Reason, fists, and just a bit of threat left the other party stuck between a rock and a hard place.

Not giving the "Form Tomb" clearly meant tearing off the mask of friendliness, and Jiang Li expressed such an attitude without a doubt.

With his strength, if he were to seek out each one individually, nine out of ten would not end well. Others might not have the strength to match Jiang Li, and struck by the Heavenly Thunder, they were in no shape to even think about winning.

The two Divine Senses suddenly fell silent.

Jiang Li could sense their Divine Senses fluctuating violently, as if representing their owners' intense discussion, yet no response came for a long time.

After waiting for a while with no reply, Jiang Li was about to speak again when suddenly a beam of Divine Light rose from the ground, and an aged, commanding voice made a decision for them.

"Tianxuan is the Family Head, and since she has made a decision, we should follow her wish, but—"

In the midst of it all, it seemed as if a gaze fell upon Jiang Li, "To view the 'Form Tomb,' you must pass the heavenly trial. If you cannot, not only will you not be the future son-in-law of the Family Head but also even the current son-in-law may not gain access. This rule is immutable, even for the Family Head. If you don't accept this, then go ahead, retaliate as you wish, as long as you can withstand the backlash."

As soon as this voice appeared, the previously speaking two fell silent, and Gongsun Qingyue's pretty face tensed, suggesting a status in the Gongsun Family not far from the Family Head.

Feeling that Divine Power, Jiang Li quickly calculated in his heart and then laughed, "If it's the family rule, naturally we must not defy or change it. There is no reason not to accept. As for retaliation, it's all a joke, not to be taken seriously, not at all."

With that, Jiang Li lightly pressed a hand, and the head he held was annihilated by a burst of Primordial Qi, True Qi transformed into verses from the "Supreme Cave Mysterious Treasure Sutra", infused into the persistent Resentment, forcefully guiding the beloved Zong Zheng's lingering spirit towards rebirth, and then he put away the Kui Niu Dao Fruit.

This series of actions unexpectedly displayed a fluid grace, akin to clouds flowing across the sky, making one watch and involuntarily feel as if "skill approaches art".

In the blink of an eye, the Jiang Li who had come with an aura of murderous intent while holding a head now seemed to have changed entirely, amiable and showing no trace of Evil Qi.

With Jiang Li's actions, the negotiation also reached a consensus, the only regret perhaps being that the honored Zong Zheng ended without a complete body.

"When you are ready, have your elder sister lead you to the Cave Heaven Blessed Land," said the Divine Light before it vanished into the ground, and the other two Divine Senses also rapidly departed, clearly not intending to linger.

From then on, Jiang Li truly returned to the Sect.

"Well played," Mr. Hui'an applauded, his expression, usually placid, now wore a hint of emotion, "In vain we thought what kind of arrangements your teacher would make, and what reliance you had. First, sending people to probe, then having Zong Zheng intercept, even having Zhu Hui'an here to block the way, but from beginning to end your reliance was so simple."

Strength, a plain and straightforward word, rendered all plans and schemes empty talk.

It couldn't even really be called a strategy, yet it was the best response to these numerous schemes and completely unexpected.

Who could have foreseen that a recently advanced fifth-rank young man could battle against a fourth-rank?

Afterward, witnessing Jiang Li skillfully use rhetoric, both reason and fists at once, even Zhu Hui'an had to admit he had greatly underestimated this young man.

"You flatter me too much. If it weren't for that word of caution from you, sir, those two Divine Senses would not have revealed themselves voluntarily," Jiang Li said with a smile, pointing out the key statement Mr. Hui'an had made.

It was uncertain whether his statement was meant as a reminder to those two or something else. In any case, Jiang Li attributed a certain intention to Zhu Hui'an's words, subtly causing division.

To this, Zhu Hui'an just looked deeply at Jiang Li, then stood up, "The world speaks of circumstances creating heroes, but Zhu believes heroes create their circumstances. Jiang Family Head, let Zhu see what kind of era you will craft."

From Young Master Jiang to Jiang Family Head, it signified a shift in Jiang Li's status, at least in the eyes of Patriarch Zhu, Jiang Li could now be addressed as Family Head.

