Chapter 151: Ignored

Amid their words, a deadly intent hung thick in the air, exuding a chilling coldness and deep-seated hatred. The middle-aged man bore a striking resemblance to Dust, even appearing somewhat older, yet he was actually a junior to Dust—not a Demon Marshal, and thus not long-lived. The marks of time had merely left their traces upon him.

Listening to the man’s words, Grand Matriarch Hu Santai sighed deeply and nodded. "Dear nephew Hui Yu, you speak true. I had hoped to see Liu Ping, believing him to be Bai Zhi’s lover, but I never imagined he could be such a heartless madman... However, it is indeed surprising that his cultivation is strong enough to kill Dust. He should not be underestimated."

A grimace twisted Hui Yu’s face as he spoke bitterly, "Grand Matriarch, I have not underestimated that madman Liu Ping. I am well aware of his prowess, especially since he killed my uncle. It is precisely because of this that I have come to you, pleading for your justice."

Hu Santai pondered silently for a moment, offering no immediate reply.

Hui Yu pressed on, "Grand Matriarch, your precious granddaughter Bai Zhi is exceptionally talented. How could such a peerless beauty fall into the hands of such a fiend? Are you truly willing to let this stand? Though Bai Zhi is ensnared by him, you must know that if Liu Ping is slain, this matter will be settled once and for all... What say you?"

Hu Santai’s eyes narrowed slightly, a cold gleam flashing within them as she replied calmly, "You speak rightly. Since you have come to me, you must have some plan in mind?"

Hui Yu’s heart leapt with joy, sensing he had swayed her. Though he had never met Liu Ping, he knew well of the man’s formidable strength. But so what? If Liu Ping could kill Dust, could he alone stand against the entire Wild Immortal Path? By killing Liu Ping, not only would he avenge his uncle and vent his grudge, but he might also gain some renown. More importantly, perhaps he would have the chance to enjoy the beauty of Ying Ning.

Ying Ning had been abducted by Liu Ping, presumably already taken advantage of. Yet she was a rare beauty... When Hui Yu first heard Grand Matriarch Hu Santai had betrothed Ying Ning to Dust, he had long harbored envy and resentment. Even scraps left by others were now of great interest to him, for he had never before seen such a stunning woman as Ying Ning. This thought set his heart aflame.

Hui Yu quickly laid out several plans he had prepared.

"Grand Matriarch Hu Santai, this matter is not difficult to resolve. If you agree, there are at least two approaches."

"First, summon Liu Ping through Bai Zhi’s words, inviting him to parley. Beforehand, silently set a net of heaven and earth, and invite other Demon Marshals to preside, jointly suppressing Liu Ping. Though troublesome to prepare, this is the most fitting method."

"Second, Hu Santai and our Hui family could jointly invite an ancestor to intervene. Once an ancestor descends, with the power of a Demon King, killing Liu Ping would be as easy as reaching into a pouch. Though simple in concept, it is difficult to implement, but also the safest. Our two families are allied by marriage; such a grave matter disturbed by a madman who abducts a bride, slaughters a family, and causes the fall of a Demon Marshal—surely this warrants the ancestor’s intervention!"

Hui Yu’s words stirred an inscrutable glint in Hu Santai’s eyes, her thoughts veiled.

After a long moment, she nodded. "You are right. Now tell me, which method do you prefer?"

Hui Yu hesitated briefly before replying, "Invite the ancestor."

"Oh?" Hu Santai exclaimed, "Why so?"

"Because only the ancestor’s involvement will surely resolve this. While setting a net is ideal, Liu Ping’s strength suggests he is a disciple of the Dao or Immortal sects, possibly equipped with life-saving treasures. He could very well escape."

Hu Santai frowned slightly. "Have you investigated his sect?"

"No," Hui Yu sneered. "I haven’t even looked into that. Kidnapping a bride, massacring a family—such madness, once exposed, will ruin Liu Ping’s reputation and alienate his sect. Standing on the side of righteousness and justice, what is there to fear?"

Hu Santai fell silent for a long while before nodding again. "Then so be it. Invite an ancestor. But this matter is no small affair; it must be discussed carefully. Go and contact the other branches of the Hui family... who?"

Before Hui Yu could respond, Hu Santai’s sharp command cut through the air. He froze, startled, as the door creaked open and two figures stepped inside—Bai Zhi, accompanied by a young man.

Observing the smiling youth, Hui Yu’s heart stirred with suspicion. Who was this?

Suddenly, realization dawned, and his expression darkened. A wild, unthinkable suspicion took root—could it be...?

Hu Santai knitted her brows, eyeing Bai Zhi and the youth with puzzlement. "Bai Zhi, what brings you here? Why no prior notice? This is improper."

Bai Zhi and the young man moved closely together. As they entered, it was clear the youth’s hand embraced Bai Zhi’s slender waist in an intimate manner. Seeing this, Hu Santai’s heart sank, and an equally unthinkable suspicion arose.

Earlier, Liu Ping and Bai Zhi had been hiding outside the door, holding their breath, overhearing every word. This was why Liu Ping had insisted on sneaking in quietly—hoping to gain some advantage, never expecting such a windfall.

Now, Bai Zhi’s face was cold with anger. Hearing Hu Santai’s inquiry, she tilted her head slightly and stood silently, deliberately ignoring her.

Liu Ping’s gaze was indifferent as he scanned the room. The spacious chamber was lavishly decorated, exuding a peculiar aura. Upon hearing Hu Santai’s question, he grinned mockingly and, uninvited, pulled Bai Zhi into his arms, sitting down on a nearby rosewood chair.

Holding Bai Zhi tightly, his arms fully encircled her. Such a posture undoubtedly infuriated Hu Santai, whose eyebrows shot upward and eyes widened round as she stared daggers at Liu Ping.

Beside her, Hui Yu sneered coldly. This was Liu Ping himself, boldly courting death by coming here. Yet he was somewhat puzzled—Liu Ping appeared only as a Mortal Immortal at the second stage... Did he truly kill Dust?

Hu Santai’s voice rang out sharply, "Bai Zhi! Why are you silent?! Huh?! And who is this wretched little thing?!"