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Chapter 1521:- Arrogance of a Counterfeit (4)
"Humph!" Cao Yueqin snorted coldly with a disdainful look on her face. "You bumped into me. Shouldn't I teach you a lesson?"
"You..." Jun Ling'er trembled with anger. However, thinking of Jun Xuan's words, she tried to calm down, though she was already furious. "I didn't mean it. I bumped into you, but you also bumped into me!"
Not expecting that Jun Ling'er dared to refute her, Cao Yueqin was surprised and then shouted angrily, "I am the heiress to the Jun Family. Who are you? You have no Jun Family's blood in you! The Jun Family raised you up, but you aren't grateful at all! How dare you speak to me like this! I have suffered so many years and finally returned to the Jun Family. Why am I still bullied by the ungrateful child of a bitch?"
With that, Cao Yueqin cried out loud as if she was greatly wronged. If Jun Ling'er was Grandfather Jun's biological granddaughter, Cao Yueqin wouldn't dare humiliate her like this. But Jun Ling's father was only Grandfather Jun's disciple, so she dared act so presumptuously! She believed that in Grandfather Jun's mind, an outsider would be no match for her, his own blood and flesh. Even if Grandfather Jun was here, he would certainly stand by her side.
"Don't you dare abuse my mother!" Jun Ling'er furiously raised her legs and kicked at Cao Yueqin.
If Cao Yueqin only scolded her, perhaps she would bear it and go away. But she cursed her mother. How could she put up with it?
"Miss Ling'er!"
Just before Jun Ling'er's leg hit Cao Yueqin's chest, someone shouted and firmly grabbed her leg.
"First Elder, let me go! I'm going to teach this woman a lesson!" Jun Ling'er's eyes turned red and were burning with raging flames.
"Ling'er," Sweat ran down from the old man's forehead and he said anxiously, "After all, she is Old Master's granddaughter. No matter how wrong she was, you shouldn't beat her."
In fact, since Jun Ling'er was the only child in the Jun Family, the elders all adored her. Besides, she was an amiable and lively girl, so the elders doted on her.
However...
No matter how much he liked Jun Ling'er, he couldn't let her beat Cao Yueqin.
"Ling'er, have you forgotten how Old Master missed his lost daughter all these years? Do you want to make him sad?" First Elder said earnestly and his eyes were sad.
Jun Ling'er's eyes grew redder, and tears came to her eyes. "But she just insulted my mother as a bitch."
First Elder paused and frowned. He disliked Cao Yueqin even more. Even though Master was not Grandfather Jun's biological son, he was still Master of the Jun Family. But she was so arrogant as to insult Master's wife.
"Ling'er," First Elder sighed, "though I want to stand by your side, we have to consider Cao Yueqin's identity. I can't help it. Let's just forget about it, alright?"
Jun Ling'er's body froze. Her mother was humiliated, but she had to forget about it?
"No, no way!" Cao Yueqin jumped out from behind First Elder, held her head high and looked down haughtily at Jun Ling'er, "This woman bumped into me and tried to beat me. She must apologize to me!"
"Miss Cao!" First Elder looked sullen, "Don't go too far. Ling'er is also a granddaughter of Old Master. He raised her up and has a deep affection for her."
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Chapter 1522:- Arrogance of a Counterfeit (5)
Cao Yueqin snorted with contempt. "How can a god-granddaughter compare with a biological granddaughter? Also, do you know how I lived during these years in the outside world? My mother died after giving birth to me. If my adoptive mother didn't take me in, I wouldn't have survived! However, my adoptive father's family background is weak, so do you know how much ridicule I received? Yet, someone illegitimate like Jun Ling'er occupied my spot and enjoyed my affections!"
"What did you say?" Eldest Elder's originally impatient expression turned furious. "You said Old Family Head's daughter is already dead? Who? Who killed a member of my Jun Family?"
Cao Yueqin humphed. "If it weren't for Grandfather Jun abandoning my mother and causing her to not have enough money to treat her illness, she wouldn't have passed away after giving birth to me."
Her words portrayed herself in a very tragic light. Eldest Elder was originally dissatisfied with her but had turned sympathetic to her plight. No wonder she had such a large unfavorable impression of the Jun Family and Jun Ling'er. It was because she suffered through all sorts of misfortune outside and everything was caused by the Jun Family.
"Ling'er..." Eldest Elder turned to Jun Ling'er, hesitation in his speech.
Jun Ling'er tightly clutched her fists, disbelief clear in her eyes. "Eldest Elder, you want to make me apologize?"
"Ling'er, our Jun Family... has caused her to suffer an abundance of tribulations. Consider this apology to be on behalf of the Jun Family for abandoning her mother and her for so many years."
Eldest Elder turned away, not daring to look at Jun Ling'er's dejected eyes in fear of turning soft.
Jun Ling'er closed her eyes and took a deep breath before opening them again. "I understand."
Her sight slowly landed on Cao Yueqin's gloating face. She had to use all of her willpower to suppress the desire to throw a punch at her.
"I'm sorry." She tightly bit her lips, her face turning pale. "Will this do?"
Cao Yueqin's face was taken over by a self-pleased smile. "Jun Ling'er, you must remember, I am the rightful miss of the Jun Family. Everything that I do, your Jun Family owes me!"
Jin Ling'er did not respond. She swiftly walked around Cao Yueqin and headed towards the East Court. At that moment, her tears could not be held back any longer and streamed down unbidden, splashing into the air.
Watching Jun Ling'er's disappearing silhouette, pain seized the first elder's heart. He took a sharp breath and turned to darkly look at Cao Yueqin.
"Old Family Head has always doted on Ling'er and raised her with him since she was young, so don't go too far. Otherwise, even if the Jun Family owes you, us elders will still kick you out!"
Cao Yueqin snorted without care and walked past the Eldest Elder with swaying hips, without gracing him with a single glance.
...
Bang!
Inside the room, Yun Luofeng was sitting beside a table and reading a book. When the room's door was pushed open, she looked up and saw the tearful Jun Ling'er entering.
"Wah!" Unable to hold it back, Jun Ling'er burst into loud sobs, wanting to relieve herself of all of the grievances that she suffered today.
Yun Luofeng put down the book in her hand and asked with raised brows, "What happened?"
"Sister Yun!" Jun Ling'er sobbingly responded, "Is having the bloodline of the Jun Family truly that important? It was obviously not my fault, but why am I forced to apologize? If that woman didn't ridicule my mother, I wouldn't want to hit her!"
