Grinding to Martial Emperor from the Border Army

Chapter 293: Chapter 191: Reactions from All Sides

This man’s cultivation was at the Perfection level of Void Breaking, which wasn’t weak.

But since he hadn’t reached Transcendence, he was ultimately destined to serve others.

A small scar at the corner of his eye twitched.

His fists were clenched so tightly that the veins on them bulged.

A smile graced Zhao Li’s lips as he watched the scene unfold.

Back in the small world, Lu Yuan had the backing of Great Qin, which had allowed him to rise to the top. But now, he had no one to protect him.

’Let’s see who can possibly save him today.’

Many people glanced over. Meng Ke looked at his family’s patriarch and seemed to be saying something, but the old man merely furrowed his brow without a word.

Just then, the approaching Zhao Family servant reached Lu Yuan’s side. "Kid, come with me to the Zhao Family. I won’t touch you—for now."

"Otherwise, when I *do* make my move, you’ll be in for a world of hurt."

To the common folk of the shanty towns, an Outer Disciple was an awesome and majestic figure.

But the Zhao Family could handle one.

Lu Yuan didn’t move. He simply stared at the man without a word, then turned his voice toward the main hall. "Patriarch, the Zhao Family wants to take me away. Aren’t you going to say something?"

Zhang Heng had promised him, after all.

That after receiving the talisman, he would look after Lu Yuan when necessary.

Now, he wanted to see if the man would make good on his word.

The courtyard fell silent. The Zhao Family’s Patriarch frowned when he heard Lu Yuan call out to Patriarch Zhang.

After all, dealing with a common Outer Disciple was one thing. But if Lu Yuan was truly connected to the Zhang Family, today’s affair would become quite troublesome.

’But the man’s surname is Lu, not Zhang. He only arrived a few days ago. How could he possibly have a connection?’

Zhao Li, however, recalled the results of his own investigation into Lu Yuan’s identity.

His heart skipped a beat. ’If this Zhang Family is really related to the Zhang Family from the small world, that would be a problem.’

Just then, Zhang Heng stood up.

Meng Tong’s gaze also shifted to the scene outside. Although she didn’t know the specifics, she could tell it involved Lu Yuan.

If that was the case, she would have to intervene.

After all, not only had she brought Lu Yuan here herself, but more importantly, he had already reached Transcendence and possessed extraordinary talent.

Compared to the Zhao Family, Lu Yuan was clearly far more valuable.

Even setting that aside, her relationship with Lu Yuan was closer. The Zhao Family might have some dealings with her grandfather, but she herself was not familiar with them.

What puzzled Meng Tong, however, was why Lu Yuan hadn’t asked for her help. Why turn to Patriarch Zhang? Especially when it was just a mere servant causing trouble. With Lu Yuan’s current strength...

...he could probably hold his own even against the entire Zhao Family.

But Patriarch Zhang’s next words made everything clear to Meng Tong.

"Patriarch Zhang, you once said you would publicly announce my status as a member of the Zhang Family and grant me your protection when necessary. That wasn’t just talk, was it?"

Lu Yuan’s words stunned everyone present.

’This young man is actually part of the Zhang Family?’

Even many of the Zhang Family’s own disciples looked over in surprise.

But Zhang Heng simply rose and said coolly, "I did agree to announce your status as one of the Zhang Family. But you are far too unruly. You’ve just arrived and you’re already stirring up trouble everywhere."

"Handle your own affairs. The Zhang Family protects its own, but we don’t shelter contemptible disciples. Besides, you aren’t even an official disciple of our family yet."

He certainly wasn’t going to make an enemy of the Zhao Family for Lu Yuan’s sake.

If it had been some Void Breaking expert from the shanty towns targeting Lu Yuan, he might have lent a hand.

But the Zhao Family was on par with their own.

Provoking them would be a massive headache.

Furthermore, Zhang Ke had already become an Outer Disciple.

This made him even less inclined to bother with Lu Yuan.

As soon as the words left his mouth, Lu Yuan nodded. "So, the Zhang Family refuses to acknowledge me as one of its disciples?"

"You could say that," Zhang Heng replied coldly before sitting back down, clearly having nothing more to say.

Now, Meng Tong understood why Lu Yuan had called out Zhang Heng.

’He must have anticipated Zhang Heng would react this way. He asked anyway, purely to sever his last ties with the Zhang Family.’

’This way, they won’t come clinging to him once word gets out that he’s entering the Outer Sect.’

’They’ll be in the same sect in the future. By doing this now, even if the Zhang Family tries to guilt-trip him, no one will side with them.’

’And it won’t affect Lu Yuan’s reputation.’

’After all, with so many people here today, word will spread quickly.’

Meng Tong couldn’t help but inwardly applaud the move.

’The sect places great importance on a disciple’s moral character.’

’If Lu Yuan were labeled as someone who disowns his own family, what master would be willing to put their heart into training him?’

’Now, that’s one less problem to worry about.’

Lu Yuan shot a glance at Zhang Heng and said slowly, "Fine. Since the Patriarch has been so heartless, I will no longer try to associate with the Zhang Family. From this day forward, we have nothing to do with each other."

After saying this, he turned his gaze to Zhao Li. "You’re the one who wants to make a move against me, aren’t you?"

Seeing Patriarch Zhang wash his hands of Lu Yuan, Zhao Li felt his position was even more secure.

He said to Lu Yuan, "Since you know, then come with me."

Zhao Li finished speaking, but Lu Yuan didn’t move.

