Chapter 96

The Grand Elder of the Enforcement Hall, unable to bear it any longer, angrily said, "This is outrageous! A disciple from an external family who has just joined, why should he be granted the Enforcement Sword!"

The Enforcement Sword is a symbolic sword, intended to mean that whether it is a member of the Xu family, a disciple, or an elder, with this sword, no one can escape punishment.

But in reality, this sword has never been used for such purposes, and over time, it has become merely a symbol.

"Xu Zizai! You don’t need to beat around the bush. Even if the Sect Master grants the Enforcement Sword to Hengyi, I will still kill him!" Xu Tianfeng suddenly interjected, making several clan elders who were about to speak on behalf of the Grand Elder of the Enforcement Hall fall silent. This statement was effective in its own way; arguing about whether a dying man had the qualifications to receive the Enforcement Sword was purely superfluous.

Chen Zizai, at a loss, could only say to the Sect Master, "Please, Sect Master, make a decision—"

Xu Bangwang knew that Chen Zizai was seeking his help, but he was very conflicted. It was unreasonable to forbid Xu Tianfeng from avenging his son just because the recipient was from an external family.

Although he valued talent, Hengyi’s actions could not be denied as lacking the necessary respect for the Xu family.

Otherwise, how could he dare to take such harsh measures against a member of the Xu family?

If it were an accident or a forced self-defense, it would be one thing, but it wasn’t.

Because of this, Xu Bangwang had nothing to say. The clan elders would not be convinced, and neither would Xu Tianfeng. No matter how he argued, it wouldn’t be convincing. If he tried to protect Hengyi, it would be clear that he was favoring an external genius, causing the entire clan to lose heart.

Could a Sect Master and the head of the Xu family do such a thing?

Faced with Chen Zizai’s urging, Xu Bangwang could not ignore it.

"Xu Tianfeng, why must you and your daughter be so incompatible? The matter with Tian'er is already a fact, and you know the situation. It’s rare for Zizai to value someone so much. Even for her sake, why must you be so stubborn?" Xu Bangwang, unable to stand on reason, could only appeal to emotion. He knew Xu Tianfeng’s concerns and hoped this would make him change his mind.

Xu Tianfeng had been waiting for this moment and couldn’t help but give a bitter smile. "Father and daughter..." He looked around at the clan elders. "Father and daughter... Everyone knows our situation. How could I wish for this? But now that Tian'er is dead, can I just let it go for an external person?"

"In the end, the Deputy Sect Master is willing to stifle a genius of human civilization for the sake of Xu Shengtian’s personal grudge!" Chen Zizai, hearing Xu Tianfeng’s words and tone, felt a surge of anger!

Their relationship had deteriorated because of Xu Tianfeng!

Clearly, he had brought it upon himself, yet he acted like a pitiful victim!

"Zizai! How can you speak to your father like that?" Xu Bangwang frowned, never allowing Chen Zizai to be so disrespectful to Xu Tianfeng.

Chen Zizai remained silent, her anger growing.

Xu Tianfeng sighed softly. "Zizai, yes, I love Tian'er, but don’t you know that the person I love the most is you! Since you were born, whether in cultivation or anything else, I always held you and kept you close, unwilling to be apart for a moment. But was Tian'er ever like that? Because you were not by my side, following the Sect Master, Tian'er became your substitute. You say I seek revenge for Tian'er, and yes, that’s true! But if you were killed, even if the revered star lord held a sword to my throat, I would still rush forward to kill your enemy without hesitation! Even if I knew I couldn’t kill them, I would still do it—this is my love for you!"

"Don’t say these things to me! You brought this upon yourself, don’t act so pitiful here!" Chen Zizai, enraged, found it increasingly unbearable to listen. She didn’t want to recall her childhood memories; the more she thought about the three of them together, with her mother often by her side, the more painful it became! Because Xu Tianfeng had once loved her so much and cared for her mother, the later outcome was even more painful and unacceptable! If she had always been neglected, she would have only deep, cold hatred, which would be easier to bear.

"Zizai, everyone saw how Xu Tianfeng treated you back then. You know that your mother’s death was an accident. At that time, Xu Tianfeng practiced many evil techniques to break through to the third level of the Star Lord, and it was the influence of these techniques that caused a temporary change in his nature, leading to a loss of control and an accidental killing in a fit of rage..."

"Sect Master, Father himself said that in the universe, only the results matter!" Chen Zizai, unwilling to listen, interrupted Xu Bangwang with a bow. This situation was not the first time, and Xu Bangwang had to let it go.

"Very well, in the universe, only the results matter!" Xu Tianfeng picked up the thread, knowing that Chen Zizai would use this phrase to end the conversation. "I will talk about the results. There is only one way for me to let Hengyi go."

Chen Zizai had a foreboding feeling. This condition would not be easy to meet, but she couldn’t miss this opportunity. "Please, Father, speak."

"Restore the Xu surname, become my daughter again, and put aside your hatred and stop this nonsense. I will only let Hengyi go for you, my daughter."

Xu Tianfeng’s demand surprised everyone. It seemed impossible, but the clan elders and Xu Bangwang hoped Chen Zizai would agree.

