Chapter 37. The Difference in Rank (3)

"Are you leaving?"

"Yes."

"......Alright, see you later."

The Zhuge siblings bowed their heads and turned to leave.

Nangong Xian's face was stiff as he watched them go, having noticed the particularly hard look in Zhuge Ayan's eyes.

'Damn it.'

This was all because of Lian Huozheng. If he hadn't been humiliated in front of Lian Huozheng, Zhuge Ayan wouldn't have looked at him like that.

This meeting left him with nothing but wounds, so deep that they almost drove him to lose his mind.

Recalling Zhuge Ayan's gaze, Nangong Xian gritted his teeth.

'I wanted to kill him with my own hands.'

Though he was disappointed, he also felt a sense of satisfaction.

The poisons of the Tang family are beyond imagination. From those that kill before you even realize it, to those that paralyze the body, those that inflict only pain, and those that cause physical disabilities, the list is endless.

Nangong Xian had seen Lian Huozheng's skills.

Though he was reluctant to admit it, Lian Huozheng's martial arts were impressive. Overwhelming Chusheng in that way was not an easy feat, even for him.

'You damn brat! There must have been some trick.'

Chusheng's movements when he received the first three moves were incredibly clumsy. It was clear that Chusheng, trying to show mercy, was caught off guard by an unexpected level of skill and made a mistake.

He would ask Chusheng about it when he wakes up. Why was he so complacent?

'Reflecting on it, it was an ambush back then too.'

Lian Huozheng didn't win against Tang Yangxian through normal means either.

Listing all these incidents, he realized how despicable Lian Huozheng truly was. People only saw the results, not the process, which is why they thought Lian Huozheng was remarkable.

"Filthy brat. With such mediocre skills, how dare he......"

In extreme situations, people tend to see only what they want to see.

For the first time in his life, his pride was wounded, and he couldn't use his sharp mind properly.

"Brother Ming?"

"He left first."

"Without even saying goodbye?"

Nangong Xian frowned.

'These people.'

He was displeased. There was nothing he liked about this situation.

"Is everything settled?"

"Not yet, but it will be soon."

Nangong Xian shouted.

"The sun will set soon! Finish up quickly!"

"Yes, yes!"

The servants hurried to complete their tasks.

After two hours, Nangong Xian finished his work and left the mansion.

It took a long time to travel from Hefei to the area near Huangshan, where the Nangong family was located.

People often wonder why the Nangong family, the most powerful force in Anhui, chose to settle in Huangshan instead of the capital, Hefei.

But this was a result of hindsight. When the Nangong family first established itself, it wasn't as powerful as it is now.

Of course, things were different now. The Nangong family's influence was spread throughout Anhui, and in the capital, Hefei, it was even more pronounced.

"The carriage is ready. Please get in."

Even when the Nangong family's disciples traveled within Anhui, they were provided with the best carriages and boats because everyone in Anhui was wary of the Nangong family's influence.

This level of privilege was almost on par with that of a royal family in a small kingdom.

Thus, Nangong Xian crossed the river and entered the territory of the Nangong family near Huangshan after five days.

'What is this?'

As Nangong Xian walked down the main road, he felt a strange sense of discomfort.

Many people were glancing at him.

It wasn't surprising. His bodyguards were carrying several large banners with the word "Nangong" inscribed on them.

Though he usually received a lot of attention, today was different. People were whispering to each other while glancing at him, and their expressions were not friendly.

Nangong Xian's face gradually twisted, feeling increasingly uneasy.

When the group finally reached the Nangong family estate,

"Xian?"

"Ah, Uncle."

Nangong Daisan, the head of the outer courtyard of the Nangong family, approached with a tense expression.

Nangong Xian felt increasingly anxious.

"Is something wrong?"

Nangong Daisan got straight to the point.

"What did you do?"

"Huh?"

Nangong Daisan slapped his chest in frustration.

"You used a 'borrowed knife to kill' strategy to have the eldest son of the Sichuan Tang family kill the eldest son of the Lian family, didn't you?!"

Nangong Xian's face turned pale in shock.

Too surprised to control himself, he blurted out,

"H-How did you...?!"

Nangong Daisan's eyes deepened.

"You... So it's true."

Realizing his mistake, Nangong Xian closed his mouth, but it was too late. Everyone who needed to hear it had already heard. Besides, even if he denied it, the incident had already occurred.

"The rumor has spread beyond Anhui to other regions. The source is clear, and the witnesses are solid. This isn't just a simple rumor."

"That's ridiculous!"

"Quickly, go to the main hall!"

Swish. Swish.

The brush strokes on the rice paper were deliberate and unhesitant.

Nangong Ren's hand movements while painting orchids were imbued with a craftsman's spirit. The perfect control of the ink's density showed that he had reached a masterful level.

Nangong Xian felt his mouth dry.

His father had been painting orchids for an hour. What was wrong? Over twenty sheets of rice paper had fallen to the floor.

"Hmm, this one is finally acceptable."

Nangong Ren's face showed satisfaction as he gently waved the rice paper.

As the ink dried in the breeze, Nangong Ren finally spoke.

"Is it true?"

