"Master, please calm down."
Li Xiaoyu stopped him, his expression calm.
"This matter began because of me, so I should be the one to bring it to an end."
"Since Martial Aunt Shuiyue wants to see me, I'll go meet her."
"You!" Shang Zhengliang looked at his unruffled expression, both angry and anxious.
"Do you know how difficult Shuiyue is to deal with? When she flies into a rage, she won't even give Senior Brother Sect Leader any face!"
"Won't you be walking right into a trap?"
"Don't worry, Master." Li Xiaoyu smiled, his expression confident.
"Your disciple knows what he's doing."
"Besides, I'd like to hear Martial Aunt Shuiyue's reasons for opposing us to my face."
"If she has a good reason, I'll naturally comply. But if she's just making trouble for no reason, I won't necessarily let her push me around."
His words carried the calm assurance of an Upper Purity Realm expert.
Shang Zhengliang looked at him. The anger in his heart gradually subsided, replaced by pride.
His disciple was no longer the boy who needed his protection.
Li Xiaoyu had grown into a formidable expert who could stand on his own and shield those around him from wind and rain.
"Very well."
Shang Zhengliang sighed. "Since you've made up your mind, I won't stop you."
"But remember this." His expression turned serious.
"You are my disciple, Shang Zhengliang's, and the pride of Morning Sun Peak."
"Whatever happens, Morning Sun Peak will always have your back."
"If Shuiyue dares to lay a hand on you, I'll risk my life to see justice done!"
"Thank you, Master." Li Xiaoyu felt a warmth in his heart and bowed deeply to Shang Zhengliang.
Then, without lingering, he transformed into a streak of sword light and flew toward Small Bamboo Peak,