"Welcome to my humble abode, Lord Warden Commander. Your presence brings honor to my household," the Xia Family Head said with a smile, appearing like an ordinary tycoon with nothing particularly noteworthy about him.
The Lord Warden Commander replied casually, "If the great Xia Family is considered a humble abode, then it's hard to find a decent manor in the Great Liang Dynasty."
The Xia Family Head waved his hand with a smile, "It's merely the legacy of our ancestors. It's already fortunate enough that we, these unfilial descendants, can preserve our ancestral property."
Oscars Snapshot: Celine Song Reflects on Oscars Nomination & Fan Reaction to 'Past Lives' | THR Video
The Lord Warden Commander remained silent, taking a sip of tea and surveying his surroundings. He lamented, "Your place is indeed much better than my Warden's Office."
As the world knew, the Lord Warden Commander did not have his own manor, the Warden's Office served as his residence.
The Xia Family Head smiled and replied, "Lord Warden Commander is a pillar of the country. How could I compare?"
The Lord Warden Commander smiled back, "The Xia Family's influence and business is vast, I'm afraid that the shadow of the Xia Family lurks everywhere in the entire Great Liang Dynasty. Family Head is too modest."
Hearing this, the Xia Family Head frowned slightly, but did not let his feelings show. He sensed something unusual about the sudden visit of the Lord Warden Commander, but at this moment, he could not quite grasp why this usually reclusive Lord Warden Commander had come here. Moreover, were there not rumors that the Lord Warden Commander was not even in the Divine Capital right now?
"I presume Lord Warden Commander's visit today is not just a normal drop-in, is it?"
Once such figures appear, they would have to open their main gate to welcome them. If it were merely a social call, it would be quite a joke indeed.
Moreover, it was widely understood in the officialdom that figures like the Lord Warden Commander did not make casual visits.
The Lord Warden Commander nodded and said, "With His Majesty absent from the Divine Capital, there seems to be some wind and rain."
Previously, the Great Liang Emperor only said that he was entering closed-seclusion, but with the report coming from the Northern Frontier, everyone now knew that the Great Liang Emperor was not in the Divine Capital.
However, the sudden mention of this by the Lord Warden Commander left the Xia Family Head unsure of how to respond. After some thought, he replied, "With His Majesty absent, the Divine Capital will likely have to rely on the Lord Warden Commander."
The Lord Warden Commander smiled and said, "Speaking of which, being the Lord Warden Commander isn't a cushy job. The Great Liang Dynasty is full of spies, and even more so in the Divine Capital. This official has been physically and mentally burnt out."
The Xia Family Head's heart trembled slightly, but he still had a look of composure, saying, "Throughout the ages, such matters have always been difficult to eradicate in every dynasty. Lord Warden Commander need not worry too much."
The Lord Warden Commander acknowledged with a grunt, then asked, "If, in your view, one clearly identifies a spy, but apprehending them would cause significant impact, should this official proceed with the arrest or not?"
The Xia Family Head's expression changed slightly and he did not respond immediately.
Without waiting for a reply, the Lord Warden Commander quickly said, "A family legacy of a thousand years, it hasn't been easy."
The moment this sentence was said, even a fool would understand what the Lord Warden Commander was implying.
The Xia Family Head said solemnly, "Is the Lord Warden Commander suggesting that someone from my Xia Family is colluding with the foreign lands? Do you have proof? If it is true, I'll definitely cooperate with the Lord Warden Commander and not tolerate any cover-up."
The Lord Warden Commander looked at the Xia Family Head and said softly, "Family Head is indeed devoted to the nation."
The Xia Family Head stared at the Lord Warden Commander. He was clearly already very nervous.
Little did he know, the following words from the Lord Warden Commander would be like a bolt from the blue.
"If the spy within the Xia Family is you, Family Head, can we then say that the entire Xia Family are spies?"
The last few words from the Lord Warden Commander were not loud, but uttered extremely slowly.
The Xia Family Head instantly erupted in anger, "Ning Ping, how dare you make such baseless accusations?!"
He addressed the Lord Warden Commander directly by his full name, it was evident that the Xia Family Head was truly beyond furious!
