Chapter 205

Wang Qunyun's words made Murong Yan's face turn somewhat unsightly.

Because that pass had indeed come too suspiciously.

Chu Yuping, having lost influence these years, gained few resources from the Chu family; his strength was only at mid Third Realm.

Meanwhile, Chu Yuping's elder brother Chu Yuqiang had already reached the peak of the Third Realm, just a step from the Fourth Realm.

These past years, Chu Yuqiang has been active everywhere, expanding the Chu family's business and forming some ties with the Martial Manor.

So, when the Martial Manor sent someone to deliver that pass, Wang Qunyun concluded it must have been given to Chu Yuping out of respect for Chu Yuqiang.

At that moment Wang Qunyun wanted to seize that pass.

Had Murong Yan not refused to give it up no matter what, that pass might have been seized.

"Yan sister, Yuping is already like this; keeping the pass is useless, better give it to Chu Xuan—he's your nephew after all—and as for Yuping's injury, our whole family will think of a way to treat him; what do you think?"

A paternal cousin of Chu Yuping sighed and advised.

"Yes, Yan sister, if you had produced the pass a month ago, perhaps none of this would have happened..."

Another Chu family member advised.

"You..."

Seeing everyone talking to Wang Qunyun, each staring at the pass but no one mentioning a concrete treatment plan, Murong Yan was so angry she could not speak.

These Chu family members don't want to spend a penny.

"I would rather sell the pass than give it to you!"

Murong Yan's pretty face turned icy cold.

"Sell? This pass isn't yours; what gives you the right to sell it?"

Wang Qunyun sneered repeatedly.

"What's the point of consulting her? Chu family affairs don't yet allow an outsider like her to call the shots, Murong Yan—today you will hand over that pass whether you like it or not!"

A white-haired old man suddenly appeared.

"Uncle..."

Murong Yan's face darkened.

The other party was her husband's great-uncle Chu Yuan.

Chu Yuan is not in the Fourth Realm; despite being in his eighties, his cultivation is only at mid Third Realm.

Chu Yuan holds a special status in the Chu family, having raised his siblings alone after their parents died early.

Among them is Chu Yuping's father, Chu Lao Yezi.

Although Chu Lao Yezi possesses Fourth Realm strength, his Fourth Realm status came from a fortuitous encounter at an ancient road node over a decade ago.

That opportunity to enter the ancient road node was actively given to him by his elder brother Chu Yuan.

After that, the Chu family began to rise.

Thus, even though Chu Lao Yezi's strength surpassed Chu Yuan's, he still obeyed his elder brother.

Chu Yuqiang precisely saw this, and over these years he has been especially respectful to his great-uncle Chu Yuan, winning his favor.

Furthermore, Murong Yan's inability to bear sons—she has only one daughter, Chu Youqing—has led to Chu Yuping's gradual loss of influence.

A few months ago, Chu Youqing's awakening of the Ancient Spirit Root actually brought Chu Yuping a turning point.

Seeing the situation turn unfavorable, Wang Qunyun quickly pulled some Chu family members to Chu Yuan to spread rumors, saying that Chu Youqing, being a girl, would eventually marry no matter how powerful her Ancient Spirit Root.

Even if she doesn't marry soon, a daughter's naturally outgoing nature means her thoughts cannot stay with the Chu family.

With these rumors spreading, plus Chu Lao Yezi's relatively laid-back attitude, Chu Yuqiang has already grasped the Chu family's authority these years, and Chu Yuping's position has not seen noticeable improvement.

"Brother Xi, hand over the pass; don't force us to use force."

Upon Chu Yuan's arrival, Wang Qunyun's arrogance grew even more.

Because she knew that even if Murong Yan now went to Chu Lao Yezi, it would be useless.

Chu Yuan is the Chu family's true Grand Elder.

"Yuping hasn't even awakened yet—how can you do this!"

Murong Yan's voice trembled with sobs, her eye sockets red, tears swirling in her eyes.

"Yan sister, we're doing this for Yuping's sake—if you hand over the pass, you'll immediately obtain Dark Energy; otherwise, even if you sold the pass, you couldn't gather enough Dark Energy."

