Upon hearing these words, Ye Yunfei immediately darkened his expression, his gaze turning towards that Xiao Qinglian.
Although Ye Yunfei knew the Xiao Family was surely a fairly powerful and prominent clan, if this Xiao Qinglian dared to cause trouble, he wouldn't mind showing her a thing or two.
"Xiao Qinglian! You’re spouting nonsense and spewing filth!"
Hearing Xiao Qinglian's words, Xiao Huanhuan and Xiao Yueyue both had their fair faces turn frosty in an instant. Xiao Yueyue raised her voice even louder.
"Xiao Yueyue, is your fury proof that I hit a nerve? The two of you left the family and ran off outside, not returning for years. And now you’re actually traveling with a strange man, acting so familiar and intimate. No matter how you try to explain yourselves, it's an explanation you won't be able to make."
Xiao Qinglian sneered coldly.
"All right now, Qinglian, you should speak less. Do not speak recklessly without evidence," Liu Laolao said, casting a look at Xiao Qinglian.
"Liu Laolao, I’m not speaking without basis! This strange man is right in front of everyone, and all of us saw clearly earlier that Xiao Huanhuan and Xiao Yueyue were together with him—isn’t that evidence enough? You two had better not tell me you don’t know this guy! Liu Laolao, according to our Xiao Family rules, unmarried women are not permitted to have overly familiar relations with strange men, otherwise they will be punished under the clan code! In severe cases, they might even be expelled from the Xiao Family and struck from the family register! This clan rule is something I haven’t misquoted, have I?"
Xiao Qinglian didn’t stop, but continued.
"Xiao Qinglian, you are nothing but a venom-tongued liar! I know you’re doing this to slander and ostracize us two sisters because you are competing with Huanhuan-jie for the Saintess position! You can forget about it! Though we do know Young Master Ye, which of your eyes saw us doing anything improperly intimate!"
Xiao Yueyue exclaimed indignantly.
“So, it’s a dispute over interests.” Hearing Xiao Yueyue’s words, Ye Yunfei instantly understood why that Xiao Qinglian was deliberately and publicly making things difficult for the two sisters. It seemed it was for the sake of competing for the clan’s Saintess position.
It appeared Xiao Huanhuan held a relatively high status within the Xiao clan, likely being one of the frontrunners for the Saintess position, which was why she was facing such persecution.
"Heh heh, Xiao Yueyue, no need to quibble. Whatever the case, when we return to the family, I will definitely report this matter to several elders and the Patriarch, because this concerns the face of our Xiao Family! You two, as unmarried women of our Xiao Family, running around everywhere following a strange man—what sort of disgraceful behavior is that? Such actions tarnish the reputation of our Xiao Family!" Xiao Qinglian sneered back.
She had always wanted to compete for the Saintess position of this generation within the Xiao Family, and Xiao Huanhuan was also quite famous among the younger generation, representing a formidable competitor to her. Therefore, with this opportunity before her, she naturally had to make use of it to deal a good blow to Xiao Huanhuan.
"All right now, Qinglian, do not press so hard. Even if Huanhuan and Yueyue traveled with a strange man, that in itself doesn’t prove anything. While living away from home, it is inevitable to make friends and acquaintances. As long as there was no improper behavior, it's fine," Liu Laolao spoke up.
Of course, she understood Xiao Qinglian’s intention, thus her tone already carried a trace of displeasure.
"Liu Laolao, proving just what kind of relationship exists between Xiao Huanhuan, Xiao Yueyue, and this guy is actually very simple. Immediately capture this kid for interrogation and make him confess the truth. If they truly don’t have that kind of intimate relationship, their innocence can then be proven to everyone.
Otherwise, even if I don't speak of it, this matter will eventually reach the ears of the clan's elders and the Patriarch."
Though Xiao Qinglian didn’t dare outright defy Liu Laolao, this matter concerned the competition for the clan Saintess. She could not let go of this opportunity to strike Xiao Huanhuan easily.
Hearing Xiao Qinglian's words, Liu Laolao couldn't help but frown.
In her heart, she understood that Xiao Qinglian had the backing of a clan elder, so Liu Laolao wasn’t someone Xiao Qinglian feared. Even if Liu Laolao ordered her to stop for the moment, once they returned to the clan, Xiao Qinglian would likely use this incident to make a scene. As for the clan’s Saintess competition, Liu Laolao's bias leaned towards Xiao Huanhuan.
"Young man, you, come here. Tell me truthfully, what is your origin? Why did you get close to Huanhuan and Yueyue, and for what purpose?
Don't you know that the women of our Xiao Family are not permitted to have casual contact with outside men?!"
Liu Laolao cast an appraising gaze at Ye Yunfei, sizing him up from head to toe as she asked the question.
