Everyone, please be seated. I am deeply grateful for all your assistance. I have prepared a modest banquet to thank you. Please bear with me if the hospitality is not up to par.
Dongfang Ji raised her cup, and everyone else did the same, draining their drinks in one go.
"Of course, there is still one matter left unresolved, which has me on pins and needles. I believe you all feel the same."
Dongfang Ji spoke slowly. At this moment, Ouyang Shuo stood up to add, "Indeed, the Dongfang family's granddaughter is still in the hands of the Chixiao Sect Master. The situation in Yunjin City is also unstable, and I suspect the Chixiao Sect will surely seize this opportunity to stir up trouble."
"In fact, the abduction of my granddaughter is a clear declaration of war against my Dongfang clan. Regardless, my Dongfang clan will go all out to rescue my granddaughter and will fight the Chixiao Sect to the bitter end."
Dongfang Ji's voice was as sharp as ice splitting, and those seated below seemed to faintly recall the Empress of days gone by, Dongfang Ji.
At this moment, Ren Yuanhao also rose from his seat.
"Everyone, my elder brother has also been imprisoned by them, and there is someone I must save. Therefore, I am determined to handle this matter."
"Since little brother has said so, our Xia family is also willing to contribute our meager strength."
"The Ouyang family is also willing."
Just as Xia Xiaomo and Ouyang Shuo finished speaking, a clear female voice came from the entrance of the assembly hall.
"My Ji clan is also willing to offer our full support."
The newcomer was dressed in a snow-white gauze dress, exuding an extraordinary aura, like a celestial maiden emerging from a fresco. With every step and every sway, she was graceful and enchanting. Who else could it be but Ji Xueyan?
Ji Xueyan walked to Ren Yuanhao and bowed, saying, "Thank you, brother, for saving my Fu'er. My Ji family will never forget this kindness."
"Hmph, look at that brat getting so smug, his mustache is practically pointing to the sky," Yang Lingxue muttered softly.
Ren Yuanhao seemed taken aback by her presence, scratching his head sheepishly. He didn't exhibit any of the demeanor expected of a 'hero'; instead, he looked more like a rogue.
"Alright, everyone, no need for such formalities. Since we all share the same goal, why don't we rest and then strike them by surprise, what do you say?"
"Kid, you just went through a fierce battle. Are you sure you're alright?"
Dongfang Ji and Ji Xueyan looked at Ren Yuanhao simultaneously.
"Uh~ Actually, I haven't even broken a sweat today. I resolved things somewhat carelessly, so there's no real depletion of energy~"
As Ren Yuanhao was being looked at like a monster, Dongfang Ji slowly stepped forward and felt his pulse.
"Hmm, kid, your true qi is vastly different from that of ordinary people. It's vast and powerful, truly unprecedented. However, when I was gathering my strength to make a move, I noticed that although your footwork during the fight was erratic and unpredictable, it couldn't be well integrated with your saber techniques for offense. I presume you haven't practiced any orthodox movement technique manuals, have you?"
—You can even tell that? Isn't that a bit too miraculous!
"That's right. The moves I practice are mainly for evasion, and I haven't practiced any movement technique manuals that can be freely combined with saber techniques."
Ren Yuanhao was honest. At this, Dongfang Ji looked at Ji Xueyan, who immediately understood. "Oh, right, our Ji family's ancient library houses a volume of movement techniques left by our ancestors. It might be of some help to you."
"Alright, everyone is quite tired tonight. Go home and get a good night's sleep. We'll discuss it further tomorrow evening, how about it?"
"Agreed! We shall abide by the Dongfang family head's command!"
...
After everyone had dispersed, Ren Yuanhao did not immediately return to his rented room. Instead, he followed Ji Xueyan to the Ji family's ancient building.
In his words, time was of the essence. After all, the display of power by the sect master that night was nothing short of shocking.
At the same time, he grew even more fearful of the Mandara Gene in the United States and the cloning project at Lion Heart Tower. It felt as though all this was drawing nearer, and he could not afford to wait for his doom in comfort. He had too many things, too many people, to protect.
He leaned against the window, feeling the rustling night wind brush past him. The city seemed as serene and tranquil as ever. Lovers emerged from movie theaters, leaning into each other. Elegant restaurants, affected by a widespread power outage, had lit candles. Although power had been restored, the owner seemed to have found a way to attract business and was unwilling to turn on the lights, wanting to preserve the atmosphere.
Men and women sat opposite each other, candlelight flickering. Perhaps for them, the world was truly small, small enough to only need to protect a few people. And the lives of ordinary people were just like this, a mundane routine of work and home, all for those few.
But was such a life simple? Not at all. He once thought he could walk through life hand in hand with someone, but in an instant, they were lost at some crossroads, becoming strangers. Some thought they had ample time together, but the next day, a devastating piece of news spread through their朋友圈.
Ordinary people had their ordinary worries. For some special individuals, simply staying alive required all their effort.
Ren Yuanhao stared blankly, lost in thought, completely unaware that the car had already stopped.
Ji Xueyan did not wish to disturb him. After about a minute or two, Ren Yuanhao finally returned from his endless musings to the present.
"Auntie, I apologize, I was spacing out."
"It's alright, let's go."
Ji Xueyan got out of the car, and the two walked into the Ji family's ancient building, one after the other.
"Auntie, how long has this Ji family ancient building been here?"
Although Ren Yuanhao didn't understand building structures, he could sense something from the ancient aura emanating from the building.
"At least 300 years old. The first and second floors contain miscellaneous books. Starting from the third floor are some incomplete jottings. The seventh floor is the true foundation of our family, but most of the books inside are incomplete, and for ordinary people like us, they are too profound and obscure. Moreover, our family is predominantly female, and we only have a penchant for collecting, not a tradition of practicing martial arts. Therefore, we haven't produced many exceptionally talented individuals."
"Auntie, that's not true. If Ji Fu hadn't deterred that Leng Wuhuan tonight, it would have taken more effort."
Ji Xueyan suddenly stopped, not looking pleased at all. Instead, she said with considerable worry, "Actually, I'm more afraid that she will awaken her innate special ability. With greater power comes greater responsibility. I have no great abilities in this life and cannot make the family prosperous. My greatest wish is for Fu'er to live her life peacefully. At one point, I even wished not to adhere to the family rules and let her fall in love freely. Of course, after this incident, I've let go. From now on, I'll let her follow her own inclinations."