I proved immortality through the imperial examination.

Chapter 143 People's Names

The shadowy figure approached, but it turned out to be a middle-aged man carrying a package.

Xue Xiang got up to answer the door. The middle-aged man introduced himself as the owner of the braised meat shop on the front street, surnamed Zhu.

He presented the package with a smile, saying, "Lord Xue, someone asked me to deliver this to you."

"You recognize me?"

Xue Xiang was slightly surprised.

Boss Zhu said, "Who in Yong'an City doesn't know your reputation?"

We are truly honored to be your neighbor.

Xue Xiang took the package and opened it.

Inside was a packet of pastries and a fur scarf. There was a hard object inside the scarf. When the scarf was opened, there was a money pouch inside. When the money pouch was opened, there were seven or eight spirit stones inside.

What did the person who delivered the gift look like?

Xue Xiang's heart stirred slightly, and he had already guessed who it was.

Boss Zhu thought for a moment and said, "He's a little shorter than you, wearing a dark blue outfit. His eyebrows and eyes are quite similar to yours, but his expression is a bit cold."

Upon hearing this, Xue Xiang knew it was true; it was indeed his younger brother, Xue Yi.

Xue Yi has already found her way home, why isn't she coming back?
Are you perhaps here on a mission?

That damned Imperial Guard always has missions at the end of the year; it's time to get Xiao Yi out of here.

Having seen countless people, Boss Zhu guessed that Xue Xiang must want to see the person who delivered the gift, so he quickly said, "When the young master who delivered your gift came, he was accompanied by another person."

From their conversation, I overheard that they had ordered savory pancakes from a hot pot restaurant on the back street and were waiting for them to come out of the oven.

If you hurry over there, you might still run into them.

Xue Xiang was overjoyed, bowed his hands in thanks, called out to Xiao Shi, placed the package in front of the door, and then hurried towards the back street.

A light mist began to rise, and the night wind of December carried the aroma of charcoal fires and pastries throughout the streets.

When Xue Xiang arrived at the back street, he saw two people standing side by side at the entrance of the hot pot restaurant. One of them was Xue Yi.

Before Xue Xiang could even greet them, the two men had already boarded a waiting carriage. The curtain was drawn, and the sound of horses' hooves faded into the distance.

He initially wanted to call out to Xue Yi, but then he changed his mind and decided to go and find out how Xue Yi was doing.

He then leisurely slumped behind the carriage.

The carriage was not in a hurry, slowly heading towards the North Gate along the main street of Yong'an City.

As night deepened, the New Year's goods stalls along the way gradually closed up, with only occasional lanterns swaying and casting a warm glow.

Xue Xiang casually bought a bamboo hat, put it on his head, and walked at a steady pace, always keeping a distance of neither too close nor too far from the carriage.

Before long, the carriage left the north gate and turned onto a secluded official road, with withered locust trees on both sides, their branches casting shadows like a net.

Half an hour later, lights suddenly appeared ahead, and a deserted mansion appeared in the night.

A sentry post was set up in front of the mottled vermilion gate.

The carriage slowly came to a stop in front of the gate. The curtain was lifted, and Xue Yi got off first. He whispered a few words to a young man in a tight-fitting outfit in front of the gate, and then entered the house with his companion.

"It was indeed a gang operation."

As Xue Xiang was contemplating whether to approach, a strong gust of wind swept past his ear.

He stood still, a cold blade already pressed against his neck.

Suddenly, a whistle was heard, and more than ten martial arts warriors in tight-fitting clothes rushed out of the courtyard and surrounded him.

Xue Yi was among them.

One of them swung his knife and knocked off his straw hat.

"...brother?"

Xue Yi was utterly astonished.

Everyone was startled.

"Bold Xue Yi, you bring your family into this operation? Do you think you don't have enough trouble already?"

A tall, thin man with a mocking look in his eyes shouted sharply, his sword already drawn from its sheath.

This man's name is Cao Feng, and he is the squad leader of one of the teams participating in this operation.

