Hyuga Tianren had been seething with anger, but when he heard his youngest son's words, his body stiffened for a brief moment.
He quickly turned his gaze to Hyuga Qiyan, as if asking him with his eyes whether it was true.
Although Hyuga Qiyan was an elder of the Main Family, he was already advanced in years, and much of his strength had faded. He hadn't faced a situation like this in many years.
Now, after being provoked repeatedly by the two of them—and especially after seeing Hyuga Xingzhuo smile at him—he was completely flustered. When he saw the clan head's questioning gaze, he sided with Xingzhuo, who was also of the Main Family, without a second thought.
"Y-yes... there was a minor disagreement. Young Master Xingzhuo spoke a little sharply, and Kawanagare Zo suddenly attacked him. That's how... how things ended up like this."
Kawanagare Zo, who was lying on the ground in so much pain he was about to pass out, had thought Qiyan would stand with him against their common enemy. He never expected the old man to side with the other party.
He was so furious he nearly lost his mind. His eyes rolled back, and he fainted.
He had actually fainted from anger!
Hyuga Tianren looked at Qiyan, then at his youngest son, who was as calm as ever. When several other elders arrived, he finally made his decision.
"Hyuga Kawaryuzo has overstepped his station and attacked the clan head's heir over a verbal dispute. He is stripped of his position as a Branch Family elder and sent to the Branch Family compound to spend his remaining years. He is not to leave without permission."
Having gotten the result he wanted, Xingzhuo happily walked over to his two friends.
He couldn't stay here any longer.