Chapter 32

The council hall.

Jiang Daoxuan entered with Jiang Chen.

Before their eyes appeared a middle-aged man clad in lavish robes, his face stern and commanding.

As if this place were his own domain, he sat calmly in a grand armchair, sipping tea, utterly at ease.

Jiang Daoxuan cast a glance; under the effect of his Insight Eye, he sensed the man's realm was Purple Mansion Stage Sixth Level.

Noticing their arrival, the city lord Ding Xuan paused his tea-drinking, immediately looked up, and fixed his gaze on Jiang Daoxuan.

After a moment of perception, he confirmed the man was undoubtedly a Purple Mansion cultivator, but his exact depth could only be determined after combat or if his aura leaked.

Ding Xuan set his teacup back on the table and said gravely: "Lord Jiang, you have quite the spirit. Last we parted, now we meet again—truly, times have changed."

Jiang Daoxuan ignored his pleasantries, shook his head, and cut straight to the point: "Why has the city lord come to my Jiang family today? Are you here to demand justice for the Tang family?"

Seeing Jiang Daoxuan's directness, Ding Xuan smiled: "If this were merely about the Tang family, it would hardly warrant my personal visit. Moreover, to offend a young Purple Mansion cultivator over a fallen house like the Tangs? That would be anything but wise."

Jiang Daoxuan walked to a grand armchair and sat down slowly, turning to look at Ding Xuan beside him: "Then, what is it you seek?"

"Do you know the origins of the Tang family?"

Jiang Daoxuan's eyes flickered slightly: "I am all ears."

"Since I assumed the position of city lord, I happened to discover in historical records that the Tang family here originally branched off from the Tiandou Tang family."

This revelation startled Jiang Daoxuan slightly.

The Tiandou Tang family was one of the many prominent clans occupying Tiandou Prefecture.

They were guarded by a Moon Wheel True Person; their prestige was so great that even the Qianshan Sect dared not provoke them.

Yet how could such a power possibly be connected to the Wudan Tang family?

If there truly was a link, wouldn't the Jiang family have been wiped out long ago by the Wudan Tang family, using the Tiandou Tang name as leverage?

At this moment, as if sensing Jiang Daoxuan's confusion, Ding Xuan lifted his teacup and took another sip of hot tea, moistening his throat.

"Heh, this touches on a scandal. Though the Tang family tried hard to conceal it, I still managed to uncover a few details."

"It is said that Tang Ming, the ancestor of the Wudan Tang lineage, was the illegitimate son born of the Tiandou Tang patriarch's illicit affair with his own granddaughter-in-law."

"The patriarch, old and childless, doted on Tang Ming excessively—but paper cannot forever wrap fire. Ten years later, the husband of the granddaughter-in-law—the patriarch's own third grandson, Tang Feizhang—caught them in the act while returning from his external trials, triggering a massive upheaval within the Tang family."

"Tang Feizhang possessed astonishing talent and the Lei Lingti. Before reaching thirty, he had already reached the peak of the Ocean Stage."

"Upon learning his wife had been bedding the patriarch, he broke through directly into the Star Wheel realm, then used his overwhelming combat power to slay the Star Wheel patriarch, becoming the Tang family's strongest member."

"Tang Feizhang was a man of deep affection; moved by marital bonds, he could not bring himself to kill his wife or their son Tang Ming. But fearing the family's honor, he was forced to exile them both to Wudan City. Over time, Tang Ming, with his extraordinary talent, cultivated to the Purple Mansion realm and secured his place in Wudan City."

"Yet due to the family's past scandal, Tang Ming refused to use the Tiandou Tang name in his dealings."

"After Tang Ming's death, few remembered this affair—even the Tang descendants themselves were unaware of their connection to the Tiandou Tang family."

"Now, centuries later, Tang Feizhang still lives, his cultivation base at Moon Wheel Stage."

"But when one grows old, memories linger. If he begins recalling the Wudan Tang lineage, your Jiang family may find itself in trouble."

Hearing this, Jiang Daoxuan's expression remained unchanged, neither confirming nor denying. He spoke softly: "Then what do you hope to gain from me? I suspect you wouldn't have gone to such lengths to tell me all this if you had no ulterior motive."

"Hah! It's easy to speak with a clever man."

Ding Xuan smiled, covered his teacup, and set it back on the table.

Then he turned to Jiang Daoxuan, his eyes sharpening. "The Tiandou Tang family rules with tyranny and has drawn widespread resentment. If you join us, someone will stand between you and their retribution."

At these words, Jiang Daoxuan's interest was immediately piqued.

We?

Clearly, the power behind this city lord was no ordinary force.

To confidently shield him from Tiandou Tang's wrath—and to know the Tang family's scandal—this hidden force must be deeply entwined with it.

Jiang Daoxuan fell into thought.

Seeing this, Ding Xuan opened his mouth to speak again—but suddenly sensed something.

He shook his head: "It seems now is not the time. Someone is coming."

No sooner had he spoken than footsteps approached.

Jiang Daoxuan turned his head and saw a young Jiang clan member rushing in, arriving before him: "I pay my respects to the clan lord!"

"The clan lords of Sun and Gao have arrived with many followers, requesting an audience with you."

Jiang Daoxuan's eyes flickered—he had not expected them to come to him before he could seek them out.

But this suited him well.

Thinking this, he said softly: "Let them in."

Hearing the clan lord's command, the Jiang youth nodded and turned to leave.

Not long after.

The Sun clan lord and Gao clan lord entered, leading over ten others.

As soon as they stepped into the council hall, they saw Jiang Daoxuan seated at the head.

Instantly, all bowed their heads, hearts trembling, and offered their greetings: "We pay our respects to Lord Jiang!"

After speaking, they glanced around with the corners of their eyes—and suddenly noticed Ding Xuan seated beside Jiang Daoxuan.

Their hearts leapt in shock; they had never imagined the city lord would be here. To avoid disrespect, they quickly added: "We pay our respects to the city lord!"