Cheng Feng! Yang Jinquan cried out in grief inwardly.
His Dao Companion Yue Daishi had passed away in meditation, and now the friend who had supported him through a hundred years had met a violent death as well. The Yue Household of Mysterious Mountain Island was utterly finished.
Agony tore through his heart, yet he dared not make a move. He could only drop to both knees, pretending to be afraid.
"You see."
Qing Chen spread his hands, looking helpless. "This marquis hates enemies above all and fears trouble most."
"This man seemed to be a surviving remnant of a household I wiped out years ago. Fellow Daoist Fu She, would you say this habit of mine-cutting the weeds out by their roots-is a good one?"
Fu She's face turned livid, his teeth grinding audibly. Humiliation and fear intertwined, and at last he bowed his head deeply.
"Your Marquis... is wise! I... misjudged the man!"
"As long as you know. You weren't capable back then. Do you think you're capable now?"
Qing Chen nodded as though he had done something utterly trivial.
His gaze moved again, finally settling on the two Cave Lords from the Eighteen Strongholds of Southern Yue in the corner.
In particular, he looked at his second brother, Qing Jie.
The atmosphere, which had just eased a little, instantly tightened again.
Everyone knew that the Eighteen Strongholds of Southern Yue were true desperadoes, ruthless bandits!
Was Qing Chen going to strike at these lawless fellows?
Feeling Qing Chen's gaze, Qing Jie's heart pounded wildly, almost leaping out of his chest.
He forcibly suppressed the urge to acknowledge his brother, raised his head to reveal his fierce, scar-riddled face, and spoke hoarsely.
"Azure Abyss Marquis, what guidance do you have?"
"Our Eighteen Caves lie in the Million Mountains,