Some play the good cop, others the bad cop.

Being Murong Zhan's daughter, Murong Yan will not truly be forced unless absolutely necessary.

"Is this how the Chu family bullies people?"

Just as Murong Yan felt helpless, a sudden angry shout came from the courtyard.

Only to see Murong Zhan descend from the sky, landing heavily in the courtyard, kicking up a cloud of dust.

He glared, veins bulging on his forehead, his whole body exuding a terrifying aura.

"Murong Zhan!"

The Chu family members' faces changed.

Murong Zhan's strength is far greater than Chu Lao Yezi's.

The Chu family has only two slots, while the Murong family has three.

That alone suffices to explain the problem.

A month has passed; although Murong Zhan's injuries have not yet healed, his appearance shows no abnormality.

He nodded at Ah Gu, then stepped into the room.

Just now, it was He Gu who noticed something amiss and quietly informed Murong Zhan.

"Father."

Murong Yan saw Murong Zhan, and tears streamed down uncontrollably.

Back then, because she was pregnant, Murong Zhan had no choice but to agree to her marrying Chu Yuping.

After that, the father-daughter relationship remained strained.

Over the years, although there has been some reconciliation, Murong Zhan still harbors some dissatisfaction toward Murong Yan and the Chu family.

Now, Murong Zhan has come to back her up.

She can no longer hold back.

"Father-in-law..."

Chu Yuan saw Murong Zhan, his old face twitched, and he felt a bit guilty.

Although he is a retired emperor within the Chu family, out in the world other fourth-realm grandmasters won't buy his authority.

"You're bullying my daughter like this, do you still consider me your father-in-law?"

Sure enough, Murong Zhan rudely interrupted Chu Yuan's words.

Chu Yuan was cowed by his aura and momentarily lost for words.

"We're not bullying her; that pass was originally given by the Martial Manor out of face for Yuqiang, we're just taking back what's ours."

Wang Qunyun, however, spoke up.

Even though Murong Zhan is strong, for her son's sake she has to fight for it.

The Chu family is inferior to the Murong family; they only have two slots.

Although passes can be exchanged for battle merits, with the old master's strength, accumulating enough merits to compete for a pass would take considerable time.

As for buying... let's not talk about price; even with Dark Energy, one often can't purchase it.

As soon as passes appear, they get snatched up; they simply have no channel to buy them.

"Chu Yuqiang, just because of him?"

Murong Zhan snorted, his thick brows raised high, "Do you take me for a three-year-old child?"

"Then senior, why don't you say what qualifications this weakling Chu Yupping has for the Martial Manor to grant him a pass?"

Wang Qunyun countered.

That remark hit the nail on the head, like a knife stabbing into Murong Zhan's heart.

Even he had to admit that Chu Yupping had absolutely no qualification for the Martial Manor to specially send him a pass.

In his eyes, Chu Yupping has always been a greenhorn.

Back then, with a bit of good looks and sweet talk, he had the cabbage he'd nurtured for over a decade taken.

Although the Chu family later rose, Chu Yupping wasn't exactly promising.

After all these years, he's still at the third realm.

Chu Yupping's decline in the Chu family is also tied to his own personality.

Wang Qunyun's remark "weakling" is not at all unjustified.

"Father-in-law, how did you come? Sigh, look at how this matter has blown up."

At this moment, the old master who had not shown himself finally appeared.

Beside the old master followed a middle-aged man, namely Chu Yupping's older brother, Chu Yuqiang.

"You old brat, finally you've shown up; looking at your Chu family's posture, I almost thought Yupping wasn't your son."

Murong Zhan spoke with sarcasm.

"It's a misunderstanding, it's a misunderstanding; Yupping is my son, I will certainly do my best to heal his injury, and as for that pass, it was indeed given by the Martial Manor out of face for Yuqiang—don't believe me, ask Yuqiang."

The old master repeatedly explained.

Murong Zhan looked toward Chu Yuqiang.

"Uncle, to be frank, over these years I've helped the Martial Manor quite a bit, and the Manor's Captain Ning is practically my brother; perhaps that's why they gave us this pass."

Chu Yuqiang wore a humble expression, appearing as honest as could be.

