89: Chapter 89 Young Master Ge

Qingmu Town was truly a bustling hub in the southern part of the Northern Region; the streets within the town were wide, lined with shops, and crowded with people, making it far livelier than Luo City.

As a prominent Family in Qingmu Town, the Zhong Family's residence was located in the east of the town, covering a vast area with vermilion gates and high walls, presenting an extraordinary air of grandeur.

Accompanied by Zhong Yunshan, Zhong Linger, and others, Ye Tian stepped into the Zhong Family residence.

Having received the news beforehand, the Zhong Family patriarch, Zhong Zhenyue, personally led a group of Family members to wait at the entrance of the main hall.

This patriarch was about fifty years old, with a scholarly appearance and a slightly plump build. Dressed in a brocade robe, he looked like a wealthy man, but Ye Tian keenly sensed that although his aura was not weak, it felt unstable, as if he suffered from a serious internal injury.

"Young Master Ye! Your arrival brings great honor to our humble home! On behalf of my entire Family, I thank you for saving my daughter's life!"

Upon seeing Ye Tian, Zhong Zhenyue immediately stepped forward quickly and bowed deeply, his attitude extremely warm.

The members of the Zhong Family behind him also bowed in succession, their gazes filled with gratitude as they looked at Ye Tian.

Clearly, Zhong Yunshan had already quickly reported everything that happened in the valley back to the Family.

"Patriarch Zhong, you are too kind. It was merely a small effort, there is no need for such a grand gesture."

Ye Tian's tone was calm; he was not very accustomed to such scenes.

"To Young Master Ye, it may have been a small effort, but to our Zhong Family, it is a monumental favor!"

Zhong Zhenyue enthusiastically took Ye Tian by the arm and invited him into the main hall, treating him as a guest of honor.

Fragrant tea and refreshments were served, fulfilling the duties of a host to the fullest.

Zhong Linger stood obediently behind her father, her beautiful eyes occasionally stealing glances at Ye Tian.

After some small talk, Zhong Zhenyue waved his hand to dismiss the unrelated people, leaving only Zhong Yunshan, Zhong Linger, and a few others present.

He sighed, a solemn expression appearing on his face: "Young Master Ye, to tell you the truth, my daughter's encounter today was by no means accidental. Recently, our Zhong Family... alas, has gotten into some trouble."

Ye Tian picked up his teacup, took a light sip, and did not respond.

He had no interest in the Family feuds of Qingmu Town and only wanted to obtain the information he needed before leaving.

Seeing Ye Tian's indifferent reaction, Zhong Zhenyue knew that such a young Prodigy had his sights set elsewhere, so he tactfully stopped bringing up his own troubles and instead smiled: "I heard from Yunshan that Young Master Ye seems quite interested in Liuli City?"

Ye Tian then set down his teacup and nodded: "That is correct. I intend to travel to Liuli City."

A flash of realization crossed Zhong Zhenyue's eyes, and he smiled: "Liuli City is the center of our Northern Region. It is prosperous and flourishing, far beyond what Qingmu Town can compare to. There, Sects are numerous, experts are like clouds, and it even houses the largest trading market in the Northern Region. It is said that even Profound Rank Cultivation Techniques and Spiritual Artifacts appear there from time to time; it is truly a place where hidden tigers and crouching dragons reside."

He paused and continued: "There are mainly two routes from Qingmu Town to Liuli City. The first is to take the official road, which is relatively safe but the journey is long. It requires traveling thousands of miles across plains and hills, passing through several dangerous passes and territories, taking about a month. The second is to cross the Duanfeng Mountain Range to the north, which can shorten the journey by nearly half, but Yao Beasts run rampant in the mountains, and there are also some desperate outlaws, making it fraught with danger. However, for someone with Young Master Ye's strength, the Duanfeng Mountain Range might be faster."

Ye Tian silently noted this information; he did not fear the dangers of the Duanfeng Mountain Range and instead intended to use it for tempering himself.

"In addition," Zhong Zhenyue lowered his voice, "The powers in Liuli City are intricate. On the surface, the City Lord's Mansion holds the highest authority, but beneath it are three major forces: the Blood Blade Sect, the Xuanyun Sect, and the Baicao Valley, as well as several small and medium-sized Families. As Young Master Ye is new to this precious land, you must be extra careful, especially... try not to easily get involved in the disputes between these forces."

This information was quite useful to Ye Tian, and he cupped his hands and said: "Thank you, Patriarch Zhong, for letting me know."

"Young Master Ye is too polite," Zhong Zhenyue smiled, then instructed his servants: "Go and fetch the things I have prepared."

Before long, several servants entered carrying a few trays. On them were not only dry rations, dried meat, and water skins, but also several sets of finely crafted cyan-grey martial attire and a cold-resistant cloak.

"Since Young Master Ye is going on a long journey, these are just some travel supplies. It is not much, but please accept them," Zhong Zhenyue said sincerely.

Ye Tian looked at the clothes and food, which were indeed things he needed, so he did not refuse further: "Patriarch Zhong, you have gone to great trouble. Ye thanks you."

