Chapter 156 Visiting to Apologize

"What? You want me to apologize to him?" Li Zongrui shot up, shouting in disbelief upon hearing Li Qingfeng’s words. "Father, he’s the one who almost killed me, and you want *me* to apologize to *him*? Why?"

Seeing his son was still unrepentant, Li Qingfeng’s voice was filled with a mix of anger and disappointment. "Zong Rui! Don’t think I’m unaware of what you’ve done. You have framed Ye Qingchen multiple times. This time, you nearly caused his death at the hands of the giant ape leader. If it weren’t for a stroke of fate, it would be too late for regrets!"

Li Zongrui was still seething with resentment, but seeing his father’s furious expression, he didn’t dare argue back. However, the thought of apologizing to Ye Qingchen was something he simply couldn’t stomach; it felt worse than death. He stomped over to a corner, turned his back, and fell silent.

Li Qingfeng sighed.

It’s best if as few people as possible know about Ye Qingchen’s situation. Now isn’t the time to tell Zong Rui. However, the Venerable One’s true fire has been ignited. If Zong Rui doesn’t go and apologize, I’ll have a hard time explaining myself.

As the Sect Leader of the Qingyun Sect, Li Qingfeng’s word was law. But it was precisely because of his status that he had far more to consider when making decisions. Since he couldn’t get through to Li Zongrui with reason, he would have to use force. He would drag this disappointing son before Ye Qingchen—even if he had to tie him up to do it!

With this resolve, Li Qingfeng’s tone became unyielding. "Zong Rui, you are going today, whether you want to or not! If you insist on being so stubborn, don’t blame me for setting aside our father-son bond!"

Li Qingfeng’s words were heavy. Li Zongrui opened his mouth, but nothing came out. Seeing the resolute expression on his father’s face, he could only hang his head and nod dejectedly in agreement. Having never seen his father so furious with him, Li Zongrui finally grasped the gravity of the situation.

Li Qingfeng heaved a heavy sigh and started walking out. Though reluctant, Li Zongrui had no choice but to follow.

「Inside Ye Qingchen’s small courtyard.」

Ye Qingchen slowly awoke. The effects of the Venerable One’s Spirit Pill were truly remarkable; he had suffered such grave injuries, yet he was able to wake up this quickly, all thanks to the pill’s efficacy.

However, Ye Qingchen still felt weak, and his head throbbed as if being pierced by needles. Seeing Hei Ze, who had been watching over him, Ye Qingchen felt a wave of gratitude mixed with confusion. "Hei Ze, what happened? Why am I in my own courtyard? Shouldn’t I be outside fighting...?"

Ye Qingchen’s last memory was of his confrontation with the giant ape leader and then being gravely wounded by Li Zongrui. The final fragment was the image of Li Susu lunging at him with her sword. Yet now he was back in his own courtyard. The discrepancy couldn’t help but confuse him.

Hei Ze had already prepared his story. "Qingchen, the Sect Leader arrived just in time and saved you!"

Ye Qingchen nodded blankly. His memories were in pieces, so he had no choice but to believe Hei Ze’s words.

Ye Qingchen gave a bitter laugh and sighed. "How ironic. The son, Li Zongrui, tries everything he can to kill me, while the father, Li Qingfeng, saves my life. Truly, the ways of the world are unpredictable."

Fearing this incident would create a rift between Ye Qingchen and Li Qingfeng, Hei Ze quickly added, "Qingchen, you should understand the Sect Leader’s good intentions. He was furious about what Li Zongrui did. When he left just now, he even said he would make Li Zongrui come and apologize to you personally."

Ye Qingchen waved his hand. "I don’t care about an apology. Besides, I’m perfectly capable of distinguishing right from wrong. I know who treats me well and who doesn’t, and I would never hold one person accountable for the actions of another!"

"Well said! I like that. A true man distinguishes clearly between kindness and enmity!"

Just as Ye Qingchen finished speaking, Li Qingfeng’s voice rang out from outside the courtyard.

Li Qingfeng swept into the courtyard like a whirlwind, with a dejected Li Zongrui trailing behind him.

Li Qingfeng had been worried that Ye Qingchen wouldn’t let the matter go. After all, if not for Ye Qingchen’s last-ditch burst of power, he would now be dead at the hands of Li Qingfeng’s own son. If Ye Qingchen blamed him for it, Li Qingfeng would have no defense. However, just as he reached the entrance to the courtyard, he overheard Ye Qingchen’s words. He was filled with admiration for the young man’s magnanimity and couldn’t help but voice his praise.

"Master!"

Seeing Li Qingfeng, Ye Qingchen rose to his feet and bowed. When he caught Li Zongrui’s evasive gaze, however, he found the situation somewhat ridiculous.

Li Qingfeng wasted no time on pleasantries. He took a pillbox from his storage ring and handed it to Ye Qingchen. "This is a Funing Pill, a third-grade Spirit Pill. It should be very helpful for your injuries."

Ye Qingchen accepted it without hesitation. His injuries were, after all, Li Zongrui’s fault. Furthermore, as Li Qingfeng’s True Disciple, he felt he was worthy of accepting it, even if a third-grade Spirit Pill was incredibly precious.

Sighing, Li Qingfeng pulled Li Zongrui forward. "Qingchen, there is something you may not know. Zong Rui’s mother died when he was young, and he is my only son, so I’ve spoiled him. I hope you won’t lower yourself to his level. Rest assured, I will discipline him strictly from now on. If he ever dares to act so recklessly again, I will personally break his legs!"

Li Qingfeng spoke with such sincerity that Ye Qingchen found it impossible to argue. Given the Sect Leader’s status, he could have said nothing at all, and there would have been nothing Ye Qingchen could do. But not only had Li Qingfeng offered a sincere apology, he had also given his personal guarantee. This display of respect from a superior to a subordinate left Ye Qingchen with no grounds for complaint.

Besides, Ye Qingchen knew Li Qingfeng had always treated him well, giving him Spiritual Artifacts and Martial Techniques and even saving his life. If he clung to this issue now, it would only make him appear petty.

When Li Qingfeng saw Ye Qingchen hesitate without replying, he assumed the young man’s resentment hadn’t faded. He kicked the back of Li Zongrui’s leg, and his son’s knees buckled. With a THUD, Li Zongrui collapsed to his knees.

Li Zongrui couldn’t bear such humiliation, but seeing the icy glare from his father, he lowered his head in bitter resignation.

"You worthless brat! Apologize to Qingchen now!" Li Qingfeng roared.

Seeing things had come to this, Li Zongrui could only swallow his resentment and force out the words through gritted teeth. "Ye Qingchen... I was wrong."

Ye Qingchen almost laughed in anger at Li Zongrui’s tone. However, he knew now wasn’t the time to press the issue. Li Qingfeng had already given him more than enough face, and it would be inappropriate to push things any further.

So, Ye Qingchen simply reached out and helped Li Zongrui to his feet without a word.

Seeing Ye Qingchen’s response, Li Qingfeng breathed a sigh of relief. He then turned back to his son and snapped, "For your punishment, you will face the wall on Qingyun Mountain for two months and reflect on your transgressions!"