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Chapter 1523:- Arrogance of a Counterfeit (6)
Hearing her words, Yun Luofeng immediately guessed that Jun Ling'er must have been bullied by Cao Yueqin. And because of blood relations, the Jun Family sided with Cao Yueqin.
"Let's go." Yun Luofeng languidly stretched and walked outside.
"Sister Yun, where are you going?"
"Taking a walk." Yun Luofeng did not say anything else and left.
She could hear the sounds of an argument from far away. A man's gentle voice, tinged with fury, drifted to her ears.
"Cao Yueqin, don't you think you went too far? Ling'er is at least a granddaughter recognized by Grandfather, aren't you afraid your actions will provoke everyone's anger?"
"Young Master Hua." In contrast, Cao Yueqin's tone was bashful with a trace of displeasure. "Don't worry about me. I'm more important than Jun Ling'er, so why would the Jun Family grow angry toward me due to an outsider?"
Yun Luofeng's steps halted, a faint smile appearing on her features. "Ling'er, do you think Cao Yueqin is truly dumb or pretending to be dumb?"
Hua Yifei was standing up for Jun Ling'er, so he sought Cao Yueqin out for retribution, but his actions turned into worrying for her in her words? Could it be that... there was something wrong with her head?
Jun Ling'er subconsciously pulled on Yun Luofeng. "Sister Yun, let's go elsewhere for a walk. I don't want to see Cao Yueqin."
Yun Luofeng's smile was wicked as she pushed away Jun Ling'er's hand and walked toward Hua Yifei and Cao Yueqin.
Inside the garden, Cao Yueqin's face was blushing from shyness while Hua Yifei's face was red from rage, and his knuckles were cracking from how tight his fists were. If the other person's status was not a hindrance, perhaps his fists would have already made contact with her head.
"What did you come here for?" Looking up, Cao Yueqin caught sight of the approaching Yun Luofeng and Jun Ling'er and frowned, her tone full of impatience. "Can't you see I am having a date with Young Master Hua?"
Her words were clearly intended to agitate Jun Ling'er. After all, she already looked into it. Hua Yifei had lost his parents when he was young and came to the Jun Family to rely on his mother's younger sister. He also had an engagement with Jun Ling'er.
An orphan like Hua Yifei must have befriended Jun Ling'er in order to latch onto the Jun Family. And since her status was higher than Jun Ling'er's now, Hua Yifei would certainly abandon Jun Ling'er and want to take her as his wife.
Even if Hua Yifei did not have this intention, after Grandfather Jun returned she would have him force them apart. How could Jun Ling'er dare to disobey?
"Ling'er!" Hua Yifei's heart jolted and he hurriedly walked to Jun Ling'er and hastily explained, "It absolutely isn't what she said. I came to seek retribution from her."
"I know."
How could she not know her cousin's character? There was no way that this man would betray her.
Hua Yifei visibly relaxed. He was worried that Jun Ling'er would believe in this bitch's attempt at driving a wedge between them.
"Humph!" Seeing that Hua Yifei had his eyes completely focused on Jun Ling'er, Cao Yueqin's face instantly darkened. "Both of you are merely god-granddaughters of my grandfather! Yet you dare to be this impolite in front of me, the true miss! Believe me when I say that I can make the Jun Family kick you out!"
It was enough that Cao Yueqin was insulting Hua Yifei and Jun Ling'er, but she idiotically ran to Yun Luofeng and angrily shouted while pointing at them.
Thus... the snow-white girl suddenly lifted her leg and a kick landed on Cao Yueqin's chest with a bang...
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Chapter 1524:- Grandfather Jun Has Returned (1)
Silence descended on the whole garden.
Jun Ling'er clasped her mouth with shock, her face reddening from excitement. Pleasure rushed through her heart and it was as though her anger was vented without restraint.
It was not until the bang resounded through the air that the servants around them reacted and dashed toward the screeching Cao Yueqin. However, no one knew whether it was on purpose or on accident, the leading maidservant was walking fine but suddenly her left foot stepped on her right foot, and she tripped and fell into Cao Yueqin.
Bang!
The maidservant knocked into Cao Yueqin's head, causing Cao Yueqin to be dazed from the pain. When she uneasily regained her senses, she furiously shouted, "You damn girl, do you know how to walk?"
The little maidservant appeared as though she was extremely frightened and her face was deathly pale. She fearfully answered, "Miss Cao, it was an accident. This servant was only too worried about Miss, so I accidentally tripped. I beg Miss to forgive me."
Cao Yueqin's face was brimming with anger. She was about to say something, but an "Ah!" was heard from the side. She unconsciously wanted to dodge, but the servant on top of her had not moved yet.
This servant did not land on Cao Yueqin. After all, men and women should exercise prudence with other sex, and Cao Yueqin was of the Jun Family bloodline, so he only impacted Cao Yueqin's arm.
Tears streamed down Cao Yueqin's face from the pain, her eyes were red, and she could not speak.
The other maidservants and servants followed their example and all accidentally injured Cao Yueqin before instantly kneeling on the ground and mercilessly banging their heads against the ground, admitting to their error. Evidently, even the servants of the Jun Family could not tolerate Cao Yueqin's arrogance anymore. Comparing her with the lively and witty Jun Ling'er, they naturally chose to side with Jun Ling'er.
In the worst case they would be punished. The Jun Family was fairly reasonable and would not normally torture or kill house servants unless the servant committed a crime that betrayed the family. From this alone it could be seen that Jun Ling'er was very well-liked inside the Jun Family, otherwise the servants would not do something so risky like venting her anger out for her.
Jun Ling'er was moved. How could she not understand that these people were doing this on her behalf?
"What are you all doing?" Abruptly, a cold shout was heard. The servants all hurriedly stood up and then simultaneously kneeled on the ground.
Jun Xuan approached in brocade robes with a strict and icy expression, imposing in demeanor. The person standing beside him was Eldest Elder. Currently, the Eldest Elder was frowning as his cold eyes swept over the crowd of kneeling servants.
"Who can tell me what happened?" Jun Xuan surveyed the surroundings before coldly asking.
In truth, he had a fair understanding of the Jun Family servants, and they would not commit a transgression against their superiors unless the other person did something unbearable.
"Wah!" Finally free, Cao Yueqin burst into a wail. She wanted to stand up from the ground, but she could feel her whole body aching like she was about to fall apart. "The Jun Family is bullying me!"
She was tightly clutching her arm, and her face was bruised all over. It was evident how uninhibited the servants were with their 'accidents'.