Seeing that Ye Tian accepted, the smile on Zhong Zhenyue's face grew even wider. He chatted with Ye Tian a few more times about the customs of the Northern Region, during which he coughed lightly a few times, his aura slightly chaotic, which further confirmed Ye Tian's suspicion that he suffered from internal injuries.

Seeing that he had obtained the information and received the gifts, Ye Tian did not want to delay any longer, so he stood up to take his leave: "Patriarch Zhong, everyone, thank you for your hospitality. Ye still needs to be on his way, so I shall bid you farewell here."

Zhong Zhenyue and the others hurriedly stood up to see him off. However, just as they reached the front courtyard and were about to leave the residence gates, a servant ran over in a panic and reported: "Patriarch! The... the Ge Family's Young Master, Ge Hong, is here! He says... he says he has come to visit the Young Miss!"

"Ge Hong?!" Zhong Zhenyue's face sank instantly, and the expressions of Zhong Yunshan and several Elders also became extremely ugly. Zhong Linger's pretty face turned deathly pale, and she subconsciously shrank behind Ye Tian, a look of disgust appearing in her eyes.

Ye Tian saw all of this, and his heart was clear. It seemed that this Ge Family was the so-called "trouble" of the Zhong Family, and the mastermind behind the ambush in the valley was nine times out of ten instigated by this Ge Family. This Ge Hong coming to the door at this time was likely coming with ill intent.

However, he did not want to meddle in other people's Family affairs, so he did not stop his steps and continued walking toward the residence gate.

Just at this moment, an arrogant laugh came from the residence gate: "Hehe, Uncle Zhong, your nephew has come uninvited, I hope you do not mind!"

Before the voice had faded, a young man wearing luxurious clothes, accompanied by two guards, barged in. This man was about twenty years old, with a decent face, but puffy eye bags; one look and it was clear he was a man of debauchery, with a cultivation base at Qi Gathering Level 6. He was the Ge Family's Young Master, Ge Hong.

When Ge Hong entered the door, there was still a fake smile on his face, and his gaze first fell on Zhong Linger, filled with lechery. But the next moment, his gaze suddenly locked onto Ye Tian, who was about to leave.

The instant he saw Ye Tian, the fake smile on Ge Hong's face instantly froze and then turned gloomy. The reason was simple: although Ye Tian was dressed plainly, his posture was upright, his face was handsome, and his temperament was cold and ethereal, which instantly overshadowed this playboy.

In particular, a strange young man who was more handsome than him had actually appeared in the Zhong Family's inner courtyard and seemed to be treated with great courtesy, which made an inexplicable anger flare up in him! His face was practically written with two words: Jealousy!

Ge Hong completely ignored Zhong Zhenyue and the others, walked straight to Ye Tian, looked him up and down, and said in a provocative tone: "Uncle Zhong, who is this? He looks very unfamiliar! Since when did the Zhong Family have such a distinguished guest? Why don't I know about it?"

Zhong Zhenyue suppressed his anger, stepped forward to block in front of Ye Tian, and said in a deep voice: "Ge Hong, this Young Master Ye is a guest of our Zhong Family and is just about to leave. If you have any business, just tell me directly."

"A guest?" Ge Hong sneered, bypassed Zhong Zhenyue, and approached Ye Tian again, almost pointing at Ye Tian's nose, "Kid, where are you from? Do you understand the rules of Qingmu Town? Is the Zhong Family a place that any stray cat or dog of unknown origin like you can just enter?"

Ye Tian frowned slightly. He had already planned to leave and did not want to create extra complications, but this Ge Hong was so overbearing, purely unreasonable. He stopped his steps and glanced at Ge Hong.

This indifference made Ge Hong even more furious than any verbal counterattack.

"What are you looking at?!" Ge Hong was so enraged by Ye Tian's indifferent gaze that his voice suddenly rose, "This Young Master is asking you a question! Are you mute? Or are you scared to the point of wetting your pants? Get out of Qingmu Town immediately, otherwise, don't blame this Young Master for being impolite to you!"

The two guards behind him also stepped forward, emitting the aura of the Qi Gathering Eighth Layer, exerting pressure on Ye Tian.

Zhong Zhenyue was trembling with anger: "Ge Hong! You are presumptuous! Young Master Ye is the benefactor of our Zhong Family!"

"A benefactor?" Ge Hong was stunned, then, as if he had heard a hilarious joke, he laughed wildly, "Him? Uncle Zhong, are you senile? Finding a pretty boy to be a benefactor? I think it's that you have taken a fancy to this kid and want to recruit him as a son-in-law, right? Hahaha..."

"You!" Zhong Linger was so angry her pretty face turned crimson, and tears swirled in her eyes.

Ye Tian's originally indifferent eyes finally turned cold. He had not wanted to pay attention to such a fool, but the other party's filthy language had already touched his bottom line. He slowly turned around, faced Ge Hong directly, and his voice was icy: "Are you finished?"