An Unexpected Turn

The Qin Family Head and the elders watched Jiang Ping'an and Zhu Junchen's retreating backs, their faces darkening. Jiang Ping'an's final words—"I've already told you the consequences"—had been calm, yet they carried an unquestionable pressure.

Even if Jiang Ping'an himself was only at the early Qi Refining Realm, his status as a Registered Disciple of True Lord Xuan Luo was enough to make a Foundation Establishment family like the Qin Family deeply wary. Moreover, the bizarre sword strike Jiang Ping'an had displayed just now meant they dared not underestimate his strength.

"Family Head, what do we do now?" the Second Elder of the Qin Family asked in a low voice.

The Qin Family Head fell silent for a moment, a trace of resolve flashing through his eyes. "Investigate! Mobilize every informant and connection the family has. Search Lanling County and the surrounding counties as though digging three feet into the ground—we must find Jiang Yifan and Ye Yongnan! Dead or alive, I want to see them!"

He turned to the Sixth Elder of the Qin Family, his gaze sharp. "Sixth, you will personally take charge of this. You were the one who guaranteed them. Even if it was merely going through the motions back then, you must give an account now. Also, seize everyone involved in this matter, everyone who had contact with those two Rogue Cultivators, including the intermediaries who introduced them, and interrogate them thoroughly!"

"Yes, Family Head!" Sweat beaded on the Sixth Elder of the Qin Family's forehead as he hurriedly accepted the order.

The Qin Family Head added, "Fourth, immediately make a trip to the Azure Origin Sect. Ask our clansmen there for Jiang Ping'an's background in detail, and confirm whether that person just now truly was Jiang Ping'an."

It was simply too suspicious for a