Zhan Hongtu’s gaze swept past Huo Leqing, landing briefly behind him. He paused, a slight frown creasing his brow. “Where is our nephew Dongcheng? Why is he not here?”

Huo Leqing stumbled, nearly losing his footing.

Zhan Hongtu’s standing was that of the current Patriarch of the Qianshan Sect, and Huo Dongcheng was merely his grandson.

Yet, Zhan Hongtu referred to the young man as ‘nephew’ with genuine warmth. Calculating the generational difference…

Huo Leqing dared not continue that line of thought. Even with boundless audacity, he had never dared to dream of becoming Zhan Hongtu’s elder.

However, the faces of the disciples from the Qianshan Sect standing behind Zhan Hongtu shifted once more. They looked toward the imposing manor, and in every eye was a flicker of deep reverence.

Naturally, their awe was directed not at the Huo family itself, but at the Patriarch’s bearing toward Huo Dongcheng.

Huo Leqing opened his mouth several times, then turned back to look.

Behind him were only his two sons, Huo Hongsheng and Huo Hongyu. As for Huo Hongxiang, he was still recovering at home, unable to receive guests yet.

Of course, all third-generation disciples aged fifteen and above were present, yet the most crucial figure, Huo Dongcheng, was missing.

A cold sweat immediately broke out on his forehead. He quickly asked, “Dongcheng? Where is he?”

Huo Hongyu stepped forward promptly. “Father, Senior He assigned Dongcheng his daily cultivation duties before he left. Dongcheng is currently cultivating in the rear courtyard. Shall I summon him?”

Although Zhan Hongtu had already decided to accept Huo Hongyu as a disciple, the official ceremony had been postponed to deal with the matter concerning the Haitian Sect. Thus, Huo Hongyu was still staying at the Huo residence awaiting events.

Huo Leqing shot him a furious glance. “Nonsense! Quickly, tell Dongcheng to come out and greet our esteemed guest.”

“Wait a moment.” Zhen Wanqing, who had remained silent until now, raised a hand. A faint, almost imperceptible force flowed outward, halting Huo Hongyu’s advance. No matter how much he struggled, Huo Hongyu could not take another step.

Of course, she had calibrated the strength perfectly, ensuring no harm came to him.

Huo Leqing, being a Xiantian expert himself, immediately sensed the power that caused him such profound apprehension. He hastened to offer a conciliatory smile. “Esteemed one, may I ask who you are…?”

Zhan Hongtu frowned slightly. “Leqing, this is Venerable Zhen Wanqing of the Lingjiu Valley.”

Huo Leqing sucked in a sharp breath through his teeth. Those who achieve the Xiantian realm typically possess considerable courage, but in this moment, Huo Leqing was genuinely terrified.

He couldn't fathom what fortune had befallen them today. Not only had the Venerable Master of the Qianshan Sect personally arrived, but a Venerable from the Lingjiu Valley had shown up as well.

For their small Huo family, this was a matter of extraordinary auspiciousness.

Of course, if these two luminaries had come seeking retribution, this joyous occasion would instantly turn into a disaster.

His heart pounding with anxiety, he bowed deeply. “This junior, Huo Leqing, pays respects to Venerable Zhen.”

Zhen Wanqing waved a dismissive hand. Against ordinary Xiantian experts, she wouldn't even bother offering a polite smile. But facing Huo Dongcheng’s family, she was beaming, pleasant, and almost conversational, as if chatting about domestic trivialities.

“Patriarch Huo, since nephew Dongcheng is engaged in his cultivation practice, let us not disturb him,” Zhen Wanqing said softly. “Why don’t we go inside and sit? We can meet him once his practice is complete.”

Huo Leqing responded in a daze, respectfully ushering them in. Only after everyone had been properly settled did the full scope of the situation dawn upon him.

Looking at the two Venerables and the array of experts from the Qianshan Sect in his main hall, he felt as if he were adrift in a dream.

These were figures he would normally find nearly impossible to meet even once, and now they were all seated in his front hall. More incredibly, they were waiting for Dongcheng to finish his training.

What immense prestige, what unparalleled honor.

Setting aside other considerations, Huo Leqing was certain of one thing: from this day forward, all the repercussions caused by driving out the Dong family would vanish completely.

Within the entire Qianshan Sect, no one would dare openly or covertly cause trouble for them again.

Furthermore, the Huo family’s influence would increase exponentially. As long as their requests weren't excessively outrageous, few people in Qianshan City would dare refuse them face.

Carefully accompanying the guests, Zhan Hongtu and Zhen Wanqing behaved like two affectionate elders, showing undisguised concern as they inquired about the well-being of the younger generation.

Everyone in the Huo household, including Huo Leqing, was utterly perplexed by their demeanor. Many began to suspect that perhaps someone in the Huo family was a secret, illegitimate child of one of these Venerables.

A full hour passed, and the Huo family members were sitting on pins and needles. Several times they contemplated calling the unknowing Huo Dongcheng, but each time they hinted at the idea, they were immediately rebuked by the two Venerables.

Though they meekly obeyed the order, the anxiety of keeping so many powerful individuals waiting was immeasurable.

Zhan Hongtu stroked his long beard and suddenly addressed the air. “Hongyu, I mentioned previously that I wished to take you as my final disciple. What are your thoughts?”

Huo Hongyu immediately stepped out, knelt heavily before him, and kowtowed several times, his face a mixture of shock and elation. “This disciple is willing!”

