85: Chapter 85 Choosing Sides

"Xiang Tian is a benefactor to our Ouyang Family. If you kill him today, how will our Ouyang Family stand in the Imperial City in the future?"

Ouyang Changgong was forced back half a step by a powerful force.

His chest felt vaguely stuffy.

Xiang Tian stood to the side, his eyes narrowed slightly.

He thought to himself: 'This Eldest Master of the Ouyang Family, his strength is truly unfathomable!'

"When has it ever been the turn of an outsider to comment on the Ouyang Family's affairs?"

The Aura emanating from Ouyang Changqing did not diminish; instead, it became even more piercing.

"Eldest Master, you must not!"

Seeing this tense, explosive situation, how could the Grand Elder just sit there?

With a flash of his figure, he had already blocked the space between the two.

His aged face wore a grave expression.

"Grand Elder, get out of my way!"

Ouyang Changqing bellowed, his voice rolling like thunder.

"Changqing, must you force the Ouyang Family into civil strife?" The Grand Elder's brows were tightly locked.

"Grand Elder, this brat is merely an outsider. Why go to such lengths to protect him?" Ouyang Changqing's gaze swept over Xiang Tian.

His eyes were sinister, narrowed slightly.

"Xiang Tian is my nephew-in-law, a relative of my wife, Xiang Ting." Ouyang Changgong stepped forward.

He did not give an inch. "Whether for public or private reasons, you cannot touch him."

"Fifth Brother, the dignity of the Ouyang Family cannot be trampled upon by any outsider!" Ouyang Changqing's tone was absolute.

"As for today's matter, if anyone dares to point fingers, I, Ouyang Changqing, will bear the responsibility alone!"

He was completely unconcerned, as if he already had the whole situation under control.

Immediately after.

Ouyang Changqing turned his head sharply, his gaze like lightning.

It shot toward a corner not far away: "You few, you've watched enough of the spectacle, haven't you? Come out!"

"Big Brother, let's not get involved in the conflict between you and Fifth Brother, shall we?"

As the voice spoke, three figures slowly emerged.

They were the other three masters of the Ouyang Family.

"How can it have nothing to do with you?" Ouyang Changqing looked at the three of them.

His gaze lingered on each of them in turn, carrying an unquestionable sense of oppression.

"Surely, you have all heard of the stir this brat caused in the Secret Realm, haven't you?"

He paused.

He asked directly: "Tell me, should this brat be killed or not?"

The three of them knew exactly what was going on.

This wasn't a question of whether to kill Xiang Tian.

It was clearly Ouyang Changqing forcing them to choose sides!

Although they were all the biological sons of the Family Head.

Their maternal Family powers were worlds apart.

In the past.

Among the five, Ouyang Changgong was the most unique.

His maternal Family was ordinary, so they had never viewed him as a rival for the succession.

But now it was different.

From some unknown time, Xiang Ting's strength had advanced by leaps and bounds.

It faintly showed signs of surpassing the Ouyang Family's core members.

The truth of this was hard to discern.

But everyone tacitly avoided poking this hornet's nest.

"Big Brother, this isn't my business, you two keep talking." One of them waved his hand.

Attempting to stay out of it.

"Changlin, you are the Second Master, how can you not get involved?" Ouyang Changqing pressed step by step.

It was clear he was determined to make him choose.

Ouyang Changlin groaned inwardly.

The root of Ouyang Changqing's domineering nature lay in his wife.

The current Emperor's own younger sister, Princess Yaqian, Princess Zhou Ya.

This was something everyone in the Imperial City knew.

"Big Brother, you know I'm used to being idle; I'm the laziest when it comes to these disputes." Ouyang Changlin spread his hands helplessly.

His tone was languid, "Just make your own decisions!"

After saying this.

He walked straight to a pavilion to the side and sat down on a stone bench on his own.

With an air of unconcern.

"Changlin, what if I insist that you choose?" Ouyang Changqing bellowed.

His Aura bore down directly on Ouyang Changlin.

"Big Brother, we all understand your intentions." Ouyang Changlin remained lazy.

Completely unaffected, "Rest assured, I have no interest in Family power. I plan to take another concubine next month; where would I find the spare time to get involved in your fighting?"

