Chapter 58: Du Wanqing Arrives, Direct Disciple

Liu Zhengdong, here to pay my respects to Mr. Ning.

Those words struck everyone like a clap of thunder, a deafening explosion deep in their souls. They stared in stunned disbelief, their hearts pounding in alarm.

Liu Zhengdong, an influential figure who wielded real power within the Liu Family, was actually addressing a mere boy as "Mr."?

"Is that really Liu Zhengdong?"

Someone murmured, finding the whole scene hard to believe.

"Years ago, when Liu Zhengdong led his men to annihilate a third-class family, he beat their Clan Leader to death and hung the body at the gates for seven days and seven nights. Everyone knows what a ruthless man he is. How could someone like that be so respectful to a boy?"

Someone’s voice trembled. That had happened years ago.

At the height of their power, the Liu Family was known as Liu Ban City, a testament to the might they had carved out with their own hands.

The patriarch, Liu Yuanlong, was the family’s backbone, and his sons had fought and killed alongside him every step of the way.

Among his sons, the most ruthless were Liu Zhengkun and Liu Zhengdong.

This man, Liu Zhengdong, had the blood of many Innate Realm experts on his hands. He was a truly ruthless individual.

A man of his stature could stand on equal footing with the Clan Leaders of other second-tier families. As for the Clan Leaders of third-class families, they had to be extremely cautious in his presence, politely addressing him as "Lord Dong."

It was precisely because they understood Liu Zhengdong’s status that his current actions left them so utterly shocked.

Just who was this young man, Ning Jiang?

Besides being the White-haired Ghost Ning Jiang, what other identity did he possess?

In that moment, everyone found Ning Jiang shrouded in mystery.

「In the center of the courtyard.」

Liu Hao’s brows were tightly knitted.

Liu Chen was both shocked and furious.

Fang Li’s face was even paler. The man she had always looked down on and despised was someone even Liu Zhengdong treated with respect.

A man like Liu Zhengdong was completely out of her league; she might never have had the chance to even meet someone of his stature in her entire life.

With a single word, Liu Zhengdong could annihilate a family like hers, the Fang Family.

"Mr. Ning, what’s the issue between you and the Liu Family? Allow me to handle it for you," Liu Zhengdong offered, his tone exceptionally eager.

His behavior stemmed from some information he had received from Liu Yuanlong.

After Liu Zhengkun’s legs were broken, he couldn’t resist asking Liu Yuanlong about it, and Liu Yuanlong had revealed a little information.

The gist of it was this: The Liu Family’s very survival rested in Ning Jiang’s hands. As for the Wang Family’s crisis, only Ning Jiang could resolve it!

Although Liu Yuanlong was unwilling to say more, that single sentence was enough to make Liu Zhengdong realize just how crucial Ning Jiang was.

"I appreciate the sentiment," Ning Jiang said with a nod.

"Ahem, right. I heard my daughter and Mr. Ning had a small misunderstanding. At a later date, I will host a three-day banquet to apologize to you, Mr. Ning."

As Liu Zhengdong spoke, his tone shifted. "In fact, my daughter has been melancholy lately, and she can’t stop thinking about you, Mr. Ning. I’m a straightforward man, so I’ll just say it. I see you aren’t married yet. I wonder if you have any interest in that direction? What do you think of my daughter?"

This declaration left the entire crowd utterly dumbfounded.

Liu Zhengdong actually wanted to marry his daughter, Liu Mi, to Ning Jiang. With such an attitude, he was practically throwing her at him.

All eyes turned to Liu Mi, who blushed deeply but did not object.

Seeing this, the heavily injured Liu Yang was so enraged that he spat out another mouthful of blood.

"It was a small matter, and it’s already in the past. There’s no need for an apology," Ning Jiang said, waving his hand dismissively. "As for marriage, we can discuss that in the future."

If a man respects me an inch, I’ll respect him a yard.

He didn’t refuse outright, which was his way of letting Liu Zhengdong save face.

Liu Zhengdong understood his meaning and nodded, saying no more.

