Chapter 416 The Four Supreme Elders' Attack! Jiang Yun's Powerful Counterattack!

Elder Liu Lan's voice echoed across the plaza.

"Patriarch, esteemed Grand Elders, Grand Tutor Dongxuan has been brought here."

As her voice fell, hundreds of gazes in the plaza landed squarely on Jiang Yun.

Among those gazes, there was scrutiny, curiosity, appraisal, and undisguised rejection.

Jiang Yun's expression remained calm, his silver-white mask gleaming with a cold luster under the morning light.

He stood there neither servile nor overbearing, as if the overt and covert hostility surrounding him had nothing to do with him.

Liu Qingyun was the first to step forward to greet him.

"Grand Tutor Dongxuan, you have had a long journey."

His voice was gentle, and his face wore a warm smile, as if he were not the same person who had told Jiang Yun to go rest yesterday.

Behind him, three white-haired old men also stepped forward.

These three old men were all Grand Elders of the Liu Family. They appeared to be in their seventies, yet they were full of vigor, their eyes bright and piercing. The Aura on their bodies was as deep as an abyss; they were all Eclipse Moon Rank Experts.

The leading old man was tall and thin with a refined face, sporting three wisps of white beard, looking every bit like an immortal.

His gaze held a hint of kindness as he looked at Jiang Yun and nodded slightly.

"Is this Grand Tutor Dongxuan?"

His voice was aged yet resonant.

"I am Liu Yunshan, one of the Grand Elders of the Liu Family. I heard that Grand Tutor Dongxuan passed the Grand Tutor Level Assessment at only sixteen years old, becoming the youngest Grand Tutor Level Appraiser in the Appraisers Guild for hundreds of years. Truly a young hero, the youth are to be feared."

Another slightly plump, ruddy-faced old man also nodded with a smile.

"Brother Yunshan is right. A sixteen-year-old Grand Tutor—I have lived for nearly two hundred years and this is my first time seeing one. Grand Tutor Dongxuan's talent for appraisal is unprecedented."

The third old man did not speak much, but he also nodded slightly, his gaze towards Jiang Yun filled with appreciation.

Liu Qingyun added with a smile from the side: "Grand Tutor Dongxuan is not only a Grand Tutor Level Appraiser, but his strength as a Beast Tamer is also astonishing. Grand Tutor Dongxuan's Realm has already reached Purple Crystal Tier 5, and his true combat power far exceeds his level. sixteen years old, a Grand Tutor Level Appraiser and an Amethyst-rank Beast Tamer, you won't find a second Dual Cultivation Genius like this even if you look across the entire provincial capital."

As soon as these words were spoken, the Liu Family members watching in the plaza immediately let out gasps of amazement.

"What? Purple Crystal Tier 5?"

"sixteen years old and Amethyst Rank? This... this is too much of a Prodigy!"

"Among the younger generation of our Liu Family, apart from the Young Miss who is a Prodigy at the Peak of Amethyst Rank, even the most top-tier ones are only at the initial stage of Amethyst Rank, right? This kid is already at Purple Crystal Tier 5?"

"It's not just his Beast Tamer Realm, the key is that he is also a Grand Tutor Level Appraiser! Either one of these identities would make him a top Genius, and he possesses both?"

"No wonder the Patriarch personally invited him to the Liu Family..."

The gazes of the crowd held a bit more shock and awe.

The original gazes of rejection and hostility had clearly subsided significantly after this series of identity revelations.

However, just as everyone was whispering and the atmosphere was gradually heating up, a discordant voice suddenly rang out.

"Patriarch, esteemed Elders, I have something to say."

The voice was old and sharp, like a dull knife scraping across glass, instantly shattering the warm atmosphere in the plaza.

The crowd automatically cleared a path. Four old men walked slowly from the other side of the plaza.

These four old men were even older than Liu Yunshan and the others, all with white hair and beards, their faces covered in wrinkles.

They wore uniform deep purple robes embroidered with the Liu Family crest: a spreading Phoenix.

But unlike Liu Qingyun and the others, the edges of these four men's robes were embroidered with a circle of dark gold patterns, seemingly a mark of some special status.

The leading old man was tall and sturdy, his back straight as a ramrod, his eyes sharp as an eagle's. His gaze landed on Jiang Yun, making no attempt to hide his scrutiny and pickiness.

"Grand Elder Liu Lie."

Liu Qingyun frowned slightly, but quickly returned to a calm state.

"What does Elder Lie have to say?"

Liu Lie snorted coldly and raised a hand to point at Jiang Yun.

"Patriarch, can such a greenhorn really be competent enough to handle such an important appraisal for our Liu Family?"