"Sir, Captain Wang of the Martial Manor has come to visit."

No sooner had Chu Yuqiang's words fallen than a servant came to report.

"Captain Wang?"

Chu Yuqiang rejoiced.

Last time, it was precisely Captain Wang of the Martial Manor who sent someone to deliver the pass.

His arrival now is quite opportune.

"Please have him come in—no, I'll go greet him myself."

The old master didn't stand on ceremony; he personally went to welcome Captain Wang.

In a big city like Rong Cheng, the Manor's leaders are basically of fifth-realm strength.

"No need, I've already come in."

Captain Wang's voice rang out.

He didn't have much time to waste at the Chu household, so after being announced, he went straight in.

"Captain Wang, how did you come?"

The old master warmly went up to meet him.

"Senior Wang, greetings."

Chu Yuqiang also followed up, his face full of flattery.

After Captain Wang glanced at him indifferently, his gaze swept over the Chu family members.

Upon seeing Murong Zhan, he gave a slight nod, as a greeting.

"And Chu Yupping?"

Then Captain Wang asked.

This remark left the Chu family members stunned.

Translation: "This sentence left the Chu family crowd stunned." Or "This remark left the Chu family people stunned." Keep meaning: "This sentence left the Chu family people stunned." We'll output: 【121】 This sentence left the Chu family people stunned.

Leader Wang... did you come for Chu Yùpíng?

Translation: "Leader Wang... did you come for Chu Yuping?" The ellipsis indicates hesitation. We'll keep ellipsis? Probably keep as "...", but we can translate as "Leader Wang... did you come for Chu Yuping?" We'll output: 【122】 Leader Wang... did you come for Chu Yuping?

"Senior Wang, he is here."

Translation: "\"Senior Wang, he is here. \"" Keep quotes. We'll output: 【123】 "Senior Wang, he is here."

Murong Yan quickly said.

Translation: "Murong Yan hurriedly said." Or "Murong Yan quickly replied." We'll output: 【124】 Murong Yan hurriedly said.

Leader Wang walked over, examined Chu Yùpíng's injuries, and then furrowed his brow.

Translation: "Leader Wang walked over, examined Chu Yuping's injuries, and then frowned." We'll output: 【125】 Leader Wang walked over, examined Chu Yuping's injuries, and then frowned.

A month ago, Xu the Leader from the capital asked them to deliver a pass to Chu Yùpíng, and he specially greeted them, requesting they look after Chu Yùpíng.

Translation: "A month ago, Leader Xu from the capital asked them to deliver a pass to Chu Yuping, and he specially greeted them, telling them to take care of Chu Yuping." We'll output: 【126】 A month ago, Leader Xu from the capital asked them to deliver a pass to Chu Yuping, and he specially greeted them, telling them to take care of Chu Yuping.

To make them more attentive, Leader Xu deliberately revealed some inside information, telling them that Chu Yùpíng is the father-in-law of the recently rising genius Lu Xún.

Translation: "To make them more diligent, Leader Xu deliberately revealed some inside information, telling them that Chu Yuping was the father-in-law of the recently rising genius Lu Xun." We'll output: 【127】 To make them more diligent, Leader Xu deliberately revealed some inside information, telling them that Chu Yuping was the father-in-law of the recently rising genius Lu Xun.

Although there are many geniuses in the East, a single genius wouldn't normally merit such attention from the Martial Manor, but Lu Xún's weight is different.

Translation: "There are so many geniuses in the East; a single genius isn't worth the Martial Manor's special attention, but Lu Xun's weight is different." We'll output: 【128】 There are so many geniuses in the East; a single genius isn't worth the Martial Manor's special attention, but Lu Xun's weight is different.

More importantly, Leader Xu told them that there is a big shot in the Martial Manor who greatly admires Lu Xún.

Translation: "More importantly, Leader Xu told them that there is a big shot in the Martial Manor who greatly appreciates Lu Xun." We'll output: 【129】 More importantly, Leader Xu told them that there is a big shot in the Martial Manor who greatly appreciates Lu Xun.

This forced Leader Wang to take it seriously.

