Chapter 95: You Want to Fight? Then Fight!

Xu Haoliang slammed the armrest of his chair. His eyes turned piercing as he glared at Xu Ziyan, shouting coldly:

“What? Still daring to disobey?”

Xu Ziyan shot an angry look at Xu Haoliang before turning her gaze to Xu Haoran seated in the center at the head. After all, the current clan leader was Xu Haoran. The one who truly held authority in the Xu family was Xu Haoran. Xu Haoliang’s words could not fully represent the clan’s stance. If Xu Haoran held the same attitude as Xu Haoliang, Xu Ziyan would leave without hesitation. Would she care if the Xu family tried to force her to stay? Relying on the talismans she possessed, Xu Ziyan believed she could fight her way out of the Xu compound.

Seeing Xu Ziyan look towards him, Xu Haoran’s expression became awkward. It wasn’t that he didn’t crave Xu Ziyan’s cultivation method, but her situation differed from the clan’s other disciples. Her method had been taught to her by someone else, and she had been strictly instructed not to pass it on. If he forced Xu Ziyan to reveal it and that Female Immortal from the sect found out later, her wrath was something his mundane clan absolutely couldn’t withstand.

Furthermore, the family was facing a crisis right now, precisely when they needed Xu Ziyan the most. If they angered her, even if she didn’t fake making talismans, just lowering the grade and quantity she produced would be a massive loss for the clan in this critical time. However, he never once thought Xu Ziyan would rebel against the clan. The simple reason was that no one present imagined Xu Ziyan possessed the strength to rebel. They only considered the Female Immortal Xu Ziyan mentioned and the family’s current predicament. So, Xu Haoran let out a dry laugh and turned to speak to Xu Haoliang:

“Ninth Brother…”

Xu Haoliang waved his hand, cutting Xu Haoran off. His anger was reaching its peak. Right in front of the clan’s top figures, a junior had glared at him defiantly. When he furiously questioned her, she completely ignored him and looked to Xu Haoran instead. How could he bear that insult! Hearing Xu Haoran turn to speak to him instead of reprimanding Xu Ziyan, Xu Haoliang instantly knew what Xu Haoran feared and what he intended to say. Allowing Xu Haoran to speak would only amplify his own shame – utterly intolerable.

Therefore, he immediately gestured to stop Xu Haoran’s words and fixed Xu Ziyan with a chilling stare. The Mighty Pressure of his peak Foundation Building Stage Second Layer cultivation burst forth towards her like shifting mountains and filling seas, and he roared:

“Junior! Kneel before me!”

Everyone looked at Xu Ziyan with pity. Xu Haoliang was the second strongest cultivator present, surpassed only by Clan Leader Xu Haoran. Only the clan leader could stop him here. Yet, though he was the leader, Xu Haoliang also commanded a significant faction within the clan. Xu Haoran couldn’t easily clash with him openly over a junior. Besides, Xu Haoran knew Xu Haoliang wouldn’t dare kill Xu Ziyan; it was just a lesson.

Moreover, Xu Haoran himself felt Xu Ziyan was far too bold. She was only First Level of Qi Refining Stage… Wait, no! Xu Haoran jolted inwardly. Earlier, focused on questioning her about her cultivation method and talismans, he had overlooked her cultivation level. Today… she was actually displaying the cultivation aura of the First Level of Qi Refining Stage! Had she broken through again, adjusted her Breath-Concealing Talisman, and revealed Qi Refining Stage strength to signify her readiness for the Inner Hall? Xu Haoran was lost in this thought for only an instant, but Xu Haoliang’s Pressure had already reached Xu Ziyan.

Everyone waited to see Xu Ziyan humiliated – how she would inevitably crumple under Xu Haoliang’s Pressure and be flattened to the floor begging for mercy. These elders were used to their lofty status in the clan; they had never been glared at and then completely ignored by a junior. Even those not aligned with Xu Haoliang believed Xu Ziyan was outrageously arrogant. They looked forward to Xu Haoliang disciplining her, teaching her to respect her elders. So no one stopped him, not even with a word.

