High Martial Arts: Invincible Starts from Basic Archery Chapter 782 - 612: Who exactly are you!

Liu Zheng and his son shared a quiet look, remaining speechless after hearing Xu Hu’s statement.

Had they been aware that representatives from the Elder Council were already en route, they surely would have exhausted every tactic to delay the situation.

The problem was, they were completely in the dark!

Furthermore, stalling might have been an impossible task anyway.

The opposition had already seized total control over them, extracting every bit of information they possessed.

"Elder Xu."

After a brief silence, Liu Zheng spoke up, "Our family ancestor met his end while performing a task on behalf of the Elder Council. The murderer didn't stop there; he brazenly plundered the Liu family’s secret realm treasures in the light of day..."

He trailed off, realizing that speaking too bluntly might sound overly aggressive.

Considering the Liu family’s Cultivation foundation had been severely crippled, he did not dare risk provoking the Elder Council.

"Rest easy," Xu Hu replied with conviction.

"We will absolutely provide the Liu family with a proper resolution. That Chen brat hasn't much time left to live! Once he is apprehended, all the items stolen from your clan will be returned."

To Xu Hu, the Liu family was distinct from the Song family.

If the Song family had come with demands, he would have felt like killing them out of annoyance.

However, the Liu family had truly suffered a catastrophe because they followed the council's directives.

The Elder Council was obligated to take some of the blame.

"My deepest thanks, Elder Xu!" Liu Zheng replied with haste.

"Elder Xu," Liu Zhenyang interjected suddenly, "I beg the elders to assist us in recovering the secret realm treasures that were stolen. Regarding the Divine Demon-level martial arts among those spoils, please, accept them as a gift."

"?"

Liu Zheng’s eyes went wide as he stared at his father in total bewilderment.

Surrendering the Divine Demon-level martial arts?

What madness was this? That was a Divine Demon-level technique!

Even if they lacked the talent to master it currently, it didn't mean the Liu family wouldn't eventually produce a prodigy capable of comprehending its secrets.

Across the line, Xu Hu and his companions were equally taken aback.

However, as seasoned veterans, they quickly caught on to his scheme.

It was a simple matter of survival; since their clan no longer possessed a Celestial Realm Martial Artist, such a Divine Demon-level martial art would only invite greedy predators. Offering it to the council was a small price to pay for their protection.

Naturally, the other secret realm treasures were things the Liu family wouldn't dream of giving up.

"Xu Zhenyang, what kind of people do you think we are?" Elder Qin spoke up. "We are filled with regret over your ancestor's passing. Therefore, whether it is the secret realm treasures or the stolen Divine Demon-level martial arts, every item will be returned to you in full."

"Indeed, your family’s Divine Demon-level technique is likely a volume of the Longevity Technique, isn't it? We have seen it before. There is no need for such gestures."

"Yes, of course," Xu Zhenyang replied quickly.

"Very well, the matter is settled. Expect visitors at the Liu family residence soon. When they arrive, show them the utmost hospitality. If there is a delay, remain patient; it will only be a few days."

"We thank the elders! Truly, thank you!"

Liu Zhenyang and his son expressed their gratitude in unison.

Once the connection was severed, both men let out a long breath of relief.

"Father, it appears these elders aren't as difficult to deal with as I feared," Liu Zheng remarked.

"I can only hope that is the case."

Xu Zhenyang did not share his son's confidence.

He knew all too well that human hearts often fail when faced with great temptation.

Currently, because the items weren't in their possession, they could easily promise the world.

But once the treasures were in their hands, whether they would actually return them was a different story; it was like a debtor promising to pay back a loan in a few days, only for months to pass without a single cent being seen.

The smile on Liu Zheng’s face vanished instantly.

"Come, let us head back," Xu Zhenyang said, patting his son's shoulder.

"The elders mentioned that reinforcements are coming. Even if their arrival is delayed, we must act as gracious hosts. Since they have been tasked with hunting that man, they are surely elite experts. It is vital that we build a strong rapport with them."

"You are right, Father."

Liu Zheng nodded fervently at the suggestion.

The pair hurried back to the main hall, where the scattered and panicked members of the Liu family fell silent, looking toward them for answers.

"The treasures have been taken."

Xu Zhenyang let out a heavy sigh.

The truth was impossible to suppress, and besides, letting the news spread might actually discourage others from targeting the weakened Liu family.

A wave of grief washed over the crowd.

"That man is a monster!"

"Exactly! He murdered our ancestor and looted our heritage. This is an absolute disgrace!"

"But we are far too weak to face him."

"This is the Elder Council's doing! Our ancestor would never have met such a tragic end if not for their orders."

"True! The Elder Council owes us a debt!"

The family members shouted out their frustrations in a heated clamor.

"Silence!"

Xu Zhenyang roared, his sharp gaze cutting through the crowd. "The Elder Council just contacted us. They have already sent out a force to hunt down that Chen kid. This grievance will be settled shortly. I will not hear another word of complaint. Is that clear?"

"We understand," the crowd murmured in response.

They hadn't realized the Elder Council had already reached out.

Still, in their eyes, this was the very least the council could do.