For three full days, Xiao Ye focused on consolidating his cultivation. Three days in the outside world equaled a month in the Time Tower's first floor. Through relentless training, the chaotic Qi from the Qi-Restoring Pill gradually stabilized. His cultivation now settled firmly at Posterior Heaven Realm, early fifth stage.
"Ugh, you two are as reckless as ever," Luo Meilan grumbled at the dining table. Since Xiao Yang's meridians began healing, he and Xiao Ye had cloistered themselves in their rooms, neglecting meals. Now, Luo Meilan seized the chance to scold them.
"My dear, what do you women know? Strength is what defines a man!" Xiao Yang retorted coldly. His once-pale face now glowed with vitality, his eyes sharp, his posture upright—the image of Qingyang Town's third-ranked powerhouse restored.
"Dad, have your meridians healed?" Xiao Ye asked between bites.
Xiao Yang didn't answer directly. "These years… I let you suffer. I swear, it won't happen again." His voice carried unshakable resolve.
Xiao Ye nodded, warmth flooding his chest. All his relentless effort—to earn the Vein-Replenishing Pill for Xiao Yang—had paid off.
Xiao Yang himself was baffled. He'd probed Xiao Ye repeatedly, but the boy clung to his fabricated story. Sighing, he accepted the miracle.
The Blood Wolf Gang's Ultimatum
After breakfast, Xiao Ye stepped outside, intent on retrieving the blade from the Beast Forest. With his current strength, even a Golden Bear posed no threat.
"Xiao Clan Village brats—come out!" A thunderous roar shook the earth. The Blood Wolf Gang's signature call echoed across the village.
"Blood Wolf Gang!" Xiao Ye's face darkened. Had their deaths been discovered?
Chaos erupted. Villagers grabbed weapons and rushed to the gates.
"Let's see what's happening," Xiao Yang said grimly, stepping forward. Xiao Ye followed.
Showdown at the Village Gate
At the village entrance, Liu Er sat astride a black stallion, flanked by twenty Blood Wolf Guards—their mere presence suffocating the air.
"Summon that old fool Xiao Tianxiong!" Liu Er barked, his voice dripping with contempt.
The villagers froze. Xiao Tianxiong stepped forward, his face a mask of fury. "What right do you have to dictate our village's affairs?"
Liu Er sneered. "Your time's up. My boss wants Xiao Ba as your new leader."
A collective gasp rippled through the crowd. Xiao Ba? The man who'd conspired with the Blood Wolf Gang to kill Xiao Ye?
Xiao Ye's blood boiled. So that's why Xiao Ba betrayed us.
"Disagree, and my boss will level this village," Liu Er threatened.
Xiao Tianxiong's shoulders slumped. Defiance died in his eyes. "Fine."
His surrender ignited fury among the villagers. Their revered leader, reduced to a puppet?
"Thank you, Uncle Liu!" Xiao Ba emerged from the shadows, grinning like a Judas.
Xiao Ye stepped forward, voice ringing with authority. "Since when does an outsider decide our village's fate? Are you Xiao Ba's dog?"
The crowd erupted in outrage.
"Liu Er!" Xiao Ye roared. "You killed my father's men. Arrest me if you dare!"
Liu Er's eyes narrowed. "Arrest him!"
Xiao Ba lunged, but Xiao Ye's father intercepted, only to collapse with a mouthful of black blood.
"He poisoned me!" Xiao Tianxiong gasped, pointing a trembling finger at Xiao Ba.
Xiao Ye's rage exploded. "You traitor!"
The Final Stand
Xiao Ba advanced, but a towering figure blocked his path.
"Touch my son again, and you answer to me," Xiao Yang declared, his voice a lion's roar.
Xiao Ba hesitated. For the first time, fear flickered in his eyes.
But Liu Er laughed. "You think a broken man can stop me?"
Xiao Ye stepped forward, Qi coiling around his fists. "Come and see what a 'broken man' can do."