"Subordinate Ning Gong, pays respects to Young Master Lu, what orders does the Young Master have."
In the room, the guard Ning Gong respectfully half-knelt and paid his respects, as if awaiting orders from a superior.
"Is this inn owned by the Meng family?"
"Yes."
"Is there a person in the Meng family named Meng Feifan?"
"The Young Master is correct. There is indeed such a person. Meng Feifan studied at the Qingyuan Academy in Qingyuan City. Not long ago, he passed the entrance exam and was admitted to the Changkong Academy in the Everlasting Capital. It caused a sensation in Longmen City, and the Meng family even held a banquet to celebrate the occasion."
"He has passed the exam..."
Lu Qinghe felt somewhat enlightened.
Upon hearing about the entrance exam, he realized that he had been in this world for a year now.
"Tell me about the Meng family."
Lu Qinghe asked calmly.
He had only thought of Meng Feifan when he saw that woman and heard about the Meng family from Li Xiong.
He had seen this woman in the student dormitory, always by Meng Feifan's side.
Back then, Lu Qinghe lost the title of the number one swordsman at Qingyuan Academy, and all the flatterers and sycophants who used to surround him avoided him, except for Meng Feifan, who gave him some warnings and reminded him to be careful of Bei Huanzhen's revenge.
This...
It was just a small matter.
A detail so insignificant.
But Lu Qinghe remembered it well.
The interactions between people are so simple.
"The young master asked, should it be the trouble that the Meng family encountered recently?"
Liu Qinghe nodded.
"This matter is related to Meng Yiner, the legitimate daughter of the Meng family. The cause is quite simple. Meng Yiner was originally engaged to the descendant of the Luo family, Luo Zhengdong. Later, the Luo family declined, and Luo Zhengdong was relinquished by the Meng family. He lost face and left the city of Longmen to seek his fortune. Interestingly, Luo Zhengdong is a person of great fortune. After three years, he returned to the city of Longmen. Not only has he reached the sixth level of True Refinement, he has also become accomplished and also joined the ancient sword sect, becoming an inner disciple of the ancient sword sect."
Liu Qinghe knew about the ancient sword sect.
It was a first-class force south of the thousand-year-old dynasty, equivalent in scale to the Snow Sword Villa.
"Next, it is time to show his strength and regain lost face– a bargaining chip! When Meng Yiner regretted the marriage due to the decline of the Luo family, Luo Zhengdong also wanted to make the Meng family fall into ruins and be displaced. With this strongman of the sixth level of True Refinement, the momentum of the Luo family's rise cannot be stopped. Some forces that originally had a grudge against the Meng family took the opportunity to stab them in the back. Currently, the situation of the Meng family is extremely precarious."
"Is that so? How do the Luo family and Meng family compare in scale?"
"Whether it is the Luo family or the Meng family, they are just second-rate families in the city of Longmen, with no high-level cultivators presiding over them. Those families that suppress the Meng family are similarly situated…”
Ning Gong, upon hearing Liu Jin's quick naming of Meng Feifan, knew that Liu Jin might be familiar with Meng Feifan. Since there was such a good opportunity to show his loyalty, how could he easily let it pass? "Young Master Liu, this matter seems trivial. Why not leave it to our city lord's mansion to handle?"
Liu Qinghe nodded, "Alright. If the Ancient Sword Sect seeks trouble, just use my name."
Finally, Ning Gong had the opportunity to establish a relationship with Liu Qinghe. He was delighted and promptly replied, "Yes, before Young Master Liu leaves the city of Longmen tomorrow, he will definitely receive a satisfactory response."
"Go."
"Ning Gong takes his leave."
Ning Gong suppressed his excitement and quickly left. He reported this good news to the Deputy City Lord Shi Luoren at the first opportunity.
Upon receiving this news, Shi Luoren was ecstatic.
By now, he had already obtained some information about Liu Qinghe.
Liu Qinghe!
That was a senior member of the Blue Moon Lake. Just this alone was enough to make the city lord of Longmen wary. Moreover, it was said that he also had an exceptional sister, only sixteen years old and already at the pinnacle of the True Refinement level nine.
