"Enough! Xiao Mingyuan, this man is under my command. Since the matter originated with him, any punishment should be handled by me personally."
Just as Xiao Mingyuan was approaching Zhao Jin step by step, Xiao Dingtian's impatient voice finally came again. His deep voice caused the shouts of the crowd to quickly subside until they were completely silent. At this moment, Zhao Jin also breathed a sigh of relief the instant he heard the former's voice, and his ashen face finally regained some color.
Xiao Mingyuan's gaze fixed on Zhao Jin, noticing the look of relief on the latter's face, and he gave a cold laugh, refusing to give up:
"To be honest, I don't really believe you. If I hand him over to you now, you might just release him as soon as you turn around. The clan rules will still be ignored, so what's the point of mentioning punishment or fairness!"
"This is the Xiao Clan! As the head of the Xiao Clan, I have the authority to manage both internal and external affairs. How could I possibly disregard the clan rules? If you don't trust me, you can settle this matter here!"
Xiao Dingtian's face darkened. Although the former was a family elder, he was not afraid of him. If he hadn't been in the wrong in this matter, he wouldn't have been in such a difficult situation.
Upon hearing this, Xiao Mingyuan slightly raised his eyelids, glanced at the latter, his eyes darted around, his thoughts flashing quickly, and then he glanced at everyone present before coldly saying:
"Alright, let's reach a mutually satisfactory conclusion here to avoid any unforeseen complications."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Dingtian secretly breathed a sigh of relief. A glint of light flashed in the depths of his old eyes. He glanced at Xiao Yan subtly, then slowly said:
"Hmph, that's it. In the end, although Zhao Jin privately ordered his clansmen to invade the Ouyang Clan, violating clan rules and deserving the death penalty, in my opinion, the contributions the Zhao Clan family has made to the clan over the years are undeniable. Although their merits don't outweigh their faults, their crimes don't warrant death. Since that's the case, then I will strip him of his title as a clan elder and revoke all of the Zhao Clan family's privileges in Liyang City. Are you satisfied now?"
As soon as he finished speaking, Zhao Jin's face turned ashen. This move by the former was equivalent to stripping the Zhao Clan of all its economic resources. Although it was not fatal, in the complex and powerful Central Region, this was enough to reduce the Zhao Clan's overall strength by several levels.
Such a measure is undeniably ruthless!
Xiao Mingyuan couldn't help but feel surprised by this. Such a decisive decision was probably not as simple and easy as it seemed.
Sure enough, Xiao Dingtian continued to speak, and his words successfully made Xiao Mingyuan, Xiao Yan and the others change color.
"While the Zhao Clan is at fault for what happened today, it is undeniable that Xiao Yan met with the heir of the Ouyang Clan without permission. According to clan rules, he will certainly be severely punished, however..."
Xiao Dingtian's gaze swept across the entire room, and his words caused Xiao Xuan and the others to tense up slightly. Their eyes then fell on Xiao Yan continued:
"Given that he is merely a member of a foreign tribe, he will not be punished further. However, his formal incorporation into the tribe will be postponed, and you will not need to attend the tribe assembly in six months."
"Buzz!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Xiao Xuan's gaze instantly turned to Xiao Dingtian. Even the Third Elder, Xiao Mingyuan, stared at the former with displeasure, his expression rather unpleasant, and said in a deep voice:
"You're completely blurring the lines between public and private matters! This so-called meeting with the young master of the Ouyang Clan is utter nonsense; it was merely a coincidence. What fact is there to it!"
"Third Elder, you are mistaken! If Xiao Yan's matter was purely accidental, then was the conflict between the Zhao Clan family and the Ouyang Clan also accidental? Third Elder's bias is evident; if I were to hand him over to you, I fear it would be unfair!"
Xiao Dingtian snorted righteously, and Xiao Mingyuan was immediately furious and speechless. The Xiao Clan members around him also started to whisper about it again. On the other hand, Zhao Jin had a gloating expression on his face.
Unbeknownst to him, this matter had already been deliberately guided by Xiao Dingtian to his advantage. If he were to be severely punished, Xiao Yan would also be unable to escape. However, if Xiao Mingyuan wanted to exonerate the latter, then Zhao Jin's punishment would be reduced.
Upon thinking of this, Xiao Mingyuan's expression became even more troubled. He stared intently at Zhao Jin, his eyes filled with anger. At this point, how could he not know Xiao Dingtian's purpose? If he spoke up for Xiao Yan, the latter would inevitably take the opportunity to reduce Zhao Jin's punishment. The two were interdependent, and if one suffered, the other would suffer too.
Thus, although Zhao Jin inevitably suffered some hardship in the end, it was nothing serious. However, Xiao Yan was excluded from the clan gathering. The significance of this was considerable.
"Hehe, in the elder's opinion, such a conclusion is not unreasonable. However, I met Ouyang Miao at the North Sea Academy, so we can be considered classmates. If even this relationship is considered a crime, then will everyone in the Xiao Clan who knows the Ouyang Clan, as well as all the elders, including yourself, also be implicated and punished?"
However, at this moment, Xiao Yan, who had been silent for a long time, finally spoke slowly with a smile. His words stunned everyone present. Many exchanged bewildered glances, hesitant in their hearts. Even Xiao Dingtian opened his mouth, speechless for a moment, before finally letting out a cold snort and saying:
"Hmph, you're just spouting nonsense, you sharp-tongued brat!"
"Since the elder mentioned this matter to me, Xiao Yan has not uttered a single word in rebuttal. Even the specific details of my meeting with Ouyang Miao were only told by Patriarch Zhao Clan, without any investigation. He immediately asserted that Xiao Yan was connected with the Ouyang Clan and ordered me not to attend the clan meeting. I wonder if this is a punishment or something that Senior did on purpose?"
Xiao Yan said indifferently.
"You... you dare to speak to me like that, you mere outsider!"
Xiao Dingtian's face twitched violently with anger, and he let out a hoarse roar, followed by a furious laugh, and said sharply:
"Very well, since you wish to participate in the clan gathering, then I will grant you this opportunity!"
"Tomorrow, Xiao Lei and Xiao Zhuobin, who have gone out for training, will return to the clan. If you can defeat them, I will not mention the clan gathering. If not, then leave the Xiao Clan!"
"Good!"
Upon hearing this, Xiao Mingyuan's expression changed slightly, but before he could explain to Xiao Yan in detail, the latter had already blurted out that he had agreed to the former's agreement.
"I hope the Elder will be sparing with his words."
Xiao Yan smiled at Xiao Dingtian.
"Hmph, let's talk after you win!"
Upon hearing this, Xiao Dingtian coldly snorted, too lazy to pay any more attention, and turned to leave. Suddenly, the former spoke again, mockingly saying:
"Elder, if you leave, what will become of the Zhao Clan?"
"Do what you think is best!"
Xiao Dingtian waved his sleeve and turned to leave. On the spot, a look of fear finally appeared on Zhao Jin's face.
P. S.: I just started a WeChat official account, and I'll be posting one chapter a week. Feel free to follow if you're interested.