The City’s Strongest Son-in-law Chapter 1220 - 1219: Elder Yin’s Warning
Previously on The City’s Strongest Son-in-law...
Su Changfeng remained silent, continuing his discourse, "Elder Yin, have you ever pondered the stagnation of talent within Tuo Shi throughout these years? And why has our overall might seen a continuous decline? Despite the heavy losses of masters incurred during the recent conflict, a full century has elapsed with no discernible advancement. Does Tuo Shi still warrant its existence?"
He then paused, a moment later adding, "Without implementing drastic measures, Tuo Shi will inevitably become obsolete."
Yin Zhengyuan fell into a period of silence. As a prominent figure within Lingxiao Pavilion, he was acutely aware of the underlying issues. However, the consolidation of Shangyun Pavilion and Lingxiao Pavilion presented considerable complexities.
Achieving such unification necessitated a leader possessing substantial influence and renown, and crucially, the endorsement of the populace.
"Su Changfeng, your aspirations appear quite vast, aiming to hold dominion over all of Tuo Shi," Yin Zhengyuan remarked.
"Elder Yin, it is time for me to depart. I am bound for the Forbidden Land. Should you have nothing else pressing, you are welcome to accompany me and observe," Su Changfeng responded, deliberately sidestepping Yin Zhengyuan’s inquiry. With that, he set out towards the Forbidden Land, accompanied by Chen Qingqing.
Yin Zhengyuan stood rooted, appearing momentarily lost in thought, as if awakening from a profound dream. After a beat, he began to follow Su Changfeng.
Nevertheless, his perception of Su Changfeng had undergone another significant shift. This young man possessed not only formidable power but also an ambition of considerable scale. Entrusting Tuo Shi to his guidance, aligned with his vision of forging a new future through reconstruction, might indeed usher in a vastly different era.
Meanwhile, at the location of the Forbidden Land.
Elder Wu and his aide were expected to have been waiting for some time already. It wasn’t just them; every master of heavenly-level cultivation within Tuo Shi had assembled.
Alas, in stark contrast to Tuo Shi’s zenith, a mere dozen heavenly-level masters seemed woefully insufficient and pathetic. In bygone days, Tuo Shi could contend with forces from the Outer Domain, but now, this small contingent barely amounted to a spectacle!
"Chang Feng, at this juncture, I shall forgo any attempts at dissuasion, but I do have a few words of counsel," Elder Wu stated as he approached.
Su Changfeng remained composed, his gaze locked intently on the portal leading to the Outer Domain. From the very moment of his arrival, the ambient energy fluctuations had intensified, and an irresistible magnetism grew, as if an unseen entity from beyond was beckoning him.
"Our knowledge of the Outer Domain's circumstances is virtually non-existent. Therefore, upon your arrival, utmost discretion is advised. Refrain from drawing undue attention until you have a grasp of the situation, lest your identity be revealed and you meet a fatal end," Elder Wu cautioned.
Su Changfeng offered a slight nod. Even without Elder Wu’s admonishment, he was fully cognizant of the risks. Venturing into an entirely unknown realm demanded circumspection; he understood the principle that the nail that sticks out gets hammered down.
"I am relieved to hear you comprehend the gravity of the situation. Given our limited insights into the other side, our advice is necessarily sparse. We can only wish for your safe return," Elder Wu concluded.
Su Changfeng glanced at Chen Qingqing, and without further accord, the pair proceeded through the entrance together.
Few had anticipated Su Changfeng’s swift and resolute action, and the assembled heavenly-level masters could only stare, their eyes wide with astonishment.
In that moment, a deep admiration for Su Changfeng's valor and decisive spirit filled them.
"This young man truly possesses remarkable fortitude!" Yin Zhengyuan declared, his expression grave.
Elder Wu let out a soft chuckle, a hint of helplessness coloring his tone, "When protecting his wife and children, what fears could possibly hold him back?"
