166: Chapter 166 Internal Strife in the Ouyang Family

"Ah? Cousin, you must take care of your safety while you are away." Ouyang Yuexi paused for a moment, then spoke indifferently, her tone devoid of any ripples.

"Can you not speak properly?" Seeing her lukewarm attitude, Xiang Ting's face immediately darkened. "Look at Xiao Tian. He has been in the Imperial City for less than half a year and has already been conferred the title of Prince of Equal Status. What an achievement! Look at yourself, moping around all day without any improvement!"

"Hmph! You only know how to favor your precious nephew; you have never had me in your eyes." Ouyang Yuexi snorted coldly, yet she still reluctantly walked forward, approaching Xiang Tian.

She tugged at the corner of her mouth, forcing a smile, and whispered, "Cousin, take care on your journey."

Watching her awkward demeanor, Xiang Tian couldn't help but smile. He teased, "Cousin, looking at you like this, it's as if you have some grievance against me."

"You are now the high and mighty Prince of Equal Status, while this little girl is but a commoner. How would I dare to have any grievances against you?" Ouyang Yuexi turned her head away.

Xiang Tian shook his head helplessly. He bowed to Xiang Ting and Ouyang Changgong, saying, "Aunt, Uncle, the hour is late, so I shall take my leave first."

Xiang Ting's gaze suddenly fell upon Xiang Liu, who was behind Xiang Tian, and she raised an eyebrow slightly. She asked with a smile, "Xiao Tian, who is this young lady behind you? She looks beautiful and spirited; why don't you introduce her to your aunt?"

As she spoke, she paused deliberately and teased, "Don't tell me, is she another one of your women?"

Upon hearing this, Xiang Liu's cheeks instantly flushed red. She quickly stepped forward to explain, "I... I am Xiang Tian's Sword Servant, not the Prince's concubine. I ask that you please see clearly, Madam."

"Oh? Is that so?" Xiang Ting looked at the two with a cryptic smile. "But why does it seem to me that the relationship between you two is quite close?"

Black lines instantly appeared on Xiang Tian's forehead. He helplessly rubbed his brow and said, "Aunt, please stop teasing me. Aren't there enough nieces-in-law in the manor for you to nag about already?"

As the group was chatting and laughing, two figures hurried over—one old and one young, both looking respectful. As soon as they reached the courtyard entrance, the middle-aged man in the lead bowed and cupped his hands, saying in a deep voice, "Greetings, Fifth Uncle, Fifth Aunt."

The young man beside him also quickly bowed and followed suit, saying, "Greetings, Fifth Uncle, Fifth Aunt."

Xiang Tian raised his eyes and recognized the young man instantly. It was Ouyang Qingshan, from whom he had seized the Demon Blood Blade in the Ouyang Family Secret Realm a few months ago.

Seeing this, his heart stirred slightly, and he already had a guess.

Ouyang Changgong frowned slightly and asked in a flat tone, "Ouyang Ren, what is the matter?"

Ouyang Ren quickly bowed and reported, "Fifth Uncle, I have brought my son here today for the purpose of finding Xiang Tian."

Ouyang Changgong frowned, looked up at Xiang Tian, and then turned back to Ouyang Ren. "What do you want with Xiao Tian?"

"Replying to Fifth Uncle, I have come to redeem our Family's heirloom blade." Ouyang Ren dared not hold anything back and spoke directly.

Ouyang Changgong turned to look at Xiang Tian. "Xiao Tian, is this true?"

Xiang Tian nodded slowly. "Replying to Uncle, that is indeed the case." As his voice fell, his gaze landed on Ouyang Ren. "In that case, you must have the map to the origin of the Demon Blood Blade?"

His heart was already wild with joy. The origin of the Demon Blood Blade concealed an Opportunity, and now, he finally had a lead.

Ouyang Ren nodded quickly. "Naturally, we do. As long as you can return the Demon Blood Blade, this map will be presented to you immediately, without a single word of falsehood."

As he spoke, he waved his hand. A yellowed, ancient map appeared in his hand and he presented it before him.

Xiang Tian frowned slightly. "Fine, I can return the Demon Blood Blade to you. But remember, if this map is fake, when I return, your branch of Ouyang Ren will have to bear the corresponding consequences."

"Rest assured!" Ouyang Ren quickly bowed to guarantee. "With Fifth Uncle here as a witness, I would never dare to do such a thing as deceive the Prince. Otherwise, I am willing to accept punishment by the Family laws!"

Ouyang Changgong raised an eyebrow and suddenly spoke. "Ouyang Ren, do you realize that Xiang Tian is now the Prince of Equal Status of our Tianyun Kingdom? His status and position are much higher than mine as a Fifth Uncle. If you dare to utter a single falsehood today, the consequences are not something you can afford."

By saying this, he was not only reminding Ouyang Ren but also establishing Xiang Tian's authority. Revealing Xiang Tian's status provided him with the greatest protection.

Upon hearing this, Ouyang Ren's expression froze suddenly. He quickly bowed again, his tone becoming even more respectful. "Ah? Is that so? I have offended you greatly; I ask that the Prince forgive me!"