"Is this meaningful, Father? Do you think I can really let go?" In the past, Chen Zizai would have dismissed it with a mocking retort, but now she had to suppress her anger.

Because she was hesitating...

"Meaningful, because in the universe, only the results matter, and you believe in this as well." Xu Tianfeng said calmly, remembering Hu Baijie’s advice. He was now more confident, seeing the potential for success and having more faith in Hu Baijie’s plan.

"In the past, I wouldn’t have pushed so hard. But Tian'er’s death made me realize that if I don’t do this, I might never see you become my daughter again..." Xu Tianfeng looked sad and sighed deeply. "Many disciples died during the trials, and Tian'er ultimately died during the trials. You have your trials, and the Sect Master, the elders, and I have our cosmic battles. I might die in battle at any time. I always believed I would be the lucky one, but Tian'er’s death made me realize that no one can guarantee how long their luck will last. Even if I know you won’t let go, even if it’s just on the surface, I would rather use this self-deception to fulfill my long-held wish... If I could bring you back, I would give up ten Tian'ers. One Tian'er to bring back a surface-level forgiveness from you is worth it."

Xu Tianfeng hoped this would have some effect. Hu Baijie said that many people died unexpectedly during the trials, and these experiences would certainly impact anyone participating for the first time. Using this as a trigger would likely touch Chen Zizai’s emotions, and as long as she didn’t reject it out of anger, she would agree!

To persist in her hatred or to choose a wise compromise for Hengyi?

Chen Zizai clenched her teeth, and Xu Bangwang and the clan elders helped by speaking in her favor, seeing this as a heaven-sent opportunity to improve their relationship.

Because they all noticed her hesitation.

Despite this, they couldn’t help but wonder what made Hengyi so special that Chen Zizai cared so much.

"Fine, if you want to see me act, to act as a good daughter, isn’t it just acting? I can do it! I will fulfill your wish and act to make you happy!"

"Deal, you’ve won our contest." Xu Tianfeng breathed a sigh of relief, more nervous than anyone else.

This outcome was surprisingly delightful...

Chen Zizai had nothing to say. Yes, it looked like she had won the contest, as Xu Tianfeng had changed his mind and would certainly agree to recognize Hu Baijie as his daughter without needing to say it.

But she didn’t feel victorious, only humiliated...

Chen Zizai’s agreement both gave the clan elders hope and left them shocked.

Xu Tianfeng bowed and said, "Sect Master, this matter is settled. I have no objections to Xu Zizai’s proposal to reform the peak sect’s atmosphere. I leave it to the Sect Master’s discretion."

The clan elder in charge of the Enforcement Hall couldn’t help but protest, "A mere new disciple, no matter how extraordinary his talent, does not have the strength to wield the Enforcement Sword! Please, Sect Master, consider this—"

Chen Zizai composed herself. This was not a decision made on a whim.

Initially, Hengyi had given her many surprises, and the special feeling came from his unique sense of justice and responsibility, as well as the courage to pursue these ideals.

During the trials, Chen Zizai truly experienced Hengyi’s strong beliefs, which were undoubtedly what she needed as a capable ally. She was determined to do this and would not let the clan elders stand in her way.

"Sect Master, the Enforcement Sword symbolizes the prestige of the peak sect and the authority of the Sect Master. The strength of the wearer is not important; what matters is whether they have the determination and belief to use the Enforcement Sword, and whether this belief is appropriate! No one in the peak star system would dare to oppose whoever wields the Enforcement Sword! What does their strength matter?"

Xu Bangwang actually agreed in his heart, as he had long wanted to reform the peak sect’s atmosphere. People often commented on his personal achievements and strength but said little about his ability to govern the sect.

Initially, Xu Bangwang had compassion for the clan, but it developed into its current state. Simple advocacy failed to elevate the clan to the level of thought he hoped for.

Later, he found it difficult to do anything, knowing that such actions would inevitably lead to a bloody massacre. The peak sect’s atmosphere was not the worst, and many other sects had similar issues, so he let it slide, delaying the matter until now.

Now, with Chen Zizai, the new Sect Master, showing such ambition and determination, it was necessary for her to establish her authority and gain the respect and confidence of others. Xu Bangwang was willing to give her this opportunity.

However, considering the importance of the Enforcement Sword, the decision to grant it to an external disciple was unprecedented. Even if he trusted Chen Zizai’s judgment, he couldn’t make such a hasty decision.

"Zizai, let’s discuss this later. I need to see Hengyi myself."

"Yes! As the saying goes, hearing both sides clarifies the truth, while favoring one side leads to darkness. Sect Master’s decision is wise, and Zizai fully supports it! Zizai believes the Sect Master will be satisfied." Chen Zizai was confident and never thought Xu Bangwang would make a hasty decision based on her words alone. This was not a trivial matter; if the Enforcement Sword was given to the wrong person, it could lead to innocent deaths or even greater disasters.

The matter with Xu Tianfeng’s son was settled.

At this moment, Hengyi was still in the Water Hell.

He had planned to visit the Two Poles Hall elders after completing his training in the Water Hell, but unexpectedly, the elders came to find him before he finished!