But the spectacle they expected didn’t happen. Xu Ziyan remained seated firmly, her eyes still fixed on Xu Haoran, not even glancing at Xu Haoliang.

Though Xu Ziyan’s current cultivation was only the First Layer of Foundation Building Stage, she was a Water Spirit Body. Against those at the same level, she was near invincible, and facing Xu Haoliang one layer higher, she yielded no ground. With pressure alone, how could Xu Haoliang crush her? Xu Ziyan’s robes didn’t even flutter.

Mouths hung agape as everyone stared at Xu Ziyan, dumbfounded. Upon recovering their senses, they hastily scanned Xu Ziyan with their spiritual senses, trying to probe her cultivation level. The result only deepened their shock and incomprehension.

They were shocked that Xu Ziyan had actually transcended the Houtian and attained the First Level of Qi Refining Stage. This was staggering to these seasoned cultivators. They all knew perfectly well when Xu Ziyan had entered the Outer Hall – well, everyone except Xu Haoran, Xu Haobo, and Xu Haomiaothe three who truly understood the situation. The others only knew Xu Ziyan had entered with Sixth Level of Houtian strength. In less than half a year, she had unexpectedly broken through all the way to the First Level of Qi Refining Stage!

Their bafflement stemmed from the fact that, even if Xu Ziyan was a genius whose insane cultivation speed shamed them all, she was still only at the First Level of Qi Refining Stage. How could she withstand the pressure of someone at the peak late stage of Foundation Building Stage Second Layer?

While others were stunned, Xu Haoliang’s face burned hot. He had reprimanded and pressured a mere Qi Refining junior, yet she paid him no heed whatsoever. She dismissed his scolding like background noise and utterly ignored his aura pressure. However Xu Ziyan managed to withstand it, Xu Haoliang absolutely refused to believe she genuinely possessed such strength. Blinded by shame and rage, he unconsciously tightened his grip. Crack! The armrest in his hand shattered. He sprang to his feet, striding towards Xu Ziyan, and roared:

“Junior! You’re seeking death!”

“Ninth Brother, stop!”

Xu Haoran rose sharply from his seat, his voice sharp as he ordered Xu Haoliang to halt. Before Xu Haoliang could speak, Xu Haoran swiftly barked at Xu Ziyan:

“Yan’er! Apologize to your Ninth Uncle immediately!”

“Big Brother,” Xu Haoliang bellowed furiously, “stay out of today’s affair! I will teach her a lesson! If we just let her kowtow and apologize today, what authority will be left in the Xu Clan?”

Xu Ziyan retracted her gaze from Xu Haoran and slowly stood up. She faced Xu Haoliang and said coldly:

“You want to fight? Then fight!”

As Xu Ziyan’s words echoed, everyone in the hall stared in utter disbelief. Was this an illusion? Someone at the First Level of Qi Refining Stage was challenging a peak Foundation Building Stage Second Layer expert? Only Xu Haoran, Xu Haobo, and Xu Haomiao reacted intensely, exchanging glances. Could it be Yan’er had broken through Qi Refining and reached Foundation Building Stage? They then immediately shook their heads at their own absurd thought. Impossible.

Yet, this meant they were seriously worried for Xu Ziyan. All three spoke simultaneously:

“Yan’er, stop this nonsense! Apologize to your Ninth Uncle at once!”

“No need for that!”

Xu Haoliang had swiftly recovered from his shock at Xu Ziyan’s challenge. His face contorted with rage, turning an ugly shade. He took a step forward and thrust his hand out, claws formed as he grabbed straight for Xu Ziyan’s head.