But, the Lord Warden Commander remained unfazed, simply tapping his finger lightly on the table as he slowly said, "This official is the Lord Warden Commander of the Great Liang Dynasty. Do you think this official would utter such words lightly?"
He looked at the Xia Family Head and said with a cold smile, "Do you think, without solid evidence, this official would set foot in your Xia Family's private estate?"
Seeing the Lord Warden Commander's demeanor, the Xia Family Head quickly calmed down. He began to understand some things. If the Lord Warden Commander was aware of the relationship between the Xia Family and the foreign lands, then he should have reported to the Great Liang Emperor first. But now that the Great Liang Emperor was absent and the Lord Warden Commander appeared here, there was likely another agenda behind it.
Was he trying to use this as blackmail and fleece some benefits from the Xia Family?
The Xia Family Head pondered over many possibilities and quickly asked, "What exactly does the Lord Warden Commander want to say?"
In such situations, the party that did not propose conditions often had significant room for maneuvering. Seeing the attitude of the Xia Family Head, the Lord Warden Commander suddenly smiled, his voice turning somewhat harsh, "Xia Chan, do you think this official is here expecting to get some benefits out of you?"
The Xia Family Head frowned, becoming increasingly puzzled.
"Haven't there always been some foreign cultivators waiting in your Xia Family to assassinate His Majesty?"
This sentence gave the final verdict!
The Xia Family Head no longer hesitated. He grabbed the teacup on the table and slammed it down fiercely!
The teacup shattered into pieces, and then several auras appeared all around.
The Lord Warden Commander remained unmoved, sitting as steady as Mt. Tai. This martial artist who was ranked top three in the Great Liang Dynasty simply looked at the Xia Family Head and said calmly, "Xia Chan, do you really want to drag the entire Xia Family into an endless abyss?"
The Xia Family Head replied indifferently, "With things as they are, what else can I do? I don't believe how extraordinary you, a so-called martial artist, can be. Can you really single-handedly crush my entire Xia Family?"
The Xia Family had a deep foundation in the Great Liang Dynasty and countless experts serving as retainers, he did not believe that a Nepenthe martial artist could trample them at his whim.
The Lord Warden Commander remained silent, just looking at the Xia Family Head and saying softly, "It seems that you've all forgotten what happened over a decade ago."
At the mention of events from over a decade ago, the Xia Family Head was suddenly startled. That was the incident when the Great Liang Emperor entered the Divine Capital. At that time, many in the Divine Capital were unwilling to accept the news of this Great Liang Emperor about to become the new emperor, so the retainers of several families joined forces to try to kill him.
And at that time, there were not many people by the side of the Great Liang Emperor, but there was this Lord Warden Commander.
The Lord Warden Commander slowly stood up, and a surge of blood vitality suddenly erupted. Everyone in the entire hall could feel the immense pressure. This was the aura belonging to that of a peerless martial artist. The Great Liang Emperor had already proven how terrifying a martial artist who reached the end of Nepenthe could be in the desolate north, as well as in Xuanling Commandery.
What about now?
What about this martial artist who had also reached the end of Nepenthe?
Would he be a second Great Liang Emperor?
This was the question that the entire Xia Family had to face.
……
……
After a moment, wailing suddenly came from the Xia Family's reception hall.
When the Xia Family's members hurried to the scene, all they saw were bodies scattered on the ground.
Countless Xia Family retainers were currently lying all over the ground.
The reception hall was now in ruins, resembling little more than a heap of rubble.
Standing amidst the wreckage were only two figures: the composed Lord Warden Commander and the blood-soaked Xia Family Head.
As someone who had attained such a high position as the Xia Family Head, he was naturally not someone who knew nothing. In other words, he was even a decent cultivator. However, no matter how skilled a cultivator he might be, in front of a martial artist like the Lord Warden Commander, there was no way to resist.
In the past, the Xia Family's members might have regarded the Lord Warden Commander with some respect. But now, all they felt was anger.
After all, the Xia Family opened their main entrance to welcome him, but he destroyed their great hall and even severely injured the Xia Family Head.
