Chapter 236: Shocking News of the Tragedy (Third Update)

In the reception hall, the Clan Leader and the Clan Elders looked at one another, their faces revealing expressions of anger and pain.

Seeing their appearance, Li Zhangsheng's heart skipped a beat, and he felt a vague sense of unease; could it be that Clan Elder Li Yi had met with an accident?

"Clan Elder Li Yi has already passed away!"

The one who spoke was the dejected-looking one-armed Clan Elder; he, along with Clan Elder Li Yi and another Clan Elder, had once delivered the family rewards to the four of them, including Li Zhangsheng.

"What, Clan Elder Li Yi has passed away!"

Li Zhangsheng exclaimed in shock. This was too unexpected; Clan Elder Li Yi was only about forty years old, so how could he have passed away after only a few days?

"It was the Lin Family acting in the shadows. We don't know where they got the information, but three days ago, they ambushed the three Clan Elders who were on their way back after delivering your rewards. Clan Elder Li Yi and Clan Elder Li Luo River were outnumbered and died in battle on the spot. Only Clan Elder Li Ming fought his way out, but he also lost an arm!"

At this moment, Li Wenbo interjected, his expression very grim.

Clan Elder Li Ming was the name of the one-armed Clan Elder. His mental state was very poor; in that day's battle, he had not only lost his right arm but also two of his blood Demon Pets, only barely managing to break through the encirclement. At this time, he had still not recovered from the mental shock.

Having lost two blood Demon Pets, Clan Elder Li Ming could be considered half-crippled, and it was unknown how long it would take for him to recover his strength.

Furthermore, his right arm had been lost and could never be found again. However, it was not impossible to recover, provided one could find a Heavenly Material and Earthly Treasure capable of Limb Regeneration, but such treasures were too rare and of extremely high value, not something he could afford.

Li Zhangsheng did not speak. In his mind, the voices and faces of Clan Elder Li Yi and Clan Elder Li Luo River still echoed, as well as the words Clan Elder Li Yi had said before leaving: "The family is your strong backing!"

It was just unexpected that in the short span of a few days, two Clan Elders had been murdered, and this matter was inextricably linked to the "Li Clan Four Heroes." If it weren't for them all becoming Elite Class Members, the family would not have needed to send three Clan Elders to the Yuanling Academy to escort the rewards, and the three Clan Elders would not have ended up dead or crippled.

"Lin Family!" Li Zhangsheng clenched his fists, a rare flash of anger and killing intent appearing in his eyes. He rarely showed his emotions, but it depended on the situation.

Luo City was only so big, and resources were relatively limited; for the two great families to advance further, they had to eliminate the other.

Because of this, the two families had long been at daggers drawn, and the Battle of Qingyun Mountain more than two months ago was the fuse; since then, the two families had frequently engaged in skirmishes.

Among them, the Li Family was clearly more united and had vaguely occupied the advantage. It was only after the old Clan Leader Li Xinming left with several old companions that the two sides became evenly matched.

The Lin Family did not know where they got the news, but in order to turn the situation around, they took the opportunity to ambush the three Clan Elders, ultimately resulting in two deaths and one injury. This undoubtedly weakened the Li Family's strength, as the Li Family only had a dozen or so Third-tier Clan Elders.

Under these circumstances, the offensive and defensive roles of the two sides shifted; the Lin Family began to press forward step by step, gradually encroaching on the Li Family's industries, while the Li Family mainly focused on defense, waiting for an opportunity to launch a counterattack.

"Sigh, if it weren't for us contributing to the country by resisting the demons, which dispersed our strength, the situation would not have become what it is today!" While speaking, Li Wenbo could not help but look at Instructor Qian Yuanfei with expectant eyes.

"A hundred years ago, there was a clear regulation that during the Demon Tide, major factions were strictly forbidden from infighting, not to mention that your Li Clan has contributed quite a bit to the country."

Although this matter had little to do with Instructor Qian Yuanfei, he valued Li Zhangsheng highly and had to help with this favor, but he continued: "I will request the Academy to report this matter to the Yuan Province Governor's Office. As for how they investigate and collect evidence, that is not something I can interfere with. However, if the matter is indeed as you say, I believe the country will surely seek justice for you!"

"Many thanks, Senior!" Li Wenbo revealed a smile; he hurriedly stood up and bowed deeply to Instructor Qian Yuanfei.

With Instructor Qian Yuanfei's guarantee, the Lin Family would surely be severely punished.

"Many thanks, Senior!" The Clan Elders present were also beaming with joy, as if the recent gloom had been swept away, and they followed their Clan Leader in bowing and thanking him.

"You are the elders of Changsheng and the others, and you have sent many talents to our Academy over the years, so there is no need to be so polite!"

Instructor Qian Yuanfei waved his sleeves, and Li Wenbo and the others only felt a force acting upon them; they could not help but straighten their chests and were unable to bow any further.

"Alright, they still have to carry out a mission tomorrow, so everyone should get some rest early!"

"Respectfully sending you off, Senior!" Li Wenbo performed the courtesies extremely thoroughly, personally seeing Instructor Qian Yuanfei out the door and instructing the maid to send Qian Yuanfei and the others to their resting place.

Li Zhangsheng and Li Tianyu stayed behind specifically. The three Clan Elders, including Li Yi, were ambushed by the Lin Family while escorting rewards for them; in terms of reason and sentiment, they had to do their part.

"Clan Leader, we cannot place all our hopes on others, especially since the Governor's Mansion's energy is currently focused on dealing with the Demon Tide and they simply cannot spare much manpower. By the time the Governor's Mansion completes the investigation and issues a directive, who knows how much time will have passed. During this time, no one knows if any accidents will occur. I think we should fully execute a plan to weaken the Lin Family's strength!"

Li Zhangsheng activated a Mental Power barrier, surrounding himself and Li Wenbo, not giving others a chance to eavesdrop, before laying out his entire plan.

The plan had to be rigorous; the more people who knew, the greater the possibility of a leak.

"This plan is good, but it is ultimately a bit risky for you!"

"Clan Leader, I am still very confident in my own strength. To take a step back, there is still Instructor Qian Yuanfei!"

A Fourth-rank Demon Tamer was the Lin Family's strongest combat power. Even if Li Zhangsheng could not yet contend with a Fourth-rank Demon Tamer, he was quite confident in being able to retreat unscathed, not to mention that with Instructor Qian Yuanfei keeping watch, it could be said that he was in an invincible position.

"Look at my memory, how could I have forgotten your instructor! Alright then, I will go and prepare now; this time, we must give them a good lesson!"

Li Wenbo slapped his forehead hard, a smile appearing on his face, and he hurried out of the reception hall, not knowing where he was going.

Li Zhangsheng and Li Tianyu did not linger. They first went to the homes of Clan Elder Li Yi and Clan Elder Li Luo River to pay their respects and forcibly left behind some resources, hoping that both families could regain their smiles as soon as possible and overcome the difficulties.

On the surface, the two Clan Elders died after being ambushed by the Lin Family while performing family duties, but this was ultimately inseparable from them. Moreover, they were of the same clan, so doing their small part was necessary.

After settling everything, the night was deep, and the two returned to their respective homes to begin resting.

Thanks to 'Divine Artifact Mengmengda' for the 300 crowdfunding, thanks to 'Pingpingbibi' for the 200 crowdfunding; I now owe you three chapters!

Author's daily slogan: Three, Pig, Proof!

(End of this chapter)