Chapter 71: Two Choices

“Hehehe…” Xu Tianyang said gently, “No need to call me ‘Senior’. Just call me ‘Senior Brother’!”

As these words reached everyone’s ears, strange expressions appeared on their faces, and they somewhat understood Xu Tianyang’s intentions. Xu Hualing’s face suddenly turned bright red, and her heart pounded like a deer’s. She thought to herself:

“He’s from the Inner Hall, while I’m just a disciple at the Ninth Layer of Houtian. Why is he being so nice to me? Could it be… could it be that he likes me!”

Thinking this, Xu Hualing grew a bit flustered. She lowered her head and spoke in a voice as soft as a mosquito’s hum:

“How could a lowly Outer Hall disciple dare to address a Senior as ‘Senior Brother’!”

“If I say it’s okay, then it’s okay!” Xu Tianyang waved his hand in a firm tone.

Xu Hualing opened her mouth but ultimately said nothing. Xu Ziyan, standing off to the side, also stayed silent. She too had noticed Xu Tianyang’s intentions and initially felt displeased, but when she saw that Xu Hualing’s expression held only shyness and not anger, she decided not to make a fuss.

If this situation could be resolved without revealing her true cultivation level, it would be the best outcome. As for the possibility of Xu Hualing marrying Xu Tianyang, the result would surely be that Xu Tianyang would take Xu Tianci away and no longer involve himself with the Outer Hall. This way, if the Plum Blossom Gang wanted to maintain its position in the Outer Hall and avoid being swallowed by the other three gangs, their only path would be to rely on her. Later, when Xu Qingxue’s cultivation level increased, subduing the Plum Blossom Gang for her would then happen naturally. Gaining control of a force without much effort was something Xu Ziyan loved to see.

“Hehe.” While Xu Ziyan was scheming, Xu Tianyang wasn’t idle either. He took a step closer to Xu Hualing and said gently:

“My name is Xu Tianyang, and my cultivation level is at the Third Layer of Qi Refining Stage. Little Junior Sister, you’re at the Ninth Layer of Houtian, right?”

“Yes!”

Xu Hualing bit her lip lightly and replied softly, but her heart was in turmoil. The person before her was actually at the Third Layer of Qi Refining Stage—how powerful must he be! If he liked her, she could gain a backer, receive his help in cultivation, and use his influence to help her gang overcome their difficulties. But… would he really like her?

“What’s your name?” Xu Tianyang continued in a soft voice.

“Xu Hualing!” Xu Hualing replied just as quietly.

Xu Tianyang nodded gently and said in an even softer tone, “Junior Sister Hualing, I’d like to discuss something with you.”

“What does Senior Brother wish to discuss with little sister?”

Xu Ziyan felt a wave of amusement, thinking to herself that Xu Hualing was already referring to herself as “little sister.” But when Xu Tianyang heard Xu Hualing call herself “little sister,” his heart blossomed with joy. He grinned, his face glowing with happiness, and said:

“Junior Sister Hualing, could we speak in private?”

“Mhm!”

Xu Hualing nodded gently, turned, and followed Xu Tianyang to the side. The remaining people stared at their retreating backs with odd expressions. No one dared to laugh out loud, though; they all stood solemnly in place, waiting for the two to finish their discussion and return.

However, their thoughts varied greatly. Xu Tianci was utterly frustrated, as were Xu Gan, Xu Wen, and Xu Tianxiao. It was clear that Xu Tianyang was interested in Xu Hualing, and she didn’t seem to dislike him either. If the two truly ended up together willingly, Xu Tianyang wouldn’t need to help the Plum Blossom Gang—even if he stepped back from their affairs, Xu Ziyan would still be on their side. In that case, their hopes would be completely dashed.

Not only had they failed to get even one disciple from the Plum Blossom Gang, but they’d also given Xu Tianci a hefty tribute. With Xu Tianyang and Xu Tianci stepping away, did they have the nerve to ask for their tribute back?

The members of the Plum Blossom Gang, on the other hand, were pleasantly surprised. In their minds, Xu Ziyan being able to stand up to Xu Tianci, who was at the First Level of Qi Refining Stage, was already a miracle. They absolutely did not believe Xu Ziyan could handle Xu Tianyang at the Third Layer of Qi Refining Stage.

At first, their hearts had sunk to the bottom upon Xu Tianyang’s arrival, but they never expected such a dramatic turn of events. Now, they watched Xu Hualing’s back eagerly, hoping she would agree to Xu Tianyang’s request. If she did, they would be safe. Some of the female disciples even thought to themselves:

“Why did Senior Xu take a liking to Xu Hualing? Why not me?”

Xu Ziyan, however, remained very calm. Seeing the expressions on Xu Tianyang and Xu Hualing’s faces earlier, she was sure the two would hit it off perfectly. All she had to do was wait to reap the rewards.

Sure enough, Xu Tianyang and Xu Hualing soon returned. Xu Tianyang swept his gaze authoritatively over the crowd and said calmly:

“From now on, Hualing is my person. However, my brother has also accepted tribute from the other three gangs. I now give you two choices.”

At this point, Xu Tianyang’s sharp gaze landed on Xu Gan, Xu Wen, and Xu Tianxiao. The three of them felt a chill run down their spines and stood there hesitantly, not daring to speak. Xu Tianyang was satisfied with their attitude. His expression softened slightly, but his tone remained cold as he said:

“The first choice is this: I’ll have my brother return your tributes to you, and then we two brothers will help the Plum Blossom Gang wipe out your three gangs.”

After speaking, Xu Tianyang fixed a cold, fierce gaze on Xu Gan, Xu Wen, and Xu Tianxiao, a hint of cruelty and mockery flashing at the corner of his mouth.

Xu Gan, Xu Wen, and Xu Tianxiao’s hearts shuddered. They didn’t dare hesitate and quickly clasped their hands in unison, saying:

“We wouldn’t dare! We wouldn’t dare! How could we take back what we offered to our Seniors? Please, Senior, tell us the second choice.”

“Hmph! It’s good that you know your place!” Xu Tianyang said coldly, though his expression relaxed a bit more. He continued:

“The second choice for you is this: My brother and I will leave now and no longer involve ourselves in your Outer Hall affairs. You’ll handle the Outer Hall matters yourselves.”

At this point, Xu Gan, Xu Wen, and Xu Tianxiao felt like crying inside. Was this really giving them two choices? Take back their things and let themselves be wiped out? Or keep their things and have these two brothers wash their hands of the Outer Hall? They may be stepping back, but the Outer Hall still had Xu Ziyan! That girl was practically a freak—she’d stood her ground against Xu Tianci at the First Level of Qi Refining Stage despite being at the Eleventh Layer of Houtian. Wasn’t she basically the strongest below the Innate Realm? This time, they had really suffered a huge loss!

But Xu Tianyang was watching them like a hawk. How could they dare complain now? They didn’t even dare to think too long about it! Summoning their courage, they clasped their hands toward Xu Tianyang and said:

“We accept the second choice!”