His voice was unceremonious, even carrying a hint of aggression.

"This kid wears a mask and acts all mysterious, not even daring to show his true face. We know nothing of his origins, his background, or his master. A teenager who suddenly appeared in the provincial capital—who knows if he's reliable?"

Another Grand Elder behind him also stepped out, his voice gloomy.

"Elder Lie is right. Our Liu Family has been a Hidden Family for hundreds of years and has never had much contact with the outside world. Over the years, have there been few external forces coveting our Liu Family's Legacy? Who knows if this kid is a spy sent by some force, using appraisal as a pretext to actually probe the true strength of our Liu Family?"

The third Grand Elder stroked his beard, shaking his head.

"I have lived for nearly three hundred years and have seen too many people with ulterior motives. This kid wears a mask and doesn't even dare to show his true face; who can guarantee he doesn't have bad intentions?"

The fourth Grand Elder was even more direct.

"A sixteen-year-old teenager, a Grand Tutor Level Appraiser? A Beast Tamer at the Amethyst Rank? I have lived for so long and have never seen such a monstrous Genius. The more monstrous, the more suspicious. Perhaps he is a pawn cultivated by some evil force using secret methods, specifically to infiltrate our Hidden Family."

The four men's words were like a barrage, one after another, giving no one else a chance to interrupt.

And every one of their words hit precisely on the doubts in the hearts of the Liu Family members present.

The mood in the plaza began to shift quietly.

"The Grand Elders make some sense..." A middle-aged Liu Family member frowned and whispered to the person beside him.

"Our Liu Family has been hidden for so many years and has never had contact with the outside world. It is indeed suspicious for such a monstrous Genius to suddenly appear."

"Exactly, exactly." Another person agreed.

"A sixteen-year-old Grand Tutor Level Appraiser, and also a Beast Tamer who has reached the Amethyst Rank? Such talent, even in our Liu Family, would be hard to come by in a thousand years, right? How could a place with such barren resources as the outside world cultivate such a Genius?"

"And he wears a mask, not even daring to show his true face. If he were truly upright, what is there to hide?"

"Could he really be a spy sent by some major force? The Feng Family? The Federal Government? Or..."

The discussions rose and fell, and seeds of doubt took root and sprouted in everyone's hearts.

The Liu Family members who had just been in awe of Jiang Yun now had a bit more vigilance and rejection in their eyes.

Jiang Yun heard all these discussions. His brows furrowed slightly under his mask.

He did not rush to defend himself, but swept his gaze over the four Grand Elders, then glanced at Liu Qingyun.

Liu Qingyun's expression remained calm, but Jiang Yun noticed a trace of imperceptible gloom in the depths of his eyes.

And those three Grand Elders who had just praised Jiang Yun—Liu Yunshan and the others—also did not look very good right now.

Their gazes towards Liu Lie and the others held obvious displeasure.

Jiang Yun suddenly understood in his heart. So that's how it is.

The Liu Family was indeed divided into two factions. One was led by Liu Qingyun and the three Grand Elders including Liu Yunshan. The other was led by these four Grand Elders headed by Liu Lie.

The two factions were clearly at odds.

And this appraisal was probably not as simple as it seemed.

Jiang Yun recalled Elder Liu Lan's warning yesterday: It is best to bring out all your skills tomorrow, otherwise you will be targeted by some people.

It seems Elder Liu Lan had long known this would happen.

Just as Jiang Yun was deep in thought, a cold voice suddenly rang out.

"Enough."

Elder Liu Lan stepped forward, her water-blue dress dragging an elegant arc on the ground.

Her gaze swept coldly over Liu Lie and the others, her voice not loud, but carrying an unquestionable Aura.

"Four Grand Elders, you question Grand Tutor Dongxuan's origins? Then I will tell you, his origins are crystal clear."

She paused and said word by word: "Grand Tutor Dongxuan is not only a Grand Tutor Level Appraiser, but he is also a Grand Elder of the Appraisers Guild."

As soon as these words were spoken, the whole place was in an uproar.

"What?!"

"A Grand Elder... of the Appraisers Guild?!"

"How is this possible! How old is he? Sixteen! Being a Grand Tutor Level Appraiser is one thing, but what is the concept of a Grand Elder? That is the absolute core Senior management of the Appraisers Guild! Even those veteran Grand Tutors in the provincial capital who have been famous for decades might not be able to become a Grand Elder!"

"How could a sixteen-year-old teenager sit in that position?!"

The Liu Family members widened their eyes, their mouths open wide enough to fit an egg.