"You only need to remember that everything said today is true, then there is no need for such excessive courtesy." Ouyang Changgong said indifferently.

Ouyang Ren nodded quickly. He said to Xiang Tian, "Prince, rest assured, this map is absolutely real! Our father and son have been rooted in the Ouyang Family for many years, and we would never dare to deceive the Prince. If the map is fake, the Prince can come and arrest us father and son at any time, and we will be at the Prince's disposal!"

Xiang Tian nodded slowly. "Very well, I believe you."

As he spoke, he waved his hand, and the Demon Blood Blade landed in his hand. He then handed it to Ouyang Ren. "Returning the item to its original owner."

Ouyang Ren quickly took the Demon Blood Blade with both hands and carefully put it away. He then handed the map in his hand to Xiang Tian. The two exchanged the blade and the map, successfully completing the transaction.

After obtaining the Demon Blood Blade, Ouyang Ren and his son dared not linger for even a moment. They bowed again to Ouyang Changgong and Xiang Ting, said "Farewell" to Xiang Tian, and then hurriedly turned and left.

Watching their retreating figures, Xiang Ting frowned slightly. She turned to look at Xiang Tian. "Xiao Tian, what exactly do you want with the map to the Demon Blood Blade's origin? Are you thinking of going to explore that dangerous place?"

Xiang Tian quickly smiled to reassure her. "Aunt, rest assured, it is nothing major. I just want to go and take a look; perhaps I might find some Opportunity, which would allow me to improve my cultivation faster. Only then can I better protect you in the future and help Zhi Yan stabilize her position as the heir apparent."

Xiang Ting sighed softly. "I am not against you seeking Opportunities and improving your cultivation, but such places are often extremely dangerous. You must be extremely careful on this trip; remember to prioritize your own safety and do not be reckless or overly competitive."

"Aunt, I understand. I will keep it in mind and will definitely not be reckless." Xiang Tian quickly nodded in agreement.

Just as they were speaking, a heaven-shaking explosion suddenly resounded throughout the entire Ouyang Family. "Boom~" It shook the branches and leaves in the courtyard, causing them to tremble slightly.

Immediately following that, an angry roar spread to every corner of the Ouyang Family. "Ouyang Changqing! You beast! How dare you commit such a heinous act as patricide? I will definitely kill you!"

"What? Ouyang Changqing committed patricide?" Ouyang Changgong's expression changed drastically, and he had no time to say more. His figure flashed, and he sped off in the direction from which the sound came.

"Let's go quickly, let's go and see!" "I'm going too!" Xiang Ting's brows were tightly knitted, her expression grave. She also immediately followed closely behind and flew away.

Xiang Tian turned to look at Ouyang Yuexi and cautioned, "Cousin, it is too dangerous there. Stay at Changting Peak and don't move around; don't follow us to join in the commotion. I will go and check the situation."

After speaking, he turned to chase after them, but was grabbed by Ouyang Yuexi. "I want to go too!" Ouyang Yuexi's brows were tightly knitted. "That is our Ouyang Family's business; I cannot stay out of it!"

Xiang Tian shook his head helplessly. "You are only at the Middle Stage of the Martial Emperor Realm. There must be experts gathered there, and blades have no eyes. If you go, you will hardly be able to protect yourself and will only cause trouble for us."

"No, I must go!" Ouyang Yuexi's attitude was firm. After saying this, she broke free from Xiang Tian's hand, leaped, and flew down in the direction of the Ouyang Family's main peak.

Xiang Tian watched her stubborn retreating figure. He sighed helplessly. "This girl is becoming more and more willful."

In the end, he couldn't rest easy, so he quickly said to Xiang Liu beside him, "Follow me closely and be careful." "Yes, Prince." Xiang Liu nodded quickly. She followed closely behind Xiang Tian, and together they flew toward the Ouyang Family's main peak.

Xiang Tian secretly pondered: The Ouyang Family has suddenly fallen into internal strife, and Ouyang Changqing actually dared to commit patricide; this matter is definitely not simple. If this causes Ancestor Ouyang to intervene, the situation will be unpredictable. I fear I will need Xiao Hei to step in and help.

... The Ouyang Family's main peak. Ouyang Changming held a long sword, its tip pointed directly at Ouyang Changqing opposite him. His face was flushed red, and he roared, "Ouyang Changqing, you beast! In order to seize the position of Patriarch, you actually could lay a hand on your own biological father. Today, I will definitely uphold justice and kill you, you unfilial son!"

Ouyang Changqing stood on the spot, his body radiating a biting Killing Intent. There was not a shred of guilt on his face; instead, he wore a look of indifference and disdain. He spoke coldly, "Uphold justice? With you? He was just an old stubborn fool, pigheaded, and insisted on passing the position of Patriarch to Ouyang Changgong, refusing to pass it to me. Since he wouldn't give it, I naturally had to take it myself! This matter was supposed to be flawless; I didn't expect to be caught by a meddlesome thing like you!"

"Beast! I will kill you!" Ouyang Changming was so enraged by these words that his whole body trembled, and he shouted loudly. The spiritual light of the long sword in his hand surged, and he swept it horizontally toward Ouyang Changqing. The sword wind was fierce, intending to kill him on the spot.

