"Heh, I have no idea when our Song family became so friendly with everyone that all of you would come rushing over together. I almost thought you were here to rob us!"
Song Huai gave a forced smile that didn't reach his eyes as he stared at Patriarch He. His gaze then swept over the crowd.
Many Nascent Soul cultivators shifted their eyes away under his stare, both guilty and fearful of his strength.
The Song family was no longer what it used to be. If they couldn't gain anything today and ended up offending everyone, that would be real trouble.
Yet riches stirred their hearts, making them impatient. Besides, if everyone becomes prosperous, who would fear the Song family?
At the thought of this, many straightened their backs. With so many present, they were sure they could get to the bottom of this.
"Ancestor of the Song family, let's not beat around the bush. Why did that Nine Heavens Divine Thunder strike?"
The Mu family patriarch curled his lips in a cold sneer. Unlike Patriarch He's fake friendliness, his malice was barely concealed.
In the previous negotiations, their three families had suffered heavy losses. They wanted to cause trouble for the Song family, but the Song family's ruthless and decisive actions reclaimed all those territories.
This grudge had never faded.
"That's right. Ancestor Song, we are here because of that Nine Heavens Divine Thunder. Please step aside so we can enter and investigate!"
The Sui family patriarch brushed back his long hair and his eyes glinted with sarcasm.
So what if the Song family was rising?
As long as everyone worked together, the Song family's climb would be matched by an equally hard fall!
Though the Ning family patriarch said nothing, his oppressive gaze angered the Song disciples. Especially with several Divine Transformation cultivators from their side standing ready, it felt like they were preparing for a family war.
If that were true, they would fight to the death to stop these families from succeeding!
Song Huai hadn't expected such shamelessness from these families. Luckily, they had prepared well. Even if a few Divine Transformation cultivators arrived, there was no need to worry.
The courtyard was protected by formations set long ago. Even Divine Transformation cultivators entering would find no exit.
They could not break into the artificial mountain's sealing formation either.
They wanted the treasure?
Heh.
A sneer flashed in Song Huai's eyes. As long as the treasure remained hidden, these people would have no excuse to attack.
Starting a family war casually would only bring judgment upon them!
The backlash could even tear apart those families. Sheer numbers were no excuse for reckless action.
So Song Huai remained calm, focusing more on whether Song Wanníng was safe. Even if the Dragon Vein was not awakened, Wanníng must not be harmed.
"The Nine Heavens Divine Thunder struck—are you still unclear on this? I thought everyone already knew..."
Song Huai's eyes shifted to fix on Patriarch He Daoyou.
The crowd frowned.
Patriarch He instinctively felt something was wrong. That old man's gaze was strange—was he plotting against him?
His heart skipped a beat. "Ancestor Song, what do you mean by looking at me like that? I only just heard of this and brought everyone here..."
He meant this was not his doing and that they came to profit.
The skeptical looks from the others visibly lessened.
"Ancestor Song, stop teasing us and let us in already."
Everyone's patience was running out.
If they delayed any longer, the treasure might be taken by someone else. Wouldn't that make their trip pointless?
"Yes, let us in to see for ourselves. If danger exists, we can help the Song family deal with it."
...
The crowd all spoke under the guise of helping the Song family, eager to storm inside.
Song Huai's anger grew, but so did his calmness.
He raised his eyebrows and sighed. Then he said to Patriarch He, "Patriarch He, we once had a friendship between our families. I wanted to cover for you all. But now it seems impossible."
His expression turned troubled, hesitating before continuing, "The monster forcibly abducting people recently—was it carefully bred by your He family? Do you dare to admit it?
That monster trespassed into Song family territory, attempting to kidnap our disciples. When we intervened, it even tried to forcibly extract a disciple's heart. Perhaps the Heavenly Dao despised its actions and sent down the punishment...
Even I was scared out of my wits by that Nine Heavens Divine Thunder."
He had already heard Song Qingyun mention this incident a few days ago. Wanníng had discovered this in the He family's abandoned mine. Whatever the truth, the He family must be involved.
Did the He family want to trouble them?
Then they should prepare to face the Song family's counterattack!
No sooner had he finished speaking than the noisy street fell silent. Even many cultivators who came to watch were suddenly quiet.
Anger, confusion, and shock all focused on Patriarch He.
How many people had that monster harmed recently? The whole city was in panic. Now it was the He family's doing?
The crowd immediately grew furious.
"Is it true that the monster was bred by the He family?"
"Damn it! My nephew was taken by that monster. His soul lamp went out days ago. If it's true, the He family must give me an explanation!"
"Yes, if the He family is responsible, they owe everyone an answer. What are they trying to do by breeding such a monster?"
"A great family secretly doing such things..."
Everyone's gaze locked on Patriarch He. Even the other family members glared harshly.
Song Huai was a Divine Transformation cultivator and would not speak without proof. Could the monster really be connected to the He family?
"Patriarch He, is it true your family raised that monster?"
The Mu family patriarch's face darkened like the bottom of a pot. An outstanding junior disciple from his branch was also taken. His clan had intended to focus cultivation on that disciple, but tragedy struck. The whole clan was heartbroken.
The Divine Transformation ancestor of the Mu family was furious and immediately pressured Patriarch He.
The crowd's looks seemed to want to tear him apart.
Patriarch He hastily shook his head.
"This has nothing to do with the He family. Don't be fooled. That monster is unrelated to us!"
Silent until now, He Xiao quickly spoke, eyes sharp and defensive as they locked on Song Huai.
"Song family patriarch, you are recklessly dragging the He family into this without evidence just to buy time. Do you realize how much damage these accusations cause our family?
For selfish reasons, you drag innocent families down. How can the Song family be so heartless?
Or is there something shameful hidden in your courtyard..."