Those who had just been making determined accusations about Jiang Yun's origins were now like ducks with their necks choked, unable to say a single word.

Liu Lie's expression also changed slightly, but he quickly regained his composure and snorted coldly.

"A Grand Elder of the Appraisers Guild? Girl Liu Lan, do you have proof of this?"

Elder Liu Lan looked at him coldly and was about to speak, but Liu Qingyun raised his hand to stop her.

"Elder Lie." Liu Qingyun's voice was still gentle, but the pressure contained within it made Liu Lie's brows jump slightly.

"Grand Tutor Dongxuan's identity was personally confirmed by President Yun Xi. His position as Grand Elder was also personally bestowed by President Yun Xi."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the four men including Liu Lie, his tone calm yet heavy as a thousand jun.

"We might make mistakes, but President Yun Xi would never make a mistake, would he?"

Hearing the words "President Yun Xi," the expressions of Liu Lie and his three companions changed simultaneously.

Not only them, but even the three Grand Elders like Liu Yunshan, upon hearing this name, became solemn and respectful.

The Liu Family members watching in the plaza all fell silent after hearing this name.

Jiang Yun keenly captured this change and his heart stirred.

President Yun Xi?

The reaction of these people to this name was a bit too fearful.

Even if Yun Xi is the President of the Appraisers Guild, the Liu Family is a Hidden Family with deep Foundations and many Eclipse Moon Rank Experts.

Logically, they shouldn't be so wary of a Guild President.

Unless... President Yun Xi has some special relationship with the Liu Family.

What kind of relationship? Is it grace? Is it coercion? Or...

Thoughts raced through Jiang Yun's mind, but he did not show it on his face at all.

Liu Lie's face turned green and white, and it took a long while for him to squeeze a few words through his teeth.

"Since he is someone valued by President Yun Xi... then I will not question his identity for now."

He changed the subject. "However!"

"Identity is not the problem, that does not mean his ability is not a problem."

Liu Lie raised his head, his gaze fixed on Jiang Yun.

"Patriarch, this appraisal involves that item in our Liu Family's ancestral grounds, which relates to the mystery of our Liu Family's Foundation. You should know better than anyone what that thing means to our Liu Family."

His voice suddenly rose.

"For thousands of years, the reason our Liu Family has been able to become a Hidden Family, with experts emerging generation after generation, is because of that item! After the incident three hundred years ago, that item gradually became ineffective, and our Liu Family's strength began to decline year by year. If we cannot reactivate it, in another few thousand years, once us Old Fellows are dead, our Liu Family will likely be forced into the world!"

Speaking of this, his eyes actually turned slightly red, and his voice carried a hint of trembling.

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"I admit this youth is indeed gifted. But talent is talent, and ability is ability. No matter how much of a Genius he is, he's only sixteen years old. How much appraisal experience can he have? How many Appraisers did my Liu Family invite to look at that item? Three Grand Tutor Levels! They all failed to crack its secrets! Why should a sixteen-year-old boy succeed?"

He turned to Liu Qingyun, his voice almost a roar.

"Patriarch, I am not targeting you, nor am I targeting this youth. Everything I do is for the future of the Liu Family! That item is our Liu Family's last hope. If the appraisal fails and causes the item to be completely destroyed, can you take responsibility for that?"

His voice echoed over the square.

Every word was like a heavy hammer striking the hearts of every Liu Family member present.

Even those clansmen who had just regained their awe for Jiang Yun...

...now showed hesitation and doubt in their eyes once more.

It was true.

That item was too important to the Liu Family.

So important that they couldn't afford any risk of failure.

Could this youth really do it?

Behind Liu Lie, the other three Grand Elders also spoke up.

"Elder Lie is right. This concerns our Liu Family's Foundation; it's no joking matter."

"Patriarch, we know you are dedicated to the Liu Family, but in this matter, it's better to be cautious."

"Before letting him touch that item, he must prove his ability. Otherwise, we will never agree."

The four voices grew increasingly determined, their attitudes more and more unyielding.

The atmosphere in the square became heavy once again.

Liu Qingyun's brow furrowed even deeper.

He took a deep look at Liu Lie, a complex expression flashing in his eyes.

There was helplessness, anger, and a hint of... wariness.

Jiang Yun took in this scene, thinking to himself.

Liu Qingyun was a high-stage Eclipse Moon Rank Expert.

The current helmsman of the Liu Family.

Facing the public defiance of four Grand Elders, he actually chose to endure?

This defied Common sense.

Unless the power behind these four forced Liu Qingyun to be wary.

What did Liu Lie and the others represent within the Liu Family?

Were they another branch of the Direct Bloodline?