Naturally, Xu Ziyan wished to conceal her true cultivation base – her hidden trump card. Her hands flashed before her chest, and twenty Third Grade top-tier Talismans appeared between her palms. Instantly, they formed a layered, clearly defined mid-grade Talisman Array around her body. Xu Ziyan also wanted to test the power of a mid-grade array conjured with top-tier Third Grade Talismans.

The moment the Talisman Array formed, its latent power instantly flooded the Main Hall, a palpable menace like a vicious beast eyeing everyone. Xu Haoliang, unable to pull back his grabbing hand fast enough, struck the array directly.

Bang! Sparkle!

A dazzling flash erupted. Xu Haoliang felt an overwhelming, irresistible force surge towards him. He pulled his hand back hastily but was still flung back by the powerful rebound, stumbling several steps. His face flushed a deep, mortified purple.

“Hmph! Is this your Talisman Array? It might work on those in Qi Refining, but against this old man? It’s too weak!”

Xu Haoliang absolutely refused to entertain the idea he could lose to a mere Talisman Array. He firmly believed this small setback was solely due to his own carelessness.

Roar!

Xu Haoliang’s aura exploded outwards. His robes flapped violently against the sudden surge. He had pushed his power to its peak. Now, any concern for the clan’s precarious situation vanished; his mind was consumed by the desire to destroy the impudent junior who dared defy him.

“Ninth Brother! You must not!”

Xu Haoran, Xu Haobo, and Xu Haomiao blurred into motion, appearing directly between Xu Haoliang and Xu Ziyan.

“Out of my way!” Veins bulged violently on Xu Haoliang’s forehead; his eyes had turned bloodshot.

“Ninth Brother, stop! I command you to halt immediately! By my authority as Clan Leader!” Xu Haoran also unleashed his Mighty Pressure to its peak, intercepting the waves of force emanating from Xu Haoliang.

“Clan Leader? Ha! Big Brother, my dear Big Brother! Truly splendid! Having dominated me for decades alone wasn’t enough? Now you indulge a little brat to challenge me too? Well, today I will see precisely how you side with that junior to bully me right in front of the entire clan!”

Now positioned behind Xu Haoran, Xu Ziyan recognized that he was still extending goodwill towards her. That was sufficient reassurance. In the future, Xu Ziyan would naturally repay the clan. However, it didn’t mean she would lower her head. Watching Xu Haoliang’s distorted face and his enraged bellowing at Xu Haoran, Xu Ziyan couldn’t help but sigh inwardly:

Such are the sorrows of a great clan. Internal strife is forever the herald of a family’s decline. It seems Xu Haoran hasn’t yet consolidated control fully. As long as this Xu Haoliang harbors ambition and refuses to yield, the Xu Clan will never be truly unified. So be it. I shall shatter Xu Haoliang’s arrogant delusions and help the Clan Leader.

Xu Haoran, meanwhile, was utterly cornered by Xu Haoliang’s accusations, his face also flushed crimson. His cultivation was only one layer higher than Xu Haoliang’s; while victory in a fight was assured, it wouldn’t be quick or easy. Moreover, Xu Haoran couldn’t bear the thought of the clan leader and the second-strongest elder brawling during such a dangerous time. What message would that send to the younger disciples? Swallowing his anger, he spoke slowly to Xu Haoliang:

“Ninth Brother, Yan’er is still just a child. Can’t you forgive her?”

“Forgive that insolent, rebellious whelp? Never!” Xu Haoliang spat the words through clenched teeth.

“Clan Leader, please step aside. I wish to see if Xu Haoliang here even possesses the right to forgive me!”

Xu Ziyan’s calm voice rang out from behind Xu Haoran. Surrounded by floating Talismans, her expression carried a faint trace of disdain.

Xu Haoran spun around instantly. He stared intently at Xu Ziyan for a long moment. Finally, hesitating slightly, he asked, “Yan’er, are you sure?”

