After Jun Zelin brought people to search them out, she had already anticipated that the subsequent events would not be simple. Thus, she had kept a trick up her sleeve, wanting to see precisely which people were fanning the flames!
Chapter 30: Overbearing and Aggressive
Manager Lin suddenly stepped forward, saying, "I think we might as well let this matter drop right here. Let us simply treat it as the fault of the Eldest Young Master and the Second Young Master. After all, the Third Young Lady and the Fourth Young Master are still young, and having wandered away for many years, it is only natural that they harbor some resentment toward the Jun Family."
He was using feigned retreat to advance.
"The Eldest Young Master and Second Young Master are not entirely without fault either. Although they were perhaps merely joking around, the two young masters did not understand their temperaments and took the joke seriously, which is also understandable."
His words sounded like an attempt to smooth things over and make peace, but every phrase was laced with provocation, explicitly and implicitly insinuating that Jun Jiuqi and Chiyun did not know the rules.
"How can we possibly let it go just like that? Where do the rules stand? They are so lawless and unreasonable. If we forgive them today, how will the Enforcement Hall maintain its standing?" The Fourth Elder, however, was unrelenting.
"But if we really press the matter, this is not their fault either. There is evidence showing that the Eldest Young Master and Second Young Master provoked them first, and they only retaliated because they were forced to." The Ninth Elder wore a look of displeasure. Just how obvious could the Fourth Elder's blatant bias be? Anyone could see it!
"How can this be considered evidence? No one saw it happen at the scene. Relying solely on this phantom image of unknown authenticity is hardly enough to convince the crowd!" The Fourth Elder's attitude remained unyielding.
"Fourth Elder, in sparing others, spare them where you can."
The Ninth Elder's gaze darkened as he issued a low warning.
"Hah! I uphold the law impartially and my conscience is clear! At present, the First Elder is not here, and the Enforcement Hall is under my charge. The Ninth Elder's obstruction at every turn—could it be that you do not hold the Patriarch in your eyes?" The Fourth Elder glared at the Ninth Elder, his gaze turning icy. "Or could it be that you are harboring bias in your heart, and are therefore deliberately obstructing justice?"
The one deliberately showing bias is you!
Furious, the Ninth Elder was about to step forward to argue the point when his subordinate grabbed him!
"Elder, think twice. The other party came fully prepared today, and this matter is likely not going to end easily. The Fourth Elder has the Patriarch backing him; we must not confront him head-on."
The Ninth Elder gritted his teeth. Who didn't know that the Fourth Elder was the Patriarch's man? If not for the Patriarch's tacit consent, the Fourth Elder would never have dared to be so bold! There was not a shred of room for leniency in how they intended to handle this!
Just at that moment, Xu Hai arrived at the Enforcement Hall!
Xu Hai's appearance brought a turning point to the situation.
Xu Hai was the Old Master's man. No matter what, the Fourth Elder and his faction had to show respect to the Old Master.
Seeing him, Manager Lin narrowed his eyes slightly and hurried forward. "Oh, why has your elder self come here? Could it be that the Old Master has some instructions?"
Xu Hai swept a glance over the surroundings, his calm gaze falling silently upon Jun Jiuqi and Chiyun. Seeing that they bore no obvious external injuries, the stone hanging in his chest dropped slightly.
"I heard that something happened at the Enforcement Hall, so the Old Master ordered me to come and take a look."
"It is merely a minor friction between the younger generation. How could it possibly trouble you?"
After exchanging pleasantries with Manager Lin, Xu Hai walked up to the Fourth Elder and bowed. "If the Fourth Elder insists on administering punishment, you must at least wait until the truth of the matter comes to light."
The Fourth Elder's expression softened slightly as he caught the subtext in those words. "Head Manager Xu does not understand. The Third Young Lady and Fourth Young Master uttered unbridled insults and beat their kinsmen, and their methods were utterly ruthless—that is an indisputable fact! Afterward, instead of admitting their wrongdoing, they even caused a massive uproar and fought in the Enforcement Hall! No matter the reason, their actions today show a complete disregard for the rules of the Jun Family!"
"I understand the meaning behind Head Manager Xu's special trip here. Rest assured, I will naturally enforce the law impartially and without bias! Even if the Old Master himself were here today, my words would remain the same!"
Clearly, he had no intention of letting Jun Jiuqi and Chiyun off the hook.