“Cao Feng, I informed the boss before I went home to deliver some things. My elder brother came to see me. What taboo is that?”

Xue Yi stepped forward and deflected the blade that was pressed against Xue Xiang's neck.

"I'm just stating the facts. You made a mistake first, and you still dare to talk back."

Cao Feng was furious.

He had been targeting Xue Yi for a long time. After the second squad leader was killed, Xue Yi was the most likely candidate to become the second squad leader.

Cao Feng wanted to take advantage of the situation to overtake the second team, so he naturally had to do so before Xue Yi officially took office.

"Who do you think you are, daring to tell me what to do?"

In an instant, the nearly twenty people on both sides split into two factions, facing off against each other.

Just then, several figures swooped out of the night like eagles.

The leader was about thirty-six or thirty-seven years old, tall and imposing, exuding authority even without anger.

Before I even got close, I heard him shout angrily, "What's all this commotion?"

"Boss."

Everyone whispered.

This man was Yan Guangxiao, the person in charge of the Imperial Guard's operation.

"Boss, Xue Yi not only returned home, but also brought his brother along, threatening to expose our operation. Shouldn't this be punished?"

"Enough! What time is it to talk about this? The situation has changed, come inside with me."

Yan Guangxiao glanced at Xue Yi and Cao Feng, pointed at Xue Xiang, and said in an unquestionable tone, "This is an extraordinary time, and no one is allowed to leave without permission."

Xue Yi gave Xue Xiang a wink, signaling him to relax.

As the group entered the courtyard, a bonfire was burning brightly inside.

Xue Xiang was placed in a low shed on the left, guarded by two imperial guards.

Yan Guangxiao said, "It has now been determined that the target has been identified and is hiding in Mingyuan Manor of the Que Dao Sect. This is a troublesome situation."

Cao Feng said, "What trouble is there? We, the Imperial Guards, act on behalf of Heaven. We'll just arrest them directly. I don't believe a mere Magpie Blade Sect would dare to stop us."

Yan Guangxiao said in a low voice, "Behind the Que Dao Sect is Cao Guoliang of the Zhenjun Army, and Cao Guoliang is leading the Dongming Party."

Upon hearing this, everyone fell silent.

It is true that the Imperial Guards are the royal secret guards. Many years ago, they were a force that roamed the world and could even stop children from crying at night.

After the central government was reformed, the sage emperor ruled by doing nothing.

The status of the Imperial Guards plummeted. If it weren't for the former emperor's willingness to abdicate in protest, the Imperial Guards would have been abolished by the central government long ago.

Even so, the Imperial Guards were severely weakened and were only able to maintain their strength by relying on their accumulated resources.

Nowadays, when the police are handling cases, they are most afraid of getting involved with civil officials.

If handled improperly, the central government will once again stir up a political storm over whether or not the imperial guards should be abolished.

"How about we make a deal with the Magpie Blade Sect?"

Xue Yi said in a low voice, "According to the information, Ximen Cuo, the leader of the Que Dao Sect, is indeed ruthless and capable of manipulating events, but he is also quite greedy."

"Paying money to get things done?"

Yan Guangxiao frowned slightly, "It's worth a try."

Cao Feng, prepare some gifts tomorrow. I will personally pay a visit to the Magpie Blade Sect.

Hopefully, this matter can be resolved by tomorrow so everyone can go home for New Year's Eve.

“Boss, my elder brother has nothing to do with this case, so let him go first. I guarantee he won’t say a word.”

Xue Yi seized the opportunity to plead for leniency.

Yan Guangxiao glanced at Xue Xiang and said, "Good composure, calm in the face of adversity. Your elder brother is not an ordinary person."

Cao Feng laughed and said, "Boss, you're really joking. Xue Shihu joined from the local area."

Unlike us, who inherit family businesses.

Are there any prominent or prestigious families among the brothers who came from the local area?
How could Xue Shihu's brothers not be ordinary?

The small group of people all laughed.