In her mind, she understood that everyone present had clearly seen Xiao Huanhuan, Xiao Yueyue, and this strange man together earlier. If this incident spread back to the ears of the family's higher-ups, it would likely be detrimental to Xiao Huanhuan's image and affect the favorable impression those higher-ups had of her.
Therefore, after thinking it over, she believed the best method was to force this strange man to admit that his intentions were improper, that he had sought to approach the two sisters on false pretenses. Portraying the two sisters as victims might gain them the sympathy of the family's higher-ups.
*Rumble…*
As she spoke, a formidable surge of energy billowed out from Liu Laolao, suppressing towards Ye Yunfei.
Ye Yunfei felt an inexhaustible, mighty energy crashing incessantly against his body, and couldn't help but secretly be startled.
This Liu Laolao was likely a Mid-Level Heavenly Immortal, and hailed from a major family, making her combat prowess exceptionally strong. Facing the energy pressure she released, Ye Yunfei felt he couldn’t hold out much.
"Be careful, that old woman seems about to make a move on you," Hun Lao immediately sent a voice transmission to Ye Yunfei.
"Utterly infuriating, Master! Clearly, you're the one who helped members of the Xiao Family! Yet these Xiao Family members one and all lack any sense of gratitude, and actually intend to make a move against you!" Hu Mi said angrily.
"Let's fight it out with that old crone! I can't swallow this grievance!" The Golden-Horned Dragon Silkworm was also so enraged it cried out.
"Don’t act rashly! She is a Mid-Level Heavenly Immortal! If we truly fight, we might not be her match!" Ye Yunfei hastily sent a voice transmission to the Golden-Horned Dragon Silkworm, fearing the creature might impulsively charge out to fight Liu Laolao.
"Liu Laolao, you misunderstand. In truth, Young Master Ye is our savior! Our sisters were being hunted by members of the Black Wind Group. It happened that we encountered Young Master Ye, and he intervened to assist us, allowing us to escape our predicament. Otherwise, the two of us would have long since fallen into the hands of the Black Wind Group."
Seeing the situation, Xiao Huanhuan quickly stepped forward, placing herself between Ye Yunfei and Liu Laolao as she spoke.
"Liu Laolao, what Huanhuan-jie says is true! If not for Young Master Ye, our two sisters would have no chance to see you, old lady, again!" Xiao Yueyue also hurriedly rushed to Liu Laolao's side, placing herself between her and Ye Yunfei as she explained.
"The two of you were being hunted by members of the Black Wind Group? How is that possible? How would the Black Wind Group dare hunt members of our Xiao Family?" Hearing the two sisters' words, Liu Laolao was stunned, somewhat unable to believe it. Though the Black Wind Group was an organization somewhat famous within the Chaotic Void Sea, the overall strength of the Xiao Family was far greater.
"It’s true, Liu Laolao! Our two sisters truly were hunted by members of the Black Wind Group—in fact, we were hunted for two or three whole months! We were so exhausted from being chased that we lacked even the strength to flee anymore! It was only fortunate we met Young Master Ye, who acted honorably and saved us two sisters! He is our savior!" Xiao Huanhuan explained.
"Xiao Huanhuan, Xiao Yueyue! You two are most likely spouting nonsense! Given the strength and reputation of our Xiao Family, how would a measly Black Wind Group dare hunt members of our clan!
You two must be lying just to excuse this kid!" Xiao Qinglian shouted.
"Xiao Qinglian, enough! My patience is limited!" Xiao Huanhuan roared angrily, her willow-branch eyebrows slanting sharply as she took a step forward, closing in on Xiao Qinglian.
Xiao Qinglian's expression changed slightly. She could sense that Xiao Huanhuan’s strength had surpassed its former level after these years apart. If they truly fought, she didn’t have much confidence.
"Liu Laolao, do you also not believe our two sisters? We truly were hunted by the Black Wind Group! And we’ve already discovered who spent money to hire the Black Wind Group to hunt us—it was the Zhan Family’s Zhan Yuan! That disgusting fellow Zhan Yuan wanted to capture us back to be his concubines!" Xiao Yueyue said to Liu Laolao.
"Such a thing happened? Members of the Zhan Family dared hire others to capture our Xiao Family members? Are you two certain?" Hearing this, Liu Laolao’s expression instantly changed drastically.
Because the Zhan Family was also a major family. If the Zhan Family truly had hired the Black Wind Group to deal with Xiao Family members, that elevated the matter into a conflict between two major families—a grave matter.
"Xiao Yueyue! You’re spouting nonsense! This is definitely an excuse you’ve concocted to protect this kid! Why would Zhan Yuan do such a thing out of the blue…" Xiao Qinglian chimed in from the side.
