Under One Person, your rebellious life has reached the heavens?

"not enough."

Zhang Jingqing coldly replied, "Without your permission, how could your Wang family's henchmen harm my disciple?"

"Wang Zhiheng, don't say I'm being disrespectful to you. Considering that your Wang family has nearly a hundred members, you should commit suicide! It would be better for both of us."

The Celestial Master was determined to kill these three men. Based on his understanding of these powerful families, he figured it was better to kill them now than to worry about whether these powerful figures would hold a grudge and seek revenge later, thus avoiding trouble.

"Zhang Jingqing!"

"I advise you to stop now. My Wang family's network of connections extends to both the political and business worlds. There are countless high-ranking officials and dignitaries who have favors to ask of us."

The obese elder chuckled maliciously, becoming increasingly arrogant as he spoke, defiantly saying, "Kill me? You're not worthy!"

"If you really kill me, your Celestial Master's Mansion will be met with endless calamities. One gun can't deal with you, but hundreds of guns can't deal with your Dragon Tiger Mountain? Do you think my Wang family is easy to mess with!"

Zhang Jingqing fell silent instantly.

The Celestial Master's Mansion certainly had its share of "connections," and it wasn't afraid of the Wang family if it came to a confrontation. However, it was inconvenient for them to ask for help due to considerations of face. Nevertheless, the threatening words of this fat old man really displeased him.

The head of the Wang family was adept at reading people's expressions. Seeing that the Celestial Master seemed to be hesitating about something, he pressed his advantage and said:

"Celestial Master! If you ask me to commit suicide, what terrible impact will that have on the alliance?"

"Furthermore, the three of us have no connection to this matter. In my opinion, it would be best to stop here to avoid going any further and causing enmity between your Celestial Master's Mansion and my Wang family."

The Wang family gradually gained confidence. They bet that the Taoist priest would back down, and thinking of the high-ranking government officials and military intelligence figures who were on good terms with them, they couldn't help but straighten their backs.

Seeing their master's gloomy expression, Zhang Zhiwei and Tian Jinzhong knew he was in trouble and were about to offer some words of advice, but it was too late.

"I'll kill you if I say so."

"If we can't even protect our own disciples, wouldn't the Celestial Master's Mansion become a laughingstock?"

After a moment's hesitation, Zhang Jingqing made his decision. Golden light emanated from his body, his eyes blazed like torches, and he declared in a loud voice:

"Since you gentlemen are unwilling to commit suicide, then don't blame me for being rude and taking action."

"Boom!"

Thunder rumbled in the sky. Seeing that the Celestial Master was serious, the head of the Wang family trembled like a leaf, retreating repeatedly and almost falling to the ground.

"You are crazy!"

"Old ghost! Stop!!"

"If you touch me in the slightest, I will tear down your Celestial Master's Mansion."

No matter how much the others cursed and threatened him, Zhang Jingqing paid no heed. He then used the Five Thunder Orthodox Technique to summon the thunder from the heavens. Several thick, silver-white bolts of lightning, as thick as cauldrons, blasted through the heads and feet of the three men in the almost frozen flow of time.

"Boom!"

Flesh and blood scattered like ashes; the mortal body, unable to withstand the power of the heavenly thunder, was annihilated in an instant.

The Wang family members trapped on the other side were all pale-faced and huddled in a corner in fear.

"Father...Father..."

Wang Ai burst into tears, trembling as he hid in the crowded throng. Through the gaps, he saw the ashes scattered on the ground, and his chest felt as if it had been struck by a thousand-pound hammer. He clenched his fists tightly, holding back his resentment.

The direct descendants related to the other two clan elders also bowed their heads in silent grief.

The courtyard was in a mess. Several older members of the Wang family, leaning on their canes, had no choice but to come out and uphold the dignity of this once-powerful family in its decline, to negotiate with the Taoist master.

"Now that the chief culprit has been eliminated and those who harmed your disciple have paid the price, we beg the Heavenly Master to show mercy and let this matter rest."

They pleaded and repeatedly assured that they would not cause trouble for the Celestial Master's Mansion in the future, as nothing is more important to aristocratic families than the continuation of their lineage.

With most of the clan's high-ranking members dead and the younger generation yet to mature, the Wang family also keeps the unique skill of summoning spirits and commanding generals hidden away, which could easily attract the covetous eyes of martial arts masters.