For him to establish a relationship with such a potentially limitless talent from the Asking Immortal Sect was simply a massive opportunity.
As for the idea that Luo Zhengdong might be an internal disciple of the Ancient Sword Sect?
Don't be ridiculous!
Would the Ancient Sword Sect dare to challenge the Asking Immortal Sect?
The Asking Immortal Sect could easily dispatch a few elders to completely annihilate the Ancient Sword Sect.
For a time, Shi Luoren's power quickly began to have an impact.
Moreover, through this opportunity, he managed to establish a united front with the Chief of City Defense and several others who had previously met Liu Qinghe and learned of Liu Qinghe's extraordinary family background, substantially strengthening his own power and dissuading the Li family from making any reckless moves against him.
This was the influence brought about by Liu Qinghe's status.
As long as Liu Qinghe maintained his status as a senior member of the Blue Moon Lake, this alliance would remain solid as a rock.
...
The city of Longmen was just a city with a population of over 200,000.
In this city, having high-level cultivators presiding over them made a family a top-level force. There were many families with mid-level cultivators, making them second-rate families.
As for those families with only low-level cultivators, or even a few people at the third level of True Refinement, they were collectively referred to as third-rate or low-rate families, not worth mentioning.
The Meng family.
It had one person at the fifth level of True Refinement, four people at the fourth level of True Refinement, eleven people at the third level of True Refinement, and several people at the first and second levels of True Refinement. As a whole, the family had over a hundred people. Adding in the attendants, guards, and those who ran businesses and servants in other locations, the total number had reached three hundred. Among the second-rate families, they could be considered a sizable force.
However, at this moment, the entire Meng family was shrouded in gloom and despair.
Because of the family's difficulties, all of their business were under pressure. Every one of the attendants, guards, and servants had been threatened and forced to leave the Meng family. The family's shops in various locations were closing down and withdrawing to within the city of Longmen.
Even the family courtyard, which was once bustling, was now desolate. The number of people walking around the Meng family's compound had dropped from over a hundred to just over thirty.
"Bang!"
In the main hall of the Meng family, there was the sound of a heavy table being slammed.
A leading elderly man suddenly stood up, his hair flying in anger, "The Luo family is pushing us too far! We have bent over backwards and even had our girl, Yiner, go to them to apologize and marry as a concubine, and still they press on. They want to exterminate us!"
This man was Meng Zhen, the strongest member of the Meng family, with cultivation at the fifth level of True Refinement!
Around him were over twenty elite family members, each with at least the second level of True Refinement, filled with righteous indignation, fear, or anxiety.
Meng Feifan was also among them.
With his cultivation at the peak of the third level of True Refinement, he was also a key member of the decision-making group and could sit on par with several uncles and elders with the fourth level of True Refinement.
"Now, it's not just the Luo family targeting us. The Xie family, Su family, and Zhao family are also scheming in the dark. Any one of these families is no weaker than our Meng family. With three of them joining forces and Luo Zhengdong leading the way, we, the Meng family, are completely helpless!"
These words came from Meng Wuchang, the current head of the family, who was also one of the four cultivators in the family at the fourth level of True Refinement.
"We have already been so submissive, to the point where we even had Yiner go and apologize and become a concubine, but still it is to no avail. To do this, no one has any words to say. It seems that Luo Zhengdong really will not leave us any room to survive."
Meng Xiang had his eyes closed, his face pale with a look of despair.
As he spoke, a beautiful girl in the crowd behind him couldn't help but burst into tears.
She was one of the culprits of this incident – Meng Yan'er.
"Crying, crying, crying! What are you crying for? Always crying! If it weren't for you back then, our Meng family wouldn't have faced this disaster today!"
The people present were already in a state of frustration and agitation. Meng Yan'er's continuous weeping immediately ignited their anger.
Some of them started shouting loudly at Meng Yan'er.
"Third Uncle!"
Meng Feifan couldn't bear to see this scene any longer.
Meng Yan'er was his younger sister, so he naturally couldn't turn a blind eye.
