If it weren't for being in the wrong place, Meng Zhang would have wanted to give Zhao Dong a good lesson to make him understand how to be a proper person. Ignoring Zhao Dong's provocative gaze, Meng Zhang and Li Xuan left the area and strolled through the garden.
An old man was walking around in the crowd, seemingly speaking to people around him, but they paid him no attention, even intentionally avoiding him. Just as the old man was rejected by someone, he was about to approach the next target when the members of the Zhao Family took the initiative to surround him.
"Old Brother Li, why are you so stubborn? The conditions offered by Zhao Family are not bad, but you don't know how to appreciate them. Now, you are just hitting walls everywhere, ending up in a sorry state," Zhao Dong mockingly taunted the old man.
"Old Brother Li, you really don't know how to show gratitude, making it hard for me as a brother," Li Xuan looked a bit embarrassed when he saw the appearance of the old man.
Meng Zhang seemed interested in this scene, and Li Xuan dutifully introduced him. It turned out that the old man was Li Shengqi, a remnant of the Li family that was destroyed in the past.
After the Li family was annihilated by sand monsters, there were still many of their members scattered outside who luckily escaped the disaster. If a capable figure could emerge to organize them, perhaps the Li family could have survived and retained their legacy. However, reality was not so kind. Selfish individuals took off with their belongings, and then the remaining members began to blame each other, leading to internal strife.
The remnants of the Li family realized the danger only too late and had to elect Li Shengqi as their leader, entrusting him to oversee their fate. Li Shengqi, who was once a steward of the Li family, had a decent Cultivation Base and skills. However, it was all too late, and the fate of the Li family was already sealed.
The Zhao Family was the force that celebrated the most after the Li family's extermination. Over a decade ago, after the Zhao Family lost its only Foundation Building stage cultivator, they suffered losses due to the oppression from the Li family. They lost their commercial routes, shops in Singing Sand City, and more. Now that the Li family had fallen on hard times, the Zhao Family naturally wanted to capitalize on it and reclaim everything they had lost.
"Brother Zhao, our Li family is already in such dire straits, must the Zhao Family go all out to exterminate us? I implore you, please spare us," Li Shengqi pleaded with a bitter face.
Zhao Dong was not moved at all, and he even intensified the pressure on Li Shengqi. He knew that Li Shengqi still had two shops in Singing Sand City and some of the Li family's wealth. The Zhao Family wouldn't let go until they thoroughly squeezed him dry.
Meng Zhang disapproved of the Zhao Family's actions. "Twin Success Valley should step in and stop Zhao Family from being so excessive."
"They won't interfere. The internal affairs of the Li family's cultivators are not within Twin Success Valley's scope," someone replied.
"For many years, the Li family and the Zhao Family have played out this drama before. They were victorious in the past and now are suffering in misery."
"Sect Master, don't think that Zhao Family is so triumphant today. Who knows, someday they might end up like the Li family."
As a former member of the Li family, Li Xuan had a deep emotional connection with them. Hearing these words, he couldn't help but feel indignant and became somewhat impassioned.
"Keep your voice down; this is not the place to discuss such matters," Meng Zhang reminded him quietly.
Li Xuan quickly regained his composure, realizing he shouldn't criticize Twin Success Valley openly.
"Master, don't be fooled by Li Shengqi's pitiful act. I've had dealings with him before, and he's a cunning old fox."
"He risked his life to come to Forest Mountain School; he must have some ulterior motive."
"Indeed, probably seeking protection to counter Zhao Family's power."
Meng Zhang smiled, thinking he had grasped Li Shengqi's intentions. However, he soon realized it might not be that simple. Li Shengqi must have had a much larger plan if he was willing to risk his life leaving Singing Sand City.
Meng Zhang took a few steps forward, seemingly casual, passing by Zhao Dong's group with a curious glance. His behavior didn't seem out of place, as the confrontation between Zhao Dong and Li Shengqi had already attracted attention, and some curious onlookers were gathering around.
Using his Divine Ability, Mind Reading, Meng Zhang focused on Li Shengqi. However, to his surprise, he couldn't read any thoughts from the man, despite his Cultivation Base being lower. Meng Zhang was taken aback by this development.
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