This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Even though Xu Hai was the Old Master's personal attendant, he was, after all, only a manager!
The Fourth Elder might grant Xu Hai a modicum of face, but he certainly did not hold him in high regard.
The Ninth Elder's heart sank abruptly. Not even Xu Hai could suppress this; it seemed the Fourth Elder was determined to punish the Third Young Lady and Fourth Young Master today!
In the aristocratic clans, one did not speak with authority simply based on seniority or high standing.
The strong could casually determine the life and death of the weak.
It had been thus since ancient times.
Jun Jiuqi remained expressionless, unsurprised by this outcome.
That was fine, too. She had been worried that the Fourth Elder might back down, in which case all her trouble today would have been for nothing.
"Chiyun, as long as your identity isn't exposed, go ahead and cut loose today."
"Really? Great! I've long found that old geezer an eyesore!" Chiyun cracked his knuckles excitedly, making crisp, popping sounds, though he had not entirely lost his sense of reason. "But Jiujiu, didn't you say not to expose our strength too early?"
"When someone refuses to act like a human and insists on behaving like a beast just to offend my eyes, don't blame me for taking them apart." Jun Jiuqi's curled lips carried a cold, wicked arc.
A fierce, excited gleam flashed in Chiyun's eyes. Seeing the old man ignore Xu Hai's obstruction and order the Enforcement Hall disciples to fall back, while two of his subordinates lunged forward, Chiyun let out a sudden, explosive roar as spiritual energy surged violently around his entire body!
"Gravity Pressure!"
A wave of energy descended from the sky, instantly pinning the two men ruthlessly to the ground!
Then, accompanied by a ferocious roar, a three-meter-tall white tiger materialized behind him. With a flash of its silhouette, Chiyun arrived in an instant, bringing his fist down with crushing force!
Bang!
It took merely a single blow!
Before the two subordinates could even react, they were knocked unconscious on the spot!
Two Rank Four Warriors were crushed by that terrifying gravity until they vomited blood, instantly neutralized in a single move!
Everyone present was dumbfounded. The Fourth Elder drew a sharp breath, and just as he moved to intervene, darkness suddenly descended before his eyes.
Jun Jiuqi appeared in an instant.
Her speed was even faster than before, startling even Xu Hai!
With a wave of her hand in the air, a black tiger materialized, transforming into a lightning spear that she grasped in her grasp!
Crackling fiercely, the purple lightning illuminated her pale little face, tinting even her pitch-black eyes a demonic purple-red!
A tyrannical and terrifying force gathered in the air!
"Spirit Beast Transformation?"
The Ninth Elder cried out in shock. The Third Young Lady was merely at the Rank Four Realm, yet she could already manipulate a beast martial spirit to change its form? Such manipulative control was something only those at Rank Five and above possessed!
And what about the Fourth Young Master? That gravity—could it be an innate ability of his martial spirit beast?
The expressions of everyone present shifted constantly as they watched that spear of lightning instantly pierce straight through the Fourth Elder's body!
"Stop!"
With an explosive roar, Manager Lin turned pale with fright and lunged forward without a second thought!
Xu Hai immediately barked an order to the warriors beside him, "Stop him!"
Two Rank Four Warriors in the rear bolted out like shooting stars, but they were still a fraction too late!
At that moment, no one noticed a flash of blinding, frigid light emerge from Manager Lin's sleeve.
It was a hidden weapon!
Only Xu Hai, standing closest, caught it instantly—and that hidden weapon was aimed straight at Jun Jiuqi!
Not good! Third Young Lady!
"Third Young Lady, look out!"
Xu Hai screamed at the top of his lungs. A sinister glint flashed in Manager Lin's eyes as he sought to take Jun Jiuqi's life amidst the chaos!
With such terrifying talent, once they were allowed to mature, they would undoubtedly become a grave threat to the Patriarch!
*Whoosh! Whoosh!* Two sharp sounds pierced the air!
Two cold glares had already flown out from Manager Lin's sleeve, shooting directly toward Jun Jiuqi's back!
At that fraction of a second, Xu Hai felt as though his heart was about to leap straight out of his throat!
Chapter 31: I Say You Did It, So You Did It!
At the critical moment, an explosive roar shattered the air!
"How dare you harm my child?!"
*Clang!*
A crisp, sharp sound rang out as the hidden weapon was forcefully deflected!
