Chapter 135: The Grand Elder of the Clan

Xu Xuan felt as though he were bathing in moonlight, an exceptional sense of comfort washing over his entire body, as if every limb and bone were being purified. The pressure from the bulbous-nosed elder’s spiritual sense was instantly weakened by a significant margin. Moreover, he deeply sensed that the "momentum" derived from his own blood, energy, and spirit had been subtly amplified by some mysterious force.

All these changes stemmed from the enigmatic moonlit bead deep within his body.

Xu Xuan was astonished. This item was truly an auxiliary treasure of immeasurable value.

Beside him, Yu Qin, also affected by the residual pressure of the Spirit Refining stage spiritual sense, appeared uneasy; her pretty face was pale, and her delicate body trembled slightly.

"Do not be afraid."

Xu Xuan drew her into his arms. Amidst her shyness, she felt a strange, cool energy sweep through her entire body, and the icy, terrifying pressure of the spiritual sense was immediately reduced by more than half.

"Eh!"

The bulbous-nosed elder let out a sound of surprise, retracted his spiritual sense, and his expression shifted uncertainly. He pondered to himself: Could this brat possess a precious soul-type artifact?

"Who are you to trespass into my residence and harbor ill intentions toward my female companion? If you do not provide an explanation, I will not let this matter rest and will certainly report it to the clan's high-ranking officials."

Xu Xuan shouted coldly, his voice exploding like thunder in the air, spreading for nearly a mile and drawing the attention of many nearby clan disciples.

The bulbous-nosed elder’s face instantly showed a trace of panic, never having expected Xu Xuan to be so imposing in the presence of a Spirit Refining stage master.

"Hmph, I am Huang Wanliang, a second-rank retainer of the clan. I came here openly to screen disciples; I had no intention of acting against anyone. On the contrary, you little brat, are you trying to defy your superiors and strike at me?"

The bulbous-nosed elder was craftily trying to shift the blame.

"Defy my superiors? I, too, am a second-rank retainer!" Xu Xuan raised an eyebrow, refusing to back down. "You are an elder who lacks dignity, trespassing in my residence and attempting to force a student to become your apprentice. My housemaids, servants, and Junior Sister Yu here can all testify to this."

"You..."

The bulbous-nosed elder’s face changed, and he was left speechless.

"Get out! Do you really want me to report this to the clan leaders?"

Xu Xuan would not concede even a fraction just because the other party was a Spirit Refining stage master.

"Fine, you brat, we shall see."

Huang Wanliang glared at Xu Xuan viciously and left, sullen and unwilling. Being within the clan and both being second-rank retainers, even a Spirit Refining stage master like him dared not act recklessly.

Xu Xuan squinted as he watched him leave, murmuring to himself: Only a few people, such as Zhang Feng, knew about Junior Sister Yu’s top-grade spirit root. Given Zhang Feng’s character, he shouldn't have introduced a person like this.

At this moment, Yu Qin in his arms had a face flushed with a delicate red. A faint, pure fragrance like jasmine made Xu Xuan realize that the young girl in his arms had her eyes slightly closed, her eyelashes fluttering like a dragonfly. Her willow-thin waist was taut, and she dared not move.

"Junior Sister, don't be afraid. That shameless old man has been driven away by me."

Xu Xuan comforted her gently.

Yu Qin opened her clear, red-rimmed eyes, sparkling with tears. Beyond the lingering fear, there was a touch of joy and peace.

"In a couple of days, I will have my younger sister, Huilan, come to keep you company."

Xu Xuan felt a surge of tenderness and continued to hold her for a moment. Yu Qin gradually calmed down, a hint of curiosity appearing in her pure eyes: "Is she your biological sister, Senior Brother?"

"Yes."

Xu Xuan nodded, released the young girl, and glanced at Fang Gang in the spirit garden.

"Master."

Fang Gang approached nimbly.

"What is the situation with this Huang Wanliang in the clan?"

Xu Xuan asked calmly.