Jun Xuan glanced at Jun Ling'er and Yun Luofeng, who were standing off to the side, with a frown. He was about to ask his daughter when Cao Yueqin's malice-filled voice spoke up.
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Chapter 1525:- Grandfather Jun Has Returned (2)
"Jun Xuan, as the Family Head of the Jun Family, will you allow evil servants to assault people as they please?" Cao Yueqin was trembling from her anger. "These lowly slaves dared to hit me, I want them to pay with their life immediately!"
Jun Xuan's frown deepened. "Miss Cao, even if you are my master's blood descendant, I am still the head of the Jun Family. It is discourteous and unacceptable for you to call me by my name! Also, my Jun Family has its own family rules. They did commit a wrong and should be punished, but they do not deserve death!"
"Why?" Hearing this, Cao Yueqin jumped up. "Why can't they die? As slaves, their duty is to be loyal to their masters. A slave that dares to hit his master should be cut into pieces and die without an intact corpse!"
A maidservant appeared to be angered by Cao Yueqin's words and courageously refuted, "This servant's master is Old Family Head and Family Head as well as Miss Ling'er."
"Look! Look at this vermin!" Cao Yueqin pointed at the maidservant and her eyes looked like she wanted to eat people. "Fine, if you won't kill her, then I will kill her! I would like to see if this bitch dares to resist!"
Swish!
After saying those words, Cao Yueqin pulled the sword out from a guard's hand and furiously stormed toward the maidservant.
"Bitch, since you want to vent the anger of Jun Ling'er, who has been freeloading off of the Jun Family, then I will kill you and make you understand who is your master!"
The maidservant was deathly pale from terror and closed her eyes.
"Stop!" Jun Xuan grew furious and was about to go up to stop her when a white figure darted before the maidservant and raised her leg, sending Cao Yueqin flying back with a bang again. The sword in Cao Yueqin's hands clattered to the ground.
Cao Yueqin spat out a mouthful of blood, fire shooting from her eyes. "I haven't sought retribution from you yet, but you dare to hit me again! Who do you think you are? You are nothing but my grandfather's god-granddaughter! I am the true miss of the Jun Family! You are staying at my home but you dare to hurt me?"
The girl's white robe fluttered in the breeze and a smile was on her exceptional face. However, her smile was eerie and chilly, causing people to shiver from the bottom of their heart.
"I'm merely disciplining you for Grandfather Jun."
For Grandfather Jun?
Jun Ling'er was startled and looked up at Yun Luofeng with astonishment. She had been curious from the start about why someone like Yun Luofeng would settle accounts with Cao Yueqin on her behalf. It turned out she was doing it for Grandfather...
However, besides recognizing her as his granddaughter, Grandfather had not helped her with anything else, so why did she hold Grandfather in such esteem?
Suddenly, Jun Ling'er recalled something, and realization dawned on her.
That's right. Initially, Grandfather thought she was dead and invaded the Poison Valley to avenge her! Although the Poison Valley was not a match for Grandfather, the Poison Valley was still a power from Central Province.
Sister Jun did not know the relationship between the Governor's Estate of Central Province and Grandfather, so she must think Grandfather offended a power from Central Province for her. This was why she would stand forward and protect her at a time like this.
Jun Ling'er was moved, but more than that, she was saddened. Why wasn't such a perfect Sister Yun Grandfather's granddaughter? Why did it have to be the darn Cao Yueqin?
"Hoho!" Cao Yueqin snorted and sneered with ridicule, "An outsider like you dares to say you are disciplining me for my grandfather? I wonder what gave you the courage to say something like that."
Slap!
Right after Cao Yueqin stood up, Yun Luofeng flashed in front of Cao Yueqin again and a crisp slap reverberated in the garden.
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Chapter 1526:- Grandfather Jun Has Returned (3)
"This slap is on behalf of Jun Ling'er!"
Jun Xuan was dumbfounded. They did not expect Yun Luofeng to discipline Cao Yueqin in front of their faces. But it had it be said that it was truly satisfying!
"Miss Yun." The Eldest Elder lightly frowned. "No matter how wrong Miss Cao is, she is a member of the Jun Family. To say the least, it's not appropriate for you to treat her like this..."
Hearing the Eldest Elder speaking up for her, Cao Yueqin instantly reacted and furiously glared at Yun Luofeng. "Eldest Elder, I want you to immediately kick this woman out of the Jun Family! I won't allow my Jun Family to be sullied by her!"
"Let me see who dares!" Jun Ling'er snorted and bravely stood in front of Yun Luofeng, rage dominating her cute and delicate face.
"Dad, Miss Yun only hit Cao Yueqin because she was seeking retribution for me! And I was listening to you and accommodated her for everything, but what did she say earlier? She insulted Mom as a whore and said I was raised by a whore!"
Jun Xuan's face chilled, and his severe eyes swept toward Cao Yueqin. "You insulted my wife?"
Cao Yueqin's heart shuddered but she stubbornly retorted, "So what if I insulted her? I am my grandfather's biological granddaughter, what can you do about me?"
Jun Xuan tightly clenched his fists and threw a punch, full of abhorrence. Sailing through the air, his fist swiftly arrived in front of Cao Yueqin.
"Family Head!" The Eldest Elder hastily shouted, his expression dramatically shifting.
Cao Yueqin was also stupefied. In her eyes, since Jun Xuan was willing to sacrifice his life to save her, there was no way he would hit her. However, she had underestimated Madam Jun's importance in Jun Xuan's heart.
At the last moment, Jun Xuan's fist stopped a hairbreadth away from Cao Yueqin's ashen face before he spitefully retracted it. His voice was icy as he stated, "Today's matters will end now. Everything will be handled when Master returns! If Master has her stay, then I will resign as the Family Head and leave with my wife and daughter! Even if I don't return for the rest of my life, it's better than making my wife and daughter suffer mistreatment here!"
He harshly flicked his sleeves and turned around to leave, but his trembling fists revealed the fury in his heart.
"Eldest Elder," Cao Yueqin called out upon seeing Eldest Elder about to leave too, halting his steps. "You are going to leave like this? I was bullied, aren't you going to avenge me?"
Eldest Elder lightly sighed. "I already warned you earlier, don't try to take a mile when given an inch! If you didn't provoke trouble, why would this happen? Hence, you brought it on yourself! Forget it, everything will await Old Family Head's return!"