Immediately afterward, a furious fist slammed straight into Manager Lin's face!
"Third Master!"
Seeing the figure that had suddenly appeared, Xu Hai cried out instinctively.
The newcomer was none other than Jun Qingfeng.
The moment he arrived, he stood directly in front of Jun Jiuqi, blocking Manager Lin's sneak attack.
At this moment, Jun Qingfeng was brimming with unadulterated fury from head to toe.
Manager Lin was sent flying heavily through the air, quickly pinned down by the men Xu Hai had brought.
"Father!"
"Jiujiu, are you alright?"
Jun Qingfeng immediately checked to see if she had sustained any injuries.
Jun Jiuqi shook her head. Her gaze slowly shifted to the Fourth Elder sprawled before her. She tightened her fingers, and the lightning spear dissipated.
It reverted to its black tiger form and returned to her side.
"Cough!"
The Fourth Elder spewed a mouthful of blood, his face turning ashen!
The lightning spear that had pierced his abdomen made him experience the sensation of being struck by lightning all over again. The instant the thunder spear entered his belly, his physical strength drained away instantly, his limbs went numb and tached, and he barely had the strength to even re-gather his spiritual energy!
Shock gripped the Fourth Elder's heart. He stared in disbelief at the young girl standing before him.
At such a tender age, she had already comprehended the mysteries of illusionary shifting and transformation?
"Fourth Elder!"
"Audacious! How dare you strike with such a vicious hand?"
"A vicious hand? Just who is striking with a vicious hand?"
*Clack!*
Jun Qingfeng flicked a hidden weapon from his hand, sending it clattering to the ground. Everyone stared at the diamond-shaped iron awl lying on the floor, astonishment written across their faces.
"Manager Lin, to think you would use such a despicable and vicious hidden weapon against a child!"
Manager Lin clutched his battered, aching face, his eyes venomous. He quickly recovered his wits and snapped, "Third Master, you cannot speak such reckless nonsense! This is not my item; you cannot simply pull out some baseless object to frame me!"
"Not yours?" Jun Qingfeng was so angry he laughed.
"The Third Master claims this is mine, but who here can prove it?" Manager Lin clearly intended to deny everything to the bitter end.
His malicious gaze swept across the surrounding crowd. Those fixed by his stare involuntarily lowered their eyes; not a single person stepped forward.
Presently, Manager Lin was a favored favorite in front of Jun Family Patriarch Jun Qingya. Even inner sect disciples of some standing, and even direct bloodline members, did not dare to easily offend him.
Naturally, no one was going to step out now and court trouble for themselves.
"No one can prove it? So what?"
Suddenly, Jun Qingfeng took a sharp step forward and smashed a vicious fist straight into Manager Lin's mouth once more!
Teeth flew, and blood spurted like a fountain.
"Third Master! What are you doing?!"
Manager Lin's eyes bulged in shock. He had never expected Jun Qingfeng to resort to physical violence the moment he finished speaking!
"Anyone with eyes could see that hidden weapon come straight out of your sleeve. Still want to quibble? It doesn't matter if you quibble or not—I say you did it, so you did it!"
With a ruthless expression, before anyone else could recover their senses, Jun Qingfeng grabbed Manager Lin by the throat and delivered two more heavy blows straight to his stomach!
"You're nothing more than a lowly servant, yet you actually fancy yourself a master? A dog borrowing its master's might—and you dared to bully my daughter?! This lord is beating you precisely for that!"
*Bang! Bang!*
Several more blows followed, every single one aimed at the most fatal spots!
By the time the onlookers finally reacted and attempted to rush forward to stop him, they were all ruthlessly kicked away by Jun Qingfeng!
At this moment, Jun Qingfeng resembled an enraged wild beast that no one dared approach!
Watching the tall, formidable figure shielding him from the front, a warm current flowed through Jun Jiuqi's heart.
This feeling of being protected without condition or reason felt truly wonderful.
"You dare... abuse private punishment... The Master will never... let you off... Ah!"
Manager Lin spat blood while struggling to force out his threats, but before he could finish, another fist met his face squarely!
"So what if your master comes? Third Master will beat him just the same! When Third Master was out beating people up, your master didn't even know where he was hiding!"
"You!"
Unrestrained by any taboos, Jun Qingfeng didn't care a whit about Jun Qingya's reputation.
