In the Xuan Yan Star Realm, at the Shangguan family's residence.
Council chamber.
The Shangguan family has strict rules. Every month, clan affairs must be discussed in the council hall, and suggestions must be made on the cultivation and management of the clan's talents, such as who has been lazy in their cultivation recently, and who is intelligent and knows how to work hard, etc.
However, recently, the topic of discussion has been somewhat different.
"The elders should all have heard about the matter concerning that young master from the royal realm recently."
The head of the Shangguan family, Shangguan Jining, put down the bamboo slip in his hand and casually mentioned this matter.
"Yes, Patriarch. I believe we should not fawn over Shen Xiaohong like other forces do, nor should we be hostile to or even offend him. Maintaining the status quo is the best course of action."
One of the elderly elders said with a smile.
“That’s right, that’s what I think too. There are benefits to currying favor, but there are also risks involved. You all should know that they are people from the King Realm. If we say the wrong thing or do something wrong, our Shangguan family could very well face annihilation.”
Shangguan Jining nodded in agreement.
"As far as I know, among the many young masters in the royal realm, Shen Xiaohong is relatively kind and has a good temper, but he is not someone we can easily offend. It's best to be honest and obedient."
The Shangguan family has always sought stability. They are neither as aggressive as the Dongfang family nor as cowardly as the Yuwen family. It is precisely because of Shangguan Jining's prudence that they have achieved their current scale.
"Then this matter is settled. After you return, elders, remember to warn the younger generation of your clans not to have any close contact with Shen Xiaohong, not even to have a conversation with him. Do you all understand?"
"I will obey the patriarch's orders!"
The elders bowed and were about to leave the council hall when several juniors waiting outside suddenly came to report.
"Master, the Second Young Lady is back!"
"Listen to Ye?"
Shangguan Jining raised an eyebrow. "This girl, doesn't she usually like to stay at Tian Shu Sect and hang out with Li Jingxiao? Now she's finally remembered her old father?"
Shangguan Jining was not optimistic about the relationship between Shangguan Tingye and Li Jingxiao. As things stood, it was almost inevitable that Li Jingxiao would become the next sect leader of Tian Shu Sect. The Shangguan family had never been on good terms with any forces in the Xuan Yan Star Realm. Once Li Jingxiao became the sect leader of Tian Shu Sect and Shangguan Tingye became his wife, other forces would think that the two had reached a cooperation agreement, which would lead to suppression from the Xuan Yan Dynasty and even more forces.
This is not a good thing for the Shangguan family.
Therefore, Shangguan Jining was also thinking about how to dispel Shangguan Tingye's idea.
"The second young lady seems to have something urgent to report."
"Important matter? Did you get into trouble outside? Let her in quickly."
Shangguan Jining was just joking. After all, everyone in the Shangguan family had witnessed Shangguan Tingye's obedience, so how could she possibly cause trouble for no reason?
Besides, so what if they get into trouble? Who would dare lay a hand on the future head of the Shangguan family?
Shangguan Jining never imagined that Shangguan Tingye would cause such a disaster this time!
As soon as she entered the council hall, she knelt on the ground and begged Shangguan Jining and the elders for punishment.
"What on earth is going on?"
Everyone was shocked. The elders had watched Shangguan Tingye grow up and had never wanted her to suffer any injustice. They quickly helped her up and said in a deep voice, "Tingye, don't worry. Even if the sky falls, we old folks will hold it up. Tell us what happened first, and we and the patriarch will work together to find a solution for you!"
Shangguan Tingye took a deep breath and told Shangguan Jining and the others what had happened at the Demon-Slaying Sect.
"Bang!"
The wooden chair beneath Shangguan Jining shattered with a crash!
"Father, I was wrong in this matter. I will accept whatever punishment you deem fit. I only ask that you help Xiao-ge when he is in trouble!"
Shangguan Tingye bit her lip, looking utterly endearing.
"You bastard!"
Shangguan Jining's face darkened.
"Listen Ye, you're not a child anymore. You can tell what's important and what's urgent. Tell me, is it more important to appease that young master's anger or to protect Li Jingxiao?!"
"Yes, listen to Ye, over the years, our Shangguan family has protected him many times out of respect for you, which can be described as doing our utmost! Now that Li Jingxiao has caused a great disaster again, you still want us to protect him... How can this be allowed? I'm afraid even sacrificing the entire Shangguan family wouldn't be enough!"
"I understand, but... but..."
Shangguan Tingye's eyes reddened, looking pitiful.
"Enough!"
Shangguan Jining raised his hand and said coldly, "Elder Mei Xuan, now in my name, draft three invitations, saying... three days from now is the coming-of-age ceremony of my Shangguan family, inviting all parties to attend. Naturally, these three distinguished guests cannot be absent. Call them over first, and after the coming-of-age ceremony, I will personally present gifts to apologize!"
"Father!"
Shangguan Tingye's face turned pale. She never expected that her impulsive act would have such serious consequences!
She knew all too well how proud Shangguan Jining was, so why was she now offering Lin Feng a gift to apologize?
"Shut up!" Shangguan Jining's eyes showed undisguised disappointment. "Tingye, you were wrong this time. For the next month, you are not allowed to return to Tian Shu Sect. Stay in the Shangguan family and reflect on your actions! Also, when Lin Feng and the other two arrive here, you must sincerely apologize to him. Do you understand?"
"If you remain stubborn and insist on dragging the entire Shangguan family into helping Li Jingxiao fight against Lin Feng... then don't blame me, your father, for disregarding our father-daughter relationship and confining you to Chenyuan Peak for five years to reflect on your mistakes!"
"Master!"
"Alright! Go back now and think carefully about what we should do when Lin Feng comes in a few days!"
Shangguan Jining seemed to have exhausted all his strength, and his face showed an undisguised look of sorrow.
Because of her own actions, the entire clan was plunged into danger, which was definitely not the situation Shangguan Tingye wanted to see. She even considered whether to go directly to Lin Feng to apologize, but after careful consideration, she realized that Lin Feng probably wouldn't forgive her.
Firstly, because her relationship with Li Jingxiao was extraordinary; secondly, because simply apologizing wasn't enough, she needed to demonstrate genuine sincerity that would satisfy him. Relying solely on Shangguan Tingye's words, she clearly couldn't offer anything substantial enough to make Lin Feng forgive her.
"Listen Ye, after you return, you will be temporarily confined to your quarters. Without my order, you are not allowed to leave the family. If you disobey my order... then I will grant your wish and allow you to leave the family and be with Li Jingxiao for all eternity!"
Shangguan Tingye trembled and bowed, saying, "Daughter understands."
After leaving the council hall in a daze, a light blue figure came into Shangguan Tingye's view.
"Ah... Sister."
She snapped out of her daze and greeted them.
"Hmm, Father suddenly summoned me to the council hall. Do you know why... What's wrong? Why do you look like that?"
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