If Jun Xuan left, then the Jun Family would not have a foothold on the continent after Old Family Head passes away. Hence, the Eldest Elder could not help but wonder whether finding Old Family Head's granddaughter was a good or bad thing.
Cao Yueqin angrily stomped her feet and was about to continue cursing when she saw Yun Luofeng's glance. She trembled from fright and hastily closed her mouth and left. This woman dared to hit her even when Eldest Elder was here, so now that Eldest Elder had departed, wouldn't she be more merciless? Hence, it was better for her to leave this place of trouble. After Grandfather returned, she would make these people suffer.
"Let's go." Yun Luofeng's lips turned up with a languid smile and slowly turned around, lazily walking toward her bedroom.
"Sister Yun, aren't you going to keep walking?" Jun Ling'er asked, her eyes blinking.
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Chapter 1527:- Grandfather Jun Has Returned (4)
"No, I'm tired and want to rest." Yun Luofeng's wicked voice made Jun Ling'er more certain that she did not come here to take a walk, she came here to stand up for her...
Hua Yifei watched Yun Luofeng's departing figure and commented, "If... Miss Yun was Grandfather's granddaughter, I reckon many things would not have happened..."
Jun Ling'er's face was full of disappointment. "What a pity. Only someone like Sister Yun deserves to be the granddaughter of a character like Grandfather. Why does someone like Cao Yueqin exist?"
Hua Yifei shook his head with a bitter smile. The Jun Family was destined for chaos due to the arrival of Cao Yueqin...
...
Hua Yifei's words were correct indeed. Due to the arrival of Cao Yueqin, on top of the Jun Family, Jun City also lost its peace.
The aristocratic youths of the Jun Family heard of the conflict between Cao Yueqin and Jun Ling'er from somewhere alone, so the youths who originally hounded Jun Ling'er all rushed to Cao Yueqin's side all at once and ingratiated themselves with her, wishing nothing more than to lick her shoes.
Regarding the aristocratic youths, Jun Ling'er had long since known that they were bootlickers, so she had never given them any attention. Even so, seeing those people revolving around Cao Yueqin, her heart was embroiled in fury.
Especially since when Jun Ling'er brought Yun Luofeng to a restaurant, they ran into a young and handsome youth trailing after Cao Yueqin like a Pekingese. He could not stop himself from making derisive remarks about Jun Ling'er.
"Some people used to look down on others simply because she was a miss of the Jun Family. It's good now that the genuine offspring of the Jun Family has returned. Let's see if Grandfather Jun will dote solely on her still."
Due to her family background, Cao Yueqin had previously often been on the end of mockery and ridicule. When had she ever been as well regarded as today?
She held her chin up high and pridefully watched the approaching Yun Luofeng and Jun Ling'er with a sneer on her lips. "That was because Grandfather had lost my mother since she was young and was too grieved, so he considered her father as my mother's substitute and her as mine. Now that I have returned, the Jun Family naturally doesn't have a spot for her anymore. I sent a letter to my grandfather yesterday, and he has already promised me to kick Jun Ling'er our."
There was no such thing as sending a letter, to begin with, she merely wanted to entice these people to help her ridicule Jun Ling'er, so she purposefully lied. Otherwise, as a miss of the Jun Family, even if she was only the daughter of Grandfather's disciple, her status was still noble.
Having her expelled from the Jun Family was the only way that these people would not have scruples against Jun Ling'er.
"Nonsense!" Jun Ling'er's face was red from anger. "Grandfather wouldn't do something like that!"
"Hmph, if you don't believe it, there's nothing I can do." Cao Yueqin shrugged. "Wait until your grandfather returns, and everything will be clear. Let's go."
Jun Ling'er furiously clenched her fists, fire spitting out of her eyes. She was stupefied when she saw the cyan-robed girl stepping out of the restaurant and hurriedly following Cao Yueqin.
"Ye Rong, why are you..."
Ye Rong's head remained lowered. When she reached Jun Ling'er's side, her steps paused, and she said, "Sorry, Ling'er, my clan needs to rely on the Jun Family. I became friends with you because you used to be a daughter of the Jun Family. Now... I have no other way."
After saying this, she trailed behind Cao Yueqin, her head downcast.
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Chapter 1528:- Grandfather Jun Has Returned (5)
The corner of Jun Ling'er's eyes reddened. "You previously swore that you didn't befriend me because of my identity as a daughter of the Jun Family. You behaved uncaring of my status too and even ridiculed those people who approached me because of my status, but now, you..."
Ye Rong was startled, and her tone was apologetic. "Ling'er, people who don't look out for themselves will be destroyed by heaven and earth combined. I need to consider my clan too, I hope you can understand me."
People who don't look out for themselves will be destroyed by heaven and earth combined?
Jun Ling'er stumbled and nearly fell onto the ground, but Yun Luofeng was thankfully next to her and grasped her shoulders.
"It's good that you were able to see a person for who they are through this. You should feel glad."
Glad?
Jun Ling'er bit her lips. That's right, she should feel glad. If it were not for this matter, she would not be able to see this woman's true colors.
"Jun Ling'er." Cao Yueqin was disdainful of Yun Luofeng's words. "Do you see? Your friend already became my lackey and your fiancé... he will eventually be my man as well!"
Hua Yifei's family background was very bad, but he was quite talented. With his talent and looks, it would not be a poor match.
Suddenly, a pair of chilly, dark eyes turned to her, and the white-robed girl smiled. "What? You want to be beaten up again?"
Cao Yueqin shuddered, and her body turned icy under Yun Luofeng's gaze. She harshly clenched her teeth. "Hmph, wait until my grandfather returns! I will take care of you soon! Let's go!"
Without turning back, she walked to the street.
"Miss Cao." At this time, a servant of the Jun Family walked over. His manner was polite, but his tone was very normal and without any reverence. "Family Head wants to see you."
Cao Yueqin snorted and haughtily said, "I got it. Tell him I will return immediately."
As for Jun Ling'er, she entered the restaurant and did not pay attention to why her father wanted Cao Yueqin. She was full of anger without anywhere to vent it, so she naturally did not want to see Cao Yueqin again.
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Jun Estate
Inside the estate, Jun Xuan could see the white-robed elderly man approaching from the air in the distance. His face was full of excitement, "I respectfully welcome Master's return to the clan."
"We welcome Old Family Head's return to the clan!"
After Jun Xuan knelt down, everyone else also knelt, and their loud voices rang above the estate.
In the air, a white-robed elderly man stood with his hands behind his back, bearing an immortal demeanor. He stepped down, as though a path was opening up beneath his feet.