Yan Guangxiao glared at him fiercely, knowing that Cao Feng was just like that, and patted Xue Yi on the shoulder, "Let your elder brother leave when it's dawn."

"You brothers haven't seen each other in a long time, why don't you go and have a chat?"

Xue Yi nodded in agreement, skewered two roasted buns from the campfire grill, carried a pot of hot water, and came to Xue Xiang's side.

Xue Yi handed over the steamed bun in his hand, and pushed the pot of hot water in front of Xue Xiang, and said with a smile, "Brother, warm your hands first."

Xue Xiang took it and carefully examined Xue Yi. He felt that after more than a year, the immaturity on his face had mostly faded, and a few hard edges had appeared between his brows.

I guessed that Xiao Yi's days in the Imperial Guard would not be easy.

"Elder brother, how is things at home? Are Mother, Second Sister, Younger Sister, and Sister Mei all well?"

Xue Yijun smiled, but his eyes betrayed his melancholy.

“All is well. Mother is in good health, Second Sister is also practicing Buddhism, Your Second Sister’s husband is doing well at work, Xiao Shi is studying, and Mei Jie has changed the most, but all of these changes are for the better.”

Xue Xiang broke off a piece of steamed bun and stuffed it into his mouth. "Is this what you eat every day?"

"How could that be? I'm doing fine too. I've taken over as the acting squad leader of the second team. My master treats me well. Don't let Cao Feng's loud and boisterous demeanor fool you; Boss Yan is my senior brother, how could he not protect me?"

Xue Yi whispered, "I've already reached the fifth level of Qi Refining. My master said I have a pure fire-type spiritual root and am a cultivation prodigy."

He gave me a lot of resources, and I am grateful to him.

So, after the raise, I set aside a portion of my salary to support him.

However, we can get a raise after we complete this order.

Then I'll be able to send more money home, and you won't have to work so hard anymore.

By the way, brother, aren't you working on Mount Jiufen in Yunmeng?
Why did you move to Yong'an City? I had to ask Song Zijie to find out our new address.

Unfortunately, I was in too much of a rush at the time and didn't get to say more than a few words to Song Zijie.

"I participated in the imperial examination and passed the county examination."

"Ah."

Xue Yi's eyes were filled with ecstasy as he tightly gripped Xue Xiang's arm. "Brother, are you telling the truth?"

I knew it, I knew it all along, there wouldn't be any cowards in our family.

I am a genius at cultivation, you are a genius at studying.

"A county student? My eldest brother is a county student."

Xue Xiang lightly tapped him on the head. "What do you mean? From what you're saying, you used to think I was a coward?"

Xue Yi waved his hands repeatedly, "No, no, I just feel that when my elder brother was going to work at Jiufen Mountain and was drawing spiritual energy into his body, he cried and screamed every day. He is really not suitable for cultivation."

I never imagined that you, elder brother, would have such a talent for studying.

My dear brother, you don't know how cruel and realistic the saying "The court is full of nobles, and they are all scholars" is.

If I could do it all over again, I would also like to study and take the imperial examinations.

"It's not too late."

Xue Xiang patted Xue Yi on the shoulder, "I'll find some time to get you out of the Imperial Guard."

Now that Xue Xiang has risen in rank, the breadth and depth of his information channels have both increased.

His perception of the Imperial Guards had changed from a royal secret force to a marginal, insignificant unit.

As a Confucian scholar, he was naturally unafraid of the extension of imperial power that was suppressed by Confucianism.

"No, elder brother, I haven't repaid my master's kindness yet. One scholar from our family is enough."

As the firelight flickered, the two brothers gazed at each other silently, as if the years of separation and the cold, snowy night had been melted away by the pot of hot water and the two strings of steamed buns.

Just then, a shrill scream suddenly came from outside the courtyard.

Immediately afterwards, two figures tumbled in, half-covered in blood, looking extremely disheveled.

Before they could even stand still, the night outside was suddenly illuminated red by the firelight.

The torches were held high, casting swaying shadows on the courtyard walls.

With a dull thud, a corner of the courtyard wall collapsed, sending brick fragments flying everywhere.