"Xiao Qinglian, if it is truly proven later that Zhan Yuan hired the Black Wind Group to deal with us, what will you do then? Will you help Zhan Yuan, or us two? Don’t tell me you intend to side with outsiders?" Xiao Huanhuan could not help but demand sternly of Xiao Qinglian.
"Don’t shout at me! If later it is truly proven that Zhan Yuan hired the Black Wind Group to deal with you two, naturally I would stand with you…" Xiao Qinglian still stubbornly retorted, though her voice had softened significantly, then she shut her mouth.
She understood the gravity of the situation. If an external clan truly dared to target members of their own, this was a major clan affair. If she continued spouting nonsense and got implicated somehow, it would be difficult for her to explain later.
"Huanhuan, Yueyue, you two can rest assured. I will definitely report this matter to the family for investigation.
Hmph! The younger generation females of our Xiao Family are the cherished scales of our clan! Whoever dares lay a hand on them will be an enemy of our clan, a feud until death!" Liu Laolao said coldly.
"Xiao Huanhuan, Xiao Yueyue, are you speaking the truth? The Zhan Family’s Zhan Yuan truly hired members of the Black Wind Group to capture you two?"
"I feel this could be possible. Everyone in the Chaotic Void Sea knows because such things have happened before!"
"That’s right! In the past, many young women of our Xiao Family suffered harm. Fortunately, our Xiao Family is powerful; whenever such matters occurred, we immediately countered with thunderous and devastating means, beating the opponent until they regretted their actions ever after. That's why fewer dare provoke our Xiao Family now."
"If Zhan Yuan truly did this, then he is an enemy of our Xiao Family!"
The other Xiao Family members surrounding them now came closer, asking questions and discussing animatedly among themselves.
Though there was internal strife within the Xiao Family, when facing an external enemy, they remained relatively united.
At this moment, Xiao Qinglian retreated to the side and said no more.
She knew that if such a thing truly occurred, it was best she did not speak any further.
"Huanhuan, Yueyue, did this kid truly save the two of you? Yet he’s merely a Primary Level Golden Immortal, his cultivation realm lower than both of yours. With his strength, how could he possibly have rescued you two?"
Just at this moment, a Xiao Family clan member abruptly pointed at Ye Yunfei and shouted.
"Ah! Right!"
All the Xiao Family members reacted, their eyes swiveling as one to focus on Ye Yunfei.
"Liu Laolao! I suspect Xiao Huanhuan and Xiao Yueyue are lying to us! This kid’s cultivation realm and strength are inferior to theirs! How could he possibly be their savior?" Seizing this chance, Xiao Qinglian immediately cried out again.
"Just what is going on?" Liu Laolao asked.
Truthfully, she had long noticed this point. It was only because she had been shielding the two sisters that she hadn’t openly pointed it out. Now she was forced to inquire.
"You all actually think Young Master Ye’s strength is inferior to ours? You’ve absolutely no idea just how formidable Young Master Ye’s strength is!
Let’s put it this way: Even ten of us couldn’t defeat Young Master Ye!" Seeing everyone doubt Ye Yunfei’s strength, Xiao Yueyue couldn’t help but exclaim.
"Young man, what exactly is your background? Perhaps you are a young genius from some super-powerful force?
Within the Chaotic Void Sea, many super-powerful forces have young geniuses whose true power far surpasses their cultivation realm—this kind of situation certainly does occur," Liu Laolao said, staring at Ye Yunfei.
"Where I come from is none of your concern," Ye Yunfei replied indifferently.
Although this Liu Laolao was a Heavenly Immortal master, her attitude was one of haughty superiority. Ye Yunfei saw no reason to show her a pleasant face.
"You…
Young man, don't you know that one should show politeness to one’s elders?" Hearing Ye Yunfei’s words, Liu Laolao could not help but frown darkly.
"Liu Laolao! Let me test this kid’s actual strength!"
A Xiao Family youth suddenly flickered and rushed towards Ye Yunfei. He was a Mid-Level Golden Immortal.
"Xiao Chang! What do you intend to do? Do not lay hands on Young Master Ye!" Xiao Huanhuan raged.
She wanted to block him, but it was already too late.
"Get lost!"
His right hand already gripping his Space Teleportation Token, Ye Yunfei casually slapped outward with his left hand.
*Hong!*
Ye Yunfei’s palm instantly enlarged, and with one slap, sent that Xiao Family man flying.
Facing Ye Yunfei’s palm sweeping towards him, this Xiao Family man was utterly powerless. Ye Yunfei’s physical strength was simply too terrifying for him, suppressing him completely—he couldn’t even move a finger.
"Impossible!"
The Xiao Family man cried out in shock and horror as his body hurtled away into the distance like an artillery shell blasted from its barrel.
Ye Yunfei had no desire to keep tangling with these Xiao Family members. He directly activated the Space Teleportation Token, vanishing on the spot as he was teleported away.