"This situation cannot be solely blamed on Yan'er. It was all because of your insistence on the importance of matching social status. When the Luo family declined, you felt that Luo Zhengdong was not suitable for Yan'er, leading to the cancellation of the marriage. Now, all the blame is directed at Yan'er."
"Hmph! If not her, then who? I think it's clearly because you all have spoiled her that such a disaster has befallen us today!"
"Enough!"
At this moment, Meng Zhen, the head of the family, turned his gaze to Meng Feifan and said, "This situation is indeed caused by your family! Meng Feifan, aren't you a student of Changkong Academy? Changkong Academy produces strong individuals. Can you please ask a few powerful students to intervene in this matter for the sake of our Meng family? Even if it comes at a cost, it's worth it."
"Yes, Meng Feifan, this situation started because of your sister, and you should bear the responsibility!"
"Changkong Academy in the Eternal King City is home to numerous experts. Just inviting anyone from there would be enough to resolve the crisis in our Meng family. Meng Feifan, it's up to you!"
"Meng Feifan, you must find a way to solve this situation no matter what."
As Meng Zhen spoke, everyone's gaze fell on Meng Feifan, filled with questioning and severity.
"I...," Meng Feifan looked at everyone with a bitter expression, "the Gujian Gate is a powerful force no weaker than Changkong Academy. In fact, in some ways, the influence of Gujian Gate exceeds that of Changkong Academy. Luo Zhengdong has reached the sixth level of True Refinement in Gujian Gate, making him an essential inner disciple. In Changkong Academy, only the top ten elite disciples would qualify to converse with him. Given my recent entry into the academy, how can I possibly get to know them?"
Upon hearing this, the hopeful expression that had just emerged in the eyes of the crowd immediately dimmed.
They also knew that some powerful people were hard to reach.
"Even so, do you really not know anyone capable of resolving this crisis for our Meng family?"
Meng Feifan looked helpless.
A person came to his mind... Yi Yingying!
A year ago, Yi Yingying who entered Changkong Academy, was now at the sixth level of True Refinement, entering the ranks of the top ten disciples. If she intervened, solving this crisis would be a piece of cake.
But...
He and Yi Yingying were barely acquaintances, and that acquaintance was mainly due to Lu Qinghe...
As Meng Feifan fell silent, the atmosphere in the meeting hall became increasingly tense and despairing, brewing throughout the Meng family.
However, just as the atmosphere in the meeting hall became suffocating and made it difficult for the others to breathe, a commotion suddenly came from outside.
"Family... Family Head..."
Along with it, a younger member, full of panic and anxiety, also entered.
"What's going on!" Meng Wuchang, the patriarch, immediately stood up, shouting explosively.
At this moment, the entire Meng family was like a taut string, as even a small impact could potentially cause it to break, leading to the collapse of the entire clan.
"Master... the City Lord...," the younger member stammered under Meng Wuchang's pressure. "The City Lord and others, including the City Defense Chief, General Liu, Chairman Sun from the Baiyue Business League, the Heads of the Zhou and Wang families..."
The subsequent words of the younger member were no longer heard by Meng Zhen, Meng Wuchang, Meng Xiang, and others in the Meng family.
The entire family, all the cultivation experts at the fourth level of refining truth, all the high-ranking members, rushed out at the first moment they heard the news. As they burst out of the meeting hall, Meng Zhen, while shouting loudly, "Welcome! Welcome! Hurry and welcome the arrival of Lord Shi!" The entire Meng family was fully activated as the important figures like Shi Luo Ren arrived.
"Meng Lao, Chief Meng!"
In the Meng family's living room, upon seeing the arrival of Meng Zhen and his entourage, Shi Luo Ren did not show any airs of a city lord. He immediately stood up with a smile to greet Meng Zhen and the others.
Other city defense ministers, General Liu, President Sun, Chief Zhou, and others, all greeted the Meng family with smiling faces and seemed extremely friendly.
This scene almost dazed the originally anxious members of the Meng family. Who exactly were these people present?