Inherently possessing the Divine Farmer's appearance, proclaimed to uphold the orthodox lineage, and now with the power to rival a fourth-rank, soon to acquire the Ochre Whip, gathering the heavy treasures of the Jiang family. Jiang Li had become more qualified to claim orthodoxy than the main branch that had moved overseas.

"Dinghu boasts beautiful scenery. I, Zhu, wish to reside temporarily at Tianshui Gorge ten miles away before the end of the year. If Jiang Family Head has the time, feel free to visit for a chat. Please," said the Confucian scholar with a word of 'please,' and then he walked straight past Jiang Li, seemingly not worried about being stopped at all.

Jiang Li's thoughts flitted through his mind, recalling the words of Mr. Hui'an earlier and with a slight nod, he said, "No need to see you out."

"Another one who can't stand loneliness," Jiang Li concluded silently.

When Zhu Hui'an stated his intention to temporarily reside nearby, Jiang Li was sure that his previous statement was not in error. Zhu Hui'an deliberately revealed that he was killed by Jiang Li alone, causing a ripple in Divine Sense.

As for his true intentions, Jiang Li couldn't say yet, but certain discontent with solitude was undeniable.

In times of unprecedented upheaval not seen in eight hundred years, when even the Emperor is restrained, many such discontent figures stepped onto the stage—one more like Zhu Hui'an was hardly surprising.

"Be careful."

Elder Tianquan watched Zhu Hui'an's retreating figure and said, "Mr. Hui'an has been dissatisfied with the current regime for a long time. He left the Imperial College years ago because of it and is now instigating chaos from the shadows. His staying nearby may indicate that he hasn't given up on dealing with you."

Elder Tianquan said with a soft sigh, then leaned closer to Jiang Li, his voice a murmur, "But don't worry, nephew. With your uncle here, even Mr. Hui'an won't be able to harm you. If you truly wish to meet with him, your uncle can accompany you."

Jiang Li: "..."

The sudden shift in tone took Jiang Li half a breath to comprehend that Elder Tianquan was currying favor, hoping Jiang Li would put in a good word for him in front of Tianxuan.

"Scholars indeed—so subtle even when groveling."

With this reflection, Jiang Li was about to decline politely. Not only did he have no interest in supporting his rival, but he also feared Tianxuan's resentment.

If the petty Old Demon knew Jiang Li was pushing her away, she'd likely have some harsh tasks in store for him.

However, before Jiang Li could refuse, Elder Tianquan patted his shoulder and chuckled, "Your uncle won't bother you anymore."

With that knowing look in his eyes, he said simply, "Go."

The word "go" left his mouth, and he vanished in a flash.

This considerate elder left Jiang Li and Gongsun Qingyue alone, but...

"Elder Tianquan probably wants you to speak favorably of him to Master, too bad."

Gongsun Qingyue let out a sardonic laugh, ignored Jiang Li, mounted her Sword Light, and departed.

Jiang Li: "..."

This woman was getting better at changing faces—just before, she had acknowledged him as her husband, and now she was giving Jiang Li the cold shoulder.

"Ah, women."

Jiang Li sighed softly, crouched down, and beckoned Xiao Tian over, his voice low, "Tell me, has your sister shown any signs of cooling off lately?"

He had left Xiao Tian with Gongsun Qingyue not only to cheer her up but also as a line of sight.

Keeping himself informed was the only way to avoid being torn apart by conflicting loyalties.

The red pup promptly stood on its hind legs, sticking out its tongue in a greedy gesture, then pointed with its front paw towards the direction Gongsun Qingyue left in, and towards itself. Afterwards, shrinking its body and burying its head, the pup crept over craftily, sneakily glancing at Jiang Li.

Jiang Li understood immediately, stroking his chin, deciphering the body language with the astonishing wisdom of a Great Grandmaster.

"You mean to say Master plans to bribe you with Elixirs or Spiritual Medicine to have you watch over me?"

Xiao Tian nodded furiously.

"It seems she's about to let go of her anger."

Confirmed, Jiang Li smiled slightly and employed the power of the Innate Wood Qi to simulate the medicinal effect of Ginsengfruit. He gathered it into a sphere of Qi and tossed it into Xiao Tian's mouth, "In that case, agree to her terms, but you know how to play it."

Xiao Tian swallowed the Qi sphere, eyes glowing crimson, tail wagging wildly, nodding repeatedly.

As for Jiang Li, he smiled faintly, "Ah, women."

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