If we were to disregard all costs and wage war against the Celestial Master's Mansion for the sake of a dozen or so dead and worthless people, even if we could summon powerful figures to help us, there's no guarantee that the other side would also have that power. Dragging it out for three to five years would do far more harm than good, which would be unwise.

With the perpetrators who had harmed his disciples all exterminated, the Celestial Master's anger gradually subsided, but he still did not show a kind expression and responded coldly:

"Today's events are all due to the despicable actions of your Wang family. Whether you are chasing the Thirty-Six Thieves or coveting extraordinary skills, I will only tell you one thing: the disciples of my Celestial Master's Mansion are not for your Wang family to use their weapons against.

"Yes, the Celestial Master is right. I am ashamed."

The man lowered his head obediently, knowing he was in the wrong and daring not to refute anything. After all, he was also in the know about this matter, and now he only wanted to get the conflict over with as soon as possible so that his family could enter a period of recuperation.

"Before your presence, I solemnly swear that I will strictly supervise my clansmen from now on, lest they be blinded by greed and commit serious mistakes again."

"On behalf of those wicked people, I sincerely apologize to you and your disciples."

After saying this, the two elderly men with graying temples, in full view of everyone, led two elders who were also in their seventies or eighties to kneel down and kowtow to apologize.

"Humph."

The Celestial Master scoffed at their act of cutting off an arm to save their lives and didn't bother with it. He dispersed the thunderclouds swirling above the mansion and, unable to stay a moment longer, turned and left.

Watching their figures disappear outside the gate, even though the elderly men had seen many storms, they could no longer hold back and collapsed to the ground, silently lamenting.

Only one thought came to mind—it's over.

........

The Lü family also suffered a blow. After being suppressed by the Sanyi Sect, they were attacked at night by the Quanxing evil cultivators. The attackers, relying on their high cultivation, killed and wounded more than fifty of the Lü family's guards.

Several elderly people who were paralyzed in bed were heartbroken upon hearing the news. They passed away before they could catch their breath.

The decisions made by Lü Ci's father brought disaster to the family. Six of the middle-generation masters perished on the night of the Quanxing raid, and he was soon dismissed from his post.

Elder Lü Yue became the new head of the family. After decades, he took over the mess he had previously refused to accept during a time of crisis.

The seventh day of the eighth lunar month.

late at night.

In the council hall of the Lü family mansion, Lü Yue was wrapped in blood-soaked bandages. He had almost risked his life that night to drive away the Quanxing demons and barely managed to save his family's lifeline.

At this moment, Lü Ci knelt before him, his eyes gloomy and silent. He was in terrible condition, suffering from numerous internal injuries, and his face was as pale as paper.

"Lu Shu...couldn't be saved, he's dead."

Lu Yue picked up a bowl of traditional Chinese medicine from the table, brought it to his lips, and drank it all in one gulp to soothe his injuries. He then slowly said:

"Lu Wan is unharmed. Now, only the two of you remain in the clan, and you both possess the innate bloodline inheritance of the Dual-Handed Technique. Unfortunately, neither of you has the ability to awaken it... We can only hope to have a chance through procreation..."

"As the head of the family, I must consider things from the perspective of everyone's best interests."

"Sacrificing oneself for the sake of the family... Hmph."

"Is it for the prosperity and flourishing of the family, or to provide a group of useless parasites with a life of ease and comfort?"

Lu Yue's gaze grew cold as memories flooded his mind, and he spoke frankly about his thoughts:

"I've always hated that phrase, and I still do now. If your grandfather were still alive, he'd probably nag me about how immature I am, but I'm not the eldest brother..."

"You can decide for yourself. If you're willing, then you are; if you're not, then that's fine too. It's good for both you and Lü Wan."

"It's just a method. Our family has survived all these years without it, so you don't need to worry."

"..."

Lu Yue spoke from the bottom of his heart. Among the younger generation in the clan, he found Lu Ren pleasing to the eye, and as for Lu Ci, he was passable compared to his elder brother.

Lu Ci was wavering and couldn't make a decision for a long time. Originally, his father forced him, but he was unwilling.

This time, the family suffered a misfortune, and the complete inheritance of the Double Hand technique, which had cost a great deal, was about to be cut off. The newly appointed Lü Yue did not force him to make a fixed choice, but instead gave him enough respect and freedom.

For a moment, Lü Ci was caught in a dilemma. Since his elder brother's death, many burdens had fallen on his shoulders, a feeling that was truly unbearable.

Born into a family from a young age, the education received prioritized the family's interests, and the constant admonitions from elders gradually ingrained a certain mindset.