"I merely passed by here and came back for a look. I still have something urgent that needs my attention. Also, I heard that the Qinglei Clan came to besiege the Jun Family?" The old man's brows were slightly knitted.
He probably did not expect these people to be so gutsy as to besiege the Jun Family!
"That's right." Jun Xuan slowly stood up. "Master, this disciple has something to report."
"Speak."
"It's like this, the Qinglei Clan dared to besiege the Jun Family because... they kidnapped your granddaughter, Master."
"What?"
Jun Xuan's words immediately sent the old man flying into a rage. "These people have a lot of nerves! They dare to touch my granddaughter! My granddaughter uneasily escaped danger but then was kidnapped by someone? Where are those bastards? Has their clan been annihilated yet?"
Just escaped danger but then was kidnapped?
Jun Xuan was stupefied, uncomprehending of Grandfather Jun's words. He wiped the sweat from his forehead. "The attackers have lost their lives inside Jun City, as for clan annihilation... not yet..."
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Chapter 1529:- Grandfather Jun Has Returned (6)
"What are you people good for? Don't you know to annihilate a clan? People who dare to touch this old man's granddaughter, it's not excessive even if you make them die a thousand times."
Everyone began to sweat.
Old Family Head, where did your immortal demeanor go? Where's your indifference and unworldliness? Could it be all a pretense?
"That's right..." Grandfather Jun suddenly recalled something. "Where's my lovable granddaughter? Quickly tell her to come out and meet her grandfather."
The corner of Jun Xuan's lips twitched. He really wanted to say, not only is your granddaughter not lovable but she has almost turned Jun Family upside down. At this time, Jun Xuan saw an approaching figure and his mouth pursed. "She is here."
At that instant, Grandfather Jun felt like his heart was dangling off a cliff. He repeatedly mulled over how he should greet his granddaughter.
Grandfather Jun turned his head with a big smile and spoke the explanation in his mind, My dear granddaughter, it was Grandfather's fault last time for not recognizing you. How about it? I didn't scare you, right? It looks like fate is on our side...
Unfortunately, his words came to a halt.
That strange face, whether it was the appearance or the temperament was all incredibly different from his lovable granddaughter. Especially the greed and treachery in her eyes, disgusting no matter how he looked at it.
"Who is she?" Grandfather Jun looked back at Jun Xuan and asked in a foolishly cute manner.
Jun Xuan's mouth twitched. "Master, she is your lovable granddaughter."
Grandfather Jun was stunned. This girl was his granddaughter? Bullshit! A girl that can make him disgusted with a glance, how could she be his lovable granddaughter?
On the way here, Cao Yueqin had already been informed that the Old Family Head had returned. Otherwise, she would probably dilly dally before returning to the Jun Estate. Seeing the old man in front of Jun Xuan, it was obvious that he was Grandfather Jun.
She suppressed the excitement in her heart and quickly stepped up, trying her best to display her obedient side. "Grandfather, you've finally returned. I have waited for you with great difficulties. Mother has already died, and it wasn't until my foster mother told me my identity that I learned I was your granddaughter. However, these jerks from the Jun Family won't recognize me at all and even the slaves dare to bully me."
The more Cao Yueqin spoke, the angrier she became. She did not notice Grandfather Jun's gradually darkening face.
"Especially that Jun Ling'er! She throws around her power to bully people and even claimed that she made the decisions in the Jun Family and told me to get lost from the Jun Family. Grandfather, she completely disregards your blood relations, so shouldn't you mercilessly punish her?"
Jun Xuan's expression darkened. He did not expect Cao Yueqin to distort the truth this drastically and hastily turned to Grandfather Jun but saw that the old man's face could not be any darker and a storm was raging in his eyes.
It was over! Master was angry! Ice wrapped around Jun Xuan's heart. He understood that he could not stay inside the Jun Family any longer.
In contrast, Cao Yueqin's expression turned more bloating. Who told Jun Ling'er to bully her? And that Yun Luofeng, they both deserve a thousand deaths!
"Master..." Jun Xuan wanted to explain, but the old man raised his hand to prevent him.
Grandfather Jun's hand was pointing at Cao Yueqin, and rage was evident in his voice. "Jun Xuan, who told you this girl was my granddaughter? Who? Make him get his ass out here for death!"
"Um..." Jun Xuan was dumbfounded for a moment before he honestly replied, "It was an elder from the Qinglei Clan, but he is already dead, so he doesn't need to come out for death."
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Chapter 1530:- Grandfather Jun Has Returned (7)
Bang!
Grandfather angrily punched Jun Xuan's head, wishing nothing more than to beat this idiot to death.
Jun Xuan looked at the old man with a face a grievance. "Master, what did this disciple do wrong?"
"Bastard, idiot, how could this girl be my granddaughter? How could I have a granddaughter like this?" Grandfather Jun furiously grasped onto Jun Xuan's lapels and shouted, "Return my granddaughter to me, return my granddaughter!"
Jun Xuan's head was dizzy. He did not know what had happened, but he understood one thing: Cao Yueqin was not Master's granddaughter!
Happiness came too suddenly, and he was unable to recover.
"Grandfather." Cao Yueqin panicked and stepped forward, wanting to pull the old man's sleeve. "I'm truly your granddaughter."
The second her hand touched Grandfather Jun, it was ruthlessly flung off.
"Scram! Could it be that I don't recognize my own granddaughter?"
Jun Xuan just regained his wits with great difficulty when he heard the old man's words. He could not help but inwardly mutter, you haven't even seen your granddaughter, how could you know her?
Cao Yueqin's mind turned blank and she bewilderedly looked at the raging old man. She was not related to the Jun Family? Impossible, Mother would not lie to her. Moreover, that jade pendant had received the verification of the Qinglei Clan...
"Grandfather." Cao Yueqin slowly recovered and aggrievedly stated, "I'm the genuine one. Also, my jade pendant was verified by the Qinglei Clan, they merely destroyed it."
"Qinglei Clan means bullshit!" Grandfather Jun had always been a refined old man, but now he was swearing time and time again. The boiling fury in his heart was apparent.
"Even my disciple hasn't seen my jade pendant, but the Qinglei Clan could determine yours to be the real one with an illustration alone?" The fury in the old man's chest billowed.
In truth, even if the jade pendant was placed in front of Jun Xuan, he might not be able to determine to the veracity of it, only Grandfather Jun had the knowledge.