“I am sure.” Her tone remained level. “This confrontation wasn’t initiated by me. He was the one who cursed first. He was the one who struck first. I fail to recall any reason why I, now cornered by such overwhelming aggression from a Foundation Building Stage Elder, the clan’s second most powerful figure, should endure any further humiliation. I remember only this: When endurance runs its course, endurance is no longer needed!”

Even Xu Haoran couldn’t grasp Xu Ziyan’s true strength. Yet, seeing her calm confidence, a strange sense of trust inexplicably budded within him. He thought:

If Xu Ziyan can knock some bravado off my Ninth Brother, it would significantly help me consolidate control. Even if she just holds out for a little longer, it would strip him of all dignity. I’ll just step in and stop Ninth Brother the moment Yan’er shows signs of faltering.

Thinking this, Xu Haoran swiftly stepped aside. He looked towards the disciples outside the hall and shouted:

“Close the doors!”

The heavy doors of the Main Hall began to swing shut. Xu Haoran, Xu Haobo, and Xu Haomiao had already moved to the side. Now, every eye in the hall was riveted on the two figures at the center: an old man practically shaking with fury, and a young girl whose expression remained unnervingly calm.

The force Xu Haoliang had built up, pent-up since the others moved away, finally erupted. He formed Sword Art finger seals with his right hand. With a sharp Clang!, a Flying Sword shot out from a sheath somewhere, circled him once before enlarging dramatically in the air, and cleaved down towards Xu Ziyan like a blade splitting the heavens!

Xu Ziyan’s Talisman Array reacted immediately. A giant shield materialized from the swirling symbols. It intercepted the massive blade crashing down. As the giant blade rebounded upwards, the array shifted fluidly again. This time, it formed an enormous spectral fist. It flew towards Xu Haoliang like a meteor.

“Hmph!” Xu Haoliang snorted coldly, his expression grim as he brought the Flying Sword back into his hand. He stared up at the oncoming colossal fist, then flicked his sword forward blindingly fast. The sound of ringing metal filled the hall – a dazzling curtain of a thousand phantom sword rays flashed before them.

Whizz! Crash!

The giant spectral fist was instantly sliced into fragments, dissipating into nothingness.

Chuckle! Xu Ziyan’s soft giggle, barely audible within the array’s energy. She extended a finger like a sword tip. Swiftly, she traced invisible runes over the central command talisman within the array. A surge of Spiritual Power poured into it.

Whoosh! Flash!

The Talisman Array flared brilliantly. Instantly, ninety-nine massive millstone-sized fists materialized and hurtled towards Xu Haoliang, unleashing a gale within the hall! Following closely behind the deluge of fists, a colossal spectral hand formed, reaching out to grab Xu Haoliang from the sky!

They clashed like snapping sparks and shattering flint – intense and blindingly fast. In mere breaths, several rounds of exchange had flashed by. The elders watching felt dizzy, unable to fully comprehend the blurring movements. From their decades of knowing Xu Haoliang, they realized he had thrown everything he had into this fight. This outcome was utterly unthinkable before the fight began. How could a mere First Level Qi Refining junior force Xu Haoliang into a life-or-death struggle?

But even faster than their minds could process, the scene unfolding before them left them startled… and gaping in shock.

Xu Haoliang had lost!

He brandished his sword wildly, shattering sixty-eight of the millstone-sized fists. But thirty-one found their mark, pounding relentlessly against his body. Their combined impact shattered his protective Energy Shield. Above him, the spectral hand that had been hovering descended with lightning speed. It snatched Xu Haoliang mid-air with crushing force!

Crack! Snap! Crack!

Horrible cracking sounds echoed from the constricted fist as Xu Haoliang’s frame was mercilessly squeezed.

“Yan’er! Stop! Release your Ninth Uncle at once!”