Or did they hold some trump card capable of checking the Patriarch's power?

Jiang Yun didn't know yet, but he was certain of one thing.

These four weren't just questioning his ability.

They were using the situation as a pretext.

On the surface, they were making things difficult for Jiang Yun, but in reality, they were undermining Liu Qingyun's authority.

If Jiang Yun were forced to leave the Liu Family in disgrace, Liu Qingyun would be labeled as someone with poor judgment.

Inviting an outsider to appraise an ancestral artifact, only to bring in an incompetent fool and be exposed publicly by the Grand Elders.

This would be enough to significantly diminish Liu Qingyun's prestige within the Family.

If Jiang Yun braced himself and failed the appraisal, leading to damage to the ancestral artifact, Liu Qingyun's responsibility would be even greater.

At that time, Liu Lie and the others could fully exploit the situation, perhaps even forcing Liu Qingyun to abdicate in favor of someone more capable.

How was this just questioning?

This was clearly a power struggle targeted at Liu Qingyun!

And he, Jiang Yun, was merely a pawn in this game.

A pawn being used as a tool.

Realizing this, Jiang Yun sneered inwardly.

He, Jiang Yun, wasn't someone who could be used as a pawn by just anyone.

At that moment.

Liu Qingyun took a deep breath and turned to look at Jiang Yun.

His gaze carried a hint of apology and a trace of pleading.

"Grand Tutor Dongxuan... Though Elder Lie's words are unpleasant, what he says is not entirely without merit. This appraisal matter indeed relates to my Liu Family's Foundation. I wonder if the Grand Tutor could... undergo a test first? Just to prove your appraisal ability and put the Elders' minds at ease."

He paused and lowered his voice to a volume only the two of them could hear.

"Grand Tutor, don't worry, this is just a formality. Regardless of the test results, my previous promises still stand. You may choose one treasure from my Liu Family treasury as a thank-you gift for this test."

Jiang Yun looked at Liu Qingyun, the corners of his mouth curling slightly under his mask.

One treasure?

Just a formality?

This Patriarch of the Liu Family certainly knew how to calculate.

Did he think a single treasure would make him obediently play along?

If he were truly just an ordinary sixteen-year-old youth, he might have been moved by a treasure and honestly accepted the test.

After passing the test, Liu Qingyun would then naturally have him appraise that ancestral artifact.

If it succeeded, the credit would go to Liu Qingyun's wisdom in recognizing talent.

If it failed, the responsibility would lie with Jiang Yun's lack of ability.

Either way, Liu Qingyun wouldn't lose out.

And he, Jiang Yun, would have been nothing more than a tool used from start to finish.

Quite a clever scheme.

However...

Jiang Yun sneered in his heart.

Since your Liu Family wants to use me as a pawn, don't blame me for turning the tables and calling checkmate.

He looked up, his calm gaze sweeping over Liu Lie and the others before landing back on Liu Qingyun.

Then, he spoke.

His voice wasn't loud, but it reached the ears of everyone present clearly.

"Patriarch Liu."

His tone was indifferent, showing no emotion.

"This Junior has one matter I don't understand and would like to ask."

Liu Qingyun was slightly taken aback: "Grand Tutor, please speak."

Jiang Yun's gaze swept over Liu Lie and the others, finally fixing on Liu Qingyun's face.

"Was I invited by your Liu Family, or did I come here begging for an audience?"

As soon as these words were spoken, the atmosphere in the square suddenly froze.

Liu Qingyun's pupils constricted slightly.

Liu Lie's brow also furrowed.

Jiang Yun continued unhurriedly.

"If I had come begging, it would be only natural for you to test my ability. But as far as I know, it was Elder Liu Lan who traveled thousands of miles to Black Rock City to invite me to the Liu Family. For this, the Liu Family even promised that I could choose a treasure from the treasury as payment."

He paused, his voice suddenly turning several degrees colder.

"Since you invited me here, it means you recognized my ability. Now that I've arrived, you want me to prove myself?"

His gaze looked directly at Liu Lie and the other three.

"I take the liberty of asking... what is the meaning of this, Liu Family?"

Every word was like a knife, every sentence like a sword.

Silence fell over the square.

The Liu Family members looked at each other, not knowing how to refute him.

It was true.

He was invited, he didn't show up on his own.

You don't question someone before inviting them, only to question them after they arrive?

Isn't that just slapping your own face?

Liu Lie's face turned so dark it looked like it could drip ink.

He hadn't expected this masked youth to be so sharp-tongued.

Even more, he hadn't expected the other party to dare to counterattack so forcefully on Liu Family territory, in front of hundreds of clansmen.

