Xu Nian climbed up from the ground, unable to help coughing a few times.
His eyes were fixed intently on the old man who had suddenly appeared before him.
"Ah, it's Elder Wang, rumor has it that Huang Yu has acknowledged Elder Wang as his godfather, but there's no telling if it's true," voices filled with speculation instantly rose from the crowd.
"What does it mean if it's true or not? It's a fact, didn't you see Huang Yu's mother has already moved into Elder Wang's separate residence?" someone informed spoke up immediately.
"There's also this connection, then Xu Nian is really in trouble, he injured Huang Yu, Elder Wang certainly won't let him get away with it," another person joined in with sympathy.
The others also clicked their tongues in amazement, Huang Yu, to curry favor with the elders, would really do anything— he'd even betray his own mother.
Wang Ye had also arrived by Huang Yu's side by now, and Huang Yu was seriously injured.
His entire right arm was gone, his chest had caved in, signs of shattered organ damage could be spotted, and more than a dozen ribs were broken.
If not for Huang Yu possessing the cultivation of a Four-star Battle General Level,
such injuries would likely have already resulted in his death by now.
"Godfather, you must kill this kid for me, avenge me," Huang Yu, seeing Wang Ye appear, said agitatedly.
"Rest assured, your godfather will take care of it for you," Wang Ye's expression darkened.
After giving Huang Yu a healing pill, he turned his attentions toward Xu Nian.
"As fellow sect brothers, how could you be so vicious, committing acts of harm against your own sect members, boy, do you realize your crime?" Wang Ye coldly looked at Xu Nian, his eyes brimming with killing intent.
"Committing harm against sect members? It seems he was the one who struck first, if we're to talk about guilt, perhaps your son should be punished first!" Xu Nian sneered in response.
Being sanctimonious is one thing for the son, but for this godfather to do the same was something else.
Seeking vengeance, while wanting to fabricate such righteous excuses.
Everyone around felt that what Xu Nian said made sense, yet they dared not show the slightest dissatisfaction.
Wang Ye was one of the four great Inner Sect Elders, and the most insidious and vicious among the four elders. Offending him would ultimately lead to an ugly death.
Wang Ye had once taken a liking to a female disciple, desiring her to the extent that he drove her to suicide by his relentless pursuit.
However, due to the lack of evidence, the sect was unable to convict him.
Thus, deep down, Inner Sect Disciples despised Wang Ye, yet none dared to resist.
"Hmph, don't try to quibble, I only saw you harming your fellow sect member, and it is clearly Huang Yu who's lying wounded on the ground now. With my own eyes as witness, what room do you have to argue?" Wang Ye coldly said, looking as if the evidence was undeniable.
Everyone felt a surge of anger, this was clearly a frame-up.
They all saw that Huang Yu was the instigator.
A malicious smile flickered in Huang Yu's eyes, acting as if he had Xu Nian in the palm of his hand.
But Xu Nian burst out laughing: "Haha, what a reasoning, that the one on the ground is the victim. So if I were to force myself on your mother, and all anyone saw was your mother lying in bed without clothes, does that mean she's the one who initiated it?"
Someone in the crowd couldn't help laughing out loud, then quickly realized their mistake, quickly covering their mouth, fearing they would draw fire to themselves.
Wang Ye's face turned ashen, as he hadn't expected Xu Nian to be so bold as to humiliate him publicly.
"Godfather, no need to waste words with him, just kill him. This kid is vicious with his words," Huang Yu hurriedly shouted.
Killing intent surged in Wang Ye's eyes as he stared fixedly at Xu Nian and said, "Xu Nian, you harm fellow sect members, disrespect your elders, and show no repentance. Today, I will kill you, erase a scourge from the sect, and prevent further calamities on the common folk."
With that, the oppressive might of a One-star Marquis Level instantly released from Wang Ye, and his figure blurred into a shadow charging toward Xu Nian.
Wang Ye's eyes glinted malevolently, as he channeled all his spiritual energy and viciously struck out with his palm.
This palm, bearing terrifying power, meant even a standard Nine-star War General would undoubtedly perish upon facing it.