"Returning to Master, this Huang Wanliang is known as 'Huang the Poisonous.' He is a Spirit Refining stage master who specializes in toxic arts. He is lecherous and generally disliked among the second-rank retainers. However, he often colludes with Lin Hui..."

Fang Gang stated the information about Huang Wanliang cautiously.

"Huang the Poisonous? He is close with Lin Hui?"

Xu Xuan frowned. He had not expected to encounter a master who specialized in toxic arts.

If it came to toxic arts, as an ancient body cultivator, Xu Xuan’s vitality was incredibly robust, and combined with his copper-cast body, his resistance to toxins was extraordinary.

He realized after a moment's thought that the news of Yu Qin’s spirit root and beauty must have been leaked by Lin Hui. Because when Zhang Feng came to the Green Hill Residence that day, Lin Hui had accompanied him and learned of the matter.

Xu Xuan did not take this "Huang the Poisonous" to heart for the time being. As long as he was within the clan, the other party wouldn't dare do anything. Moreover, he had no true conflict of interest or deep-seated hatred with Huang the Poisonous.

But this Lin Hui... a murderous intent stirred faintly in Xu Xuan’s heart.

As a distant cousin of the Zhang family, Lin Hui had held intense jealousy toward Xu Xuan since their first meeting. Since entering the family, he had caused trouble time and time again.

The first time, he used Fang Gang, which Xu Xuan easily neutralized. The second time, he used this Huang the Poisonous. Who knew if there would be a third or fourth time...

Therefore, it was a petty person like Lin Hui that one truly needed to guard against.

In the following days, with Zhang Yuhan’s birthday only two days away, Xu Xuan continued to focus on his cultivation.

On the eve of Zhang Yuhan’s birthday, Zhang Feng paid another visit.

This time, he lacked his usual relaxed manner; he looked respectful as he brought in an elderly man dressed in simple attire.

The simple-looking elder was clean, his gaze peaceful, his face showing a few wrinkles, and he walked with the leisurely grace of someone strolling in a courtyard.

When he first entered, Xu Xuan thought the person behind him was an old servant, but seeing the look of awe on Zhang Feng’s face, he steadied his gaze to examine him. He found he could not see through the man at all; he had clearly reached the state of returning to simplicity.

"Brother Xu, this is the highly respected Great Elder of our clan."

Zhang Feng raised his hand to introduce him, his face full of reverence.

"Greetings, Great Elder." Xu Xuan bowed neither humbly nor arrogantly.

The Great Elder nodded slightly, smiling as he looked at Xu Xuan. His expression was kind, though he did not speak.

Only when Zhang Feng explained the purpose of their visit did Xu Xuan realize that this Great Elder had also come to observe Yu Qin’s aptitude.

Xu Xuan quickly called Yu Qin out, and she bowed timidly.

"Not bad, not bad. It is indeed a top-grade spirit root, and it is also the rare, pure, and flawless kind, perfect for inheriting my mantle."

The Great Elder had only glanced at her before a smile appeared on his face.

Zhang Feng, hearing this, was overjoyed and said to Yu Qin: "Miss Yu, why don't you pay your respects to your master? The Great Elder holds a highly respected position in the clan. There are very few in the entire Yellow Dragon City who can catch his eye."

Xu Xuan also sensed the extraordinary nature of this Great Elder. His cultivation was likely far superior to those elders in the Fengyu Immortal Sect.

"I... I don't want to."

Yu Qin lowered her head, her clear eyes shifting with unease. She glanced secretly at Xu Xuan, seemingly hoping for him to speak on her behalf.

She didn't want to?

Now it was Zhang Feng’s turn to be anxious. He thought to himself: My dear girl, this is a golden opportunity that countless people could only dream of.

"Junior Sister Yu, why don't you want to?" Xu Xuan asked, puzzled.

"Taking on an apprentice is a matter of fate, and it must also be done willingly. I will never force you." The Great Elder’s expression remained unchanged, though he showed a hint of curiosity: "However, as far as I know, you only stayed at the Fengyu Sect for half a year."