Grandfather Jun inhaled a deep breath and caustically said, "Forget it, this matter can't depend on the Jun Family. I should go find my granddaughter myself. Right, call Ling'er back for me to see. After I see her, I will leave again."
Jun Xuan hurriedly agreed and ordered a guard to find Jun Ling'er. Previously, he understood thoroughly that Jun Ling'er did not want to see Cao Yueqin, so he did not call his daughter here as well. But now, this good news must be shared with Ling'er. Jun Xuan grew more excited the more he thought about it, and a smile involuntarily turned up on his lips.
No one paid attention to the ashen Cao Yueqin. Not long after, the guard returned with two girls closely following behind.
Grandfather Jun's face was still infuriated, but for the sake of his beloved granddaughter, he forcefully suppressed the rage.
"Ling'er, you are back..." Grandfather Jun recovered his previous smiling demeanor and turned to look outside the courtyard. This glance brought his voice to a halt, and his eyes shot open with shock.
Am I seeing things?
Grandfather Jun harshly rubbed his eyes and widened them, intently staring at the white-robed girl standing beside Jun Ling'er. His breathing became rushed and his expression was full of excitement!
That was right, it was excitement!
Jun Xuan glanced at the old man and pondered over it in his mind. It looked like this girl was very important in Grandfather Jun's heart. Otherwise, the old man would not seek retribution from the Poison Valley for her and reveal so many emotions upon seeing her still alive.
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Chapter 1531:- Grandfather Jun Has Returned (8)
"Dad." Not understanding what had happened, Jun Ling'er quickly walked to Jun Xuan. She glanced at the pale Cao Yueqin with a frown, confusion flashing through the depths of her eyes.
Then, Grandfather's return quickly cleared the confusion in her. She slowly walked to the front of Grandfather and hesitated for a moment before asking, "Grandfather, you've returned?"
The girl's melodic voice pulled the old man out of his excitement. He turned his sight to Jun Ling'er and chuckled. "Ling'er, aren't you happy seeing Grandfather? What happened? You used to throw yourself at me immediately."
Jun Ling'er blinked. "Grandfather, Cao Yueqin said just now that she sent you a letter and she claimed that... you wanted to kick me out of the Jun Family."
"Cao Yueqin?" Grandfather Jun frowned. "Who is that? Do I know them?"
Jun Ling'er blinked in confusion, her gaze turning to Jun Xuan, asking him what was happening.
On the way here, it was not that Jun Ling'er did not ask the guard, but because Jun Ling'er was very approachable, the guard did not answer her question. Instead, he mysteriously said that she would know in time. So Jun Ling'er was still kept in the dark and did not understand the situation.
"Master," Jun Ling'er glanced at the fallen Cao Yueqin, "Ling'er is referring to her."
"Nonsense!" Grandfather Jun flew into a rage and his fist swung to hit the tree beside him. "What are you? First you impersonate my granddaughter and then put words in my mouth and falsely claim I want to expel my granddaughter? Who gave you the guts?"
Cao Yueqin shuddered from terror, not daring to utter a single word.
Jun Ling'er finally reacted and threw herself into Grandfather Jun's arm with a cry with an extremely aggrieved expression.
"Grandfather, why did you only return now?! Cao Yueqin has been turning the Jun Family into complete chaos during this period of time. She even insulted Mother as a whore and said she would expel Sister Yun and me out of the Jun Family! She claimed that she was the true miss of the Jun Family and that Sister Yun and I were nothing but freeloaders."
Jun Ling'er has suffered through a large grievance these past few days, but she was finally able to voice all of her grievances at that moment and was crying very pitifully.
"Oh, right! She also wants to kill all of the servants of our Jun Family, saying that since she was a miss of the Jun Family, it was reasonable for her to kill some family servants."
Grandfather Jun was already trembling from his anger and was pointing at Cao Yueqin but unable to say anything. He did not expect that a few days of delay would cause such a crisis and even caused his granddaughters to suffer through such tribulations.
"Jun Xuan!" Grandfather Jun angrily shouted, causing Jun Xuan to nearly kneel on the ground from fright.
He wanted to cry. "Master, I also didn't know she was fake..."
"Idiot, you idiot! You mistook the fake for the real one but actually did not discover that the real one was standing in front of you. How can an idiot like you exist in this world!"
"Master, I initially thought that since the Qinglei Clan used her to threaten the Jun Family, she must be the real one. Who would have thought that she would be a counterfeit?" Jun Xuan also felt very aggrieved but he abruptly realized something in the next moment and in confusion asked, "The real one is in front of me? Master, what do you mean? Forgive your disciple for being uneducated and not understanding your words."
Grandfather Jun snorted and turned to glare at Yun Luofeng. "Little Yun, how long will you pretend to be innocent and ignorant over there?"
The entire Jun Family turned silent at that instant, and everyone looked at Yun Luofeng. Even Jun Ling'er stopped sobbing.
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Chapter 1532:- Grandfather Jun Has Returned (9)
What did Grandfather Jun mean? Pretend to be innocent and ignorant?
Yun Luofeng did not expect the old man to change the topic to her and unconsciously smiled.
"Where's the jade pendant?" Grandfather Jun asked, extending his hand to Yun Luofeng.
Yun Luofeng glanced at Grandfather's calloused hand and obediently fished it from her waist, placing it on his palm.
"This..." Jun Xuan was stunned. How could there be two jade pendants?
In contrast to the astonishment of the Jun Family, Cao Yueqin felt her mind explode and hastily screamed, "Hers is fake! It's fake! She must have seen my jade pendant and purposefully found someone to recreate it. Mine is the genuine one!"
"Shut up!" Grandfather Jun did not treat Cao Yueqin with the same benign temperament as he did with Yun Luofeng. He glared at her, his murderous intent fully unleashed. "I will settle accounts with you later! Shut your mouth now. Otherwise, I will make you lose your life here this instant!"
Cao Yueqin closed her mouth immediately, not daring to utter anything else, and was shuddering on the floor on her hands and knees.
Grandfather Jun turned to look at Yun Luofeng. "Shouldn't you give me an explanation?"
Yun Luofeng touched the tip of her nose. "When I arrived at the Jun Family, I encountered a crowd of people coming to the Jun Family for retribution. They claimed that the Qinglei Clan kidnapped the owner of this jade pendant, so I was uncertain whether my jade pendant was real or fake and did not dare to rashly identify myself."
Solemn silence descended on the Jun Family once more. Everyone was dumbfounded. Could it be that the counterfeit thought she was the real one while the authentic one thought she was the fake one?
