Gu Yunyang and Cao Guofeng immediately understood: the real point of contention today likely stemmed from that single remark. While on the surface it wasn't outright cursing, nor did it directly insult Cao Guofeng, the contempt woven within it was obvious and plainly displayed.

And which disciple could possibly keep their composure when someone spoke of their master in such a manner? Anyone who could remain calm would truly be a complete blockhead!

As expected, Jun Moxie’s voice rang out, filled with righteous indignation: “Saint Emperor Cao showed me great favor, rescuing me from the brink of death—a debt of rebirth! Your humble student… your humble student did not forget your teachings, but I truly couldn't hold back at that moment, so I asked Young Master Gu: Among those that Saint Emperor Cao cannot afford to offend, does that list include himself?” Gu Yunyang's face instantly darkened.

Cao Guofeng's already somber expression immediately shifted into a gentle smile as he stroked his beard, feeling immensely gratified, believing all his efforts had truly not been in vain. Both men could vividly imagine the sheer fury Gu Feiyu must have felt upon hearing those words!

This was tantamount to a direct slap to the face—a blatant, naked slap! With Gu Feiyu’s meager cultivation, how could he possibly be someone Cao Guofeng dared not provoke?

“...And then, Young Master Gu seemed intent on instructing me. He drew his Chang Ke and pointed it right at my throat.

Though he never truly pierced me, the tip pressed against my neck... At that moment, it genuinely hurt; I truly thought my neck had been pierced...” Jun Moxie spoke with lingering fear, the terror still vivid in his voice.

Cao Guofeng let out a heavy snort, his face instantly turning ugly. Even though Young Master Jun now stood perfectly unharmed before him, having just faced the deadly peril of a blade at his throat was cause enough for deep worry!

Gu Yunyang’s expression also changed. His own nephew, first resentful of the other's talent, then consumed by petty jealousy, and subsequently insulting the opponent’s master—only to be outwitted, draw his sword in a display of petty bullying, and finally erupt into vulgar curses...

This string of actions was utterly excessive! To call it despicable, shameless, and base would not be an overstatement!

Under those circumstances, even if the other party had suddenly lashed out and struck him dead, given those prior precipitating factors, one could hardly blame them... On the side, Miao Xiaomiao frowned, sensing that what this Mo Junye was recounting felt somewhat incomplete or inaccurate, yet she couldn't pinpoint precisely where the discrepancy lay, as he narrated the events exactly as they unfolded, without any omission...

In truth, there wasn't just an omission; there was a massive erasure. This Young Master Mo Junye had never, from beginning to end, explained what he himself had done or said at the time.

In reality, what Mo Junye had uttered then was the true focal point of the entire conflict, but the cunning youngster had employed a 'Spring and Autumn Annals' style of writing—editing and redacting just enough to make himself appear entirely blameless... Coupled with his current façade of sincere honesty, overlaid with feigned terror from a near-death experience, no one would ever suspect that this outwardly clumsy, honest youth had managed to provoke severe internal injuries in a cultivator of the Third Rank of the Divine Profound realm while being completely on the defensive...

Yet, this one-sided account had achieved a considerable effect: Cao Guofeng grew increasingly enraged, while Gu Yunyang felt increasingly in the wrong, eventually becoming too ashamed to even meet Cao Guofeng's gaze... “I was truly terrified then, genuinely fearing Young Master Gu might kill me with one strike.

But... if I had begged for mercy, the ensuing humiliation would have been even worse.

It might even have tarnished the prestige of Saint Emperor Cao! Though I deeply feared death, implicating the Saint Emperor’s renown would be a sin worthy of a hundred deaths!” At this point, both Gu Yunyang and Cao Guofeng nodded in agreement.

They knew that yielding in that situation... what followed would certainly not be pleasant!

For Cao Guofeng to have treasured and retrieved an Ethereal Body cultivator, only to have him turn out to be a coward obsessed with clinging to life... would undoubtedly become the laughingstock of the entire Phantom Mansion!

That was beyond question! “So, I hardened my heart and pushed things further!

I simply said, ‘Do you dare kill me? If you dare, then kill me!’” Young Master Jun demonstrated the scenario, taking a step forward.

Gu Yunyang sighed heavily, looking at his still unconscious grandson in his arms. His desire for vengeance suddenly waned, replaced by a feeling of helplessness: this youth possessing the Ethereal Body was currently at a crucial, high-profile stage; why did his own kin have to provoke him?

He had willingly trapped himself on a wall with no easy way down... Cao Guofeng pictured Gu Feiyu holding a sword to someone’s throat but utterly unwilling to strike—the sheer awkwardness of it!

His earlier worry transformed into profound satisfaction, and he couldn't help but smile faintly. Kill this Ethereal Body possessor?

Never mind that Gu Feiyu dared not at the time; even the now furious Gu Yunyang would never dare do so now! “I don’t know what Young Master Gu was thinking.

He didn't stab. I was truly afraid then, terrified of implicating Saint Emperor Cao, so I held my ground.

But Young Master Gu also remained motionless. As a result, your humble student and Young Master Gu were locked in a stalemate...