Seeing this, Ouyang Changqing snorted coldly.

His gaze shifted to the remaining two.

"Big Brother, the face of the Ouyang Family must never be allowed to be trampled by an outsider!" Of the remaining two, a middle-aged man with a handlebar mustache took a stand first.

His tone was firm, "I think this brat should be beaten to death!"

"Mm, Fourth Brother, you have made a wise choice." Ouyang Changqing nodded with satisfaction.

He immediately locked his gaze onto the last person.

"Big Brother, you fight for your power, I only stand on the side of justice." The man spoke slowly.

His tone was calm but unwavering, "I do not approve of killing him. He saved so many of our Ouyang Family's juniors; it would be bad enough if we didn't show gratitude, but to turn around and kill him? If this got out, I, Ouyang Changming, would have no face to see anyone!"

After saying this.

He even took a special glance at Xiang Tian, who was being protected behind Ouyang Changgong.

"Ouyang Changming, I will give you one more chance to choose." Ouyang Changqing's face darkened.

He was extremely dissatisfied with this answer.

For the Ouyang Family to choose a successor, the core members of the Family must vote.

Even though he had the backing of the Imperial Family, he could not openly violate Family rules.

However, these "votes" could never be impartial.

They would always be influenced by various factions.

"Big Brother, I don't care about your power struggles, but I hold this brat in high regard." Ouyang Changming did not care at all about his threat.

After all, he had no intention of competing for the position of successor.

"I even want to become sworn brothers with him!"

"Good! Very good!" Ouyang Changqing's eyes turned cold.

His killing intent was fully exposed, "Then today, I must kill this outsider!"

"Then you'll have to ask my hands if they agree!" Ouyang Changming's expression turned serious, and his Aura erupted suddenly.

Confronting Ouyang Changqing head-on.

A great battle was on the verge of breaking out.

"Bang—!"

The palms of the two collided with a boom, and the blast of air scattered outwards.

Ouyang Changming's figure paused slightly, and he was actually forced back several steps.

He was at a disadvantage.

Ouyang Changqing pressed his advantage, gathering power in his palm.

He struck out with another palm!

"Not good! Changqing, show mercy!"

Seeing this, the Grand Elder's expression changed drastically.

His figure flashed out, and he met Ouyang Changqing with a palm.

"Bang—!"

As the two palms crossed, the Grand Elder let out a muffled groan and his steps retreated slightly.

"Grand Elder?" Ouyang Changqing narrowed his eyes.

He snorted coldly, "Are you openly opposing me?"

"Changqing..." The Grand Elder steeled himself.

Just as he was about to explain.

"Since even the Grand Elder dares to openly oppose the Eldest Master, what are we waiting for?" The Sixth Elder suddenly spoke from the side.

His figure had already flashed to Ouyang Changqing's side.

The spiritual power on his body surged suddenly.

"Blazing Flame Palm!"

A ball of fire-red palm prints rushed straight at the Grand Elder!

The Grand Elder's brows were locked tight; how had it come to this?

This was definitely not what he wanted.

"Sixth Elder, how insolent! You actually dare to strike the Grand Elder!" Ouyang Changgong's expression turned stern.

The Grand Elder had worked diligently for the Ouyang Family his entire life.

The Sixth Elder's actions were going too far.

"Mount Tai Fist!"

Ouyang Changgong's fist wind whistled, carrying the force of a collapsing mountain.

It met the fire-red palm print.

"Bang—!"

The fist and palm collided, and waves of air surged.

The Sixth Elder's figure swayed, and he was actually forced back half a step.

His arm felt slightly numb.

"I will help you!" Seeing this, the Fourth Elder immediately flashed out.

They were in a relationship with Ouyang Changqing where they prospered or suffered together.

Naturally, they could not sit idly by.

With the two Elders joining forces, Ouyang Changgong immediately felt mountain-like pressure.

His breathing became a bit hurried.

"Fourth Elder, cease your arrogance, I will face you!"

Just at this moment.

The Third Elder took a deep breath and slowly walked out.

Now that things had reached this point, since it was already chaotic.

Then he might as well make it completely chaotic!

"Bang—!"

Another loud sound.

Piercing killing intent and majestic spiritual power intertwined.

The tense, explosive atmosphere instantly permeated among them.