novelraw Chapter 182 : Qiao Family Old Ancestor’s Probing
Chapter 182 : Qiao Family Old Ancestor’s Probing
Chapter 182: Qiao Family Old Ancestor’s Probing
Xuanguang City was in constant turmoil, with countless shouts of killing echoing throughout the entire city.
This signaled that all the forces of the Three Families and their affiliated powers had been fully taken over by the Qiao Family.
Anyone who dared to resist was brutally suppressed by the Qiao Family.
With no major force at the Solar Radiance Realm to hold the line, no one was a match for the Qiao Family.
At night, under the bright full moon.
A figure descended silently above the Qiao Family’s main residence, without stirring even the slightest ripple of Mysterious Power.
The Qiao Family Old Ancestor, who had been sitting on the roof, didn’t turn around but chuckled:
“This old man still doesn’t understand. How did you manage to reach this level, smooth and full without a trace of Mysterious Power fluctuation? It defies logic.”
Gu Fan smiled lightly and casually took a seat to the side.
“Isn’t it normal for a cultivator to have a few secrets?”
“Well said. Little friend, you are indeed one of the rare geniuses I’ve ever met.”
The Qiao Family Old Ancestor’s eyes flickered as he stared fixedly at Gu Fan, making it impossible to guess what he was thinking.
Gu Fan turned slightly, meeting his gaze directly.
“Senior flatters me. This time, you returned and swept through the Three Families with thunderous means. It seems Xuanguang City will belong to the Qiao Family from now on. Junior congratulates you in advance.”
The Qiao Family Old Ancestor remained silent and then began pacing slowly atop the rooftop.
Seeing he seemed deep in thought, Gu Fan didn’t bother speaking further.
“I’ve already heard about you and the second daughter of the Qiao Family. That child named Ruo Xi can stay in the Qiao Family without worry.”
Gu Fan waved his hand indifferently. “Let Ruo Xi decide for herself. I’ve already said I’d respect her choices. Since I took her away from the Ruo Family, I should at least ensure she lives happily, don’t you think?”
The Qiao Family Old Ancestor narrowed his eyes, catching a hint of something else in Gu Fan’s words.
“That child doesn’t wish to stay in the Qiao Family? Why?”
“How would I know? At least it’s not because she thinks the Qiao Family is unsafe. After all, if she hadn’t begged me to intervene back then, I wouldn’t have gotten involved in the Qiao Residence’s affairs.”
“From your tone, it sounds like she’s been wronged?”
Gu Fan spread his hands.
“I just got back today, like I said, I don’t know. She has her own thoughts.”
The Qiao Family Old Ancestor paused, his expression flickering.
At last, he sighed and said:
“Ruo Xi is a descendant of my Qiao Family. Since the Ruo Family doesn’t accept her, it’s only right that we protect her. Please help me persuade her, little friend.”
Gu Fan’s expression changed slightly. The Qiao Family Old Ancestor’s intention was now clear.
But what puzzled him was that Ruo Xi didn’t seem to be of much importance to the Qiao Family.
Affection? Kinship?
Don’t joke—if that truly mattered, Ruo Xi wouldn’t want to leave.
She hadn’t even shown the slightest bit of attachment.
What’s more, the Qiao Family Old Ancestor before him was no benevolent figure. If not for being wary of Gu Fan’s strength and possible backing, he would’ve made a move in the Secret Realm of White Luo Mountain.
So eliminating all other possibilities, only one remained: Ruo Xi had some value—either to him or to the Qiao Family!
“Of course, I have another suggestion.”
The Qiao Family Old Ancestor said with a smile:
“If little friend is willing, why not form a Dao Companion bond with that child? Then with both you and me, the Qiao Family will be unshakable in Xuanguang City!”
Gu Fan was momentarily stunned. He hadn’t expected the other to try to win him over like this.
“Old Ancestor, your thoughts are indeed nimble. But Ruo Xi only just returned to the Qiao Family, isn’t this a bit too hasty?”
“If Senior is sincere in bringing us together, why not let me take Ruo Xi away with me? Even if we’re not here, the relationship remains, does it not?”
As soon as the words left his mouth, the atmosphere instantly grew tense.