Immediately afterwards, thunderous footsteps and rolling hooves swept into the courtyard.

The leader was tall and imposing, with sharp, defined eyebrows and a playful look in his eyes.

He stepped into the courtyard and unleashed a three-hit slash with his longsword, the fierce sword energy directly collapsing the entire main hall.

Under the firelight, swords clashed and flashed. He coldly declared, "How dare you infiltrate my Magpie Blade Sect at night? You have quite the nerve. You can act arrogantly and domineeringly elsewhere."

In my little corner of the world, dragons must coil up and tigers must lie down.

"I only have one question: will you surrender, or will I beat you to your knees and beg for mercy?"

"What is your name?"

Yan Guangxiao strode forward, inwardly cursing the trouble he was in.

He guessed that the other party knew their identities but deliberately didn't reveal them.

He was also unable to produce a token to prove his identity.

Because this operation was a private job done for a big shot, and the consequences would be unimaginable if their identities were exposed.

"I am Ximen Hu!"

"So it's Young Master Ximen."

Yan Guangxiao cupped his hands and said, "One person fled in fear of punishment and escaped to your family's Mingyuan Manor."

This man committed numerous evil deeds and abused noblewomen.

If the Magpie Blade Sect protects this person, the consequences will be dire.

If Young Master Ximen is willing to grant this favor, this small gift is of little importance.

Yan Guangxiao waved his hand, and a bulging red money bag flew towards Ximen Hu.

Ximen Huxin grabbed the money, weighed it in his hand, and was secretly pleased, but said aloud, "This little bit of money can only be considered as an apology for your trespassing into my Que Dao Sect earlier."

As for who you mentioned is guilty and hiding in my Mingyuan Manor, I know nothing about them.

Yan Guangxiao's eyes darkened. "In that case, Young Master Ximen, please return."

"It's not that easy."

Ximen Hu said coldly, "Write a confession to me, stating that you were the ones who sneakily attacked my Que Dao Sect and stole my Que Dao Sect's treasures. In that case, we will not hold each other accountable."

Otherwise, this young master won't leave so easily.

"Be bold!"

Cao Feng flew into a rage and waved his hand, and a small team drew their weapons.

Ximen Hu laughed loudly, "You think you can take me on?"

Ximen Hu waved his hand, and dozens of men rushed into the courtyard, surrounding the area. Each man held a powerful crossbow, its mechanism loaded, and the arrows sharp as frost.

"Form ranks! Protect the central courtyard!"

Ximen Hu shouted loudly.

Before the formation was complete, Xue Yi rushed ahead of Xue Xiang and said urgently, "When the fight starts, elder brother, stick close to me and do as I say."

"Once you seize the opportunity, get out immediately and never look back!"

Xue Xiang patted Xue Yi's shoulder lightly, "With me here, it's not your turn to stand in front of me."

As he spoke, he strode forward.

Xue Yi was greatly surprised.

"Gentlemen, listen to my command, there is no need to stay..."

As Ximen Hu was giving orders, he suddenly saw Xue Xiang walking towards him.

Seeing Xue Xiang's composed demeanor, he felt an inexplicable sense of pressure.

Xue Xiang said loudly, "Canaan is not a lawless place."

Report any incidents to the authorities; how dare you engage in private fights?

His voice wasn't loud, but it was loud enough for everyone present to hear clearly.

After a moment of silence, the young master of the Magpie Blade Sect was taken aback for a moment, then burst into laughter.

The members of the Magpie Blade Sect also laughed so hard they were doubled over, their eyes filled with mockery.

"Xue Shihu, is your elder brother an idiot?"

Cao Feng scoffed.

"You are not one of them."

Ximen Hu smiled as he looked Xue Xiang up and down, "These people wouldn't produce a bookworm like you who's gone stupid from all that studying."

Do you really think that golden rules and laws can still illuminate the darkness?

Having said that, he was about to give another order.