"Boom!" Ouyang Changqing's expression did not change; he moved his feet and dodged quickly. At the same time, a long sword appeared in his hand, and he met Ouyang Changming's long sword.

"Clang!" The sound of metal clashing resounded through the heavens and earth, and sparks flew everywhere. The two instantly tangled together, Sword Qi and Saber Qi weaving together. For a time, they were deadlocked, and it was difficult to determine a winner.

After fighting for a while, Ouyang Changqing saw the situation, and a glimmer of ruthlessness flashed in his eyes. He shouted loudly, "Great Sun Heaven Technique!" As his voice fell, the power around his body increased accordingly. He gained a brief boost in power.

"Bang!" The two clashed again, long sword colliding with long blade. Ouyang Changming was shaken, his arm numb, and he retreated several steps.

"Hahaha!" Ouyang Changqing laughed loudly. "Ouyang Changming, you are nothing more than this! Today, I will kill you first, and then reclaim the position of Patriarch. Whoever dares to stop me will be killed without exception!"

As he spoke, he held his long sword, his figure flashed, and he sped toward Ouyang Changming. It looked as if he was about to slay him under his blade.

"Ching!" Just at this critical moment, a figure sped over. Waving the long sword in his hand, he accurately parried Ouyang Changqing's long sword, forcing Ouyang Changqing to retreat several steps.

"Ouyang Changqing, you beast, stop!" Ouyang Changgong's voice was icy and bone-chilling. He stood in front of Ouyang Changming, his expression grave. "Third Brother, how are you? Are you injured?" He turned to look at Ouyang Changming.

Ouyang Changming clutched his chest and coughed a few times. Pointing at Ouyang Changqing, he roared at Ouyang Changgong, "Fifth Brother, don't worry about me, quickly kill this beast!"

Just at this moment, a group of people dressed in Elder attire hurried over. The one in the lead was the Ouyang Family's Grand Elder. He knitted his brows tightly and asked in a deep voice, "What exactly happened? Who killed the Patriarch?"

"Grand Elder, it is this beast!" Ouyang Changming pointed at Ouyang Changqing, his face full of anger.

The Grand Elder's gaze landed on Ouyang Changqing, his eyes icy. "Ouyang Changqing, the Patriarch is your biological father. You actually dared to commit patricide and seize power; you deserve to die! Today, this old man will exercise the Ouyang Family's laws and execute you on the spot to rectify the Family's conduct!"

As he spoke, he was about to raise his hand, mobilizing the power around his body to strike at Ouyang Changqing. Ouyang Changqing, however, was not afraid in the slightest, his mouth curling into an evil smile. He spoke coldly, "Grand Elder, what are you in such a rush for?"

Just at this moment, the Eighth Elder suddenly stepped forward, raising an eyebrow. "Grand Elder, perhaps there is a hidden story to this matter. Now that the Patriarch has passed away, the group is without a leader; it would be better to let the eldest master, Ouyang Changqing, inherit the position of Patriarch. This would be a logical course of action, so why make such a big fuss?"

Upon hearing this, the Grand Elder's face sank instantly. He turned to look at the Eighth Elder and sternly rebuked, "Eighth Elder, what nonsense are you spouting? Ouyang Changqing committed patricide to seize power, a heinous crime; he is an unfilial son of our Ouyang Family. How dare you plead for him? Are you trying to collude with this unfilial son and betray the Ouyang Family?"

"Grand Elder, calm your anger. I am not pleading for him, but thinking of the Ouyang Family's future." The Eighth Elder quickly bowed. "The competitive model proposed by the eldest master is the one most suitable for our Ouyang Family's development. Currently, the Family's resources are limited; if they are distributed evenly, the resources that our Ouyang Family's Genius Disciples can obtain will be greatly discounted, which is not conducive to their growth. In the long run, our Ouyang Family will only become more and more declining and will sooner or later be surpassed by other families!"

Just as his voice fell, several Elders behind him stepped forward one after another. They bowed in agreement, "That's right, what the Eighth Elder said is absolutely correct! We also support the eldest master's competitive model!"

"Indeed, in recent years, our Ouyang Family's Disciples outside have indeed been too mediocre and simply cannot compare to other major families. This is because resources are spread too thin, and Geniuses do not receive enough cultivation!"

"In my opinion, it would be better to let the eldest master inherit the position of Patriarch and implement the competitive model; perhaps our Ouyang Family can regain its glory!" A group of Elders who supported Ouyang Changqing spoke up one after another.

The Grand Elder looked at the scene before him, his face ashen. He shouted sternly, "You! Every one of you has been bewitched by this unfilial son, and you dare to openly violate Family rules and collude with him! Since that is the case, do not blame this old man for being ruthless. Today, I will take you all down together and serve you with Family law!"

"Hehe, Grand Elder, you think too highly of yourself." Ouyang Changqing's mouth curled into a cold, evil smile. "Do you think that since I dared to commit patricide to seize power, I would have no preparation? Today, this position of Ouyang Family Patriarch is something I am determined to obtain; no one can stop me!"