The Qiao Family Old Ancestor’s smile vanished, his gaze turning dangerously sharp as he stared at Gu Fan:
“I said, Ruo Xi is a child of the Qiao Family. Only if she lives under the protection of my Qiao Family can I feel at ease. This is also the wish of Ruo Xi’s mother, isn’t it?”
Gu Fan remained silent, quietly pondering.
Then he smiled and said:
“Senior is naturally right. In that case, I won’t meddle further. As for your suggestion, I won’t be using it. I’m used to freedom—it’s impossible for me to bind myself just for a woman.”
“Hehe, then forget it. But Xuanguang City has entered troubled times lately. Little friend, you should leave as soon as possible, lest any misunderstandings occur.”
Having said this, the Qiao Family Old Ancestor wore a cold expression, while Gu Fan cupped his fists and prepared to leave.
At that moment, the Qiao Family Old Ancestor spoke again.
“One more thing—this old man has always been fond of dueling with young geniuses. Why don’t we exchange a single move? No harm to life, how about it?”
Here it comes!
Gu Fan’s steps halted without hesitation.
He knew that the Qiao Family Old Ancestor couldn’t hold back any longer. If he could block this move unscathed, there would likely be no further trouble.
But if he showed signs of defeat, the Qiao Family Old Ancestor might throw caution to the wind and go all out to keep him here.
Thinking of this, a calm smile appeared at the corner of Gu Fan’s lips as he said:
“I’m also curious just how powerful the late stage of the Solar Radiance Realm is. Since Senior is willing to offer guidance, Junior naturally accepts.”
Seeing this, the Qiao Family Old Ancestor didn’t waste words.
In an instant, Mysterious Power burst forth. A giant palm imprint slammed down toward Gu Fan.
Behind Gu Fan, countless phantoms appeared. A green lotus emerged, the resonance of the Dao filled the air, and even a golden giant elephant manifested—this was the embodiment of ultimate strength.
With the power of the phantom instantly infused, Gu Fan’s battle power soared. He stepped forward and raised his fist, launching a direct strike like a dragon charging straight into the enemy camp!
Boom!!
A thunderous explosion resounded over the Qiao Residence!
The aftermath rippled outward, leveling all the surrounding rooftops.
Gu Fan landed gently on another rooftop, a faint smile on his lips, as if the clash hadn’t affected him in the slightest.
The Qiao Family Old Ancestor’s face turned grim, but he quickly smiled and said:
“Little friend possesses formidable strength. This old man is impressed.”
“Not at all. Senior must have only used fifty percent of his power, right? Otherwise, how could it be so painless?”
Seeing Gu Fan still mocking him like this, the Qiao Family Old Ancestor became even more cautious and ultimately only said indifferently:
“It was merely a friendly exchange. Naturally, I couldn’t go all out. It’s quite late now, little friend, you should go rest.”
“Junior takes his leave!”
Gu Fan cupped his fists again and then floated away leisurely.
Only the Qiao Family Old Ancestor remained in place, his gaze filled with hesitation.
“Old Ancestor, are we just letting him leave?”
The Qiao Family Old Ancestor could only sigh and said, “Forget it. If we can’t be one hundred percent sure of keeping him, forcing it would only bring disaster upon the Qiao Family. As long as he leaves Xuanguang City quietly, we’ll act as if nothing happened!”
The Family Head beside him pondered for a moment and could only bow respectfully in the end:
“Yes, Old Ancestor!”
Elsewhere, in a side courtyard of the Qiao Family.
Ruo Xi waited inside the courtyard for Gu Fan’s return.
Just then, a figure floated down from outside the courtyard, staggering slightly upon landing.
Ruo Xi was startled and immediately stepped forward to support Gu Fan.
At this moment, his expression looked terrible, and blood was continuously seeping from the corners of his mouth.
“You’re...”
“Had a few words with the Qiao Family Old Ancestor. Your Old Ancestor was a bit too enthusiastic and insisted on exchanging a move. If I hadn’t faked it well enough, I might’ve been forced to stay.”
“That old thing hit pretty hard—at least ninety percent strength! If my physical body wasn’t so tough, I would’ve been exposed on the spot.”
Gu Fan offered a brief explanation, then pushed Ruo Xi away and sat down cross-legged to stabilize his injuries.
Still, this was Gu Fan’s first direct clash with a late stage Solar Radiance Realm cultivator. He had to admit—it was truly powerful!