308: Chapter 308 Using Both Kindness and Strictness

The jade steps before the mountain gate of the Lingxiao Sect were a pristine white.

However, the passing Disciples of the original Lingxiao Sect were all terrified; they felt as if they could smell a thick scent of blood through those snow-white jade stairs.

Because of this, they no longer dared to show even the slightest hint of dissatisfaction toward the members of the Ye Family.

This was because just this morning, a group of Foundation Establishment Patriarchs had come to the Lingxiao Sect's gate to cause trouble, only to be blocked by Ye Jing alone and then completely slaughtered without a single survivor.

Although these jade stairs had been cleaned with a Cleansing Technique, that scent of blood solidified in the air seemed to have taken root, refusing to dissipate for a long time.

As the wind blew across the empty mountain gate square, only the suppressed breathing of the original Lingxiao Sect Disciples remained.

Huddled in the corners of the halls and under the corridors, they didn't even dare to breathe loudly, their eyes stealing glances at the elderly figure standing before the steps.

Ye Jing stood with his hands behind his back, his clothes elegant, yet his expression was as heavy as water.

“Patriarch.”

At this moment, Ye Tianyao walked over quickly, followed by several accompanying Retainers.

He said respectfully, “All provocateurs have been executed, with none escaping the net. The wealth and Cultivation Techniques on their persons have all been inventoried.”

Ye Jing nodded, then said calmly, “Tianyao, go speak with Tianxue. Summon every single Patriarch of the noble families under the jurisdiction of the Lingxiao Sect. I wish to host a banquet for them.”

“Ah? Grand—... Patriarch, you mean to...” Ye Tianyao couldn't figure out Ye Jing's intention, his face full of confusion.

Just a moment ago, there were glinting blades and rivers of blood as the provocative Zhao and Liu families were exterminated.

Now he wanted to host a banquet for all the Family Patriarchs; this contrast was so great that he found it difficult to grasp his grandfather's purpose for a moment.

He paused and said, “Grandfather, I heard that the Zhao Family had deep connections with other families and held great prestige. Since you slaughtered those people today, the others have likely been scared out of their wits and might not dare to attend the banquet.”

The corner of Ye Jing's mouth curled into a very faint arc, but the smile did not reach his eyes, carrying a daunting coldness.

“They won't dare not to come.”

Having said that, Ye Jing looked at Ye Tianyao and said slowly, “Slaughtering those provocateurs today was to establish authority, to let those with ill intentions know that the Lingxiao Sect is now the territory of my Ye Family. Those who follow me shall prosper; those who oppose me shall perish.

However, relying solely on killing cannot maintain long-term control over the situation under the Lingxiao Sect. Those noble families have been entrenched here for many years, each with their own Foundation. If we only suppress them blindly, it will instead force them to join forces in resistance, adding unnecessary trouble.”

Hearing this, the confusion in Ye Tianyao's eyes gradually dissipated, and he nodded as if understanding: “The Patriarch wants to... use both kindness and authority?”

“Correct.” Ye Jing nodded slightly, then said, “Tianyao, learn well how to win people over. This is extremely beneficial for the growth of the Family.”

One must know that the Jianghu is more about worldly wisdom than anything else.

“Your grandson understands!”

Ye Tianyao bowed, his tone respectful and firm. “I will go find Sister Tianxue immediately and send people to notify all the Family Patriarchs. I will make sure they attend the banquet on time.”

Ever since the Clan Chiefs led by the Zhao Family Patriarch had all perished, all the families in the Lingxiao Sect region were terrified, especially when invitations landed at their doorsteps; they were panicking significantly.

Especially the Li Family.

Patriarch Li Xiuhe's hands were so weak he couldn't open the letter; it was an old servant who had been by his side for a long time who opened it. It read: The Ye Family of Qinling respectfully invites the Head of the Li Family, Patriarch Li Xiuhe, to attend a banquet at the Lingxiao Sect's main hall three days from now at the Hour of Chen, to discuss matters under the jurisdiction of the Lingxiao Sect. We hope you will grace us with your presence and not fail this invitation. Any absence without cause will be treated as defiance.”

Just a few short sentences without any pleasantries, and the last line was like ice, sending a shock through Patriarch Li Xiuhe's entire body.

The teacup in his hand hit the table with a 'clatter,' the tea splashing onto his robes, yet he was completely oblivious.