My goodness, just how big of a mistake was this?
Jun Ling'er's initial stupefaction had already turned into excitement. Her whole face was red, and she nearly fainted from happiness.
Sister Yun was a member of the Jun Family, and Cao Yueqin was a fake!
This piece of news was too joyous! Oh, the excitement was too much...
Grandfather Jun was speechless. Logically, he should rebuke both Yun Luofeng and Jun Xuan, but how could he bear to admonish Yun Luofeng? Hence, he vented all of his fury on Jun Xuan.
"You idiot! My granddaughter was inside the Jun Estate this whole time, but you didn't realize it?"
Jun Xuan's expression turned more aggrieved. "Master, my niece did not reveal her jade pendant, so I didn't know her identity."
As he said this, he noticed the old man's infuriated expression and hastily corrected himself, "It was all my fault. I am an idiot and didn't recognize my niece. I am truly too stupid. Master, you don't need to punish me this time, I will punish myself. I will resign as the Family Head and pass it on to Little Feng."
Speaking to this point, Jun Xuan inwardly rejoiced. Yun Luofeng's return was undoubtedly the best news. He could finally be rid of this heavy responsibility!
"Dream on!" Grandfather Jun glared at Jun Xuan. "My granddaughter is very delicate, yet you want to let this heavy responsibility crush her to death? The Jun Family will be managed by you, don't trouble my granddaughter!"
Jun Xuan wanted to cry. Master, you are too biased...
Moreover, when this girl was beating someone up, she was clearly so fierce, yet you call her delicate?
"This..." Yun Luofeng glanced at the pair of master and disciple and interjected, embarrassed, "I think you have misunderstood something. The original owner of this jade pendant wasn't my mother."
What?
Her words caused the old man's complexion to shift. His granddaughter obtained with such difficulty was flying away? The heavens would not be so cruel, right?
Jun Xuan was startled and asked, "Then do you know where is the original owner of this jade pendant? What is your relationship with her?"
Yun Luofeng paused. "The owner of this jade pendant is... my mother-in-law. Her son is my husband."
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Chapter 1533:- Yun Xiao's Fate (1)
With a buzz, Grandfather Jun's mind turned blank, his stupefied gaze dazedly staring at Yun Luofeng. His granddaughter turned into a granddaughter-in-law? What could be a bigger blow than this in the world?
"Master." Jun Xuan subconsciously turned his head and saw Grandfather Jun's ashen face. He jolted and swiftly walked to the old man and pacified him. "Whether she's your granddaughter or granddaughter-in-law, Little Feng is still a member of our Jun Family."
Upon hearing this, the originally unhappy old man instantly brightened and donned a smile. His disciple was correct. Whether she was his granddaughter or granddaughter-in-law, this girl was still a member of their Jun Family. Wasn't that enough?
Grandfather Jun exhaled a deep breath and walked to Yun Luofeng with a faint smile. "Little Yun, it looks like our fate is truly intertwined. Where are my grandson and daughter currently?"
"Your daughter is still currently in the Land of No Return. As for your grandson..." Yun Luofeng paused briefly before continuing, "He is the Ghost Emperor."
"What?"
Grandfather Jun's complexion instantly shifted. My grandson is the Ghost Emperor?
Yet, back then, so many factions from Central Province wanted to eradicate his grandson?
Grandfather Jun grew infuriated. If he had known the identity of Yun Luofeng and Yun Xiao earlier, he absolutely would not spare the people who went to eradicate the Ghost Emperor back then!
"Also... you don't only have one grandson. Mother adopted a son and daughter in the Land of No Return, and on the day that I departed she also gave birth to twins, a girl and a boy..."
The originally raging old man instantly turned stupefied... This fortune arrived too suddenly.
Ever since his wife died and he entrusted his daughter to someone else, never seeing her again, the children of the Jun Family had withered to nothing, and the third generation had Jun Ling'er alone.
But now... Yun Luofeng informed him that his daughter not only adopted a son and daughter but had also given birth to twins, a girl and a boy?
"Jun Xuan, quickly support me." Grandfather Jun dizzily backed up a few steps, but fortunately, Jun Xuan quickly grasped him and prevented him from fainting and falling to the ground.
Grandfather Jun tightly clutched Jun Xuan's hand and dazedly requested, "Hit me. I want to see if I'm dreaming."
Don't look at how mighty Jun Xuan was in the Jun Family. In front of Grandfather Jun, he evidently became an obedient disciple.
There was no way that he would not do what his master ordered. Hence, he slapped the old man's head, and Grandfather Jun grew furious in a split second, mercilessly kicking his leg out and sending Jun Xuan flying back.
Jun Xuan landed on the floor in a heap and aggrievedly looked up at the old man with an incredibly pitiful expression. "Master, you told me to hit you."
"You hit me just because I told you to?" Grandfather Jun glared at Jun Xuan before turning to Yun Luofeng with a smile. "Girl, let's discuss something."
Yun Luofeng raised her eyebrows. "What?"
"How about you be my granddaughter and have the Ghost Emperor become my grandson-in-law?"
The jaws of everyone in the Jun Family dropped. This was their first time seeing someone unwilling to recognize their grandson and insisting on forcing his granddaughter-in-law to become his granddaughter.
Yun Luofeng did not respond and asked instead, "I have one thing to ask you. Do you know where the Ghost Emperor is?"
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Chapter 1534:- Yun Xiao's Fate (2)
Three years...
She and Yun Xiao had been separated for three whole years. She did not want to continue waiting...
Grandfather Jun frowned and sighed. "He headed to God Burial Mountain."
God Burial Mountain?
These three words caused Yun Luofeng's heart to skip a beat.
God Burial Mountain was this continent's most dangerous location. Its danger level was similar to the Forest of No Return from Longxiao Continent. Heading to a place like that was essentially the same as heading to death.
"I understand." Yun Luofeng inwardly came to a decision and said, "I will depart tomorrow and go to God Burial Mountain to find him."
"Little Yun." The old man's eyebrows knitted tighter. "If I have read it correctly, you should be at Sage God-level advanced-rank."
Sage God-level advanced-rank?
The old man's words were akin to lightning striking across a clear sky, stupefying everyone present.
Although they knew Yun Luofeng was extremely strong, they did not expect her to have reached Sage God-level advanced-rank...
Grandfather Jun was shaking his head with a wry smile. "Although your talent is formidable, your strength is not enough for you to head to God Burial Mountain."
Yun Luofeng's expression remained determined. "Regardless of whether my strength is enough or not, I must head to God Burial Mountain."
