"My acquaintance with your father was so deep that I know certain things about him. It wasn't just about dealing with the Xue Clan, the royal family of the Eight-Tailed Sky Foxes you belong to; over the years, he campaigned everywhere, extinguishing countless pawns from hidden sects. His enemies are everywhere, just waiting for Brother Weiran to step into the Heavenly Martial Ancestor realm. The urgency in my own pursuit of a breakthrough is also to lend him a hand. Regrettably, I failed at the critical moment—"

Every word Xuanyuan Tong spoke was accompanied by raising his cup, forcing Zong Shou to drink along with him.

Within the entire Iron Gang Hall, a profound silence reigned, all listening to the Lord of Black Mountain City reveal these closely guarded secrets. Only Fang Shu remained impassive, his expression mild; as a direct disciple of the Danquan Sect, he had clearly heard much of this before.

"But I also went to great lengths to inquire about the results of that major battle half a year ago. Thus, I know that although Brother Weiran suffered grave injuries and was forced into the Sinking Cloud Sea by a joint effort of several Heavenly Martial Ancestor masters, none of them could definitively confirm his life or death. Naturally, none can prove he is still alive. The true situation will only be known when I break through to the Heavenly level and personally venture into that Sinking Cloud Sea to investigate the reality. Don't blame me for not assisting you until now. Regarding the matter of Mount Qiantian, it is best I do not interfere. If I were to help you now, not only would Black Mountain City face ruin, but it would also invite a deadly calamity upon you."

At this point, Xuanyuan Tong's gaze suddenly sharpened, his eyes like the blade of a sword, piercing Zong Shou: "So, Young Lord, you should understand that in Xuanyuan Tong's circle, there is no such thing as abandonment when trouble comes! I don't care what others think, but I do not wish the Young Lord to misunderstand me!"

These words resonated with thunderous force, echoing throughout the hall. Zong Shou’s expression remained unchanged, perfectly composed. Xuanyuan Tong showed a flicker of surprise, but then, seeing that Zong Shou had to match him drink for drink, he chuckled again: "Young Lord, no need for such formality. I must drink this medicinal wine to suppress issues related to a flaw in my cultivation technique. You can drink freely—"

Zong Shou silently cursed under his breath—why didn't you say that sooner? A slight dizziness was already creeping in, his head swimming. Without hesitation, he immediately activated his vital energy, attempting to expel the medicinal liquor from his body.

However, the moment Zong Shou mobilized the World-Shaking True Essence, his expression abruptly changed. As the spiraling vital energy first made contact, it intensified the coercion; instantly, a surge of flame erupted—the wine fueling the fire, magnifying the force immensely. Even the other half of his Water-attribute true power could not suppress it. Then, a crackle of lightning exploded, making the situation even more chaotic and irreconcilable.

If it were only this, he could still manage. But immediately after, various parts of his body inexplicably began to show signs of instability. The human bloodline, not yet fully awakened, started to stir restlessly, showing a tendency to overwhelm the Sky Fox blood within him.

Fortunately, his physical body was immensely robust at this moment. He hastily retracted his World-Shaking True Essence, allowing the power of the wine to dissipate naturally. Instinctively, he spun his Water and Fire true energies at high speed to generate a centrifugal repulsive force, finally managing a precarious stabilization. He felt utterly bewildered, never imagining that this technique of his possessed such a hidden flaw.

He couldn't tell how this wine was brewed; it wasn't a first-grade immortal brew, yet its potency was greater. In just this brief moment, its effects were gradually taking hold. Not only was his mind growing hazy, but even the clarity of his nascent soul felt clouded.

Xuanyuan Tong noticed nothing, his expression turning somber: "I, Xuanyuan Tong, would spare no cost for Brother Weiran, would do anything! I can even sacrifice my life, but I cannot repay Brother Weiran with the entire life of Yi'ren. This parental devotion, Young Lord, do you understand?"

Lin Shina and the others present were instantly delighted by this. Zong Shou also smiled secretly. If Xuanyuan Tong wasn't lying, he was quite a decent person—loyal to his brothers, benevolent to his children. Zong Shou genuinely appreciated those qualities.

However, the events of today could not be conceded in the slightest. After a brief reflection, Zong Shou’s expression turned cold: "Uncle, by telling me all this, do you mean you are determined to break off the engagement in violation of your promise?"

Xuanyuan Tong looked slightly disappointed and gave a self-deprecating laugh: "I was perhaps hoping too much. If the Young Lord were a few years older, had children of his own, and became a father, perhaps then you could understand. But whether this marriage is broken off or not, I have not yet made a firm decision."

He glanced at Zong Shou again: "The one behind you, is that not Hu Qianqiu’s son? Earth Meridian Six Veins, truly excellent. With him by your side, I presume Old Brother Hu has made up his mind. If so, the position of Demon King of Mount Qiantian is likely within your grasp? But do you know that the more this is the case, the more worried I become? And do you know that a few months ago, I allowed Yi'ren to seek you out? It was with the intention that she might persuade you to leave Cloud Continent and flee to safety? Since you left, why did you have to return—"

Xuan Yuan Yiren was immediately moved, looking at Xuanyuan Tong in astonishment, clearly surprised by his words.

Zong Shou had anticipated something like this but offered no reply, quietly waiting for the other to continue.

But before Xuanyuan Tong could speak, Lin Shina suddenly began shedding tears, seemingly suppressing deep sorrow: "My Lord, I don't care if you uphold the bond of brotherhood. Weiran bestowed a great kindness upon our family through his sacrifice. If you must risk your life, I have no complaints; that is as it should be. But what about our daughter? If the Flaw in the Profound Moon Blazing Wood Art truly exists, or if the Young Lord meets with any mishap, how will she live in the future?"