Xue Xiang remained expressionless, raised his hand and flicked it, revealing a bracelet. With a flash of light, a celestial talisman appeared on the surface of the bracelet, its light shimmering, holy and majestic.

In the firelight, everyone's eyes were drawn to the talisman.

"Xue Shihu, what exactly does your elder brother do?"

Yan Guangxiao shouted in a low voice.

Xue Yi shook his head blankly, "He just passed the county-level exam."

"what!"

Cao Feng was so shocked his eyebrows almost flew off.

Only when he was a member of the Imperial Guard did he truly understand the prestige and honor of a Confucian scholar.

"So what if you have a magic talisman? I advise you not to meddle in other people's business. Get out of here before I make a move."

Ximen Hu remained tough, but his imposing manner had softened considerably.

"Brother Xue, if you can protect him completely."

"I will never forget your great kindness."

Yan Guangxiao bowed to Xue Xiang.

The situation is clear: a direct confrontation with the Magpie Blade Sect would mean certain death.

At this point, he couldn't care less about saving face.

Before Xue Xiang could respond, Ximen Hu spoke first, staring at Xue Xiang and saying, "I don't care who you are, I've already given you face."

If you want to leave, then leave on your own. If you don't leave, I won't harm you.

But you can't protect them.

"Whether you can protect him or not is not up to you. Call your father."

Xue Xiang stood tall and imposing, like a mountain mist.

"you!"

Ximen Hu's eyes suddenly turned cold. A thousand thoughts raced through his mind. He gritted his teeth, "Since you're so ungrateful, then let's..."

Before he finished speaking, a rapid and heavy thud of hooves suddenly came from the ground.

"Da da da……"

As the firelight flickered, a rider galloped in, kicking up snow mud that flew like arrows.

The leading knight was clad in black and gold armor, with silver feathers embroidered on his shoulders and a broad-backed longsword on his back. His brows were filled with a murderous aura, and his imposing presence was like a mountain pressing down.

"Ximen Cuo!"

Yan Guangxiao's heart sank to the bottom of the lake.

Ximen Cuo is the leader of the Que Dao Sect, a veteran Foundation Establishment Grand Perfection expert, only one step away from Core Formation.

Rumor has it that this man was extremely ruthless, having followed the town's army on numerous campaigns, killing countless people, and even possessing military merits to protect himself.

Recently, they have joined forces with the Dongming Party, becoming increasingly emboldened.

Ximen Cuo spurred his horse into the courtyard, and in an instant, the atmosphere of the entire place seemed to be sliced ​​open by a blade.

He glanced at the situation on the field, his face immediately darkening, his voice blazing with anger, "A few shrimp soldiers and crab generals, and you still can't handle this after all this time? You've completely disgraced my Magpie Blade Sect!"

Before he finished speaking, a young man in white robes gracefully landed in the arena. He was Cao Ling, the son of Cao Guoliang, the powerful military commander.

"Sect Leader Ximen, you flatter me. The young sect leader's ability to surround these guys is already a great achievement."

Cao Ling said loudly, "If these people are left behind, my father can submit a memorial to the throne to disband the Imperial Guards, and the Dongming Party officials will be happy."

"Oh, Sect Leader Ximen..."

Cao Ling suddenly realized that Ximen Cuo had fallen silent, his entire body as still as a statue, as if welded to the horse's back.

"Since Young Master Cao has said so, there is no need for further words. Gentlemen, listen to my command: kill without mercy."

Ximen Hu pointed at Xue Xiang, "Today, I'll show you whether there are any places where golden rules and laws don't apply..."

Before he could finish speaking, a slap landed on his face, knocking him off his horse. He sprang to his feet, half his face already flushed crimson.

Ximen Hu stared incredulously at Ximen Cuo, who had just made the move, and roared, "Are you crazy? Are you senile...?"

I felt extremely wronged.

Ximen Cuo dismounted gracefully, kicking Ximen Hu squarely in the chest.

Ximen Hu was kicked away, but Cao Ling reacted quickly, deflecting the force and stopping Ximen Hu.