It was likely that even if any one of them was randomly sent as a superintendent, they would be able to sit on an equal footing with the head of the Meng family. Especially Vice City Lord Shi Luo Ren, even his personal guard, upon coming to the Meng family, would be treated with utmost respect by all members of the Meng family.
But now…
Shi Luo Ren, such an important figure, actively greeted them, and he seemed so kind?
They were utterly flabbergasted!
The members of the Meng family could hardly begin to describe their feelings at that moment.
"Lord Shi… Lord Shi, greetings… Your arrival has brought glory to our Meng family…"
Meng Zhen, the highest-ranking member of the Meng family, replied somewhat tremblingly.
"Haha, no need for so much courtesy. The Meng family is one of the major clans in Longmen City. It is only natural that we visit from time to time," Shi Luo Ren said with a smile.
"Yes, especially since the Meng family has outstanding disciples like Meng Feifan. Being accepted into the Changkong Academy at such a young age brings honor to Longmen City. It is only natural for us to get closer."
Shi Luo Ren, the city defense minister, and the heads of the major families and president, all wore warm smiles and were extremely enthusiastic.
Some of them were so eager to state their main purpose: "Which one is Meng Feifan? Could we please meet him first?"
"Feifan?"
Meng Zhen was slightly startled but instantly understood.
Right, the entire Meng family only had one person who had entered the Changkong Academy and earned the admiration of Shi Luo Ren and the others – Meng Feifan.
The Meng family was not large, and it had only a few disciples. Only Meng Feifan, who had the potential to become a high-level cultivator through the training of the Changkong Academy, could have attracted the attention of the heads of the major families and Lord Shi.
"Hurry, Feifan, come and meet Lord Shi, General Liu, President Sun, and the heads of the major families."
Meng Zhen dared not show any negligence and quickly pulled Meng Feifan out from the crowd.
Although Meng Feifan did not know what was happening, he complied with the order and respectfully greeted Shi Luo Ren, Chief Zhou, Chief Wang, and President Sun.
"Haha, Meng Feifan, no need for such courtesy."
"Are you Meng Feifan? Truly a remarkable talent, extraordinary."
"Meng Feifan, your admission to the advanced institution is a rare feat. You are truly outstanding."
Shi Luo Ren and others surrounded Meng Feifan, praising him endlessly, making him seem like a talent that only emerges once in ten years in Longmen City. It was as if any other talent would pale in his presence.
Meng Zhen, Meng Wuchang, and others were completely stunned as they watched Meng Feifan. They had no idea what was happening.
They even speculated whether Meng Feifan had some special encounter at the Changkong Academy but kept it a secret.
Meanwhile, those who had previously reprimanded Meng Feifan were worried, fearing that Meng Feifan might gain an advantage and become resentful towards them.
After praising him for a while, Shi Luo Ren seemed to think of something and said suddenly, "Oh, it would be inappropriate for us to meet Meng Feifan for the first time without any formal greeting."
As he spoke, he clapped his hands.
"Clap! Clap!"
With the sound, two servants in silver armor rushed in, dragging someone from outside. They swiftly brought the person to the living room and dumped him in front of the Meng family like a dead dog.
The person was covered in blood, and his limbs seemed to be broken, barely conscious, and letting out some meaningless moans.
This sudden change left the members of the Meng family puzzled.
However, when Meng Wuchang was the first to clearly see the face of the person in front of them, he could not maintain the composure of a family head and exclaimed, "Luo Zhengdong! Luo Zhengdong! This is… this is Luo Zhengdong from the Luo family!"
"It's him, it's him, Luo Zhengdong!"
Even Meng Yan'er, who had previously cried, cried at this moment. "It's Luo Zhengdong! I saw him today and was humiliated by his words…"
"It is because of Luo Zhengdong that our Meng family has almost reached a dead end. Apart from some core industries in Longmen City, we have abandoned all other areas. I will never forget this person…"
The middle-aged man who had spoken earlier, referred to as the third uncle by Meng Feifan, also spoke firmly.
"Yes, it is Luo Zhengdong!"
