C45 The Ancestor Has Shown Himself!

Honestly, the Patriarch of the Qian family had never experienced such embarrassment in his life.

The Qian family Patriarch was quite shrewd. Within the power dynamics of Black Rock City, the Mo family controlled the Spirit Vein, the Qian family had a monopoly on medicinal herbs, and the Zhao family oversaw the City Lord's Mansion.

Previously, the Qian family could hardly be considered a top-tier family in Black Rock City, ranking as a second or third-tier sect that struggled to produce even one Fusion Spirit warrior every decade or two.

However, under Qian Hai's leadership, the Qian family's rise was meteoric, bolstered by securing numerous medicinal herb channels that brought in an abundance of resources. Breakthroughs for cultivators depended on either innate talent or medicinal aids. With their grip on medicinal herbs, the Qian family saw a surge in the number of Spirit Fusion Experts.

Thus, Qian Hai was widely regarded in Black Rock City as a smooth operator, someone whose words carried weight and logic.

Yet, he found himself utterly humiliated in front of Mo Changyou today, and it infuriated him.

To make matters worse, he had taken a significant loss.

Mo Yanglin, standing nearby, seemed unsure of how to proceed.

Execute Qian Hai on the spot? Whether he had the strength was a secondary concern. The primary issue was his extensive, covert collaborations with Patriarch Qian. Unless Mo Yanglin had lost his mind, he would never kill Qian Hai.

"Silence!"

True to his role as the Third Elder of the Mo family, Mo Yanglin quickly regained his composure. His stern command silenced the surrounding disciples. This was, of course, aided by the intimidating release of his Spirit Fusion Stage presence, which kept the disciples from causing further trouble.

"How dare you spout such nonsense before the Patriarch of the Qian family? Do you not fear he'll mock us? The Qian family Patriarch and Second Master Mo are bound by a marital alliance, so it's possible their cultivation techniques are shared. Besides, this technique was personally developed by Second Master Mo. Our Mo family certainly doesn't have the authority to act on behalf of Second Master Mo in this matter. Conversely, the Dragon Tiger Fist originates from the Qian family's ancestors. Therefore, this issue should be referred to the Qian family for resolution." Mo Yanglin had an idea.

He truly deserved his reputation as the most influential person in the Mo family following the decline of Second Master Mo. With just a few well-chosen words, he had diffused much of the tension.

Moreover, he uttered a critical statement.

"If the Qian family handles this matter, then even if Mo Changyou were to kill a member of the Qian family, it would no longer concern him."

"Bring forth Mo Changyou and bind him, then deliver him to Patriarch Qian for judgment," Mo Yanglin commanded sharply.

At once, several disciples at Energy Condensation Level 8 or Level 9 emerged from behind him, wielding hefty chains, ready to restrain Mo Changyou.

This development somewhat mollified the previously incensed Patriarch Qian and Qian Hai.

"In my father's absence, am I not to seek justice for this matter? Third Elder, and since when is it your place to decide whether the Mo family will take action? Are you assuming the role of Patriarch or taking my father's place?" Mo Changyou spared no one's feelings.

"No matter the outcome, we must at least wait for the Patriarch's ruling. According to the thirty-eighth ancestral rule of the Mo family, any elder acting on behalf of the Patriarch without consent is deemed a traitor. The lesser penalty is expulsion and revocation of one's cultivation. The harsher sentence involves the breaking of all limbs, destruction of the Dantian, and three hundred lashes. Third Elder, do you intend to preempt the Patriarch's decision?" Mo Changyou maintained a slight smile, fearless.

With that single retort, Mo Changyou had effectively branded the Third Elder as a traitor to the clan.

"Indeed. This issue should be left to the Patriarch. And with Second Master currently absent, who's to say whether he personally transmitted the technique?"

"Exactly. Third Elder, you can't simply impose your will. We should wait for the Patriarch's verdict."

In that moment, many who heard Mo Changyou's argument quickly nodded in agreement, finding his logic sound.

The disciples' remarks plunged Mo Yanglin into self-doubt.

"Have I really spent so many years building my influence in the Mo family, only to be undermined by this young man's few provocative sentences?" he pondered, yet he couldn't deny Mo Changyou's remarkable persuasive skills, uncharacteristic of someone his age.

After shooting Mo Changyou a venomous glare, the Third Elder spoke with a mocking tone.

"Apologies, but at the moment, the Patriarch is in seclusion, and the Second Master has gone to the Imperial Capital. Neither is available to lead the Mo family. Do you see any issue with me assuming control today?" Mo Yanglin challenged, locking eyes with them.

His words left the disciples without a retort.

Truthfully, the disciples had rallied to Mo Changyou's defense simply because they didn't want to see a fellow Mo family member bullied.

They felt a strong sense of belonging to the Mo family.

They might criticize the Mo family themselves, but they would not stand for outsiders doing the same.

That was the loyalty of a Mo family member.

In that moment, Mo Yanglin unleashed his power as a late Spirit Fusion Stage expert. The disciples who had intended to support Mo Changyou realized he was in for trouble.

The Third Elder was looking for a direct confrontation.

Qian Hai watched Mo Changyou with a sneer, feeling a surge of smug satisfaction.

"What good is a sharp mind and a quick tongue? Without power or influence, you're nothing. Even if I take you away by force today, it would only be a slight embarrassment for the Mo family. If I decree your death, then you must die," Qian Hai thought to himself with a cold laugh.

"Take him away!" the Third Elder commanded with a series of sneers.

Since Mo Changyou had killed his son, he intended to make Mo Changyou's life a living hell.

Yet, even in this dire situation, Mo Changyou remained composed. He swiftly executed a sequence of Finger Spells and bowed deeply to the Azure Dragon Pagoda.

"I am Mo Changyou. I implore our ancient ancestor to aid me in proving my innocence!"

Witnessing Mo Changyou's act of supplication, many disciples were left dumbfounded.

"Seeking the Ancestor's help? Has Mo Changyou lost his mind? Why would the Ancestor assist him?"

"Perhaps he feels he's been falsely accused. With the Patriarch absent, not even divine intervention could save him," they murmured among themselves.

Qian Hai's sneer deepened.

"Seek the Ancestor's help? It would be utterly laughable if your Ancestor were to intervene," he said, his voice dripping with scorn.