Chapter 373: What If I Don't Agree?

Jiang Feng looked at Yao Lao's exceedingly solemn gaze and did not hesitate at all.

"Yao Lao, rest assured, I am willing to protect Xi Er for a lifetime! Even if it costs me my life, I will never regret it!"

Hearing this answer, Yao Lao finally showed a satisfied smile on his face.

Jiang Feng even felt that the secret realm's heavens and earth seemed to become gentler, full of goodwill toward him.

He knew clearly that this meant Yao Lao had only now truly accepted him, treating him as the Heir of the Yao Shen Ding.

"Good kid, you really didn't disappoint this old fool."

His tone shifted, and Yao Lao suddenly looked somewhat solemn.

"I believe you have also noticed Xi Er's unusual nature, right?"

Jiang Feng heard this and couldn't help but nod.

Earlier, Xi Er casually picked up a Crimson Flame Red Fruit and ate it outright, without needing to refine it as he does.

That was a spirit fruit containing tremendous fire; even a Cultivator of the Heavenly Human Realm would have his meridians burned by the fire if he consumed it directly, yet Xi Er suffered no harm at all.

Moreover, Yao Lao, as the vessel spirit of the Yao Shen Ding, despises even Wang Sect descendant Zuo Liangchen, yet he dotes on Xi Er.

All this is enough to prove that Xi Er's identity is far from simple.

"Xi Er is very special..."

At this point, Yao Lao's face bore a hint of pride.

"Because Xi Er's body carries the bloodline of Tai Gu Shen Nong Da Di! If the ancient Yao Shen Temple still existed, Xi Er would be the undisputed Holy Maiden of the Yao Shen Temple!"

"What?"

Jiang Feng's whole body jolted violently.

Tai Gu Shen Nong Da Di's bloodline?

That was a top-tier Great Being of the ancient age.

The founder of the Medical Dao, a legendary figure!

Xi Er actually possesses that person's bloodline?

"As for Zuo Liangchen, his sole desire to marry Xi Er is nothing but to obtain the Shennong Bloodline she carries!"

Jiang Feng understood clearly in his heart.

"When Xi Er was born, she immediately awakened the Shennong Bloodline."

Yao Lao's tone grew heavy.

"If it weren't for the fact that the Zuo Family's old ghost lacked sufficient strength back then and feared my power, I even suspect they would have seized Xi Er and refined her bloodline for themselves!"

"But now it's different."

Yao Lao sighed.

"The Zuo Family's momentum has already taken shape, and Zuo Laogui's cultivation has reached the Wu Zun Realm, his strength unfathomable. My own power is now diminished, making it hard to fully protect Xi Er. If we wish to keep Xi Er from falling into the Zuo Family's hands, we must find someone who can stand against the Zuo Family."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Feng fully grasped the whole chain of events.

All the power sources of the Yao Shen Temple ultimately stem from Tai Gu Shen Nong Da Di.

Thus the Zuo Family's pursuit of Xi Er, and of Yao Lu, is essentially a quest for the inheritance of the Shennong Emperor.

"I can see that Xi Er feels differently toward you."

Yao Lao looked at the dazed Jiang Feng and couldn't help a knowing smile.

"Before, she had no choice. But now, with you, I believe Xi Er will no longer choose Zuo Liangchen."

"So now, the problem is back in your hands."

Yao Lao's tone became solemn.

"The inheritance of the Yao Shen Ding and Xi Er's safety both rest on you. You have long stood opposite the Zuo Family in an unending deadlock, with no retreat."

Jiang Feng heard this and a bitter smile appeared on his face.

Zuo Liangchen himself didn't mind much, but the old village chief Zuo Laogui, who is at the Wu Zun Realm, remains an insurmountable chasm for him now.

The Wu Zun Realm and the Heavenly Human Realm are worlds apart.

It should be noted that Jun Wuji, who was not yet at the Wu Zun Realm, almost took his life before.

The old village chief's strength is probably unmatched even by ten Jun Wuji on horseback.

Even if Kun Long intervened, he would likely still not be a match for the opponent.

At that moment, Yao Lao's expression suddenly changed, a flash of alarmed anger in his eyes.