Was such a guest still considered a guest?
However, the Lord Warden Commander paid no attention to their thoughts. The Xia Family's true powerhouses had yet to emerge at this moment, but he was not worried. He calmly walked out of the wreckage and headed towards the innermost part of the Xia Family.
Along this path, many more would likely die.
But at this moment, before they could dwell on their thoughts, a commotion erupted from the direction of the Xia Family's main entrance.
The sounds of fighting had begun.
Many family members who were unaware of the secrets at play looked at each other in confusion, not understanding what was happening.
Why would anyone dare to barge into the Xia Family's private estate in the Divine Capital? And why would there be a large group of cultivators forcefully their way into the Xia Family at this moment?
Was this still the Divine Capital?
The Lord Warden Commander took a few steps forward, then suddenly turned back, looking at the Xia Family Head with undisguised disgust in his eyes, "Being a traitor means death."
With these words, the Lord Warden Commander said no more, simply walking in front silently.
……
……
Although the courtyard was secluded, it was still within the Xia Family's territory. The commotion outside quickly alarmed the cultivators who were currently in the small courtyard.
Hearing the noise, that Junior Brother Liang was the first to rush out of the courtyard. But the next moment, he was sent flying back uncontrollably.
Several cultivators quickly turned their gaze over.
A figure appeared here.
It was precisely that Great Liang's Lord Warden Commander.
At a glance, even these cultivators who had a wide range of experience, could not help but suck in a cold breath of air.
The arrival's blood vitality was like an abyss; almost tangible. With such powerful blood vitality, one could hardly find a cultivator like this in the entire foreign lands.
This was undoubtedly a martial artist!
A peerless martial artist.
How many of such martial artists could there be in the entire Great Liang Dynasty?
"Go and fetch Martial Uncle."
Someone made a quick decision. Faced with this Nepenthe martial artist, they were no match for him..
Moreover, the other party came in a menacing manner, it was clearly not for friendly reasons.
The Lord Warden Commander stood quietly in place, saying nothing.
He just looked at the sky.
A sword light appeared in the distance.
"Welcome to my humble abode, Lord Warden Commander. Your presence brings honor to my household," the Xia Family Head said with a smile, appearing like an ordinary tycoon with nothing particularly noteworthy about him.
The Lord Warden Commander replied casually, "If the great Xia Family is considered a humble abode, then it's hard to find a decent manor in the Great Liang Dynasty."
The Xia Family Head waved his hand with a smile, "It's merely the legacy of our ancestors. It's already fortunate enough that we, these unfilial descendants, can preserve our ancestral property."
Oscars Snapshot: Celine Song Reflects on Oscars Nomination & Fan Reaction to 'Past Lives' | THR Video
The Lord Warden Commander remained silent, taking a sip of tea and surveying his surroundings. He lamented, "Your place is indeed much better than my Warden's Office."
As the world knew, the Lord Warden Commander did not have his own manor, the Warden's Office served as his residence.
The Xia Family Head smiled and replied, "Lord Warden Commander is a pillar of the country. How could I compare?"
The Lord Warden Commander smiled back, "The Xia Family's influence and business is vast, I'm afraid that the shadow of the Xia Family lurks everywhere in the entire Great Liang Dynasty. Family Head is too modest."
Hearing this, the Xia Family Head frowned slightly, but did not let his feelings show. He sensed something unusual about the sudden visit of the Lord Warden Commander, but at this moment, he could not quite grasp why this usually reclusive Lord Warden Commander had come here. Moreover, were there not rumors that the Lord Warden Commander was not even in the Divine Capital right now?
"I presume Lord Warden Commander's visit today is not just a normal drop-in, is it?"
Once such figures appear, they would have to open their main gate to welcome them. If it were merely a social call, it would be quite a joke indeed.
Moreover, it was widely understood in the officialdom that figures like the Lord Warden Commander did not make casual visits.
The Lord Warden Commander nodded and said, "With His Majesty absent from the Divine Capital, there seems to be some wind and rain."
Previously, the Great Liang Emperor only said that he was entering closed-seclusion, but with the report coming from the Northern Frontier, everyone now knew that the Great Liang Emperor was not in the Divine Capital.