Even among the assembled Qianshan Sect experts, many watched with expressions of envy.

Not everyone present was a direct disciple of Zhan Hongtu. They all knew that once accepted into his personal tutelage, one’s status within the Qianshan Sect would immediately become incomparable.

Zhan Hongtu laughed heartily, extending a hand to pull him up. He examined Huo Hongyu closely. “Your dual internal energies of Fire and Earth have both reached the peak of the tenth layer. From this moment forward, your master will impart a cultivation mantra to you. In six months, I will personally lend you my strength to help you ascend to Xiantian.”

The Huo family members were overjoyed beyond measure. Given Zhan Hongtu’s status, a public promise made before so many witnesses was an established fact, something he would never retract.

The thought of having a second Xiantian expert in the family—even though they already knew they wouldn't need to compete in the Thousand Island Assembly for the hundred available slots—made them incredibly excited.

Suddenly, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed from outside the hall as two figures approached together.

The one in the lead, in his forties, had a rather pale complexion, suggesting a recent severe illness. The one following him carried an air of heroic spirit. Though his cultivation was low and went unnoticed by the crowd, his eyes shimmered with powerful self-confidence.

Zhan Hongtu chuckled loudly. “Nephew Dongcheng, your Water element technique has reached the peak of the fourth layer and could advance to the fifth at any time. A most joyous occasion!”

Huo Dongcheng bowed deeply. “Thank you, Senior, for your praise.”

A strange, profound feeling welled up in the hearts of the others.

For a Venerable of Zhan Hongtu’s stature to compliment a junior whose internal energy was only at the fourth layer—this situation was surely unique.

Zhen Wanqing’s gaze lingered on Huo Dongcheng as well. She nodded with a smile. “Indeed, exceptionally gifted. You were hidden away before.”

Zhang Hetai and Huo Leqing flushed crimson. They had previously assumed Huo Dongcheng’s talent was mediocre, that he wouldn't advance far on the martial path. But seeing the attitude of these Venerables now, they realized they had been profoundly mistaken and felt immeasurable gratitude toward He Yiming.

If Mr. He had not visited their home, how could this genius ever have been discovered?

Huo Dongcheng, though unaware of the identity of the distinguished lady, also offered a formal greeting.

Huo Hongxiang suddenly let out a few gentle coughs. Although he tried to suppress it, he could not entirely conceal it.

Huo Dongcheng quickly turned around. “Father, your health has not fully recovered; you should return inside.”

Zhen Wanqing stood up and swiftly reached out, placing her hand over Huo Hongxiang’s pulse point. A moment later, she smiled. “Your father suffered a severe internal injury some time ago. Fortunately, treatment was timely, and he took a sacred healing elixir, so there is no lasting harm. However, a complete recovery will require some time. I happen to have a bottle of elixir from Lingjiu Valley here that will greatly benefit his recovery. Please accept it.”

She tossed a bottle of medicine over. Huo Dongcheng caught it and, after only a moment’s hesitation, bowed in sincere thanks.

Since this elixir would aid his father’s recovery, he felt he must accept the gesture, no matter what.

Zhen Wanqing’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Nephew Dongcheng, upon whose hands did your father suffer this injury?”

Her tone was light, yet it contained an unmistakable thread of killing intent, as if she were ready to exact revenge the moment Huo Dongcheng named the perpetrator.

The atmosphere in the hall instantly grew heavy. Even Zhan Hongtu felt extremely awkward, and the last vestiges of guilt he felt over the demise of the Dong family members completely evaporated.

Huo Dongcheng offered a wry smile. “Thank you for your concern, Venerable One. The one who injured my father has already met his just end and can no longer cause trouble.”

Zhen Wanqing finally seemed appeased. She nodded slightly, then suddenly stated, “This is the first time I have met nephew Dongcheng, and I arrived in haste without a proper gift. Should you have the leisure in the future, perhaps visit my Lingjiu Valley. I will personally ensure that I gift you a Lingjiu.”

The assembly erupted in murmurs. The gazes fixed upon Huo Dongcheng were filled with envy.

A Lingjiu—that was a genuine spirit beast. Once they reached five hundred years of age, they were equivalent to a Xiantian expert. More importantly, Lingjiu were flying spirit beasts; possessing one meant the ability to soar across the heavens—a truly enviable prospect.

Zhan Hongtu’s eyes also betrayed unconcealed envy. Not only he, but even the former Haitian Sect had repeatedly requested a Lingjiu from Lingjiu Valley over the years.

Yet, the Valley had refused to part with even one. Now, upon this first meeting, Zhen Wanqing made such a promise.

It became clear that in her estimation, the entire Qianshan Sect held far less value than Huo Dongcheng.

However, upon recalling the might of He Yiming, Ba Lingba, Chu Haozhou, and the others, Zhan Hongtu’s mind settled. That collective force was capable of annihilating the entire Penglai Immortal Island. If one had to sacrifice a single Lingjiu to secure the safety of the entire Lingjiu Valley, any rational person would make the correct choice.

Sighing softly, Zhan Hongtu continued, “Nephew Dongcheng, your Master has already arrived on the island and will be here shortly. You should prepare yourself for the formal apprenticeship.”

Only then did the others grasp the reason for the sudden, extravagant generosity of the two Venerables.

At that moment, everyone began to speculate: what manner of person could possibly command such deference from both of them?