The question, asked after an hour, was direct.

Nangong Xian swallowed. He could sense the subtle anger in his father's calm tone.

He had seen this side of his father before, but never directed at him.

For the first time, he felt his father's anger. Nangong Xian felt himself shrink.

"Yes."

Lying wouldn't help. No, it wasn't a situation where lying was an option.

Nangong Ren's eyes deepened.

Disappointment was evident.

"I didn't send you to the meeting of the young generation because the main house lacked people. Even if you weren't the eldest, there are many children as talented as you."

These words cut deep. Nangong Xian's face turned pale.

"Yet, I still sent you. Because you wanted it, and because I recognized your abilities."

"......"

"Being recognized by others is difficult. But disappointment is fleeting. You know this, don't you?"

Nangong Ren finally looked at his son.

"Your intention to resolve the matter with the Lian family was commendable. I knew you wouldn't overstep. But I didn't expect you to draw a sword."

"......"

"Using people well is praised as a skill, but using them poorly is seen as manipulation. I thought you had the ability to at least erase your name. Was I wrong?"

Drip.

Blood seeped from Nangong Xian's lips. He had bitten them without realizing it.

Nangong Ren's eyes shone brightly.

"I trust my judgment. I didn't think my bloodline would make such an absurd mistake. If so, why did this happen?"

"......"

"There are three possible reasons. Either something disturbed your composure, or Lian Huozheng's strategy overwhelmed you."

"......!"

"Or both."

Nangong Xian's eyes turned red.

Even if it was a trick, he didn't want to admit that Lian Huozheng was better than him.

Nangong Ren saw his son's hesitation. The anger and disappointment in his eyes were replaced with a subtle concern.

"Was it because of the eldest daughter of the Zhuge family?"

Startled, Nangong Xian looked at his father.

Nangong Ren said,

"I heard about what happened there in detail, wondering what went wrong."

"......"

"Did the eldest daughter of the Zhuge family impress you so much?"

"I, I......"

"......I see."

Nangong Ren's eyes showed a stern expression.

"It is said that the most dangerous thing for a man is beauty. You were warned to be cautious all your life, yet you let a single emotion ruin everything?"

"......I apologize."

Nangong Ren clicked his tongue.

"I sent a matchmaker to the Zhuge family."

"Really?!"

"Though not the eldest, you are no less talented. The Zhuge family will accept a daughter-in-law, as their eldest son will inherit the family."

"Father."

Nangong Xian felt a lump in his throat.

Despite the harsh scolding, his father had sent a matchmaker. This showed how much his father cared for him.

"I am the head of the family before I am your father. Considering your contributions to the family, I will overlook this mistake."

"Thank you."

"Don't expect too much. The eldest daughter of the Zhuge family is merely a whetstone to hone you. She will be your wife, not my daughter-in-law."

The words were cold. He said it so calmly, not recognizing his son's wife as his daughter-in-law.

But for Nangong Xian, this was enough.

Seeing his son's flushed face, Nangong Ren clicked his tongue again.

"Go now."

Nangong Xian lifted his head.

Looking into his father's heart, he had regained his composure. Despite his flushed face, his eyes had regained their previous sharpness.

Nangong Ren nodded inwardly. This was the look he wanted to see.

"Then, how do you plan to handle this matter?"

"Why? Do you want to take action yourself?"

"......"

"You should stay out of this. There's nothing worse than clinging to a failed attempt."

"But Father."

"Also."

Nangong Ren's face turned indifferent.

"I heard that Lian Huozheng is exceptionally talented in both literature and martial arts. From what I've heard, he is not someone you can handle."

Nangong Xian's cheeks trembled. His wounded pride stung again.

But he quickly composed himself. He was in front of his father, and he couldn't show any more weakness.

Nangong Ren's face showed satisfaction.

"Seeing your opponent clearly is the beginning of growth. You have taken the first step."

"I lost once. But I am confident I won't lose again."

"I know. Still, stay out of this. Focus on improving yourself for now."

I am grateful for your guidance.

Nangong Xian bowed.

"I understand. I will go in now."

"You've had a long journey. Rest well today."

Nangong Xian left, and Nangong Ren leaned back in his chair.

"Just past the age of twenty, it's hard to control one's blood."

Indeed, he had no brother as capable as his eldest son. The eldest son wasn't like this at that age.

It wasn't just that. The eldest son was also exceptionally talented in martial arts. He had reached a level that Nangong Ren himself only achieved in his thirties. There was no need to talk about his talent.

When the eldest son emerges from seclusion, the world will be amazed.

Nangong Ren spoke.

"Manager Qian."

A moment later, a middle-aged man with a sturdy build entered the main hall.

"Called, Master?"

Nangong Ren looked out the window.

The sunset was particularly beautiful.

"This should be enough to heat the pot."

"......"

"Make sure everyone knows what Shanghua did."

"Is that really wise?"

"The appearance must be fierce, but the matter must be resolved. Just now, I saw that a mature son is better than a wild daughter."

"......Understood."

Nangong Ren's eyes turned red in the sunset.

"The Lian family...... I thought they were just a family with exceptional martial arts, but both the head and his son are extraordinary."