However, the sudden mention of this by the Lord Warden Commander left the Xia Family Head unsure of how to respond. After some thought, he replied, "With His Majesty absent, the Divine Capital will likely have to rely on the Lord Warden Commander."
The Lord Warden Commander smiled and said, "Speaking of which, being the Lord Warden Commander isn't a cushy job. The Great Liang Dynasty is full of spies, and even more so in the Divine Capital. This official has been physically and mentally burnt out."
The Xia Family Head's heart trembled slightly, but he still had a look of composure, saying, "Throughout the ages, such matters have always been difficult to eradicate in every dynasty. Lord Warden Commander need not worry too much."
The Lord Warden Commander acknowledged with a grunt, then asked, "If, in your view, one clearly identifies a spy, but apprehending them would cause significant impact, should this official proceed with the arrest or not?"
The Xia Family Head's expression changed slightly and he did not respond immediately.
Without waiting for a reply, the Lord Warden Commander quickly said, "A family legacy of a thousand years, it hasn't been easy."
The moment this sentence was said, even a fool would understand what the Lord Warden Commander was implying.
The Xia Family Head said solemnly, "Is the Lord Warden Commander suggesting that someone from my Xia Family is colluding with the foreign lands? Do you have proof? If it is true, I'll definitely cooperate with the Lord Warden Commander and not tolerate any cover-up."
The Lord Warden Commander looked at the Xia Family Head and said softly, "Family Head is indeed devoted to the nation."
The Xia Family Head stared at the Lord Warden Commander. He was clearly already very nervous.
Little did he know, the following words from the Lord Warden Commander would be like a bolt from the blue.
"If the spy within the Xia Family is you, Family Head, can we then say that the entire Xia Family are spies?"
The last few words from the Lord Warden Commander were not loud, but uttered extremely slowly.
The Xia Family Head instantly erupted in anger, "Ning Ping, how dare you make such baseless accusations?!"
He addressed the Lord Warden Commander directly by his full name, it was evident that the Xia Family Head was truly beyond furious!
But, the Lord Warden Commander remained unfazed, simply tapping his finger lightly on the table as he slowly said, "This official is the Lord Warden Commander of the Great Liang Dynasty. Do you think this official would utter such words lightly?"
He looked at the Xia Family Head and said with a cold smile, "Do you think, without solid evidence, this official would set foot in your Xia Family's private estate?"
Seeing the Lord Warden Commander's demeanor, the Xia Family Head quickly calmed down. He began to understand some things. If the Lord Warden Commander was aware of the relationship between the Xia Family and the foreign lands, then he should have reported to the Great Liang Emperor first. But now that the Great Liang Emperor was absent and the Lord Warden Commander appeared here, there was likely another agenda behind it.
Was he trying to use this as blackmail and fleece some benefits from the Xia Family?
The Xia Family Head pondered over many possibilities and quickly asked, "What exactly does the Lord Warden Commander want to say?"
In such situations, the party that did not propose conditions often had significant room for maneuvering. Seeing the attitude of the Xia Family Head, the Lord Warden Commander suddenly smiled, his voice turning somewhat harsh, "Xia Chan, do you think this official is here expecting to get some benefits out of you?"
The Xia Family Head frowned, becoming increasingly puzzled.
"Haven't there always been some foreign cultivators waiting in your Xia Family to assassinate His Majesty?"
This sentence gave the final verdict!
The Xia Family Head no longer hesitated. He grabbed the teacup on the table and slammed it down fiercely!
The teacup shattered into pieces, and then several auras appeared all around.
The Lord Warden Commander remained unmoved, sitting as steady as Mt. Tai. This martial artist who was ranked top three in the Great Liang Dynasty simply looked at the Xia Family Head and said calmly, "Xia Chan, do you really want to drag the entire Xia Family into an endless abyss?"
The Xia Family Head replied indifferently, "With things as they are, what else can I do? I don't believe how extraordinary you, a so-called martial artist, can be. Can you really single-handedly crush my entire Xia Family?"
