CHAPTER 196: CHAPTER 64: RONG FAMILY [FIRST UPDATE]

Rong City originally did not have only the Rong Family; however, the Rong Family was powerful, and other families were no match, so they could only be oppressed by them.

As the current Family Head of the Rong Family repeatedly made mistakes in decision-making, it led to a shrinkage in the Rong Family’s power. Other families saw hope and continuously worked hard over the years, eventually forming a situation of three competing powers in Rong City.

Of course, even a dead camel is bigger than a horse; no matter how downfallen the Rong Family is, it is still stronger than the other two families, just no longer dominating like before.

The Rong Family is a Talisman Family, and family disciples have extraordinary talent in talismans. They use talismans to enter the path; as their talisman level rises, their cultivation also improves—a rather special Taoist Skill.

After Gu Qingqing entered Rong City, she first found an inn to stay in, then they split up to inquire about Rong Ye’s news and regrouped at the inn to exchange information.

"Fifth senior brother is quite famous in Rong City; it’s said many people admire him, and he hasn’t entered the Trial Land yet, so we can contact him directly." Gu Qingqing went out to gather news with Jun Wu, knowing many admire Rong Ye, which made her feel proud.

"We’ve tried to reach him, but he hasn’t responded; he doesn’t want us to get involved." Yue Zhao said with a mild tone.

Upon hearing this, Gu Qingqing and the others fell silent for a moment. They understood Rong Ye’s thoughts, and if it were them, they would also do the same, not letting those they care about take risks!

"So what should we do now?" Mu Chen looked at Si Lin and them, asking somewhat helplessly.

"We’ll go directly to the Rong Family." Si Lin looked ahead, speaking resolutely.

Others looked at Si Lin, somewhat surprised.

"But fifth senior brother..." Gu Qingqing thought of Rong Ye, feeling conflicted, but was interrupted just as she spoke.

"He doesn’t want us to take risks; that’s his own thought. Should we really just leave him be? We’ll go directly to the Rong Family; he won’t be able to drive us away then!" Yue Zhao smiled faintly, speaking in a mild tone.

"That’s right; we’ll just act like we’re visiting the Rong Family." Nan Hua shook his fan, thinking Yue Zhao’s suggestion was good, and continued.

Mu Chen and Gu Qingqing exchanged a glance, both showing a smile.

They rested well at the inn for the night and went to the Rong Family early the next morning.

...

As the largest family in Rong City, the Rong Family occupies a large area on the eastern side of Rong City, with a vast estate housing many members of the family.

Rong Ye’s father, being the most favored son of the former Rong Family Master, used to live in the best location; however, after his father’s unexpected death and his uncle becoming the current Family Head, his residence became much worse, and the location is not the best.

Before growing up, Rong Ye was very angered, though he did not show it; he always felt humiliated until he was accepted as a disciple by Wen Guiyun, only then did he see beyond this.

Of course, it doesn’t mean he truly let go of that hatred.

Over the years, he never gave up on finding the truth behind his parents’ death, keeping those humiliations in his heart, waiting for one day to return them in kind.

Luoming Courtyard, the courtyard where Rong Ye lives.

Luoming Courtyard doesn’t cover much ground and cannot compare to the spacious main courtyard; its location is rather remote, and the courtyard looks quite rundown, especially since Rong Ye spent most of his time outside, with only the butler who used to serve his father keeping watch.

Upon returning to the Rong Family, for appearances, the Rong Family Master sent some people supposedly to take care of Rong Ye’s daily needs, but Rong Ye refused them.

In the study, besides Rong Ye, there was a middle-aged man.

"Young Master, how could you choose to enter the Trial Land? It’s too dangerous; we could use other ways." Tie Yan looked at Rong Ye, asking with full concern.

"Uncle Tie, I understand your meaning. Rest assured, I’m not being reckless. As long as I pass through the Trial Land, I can become the Family Head, then I will expose Rong Yuanqiao’s true face to everyone, demanding blood for blood from him for my parents!" Rong Ye was confident in himself, full of hatred toward Rong Yuanqiao, yet not willing to gamble with his life!

"But the Trial Land is too dangerous." Tie Yan was unwilling to give up, trying to persuade Rong Ye to abandon the idea.

"Uncle Tie, no need to discuss this further; I have made up my mind!" Rong Ye turned his head, not wishing to talk about the matter anymore.

Seeing Rong Ye like this, Tie Yan opened his mouth but could only sigh, giving up.

Rong Ye waited a while, seeing Tie Yan had given up, then he turned around.

"Uncle Tie, are all those things arranged?" Rong Ye no longer mentioned the matters of the Trial Land but asked about his other affairs.

"Rest assured, young master, everything has been arranged!" Tie Yan said solemnly, with a serious expression.

Rong Ye nodded, feeling quite reassured about Tie Yan’s abilities.

At this moment, a knocking sound was heard, followed by the voice of the old butler.

"Young master, the family head sent a message, saying a friend of yours is visiting, and you are requested to come over."

