand. "All who come are guests. That little interlude just now disturbed everyone's enjoyment. Let us continue."

Once those words fell, the hearts that had risen into their throats finally settled. The scene soon became lively again, with congratulations and fawning praise ringing out without end.