“I watched Chi Yuan grow up. He has never been involved in any spoiled or dissolute habits and has always had high moral standards. How could he have become like this?”

"Alas, perhaps it was because he left the family and relaxed his self-discipline that his personality changed over time. In addition, there were many temptations around him. It is normal for a young and vigorous man like him to lose control."

"It's understandable that he couldn't control himself, but he shouldn't have done it this way. Has he forgotten that he has a fiancée waiting for him at home? No matter what, he should have married the older one first. Wouldn't this behavior break the heart of that girl from the Yun family?"

"This kid is really foolish. He did it, so what's wrong with admitting it? At worst, it's just taking a concubine, it's not like he'll die. Now look what's happened, his cultivation has been ruined. If he can't cultivate anymore, won't he be a cripple?"

"To sacrifice his cultivation for a little fame, what a waste of his innate sword physique..."

...

The hall was abuzz with discussion, everyone was puzzled and regretful about the matter, and even more so, they were disappointed and disappointed. Chi Yuan had always been the pride of the Chi family and carried the greatest expectations of the Chi family, but now his reputation and cultivation had been ruined overnight. How could they not feel disappointed and heartbroken?

“Patriarch, since this matter is true, then let’s think about how to handle it properly. Your son’s actions have not only damaged the relationship between the Chi family and the Shenxiao Sect, but also severely damaged the reputation of the Chi family. If it is not handled properly, not to mention that many of the Chi family’s interests with the Shenxiao Sect may be severed, I’m afraid that no famous family will be willing to form a marriage alliance with our family in the future.”

The eldest elder of the Chi family spoke slowly, as if offering a gentle reminder.

Upon hearing this, Chi Li's hands trembled beneath his sleeves, and he fell silent, unable to speak. The best way to handle this matter was to expel Chi Yuan from the family. Only in this way could the interests between the family and the Divine Firmament Sect be preserved, and the reputation of the Chi family be protected.

But... he was his son after all...

Lin Huixin also felt reluctant. Although she was disappointed in Chi Yuan and angry and resentful that he had let Yunmeng down, Chi Yuan was still her son. No matter how she punished him, she did not want to go so far as to expel him from the family. That would be too cruel for Chi Yuan.

"Chi Li, get out here!"

But at that moment, an angry shout rang out.

Everyone looked in the direction of the sound and saw a group of people walking aggressively towards them. The leader was none other than Yun Meng's father, Yun Feng, the head of the Yun family.

Yunfeng was accompanied by several core members of the Yun family, while behind him followed Yunmeng, who had a sorrowful expression, and Yunyan, who was supporting Yunmeng and looked furious.

Beside Yun Yan was a young man in a close-fitting outfit with clear eyes. At this moment, his face was gloomy, his fists were clenched, and his expression was full of indignation. He was Yu Xiao, Chi Yuan's childhood friend.

Upon seeing the Yun family arrive at their door, Chi Li and the others' expressions changed, and they hurriedly went to greet them.

"Brother Yun."

"relatives by marriage."

Chi Li and Lin Huixin walked at the front and greeted them one after the other.

"Who's your in-law?!"

Yunfeng glared fiercely at Lin Huixin, then turned to Chi Li and shouted, "Chi, what has my daughter done to offend your Chi family that your son treats her like this? Do you know how much Meng'er has sacrificed for him all these years?! Does he have any humanity left?!"

Chi Li, realizing he was in the wrong, tried to comfort him, saying, "Brother Yun, don't be anxious. Things haven't been clarified yet, and it might not be what everyone thinks. You must give Yuan'er some trust."

"Hmph, I would like to trust him, but even the Sect Master of the Divine Firmament Sect, Shangguan Zhen, has personally confirmed this matter. How can you expect me to trust him?"

Yunfeng glared angrily.

"Well... I suppose Brother Yun also failed to meet Yuan'er's junior sister. The truth may differ from what we know. I think it would be better to wait for Yuan'er to return and then investigate further."

Chi Li said with a lack of confidence, he didn't know what Chi Yuan had become over the years since he joined the sect, but Shangguan Zhen was known for his integrity and uprightness, his word was law, and since taking charge of the sect, he had always made impartial decisions and never wronged good people.

Now that even Shangguan Zhen has personally admitted to this, is there still any possibility that Chi Yuan has been wronged?

"Father, I agree with what Uncle Chi said. Let's wait for Yuanlang to return first, and not make any rash decisions."

Yunmeng walked forward listlessly, her pale lips barely moving as she spoke in a weak and feeble voice.

Yunfeng turned to look at Yunmeng, his eyes filled with reluctance and heartache, while his resentment towards Chiyuan deepened.

Lin Huixin was also heartbroken. She stepped forward, took Yunmeng's hands, and gently comforted her, "Meng'er, I'm sorry you had to suffer like this. When that bastard comes back, I will definitely punish him properly for you!"

Yunmeng gently shook her head, her eyes reddening, and said, "Auntie, it's alright. Even if Yuanlang really did it, I can forgive him... As long as he can admit his mistake, I'm willing to give him a chance to reform. I don't care if his cultivation is destroyed. As long as he marries me, I'm willing to marry him!"

...

The gate of Jintian City.

Looking at the towering city gate and the three bright, gilded characters above it—Jintian City—Chi Yuan felt a surge of emotion.

The saying goes, "The closer you get to home, the more apprehensive you feel." In the past, I didn't feel anything when I went home, but this time I felt both anticipation and trepidation.

How can he explain to his parents and family that his cultivation has been destroyed?

How should he deal with the doubts raised by his fiancée, Yunmeng?

And... now that his cultivation is completely destroyed, will Yunmeng still be willing to marry him?

Chi Yuan felt a wave of confusion and worry; he suddenly felt a little afraid to go home...

"Phew... I'm already back, what's there to be afraid of? Others may not know what kind of person I am, but don't my parents know? And Meng'er, she's deeply in love with me, has she ever doubted my character? As long as I tell the truth, I think they will believe me!"

Chi Yuan did some mental preparation, then quickly adjusted his mood and strode towards the city gate.

Once inside the city, Chi Yuan followed the direction he remembered and continued on his way.

"Have you heard? Chi Yuan, the eldest son of the Chi family, has had his cultivation stripped and has been expelled from the Shenxiao Sect for disrespecting his junior sister."

Chi Yuan hadn't gone far when a murmur of conversation suddenly came from nearby, startling him and causing him to stop in his tracks.

"Really? Young Master Chi is known for his excellent character, how could he do something so disrespectful?"

"Who knows? But I think it's pretty much true. A prestigious sect like the Divine Firmament Sect cherishes its reputation very much. Why would they wrong their own disciple? Besides, I heard that the young master of the Chi family has a fairly high status in the Divine Firmament Sect. If there were really a grievance, the Divine Firmament Sect would probably be too busy covering it up to let the news get out and become known to everyone."

“That’s right. The Divine Firmament Sect wouldn’t do something that would ruin its reputation. Besides, people’s hearts are fickle. Someone may have been a good person before, but that may not be the case now.”

"I think so too. These days, aren't there plenty of hypocrites who look respectable on the surface? They may appear dignified, but who knows how filthy and despicable they are behind the scenes."

Listening to the discussions around him, Chi Yuan clenched his fists in secret. He didn't say anything and silently walked towards the Chi residence.