"I am afraid... I don't want to leave Senior Brother." Yu Qin’s voice trembled, looking pitiful.

Xu Xuan suddenly understood. After the destruction of her sect and the incident with Huang the Poisonous a few days ago, Yu Qin had developed a fear and anxiety toward strangers acting as mentors.

The Great Elder seemed to see through the situation and smiled slightly: "If you don't want to leave your Senior Brother, you can continue to live here and go to my place from time to time for me to teach you the immortal arts. How about that?"

Zhang Feng urged: "Miss Yu, you must be obedient. The Great Elder is definitely not a bad person. As long as you can become his apprentice, no one will dare to touch a hair on your head from now on."

Yu Qin hesitated, turning to look at Xu Xuan for guidance.

Xu Xuan gave her an encouraging smile.

"I am willing."

Yu Qin’s eyes were red and swollen as she knelt to perform the apprenticeship ritual for the Great Elder.

She simply did not want to leave her Senior Brother. If becoming an apprentice could help both herself and him, she was willing.

The Great Elder showed a gratified smile and quickly helped her up: "From now on, you live here, and when you study the immortal arts, come to my place."

A moment later, the Great Elder took Yu Qin away.

Before leaving, Yu Qin looked back, showing a trace of reluctance, but knowing she could return often, she left at ease.

Watching Yu Qin depart, Xu Xuan felt a sense of loss, as if he were a father seeing his daughter off to be married.

"What exactly is this Great Elder's status?"

Xu Xuan looked at Zhang Feng with curiosity.

"Heh heh, that’s a secret. However, even my father has to show him the utmost reverence."

Zhang Feng said mysteriously.

Xu Xuan was moved. In this vast Zhang family, someone who could make the Patriarch himself feel such reverence must be a senior of an even higher generation.

Tomorrow was Zhang Yuhan’s birthday, and before leaving, Zhang Feng gave a special reminder.

Xu Xuan remembered something and quickly said to Zhang Feng: "I have a younger sister at home who also has good aptitude and a unique talent for formations. I was hoping to bring her here as well."

"Good, leave that to me. I will handle it for you perfectly," Zhang Feng promised immediately.

After Yu Qin and Zhang Feng left, the large Green Hill Residence felt somewhat empty, so Xu Xuan sat cross-legged to cultivate.

However, in the evening, Yu Qin returned to the Green Hill Residence, escorted by a Spirit Refining stage master.

"Senior Brother."

Yu Qin was beaming with smiles as she returned to the spirit pavilion.

So soon!

Xu Xuan was a bit surprised, but the Great Elder had kept his promise: she would learn the immortal arts at his place, but would stay with Xu Xuan on a daily basis.

"The Great Elder is very kind to me and said he wants to adopt me as his granddaughter."

Yu Qin was not as unhappy as he had imagined.

Xu Xuan felt a little relieved and told Yu Qin to cultivate diligently, offering to provide guidance if she had any questions. Indeed, the Great Elder taught Yu Qin some techniques, and she would return to practice them while Xu Xuan provided insights and explanations. Yu Qin listened very seriously and learned quickly.

"Senior Brother Xu!"

Just then, the voice of Le Feng came from outside, hurried and urgent.

"Senior Brother Le, you’ve come so late—is something the matter?"

Xu Xuan asked, confused.

"It’s bad. Junior Sister Yang is missing, and Senior Brother Wei has also disappeared."

Le Feng said, his tone tight.

"Missing? How could that be?"

Xu Xuan frowned. Staying within the Zhang family estate, there shouldn't be any safety issues.

"The situation is this: Senior Brother Wei went missing the day before yesterday, and we didn't pay much attention, but today, for the entire day, Junior Sister Yang has also been gone."

Le Feng was restless, looking completely at a loss.

Xu Xuan sat for a long time, his eyes flickering uncertainly. After a while, he took a deep breath: "I think... I understand..."