The Strongest Dandy in the City Chapter 2365 - 2354: Do You Still Have Any Shame?

With deliberate steps, Cheng Yuanmu advanced towards Zhou Yongwang.

Zhou Yongwang’s gaze locked onto Cheng Yuanmu, and before the latter could draw nearer, a sinister question was posed, "Are you Cheng Yuanmu of the Cheng family?"

Without awaiting a response, Zhou Yongwang’s aura, indicative of a half-step Divine Venerable, surged forth.

With incredible swiftness, this oppressive force bore down upon Cheng Yuanmu.

Cheng Yuanmu, possessing only the cultivation of the Initial Stage Divine King Realm, was utterly outmatched against the might of a half-step Divine Venerable’s targeted aura. How could he possibly resist?

As the aura struck, a suffocating pressure seized his chest, forcing him to stumble back three paces.

A metallic taste flooded his throat.

Warm blood erupted from his mouth, painting his lips crimson.

Cheng Yuanmu, his mouth stained with blood, stared in disbelief. Could Zhou Yongwang truly attack him so brazenly in front of everyone, disregarding all decorum?

However, what transpired next revealed that Zhou Yongwang had meticulously orchestrated this confrontation.

Zhou Yongwang let out a cold snort. "I’ve heard whispers about your Cheng family, specifically a woman named Cheng Yiyao, who relentlessly pursues Hong Jing. Particularly after learning of my advancement to the half-step Divine Venerable realm, that woman’s persistence intensified, causing Hong Jing considerable distress. Is this how the Cheng family permits its juniors to behave?"

Upon emerging from his seclusion after breaking through to the half-step Divine Venerable realm, Zhou Yongwang learned that his direct descendant, Zhou Hongjing, harbored affection for Cheng Yiyao of the Cheng family, only to be rebuffed by her and the Cheng family. Cheng Yuanmu, in particular, had shown strong support for Cheng Yiyao. This perceived humiliation festered within Zhou Yongwang, fueling his desire to settle the score on behalf of Zhou Hongjing.

Cheng Yuanmu had never anticipated Zhou Yongwang would twist the facts so drastically. Not far away, Cheng Yiyao, Ye Chenfeng, and the elderly steward exchanged stunned glances. Cheng Yiyao, filled with concern, was the first to rush to Cheng Yuanmu’s side, anxiously inquiring, "Ancestor, are you unharmed?"

Cheng Yuanmu waved a dismissive hand, retorting with unwavering resolve, "Does the Zhou family’s preeminent status in Lingfeng City grant them the right to malign the Chengs in such a manner?"

Zhou Yongwang’s reply was sharp and dismissive. "Must I resort to slander against a mere Cheng family?"

Among the assembled guests.

Members of the Cheng family, including Cheng Nianjiang, Cheng Tongliang, Cheng Tongming, and Cheng Tonghan, stepped forward. With two half-step Divine Venerables from the Zhou family now present, Cheng Yuanmu found himself without any avenue to retaliate.

Cheng Nianjiang declared with an air of self-righteousness, "Cheng Yuanmu, though you were once our ancestor, and I hesitate to show disrespect, we have all departed from your Cheng family. We simply could not stand idly by while Cheng Yiyao persistently pestered Young Master Hong Jing. Despite the Young Master’s magnanimity, Cheng Yiyao’s behavior escalated, and you continually indulged her. Did the Young Master show any particular interest in Cheng Yiyao for her to warrant such persistent attention?"

"We repeatedly cautioned Cheng Yiyao against bothering the Young Master, yet as her ancestor, you consistently favored her, even going so far as to threaten us. Cheng Yiyao’s sole motivation was to curry favor with the Young Master, exploiting his status as a half-step Divine Venerable to gain his attention. Such opportunistic women are unfit to be part of our Cheng family."

"As the ancestor, you likely harbor similar aspirations as this opportunistic woman, compelling us to abandon the Cheng family. This is not the Cheng family we wish to be associated with."

