Unstoppable Martial Arts: Starting with brother's wife and young sister Chapter 880 - 474: Fracture

"Hmm!"

Jiang Qi offered a slow nod. "However, this grandson is not entirely certain if he was the one truly responsible."

"It is of no consequence!"

The Second Elder interjected. "Whether it was him or not, the situation serves our purpose just the same."

Even if that were not the case, the influence of the Dark Moon meant that a little strategic manipulation could easily transform fiction into reality.

If they lacked such capability, how could the Dark Moon have maintained its footing in the Eastern Continent for such an extensive duration?

With that settled, Jiang Qi revealed his internal deductions.

"Very well!"

The Second Elder stood up. "In that case, let us proceed to meet Prince Xuan and determine exactly how formidable he truly is."

In his heart, he felt a flicker of surprise; he had not anticipated Prince Xuan possessing such brazen audacity.

...

A horse-drawn carriage rolled to a stop before the gates of Prince Xuan’s Mansion.

Jiang Qi and his two companions alighted.

"Hmm!"

Jiang Yudao acknowledged him with a nod, prompting Jiang Qi to step forward. "Please convey the message: Jiang Qi of the Dark Moon requests an audience with Lord Xuan."

Tantai Kun remained motionless, his gaze fixed solemnly on the visitors. He recognized Jiang Qi, yet he remained wary of the other two.

His eyes lingered on the middle-aged individual clad in grey, who stood perfectly still yet emanated a palpably dangerous aura.

"Who are these people?"

As a personal guard of the Prince's residence, he was required to vet any potential visitor.

"An Elder of the Dark Moon, also arrived here specifically to consult with Lord Xuan," Jiang Qi replied with a polished smile.

"Remain here for a moment!"

Tantai Kun was a man of few words, his expression remaining entirely unreadable.

He signaled briefly to a nearby guard before vanishing into the interior of the mansion.

Deep within the study.

Chen Xuan had opted to remain away from the Primordial Realm for a span of several days, purely in anticipation of Jiang Qi’s personal arrival.

"Reporting to Lord Xuan: Jiang Qi of the Dark Moon, accompanied by two Elders, is requesting an audience!" Shi Jian’s voice drifted in from the courtyard.

"Hehe, they have arrived sooner than I predicted," Chen Xuan commented with a cryptic smile.

He had expected them to hold out for a few more days, but it seemed their patience had finally evaporated, necessitating a visit alongside the Dark Moon Elders.

"Escort them to the great hall; I shall join them shortly."

"As you command!"

After Shi Jian departed, Chen Xuan showed no signs of haste, instead pouring himself a cup of tea. He lingered for another thirty minutes before stretching languidly and strolling out of his study.

Inside the great hall of the mansion.

Jiang Qi and his companions occupied seats while Shi Jian maintained a post to the side.

"Chief Steward Shi, how much longer must we wait for Lord Xuan? It has been half an hour already."

"That is something I cannot say. Please continue to wait." Shi Jian offered a polite, thin smile.

Privately, however, he pondered the situation. This individual had clearly crossed the Prince, or surely he would have emerged far sooner.

"Simply be patient," Jiang Yudao murmured, shutting his eyes.

The Second Elder had remained silent since their arrival, his hands folded as if he were drifting into a slumber.

Startled! He suddenly snapped his eyes open. "He is here!"

No sooner had the words escaped his lips than the rhythm of approaching footsteps resounded through the hall.

A few moments later, Chen Xuan entered with his hands clasped behind his back, his pace unhurried and relaxed.

His gaze shifted immediately to the Second Elder, and their eyes locked.

"A powerful aura—he is likely not inferior to Hong Zhisha!"

Given the current state of his senses, even without actively probing, he could accurately estimate their level of cultivation.

Yet, he felt no fear.

Following his battle against the rabbit, his entire perspective had shifted.

He would not tremble even before an eighth-rank foe, let alone a mere seventh-rank practitioner of the Dao Realm.

Should he find himself unable to defeat them, he would simply summon the rabbit.

In the present Eastern Continent, few ancient monsters could cause him genuine worry.

Because of this, his methodology had changed; had this been the past, he would have ensured Ye Jinghong targeted the Dark Moon with far more subtlety.

"I have kept you waiting for quite some time!" Chen Xuan noted lightheartedly before claiming his seat at the head of the hall.

"Greetings, Lord Xuan!" Jiang Qi offered a slight bow.

As for Jiang Yudao and the Second Elder, they provided only a curt nod. To them, the status of a prince held very little weight.

"There is no need for such formalities!" Chen Xuan expressed no annoyance. "You may take your leave now."

"Understood!" Shi Jian bowed respectfully and exited the hall.

The chamber fell into an immediate, heavy silence.

Observing this, Jiang Qi glanced at his grandfather, who gave a nearly imperceptible nod in return.

Jiang Qi stepped forward. "Recently, the Dark Moon branches within rMolan Mansion were shuttered by the Three Judicial Departments. I was hoping Lord Xuan might be willing to show some magnanimity?"

He chose to bypass all pleasantries and address the issue directly.

"Oh? Magnanimity? Perhaps there has been some misunderstanding?" Chen Xuan feigned ignorance, despite the direct nature of the question.

This left Jiang Qi feeling exactly as if he were punching thin air.

"Lord Xuan must be joking. Beyond yourself, who else in all of rMolan Mansion possesses such authority?" Jiang Qi felt forced to abandon his patience.

"Hehe!" Chen Xuan chuckled dryly. "I truly wouldn't know. I am merely a prince. Tell you what—I shall launch an investigation to uncover who is responsible, and perhaps I can act as a mediator to clear up any misunderstandings!"

"Mediate?"

"Naturally!"

Internally, Jiang Qi let out a cold snort. Who could say how long such a process would take? This dilemma required an immediate resolution to prevent the Dark Moon from suffering further losses.

"What is Lord Xuan actually seeking to gain by locating the Winged Spinning Dragon Beast?" the Second Elder finally broke his silence.

It was clear that Chen Xuan had been waiting for them to bring up the beast, and they had finally decided to play his game.

"It serves a minor purpose."

"Should the Dark Moon provide information on its whereabouts, I will ensure you are rewarded handsomely."