Supreme Vision Master Chapter 1258: The Mastermind (1)

Though Hu Zhongtian’s words were harsh, Luo Qingtong seemed to glean a crucial detail from them. Her eyes narrowed slightly as she regarded Hu Zhongtian and asked abruptly, "Is it because of the item the Bai Family desires?" With Yu Sihuang present, Luo Qingtong felt secure, unconcerned about the Second Elder’s subordinates overhearing their discourse.

Upon hearing Luo Qingtong’s question, Hu Zhongtian was momentarily stunned before erupting into a pained coughing fit. He stared at Luo Qingtong, his countenance etched with extreme surprise. "How... how did you know?" His gaze darted between Luo Qingtong and Chu Lingfeng, a flicker of doubt crossing his mind whether Luo Qingtong’s proximity to Chu Lingfeng harbored any hidden agenda. The latter’s simple and somewhat naive nature made him susceptible to manipulation.

Sensing his scrutiny, Luo Qingtong offered a faint smile. She lightly tapped her folded fan and stated with practiced ease, "Naturally, it's because..." The corners of her lips curved upward slightly as she continued, "...I eliminated Bai Jintang and learned of it from him." She then met Hu Zhongtian's gaze and added, "You need not fret about me harming you. Were it not for Lady Yan’s request, I would have no interest in your Hu Family."

Indeed, had Lady Yan not intervened, Luo Qingtong possessed numerous alternative methods to acquire the item from the Hu Family. "That’s right, we are loyal to our master," Chu Lingfeng chimed in with earnestness at this juncture, unaware of the profound effect his declaration had on Hu Zhongtian.

"Cough, cough... master..." Hu Zhongtian’s heart ached with a profound sense of bitterness. His own grandson had sworn allegiance to none other than a mere youth! The hardships his daughter and grandson must have endured living in obscurity filled him with sorrow, prompting an overwhelming urge to weep. "It is entirely my fault!" he lamented internally. "My fault for failing to protect my daughter and grandson sooner!"

Hu Zhongtian's heart heavy with regret, he observed Chu Lingfeng and then Luo Qingtong, finally nodding his assent. "Very well, let us discuss this inside." Given that the other party had dispatched Bai Jintang, they were undeniably adversaries of the Bai Family. And as his grandson’s master, Hu Zhongtian felt he had no reason to conceal matters from her.

His original intention was to keep this affair clandestine, thereby shielding Chu Lingfeng and Lady Yan from any entanglement from which they could not extricate themselves. However, with Luo Qingtong having already slain Bai Jintang and becoming privy to this matter, any room for maneuverability had vanished. Since the other party had dared to provoke the Bai Family, Lady Yan and Chu Lingfeng would inevitably be drawn into the conflict.

With faltering steps, Hu Zhongtian guided Luo Qingtong and her companions towards the main hall of his estate. The group settled into the seats within the grand hall before Hu Zhongtian, after a prolonged coughing fit, his face ashen, addressed Luo Qingtong. "That item, ultimately, belongs to Lady Yan..." he began, glancing toward Chu Lingfeng, his voice raspy. "It was sent by your father, the man who took Lady Yan’s person..."

The item had been delivered to the Hu Family not long after Lady Yan departed from Barbaric City. Initially, Hu Zhongtian and his kin were unaware of its origin until they discovered a hidden letter within. In it, the sender confessed to having been severely wounded and subsequently ambushed, which compelled him to forcefully take Lady Yan, resulting in a grave transgression. The item was dispatched as restitution to the Hu Family.

It was only then that Hu Zhongtian and the others ascertained that Lady Yan had been violated prior to her marriage, and that it was an act of coercion. Furthermore, it was highly probable that she had been ensnared by someone else. However, as the man in question never reappeared, and Lady Yan had subsequently vanished... they were left in ignorance regarding the identity of the perpetrator who had framed Lady Yan all those years ago.