174: Found! (Large Chapter)

"You..."

Chen Qingxuan was stuck between laughter and tears.

Unable to refuse such hospitality, he had no choice but to accept the two storage rings.

By now, he had figured out why the father and son were so enthusiastic; it wasn't hard to see from their attitude that they had mistaken him for a Celestial Being.

A Third-Generation Immortal from the Upper Domain!

For the newly arrived Chen Qingxuan, this wasn't necessarily a bad thing.

Since they were a bunch of people who bullied the weak and feared the strong, he felt no guilt in fooling them.

Thus, when Li Erhe tentatively asked about his identity, Chen Qingxuan acted mysterious. "My family won't let me say. They warned me that if I want to understand the true Three Thousand Divine Provinces, I must enter from the perspective of an ordinary person. Only then can I apply the right remedy in the future and better serve Cultivators... Can you understand, Elder Li?"

"I understand, I completely understand!"

Li Erhe grinned so widely his mouth wouldn't close.

In his eyes, Chen Qingxuan telling him this was undoubtedly a sign of treating him as one of his own... He had successfully latched onto a high branch from the Upper Domain.

In the entire Star River Ruins, who could seize an opportunity as well as he did?

Who else!

Chen Qingxuan added, "So I hope you two will just treat me as an ordinary person. Do not give me any special treatment, otherwise it will cause me... and my grandfather won't be happy either."

"Oh, Young Master Chen can rest assured," Li Erhe immediately said with righteous conviction. "From beginning to end, I will treat you exactly as I treat anyone else. There will be absolutely no difference in treatment. If I tell a single lie, may lightning strike me down."

Li Xing chimed in, "Me too!"

"That is for the best."

Chen Qingxuan nodded with satisfaction.

While talking, the three of them arrived at the Du Family.

Li Erhe changed the subject. "Young Master Chen, before announcing the Star Protection Hall's decision, please allow this old man to handle some private matters first."

"Please, go ahead."

Chen Qingxuan nodded calmly.

Whoosh—

With that, Li Erhe flew toward the Du Family estate.

At this moment, Du Futian and a group of Du Family experts had already been waiting in the courtyard for a long time.

Seeing Li Erhe's figure from afar, Du Futian excitedly stepped forward to greet him. "Old brother, we haven't seen each other for decades, yet you still look as dashing as ever!"

Meeting Du Futian's flattering smile, Li Erhe's tone was flat. "Du Family Head, I hope you have been well."

"How can you say that, old brother? I've been looking forward to your visit day and night for years, but I knew you had heavy duties at the Star Protection Hall, so I never dared to disturb you." Du Futian intentionally raised his voice to show off his connections. "For this reunion, you must stay for a few more days, otherwise... this old man will be unhappy."

As soon as these words were spoken, every member of the Du Family curled their lips into a smile.

In their view, for Du Futian to dare speak like this to Li Erhe, they must have an unshakeable friendship.

Especially seeing Chen Qingxuan and Li Xing in the Void Realm, they couldn't imagine the truth and only thought Chen Qingxuan had been brought there to apologize for his crimes.

This could be considered as winning back Face for the Du Family.

It was only logical!

Unexpectedly, in the next moment, Li Erhe retorted mercilessly, "And then? What if you are unhappy?"

"Huh?"

Du Futian's expression froze.

Hearing this, the smiles of the Du Family members also stiffened... What was going on?

Du Futian's words seemed forceful, but they actually hid the importance he placed on their relationship; surely no one was so socially inept as to not realize that.

So Li Erhe's reply... could be described as catching them completely off guard.

"Haha, if old brother is really too busy with duties to stay... then this old man can only miss you in private." Being an old fox, Du Futian immediately used a joking tone to change the subject. "Speaking of which, old brother, you brought that brat here... what is your intention?"

"..."

Li Erhe glanced at Chen Qingxuan.

Seeing that Du Futian still thought they were on the same side, Li Erhe said directly, "Years ago, I was ambushed during a mission and suffered heavy injuries. Fortunately, I was saved by a spirit returning pill from the Du Family Head. As the saying goes, a drop of kindness should be repaid with a gushing spring..."

"Hey, hey, what are you doing, old brother?"

Before Li Erhe could finish, Du Futian interrupted with feigned anxiety.

Then, meeting everyone's gaze, he said in a loud voice, "Yes, I did save you back then, but that was our fate. Talking about 'repaying a drop of kindness with a gushing spring' is too formal. When I saved you back then, I never even thought about a reward. If you act like this, I'll truly be unhappy."

"Yes, Elder Li, our Family Head didn't help for the sake of a reward."

"To be honest, before the Star Protection Hall arrived, we didn't even know about this matter."

"Doesn't Elder Li know our Family Head? He is a pure and kind person... our Du Family never thought about wanting any reward."

The Du Family members were overjoyed.

After Li Erhe took the initiative to mention the life-saving debt, the entire Du Family was instantly ecstatic.

As for Li Erhe's previous sharp words, no one thought much of them now, assuming it was just the bluntness and straightforwardness of a powerful expert.

