Urban Romantic Divine Doctor Chapter 1683 - 1680: Wendong, Is That You?

With a smile playing on his lips, Daoist Lingxu addressed the onlookers, "Do you find this gift pleasing?"

The moment they beheld Wu Zan's corpse materialize before them, every member of the Li Family, led by Li Boyuan, felt an agonizing sensation, as if innumerable fine steel needles were brutally piercing their scalps. An indescribable mix of tingling and sharp pain coursed through their bodies.

Simultaneously, a bone-chilling cold, akin to a tangible ice serpent, slithered up their spines, compelling them to shiver uncontrollably, their skin erupting with goosebumps that spread like wildfire after a downpour.

Their pupils constricted drastically before suddenly dilating, trembling like a lone candle flame caught in a tempest.

Every face was contorted with sheer shock and terror, resembling individuals who had encountered a ghastly apparition in broad daylight, demanding their very lives.

Inwardly, they screamed in disbelief, questioning the impossibility of the scene.

Even with the wildest flights of fancy, they could never have conceived that the cherished gift Daoist Lingxu spoke of would, in fact, be their most steadfast pillar of support – Wu Zan!

What manner of celebratory surprise was this?!

It was, unequivocally, a chilling nightmare capable of freezing their souls to their core!

In an instant, a pervasive sense of foreboding, like the oppressive weight of dark clouds, spread rapidly through their hearts like an overwhelming tidal wave.

At this juncture, all eyes turned to Daoist Lingxu, their gazes etched with an undeniable, deep-seated fear.

They had already keenly grasped that the uninvited guest before them was no benevolent acquaintance but rather a malevolent entity radiating intense hostility and a clear intent to punish.

"Senior, what... what is the meaning of this?"

Amidst the overwhelming surge of terror, Li Boyuan managed to muster a semblance of composure.

His voice quivered like a leaf caught in the wind, his countenance was etched with a soul-penetrating fear, and his eyes, when they met Daoist Lingxu's, were filled with apprehension, as if confronting the most terrifying demon imaginable.

Daoist Lingxu's seemingly placid smile persisted, yet within its depths lay an unfathomable icy coldness, potent enough to freeze all existence instantaneously. "Hmph, did you foolishly believe that by merely relying on Wu Zan, you could act with impunity and wreak havoc upon this world?"

"He dared to rashly assail those he should never have provoked, and this is the ultimate consequence of his actions."

"As for your Li Family, do not entertain the delusion that you will emerge from this unscathed."

A profound sense of despair surged within Li Boyuan. He understood with crystal clarity that his Li Family had, this time, truly encountered an insurmountable obstacle.

His legs buckled, and with a resounding thud, he collapsed to his knees, his forehead striking the ground as he desperately implored. "Senior, all these calamities stem from my Li Family's minds clouded by avarice, our arrogant ignorance of our own limitations leading us into this dire predicament."

"I implore you, Senior, show mercy upon us, your ignorant servants, and grant us an opportunity to atone and begin anew!"

Every member of the Li Family prostrated themselves, begging for clemency, their eyes brimming with sheer terror.

While laws did exist to prohibit cultivators from readily attacking mortals,

the Li Family, by harboring a cultivator as an honored associate, had already transcended the status of a mere mortal family.

Consequently, even if Daoist Lingxu were to annihilate the entire Li Family, he would face no legal repercussions or judgment according to the established laws.

Daoist Lingxu's gaze remained serene and unwavering as he stated indifferently, "The Elder's sole mission on this occasion is to deliver this corpse, intact, back to its rightful owner."

"You need not harbor fears that this Elder will lay waste to your entire Li Family."

"Slaying insects like yourselves would only serve to soil this Elder's hands and diminish his esteemed status."

With these words, Daoist Lingxu's form began to dissipate, gradually becoming ethereal before vanishing entirely.

Like a wisp of smoke, he silently faded, completely disappearing from the terrified and aghast sight of the Li Family, leaving behind a chamber plunged into profound silence and palpable tension.

Following Daoist Lingxu's departure, the Li Family members remained slumped on the floor, unable to recover for a considerable duration.

Li Boyuan's complexion was ashen, his eyes reflecting a mixture of relief from narrowly escaping utter annihilation and a lingering, deep-seated fear.

He was acutely aware that although they had avoided total destruction, the reputation and prestige of the Li Family would undeniably suffer a severe blow, casting a shadow over their future endeavors amidst the delicate balance between the cultivation world and the mortal realm.

"Father, what are we to do now?" Li Boyuan's son inquired, his voice trembling, all former vigor replaced by a profound sense of despondency and bewilderment.

Li Boyuan slowly rose to his feet, drawing a deep breath in an attempt to calm his racing heart, and declared, "First, we shall accord Senior Wu Zan a solemn burial, offering our final respects."

"Subsequently, issue a decree for the family to maintain a low profile henceforth, actively working to mend relationships with various factions, particularly those whose goodwill we may have previously alienated."

A middle-aged man sighed with worry etched on his face, stating, "I just fear the Ye Family might discover our scheme against them. If that happens... our Li Family would be utterly ruined!"

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Inside the Mystic Spirit Pavilion.

Xu Wendong's day proceeded smoothly and serenely. In the afternoon, he attended to a patron seeking a face reading consultation.

Leveraging his profound knowledge of physiognomy, he meticulously guided the guest, offering a glimmer of hope amid their despair and restoring their courage and will to persevere.

Swiftly, the veil of night descended, casting a gentle shroud over the entire city.

Methodically, Xu Wendong secured the Mystic Spirit Pavilion's entrance. He then naturally turned his attention to Zhang Nian, who stood nearby.

Zhang Nian pouted, her delicate features a mask of grievance. She pleaded pitifully, "Master, I truly wish to return home with you. I have no desire to spend the night alone in this shop."

"You know, with my appearance, what if some ruffian develops wicked intentions? Wouldn't this frail woman be subjected to terrible suffering?"

Xu Wendong listened, his lips pressing together slightly. He calmly replied, "If you are unwilling to stay at the shop, then simply return to your home. Why hesitate over this matter?"

"No!" Zhang Nian instantly refused. She then sighed in resignation, "Very well, I shall obediently remain at the shop."

"Let's go, I'll accompany you home to collect your things!" Xu Wendong casually proposed. He leisurely led Zhang Nian toward the parking area. Following her directions, they reached an older residential complex.

As parking was scarce within the complex, he remained in the car while Zhang Nian ascended to retrieve her luggage.

A small convenience store was situated nearby. Exiting the vehicle with the intention of purchasing a bottle of water, he was suddenly addressed.

The moment he stepped out, a voice, laced with a hint of tears, called out from behind him, "Wendong, is that you?"