Everyone present was shocked, and some even suspected that Ximen had been possessed.

Ximen Cuo landed gracefully, completely disregarding what others thought. He strode up to Xue Xiang, cupped his hands, and said, "Vice Dean Xue, my son is ignorant and has offended us. Please forgive him."

The entire audience was stunned.

"Sect Leader Ximen, what... what do you mean by this?"

Cao Ling was baffled.

Ximen Cuo raised his eyebrows slightly, "Young Master Cao, haven't you always said that you wanted to meet the famous Vice Dean Xue Xiang? This is the man in front of you."

"what!"

Cao Ling was stunned. What a coincidence! He'd just kicked a hornet's nest.
The.

The grievances that Ximen Hu felt vanished instantly.

Cao Ling and Ximen Hu were both used to being arrogant and domineering.

However, when Ximen mistakenly revealed Xue Xiang's identity, their arrogance immediately vanished.

The two men knew perfectly well that even if they combined their arrogance, they couldn't match Vice President Xue.

In Canaan County today, if someone were to argue about who has the highest cultivation level and the greatest prestige, they could argue for ten days and ten nights without ever reaching a conclusion.

But if we're talking about who's the most arrogant and who's the least likely to be provoked.

Xue Xiang, the name of Vice Dean Xue, is absolutely far ahead.

The Shen family was an enormous behemoth.

This person, whom they provoked without hesitation, not only forced the Shen family to relinquish two thousand acres of spiritual land, but also emerged unscathed.

From then on, the authority of the Spiritual Property Clearing Room soared, becoming a sword of Damocles hanging over the heads of all wealthy families, sects, and gangs, ready to fall at any moment.

When Zhao Huanhuan hosted the last party, Ximen Cuo was among the guests, but with so many guests, he didn't even get a chance to get close to Xue Xiang and say a word.

But he remembered Xue Xiang's features and imposing manner perfectly.

Nowadays, many people are crowding around Zhao Huanhuan's place, vying to move their homes' demolition order back.

If we hold out until the central government's policies fizzle out, then it will be worth it.

Ximen Cuo's Magpie Knife Sect was also a major player in seizing spiritual property, so he naturally thought the same way.

It's infuriating that Zhao Huanhuan is so popular, he can't even get a turn at her door.

He never dreamed that he would meet Xue Xiang here today.

Even more alarming is that he also stood on the opposite side of Vice President Xue.

Isn't this going to be the death of me?
Over the years, he has been clinging to Cao Guoliang simply to leverage the power of the Zhenjun Army to gradually expand the influence of the Que Dao Men.

Although the Zhenjun Army is strong, it is ultimately a military system.

If Xue Xiang wants to take action against the Magpie Blade Sect, no one can stop him.

If you really offend him, it's a small matter if the few spiritual properties that the Magpie Blade Sect has seized are taken away. If this Vice Dean Xue is serious and investigates the spiritual property issue to the end, punishes them to the fullest extent, it wouldn't be surprising if he uprooted the Magpie Blade Sect, which he has painstakingly built up over the years.

Ximen Cuo felt increasingly frightened as he thought about it, and beads of cold sweat still seeped from his forehead in the winter night.

"So it's Sect Leader Ximen."

Xue Xiang glanced at Ximen Cuo indifferently, then pointed at Ximen Hudao and asked, "Is this your young master?"

"Yes, it is my son."

Ximen Cuo glared hatefully at Ximen Hu. He could guess with his toes that this idiot must have been arrogant and offended Vice Dean Xue.

"Your son is lacking in discipline. He keeps saying that even the golden rules and laws have their limitations. If this were to reach the ears of the high-ranking officials in the central government, they would probably ask, 'Does your son intend to raise the banner of rebellion, overturn the ironclad laws set by the sages, and reshape the world?'"

Xue Xiang wore a warm smile, while Ximen Cuo felt as if a thunderbolt had struck him.

He rushed to Ximen Hushen in three strides, unleashing a barrage of attacks like thunder and fire cannons.

Ximen Hu was whipped into a pile of mud.

