Ling Fan's words suddenly became sharp.
Wu Hengnan said, "Young Master Ling is joking. Our Wu family has remembered the oath of guarding for generations, never daring to slacken for a moment, let alone steal from our post."
"The debt of gratitude from that Emperor Venerable senior to our Wu family is immense. Without that senior, our Wu family would not exist. Therefore, even if we had to sacrifice our family's wealth and lives, we would not hesitate."
"Is it worth it?" Ling Fan asked.
"This is not a question of worth, but our Wu family's mission. We have no right to refuse it."
"Long Han, see Young Master Ling out and offer him our sincere apologies."
Wu Hengnan did not wish to say more.
He cupped his hands towards Ling Fan and had the young man escort Ling Fan away.
Ling Fan did not move.
He spoke, "I, Ling, have always admired those who are loyal and righteous. Since I have stumbled upon this matter, I am willing to offer a small contribution."
Wu Hengnan was somewhat surprised. He composed himself and bowed to Ling Fan, saying, "Young Master Ling, meeting our Wu family by chance and offering assistance is a great kindness. Our Wu family thanks you. However, this matter is too significant. Without a Ninth Tier Heavenly Emperor, one cannot influence the situation at all. Young Master Ling, with your cultivation at such a young age, there is no need to wade into this murky water. Otherwise, if you are implicated, our Wu family would also be uneasy. We appreciate your kind intentions, but Young Master Ling should leave quickly."
Ling Fan said lightly, "Perhaps I can be of help, hehe."
Wu Hengnan was a little surprised. Seeing that Ling Fan was not joking, he said solemnly, "The Wu family will remember Young Master Ling's kindness. The Wu family is willing to appoint Young Master Ling as an honored guest!"
After thinking for a moment, Wu Hengnan could not help but add, "Young Master Ling, even so, if the situation turns unfavorable, you are free to leave. It is we, the Wu family, who will share the fate of the imperial palace. Others need not be bound by this."
Ling Fan replied, "I will make my own judgment."
At this moment.
A powerful and boundless pressure descended upon the Wu family's estate.
Everyone was suddenly startled.
They looked up in horror.
They saw a figure shrouded in endless divine light, his might as strong as the midday sun, impossible to look at directly, as he descended from the sky.
"Song has arrived. Where are the people of the Wu family."
"It's really Emperor Song!"
Wu Hengnan's expression brightened, and he quickly stepped forward to greet him, bowing, "I am Wu Hengnan, the head of the Wu family. I pay my respects to Senior Song! Please forgive my lack of proper reception."
"Hmm?"
The newcomer was tall and imposing, a full two heads taller than Ling Fan, with an arrogant and condescending expression.
He glanced at Wu Hengnan with displeasure and said, "Where is your Wu family's ancestor? Why doesn't he come out to see me personally? You, an Eighth Tier Heavenly Emperor, are here to greet me. Is this how you treat a Ninth Tier peerless Heavenly Emperor?"
Wu Hengnan was sweating profusely and quickly explained with a smile, "Senior Song, please calm your anger. My ancestor is in the critical stage of refining an Imperial Weapon to deal with this great calamity and cannot spare the time to greet you. Please forgive me, Senior Song!"
"Hmph!"
Emperor Song snorted.
He let the matter pass.
But then he changed the subject, his face grim, and said, "I just heard that someone dared to impersonate me. Who is so bold? Your Wu family should quickly capture this person. I want to deal with him properly!"
Wu Hengnan glanced at Ling Fan and quickly explained, "This is a misunderstanding. No one has impersonated you!"
Emperor Song's expression turned sinister, exuding immense pressure, and he sneered, "What kind of misunderstanding is this? Are you daring to harbor this person? Let me tell you, my reputation for being peerless in both sword and calligraphy is a thousand times more important than your lives. Whoever dares to tarnish my name, I will make them suffer a terrible fate!"
Wu Hengnan was immediately caught in a dilemma.
At this moment, Ling Fan stepped forward and said lightly, "Although I didn't even know what 'peerless in sword and calligraphy' meant before, I think the person you're referring to is me."
"Heh, you are seeking death!"
Emperor Song's face grew even more terrifyingly dark, his authority immense.
Wu Hengnan quickly stepped in front of Ling Fan.
Emperor Song said sinisterly, "What does your Wu family mean by this? Are you trying to fall out with me? Do you think it's so easy to invite my 'peerless in sword and calligraphy'? You've probably heard the saying, it's easy to invite a god... but difficult to send one away!"
The terrifying Ninth Tier Heavenly Emperor's pressure descended like a mountain collapsing and a peak shattering.
Wu Hengnan's entire body began to creak and tremble, his Heavenly Emperor laws were distorted, and he was suppressed within his body, unable to move.
Ling Fan's expression turned completely cold.
This so-called 'peerless in sword and calligraphy' Emperor Song did not seem to be here to help the Wu family out of trouble, but rather to take advantage of their misfortune!
Just as he was preparing to use the last remaining spell of 'Myriad Things Transform into Dragon' to deal with this Emperor Song.
A pressure that was no less than Emperor Song's, and even faintly stronger, erupted from deep within the Wu family.
"Daoist Sword Calligraphy, I implore you, for my sake, not to be concerned with these juniors."
Sensing this pressure, Emperor Song narrowed his eyes and suddenly laughed heartily, as if nothing had happened, saying, "Heh, I was merely testing their abilities. How could a senior of my stature stoop to bickering with them! Brother Zong Wu, it has been a hundred years, and your strength has improved!"
Emperor Song changed his tune as quickly as flipping a book.
With his smile.
The pressure on everyone instantly vanished.
It was as if the conflict from moments ago had never happened.
But in reality, Emperor Song's terrifying power had left a deep impression on the Wu family members.
"Old friend Sword Calligraphy, please come over for a chat."
From deep within the Wu family, a benevolent old voice emanated.
Then, a large hand casually tore through space, like a celestial curtain being lifted. In a space far beyond, a white-haired, rosy-cheeked old man sat by a stone table, his body exuding an aura of vicissitude, as if he were a petrified sculpture.
On the stone table, a ruler was placed.
And behind this old man, a vast and boundless palace complex, resembling a heavenly palace, vaguely appeared.
Upon seeing that palace complex.
Song Jianshu's eyes flashed with a hint of greed.
However, he concealed it extremely well, his face showing the emotion and excitement of an old friend's reunion, and he stepped to the opposite side of the old man.
Then the space closed.
The scene before everyone slowly disappeared.
At the last moment, the old man raised his head and looked in their direction.
When he glimpsed the faint smile on Ling Fan's face, he suddenly frowned slightly, as if there was something different about Ling Fan.
But soon the space closed, blocking his sight, and that inexplicable feeling vanished.
...
In the Wu family's residence.
Wu Hengnan and his son breathed a sigh of relief.
Fortunately, their ancestor had intervened, otherwise, they didn't know how today would have ended.
The majesty of this Emperor Song was truly too profound.
"Young Master Ling, I am truly sorry, I almost caused you harm!" Wu Hengnan said with great apology.
Ling Fan shook his head and said, "This person is disrespectful in his old age and relies on his seniority. It has nothing to do with you."
"That must be your ancestor, Wu Zongwu, right? He's already so old," Ling Fan said.
Although Wu Hengnan felt a slight displeasure at Ling Fan calling his ancestor by name, he still nodded, "It is indeed our ancestor."