On that note, as if a sudden realization dawned upon him, Elder Wu addressed Yin Zhengyuan directly, "You have witnessed the depth of Su Changfeng's devotion to his family; it would be prudent for you to pay closer attention to your own cherished daughter. You understand her temperament far better than I."
"Should she act rashly and commit an irreversible error, the potential ramifications are stark, and I need hardly elaborate, are they?"
"Elder Wu, to what precisely are you alluding? While Lulu might exhibit a degree of willfulness, she is not without her boundaries," Yin Zhengyuan countered, his expression tinged with displeasure.
"Is that truly the case?" Elder Wu inquired nonchalantly, fixing his gaze on Yin Zhengyuan. "You are well aware of her nature; over the years, your indulgence has fostered a certain unruliness. Shall I recount the instances where she has leveraged her status to oppress others?"
"Elder Wu, this falls within the purview of my family matters. Your concern is not required," Yin Zhengyuan retorted, casting a displeased glance towards Elder Wu.
"Were it not for its potential connection to Su Changfeng, I would refrain from interjecting. However, on this matter, I must insist. If Shen Hanxue and the others were to face dire consequences due to Yin Lulu's actions, he might well retaliate by obliterating Lingxiao Pavilion, or indeed, all of Tuo Shi! You cannot possibly ignore the astonishing rate at which his strength has escalated," Elder Wu asserted.
Yin Zhengyuan’s heart quaked; he was acutely aware of how swiftly Su Changfeng’s power had ascended. In their previous clash, a single punch from Su Changfeng had been enough to repel him, and now Su Changfeng was venturing into the Outer Domain. It was impossible to gauge how formidable he might become.
Nevertheless, Yin Zhengyuan maintained the conviction that while his daughter exhibited a degree of willfulness, she lacked true malice, and therefore would not bring harm to Shen Hanxue and the others.
"Elder Wu, there is no need for you to concern yourself with this matter. I am fully aware of the situation," Yin Zhengyuan responded.
Elder Wu could only emit a sigh, recognizing that Yin Zhengyuan would not be convinced until he personally faced the repercussions. Some individuals, if left uncorrected, would continue to perceive their offspring as merely pampered children.
"Is that so? I have received intelligence that Yin Lulu secretly arranged for someone to depart from Tuo Shi and journey towards Jiang City. She simply allowed individuals to leave casually and dispatched someone elsewhere; would you care for me to specify their destination?" Elder Wu inquired.
"Elder Wu, are you not overstepping by attempting to tarnish the reputation of a young maiden?" Yin Zhengyuan shot Elder Wu an indignant glare.
"If my information is inaccurate, why do you not verify it for yourself? Such inquiries should hardly pose a challenge for you, given your standing as Squad Leader, should they not? Should you persist in indulging her, I will not hesitate to intervene directly." Having delivered this ultimatum, Elder Wu departed without further delay.
He had already extended an opportunity to Yin Lulu, but if they failed to conduct themselves appropriately, he would not hold back. He had shown considerable leniency towards Yin Zhengyuan; the subsequent steps now rested upon Yin Zhengyuan's decision.
Gazing at the resolute expression on Elder Wu’s face, Yin Zhengyuan understood that he was not speaking lightly. He apprehended the gravity of the situation and, not daring to delay, proceeded directly towards the Yellow Level.
Should Yin Lulu truly have committed such an act, immediate action was imperative to prevent her; otherwise, remorse would arrive too late.
Despite holding the position of Squad Leader within the Lingxiao Pavilion, Yin Zhengyuan’s authority held little sway in Tuo Shi. Strength reigned supreme, and the ultimate fate awaiting Su Changfeng remained an unknown.
Should Shen Hanxue and the others genuinely find themselves in peril due to Yin Lulu’s actions, the fury of Su Changfeng was a tempest they could not withstand.
The entryway to the Outer Domain stood in silent stillness, and after Su Changfeng and his companions had passed through, it was as if no event had transpired.
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