Shi Luo Ren looked at their surprised expressions, and nodded slightly, "I heard that Luo Zhengdong and the people of the Luo family acted recklessly, causing trouble for Meng Feifan. So we took action, disabled his meridians and brought him here for Meng Feifan to handle. I hope Meng Feifan will not blame us for intervening."
Shi Luo Ren's words undoubtedly confirmed their speculation.
For a moment, Meng Zhen, Meng Wuchang, Meng Xiang, Meng Yan'er, and others, felt as if they were in a dream.
Luo Zhengdong!
He was the greatest enemy of the Meng family, a talented individual capable of forcing the entire Meng family to its doom. He was a core disciple of the Ancient Sword Sect. And now, he was disabled and thrown in front of them? And this was done personally by Shi Luo Ren, a person they respected as a great figure?
"Ha ha, Master Shi acted fast, and took the lead in wiping out the ringleader Luo Zhengdong and the Luo family. We can only follow behind and clean up the battlefield."
At this time, the Master of the Zhou family also stepped forward and waved his hand. Soon, two strong men from the Zhou family dragged someone in.
"Master of the Zhao family!"
Seeing the middle-aged man who had been dragged in, who had already passed out, Meng Wuchang couldn't help but call out again, his heart beating faster.
Zhao family's Master!
The Luo family has already declined. Luo Zhengdong alone wanted to deal with the Meng family. Although he could quickly disperse the Meng family, he couldn't completely annihilate them. The reason Meng family was forced into a corner was mainly due to the relentless attacks from the Zhao, Su, and Xie families.
"The main figures have been taken care of by you. The ones we have captured are just small fry."
The Master of the Wang family shrugged helplessly. "Bring the person up," he ordered.
"Step, step!"
With the order from the Master of the Wang family, two more people quickly brought someone in.
"Master of the Xie family..."
Seeing the middle-aged man being brought in, Meng Zhen, Meng Wuchang, Meng Xiang, Meng Yan'er, and all the members of the Meng family were somewhat numb.
The Xie and Zhao families are powerful families that are not inferior to the Meng family. But now, the leaders of their families lay in front of them like dead fish, groaning in pain and unable to get up...
This...
"Since all the key people are here, I have no choice but to present them to you as a gesture of goodwill."
Chairman Sun said with a smile.
Without needing to be told, two more people brought in someone.
Finally, it was the Master of the Su family.
This almost completely destroyed the Meng family, Luo Zhengdong, and the members of the Luo family, the Master of the Xie family, the Master of the Su family, and the Master of the Zhao family, had all been brought over and presented to the Meng family.
"Meng Feifan's nephew, these people dared to disrespect you and your sister Meng Yan'er, and deserve to be taught a lesson. Even though their families may not completely disband, they are almost finished. I believe that tomorrow, these families will no longer exist. As for these individuals... It's up to Meng Feifan and the others to deal with them."
Shi Luo Ren was the leader among them, so it was up to him to say these things. Although he mentioned letting Meng Feifan and the Meng family deal with them, all the members of the Meng family could not help but focus their gaze on Meng Feifan.
Anyone could see that Shi Luo Ren and the others had come because of Meng Feifan.
"Master Shi... This... this..."
Meng Feifan's mind was somewhat unable to keep up until this moment.
The others were the same.
"Alright, it's a great honor to meet the talented young hero, Meng Feifan. It seems that the Meng family has important matters to discuss at the moment, so we won't disturb you and will take our leave first."
Shi Luo Ren looked at the bewildered crowd, said a word, and did not intend to explain further.
"Meng family head, let's keep in touch in the future."
"Our chamber of commerce has recently opened a new silk channel and heard that the Meng family is also well-versed in this area, perhaps there is an opportunity for cooperation."
"Ha ha, Meng family head, take care. Meng Feifan, you might as well visit our Zhou family more often. My sixth daughter is very fond of you, Meng Feifan."
Shi Luo Ren decided to leave, and the others naturally could not stay any longer. They bid the Meng family and others polite farewells and left one after another.
Coming and going in a hurry!
Only the Meng family members who remained were still in shock and disbelief, unable to come to their senses for a long time.