“Treated as defiance...” Patriarch Li Xiuhe murmured in a low voice, his voice trembling as fine beads of cold sweat broke out on his forehead.

He knew better than anyone what the outcome of “defiance” in Ye Jing's words would be.

The tragic state of the group led by Zhao Hu after they provoked Ye Jing had already reached the Li Family through informants; that scent of blood could seemingly be smelled from miles away.

He just hadn't expected that the Ye Family, which could previously stand on equal footing with his Li Family, had now grown to such a level that they could even defeat a Late Foundation Establishment Stage Cultivator and seize the Lingxiao Sect.

In particular, Fan Lang had suddenly died, the Lingxiao Sect had been occupied by the Qingyun Sect, and now the Ye Family was in power. These events felt like a dream—it was too terrifying.

Seeing Patriarch Li Xiuhe looking lost, the old servant quickly bowed and handed him a silk handkerchief, advising in a low voice: “Patriarch, please calm down first. Although Ye Jing's actions are overbearing, he may not necessarily intend to exterminate us. If he really wanted to move against the Li Family, why go through the trouble of sending an invitation?”

Patriarch Li Xiuhe suddenly snapped back to his senses, clenching his fists until his knuckles turned white, his eyes full of humiliation and wariness.

He understood this logic perfectly well, but Ye Jing's methods were too ruthless, having already carved a brand of fear into the hearts of every noble Family.

He took a deep breath, suppressing the panic in his heart, and said in a heavy voice, “Prepare the carriage. Three days from now at the Hour of Chen, accompany me to the banquet.”

The so-called “treated as defiance” was never a threat, but a warning that Ye Jing would carry out exactly as he said.

Rather than waiting for death, it was better to go to the Lingxiao Sect's main hall in person to see what Ye Jing was planning.

Besides, weren't they allies before? Aside from offending Ye Jing previously, the Li Family had been relatively well-behaved lately; there shouldn't be any issues...

Patriarch Li Xiuhe felt uneasy. After thinking for a long time, he stood up and said, “Go call Zhengxian!”

The old servant was startled and asked in a low voice, “Patriarch, aren't you going to call the Eldest Young Master?”

A flash of irritation crossed Patriarch Li Xiuhe's eyes. “No need. Given his personality, he wouldn't be able to lower his head. I'm afraid something might happen. Zhengxian has a more stable temperament and is better at adapting to situations.”

“Yes...” The old servant complied and withdrew.

Patriarch Li Xiuhe sat helplessly on the Eight Immortals chair, his hand gripping the cold armrest, only sighing, “I don't know if this trip will be a Hongmen Banquet!”

Three days later, just as the sky was beginning to brighten, the square in front of the Lingxiao Sect's main hall was already filled with the carriages and horses of various noble families.

Inside the hall, wine, food, and spiritual items had already been laid out, and every Patriarch had taken their seat.

The normally high-and-mighty noble Family Patriarchs all had solemn expressions now, their low-voiced conversations filled with apprehension and unease.

Patriarch Li Xiuhe was dressed in a plain-colored silk robe, deliberately restraining his spiritual power. He scanned his surroundings and saw many familiar faces.

There were families close to the Zhao Family, all looking dejected now, as well as small families that usually acted like fencesitters, their eyes darting around, clearly calculating how to flatter Ye Jing.

“Patriarch Ye arrives—”

With a loud shout, the square instantly fell silent, and all eyes snapped toward the entrance of the main hall.

Ye Jing walked out slowly, still in those elegant clothes, his hair and beard completely white, yet his back was straight. He didn't deliberately show off, but he made every Cultivator present instinctively bow in greeting, not even daring to breathe loudly.

Ye Tianxue and Ye Tianyao followed closely behind, their expressions steady.

Of the two youths, Ye Tianyao had a tall and straight posture with sharp eyes, his body carrying a hint of a murderous aura.

Meanwhile, Ye Tianxue was dressed in a plain skirt, her temperament gentle, holding a register in her hands with a respectful expression.

Ye Jing walked to the main seat of the hall and sat down, his gaze slowly sweeping over the Patriarchs below. His voice was not high, yet it clearly reached everyone's ears.

“I have invited you all here today for nothing more than two things: one is to establish rules, and the second is to seek coexistence.”