Unlike Lü Yue, who was rebellious by nature and had an older brother to take care of things, Lü Ci had no choice. He lacked both external and internal conditions and could not escape this subtle influence.

No matter how much he grows, throughout his life he will always be a loyal dog trained by clan rules to protect the interests of the clan.

Upon hearing Lü Yue's lenient offer, Lü Ci not only felt no relief, but was also driven by her subconscious to feel like a rootless duckweed, accomplishing nothing and feeling ashamed of her family.

Cold sweat unknowingly soaked his clothes. Lü Yue waited patiently, while Lü Ci was suffering greatly. He had never been so indecisive before.

Time passed second by second, and the candles on the table gradually burned out. In the quiet council hall, only the young man and the old man were deciding the future of the Lü family.

a long time.

Lu Ci's spine moved slowly. He raised his head, his heart pounding, and asked his elder uneasily:

"Sister Wan...does she object?"

“I object! Give your father and those other old geezers a good dressing down, make them cry until their eyes are red.”

Lu Yue said nonchalantly, "But I'm very fair. I also told her that if she's not willing, this matter can't be accomplished."

"It's just that her emotions have calmed down these past few days, and she's been half-heartedly agreeing, so that's why I came to ask you."

"..."

Lu Ci pursed his lips tightly, his heart filled with painful struggle, unsure of how he could face the world from now on.

Seemingly sensing his predicament, Lü Yue offered a suggestion:

"Don't worry... Not many people know about this. If you think it through, you have plenty of ways to cover it up."

"OK...."

Lu Ci nodded slightly, as if all his strength had been drained away.

He was a coward, never having the courage to resist the influence that had been ingrained in his very being.

"Ugh....."

Lu Yue didn't say anything more. He had hoped that the two juniors would give different answers. He would just turn a blind eye to whichever side it was and not drag both of them into it.

Now it seems that the power of the clan rules is far more terrifying than he imagined, easily binding the two of them and extinguishing their delusions.

.......

On the high seas near the United States, a storm raged at night, and the ferry was tossed about unpredictably.

In the lavatory at the stern of the ship, Lü Yanjian vomited incessantly. Her mind was foggy, and her eyes felt bloodshot.

Looking down, the vomit in the sink turned out to be grotesque little human heads, stained with thick, black blood, an extremely bizarre and disgusting sight.

"Wha...what...?"

Lu Yanjian strained to focus her gaze, and the moment she saw the vomit, she was terrified and her whole body went cold. Inside were the heads of her father and even her entire clan, their cannibalistic eyes twisted and staring at her.

"Huff—!"

Her throat tightened again, unable to suppress the churning of her stomach acid, and she vomited until she was almost completely exhausted at the sink.

"What's wrong? Little girl."

A pair of cold hands reached out from behind and touched her cheek, startling Lü Yanjian so much that she turned pale and wanted to scream, but she covered her face with her right hand.

At this moment, as she regained a little consciousness, she finally saw clearly through the mirror in front of her that there was a woman covered in blood, pressed close to her.

Fear instantly spread throughout her body. Looking at this ghost-like woman, Lü Yanjian's scalp tingled, her eyes widened in terror, and her mouth was gagged, preventing her from making any sound.

"I am you..."

"Thanks to the Lu family... I've finally escaped with my life..."

A piercing, sinister laugh rang in her ears, and then, Lü Yanjian watched helplessly as the woman walked towards her and gradually merged into her body.

"Gurgle, gurgle."

She scooped up a handful of water and splashed it on her face. 'Lü Yanjian' was resurrected in another body. She looked in the mirror, as if sensing the difference in this body. Her eyes even shone with a special blue light, which vanished in an instant.

"Lu...Ren, is he actually her father?"

"Ah....."

A moment later, Lü Yanjian walked out of the bathroom and returned to her seat. Looking at Lü Ren, who was fast asleep, she raised a faint blue aura from her right hand and touched the man's forehead.

"!"

Suddenly, Lü Ren was awakened from his sleep, his head throbbing with pain.

The first and last thing he saw when he woke up was his daughter, who seemed to be doing something to him. In just a moment of carelessness, his consciousness was completely erased.

A pale blue light flowed along the slender fingertips, penetrating the skin and flesh, and entering the depths of the brain.

instantly.

Duanmu Ying, who had refined the memories, successfully occupied two physical forms. However, at this moment, her face was contorted with extreme rage.

"Zhang... Huaiyi!!!"