He was a rough man, but he wasn’t a fool. He knew when to stop talking.

"Clan Leader Liu He, it seems we’ll have to renegotiate the business between our two families," Liu Zhengdong said, turning around with a cold expression.

Liu He’s eye twitched. The deal had already been settled.

But because of Ning Jiang, Liu Zhengdong had suddenly changed his tune.

Clearly, this Ning Jiang held an incredibly important place in Liu Zhengdong’s heart.

"Perhaps today’s events were just a misunderstanding."

Liu He glanced at Liu Yang, then chose his words carefully and spoke slowly.

Although the Liu Family’s power was not what it once was, they were still the strongest of the second-tier families. In terms of sheer foundation, not even the Wang Family could compare.

Though both were second-tier families, the Liu Family wasn’t even a tenth as powerful as the Liu Family.

With Liu Zhengdong standing by Ning Jiang’s side, his Liu Family could do nothing to Ning Jiang.

Besides, Liu Yang wasn’t his biological son. There was no need to offend the Liu Family over him.

"Brother, how can we let this go?" Liu Chen seethed, unreconciled.

"What exactly happened?" Liu He asked.

Someone nearby quickly explained.

Soon, they finally understood that the incident had started because of Zhao Peng and Fang Ying.

"Mutual affection between a man and a woman is supposed to be a good thing."

Ning Jiang looked up at the night sky, his voice ethereal. "But your Liu Family and Fang Family saw fit to break up a happy couple, to tear apart two lovers and force Fang Ying to marry Liu Tang. And Liu Tang, especially—injuring my friend, thinking that just because you’re a second-tier family, you can run rampant and bully others? For this, I demand an explanation from both your families!"

His final words, though spoken calmly, were brimming with undeniable power.

The faces of those from the two families turned livid.

This was especially true for the Fang Family. They were just a minor family, not even ranked, without a single Innate Realm expert among them.

To put it bluntly, Ning Jiang alone could have wiped out the entire Fang Family.

"Who said we broke them up and forced Fang Ying? Why don’t you ask Fang Ying if that’s what happened?" Fang Li blurted out, her face flushing with anger.

Her voice immediately drew everyone’s attention.

"Xiaoying, tell them yourself. How has the Fang Family treated you? Did we force you?" Fang Li demanded in a harsh tone.

"Xiaoying, even though you aren’t our biological daughter, we’ve always treated you as one of our own and raised you. You wouldn’t want to harm us, would you?" added Fang Li’s father, Fang Lin.

They were using the debt of gratitude she owed them for raising her to pressure her.

Fang Ying’s face went pale. She was caught in an impossible situation.

On one side was the family that had raised her; on the other was the man she loved.

"Your destiny is your own to decide. Anyone who dares to manipulate it is your mortal enemy. Since ancient times, there have been countless cases of fathers and sons turning on each other, let alone an adoptive family. The Fang Family sees you only as a tool for their own gain. Why should you feel any lingering affection for them?"

"Make a clean break. If you hesitate and waver, you will not only hurt yourself but also Zhao Peng, who cares so much for you."

Ning Jiang’s words were like a golden bell tolling in a secluded temple, profound and resonant, jolting Fang Ying to her senses.

Zhao Peng had already declared his love for her, shouting his dissent in front of everyone. What was there left for her to hesitate about?

"The person I love," Fang Ying took a deep breath, her expression resolute, "is Zhao Peng!"

At these words, the faces of the Fang Family members turned utterly grim.

The onlookers all understood that what Ning Jiang had said was true.

"The White-haired Ghost Ning Jiang, coming to the Liu Family’s home to stand up for his friend. He’s so loyal and righteous. His actions today are truly admirable."

"Breaking up a happy couple, tearing lovers apart... the Fang and Liu families are despicable."

"Shameless Fang Family, trying to use their adopted daughter to curry favor with the Liu Family and climb the social ladder. It’s utterly disgusting."

In that moment, Ning Jiang’s actions won the praise of the crowd.

Many of the women, in particular, cursed the Fang Family angrily.