Yan Guangxiao stood to the side, completely stunned, as if struck by lightning, unable to recover for a long time.

He was still thinking about how to find a pretext to let Xue Xiang leave, so as not to involve innocent family members.

He never dreamed that Xue Xiang would simply stand up and say a few words slowly and deliberately, and the arrogant Ximen Hu would end up in such a miserable state.

Even the incomparably powerful leader of the Magpie Blade Sect, Ximen Cuo, didn't dare to utter a sound.

Cao Ling, the son of the powerful Governor Cao, was a notorious troublemaker who could easily bully others, but he didn't dare to utter a single word.

Cao Feng opened and closed his mouth repeatedly, as if he could fit an egg inside.

He had just wanted to mock Xue Xiang for getting his sinecure through connections, but now he suddenly realized that he was nothing more than a crawling ant in front of him.

A chill ran from the soles of his feet all the way up his spine. He could even imagine that if Xue Yi really went against him and let his elder brother smirk, he would be doomed.

"Brother Xue, Brother Xue, I was ignorant before, please forgive my foolishness."

Cao Feng quietly moved to Xue Yi's side, ignoring his colleagues nearby, and whispered an apology to Xue Yi.

Xue Yi stood there, stunned, without reacting at all.

In his heart, it was also a thunderbolt.

He simply couldn't reconcile the image of this powerful figure, who seemed to wield profound lightning, with his own elder brother, who would scream and yell even when summoning spirits into his body.

At that moment, he suddenly felt a pride he had never felt before.

It turns out that my elder brother, Xue Yi's own brother, is actually a truly remarkable person.

"Alright, Sect Leader Ximen, take your men and leave. Today's events are a lesson. I advise you: never forget the golden rule above your head."

Xue Xiang gave another lecture and waved him away.

"Yes, yes, I will definitely organize the Que Dao Sect to study the golden rules and regulations together."

Ximen Cuo felt as if he had been granted a pardon, and picked up the limp Ximen Hu to leave.

Seeing that the opportunity was not to be missed, Yan Guangxiao quickly stepped forward, clasped his hands, and said in a deep voice, "Since Vice Dean Xue has spoken, then please, Sect Leader Ximen, hand over the person we want."

Ximen Cuo was slightly taken aback and subconsciously looked at Xue Xiang.

Xue Xiang simply stood there with his hands behind his back, his expression unchanged, and he didn't say a word.

But this silence carries more weight than any words.

Ximen Cuo immediately made up his mind, turned around and waved his hand, saying decisively, "I'll send the person over right away."

Cao Ling's lips trembled, but in the end she didn't dare to object.

Seemingly worried that Xue Xiang might not be at ease, Ximen Cuo didn't rush to leave. He first sent someone to bring over a guy with his head covered, then clasped his hands in a fist salute to Xue Xiang before leaving in a whirlwind.

Yan Guangxiao removed the hood from the man's head, identified his target, and was overjoyed. He slapped the man unconscious, quickly walked to Xue Xiang's side, cupped his hands, and said, "I will not thank you for your great kindness. I will definitely protect you in the future."

Xue Xiang waved his hand, "No need to be polite, Brother Yan, now that you have completed your mission."

I have a favor to ask. My brother has been away from home for many years and has never spent the New Year with our mother.

"How about I ask him to take some time off so he can go home for the New Year?"

Yan Guangxiao laughed and said, "No doubt about it. Now that the mission is complete, I should be on vacation."

I've made the decision, Xue Shihu. You will now go home with your brother for the New Year.

"You can come back after the Lunar New Year is over."

"Xue Shihu, I didn't prepare anything for your return home. This is just a small token of our appreciation from the brothers."

Cao Feng bowed respectfully and quietly slipped a money pouch into his hand.

Xue Yi waved her hand, "I appreciate the thought, but this is unnecessary."

After saying this, he bowed to Yan Guangxiao, then clasped his hands in a salute to the crowd, and then left the courtyard with Xue Xiang to go home.

(End of this chapter)