He had always been this kind of person; back in the day, he was the Jun Family's foremost genius—arrogant, unbridled, wildly unrestrained, and holding no one in his eyes.
At the same time, he possessed zero tolerance for any irritants; if anyone dared to flap their jaws at him, he would simply give them a sound beating!
Even now, fifteen years later, certain things deep in his bones remained entirely unchanged.
"Is the Third Master showing such utter disregard for the Patriarch? Pray tell, whose backing are you relying on to spout such wild nonsense in the Jun Family's Enforcement Hall?"
"Truly, like father, like child! The Third Young Lady and Fourth Young Master resort to violence at the slightest disagreement—I suppose that's what the Third Master taught them?"
The Fourth Elder's lackeys clamored noisily, not forgetting to add fuel to the fire to smear Jun Jiuqi and Chiyun.
Hearing this, Jun Qingfeng completely exploded!
"Get lost! How this old man teaches his own daughter is none of your damn business!"
"A bunch of moronic bastards! Ganging up to bully two children? Where the hell do you get the nerve?"
...
Jun Jiuqi blinked her eyes as she watched her father go on a "rampage," unable to suppress a grin.
Why hadn't she known her father had this side to him before?
Because in front of Jun Jiuqi and Chiyun, Jun Qingfeng had mostly maintained the image of a gentle, goofy old dad. When had she ever seen him looking so sharp-edged and contemptuous of the world?
So this was her father's true temperament after all?
Through Jun Qingfeng at this moment, Jun Jiuqi seemed to catch a glimpse of the high-spirited, unrestrained, and dashing young third young master of the Jun Family from fifteen years ago.
Falling from the clouds into the mud—Jun Jiuqi understood that feeling all too well.
Her dark eyes deepened. She would definitely find a way to clear the poison from her father and restore him to his past peak glory!
Jun Qingfeng guarded the two children behind him with an impassable stance—whoever dared to step forward, he would beat them.
The situation steadily spiraled out of control.
Severely injured and consumed by blinding rage, the Fourth Elder threw all caution to the wind and ordered his men to capture them!
At that moment, a cry of "The Old Master has arrived!" shattered the chaotic scene.
Everyone froze and looked toward the courtyard entrance, immediately catching sight of Jun Ting striding in from outside.
"What is all this commotion about?"
"Greetings, Old Master."
Everyone halted their actions and bowed in unison. Jun Ting's arrival instantly reversed the stalemate.
His gaze swept over the messy courtyard and the surrounded Jun Qingfeng, a stern frost settling on his face.
"What on earth are you all doing?!"
An invisible pressure blanketed the entire courtyard, causing the surrounding Enforcement Hall disciples to break out in cold sweats for no apparent reason.
They instinctively backed away, and Xu Hai quickly stepped forward to murmur a few words into Jun Ting's ear.
Comprehending the gist of the situation, Jun Ting walked straight up to Jun Qingfeng and delivered a solid *bang* of a punch right to his face!
Jun Qingfeng was knocked back a step. Jun Jiuqi caught her father, her cold gaze shooting toward Jun Ting.
The others present were also stunned.
None of them expected the Old Master to strike out so suddenly.
"Have you grown too big for your britches? You dare resort to violence in the Enforcement Hall?"
Jun Qingfeng wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and sneered dismissively, "It's not like I've never done it before."
Jun Jiuqi glanced at Jun Qingfeng.
It seemed her father had quite a few "splendid achievements" in his past.
"Still standing around for what? Get back to the cottage! You disgraceful wretch!"
Jun Ting flicked his sleeve. Hearing this, Jun Jiuqi raised her brows slightly.
Chapter 32: Settled with a Final Verdict
Jun Jiuqi glanced toward Jun Ting, and Xu Hai immediately shot her a meaningful look.
Understanding immediately, Jun Jiuqi and Chiyun grabbed Jun Qingfeng by either side and pulled him away.
They had beaten the people who needed beating.
They had established the prestige that needed establishing.
If they didn't leave now, when would they?
"Halt!"
"Old Master, is this really appropriate? Just let them walk away like this? How are the injuries of the Eldest Young Master and Second Young Master to be settled? And what about the injured Enforcement Hall disciples, and all the fellow disciples who were hurt?"
Naturally, the Fourth Elder caught Jun Ting's intent. Could so many matters simply be resolved with a single punch?
