175: None of it matters

At this moment, the Grand Elder of the Lu Family suddenly stood up, slamming his hands heavily on the table, causing the cups and plates on it to rattle violently.

His eyes were wide open, as if fire was about to spew from them, staring intently at Lu Chen.

His face was flushed crimson with anger, like a ripe tomato, and the veins on his forehead bulged high, resembling twisted earthworms.

"Lu Chen! You are simply too presumptuous!"

The Grand Elder's voice echoed through the hall like a great bell, carrying immense authority and fury, "For the sake of such a worthless woman, you openly defy the Family's will. Where do you intend to place the Lu Family's dignity?"

He extended a finger, trembling as he pointed at Yu Miaoyin, his eyes filled with disdain and contempt,

"Look at her, she's just an ordinary woman with no talent for Cultivating, completely unworthy of our Lu Family's status and position! If you insist on being with her, it will be a betrayal of the entire Lu Family!"

There was no trace of fear in Lu Chen's eyes; he straightened his back, meeting the Grand Elder's angry gaze with unwavering determination.

He subtly lifted his chin, a look of unquestionable confidence on his face.

His hands hung naturally at his sides, fingers slightly curled, showing his inner resolve.

"Grand Elder," Lu Chen's voice was steady and strong, every word imbued with resolve,

"I respect you as an Elder of the Family, but that does not mean you can casually belittle Miaoyin. Although she lacks great power, her kindness, courage, and sincerity are qualities far more precious than so-called Cultivation talent."

As Lu Chen spoke, he gently shielded Yu Miaoyin behind him, as if protecting his most precious treasure.

A hint of tenderness flashed in his eyes; when he looked at Yu Miaoyin, it was as if the entire world contained only her.

"Miaoyin is the one I have chosen; no one can harm her, not even you."

Lu Chen's voice was not loud, but each word was like a heavy hammer, striking everyone's hearts.

"You always talk about the Family's dignity, but is the Family's dignity built upon belittling and harming others? If so, then I would rather not have such dignity."

The Grand Elder trembled with rage at Lu Chen's words; his lips quivered incessantly, and for a moment, he was speechless.

His hands were tightly clenched into fists, knuckles white from the effort.

"You... you are utterly rebellious!"

The Grand Elder finally squeezed out these words through gritted teeth, his voice filled with anger and disappointment, "Don't forget, you bear the future of the Lu Family on your shoulders; you cannot destroy the entire Family for a woman!"

Lu Chen frowned slightly, a hint of helplessness flashing in his eyes.

He shook his head and said softly, "Grand Elder, I have never forgotten my responsibilities. But I also believe that true Family glory is not gained by suppressing others, but by the efforts and contributions of each of us."

His gaze swept over everyone in the hall, his eyes full of expectation, "I hope our Lu Family can become an inclusive, warm Family, rather than a cold Family that only values strength and status."

The Grand Elder took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down.

A hint of hesitation flashed in his eyes, as if he was considering Lu Chen's words.

But soon, his gaze became firm again, "Lu Chen, your ideas are too naive. In this world where the strong prey on the weak, without strength, there is no right to speak. If you continue to be so stubborn, I will not stand by and do nothing."

Lu Chen subtly curled his lips, revealing a faint smile.

There was a hint of stubbornness in his eyes, "Grand Elder, I respect your opinion, but I also have my own choices. I believe time will prove everything."

The Grand Elder snorted coldly, his chest heaving violently, his eyes fixed on Lu Chen, filled with coldness and warning.

"Lu Chen, don't forget what the mission of our Lu Family is!"

His voice was low and hoarse, with a hint of gritting teeth, "Protecting the Family's glory and continuing the Family's splendor, that is what you should do!"

"But now, for a woman, you betray the Family's will. If you continue to be so stubborn, don't blame me for disregarding past affections and revoking your position as Young Lord!"

Upon hearing this, Lu Chen's expression was calm, with no trace of panic or fear in his eyes.

He subtly raised his head, a faint sneer playing on his lips.

"If this position of Young Lord requires me to sacrifice my feelings and abandon the person I cherish to keep it, then I don't care for it!"

His voice was not loud, yet it resonated through the hall with an undeniable firmness.

The Grand Elder's face instantly turned purple, the veins on his forehead bulging as if they would burst any second.

His hands were tightly clenched into fists, knuckles white, his body trembling slightly with anger.

"You... you are simply incorrigible! Is the Legacy passed down through generations of the Lu Family to be destroyed by your hands?"

He roared, his voice shaking the hall and hurting people's eardrums.

Yu Miaoyin stood behind Lu Chen, unconsciously clutching the corner of her clothes, her eyes filled with worry.

Her lips trembled slightly, and a hint of fear flashed in her eyes.

She truly couldn't bear to see Lu Chen and the Family at such odds because of her.

She couldn't help but reach out and tightly grasp Lu Chen's hand; his hands trembled slightly, his palms covered in cold sweat.

She gently shook her head, her eyes full of pleading, "Lu Chen..."

Lu Chen turned his head, met Yu Miaoyin's worried gaze, and a slight smile played on his lips, a comforting smile.

His eyes were gentle and firm; he gently patted Yu Miaoyin's hand, as if telling her: Don't worry, I'm here.

The Grand Elder took a deep breath, forcing down the anger in his heart.

A hint of struggle flashed in his eyes, and his voice softened slightly, "I advise you to think it over carefully, don't ruin so many years of effort for a moment of impulse. While getting angry for a beauty is dashing, the consequences are also severe!"

Lu Chen chuckled softly, his eyes showing a stubborn persistence.

"No need to consider; my attitude will never change."

His voice was neither high nor low, yet it was decisive.

After speaking, he led the worried Yu Miaoyin and turned to walk out of the main hall.

As soon as the two stepped out of the hall, a crashing sound of things being thrown came from behind them.

Yu Miaoyin's body trembled violently, and her steps also halted.

Her eyes were filled with terror, and she instinctively tightened her grip on Lu Chen's hand.

Her heart pounded like a drum, as if it would leap out of her throat.

She turned her head, looking at Lu Chen worriedly, her eyes filled with self-reproach and unease, "Lu Chen, there's really no need for this... Why don't we go back and explain it clearly to the Grand Elder? I don't want you to lose so much because of me."

Lu Chen stopped, slowly turned his head, and looked at Yu Miaoyin.

His eyes held a hint of indulgence; he reached out and gently smoothed the stray strands of hair from Yu Miaoyin's forehead.

"Don't worry," his voice was gentle and firm, "He wouldn't dare touch my position as Young Lord. The Family can't do without me right now; he knows that better than anyone."

His gaze was deep and confident, as if everything was under his control.

"You don't need to blame yourself; everything I do is out of my own free will. As long as I can be with you, nothing else matters."

Yu Miaoyin looked at Lu Chen, and the worry in her eyes gradually faded, replaced by emotion and determination.

She nodded slightly, tightening her grip on Lu Chen's hand, "Okay, I believe you."

The two exchanged a smile, holding hands, and slowly left the place.