"What right do you have to curse us?"

Hearing the surrounding condemnation, Fang Li became furious, her voice sharp and piercing. "Zhao Peng is just a nobody with no background! What’s wrong with us having Fang Ying marry Liu Tang? What right does Zhao Peng have to even be compared to Liu Tang?"

"In terms of strength, background, or talent, how can Zhao Peng possibly compare to Liu Tang? He talks big about becoming an Alchemist, but he doesn’t even have a master! He can barely refine a few Elixirs in a year. What kind of future can Fang Ying be guaranteed with someone like him?"

Zhao Peng couldn’t help but clench his fists, his teeth grinding together.

He couldn’t refute her. It was true; right now, he was far inferior to Liu Tang.

"Background, status... that’s all people like you can see. You’re opportunistic and selfish."

Ning Jiang’s gaze was cold. "So, who told you that Zhao Peng has no status or background?"

"Heh, are you talking about yourself? Sure, you might be impressive, but a friend is just a friend. You are you, and he is he. You and Zhao Peng are two different people," Fang Li said coldly.

"I’ve said it before. In the blink of an eye, the person you look down on can become someone completely beyond your reach," Ning Jiang said, his eyes half-closed.

"And I’ve said it before: I’ll be waiting to see it," Fang Li sneered.

"Du Wanqing, here to visit the Liu Family!"

Suddenly, a voice like rolling thunder boomed from outside.

At that moment, everyone’s face filled with astonishment.

Du Wanqing, Luoyang’s number one Alchemy Master.

This was a truly great figure, someone far superior to even Liu Zhengdong.

With Du Wanqing’s status and influence, even Innate Limit Strong Persons like Liu Yuanlong and Wang Jiangshi in Luoyang would have to treat him with courtesy.

Beyond that, the Clan Leaders of other second-tier families would have to greet him respectfully as "Master Du" and wouldn’t dare to offend him.

"What’s going on? Du Wanqing usually stays in Wanqing Manor and rarely makes public appearances. Even experts at the Innate Peak have to personally visit and beg him if they want him to perform Alchemy."

"It’s strange. Why would a top-level figure like him come to the Liu Family? A second-tier family shouldn’t even register on Du Wanqing’s radar!"

"What’s a second-tier family compared to Du Wanqing? With his influence, he could say a single word and countless Innate Experts and powers in Luoyang City would scramble to do his bidding."

The name Du Wanqing left the crowd completely aghast.

"Hahahaha, Du Wanqing has come to visit my Liu Family! This is a great fortune for our family!"

The members of the Liu Family were instantly ecstatic, breaking into loud laughter.

"Could it be that someone in my Liu Family has caught Du Wanqing’s eye?" Liu He guessed, his heart also thumping with excitement.

As they were speculating, Du Wanqing had already strode swiftly into the rear courtyard.

Everyone was taken aback. Why did Du Wanqing seem to be in such a hurry?

"Greetings, Master Du! Your arrival truly brightens our humble home," Liu He and the others said, rushing to greet him with joyful expressions.

’If we get Du Wanqing’s help, even if this brat has the other Liu Family backing him, we’ll make him pay dearly!’ Liu Chen thought, glaring viciously at Ning Jiang.

"Who is Zhao Peng!"

However, Du Wanqing completely ignored them, his gaze sweeping across the crowd as he posed the question.

The expressions on the faces of the Liu Family members froze.

A bad premonition suddenly bloomed in Fang Li’s heart.

"Uh... that’s me."

Zhao Peng braced himself and raised his hand, his heart pounding with apprehension. Why was Du Wanqing looking for him?

Du Wanqing immediately strode forward and grasped both of Zhao Peng’s hands.

Then, the number one Alchemy Master, whose name shook all of Luoyang City, beamed with delight and spoke a sentence that made every jaw in the courtyard drop: "Zhao Peng, from this day forward, you are my Direct Disciple!"

The entire crowd was thunderstruck.

Everyone... was like a stone statue.

Only Fang Li’s body trembled uncontrollably!