Translation: "This made Leader Wang have to pay attention." We'll output: 【130】 This made Leader Wang have to pay attention.

After sending someone to deliver the pass last time, he got busy and forgot about it.

Translation: "After sending the pass last time, he got busy and forgot about it." We'll output: 【131】 After sending the pass last time, he got busy and forgot about it.

Only today, upon hearing that Chu Yùpíng had been seriously injured at the ancient road junction, did he personally come to check.

Translation: "Only today did he hear that Chu Yuping was seriously injured in the Ancient Road Node, so he came personally to take a look." We'll output: 【132】 Only today did he hear that Chu Yuping was seriously injured in the Ancient Road Node, so he came personally to take a look.

After thinking, Leader Wang took out his phone and sent a message.

Translation: "After thinking, Leader Wang took out his phone and sent a message." We'll output: 【133】 After thinking, Leader Wang took out his phone and sent a message.

The Chu family members didn't know what he intended to do, and they waited silently.

Translation: "The Chu family people didn't know what he was going to do, and they waited silently." We'll output: 【134】 The Chu family people didn't know what he was going to do, and they waited silently.

After one minute, Leader Wang finally put down his phone.

Translation: "After one minute, Leader Wang finally put down his phone." We'll output: 【135】 After one minute, Leader Wang finally put down his phone.

"Senior Wang, last time you had someone send me the pass; I haven't had a chance to thank you. This is a spiritual fruit I discovered in the Spirit Realm—it tastes great, please try it."

Translation: "\"Senior Wang, last time you had someone send me the pass, I haven't had a chance to thank you; this is a spirit fruit I found in the Spirit Realm, it tastes great—please try it. \"" We'll output: 【136】 "Senior Wang, last time you had someone send me the pass, I haven't had a chance to thank you; this is a spirit fruit I found in the Spirit Realm, it tastes great—please try it."

Seeing this, Chu Qiang quickly presented the prepared spiritual fruit.

Translation: "Chu Yuqiang, seeing this, quickly brought forward the prepared spirit fruit." We'll output: 【137】 Chu Yuqiang, seeing this, quickly brought forward the prepared spirit fruit.

His purpose in doing this was to cleverly, through Leader Wang's mouth, prove that the pass was sent by the Martial Manor out of respect for him.

Translation: "His purpose in doing this was to cleverly use Leader Wang's mouth to prove that the pass was sent by the Martial Manor out of respect for him." We'll output: 【138】 His purpose in doing this was to cleverly use Leader Wang's mouth to prove that the pass was sent by the Martial Manor out of respect for him.

Actually, when the Martial Manor's people delivered it then, they said nothing.

Translation: "Actually, when the Martial Manor's people delivered it, they said nothing at all." We'll output: 【139】 Actually, when the Martial Manor's people delivered it, they said nothing at all.

Since Chu Yùpíng was truly mediocre, Leader Wang couldn't find a good excuse, so he simply had his subordinates send it over.

Translation: "Since Chu Yuping was truly mediocre, Leader Wang couldn't find a good excuse, so he simply had his subordinates send it over." We'll output: 【140】 Since Chu Yuping was truly mediocre, Leader Wang couldn't find a good excuse, so he simply had his subordinates send it over.

"Huh?"

Translation: "\"Huh? \"" We'll output: 【141】 "Huh?"

Leader Wang keenly caught the implied meaning in Chu Qiang's words.

Translation: "Leader Wang keenly caught the implication in Chu Yuqiang's words." We'll output: 【142】 Leader Wang keenly caught the implication in Chu Yuqiang's words.

To become the leader of the Martial Manor, aside from having great cultivation, one must also be shrewd in worldly affairs.

Translation: "To be able to become the leader of the Martial Manor, besides having strong cultivation, he is also shrewd in worldly affairs." We'll output: 【143】 To be able to become the leader of the Martial Manor, besides having strong cultivation, he is also shrewd in worldly affairs.

He has seen countless internal disputes among these great families.

Translation: "He has seen countless internal disputes among these great families." We'll output: 【144】 He has seen countless internal disputes among these great families.

"That pass wasn't for you; it was for Chu Yùpíng."