But Meng Ke, who had been speaking with the Meng Family Patriarch, suddenly stood up. "Zhao Li! Back home, you did everything you could to sabotage Lu Yuan just to build up your son’s reputation. When he went to Great Qin and succeeded, you couldn’t stand it."

"Now that we’re here, you’re still clinging to the past, is that it?"

"As long as I’m here today, Lu Yuan isn’t going anywhere with you."

After speaking, he looked to the Meng Family Patriarch beside him.

The patriarch’s expression soured; he clearly didn’t support Meng Ke standing up for Lu Yuan.

But what could he do?

The words were already spoken. He cleared his throat and said, "Patriarch Zhao, regarding today’s matter, can you see it in your heart to spare this young man, for my sake?"

"My apologies, Patriarch Meng," Patriarch Zhao said coolly. "This man and my descendant share a deep-seated blood feud. I must take him away today."

If Lu Yuan had been one of the Zhang Family, he might have settled for some compensation and let it be. After all, a war between their two families wasn’t worth it.

But Lu Yuan clearly had no real connection to the Meng Family; he was just an acquaintance of their junior. If he pressed the issue, given the Meng Patriarch’s personality, he probably wouldn’t continue to protect Lu Yuan.

Besides, backing down after just a single sentence would make him look weak.

The Meng Patriarch looked at Meng Ke, a helpless expression on his face.

His expression clearly said, ’I’ve done my best, the Zhao Family won’t give me face.’

But Meng Ke was clearly a sly one. He stepped forward, blocking Lu Yuan. "Patriarch, if you don’t save him today, then I’m not leaving either. I’ll go to the Zhao Family along with him."

His words made the Meng Patriarch both angry and anxious.

Meng Ke’s talent was considerable; he had a good chance of entering the Outer Sect, and he was from the patriarch’s direct line of descent.

He couldn’t just let him act so recklessly.

Lu Yuan was touched as he watched this unfold.

He clapped the other man’s shoulder. "Thanks. I’ll handle this. I’ll find you for a drink tomorrow."

Lu Yuan hadn’t specified a time before, but now he had definitively said "tomorrow." It was a clear sign of his deepening approval of Meng Ke.

At that moment, Meng Tong, who had been sitting in the main hall the entire time, also rose to her feet.

She knew it was her turn to speak.

She rose slowly, her gaze sweeping over everyone present. "Everyone, Lu Yuan is a friend of mine. He only came to this banquet today at my invitation."

"Therefore, if anyone has a grievance, I, Meng Tong, will take full responsibility."

After she finished, her gaze fell upon Patriarch Zhao.

The corner of his mouth twitched. Meng Tong’s tone was absolute.

It left no room for argument.

He would dare to face off against other families, but he didn’t have the nerve to challenge Meng Tong.

Her grandfather was an Inner Sect Disciple.

At this thought, he cupped his fists toward her. "Miss Meng, I have been rash today. The younger generation of my family doesn’t know their place. I will be sure to pay a visit and apologize properly on another day."

Then, he looked at Zhao Li and said, "We’re leaving."

With that, he turned and led the way out of the courtyard.

Though Zhao Li was seething with resentment, he had no choice but to follow.

Patriarch Meng looked from Meng Ke to Lu Yuan, gently stroking his beard as a faint smile appeared on his lips.

’Regardless, being connected to Meng Tong... that alone proves Lu Yuan is no simple character.’

He waved Meng Ke over to his side.

Then he clapped him on the shoulder. "Well done. You didn’t bring shame to the Meng Family. One must be loyal to one’s friends."

He then looked at Lu Yuan. "Young man, I’ll be taking my leave. You’re welcome to come to the Meng Family for a drink anytime."

With that, he pulled Meng Ke along and headed out.

Seeing that Lu Yuan’s crisis had been resolved, Meng Ke stopped resisting and craned his neck back toward Lu Yuan. "Remember to find me for that drink!"

After both families had departed.

Zhang Heng opened his mouth as if to say something, but after meeting Lu Yuan’s icy gaze, he chose to remain silent.

At that moment, his heart was filled with shock and uncertainty.

’Lu Yuan just arrived in the Ancient Wilderness. How could he have earned such staunch protection from Meng Tong?’

’Logically, a situation like this shouldn’t be possible.’

Lu Yuan, however, paid him no mind. He turned to Meng Tong and said, "Senior Sister, shall we go?"

"Mm, the banquet is over anyway. Let’s go," Meng Tong nodded.

She gave Zhang Heng a perfunctory cupped-fist salute, picked up the gift he had prepared, and left with Lu Yuan in tow.

As the two of them departed from the residence.

Zhang Heng turned to a family disciple standing beside him. "Go and thoroughly investigate this Lu Yuan for me. If he was supposed to be one of the Zhang Family, why is his surname Lu? And more importantly, what exactly is his relationship with Meng Tong?"

"Why would she go to such lengths to help him today?"

After all, the Zhao Family had been established for many years and had its own backer within the sect.

But Meng Tong’s words today had been so absolute.

It made Patriarch Zhao not dare to test the waters any further, terrified of genuinely sparking a conflict between their families.

There would be no way to de-escalate things at that point.

The Meng Family would suffer losses, yes, but his Zhao Family would be utterly destroyed.

It was a gamble he dared not take.

"Yes, Patriarch," the disciple replied before hurrying away.

And it wasn’t just Patriarch Zhang.

The moment they left, both Patriarch Zhao and Patriarch Meng also arranged for their own people to investigate Lu Yuan’s recent activities.