Rage swelled in Xu Nian's eyes.
Wang Ye was clearly abusing his power for personal vendetta, seizing the opportunity to kill.
"Haha, people always find words to justify their crimes, but it won't be so easy to kill me," Xu Nian laughed wildly, preparing to use Earth God Devouring Sky and fight Wang Ye to the death.
However, in that moment, a red silhouette flashed and appeared instantly in front of him, striking out fiercely at Wang Ye with a palm.
Wang Ye was taken aback, evidently not expecting Yann Hong to appear so suddenly.
It was too late to pull back now, and as their palms clashed, a terrifying force exploded.
Wang Ye was sent flying backward in an instant, stumbling back dozens of steps.
He barely managed to stabilize his body, a trickle of fresh blood spilling from the corner of his mouth.
"Elder Yann, what is the meaning of this? Are you trying to shield a criminal?" Wang Ye glared fiercely at Yann Hong.
"Elder Wang, I think you've misunderstood. Xu Nian is not at fault here, it's your sworn son who is to blame. He provoked the conflict first, so if you must punish someone, it should be your adopted son," Yann Hong said coldly.
"Yes, it was Huang Yu who threw the first punch," someone in the crowd chimed in agreement.
The surrounding people all nodded in approval.
Now that Yann Hong had intervened, they were no longer as fearful of Wang Ye as before and naturally dared to speak up for justice.
Wang Ye's face turned ashen, his eyes darkening to the extreme.
He had coveted Yann Hong for a long time, but her cultivation had always been above his.
And she had always shown extreme disdain toward him.
Unable to attain what he desired, deep resentment had long burgeoned within him.
Now that Yann Hong was actually helping Xu Nian against him, his resentment towards her grew even stronger.
But he couldn't defeat Yann Hong, so he could only suppress his frustration for the time being.
Wang Ye waved his sleeve and prepared to leave with Huang Yu.
Everyone also breathed a sigh of relief, as the tumult finally came to an end.
Yann Hong did not pursue the matter any further either; bringing down Wang Ye was not as easy as she had imagined.
However, just when everyone thought that things were settling down, Xu Nian suddenly spoke up.
Everyone turned their heads to look at Xu Nian, their faces showing confusion.
What did Xu Nian still want to do?
Yann Hong also looked surprised and then shook her head at Xu Nian.
It seemed she was suggesting that he should put the matter to rest and not stir up more trouble.
However, Xu Nian directly ignored Yann Hong's gaze, looking straight at Wang Ye and Huang Yu, "I don't recall giving you permission to leave."
At these words, the entire place burst into an uproar.
Was Xu Nian truly not willing to let it go? Making a fuss could be disadvantageous for him.
Yann Hong also felt a surge of anger.
Was Xu Nian really so oblivious to when to advance and when to retreat?
If Xu Nian took the initiative now, Wang Ye would seize the pretext, and Yann Hong wouldn't be able to help him.
And she had no reason to strike at Wang Ye anymore. On the contrary, Wang Ye could use this opportunity to kill Xu Nian.
"Kid, do you really think you can take action against me?" Wang Ye turned and looked at Xu Nian with a sneer.
He was eagerly hoping that Xu Nian would attack him, so even if the Law Enforcement Hall blamed him,
Xu Nian would be guilty of insubordination and deserving of death.
Just as everyone thought Xu Nian was being foolish, Xu Nian smiled lightly and said, "I remember there is a sect rule that states Inner Sect Disciples have the right to impeach an Outer Elder, and elite disciples have the right to impeach Inner Sect Elders."
"That is true, but you're not an elite disciple," Wang Ye said with a disdainful smile.
The crowd was also puzzled; why was Xu Nian bringing up this sect rule at this time?
The smile on Xu Nian's face, however, grew even wider. He turned to Yann Hong and said with a smile, "Sister Hong, I request to undergo the elite disciple assessment."
Elite disciple assessment?
Yann Hong was stunned; everyone was stunned.
How long had Xu Nian been in the Inner Sect?
And he was applying for the elite disciple assessment?
Wang Ye's smile also stiffened on his face instantly.