Liu Qingyun's expression also changed slightly.

He also hadn't expected this youth, who had been humble and polite all along the way, to suddenly burst out with such a forceful attitude.

But he quickly realized.

This youth wasn't just throwing a tantrum.

He was taking a stand.

He was telling him—he wasn't a soft persimmon to be squeezed at will.

Liu Qingyun looked deeply at Jiang Yun, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes.

This youth was even more difficult to deal with than he had imagined.

Jiang Yun didn't give Liu Qingyun much time to think.

He continued, his tone still flat but carrying an unquestionable force.

"Patriarch Liu, I respect you as a Senior, which is why I've referred to myself as a Junior and been courteous throughout this journey. But being courteous doesn't mean I'm easy to bully."

His gaze swept over Liu Lie and the others.

"My appraisal ability has already been certified by the Appraisers Guild. President Yun Xi personally granting me the position of Grand Elder is the greatest recognition of my ability."

"If the Liu Family feels President Yun Xi's certification isn't weighty enough, or feels my ability isn't worthy of the Liu Family's treasure..."

He paused, his tone suddenly withdrawing.

"Then I won't force it. The previous promise is hereby void. I shall leave the Liu Family immediately, and won't stay a moment longer."

After saying that, he turned as if to leave.

His movements were crisp and decisive, without a hint of hesitation.

It was as if everything in the Liu Family...

...the treasures in the treasury, the favor of an Eclipse Moon Rank Expert, the resources of a Hidden Family...

...were all dispensable to him.

Liu Qingyun's pupils shrank violently.

He never expected Jiang Yun to actually dare to walk away!

Did this youth not know how precious the treasures in the Liu Family treasury were?

Did he not know how valuable the favor of an Eclipse Moon Rank Expert was?

Did he not know what a Hidden Family represented?

He certainly knew.

But he knew even better...

...that the initiative had never been in the Liu Family's hands.

It was in his, Jiang Yun's, hands.

Because the Liu Family had already invited Grand Tutor Level Appraisers to look at that item.

Everyone had failed.

He, Jiang Yun, was the Liu Family's last hope.

If he left too, that item of the Liu Family would probably truly never have a chance to be activated again.

So, it wasn't him begging the Liu Family.

It was the Liu Family begging him!

Moreover, Jiang Yun had the Appraisers Guild behind him.

And even President Yun Xi's backing.

Forceful methods were out of the question.

Realizing this, Liu Qingyun immediately took a step forward.

"Grand Tutor Dongxuan, please stay!"

His voice carried a hint of urgency, no longer possessing its previous composure.

Jiang Yun stopped but didn't turn around.

Liu Qingyun took a deep breath, his tone sincere.

"Grand Tutor Dongxuan, please calm your anger. What just happened was due to my Liu Family's poor hospitality, causing you to suffer grievance. Elder Lie and the others were also just acting out of concern and didn't mean to offend you."

He paused and gritted his teeth.

"How about this: as long as you are willing to accept the test, regardless of the result, you can choose any one treasure from my Liu Family treasury."

"Furthermore..."

His voice lowered even more.

"If you pass the test, I promise that after you finish appraising that ancestral artifact, you may choose one more treasure from the treasury."

As soon as these words came out, the crowd was in an uproar again.

"Choose one more?"

"What does that mean?!"

"And it's a treasure from the Liu Family treasury? This is too generous!"

The Liu Family members gasped one by one, their eyes full of shock.

Even Liu Lie and the others' faces became extremely unsightly.

Liu Qingyun was clearly using benefits to win over this youth!

However, they couldn't find words to object.

Because Liu Qingyun said "as long as he accepts the test," not "if he passes the test."

He could get one treasure just for taking the test, and another if he passed.

Who could refuse such conditions?Pairs of eyes watched Jiang Yun.

Jiang Yun finally turned around.

Under the silver-white mask, the corners of his mouth curled up slightly.

Indeed.

Liu Qingyun was even more anxious than he had imagined.

It seemed the importance of that item to the Liu Family far exceeded his expectations.

In that case...

He nodded slightly, his tone flat.

"Since Patriarch Liu is so sincere, I cannot refuse. I accept this test."

Hearing this, Liu Qingyun immediately breathed a sigh of relief, a smile reappearing on his face.

"Thank you for your understanding, Grand Tutor."

Jiang Yun didn't look at him again but instead swept his gaze over Liu Lie and the other three.

His gaze was as calm as water, yet it made Liu Lie and the others feel inexplicably uncomfortable.

That look didn't belong in the eyes of a sixteen-year-old youth.

It was calm and indifferent, as if everything were entirely within his control.