"Hmph!"
The Ye Family Immortal Envoy let out a disdainful snort.
Instantly, Yue Qingshan felt an overwhelming pressure crash down upon him. Under this crushing force, he could barely draw breath.
His face flushed crimson as he frantically circulated his cultivation technique, but he was only at the Divine Ability Realm. How could he possibly withstand the might of the Ye Family Immortal Envoy?
Just as Yue Qingshan was about to collapse, the thumb ring on his right hand flashed with a faint emerald green light. The crushing pressure inexplicably vanished.
Only Yue Qingshan himself knew that the master inside the ring had helped him resist the oppressive force. The thought that he still had a Great Saint Realm master—even if only a remnant soul—bolstered his confidence. Such a figure still commanded respect and fear.
Yue Qingshan proudly raised his chin, as though the heavens ranked first and he second.
Seeing that Yue Qingshan had not been forced to his knees, a flicker of surprise crossed the Ye Family Immortal Envoy's eyes.
This young man possesses such ability? He probably has a powerful figure assisting him.
He was only here to convey an order. There was no need to entangle himself with this youth.
Ignoring Yue Qingshan, the Immortal Envoy shifted his gaze to the Yue Family members kneeling below.
"Yue Family, I am here to deliver the Family Head's decree: deliver Yue Ming to the Young Master within three days. Not a moment longer. Should you fail, the consequences will be dire—consider them carefully. Don't say you weren't warned."
The Ye Family Immortal Envoy let out another heavy snort. He held no goodwill toward the Yue Family whatsoever.
Ye Qian was his Young Master, the future master of the Ye Family—not someone a small family like the Yue Family could afford to provoke. Since they had dared to do so, they would pay the price.
Wasn't Yue Ming arrogant? Making foolish demands, toying with the Young Master and endangering his well-being?
Then let her father personally deliver her to the Young Master as an offering.
Without another word, the Immortal Envoy instantly transformed into a wisp of black smoke and vanished into thin air.
The Yue Family members, who had been kneeling with bowed heads, suddenly felt a lightness as the oppressive force finally dissipated.
Those still kneeling began to murmur amongst themselves.
"What overwhelming pressure. As expected of the Ye Family Immortal Envoy. I felt like he could snuff out my life with a single finger."
"Yes, that pressure was truly terrifying—even stronger than our Family Head and elders combined."
"It's a blessing in disguise that they didn't cause trouble for our Yue Family. We just need to send Yue Ming over. It's the best outcome we could hope for."
"Only three days. I wonder what decision the Family Head will make?"
Most expressed relief. At least the Ye Family hadn't directly unleashed their wrath upon them. Otherwise, even a hundred Yue Families wouldn't be enough for the Ye Family to crush.
Yue Bo, as the Family Head, had already risen to his feet. His expression was grim. The elders following behind him each showed hints of relief on their faces.
The Grand Elder held Yue Bo's gaze and spoke with grave sincerity. "Fortunately, this matter can still be salvaged, Family Head. Yue Ming must be sent to the Ye Family without delay. Otherwise, our Yue Family... will be erased from existence."
Upon hearing this, Yue Bo's face grew even darker.
He was not only Yue Ming's father but also the Family Head of the Yue Family. If he insisted on protecting Yue Ming, it would be tantamount to disregarding his own clan members. He could forget about continuing as Family Head.
The Second Elder, seeing Yue Bo's hesitation, immediately pressed the advantage. "That's right, Family Head. At this point, we have no choice. That girl Yue Ming must be handed over, or our entire family will be buried alongside her."
The Third Elder stroked his beard, his eyes slightly narrowed. He spoke in a measured tone. "Family Head, between all the family members and Yue Ming, you must make a choice.
In my view, even if Yue Ming is sent to the Ye Family, nothing will happen to her. Doesn't the Young Master favor her? I believe Ye Qian will certainly not harm her.
Perhaps Yue Ming will have the opportunity to become one of the Young Master's concubines. At that time, our Yue Family will also ascend to a higher position and achieve great prosperity.
This is a great stroke of fortune!"
Yue Bo heard the elders' repeated urgings clearly. He already had an answer in his heart.
Meanwhile, Yue Qingshan, who stood behind, heard the elders' words and immediately erupted in fury.
He rushed forward and rebuked them loudly. "Absolutely not! How can you send Yue Ming away like this?
Family Head! Yue Ming is your own daughter! Will you simply stand by and watch as your daughter is thrown into a pit of fire?"
Yue Qingshan's sudden outburst shattered Yue Bo's train of thought. The matter had nearly been decided, yet he hadn't expected this brat Yue Qingshan to charge out and stir up trouble again.
The Grand Elder was the first to lose his temper. He roared and swept his hand forward. "You insolent whelp! How dare you speak so brazenly—and to the Family Head, no less!"
Before he knew it, Yue Qingshan felt a powerful force seize him and drag him forward. Staggering two steps, he couldn't resist the pull at all. He was instantly dragged before the Grand Elder, who simultaneously gripped his throat.
"This is a decision for the Family Head and elders alone. What right does a mere brat like you have to interfere? Get out of my sight!"
With that, Yue Qingshan was violently hurled away.
Bang!
After shattering a stone pillar, Yue Qingshan crashed to the ground.
"Wah!"
He spat out a mouthful of blood, his appearance utterly disheveled. He never expected the Grand Elder to suddenly strike him.
The Grand Elder prepared to continue his assault, even intending to kill Yue Qingshan outright. The remnant soul in Yue Qingshan's ring stirred, ready to intervene.
At that moment, a hand suddenly stopped the Grand Elder.
"That's enough! Grand Elder, no matter the circumstances, Qingshan is one of our family's most outstanding talents. If he is seriously injured, it would be an irreparable loss. Let it go."
The one who stopped the Grand Elder was naturally Yue Bo. He greatly valued Yue Qingshan and didn't want him to perish like this.
Seeing the Family Head intervene, the Grand Elder suppressed the fury blazing in his heart and fiercely flicked his sleeve.
"Hmph! Since the Family Head is pleading for you, I'll let it pass. But make sure there is no next time!"
His eyes remained icy cold, betraying the Grand Elder's deep disdain for Yue Qingshan.
Turning back to Yue Bo, the Grand Elder spoke with solemn gravity. "Family Head, this time there is no other path. If we wish to spare the Yue Family from ruin, Yue Ming must be handed over. You understand this.
I urge you to place the clan above all else. Yue Ming entering the Ye Family may not be a misfortune—it could even prove a blessing."
As his words faded, the Grand Elder placed a firm hand on Yue Bo's shoulder.