However, Wang Ping was much calmer than before. He picked up his wine glass, took a slow sip, then put it down and said calmly:
"A prodigy like Brother Han wouldn't have time to play around with you."
These words were spoken without any politeness, and the several cultivators who had gathered around looked at each other in bewilderment, but dared not refute them.
Han Xuanji is now at the top of the Five Elements Heavenly Stairway Ladder, enjoying immense popularity.
These spoiled brats certainly don't deserve to have someone come out of their way to entertain them.
"Brother Wang Ping is right, he's right... we were being presumptuous."
The cultivator gave an awkward smile and returned to his seat.
Wang Ping ignored them and continued drinking slowly, his expression indifferent.
However, only he knew that beneath this calm demeanor lay a hint of guilt.
It's true that he knew Han Xuanji and had always spoken up for Han Xuanji, but to say they had a deep friendship... well, it wouldn't be accurate to say they were close.
He wasn't confident he could get Han Xuanji to come out and meet these people.
"But..."
Wang Ping put down his wine cup, his eyes flickering slightly, as the Sword Intent that Han Xuanji had given him floated into his mind.
After returning, he tried to follow Han Xuanji's advice and spent a lot of time studying weapon crafting techniques and the skills of piloting combat treasures. He even secretly collected a lot of related books.
But when his father found out, he immediately gave him a severe scolding:
"Nonsense! How could a direct descendant of the Wang Household dabble in such unorthodox practices? Focusing on cultivation is the only right path!"
He was thoroughly humiliated and had no choice but to give up.
now...
Wang Ping gripped his wine glass tightly, a strange impulse welling up inside him.
Han Xuanji to ascend the Five Elements Heavenly Stairway demonstrates that he truly possessed genuine skill.
His judgment can't be wrong, right?
"Go back and discuss this with my father..."
Wang Ping made up his mind, stood up, drank the wine in his cup in one gulp, and cupped his hands in a respectful gesture towards Hun Mingyuan:
"Brother Mingyuan, I have other matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave now."
"Huh? We're not done talking yet..."
Just as Hun Mingyuan was about to try to persuade him to stay, Wang Ping had already strode out of the restaurant.
Behind him, the chatter in the hall continued unabated, but Wang Ping no longer cared.
On the other side.
Many of the high-ranking elders of the Soul Household began an emergency discussion, expressing their deep regret for their past actions.
Although most of them did not take sides in the Lineage council, many of their descendants have publicly made negative comments about Han Xuanji.
In retrospect, this was not just a matter of offending Han Xuanji, but also an offense against the power of the Hun Qianxue lineage behind Han Xuanji.
Everyone knew perfectly well that once Han Xuanji returned to his Lineage, the patriarch would definitely settle scores with him.
For a time, the clan was in a state of panic, and many people began to try to distance themselves from the situation. Some even took the initiative to contact Hun Qianling, wanting to convey their goodwill.
Deep within the Soul Household, in a secluded grand hall.
Ling Feng sat uneasily, his face ashen. He clutched a communication Jade Slip slip in his hand, reading its contents over and over again, still unwilling to believe it.
"How could this be... how could this be..."
He had thought Han Xuanji was just a lucky good-for-nothing who would at most make it through a hundred steps before being forced to retreat in a sorry state.
Unexpectedly, this seemingly ordinary young man was actually hiding his true abilities.
"He clearly possesses such strength, so why does he choose to conceal it?"
Ling Feng grew increasingly angry as he thought about it, a nameless rage rising within him.
Instead of reflecting on his own problems, he thought Han Xuanji was deliberately hiding his strength, waiting for him to take the bait.
"Hateful!"
Ling Feng gritted his teeth, finally stood up, and hurriedly walked out of the hall.
He must find help as soon as possible.
Now, all the criticism is directed at him, with people believing that he started the questioning out of jealousy of Han Xuanji.
If he doesn't find a way to turn things around, his situation will become even more difficult once Han Xuanji returns.
Before long, Ling Feng arrived at the front of a cave abode.
A moment later, the cave abode door opened, and Ling Feng strode in.
Inside the main hall, Hun Zangfeng was sitting at the head of the table, and beside him sat Young Master Hun Qianchen.
The two were clearly discussing something, with several Jade Slip slips on the table in front of them.
Ling Feng's heart sank, knowing that they were most likely also talking about Han Xuanji.
" Ling Feng, you've arrived."
Hun Zangfeng raised his eyelids slightly, his tone indifferent.
Ling Feng quickly bowed and greeted Hun Qianchen, then said urgently:
"Elder Zangfeng, Young Master Qianchen, you must avenge me!"
Hun Zangfeng looked at him calmly:
"What's the rush?"
Ling Feng looked miserable:
"The elders must have heard about the rumors circulating outside. Now everyone is pointing the finger at me, saying that I am jealous of Han Xuanji and deliberately suppressing him."
But I swear to God, at the Lineage council meeting, I was only stating the facts and had absolutely no selfish motives!
He paused, then said:
"Besides, who could have imagined that Han Xuanji was hiding his talent so well? If he had revealed such talent earlier, why would I have questioned him? I implore the elders and the young master to see the truth!"
Hun Zangfeng sneered inwardly.
To discuss the matter objectively and without any personal bias?
This guy is clearly jealous of Han Xuanji, that's why he jumped out to cause trouble.
Now that the truth has come out, they're starting to cry foul.
However, he didn't show it on his face, only stroking his beard and remaining noncommittal.
Hun Qianchen spoke first, his voice neither hurried nor slow:
" Ling Feng, you should understand that the tide cannot be turned back."
He glanced at Ling Feng and said calmly:
" Han Xuanji's ascent to the top of the Five Elements Heavenly Stairway Ladder is a genuine achievement. Anyone who targets him now is going against the majority of the Lineage."
"If you were a smart person, you would know what to do at this time."
Ling Feng's face turned pale, and he hurriedly said:
"Young master, I..."
Hun Qianchen waved his hand, interrupting him:
"If you made a mistake, you made a mistake. Just apologize and it'll be over. It's not like it's a life-or-death feud."
I don't think Han Xuanji is a narrow-minded person. If you are sincere, this matter will be over.
Ling Feng's face was extremely ugly, and his lips trembled for a long time before he finally managed to squeeze out a sentence:
"What... what did I do wrong? If he hadn't deliberately hidden it, would I have done that?"
Upon hearing this, Hun Zangfeng's face immediately darkened, and he said bluntly:
" Ling Feng, if you continue with this attitude, then I can't help you."
Let's leave it at that. Apologize, and Young Master Qianchen and I might be able to speak on your behalf.
If you don't apologize, then there's nothing I can do to help you.
His tone was stern, leaving no room for negotiation.
Ling Feng's expression changed several times, sometimes turning ashen, sometimes flushed red, his eyes filled with resentment and anger.
But he also knew that Hun Zangfeng was right.