The Xia Family had a deep foundation in the Great Liang Dynasty and countless experts serving as retainers, he did not believe that a Nepenthe martial artist could trample them at his whim.
The Lord Warden Commander remained silent, just looking at the Xia Family Head and saying softly, "It seems that you've all forgotten what happened over a decade ago."
At the mention of events from over a decade ago, the Xia Family Head was suddenly startled. That was the incident when the Great Liang Emperor entered the Divine Capital. At that time, many in the Divine Capital were unwilling to accept the news of this Great Liang Emperor about to become the new emperor, so the retainers of several families joined forces to try to kill him.
And at that time, there were not many people by the side of the Great Liang Emperor, but there was this Lord Warden Commander.
The Lord Warden Commander slowly stood up, and a surge of blood vitality suddenly erupted. Everyone in the entire hall could feel the immense pressure. This was the aura belonging to that of a peerless martial artist. The Great Liang Emperor had already proven how terrifying a martial artist who reached the end of Nepenthe could be in the desolate north, as well as in Xuanling Commandery.
What about now?
What about this martial artist who had also reached the end of Nepenthe?
Would he be a second Great Liang Emperor?
This was the question that the entire Xia Family had to face.
……
……
After a moment, wailing suddenly came from the Xia Family's reception hall.
When the Xia Family's members hurried to the scene, all they saw were bodies scattered on the ground.
Countless Xia Family retainers were currently lying all over the ground.
The reception hall was now in ruins, resembling little more than a heap of rubble.
Standing amidst the wreckage were only two figures: the composed Lord Warden Commander and the blood-soaked Xia Family Head.
As someone who had attained such a high position as the Xia Family Head, he was naturally not someone who knew nothing. In other words, he was even a decent cultivator. However, no matter how skilled a cultivator he might be, in front of a martial artist like the Lord Warden Commander, there was no way to resist.
In the past, the Xia Family's members might have regarded the Lord Warden Commander with some respect. But now, all they felt was anger.
After all, the Xia Family opened their main entrance to welcome him, but he destroyed their great hall and even severely injured the Xia Family Head.
Was such a guest still considered a guest?
However, the Lord Warden Commander paid no attention to their thoughts. The Xia Family's true powerhouses had yet to emerge at this moment, but he was not worried. He calmly walked out of the wreckage and headed towards the innermost part of the Xia Family.
Along this path, many more would likely die.
But at this moment, before they could dwell on their thoughts, a commotion erupted from the direction of the Xia Family's main entrance.
The sounds of fighting had begun.
Many family members who were unaware of the secrets at play looked at each other in confusion, not understanding what was happening.
Why would anyone dare to barge into the Xia Family's private estate in the Divine Capital? And why would there be a large group of cultivators forcefully their way into the Xia Family at this moment?
Was this still the Divine Capital?
The Lord Warden Commander took a few steps forward, then suddenly turned back, looking at the Xia Family Head with undisguised disgust in his eyes, "Being a traitor means death."
With these words, the Lord Warden Commander said no more, simply walking in front silently.
……
……
Although the courtyard was secluded, it was still within the Xia Family's territory. The commotion outside quickly alarmed the cultivators who were currently in the small courtyard.
Hearing the noise, that Junior Brother Liang was the first to rush out of the courtyard. But the next moment, he was sent flying back uncontrollably.
Several cultivators quickly turned their gaze over.
A figure appeared here.
It was precisely that Great Liang's Lord Warden Commander.
At a glance, even these cultivators who had a wide range of experience, could not help but suck in a cold breath of air.
The arrival's blood vitality was like an abyss; almost tangible. With such powerful blood vitality, one could hardly find a cultivator like this in the entire foreign lands.
This was undoubtedly a martial artist!
A peerless martial artist.
How many of such martial artists could there be in the entire Great Liang Dynasty?
"Go and fetch Martial Uncle."
Someone made a quick decision. Faced with this Nepenthe martial artist, they were no match for him..
Moreover, the other party came in a menacing manner, it was clearly not for friendly reasons.
The Lord Warden Commander stood quietly in place, saying nothing.
He just looked at the sky.
A sword light appeared in the distance.