Inside the room, Rong Ye frowned slightly and was about to ask who it was when something suddenly came to mind. He brought two fingers together and drew a symbol in the air. Instantly, many talismans appeared with words on them. He quickly browsed through them, frowning deeply, and finally, the spiritual power at his fingertips dissipated. The talismans turned to ash and disappeared in the air, leaving him with a helpless smile as he headed towards the door.

...

In the front hall of the Rong Family, the Rong Family Master was entertaining Gu Qingqing and the others.

Si Lin and the others were in no way subtle, directly stating their sect and names. Hearing that people from the Lingxi Sacred Land had arrived, the already not-so-calm Rong Family erupted. The Rong Family Master even personally went to the door to welcome Si Lin and the others.

Compared to the Lingxi Sacred Land, the Rong Family seemed exceedingly insignificant, and the Rong Family Master was extremely obsequious when facing Si Lin and the others.

Rong Yuanqiao was sixty years old this year. Having lived in luxury since childhood and taken good care of himself, he appeared somewhat younger than his actual age.

He wore a dark blue brocade robe with dark patterns and had a purple gold crown on his head. His appearance was that of a standard square face. His eyes did not appear very large, and the corners of his eyes drooped slightly, always giving off a somewhat uncomfortable feeling. Moreover, his face was not of the type that suited a smile, yet to appear more amiable, he always wore a smile, which looked rather garish.

When facing Si Lin and the others, his smile was even more ingratiating, accompanied by his wife, Sun Guangling.

Sun Guangling was about the same age as Rong Yuanqiao. Although her features were passable, her face didn’t look pleasant, with small triangular eyes, a relatively flat nose bridge, thick lips, and a relatively plump body. The smile on her face completely failed to obscure her shrewd and sharp nature.

Si Lin and the others didn’t pay much attention to Rong Yuanqiao and Sun Guangling. The couple’s repeated attempts to engage them in conversation were defeated by their indifferent attitudes. Having been flattered by those around them for so many years, it had been a while since someone had treated them this way. Their faces were not looking too good at the moment. Unfortunately, Gu Qingqing and the others didn’t care at all, and they even did it on purpose.

It was Rong Ye’s arrival that broke the uncomfortable atmosphere in the flower hall.

For the first time, Rong Yuanqiao found his nephew Rong Ye to have some redeeming qualities, freeing him from embarrassment. However, remembering that Si Lin and the others were Rong Ye’s junior and senior brothers and sisters, his expression immediately changed.

"Ye’er, you’re finally here. Mr. Si and the others have been waiting for you for a long time." Rong Yuanqiao stood up and said to Rong Ye, who had just entered.

Rong Ye hurriedly greeted Rong Yuanqiao and Sun Guangling, then looked at Gu Qingqing and the others.

"Senior Brother, Second Senior Brother, Third Senior Brother, Fourth Senior Brother, and Geng Geng, why have you all come?" Rong Ye looked at Si Lin and the others, although he had always said they shouldn’t come, he was still somewhat moved at this moment.

"Why we have come, do you really not know?" Nan Hua, who always enjoyed provoking Rong Ye, couldn’t help but speak up first, his tone sarcastic and strange.

Rong Ye was at a loss and knew he was in the wrong, so for once, he didn’t retort. After a moment of silence, he turned his gaze to Gu Qingqing, "Geng Geng, are you feeling better?"

Gu Qingqing was actually still a bit angry, but seeing Rong Yuanqiao and Sun Guangling there, she didn’t want to embarrass Rong Ye in front of them, so she said, "I’m fine now."

Rong Ye knew Gu Qingqing well, and as soon as he heard her tone, he realized she was angry at him. He paused and then turned to Rong Yuanqiao and Sun Guangling.

"Uncle, I have some things to discuss with my junior and senior brothers and sisters. I will take them to my place for now." Regardless of how much he resented Rong Yuanqiao and Sun Guangling in his heart, it was not apparent on the surface, and he remained respectful to them.

Rong Yuanqiao had long been unable to bear Si Lin and the others and was eager for Rong Ye to take them away, so he immediately agreed, "Since Mr. Si and the others came to find you, treat them well. If you need anything, just ask your aunt."

Sun Guangling’s facial expression twisted slightly at Rong Yuanqiao’s words, but she quickly nodded with a smile.

"Yes, nephew understands." Rong Ye nodded.

Si Lin and the others came to find Rong Ye, and although they were somewhat angry with him, they still followed him to the courtyard where he lived.

Upon seeing the condition of Luoming Courtyard, Si Lin and the others frowned.

"Fifth Senior Brother, is this the place you live? The Rong Family bullies people too much!" Among the five senior brothers, Gu Qingqing was the most fond of Rong Ye since he brought her back to the Spirit Hidden Mountain and had always protected her like his precious jewel. Having walked past the lavish courtyards of the Rong Family, seeing Rong Ye’s place in such condition made her explode with anger!

"This broken place, and you’ve been living here? Can’t you resist?" Nan Hua, fanning himself, seemed to be mocking but was actually concerned as he spoke.