Both of us were caught between a rock and a hard place, unable to advance or retreat...” Jun Moxie adopted an aggrieved expression: “So I thought for a moment and decided to advance further, because I knew if I didn’t, the outcome would be...” “You don’t need to say more! We have a general grasp of what followed!” Gu Yunyang interrupted him, hurrying to cut off the part where his grandson severely insulted Cao Guofeng: “I only ask you one question: How many times did you advance in total?

How many steps? And how many steps did Feiyu retreat?” “That…” Jun Moxie scratched his head sheepishly: “My mind was blank at the time; it was almost entirely reflexive movement.

I honestly can’t recall the exact number now.” Gu Yunyang nodded and turned his gaze toward Miao Xiaomiao. Miao Xiaomiao thought for a moment and stated firmly: “Young Master Mo advanced a total of seventeen times, seventeen steps!

He pushed from that position all the way to this corner. And Young Master Gu...

retreated seventeen consecutive times! Each time, Young Master Gu was furious and clearly wanted to thrust his sword out.

It was on the seventeenth time that you all arrived...” Miao Xiaomiao’s interjection precisely confirmed that everything Jun Moxie had claimed earlier was the truth! And Jun Moxie had deliberately left that gap, waiting for Miao Xiaomiao to elaborate...

thereby making things sound even worse for his opponent! “Seventeen times!

Hiss...” Both Gu Yunyang and Cao Guofeng gasped as if in sharp pain! The way Gu Yunyang looked at Jun Moxie changed again, now filled with vigilance and caution!

This seemingly honest and simple youth had, while facing the blade at his own vital point, pressed forward step-by-step, forcing his opponent back seventeen times, seventeen paces! What did this imply?

Miao Xiaomiao and the others, being young, might not grasp the gravity of the situation, but Gu Yunyang and Cao Guofeng understood perfectly: what kind of suicidal resolve was required to achieve that? Even if he was bluffing, even if it was just reflex, it was still incredibly difficult to execute!

They realized that during those seventeen exchanges, given Gu Feiyu’s strength, he could have easily killed the youth one thousand seven hundred times! This boy had essentially stripped bare, disabled his power, and danced on the edge of a blade, repeatedly breaking through the gates of the Underworld, only to retreat and re-enter, retreat and re-enter...

Cao Guofeng suddenly understood: “Gu Yunyang, you must realize by now—your nephew’s injuries were self-inflicted! In other words, he forced himself into a severe injury!” Gu Yunyang froze for a moment, then silently acknowledged the statement with a nod...

When drawing his Ke in extreme anger, the sword would inevitably be imbued with profound Mystic Energy. But since that energy couldn't be released outwardly, it had to flow back into his own body, causing a backlash!

And according to Miao Xiaomiao’s account, in those seventeen confrontations, Gu Feiyu wanted to kill every single time but forcibly restrained himself! This meant he had suffered seventeen separate backlashes from his own Mystic Qi in a very short span of time!

Add to that the rage, the killing intent, the unwillingness and frustration, and the resulting bizarre injuries were entirely logical... Gu Yunyang fell silent, his face etched with bitterness.

The facts were undeniable; whom could he possibly seek retribution from? No one seemed appropriate!

It was clear that his own nephew had initiated the provocation, insulting and drawing his sword, yet couldn't endure the resulting consequences, leading to the current dire situation. How vile Gu Feiyu's earlier curses had been, they had heard with their own ears...

What else was there to argue? Hold Mo Junye accountable?

He appeared to be the victim... Hold Miao Xiaomiao accountable?

She was even more innocent, seemingly just an observer. But if they held no one accountable, could the matter simply be dropped?

“Gu Yunyang, allow me to speak with some fairness. You should be grateful.

At least your nephew is not dead yet!” Cao Guofeng said grimly: “If he hadn't sustained such severe injuries right now, do you think I wouldn't demand an explanation from you! Is my reputation something a mere brat can slander so casually?

At that time, your precious nephew might not be in such a miserable state, but whether his life would remain intact, I cannot guarantee!” Gu Yunyang was initially angry, but then felt an inexplicable wave of relief. He tentatively asked: “Brother Cao, are you saying you don’t intend to pursue this matter further?” Cao Guofeng snorted: “Your grandson is already in this condition; what more can I pursue?

However, you, Gu Yunyang, owe me an explanation! I have no idea how the younger members of your Gu family gossip about me behind closed doors!

You must provide that explanation!” Gu Yunyang exhaled in relief: “Brother Cao, please calm your anger. I will certainly give you satisfaction.

If any further vile words about you surface from outside circles, you can hold me personally responsible!” Saying this, he raised his head and pondered for a long moment, then sighed deeply and turned to Miao Xiaomiao: “Miss Xiaomiao, what happened today was indeed Feiyu’s fault. I was overly concerned for my beloved grandson just now and offended you.

I offer my sincerest apologies to you here. Should Feiyu fortunately recover in the future, I will certainly place him under strict guard and ensure he never again disturbs your peace.” Miao Xiaomiao quickly returned the gesture: “Grandpa Gu saying that truly makes me feel ashamed.” “It is nothing.” Gu Yunyang managed a strained smile: “It’s just that...

in Feiyu’s current state, if he doesn't receive treatment soon, he might truly be finished for life. Therefore, I wish to ask Miss Xiaomiao for a favor, if you would?” “What favor?” Miao Xiaomiao’s clear eyes flickered with instant, subtle vigilance.

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