In a mansion in the capital of Huaxia, this was no ordinary residence. It was a grand courtyard with seven entrances, rumored to have once belonged to a royal family of the previous dynasty.
Such a magnificent estate, with its ornate eaves and brackets on the outside, and decorated in an antique style within, situated in a prime location in the capital, was immeasurable in value.
It was said that a property like this could cost billions, and the most crucial point was that it was priceless and unavailable for purchase, no matter how much money one had.
This mansion belonged to the Situ family. At this moment, in a main hall of the estate, a man with his upper body bare was kneeling on the ground. Dozens of shocking bloodstains crisscrossed his body, presenting a terrifying sight.
This man was none other than Situ Liuguang, a shining star among the younger generation of the Situ family.
In this world, walls have no ears, but secrets eventually come out. Situ Liuguang had privately dispatched the Situ family's retainers to engage in the act of robbing men and bullying women. The outcome was not only that the mission failed but also resulted in the loss of ten of the family's elite fighters and one retainer.
Although Situ Lansheng, who was sent to capture Wang Bingxia, had not been seen or heard from since, the Situ family had already realized that this retainer was likely in grave danger!
It was important to note that although Situ Lansheng was the lowest-ranked retainer in the Situ family, he was still considered one of the family's top combat powers. Furthermore, each retainer not only represented the family's honor but was also cultivated through significant financial investment.
Now, because of a personal errand, a retainer and ten of the family's skilled members were lost. It would be strange if the Situ family patriarch, Situ Ye, did not hold Situ Liuguang accountable!
And so, here, in front of several of the family's high-ranking members, Patriarch Situ Ye personally used a whip to lash his unfilial son, leaving him covered in wounds.
The person who was most delighted at this moment was undoubtedly Situ Leisheng, who stood by watching the spectacle.
The competition to select the next patriarch of the Situ family had reached a fever pitch.
Ever since Situ Liuguang announced that he had begun cultivating the Black Flame Art, many within the family had begun to lean towards supporting him.
After all, the Black Flame Art was a top-tier cultivation technique passed down through the family. Although it carried immense risks, once breakthroughs were achieved, progress could only be described as rapid.
This time, due to his unauthorized deployment of retainers, which resulted in heavy losses for the family, this was undoubtedly a significant deduction in his favor.
Originally, it was understandable for Situ Liuguang to utilize the family's resources to obtain Wang Bingxia as a cultivation cauldron. The Situ family was aware of this and willing to provide some assistance.
It was also normal for Situ Lansheng, as a family retainer, to help with personal matters for various reasons. The family had always turned a blind eye to such things.
However, Situ Liuguang had done this and then failed, losing so many people. It was only natural for him to be punished.
Situ Ye threw down the whip and sat on a chair, his face flushed with anger. Although Situ Liuguang appeared to be severely beaten, these were merely superficial injuries.
On one hand, Situ Ye was genuinely furious. On the other hand, for a prominent family like the Situ family, even if Situ Ye was the patriarch, he could not have absolute control.
Seeing this, Situ Liuguang, still kneeling on the ground, quickly said, "Father, your son knows he was wrong. However, this matter cannot be let go by our Situ family!
Situ Lansheng must have met with misfortune. I suggest we immediately conduct a comprehensive investigation into Wang Jia and severely punish the perpetrator!"
Patriarch Situ Ye remained noncommittal and fell into silence. After a long while, he looked up at his other son, Situ Leisheng.
"Leisheng, what are your thoughts on what your brother has said?"
"Father, regarding this matter, I suggest we set it aside for a while and handle it with a cold approach. After some time has passed, we can proceed with the next steps based on the situation!"
Situ Liuguang immediately became anxious upon hearing this, "Eldest Brother, are you trying to kick me while I'm down?
This matter concerns the dignity of our Situ family, the interests of our Situ family!"
Situ Leisheng sneered, "Brother, you still remember the dignity of the Situ family? Why didn't you use your brain when you were doing this?
I have never opposed your desire to find a cultivation cauldron to improve yourself, as this is beneficial to our family!
But I warned you at the time to be cautious. This Ling Tian is not simple. You just wouldn't listen!
Although Ling Tian is dead, he had connections! Now, before the seventy-seven days of mourning are even over, you go and try to snatch his wife. Do you think Ling Tian's family will let you off easily!"
As Situ Leisheng spoke, he opened a briefcase and took out several documents, handing them to Patriarch Situ Ye and the other high-ranking members.
Upon receiving the documents, their expressions immediately turned solemn. The content of these documents was an investigation into Ling Tian and his personal relationships and background.
"Ever since I returned from Hell Paradise Island, I have been investigating this Ling Tian.
He is an orphan, abandoned as a child, and then adopted by several eminent figures on Dragon's Ridge Mountain.
According to information from the Orthodox Alliance, Ling Tian has three masters. Among them, his eldest master, Dao Yuan Immortal Master, is said to be a reclusive expert!"
"Hmph, so many experts! Just a wild Taoist, a nobody!" Situ Liuguang, kneeling on the ground, muttered with dissatisfaction.
"Wild Taoist? Brother, why are you so obstinate? Did you even bother to investigate this person?
I once consulted with Daoist Zhuge Tianji. He told me that although Dao Yuan Immortal Master is unknown in the martial world, he is not simple within the Taoist sect.
His seniority is extremely high. Even the leading figures of the Taoist sect address him as 'Martial Uncle.'
Furthermore, besides being a master of martial arts, he is also proficient in Taoist magic, especially talismans and feng shui formations. His mastery of talismans is so profound that even Longhu Mountain has to bow in admiration!"
"Brother, this is the 'wild Taoist' you speak of!"
Situ Liuguang and the other members of the Situ family changed their expressions. They had not expected Dao Yuan Immortal Master to have such a background.
It was important to realize that although the Taoist sect remained aloof from worldly affairs in China's martial arts circles, their influence and power were astonishing!
A figure like Dao Yuan Immortal Master was like a hidden boss, a sweeping monk. How could his disciples be ordinary people!
Situ Leisheng was pleased with their expressions and continued, "Ling Tian's martial arts are extremely high. It can be said that in terms of martial arts, among his peers, no one is his match, including myself!
This is because his second master is named Abbot Jienu, and this Master Jienu comes from the Scripture Depository of Shaolin!"