Translation: "\"That pass isn't for you; it's for Chu Yuping. \"" We'll output: 【145】 "That pass isn't for you; it's for Chu Yuping."

Leader Wang said lightly.

Translation: "Leader Wang said lightly." We'll output: 【146】 Leader Wang said lightly.

"Clang."

Translation: "\"Clang. \"" We'll output: 【147】 "Clang."

Chu Qiang's fruit tray fell to the ground.

Translation: "Chu Yuqiang's fruit tray fell to the ground." We'll output: 【148】 Chu Yuqiang's fruit tray fell to the ground.

"How could this be"

Translation: "\"How could this happen? \"" We'll output: 【149】 "How could this happen?"

Wang Qunyun's smile froze on her face, filled with disbelief.

Translation: "Wang Qunyun's smile froze on her face, full of disbelief." We'll output: 【150】 Wang Qunyun's smile froze on her face, full of disbelief.

"Senior Wang, could you be mistaken? That pass is clearly from the Martial Manor..."

Translation: "\"Senior Wang, did you get it wrong? That pass is clearly from the Martial Manor... \"" We'll output: 【151】 "Senior Wang, did you get it wrong? That pass is clearly from the Martial Manor..."

She was unwilling and wanted to struggle a bit.

Translation: "She was unwilling and wanted to struggle." We'll output: 【152】 She was unwilling and wanted to struggle.

"Are you the Martial Manor's leader, or am I?"

Translation: "\"Are you the Martial Manor's leader, or am I? \"" We'll output: 【153】 "Are you the Martial Manor's leader, or am I?"

Leader Wang coldly interrupted her.

Translation: "Leader Wang coldly interrupted her." We'll output: 【154】 Leader Wang coldly interrupted her.

"Hahahaha~"

Translation: "\"Hahahaha~\"" We'll output: 【155】 "Hahahaha~"

Murong Zhan burst into loud laughter, his voice like thunder, shaking the hall's beams slightly.

Translation: "Murong Zhan laughed loudly to the heavens, his laughter like thunder, shaking the hall's beams slightly." We'll output: 【156】 Murong Zhan laughed loudly to the heavens, his laughter like thunder, shaking the hall's beams slightly.

Chu Qiang and Wang Qunyun painstakingly tried to prove the pass was from the Martial Manor for them, but ended up making a huge blunder, turning themselves into clowns on the spot.

Translation: "Chu Yuqiang and Wang Qunyun racked their brains trying to prove the pass was from the Martial Manor for them, but ended up making a huge blunder, becoming two clowns on the spot." We'll output: 【157】 Chu Yuqiang and Wang Qunyun racked their brains trying to prove the pass was from the Martial Manor for them, but ended up making a huge blunder, becoming two clowns on the spot.

This is practically the most ridiculous thing in the world.

Translation: "This is practically the funniest thing in the world." We'll output: 【158】 This is practically the funniest thing in the world.

Wang Qunyun's face went from green to white, then to red, finally swelling to a liver-like hue; her lips trembled, yet she couldn't utter a word.

Translation: "Wang Qunyun's face went from green to white, then to red, finally turning liver-colored, her lips trembling, yet she couldn't utter a word." We'll output: 【159】 Wang Qunyun's face went from green to white, then to red, finally turning liver-colored, her lips trembling, yet she couldn't utter a word.

Chu Qiang froze in place, veins bulging on his forehead, his fists clenched so tightly they crackled, yet he lacked the courage to speak.

Translation: "Chu Yuqiang froze on the spot, veins bulging on his forehead, fists clenched and creaking, yet he lacked the courage to speak." We'll output: 【160】 Chu Yuqiang froze on the spot, veins bulging on his forehead, fists clenched and creaking, yet he lacked the courage to speak.

Murong Wan, who had been crying with tears like pear blossoms in the rain, was now stunned, then couldn't help but let out a "puchi" laugh.

Translation: "Murong Wan had been crying with tears like pear blossoms, but now she was stunned, then couldn't help but let out a 'puchi' laugh." We'll output: 【161】 Murong Wan had been crying with tears like pear blossoms, but now she was stunned, then couldn't help but let out a "puchi" laugh.

Who could have imagined that things would actually take such a turn?