"No, business is business... it's better to settle this matter clearly."

Just as the Du Family was feeling smug, Li Erhe interrupted expressionlessly.

Meeting their burning gazes, he pulled out a jade bottle. "A drop of kindness should be repaid with a gushing spring. Since I took one spirit returning pill from you back then, I will now return ten spirit returning pills to you!"

Whoosh—

Saying that, Li Erhe tossed the jade bottle in front of Du Futian.

"Old brother, you...?"

Du Futian's old body suddenly jolted.

In an instant, the entire Du Family fell into a dead silence.

No one present was a fool. Even if they had naively thought Li Erhe was being blunt earlier, the casual way he threw the bottle now... and the distance in his tone and expression was something anyone could feel!

Rather than saying returning ten pills was a reward, it was more like... he wanted to completely sever ties with the Du Family.

Using ten spirit returning pills... to erase the life-saving debt from back then.

Whoosh—

Once they realized this, everyone in the Du Family was stunned.

What was happening?

Weren't they here to help them?

Under everyone's watchful eyes, Li Erhe turned to look at Chen Qingxuan, revealing a fawning smile that the Du Family had never seen and couldn't even imagine.

"Young Master Chen, shall I announce the results of the handling now?"

"..."

Chen Qingxuan's forehead was covered in black lines.

Although he liked the scales tipping in his favor, he felt a bit ashamed and unable to lift his head because of Li Erhe's blatant flattery.

So in the next moment, he said solemnly, "No matter how the Star Protection Hall handles this, the Lin Family and I will actively cooperate."

"Good, good, good!"

Li Erhe nodded like a chicken pecking at rice, showing utter servility.

Seeing this scene, the entire Du Family felt as if they had been struck by a bolt from the blue.

"What's going on... isn't the Star Protection Hall helping us?"

"Didn't the Family Head save him... and ten spirit returning pills just ends it?"

"I feel like... he's not here to help us... but rather to help the Lin Family?"

If they hadn't seen it with their own eyes, they wouldn't have believed it even if they were killed—the Li Erhe, who had been cold-faced from start to finish, actually had such a submissive side.

Forget about being a Star Protection Hall Elder; even they... had never been so lowly!

Swish, swish, swish—

In an instant, countless gazes turned toward Du Futian, their eyes seemingly asking—

Family Head, this is your 'old brother'?

"?"

At this moment, Du Futian was also dazed on the spot.

He thought the life-saving debt from back then had earned the Du Family a Heaven-Defying chance to change their fate, a chance he had cherished for decades before finally using it... but now, after seeing two completely different attitudes from Li Erhe;

He finally knew how fragile human nature was when tested.

But out of unwillingness, he still bit the bullet and stepped forward. "Old brother, you personally promised me back then..."

"Du Family Head, please use my official title when I am working. Call me Elder Li."

Li Erhe turned his head and interrupted.

The smiling Face he had when facing Chen Qingxuan turned back into heartless coldness the moment he looked at Du Futian and the others.

Thump—

Du Futian's pupils suddenly shrank.

By now, he knew there was no need for further words; the fact was already set in stone!

Even a decades-old life-saving debt still couldn't make the Star Protection Hall stand on the Du Family's side. That meant... Du Futian glanced at Chen Qingxuan in the Void Realm;

The other party... had a background that even the Star Protection Hall was wary of!

It's over.

Du Futian's eyes went black, and he fell backward.

"Family Head, Family Head, what's wrong?"

In an instant, the entire Du Family was in chaos.

In contrast, Li Erhe showed no regard for old ties. He directly used a loud voice that spread throughout Dragon City to announce the Star Protection Hall's decision, and then left with Chen Qingxuan.

After the three had left.

Du Futian, who had been carried to the main hall, finally woke up.

"Family Head... the Star Protection Hall announced that the star vein will belong to the Lin Family from now on... they also demanded we apologize to the Lin Family... they completely ignored us!" Du Sheng said through gritted teeth as he supported Du Futian.

The expressions of the other Du Family members in the hall were as ugly as if they had eaten feces.

They had been full of anticipation, only for it to turn into a bucket of dog blood... pouring all over their heads!

Du Futian didn't waste any words. He raised his hand and urged, "Quick, go build the statues... go build the statues! The more the better, the more the better!"

On the other side.

After returning to the Lin Family, Chen Qingxuan confirmed the handling results with Lin Tang.

Confirming that the star vein completely belonged to the Lin Family and that the Star Protection Hall had endorsed it, Lin Tang was so excited she almost lunged at him. "This is great! Young Master Chen, your great kindness to our Lin Family... I, I don't even know how to repay you."

"You building so many statues for me is already considered repayment."

Chen Qingxuan smiled faintly.

Then, he handed back the storage ring from before. "Take it back!"

Lin Tang blinked her long eyelashes. "The people from the Star Protection Hall... didn't take it?"

"They didn't take it; they even gave me another one..." Chen Qingxuan gave a bitter smile and told Lin Tang the truth, which also served to enlighten her.