"Bad! Jiang Feng, I sense someone forcibly shaking the Original Source Power of the Yao Shen Ding! It looks... the Zuo Family can no longer hold back!"

"What?"

Jiang Feng was startled in his heart.

In the next breath, Jiang Feng felt the ground beneath his feet violently quake, and the entire secret realm's heavens and earth changed color instantly.

Before he could react, a powerful force enveloped him.

The scene before him twisted for a moment; when he opened his eyes again, he was once more in the small courtyard outside Yao Lu.

At this moment, on the open ground beyond Yao Lu, a crowd of people had already gathered densely.

Most of them wore uniform attire, their expressions solemn, exuding a not-weak aura.

At the head were the old village chief and Zuo Liangchen.

Besides them, there were a few elders with impressive aura, likely also original residents of Taoyuan Village.

Yao Lao's figure also appeared beside Jiang Feng, his expression calm as he scanned the gathered people.

"I wonder what instruction you all have, gathering an army to come to my Yao Lu?"

The old village chief said nothing, merely closing his eyes slowly.

Behind him, a man in a blue robe stepped forward, his gaze landing on Jiang Feng with a hint of disdain.

"Yao Lao, we have heard that you recently chose an outsider to become a Yao Lu apprentice; we wonder whether that is true?"

Yao Lao gave the other a faint glance.

"Indeed, Jiang Feng is truly an apprentice of my Yao Lu. So? What does this have to do with you all?"

"Of course it does!"

The person Immediately said, raising his voice a few Minute.

"Yao Lu is the foundation of my Taoyuan Village! Jiang Feng is merely an outsider of unknown origin; how can he become a Yao Lu apprentice? For us Taoyuan Village people, this is far beyond Fairness!"

As soon as his words fell, people from other families around also began to echo in succession.

"Exactly! Yao Lao, by doing so, are you not being too biased?"

"How many young people in our village have begged you for years, and you refused to take them as apprentices; now you accept an outsider, how can we be convinced?"

For a moment, everyone's gaze focused on Jiang Feng, bearing strong hostility.

Zuo Liangchen stood aside, watching this scene, a smug Laughter on his face.

This is exactly the effect he wanted, making all families point their spears at Jiang Feng, forcing Yao Lao under pressure to abandon Jiang Feng.

Jiang Feng frowned slightly, saying nothing.

Yao Lao's complexion Gradually turned cold, his gaze sweeping over everyone present.

"My Yao Lu takes disciples, never asking about background or origin. Jiang Feng passing my test naturally qualifies him to become a Yao Lu apprentice. As for whether you accept it, that is your matter, None related to me."

"Yao Lao, your words are incorrect!"

As soon as Yao Lao's words fell, another person stepped forward to refute.

"Yao Lu and Taoyuan Village are interdependent; the Yao Lu apprentices affect the entire Taoyuan Village's future! How can an outsider be allowed to take control? By doing so, are you not being too irresponsible?"

"Exactly! We will never allow an outsider to lay a hand on Yao Lu's Heritage!"

The Crowd's discussion grew louder with Yao Lao's reply.

Village Chief still kept his eyes closed, as if the matter did not concern him.

But Jiang Feng was very clear that this person was the mastermind behind everything.

Yao Lao looked at the angry Crowd, a Cold Smile curling at the corner of his Mouth.

"It seems you are determined today to oppose this old man?"

"Yao Lao, we do not dare to make things difficult for you."

Zuo Liangchen at this moment also pretended to stand out.

"We only hope you can retract the decree, giving the Village people a Fairness opportunity."

"Fairness?"

Yao Lao's Tone carried a hint of mockery.

"Back then, the Yao Divine Temple split; you survived to this day under the protection of the Yao Divine Tripod; what qualification do you have to discuss Fairness with me?"

Zuo Laogui finally slowly opened his eyes, his murky gaze falling on Yao Lao.

"Yao Lao, now that matters have come to this, there is no need to say these. Jiang Feng is an outsider, indeed unsuitable to become a Yao Lu apprentice. Please, Yao Lao, prioritize Taoyuan Village's overall situation and choose a new apprentice."

"What if I do not agree?"