Zong Shou was momentarily stunned, secretly admiring her skill. Tears came on command, without the slightest abruptness or unnaturalness. Yet, judging by her words, her love for Xuan Yuan Yiren was indeed profound.

The next to speak was Tan Tao, whose brow was slightly furrowed: "City Mistress, what you say is somewhat inappropriate! Mount Qiantian is dangerous but inherently safe; conversely, Black Mountain City harbors lurking enemies. In the future, we will rely heavily on Mount Qiantian; our survival rests entirely upon the thoughts of another. The City Lord’s decades of upright reputation must not be tarnished. This marriage cannot be broken! Furthermore, with the support of Hu Qianqiu, the Young Lord's position as Demon King of Mount Qiantian is almost certain. Those hidden sects likely won't cause further trouble. Mistress truly has no need to worry—"

Zong Shou couldn't help but be secretly surprised, glancing at the man. This fellow was indeed formidable; those words were brilliantly crafted. What a superb tactic of goading, what an excellent move of retreating to advance! But this man, knowing the situation, still spoke those words. Could he genuinely possess some means to turn Black Mountain City's peril into safety? And what exactly was he thinking? Looking at Xuanyuan Tong’s complexion, it indeed shifted between ashen and pale, constantly fluctuating.

Luo Yan at this moment seemed unable to listen further, letting out an angry snort: "What nonsense is this? Fifteen years ago, Black Mountain City had barely one hundred thousand soldiers and only eight hundred miles of territory, yet we could still hold our ground in Tianlan Province. Now we command ten thousand miles of land, have strong cities as bases, and vassal cities—we could raise a million troops! How is it we are now so timid? City Lord! I don't care about the politics; I watched Miss Yiren grow up. Luo Yan will never allow her to marry a useless scumbag!"

Zong Shou’s lips twitched slightly; another label—'scumbag'—was being added above his head! But at this moment, he had no energy to dwell on it. He only felt the wine's effects surging more fiercely inside him, his mind growing fuzzier, yet he dared not try to expel it.

Xuanyuan Tong frowned deeply, then sighed softly after a long pause: "Yi'ren, you leave first!"

Xuan Yuan Yiren looked up in shock, opening her mouth to speak. But seeing Xuanyuan Tong's expression now utterly stern, without any room for her objection, he spoke again, "Leave!"

Xuan Yuan Yiren’s heart sank immediately. After a moment of hesitation, she rose and walked out of the hall. As she left, she cast a worried glance back at Zong Shou and the others, noticing that Zong Shou’s face was flushed deeply red. A faint strangeness crossed her mind, but she had no time to dwell on it. When they parted three months ago, Zong Shou had promised her he would handle this matter properly. With his eloquence and methods, he would surely be able to make Xuanyuan Tong change his mind.

Once Xuan Yuan Yiren had left the grand hall and the doors closed again, Xuanyuan Tong refilled the wine bottle before him, his tone suddenly placid: "Actually, this matter should have been settled long ago. When the Young Lord first arrived, I was still hesitant, but now that I have met you, I have made my decision. Regarding Yi'ren’s marriage to you, I ask that the Young Lord relinquish it."

Zong Shou's mind was too muddled to form coherent thoughts. The torrent of eloquent arguments he had prepared, full of self-assurance, had vanished completely. He stared blankly for a long time, finding nothing, and could only shake his head: "No!"

Xuanyuan Tong’s brows furrowed slightly: "Then what will it take for the Young Lord to give up? I am at fault in this matter. Whatever request you have—wealth, soldiers—if it is within my power, I will exert every effort to accomplish it for you! If your mind is truly set, I will also do my utmost to help you ascend to the throne of the Demon King of Mount Qiantian."

Zong Shou thought for another long while before speaking again: "City Lord Xuanyuan, Yi'ren seems to be your only daughter, correct?"

Everyone in the hall was momentarily stunned, not grasping his meaning, until Zong Shou chuckled: "If I marry Yi'ren, won't Black Mountain City belong to me in the future? In any case, I am determined to marry Yi'ren! I like this bride!"

At this moment, even the few people behind Zong Shou stared agape. Hu Zhongyuan, after his initial shock, immediately displayed admiration. As expected of the Young Lord! Truly admirable.

Fang Shu, upon hearing this, let out a derisive snort: "I have never seen such a shameless person as you! Even brought to this point, you remain so brazenly thick-skinned. Calling you scum was not wrong at all!"

Lin Shina’s face was equally livid with anger. Luo Yan clenched his fists so tightly that his knuckles cracked audibly, seemingly wishing he could crush Zong Shou to pieces. Forcing down his rage, he sneered: "My Miss Yiren possesses heavenly talent! At just twelve years old, she was selected as a direct disciple by the Danquan Sect. Her alchemy skills are heralded as unparalleled among her peers. What virtue or capability do you possess to deem yourself worthy of her? And what ability do you have to guarantee her safety for her entire life? The City Lord asking you is giving you face. We in Black Mountain City are going back on this engagement today—what can you do to us? Believe it or not, I can wipe you out right here!"

"Stop—!!"

Xuanyuan Tong roared heavily, silencing Luo Yan, but then his voice turned icy: "My subordinate’s words were coarse, but one thing he said is true. I am forcibly withdrawing this engagement today. What can you do to me, Xuanyuan Tong?"

"Can I do this to you?"

Zong Shou was momentarily startled, then murmured softly, his eyes flickering. Inexplicably, fragments of long-sealed memories surged before his eyes. Suddenly, an uncontrollable rage erupted in his chest, and the long-forgotten indignation and resentment boiled up in his mind. Without much thought, Zong Shou drew his weapon, his eyes widening, his pupils flashing crimson: "You want to break the engagement? Then I'll beat you!"