"It can even be like that?"

Lin Tang, having learned the truth, was momentarily stuck between laughter and tears.

The next moment, she reached out and pushed the storage ring back, smiling. "Since they already accepted it and have now given it to Young Master Chen, then it's their gift to you. How can we take it back!"

"Just take it!"

Chen Qingxuan didn't want to take advantage of this and forced it into Lin Tang's arms.

Lin Tang naturally refused to take it back. In the back-and-forth pulling, it was inevitable that he used too much force.

"Ah~" Lin Tang clutched her chest and let out a soft groan of pain. "Young Master Chen, you're hurting me."

"See, it would have been fine if you just accepted it."

"Emm... okay then!"

In the end, Lin Tang could only obediently take back the storage ring and went to prepare a meal as Chen Qingxuan had ordered.

At the dinner table.

Only Chen Qingxuan and the Li father and son were present.

He had originally wanted to invite some Lin Family members, but everyone was very restrained in front of the Star Protection Hall, so he simply gave up on the idea.

After several rounds of drinks, Chen Qingxuan began to lay the groundwork for his plan—the statues!

In fact, in dealing with the Star Protection Hall, he also had his own goals. After all, the progress of recruiting other forces to build statues by himself was too slow.

If he could utilize the existing powerful forces of the Three Thousand Divine Provinces, it would surely be twice the result with half the effort.

Facing Chen Qingxuan's lead, Li Erhe was also very sensible. "Speaking of which, Young Master Chen, the person you are having people build statues of... could it be some specific person?"

Li Xing also pricked up his ears.

To be honest, the father and son really hoped to hear it was some High Immortal they had guessed.

To this, Chen Qingxuan was naturally aware. He pretended to be conflicted. "Of course it is... Elder Li, I can't go into detail about this matter. You understand, right?"

"I understand, I understand."

Li Erhe's eyes lit up, and he smiled. "If Young Master Chen needs help, just say the word."

"I would like to ask for your help, it's just..." Chen Qingxuan was secretly delighted but still pretended to be troubled. "It's just, what reason should be used so that it's convenient for you to help me?"

Li Erhe said in surprise, "With your identity, do we still need a reason to help you build statues?"

"Of course we do. It's just that my identity cannot be used..."

Chen Qingxuan sighed softly.

Li Erhe's eyes darted around, and he asked tentatively, "Could it be that Young Master Chen's family... when they gave you the mission, they also mentioned some restrictive requirements?"

"Hmm?" Chen Qingxuan first pretended to be stunned, then looked at Li Erhe with a gaze of pleasant surprise, as if he had found a kindred spirit. "Elder Li, you understand me!"

"..."

Li Erhe smiled.

A smile that said he had guessed everything and was looking down at the whole situation.

At this time, Li Xing lowered his voice. "Young Master Chen, this matter is very simple. Isn't it just that the family has requirements? My father also often gives me requirements, but every time I can find a way to fool him. As long as you want, we can help you find a way, and then build the statues legitimately, just like the Lin Family."

"Really?"

Chen Qingxuan pretended to be delighted and looked at Li Erhe.

Li Erhe also hurriedly guaranteed, "Don't worry, Young Master Chen. Leave this matter to us to find a way. Come sit at the Star Protection Hall another day, and we'll finalize the details."

"No problem, no problem."

Chen Qingxuan readily agreed.

Time flew by, and a sliver of white appeared on the distant horizon.

The Li father and son also prepared to take their leave.

Chen Qingxuan stood up to see them off.

Before leaving, Li Erhe pulled out another storage ring. "Young Master Chen, listen to me. Our Star Protection Hall has a rule that we cannot accept banquets from the public. Even if you treat us as friends, we must handle things officially. This storage ring will count as our payment for the wine. Please don't make it difficult for us."

"This..."

Before Chen Qingxuan could speak;

After tossing the storage ring, Li Erhe directly took his son and left.

"Young Master Chen, we'll wait for you at the Star Protection Hall!"

With that, the figures of the father and son disappeared.

Chen Qingxuan looked down at the storage ring in his hand and shook his head with a bitter smile. "And they say wealth doesn't circulate. It's clearly that the places where it circulates can't see the light, and in the places that see the light, the people are too poor."

Chen Qingxuan didn't resist this kind of benefit.

Just as he put away the storage ring and was about to return to his room to see how much incense value he had gained, suddenly, the Void Realm above his head underwent a strange change, and a terrifying purple vortex appeared.

"Holy crap? What's going on?"

Chen Qingxuan looked up with his handsome Face, completely bewildered.

Before he could figure out the situation, he heard a loud crack, and a terrifying purple thunder dragon appeared in the Void Realm, striking straight down at him—

Crack!

Chen Qingxuan's pupils suddenly shrank.

Before he could make any reaction, he felt his crown being struck by a bolt of lightning. The Secret Technique maintaining his form suddenly collapsed, and he was instantly slammed to the ground.

On the verge of fainting, a sacred and inviolable voice rang out in his mind.

"Found you."

Found