Xu Haoran stood frozen for a moment before yelling the command. Inside, however, a wave of triumphant glee nearly overcame him. Watching Xu Haoliang trapped in that giant spiritual fist, humiliated and frantic to die from the shame? Pure bliss. Simultaneously, the crucial importance of Xu Ziyan and her Talisman Array struck him. If she could teach this to the clan… it would drastically alter their desperate situation! Xu Ziyan’s standing rocketed upward in his estimation – reaching a position truly equal to his own in weight and significance.

Everyone present stared fixedly at the scene before them, dazed as if still caught in a nightmare – only this terrifying vision was undeniably real, freezing their hearts and gall bladders with dread.

Those aligned with Xu Haoran felt a profound sense of relief wash over them. Thank heavens they hadn’t joined Xu Haoliang’s faction; otherwise, this unbearable shame would also land on their shoulders. To be manhandled by a mere First Level Qi Refining junior? That level of disgrace was unbearable!

As for those who were part of Xu Haoliang’s camp? Despair settled over their hearts like a suffocating blanket.

This… What’s left to fight for now? Our elders couldn’t prevail to begin with? Fine. But now, for the strongest contender among us to be literally manhandled, beaten, and squeezed like baggage by this very junior… Ha! Just as the saying goes, each wave sweeps the last onto the shore.

One by one, they exchanged silent, bleak glances. A single, unified thought shone clearly in their eyes: From this day forward… even the juniors… cannot be trifled with.

Trapped within the giant hand’s crushing grip, Xu Haoliang felt darkness threaten to overcome him. Not from physical pain – Xu Ziyan hadn’t used enough force to genuinely harm him through the conjured palm – but purely from the soul-scorching burn of humiliation. Peering through the gaps in the constricting spectral fingers at Xu Ziyan, still calm amidst her floating Talismans within the array, a despairing wail echoed in his mind:

What kind of freakish monster IS this?! Her father was pathetic waste! How could he father such a demon?!

Hearing Xu Haoran’s shout, Xu Ziyan retracted the spectral hand gripping Xu Haoliang. The giant fist opened, releasing Xu Haoliang. Then, like flowing water retreating, it shrank rapidly back into the array, dissolving into pure Spiritual Power that faded back into the waiting Talismans. Xu Ziyan, however, didn’t dismiss the array. She didn’t trust Xu Haoliang’s temperament one bit. The talismans continued to orbit protectively around her as she surveyed the dark-faced figure across from her, a small smile playing on her lips.

Finally free, Xu Haoliang immediately exploded. Face black as thunder, eyes blazing with fury, he roared at the other Elders:

“Esteemed Elders! Are you just going to stand by?! Such rebellion! Such insolence! We cannot tolerate it! We must all join forces and execute this traitor immediately!”

Their expressions were… strange. Those aligned with Xu Haoran wore faces filled with undisguised contempt. Those sharing Xu Haoliang’s faction blushed crimson. They averted their eyes and held their tongues.

“You… you all…” Seeing this collective response, the muscles in Xu Haoliang’s face twitched violently into grotesque shapes. Desperate, he turned his ferocious gaze towards his fifth brother. “Fifth Brother! As Punishment Hall Master, are you going to just let this insolent junior run wild and trample upon our discipline?! Where is your duty?!”

Xu Haocang’s expression instantly grew troubled as he looked helplessly towards Xu Haoran.

According to the strict rules of the Xu Family Clan, Xu Ziyan’s actions were indeed a severe breach of clan law. In such a prominent clan, hierarchy and seniority were sacred principles. Disciples, being juniors, were absolutely forbidden from attacking elders. Even if falsely accused or egregiously mistreated by a senior, one could only submit. In unbearable cases, one might appeal to higher clan members or directly petition the Clan Leader. However, any junior seeking to lodge a formal complaint against a senior must first endure punishment: surviving a brutal one-hundred-stick beating before gaining the right to present their grievance to the Leader.

The Xu clan had never witnessed anything like this – a junior completely disregarding hierarchy, directly engaging an elder in combat… and winning.