Was the Old Master not showing far too much partiality?
Just as his voice fell, he met Jun Ting's sweeping glance.
The Fourth Elder's heart chilled, and the words on the tip of his tongue were swallowed right back down.
"You all know full well why they were injured. Do you really want this old man to dig up the evidence?"
With Jun Ting's calm statement, the expressions of the Fourth Elder and his faction shifted slightly.
Because they saw the figures in black suddenly emerge behind the Old Master—the Blood Shadow Guards.
The Huben Blood Shadow Guards.
With their trademark black garments patterned with blue threads, shrouded in dark robes from head to toe, they radiated an unknown, oppressive aura of strength.
They were precisely the most formidable Blood Shadow Guard army of the Jun Family.
The Fourth Elder's expression turned a kaleidoscope of colors, while Manager Lin didn't even dare utter a single syllable.
The Jun Family's Blood Shadow Guards were ubiquitous, and no one knew where they hid. If the Blood Shadow Guards were deployed, it would probably take less than half a day to expose every single one of their little tricks.
To protect the Third Branch, the Old Master was actually willing to deploy the Blood Shadow Guards?
Jun Ting cast a cold look at the cowering, guilt-ridden figures of Jun Zelin and Jun Zechuan. "Since they are injured, they need not participate in the upcoming Martial Arts Tournament. They should simply rest properly."
"Grandfather!"
"Old Master!"
Jun Zelin, Jun Zechuan, the Fourth Elder, and the others turned pale with shock!
Were they directly stripping the two young masters of their qualification to compete?
"If anyone has an objection, tell them to come directly to me. Stop making a mess of this place and clean it up yourselves."
With just a few brief words, Jun Ting brought the farce to an end.
No one dared to say another word.
As Jun Ting and the others departed, the Enforcement Hall instantly erupted into a clamor.
***
Jun Qingfeng led Jun Jiuqi and Chiyun as they walked back along the path, accompanied by Jun Ting walking with his hands clasped behind his back. The atmosphere along the way was stiff, and no one spoke first.
This was the first formal meeting between father and son since Jun Qingfeng returned to the Jun Family.
None of them had expected it to happen under such circumstances.
Ultimately, it was Xu Hai who broke the silence. "Why did the Third Master suddenly return?"
"People from the Ninth Elder came to find me, informing me that Jiujiu and Chiyun were in danger."
"So that's how it was. Fortunately, the Third Master returned in time..."
"Hmph, useless trash! Two children being bullied, and you still needed outsiders to notify you before you found out. Tell me, aren't you just good-for-nothing trash?"
Jun Ting's sarcasm was utterly merciless.
Jun Qingfeng met him tit for tat. "Having left the family for many years, I had indeed forgotten that the Jun Family has always been like this—fratricide is a common occurrence. You are a busy man of high status, yet you still condescended to make a trip to the Enforcement Hall. Truly, it must have been exhausting."
"Unfilial son! Is that the attitude you use to speak to your father? Have you rebelled?!"
"I've always spoken this way. Take it if you like, lump it if you don't." Jun Qingfeng huffed angrily and averted his gaze, refusing to even look at the raging old man.
"You scoundrel!"
The father and son began to bicker at the slightest disagreement, leaving Xu Hai standing nearby in anxious sweat.
Jun Jiuqi looked at the one, then at the other, blinked her wide, watery eyes, and wisely chose to remain silent and watch the show.
She had to admit, her father and her grandfather really were quite alike in certain aspects.
The old man was burning with rage. This rebellious son actually dared to speak to him like this? After being away from home for so many years, this foul temper of his hadn't changed a single bit!
In the end, Xu Hai stepped in to smooth things over and change the subject. "Third Young Lady, Fourth Young Master, are you injured? I've already sent someone to fetch a physician. Wouldn't it be better if the Third Master directly takes the two young masters to the Ancient Pine Hall? There is a dedicated Hundred Herb Pavilion inside the Ancient Pine Hall with abundant medicinal herbs, which will make it convenient for the physician to treat them."
The Hundred Herb Pavilion?
Hearing this, Jun Jiuqi's gaze flickered.
Jun Qingfeng hesitated upon hearing the suggestion. If he had a choice, he naturally wanted nothing to do with the old man's Ancient Pine Hall, but thinking of Jiujiu and Chiyun's injuries...
"Cough, cough, Father, my chest hurts..."