Slender willows sway in the breeze

Chapter 38 How did this thing come about?

Qin Shuyao chuckled to herself, slowly sitting down, a hint of mockery creeping into her beautiful eyes: "Is the Golden Core so easy to form? Don't get the idiots around her confused!"

Liu Sijun's mother was also present on the day he returned to the mansion.

It was clear that Liu Sijun's cultivation had not progressed at all, just like four years ago. However, the guard beside him, despite his young age, had already formed his core, but unfortunately, he was an idiot.

"Last time, when Marquis Molin hosted a banquet for the heads of various families at Mingyue Tower, the position of the Liu family as the head of the three families was questioned. Now that he has released this news, he probably wants to increase his efforts to help the head of the Liu family take the position of prefect."

“What you say makes sense.”

Just then, Qin Shuyao received a telepathic message from her father, instructing her to go to the council hall immediately.

Qin Shuyao bowed and greeted: "Grandfather, Father, Second Uncle."

Qin Hongyong said, "Please sit down."

Qin Shuyao sat to the left of Qin Songyu. Her gaze swept across the room and she noticed that not only she, but all the outstanding members of the clan were present.

"I've called you all here urgently because the results of the Liu family's recently concluded clan competition are out." Qin Hongyong glanced at the young disciples sitting below. "Judging from your expressions, you've already heard some rumors. Well then, let's hear your opinions."

"Could it be false information spread by the Liu family? I heard that the guards beside the third young lady of the Liu family are Golden Core cultivators."

The first to speak was Qin Songyu's youngest son, Qin Zibin. He was of medium height, with fair skin and a slightly frail appearance. He had reached adulthood in May of this year and was already at the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment.

"Probably not. Even if Patriarch Liu really wants to be the prefect, he wouldn't let such absurd false information spread everywhere. Once it's exposed, what will become of the Liu family's reputation?"

"Does Second Uncle mean this news is true?"

Qin Louyu said, "As long as Patriarch Liu isn't stupid, he won't let this false information spread like this. I think it's most likely true!"

Qin Songyu and Qin Louyu are brothers born of the same mother.

However, the eldest son resembles his father more, while the second son resembles his mother more, not only in appearance but also in personality.

Qin Hongyong said, "Our Qin family has developed very well over the past ten years. We have many outstanding members. Take Shuyao for example, she became an inner disciple of the Fanyin Sect two years ago. Among those who participated in the training at the same time, apart from the two from the Chu family, only our Qin family participated."

"But if the Liu family really produces a peerless genius, I'm afraid that for the next few decades, our Qin family will have to be subordinate to the Liu family."

"Shuyao, what are your thoughts?"

“Grandfather, even if the third daughter of the Liu family is indeed a Golden Core cultivator, she is currently the only one among the young members of the Liu family who is capable. The Frozen Domain is fraught with danger, and one wrong move could lead to death there. I think it is too early to worry about your granddaughter now.”

A ruthless glint flashed in Qin Zibin's eyes: "Yes, it's too early to worry now."

Qin Shuyao returned to Lianxing Pavilion.

Not long after, Qin Songyu arrived.

After exchanging greetings, Qin Shuyao waved her hand to dismiss those around her.

"Father must have come to tell his daughter something important."

"You have been intelligent since childhood. Two years ago, you performed exceptionally well in the Frozen Domain. You were the only young lady from a noble family in Laiyang County to be selected into a sect, bringing glory to our Qin family. I am very pleased."

“But now, a peerless genius has suddenly emerged from the Liu family. If we let her grow up, our Qin family will have to be subordinate to the Liu family for decades to come. I am still worried about this.”

Qin Shuyao gazed at the jade flute in her hand and said softly, "Since ancient times, countless geniuses have emerged, but how many have managed to live to the end unscathed?"

“If our Qin family doesn’t want to be second to anyone, we have to be ruthless when necessary. In the coming days, Zibin and Ziqiao will be going to the Frozen Domain with their father. It’s a dangerous place, and no one will suspect us if we make a mistake.”

"What does Shuyao mean?"

Qin Shuyao turned to look at Qin Songyu: "Father, do you not understand what your daughter means?"

"But... she already possesses the Golden Core cultivation level, and with members of the Chu family also going, how easy is it to deal with her?" "The Chu family?"

Qin Shuyao sneered, "Liu Sijun was tricked by that Aunt Zhu. You can imagine how difficult her life is in the other courtyard. Didn't the old lady of the Chu family visit the Liu family before? If the old lady of the Chu family really cared about this granddaughter, she would have taken her back to the Chu family."

"What Yao'er means is that the Chu family doesn't care about her."

Therefore, it's not like there's no opportunity to make a move.

"I will return to the sect tomorrow and try my best to get my master to allow me to go to the Frozen Domain, where I may be able to help my father."

Chu family.

"Mother, when will Jun'er come to the Chu family?"

Chu Yinghua couldn't wait to see his niece whom he hadn't seen for many years. He remembered how she used to follow him around when she was little, calling him "Second Uncle." His heart melted.

He had no daughter, and Jun'er was beautiful and had a sweet tongue; he truly loved her. It was precisely because of this love that she said such hurtful things at the other courtyard, breaking his heart.

I never imagined it was all fake.

That vicious woman Zhu Yingrong, if she weren't already in prison, I would definitely make her pay.

Old Madam Chu smiled and said, "Jun'er will come to see us after he's finished with this busy period."

Seeing his second brother's appearance, Chu Yanghua couldn't help but remind him again: "Second brother, you will be taking Yanming and Yanjing to the Frozen Domain in a few days. Remember to take good care of Jun'er. I'm afraid someone might harm her."

Chu Yinghua exclaimed in surprise, "No way!"

"Of course he is. The whole city is talking about Jun'er, this genius who has suddenly appeared out of nowhere. Apart from his closest relatives, who can be happy? I'm afraid it will attract a lot of resentment. It's easy to dodge a spear in the open, but hard to guard against an arrow in the dark. In short, be careful!"

Hearing his elder brother say this, Chu Yinghua felt a great sense of responsibility and was afraid that he would not do a good job: "Brother, you are very thoughtful. Why don't you take those two brats with you?"

"I can't be the one to handle everything."

“Brother, the capable should do more. I know my own abilities. If it were just taking those two boys this time, I would go. But Jun’er is going too. What if something happens…”

Chu Yanming looked at his father with a mournful expression: "Isn't my life a life too? I really will thank you!"
Seeing the two brothers, who were so loving and respectful to each other, Chu Jinghong felt very gratified.

“Yinghua, for so many years, your elder brother has been managing the clan affairs. You should also share his burdens.”

"Listen to your father."

Aside from the Chu family, no one wanted to believe that the sixteen-year-old Golden Core disciple who had suddenly appeared in the Liu family was Liu Sijun. That third young lady of the Liu family, even more useless than someone who couldn't cultivate Qi, and known as the laughingstock of Laiyang County.

The atmosphere inside Ci'an Hall was not so harmonious.

Liu Shiyuan and several clan elders were questioning Liu Sijun.

"Aunt Zhu said that during the four years you lived in the other residence, your health was always poor, and you were bedridden and could hardly get out of bed. How did you manage to cultivate?"

"Doesn't Father find it ridiculous to say that?"

"presumptuous!"

Liu Sijun rolled her eyes: It's that line again.

How could someone as shrewd as the matriarch and as wise as the grandfather have given birth to such a thing?

Gene mutation?

(End of this chapter)