Cheng Nianjiang’s accusations were delivered with a stern, righteous composure. To malign his own granddaughter in such a fashion suggested a heart of unparalleled coldness.

Standing alongside Cheng Nianjiang were Cheng Tongliang, Cheng Tongming, and Cheng Tonghan, their faces maintaining an icy, impassive demeanor.

Cheng Yiyao’s body quivered uncontrollably; the sheer weight of her family’s slander plunged her into the depths of despair.

Cheng Yuanmu, his lips still stained with blood, let out a bitter, self-mocking laugh. "What a calculated scheme, what utter slander! Do you all believe everyone present is blind? I have always conducted myself with a clear conscience. How could our Cheng family have spawned such vile creatures as yourselves?"

Zhou Yongwang interjected with a cool indifference. "To all the esteemed guests who have graced us with their presence today, you are privy to the entire sordid affair. Hong Jing is the junior I hold in highest regard, and of late, his cultivation has been severely hampered by Cheng Yiyao’s relentless harassment. This situation is entirely attributable to the indulgence shown by the Cheng family ancestor, Cheng Yuanmu, a fact well-known amongst the other Cheng family members."

Despite knowing the falsity of Zhou Yongwang’s assertions, the assembled guests chose to remain silent and compliant. With even the Cheng family aligning themselves with the Zhous, what justification would any outsider have to intervene?

Zhou Zhande, another half-step Divine Venerable seated nearby, observed the unfolding scene with a calm detachment. The fate of the Chengs held no particular significance for him, yet he maintained a facade of respect towards Zhou Yongwang.

Zhou Hongjing stepped forward, addressing Zhou Yongwang, "Ancestor, perhaps we should let this matter pass! I am actually in need of a maid; let Cheng Yiyao serve as my maid. This would also save her from bothering me further."

"Young Master is indeed generous!" Cheng Yiyao’s father, Cheng Tonghan, replied.

Zhou Yongwang nodded, "You’re too soft-hearted. Fine, let this shameless woman be your maid! But Cheng Yuanmu, as the Cheng family ancestor, has failed in his duties; while his life can be spared, his power must be abolished. That’s my limit, so don’t plead for them anymore, Hong Jing."

Zhou Hongjing sighed helplessly, his expression quite convincing.

Their act seemed almost believable, completely twisting truth and falsehoods.

Zhou Hongjing shifted his gaze towards Cheng Yiyao.

Sensing Zhou Hongjing’s stare, Cheng Yiyao saw arrogance and desire within his eyes.

Her mind went blank, and she blurted out, "Zhou Hongjing, I am willing to be your woman, spare my ancestor."

Zhou Yongwang shouted coldly, "What nonsense! I think you’ve gone mad! Still want to be Hong Jing’s woman? Take this girl away."

Cheng Yiyao steadfastly remained by Cheng Yuanmu’s side, her desperate gaze turning towards Cheng Nianjiang and the others. Yet her grandfather, uncle, second uncle, and father showed no hint of pain or shame; instead, their lips curled into faint sneers.

With a desolate look, Cheng Yuanmu knew everything would end; abolishing his power was akin to killing him.

The old steward’s presence was unwavering by Cheng Yuanmu’s side.

Seeing Zhou Hongjing’s reluctance to spare her ancestor, Cheng Yiyao realized they couldn’t escape the Zhous’ grasp. Instead of subsequent humiliation, she’d rather die swiftly; she resolved to commit suicide, instinctively glancing at Ye Chenfeng.

Holding a wine cup, Ye Chenfeng happened to approach Cheng Yiyao’s side, his eyes slightly narrowed as he casually took a sip of wine, remarking, "Bland and flavorless, even the Spiritual Wine of the Ancient Realm is just so-so."

His gaze fixed on Zhou Yongwang and the others, he asked, "Do you people still possess any shame?"

... (To be continued. If you like this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please go to m.qidian.com to read.)