Chapter Fifteen: The Enigmatic Third Elder

At that moment, the sound of a fierce wind howling suddenly filled the air. A figure clad in azure streaked in like lightning from outside, landing firmly on the ground. The earth seemed to tremble slightly beneath his feet, a testament to the depth of his power.

With a gentle flick of his sleeve, an overwhelming force surged forth, instantly dispelling the oppressive pressure that had been weighing down on Ouyang Xiaoyue without a trace.

Everyone present felt an involuntary shiver ripple through their hearts upon seeing the newcomer.

This unruly elder immortal had returned at a critical moment! Known for his elusive comings and goings, rarely seen and often spoken of in whispers, his sudden appearance took everyone completely by surprise.

“Third Elder, what is the meaning of this?” Ouyang Tianxing asked warily, his eyes fixed on the man before him. His hands clenched tightly on the nearby chair, betraying his tension.

In a mere instant, this elder had effortlessly scattered the spiritual energy Ouyang Tianxing had summoned. It was clear that the Third Elder’s strength had grown considerably since his last appearance. The thought alone caused a bitter pang within Ouyang Tianxing’s heart.

But the Third Elder paid no heed to him. Instead, he strode directly toward Ouyang Xiaoyue and reached out to support her to her feet.

Yet, Ouyang Xiaoyue subtly turned aside, deftly avoiding his hand.

The Third Elder showed no hint of displeasure at her evasion, as if such behavior were nothing new to him.

Still glaring fiercely at Ouyang Tianxing, who sat resolutely in the seat of honor, he bellowed, “What wrong has Xiaoyue committed that you cannot tolerate her presence?”

The elder’s sudden outburst tightened the atmosphere in the hall. Those present felt their hearts constrict, especially the junior who had been named—his whole body trembling in fear.

After receiving a silent cue from the honored seat, the junior hastened to recount the entire sequence of events without delay.

When the narration concluded, all expected the Third Elder to express bitter disappointment or even harshly reprimand Ouyang Xiaoyue.

Yet, to their astonishment, the Third Elder showed no sign of dismay. Instead, he fixed a piercing gaze on Ouyang Tianxing and said icily, “So, based solely on the word of a mere servant girl, you, as the head of the family, would lay hands on Xiaoyue without question?”

At that moment, Ouyang Tianxing, who had remained silent until then, wore a face as dark and heavy as the bottom of a pot, ready to explode at any second.

Suddenly, the Third Elder slammed his palm upon the table with a thunderous crack and roared, “Xiaoyue herself has declared that the token was stolen by this maid. Why do you persist in tormenting her? Must you drive her into despair?

Ouyang Tianxing, I advise you not to forget how you came to hold the position of family head!”

After a brief pause, as if striving to calm his rising fury, the Third Elder resumed, “Moreover, Xiaoyue’s constitution is unique by nature. She has no interest whatsoever in those so-called secret techniques or manuals.

Even if she truly required them, as the legitimate daughter of the household, she could have simply obtained them openly and without risk. Why would a lowly first-rank spiritual master servant girl need to resort to theft?”

His words thundered through the crowded hall like a clap of lightning, freezing the air and silencing all sound.

Those present seemed as if frozen by an enchantment, trembling silently with heads bowed low, careful not even to breathe too loudly, lest the wrath of these two great elders befall them.

Meanwhile, Ouyang Tianxing’s gaze remained fixed on the furious Third Elder. His fists were clenched so tightly that veins bulged on the backs of his hands, and his perfectly white teeth were nearly crushed by the force of his biting.

His face was a ghastly shade of blue, as if it might drip water, his eyes burning with fierce rage. If his glare could manifest physically, the Third Elder would have long since been reduced to ashes.

At the same time, the Grand Elder’s expression was equally grim. His brows furrowed deeply, dissatisfaction plain upon his face. He was about to speak when the Third Elder suddenly spun his head around, instantly adopting a different expression.