Because there was a person waiting for her there...
"Logically, I should depart today for God Burial Mountain, but..." She paused briefly. "Madam Jun's health appears to have some problems, and I'm afraid she won't last until I return."
Madam Jun's constitution was fairly weak and she was seriously ill. Grandfather Jun had already hired countless physicians for her and even personally treated her but was still unable to cure her...
"Little Yun, you can cure Fu'er?" Grandfather Jun's eyes brightened.
Other people might not understand Yun Luofeng's medical talent, but as someone who witnessed Yun Luofeng's solution back then, he understood.
"She has been poisoned, but this poison wasn't acquired and was instead carried over from her mother's womb. I'm afraid it will be very difficult for her to recover." Yun Luofeng glanced at the old man's excited face and smiled. "However, I can suppress her condition and treat her when I return."
In truth, the condition of Madam Jun was not as simple as being poisoned, there was a problem with every aspect. With Yun Luofeng's current strength, she would have to exhaust a large amount of energy to cure her. And it would take at least months to treat her unless she broke through to sage-lord level...
Yun Luofeng currently longed for Yun Xiao, so how could she stay here to treat Madam Jun without worry? The most important thing right now was to control her condition and continue treating her after she returned.
"Alright." Grandfather Jun's emotions surged and he dryly coughed. "Jun Xuan, immediately bring Little Yun to see your wife."
Jun Xuan had learned of Yun Luofeng's abilities from Jun Ling'er, so he naturally did not have any doubts about Grandfather Jun's words. He eagerly led Yun Luofeng toward his wife's residence.
Jun Ling'er did not follow them. Her clear eyes slowly turned to Cao Yueqin on the floor, disdain rising on her face.
"Cao Yueqin, do you remember what you previously said? You previously repeated that Sister Yun and I were merely Grandfather's god-granddaughter and only you could make decisions. You even wanted to kick us out and replace my dad."
"Unfortunately, you are nothing more than a counterfeit. I truly don't understand where you got the courage to pretend to be a member of my Jun Family!"
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Chapter 1535:- Yun Xiao's Fate (3)
Cao Yueqin shook her head, her face deathly pale and her eyes full of despair.
"Impossible! This is impossible! The jade pendant was clearly given to me by my foster mother. How could she lie to me?"
Jun Ling'er waved her hand and ordered, "Come and take Cao Yueqin and parade her through the streets! Also, announce all of her evil! Make everyone understand that this Cao Yueqin is merely a counterfeit!"
Didn't you ingratiate yourself with Cao Yueqin and sided with the powerful? Then I want to make you understand that Cao Yueqin is nothing but a counterfeit.
Also, Ye Rong, did you predict this day when you betrayed me for Cao Yueqin?
"Yes, Miss!" Two guards came up and grabbed Cao Yueqin, dragging her outside.
"No! I don't want to go! I beg you to forgive me, I beg you!" Cao Yueqin's voice was wrought with grief and heartbreak as she was forcefully dragged out. Her voice became more and more distant, gradually fading from Jun Ling'er's ears.
...
The next day, daybreak:
All of the Jun Family stood on the side and was respectfully sending Yun Luofeng off.
Jun Ling'er tightly held Yun Luofeng's hands as she miserably asked, "Sister Yun, when will you return?"
"I will return after I find Yun Xiao," Yun Luofeng aloofly answered as she looked up at the distant sky.
Grandfather Jun sighed. "Girl, you really don't need me to go with you? God Burial Mountain is too dangerous, how can I not worry about you?"
With difficulty he obtained an obedient granddaughter-in-law, so how could he be willing to part with her like this? Yet, this granddaughter-in-law was very stubborn and he attempted to persuade her the whole night without success.
"No need," Yun Luofeng answered while shaking her head. "I will come back alive."
There were too many people that she could not leave behind on this world, so how could she be willing to lose her life in God Burial Mountain?
Seeing her insistence, Grandfather Jun did not say anything else and was silent for a moment before digging out two jade pendants from his lapels and placing them in Yun Luofeng's hand.
One of the jade pendants was clearly the one that he snatched from Yun Luofeng yesterday, the one he placed inside his daughter's swaddling clothes back then. However, he did not take the jade pendant because he wanted to steal Yun Luofeng's things, it was to satiate his longing for its owner.
"Since my daughter gave you this pendant, then it belongs to you now. It can help withstand one attack when your life is in danger. Of course, it only works if you wear it on your neck, it won't work if it's taken off."
This jade pendant could only ward off a fatal attack. If it was not fatal, this pendant would not work.
"As for the other jade pendant, I placed a strand of my soul's power inside of it."
Soul's power?
Hearing this, every member of the Jun Family uniformly turned to look at the old man with shock in their eyes. Everyone understood what the soul's power meant!
The soul's power was obtained by Grandfather Jun separating a strand of his soul and forcefully sealed it inside this jade pendant. It would take a couple of months for him to recover that strand of soul's power.
"If you are in danger, then send your spiritual energy into the jade pendant and I will sense it. I can instantly appear beside you regardless of how far away I am."
Looking at the jade pendant that Grandfather Jun was giving to her, it would be a lie if Yun Luofeng claimed she was not moved.
She had only met Grandfather Jun twice, so they were not close to this extent even after considering their mutual connection to Jun Fengling.
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Chapter 1536:- Yun Xiao's Fate (4)
Yet, Grandfather Jun was willing to sacrifice this much for her. Her heart was not made of stone, so how could she not be affected?
"Thank you." Yun Luofeng accepted the jade pendant and pressed it closely against her chest, a dazzling light shining from her pitch-black eyes.
"Little Yun, you haven't called me Grandfather yet." The old man shot her an aggrieved glance. "You are leaving now, aren't you planning to call me Grandfather at least once?"
A faint smile rose on her lips. "Grandfather."
Her voice was very faint and aloof, but it slammed heavily into Grandfather Jun's heart, filling it with satisfaction.
Her call of "Grandfather" filled him with satisfaction. If this girl was not going away to find her husband, he would certainly keep her here so that she could say it every day.
"I am leaving now. Stay safe." Yun Luofeng cupped her fists and turned to leave the courtyard.
"Release me! Let me enter, I want to see Ling'er." Suddenly, a boisterous voice was heard from outside, causing Jun Ling'er to frown.
"Ling'er, for you?" Jun Xuan asked, glancing at Jun Ling'er with astonishment.
Jun Ling'er nodded and looked at the people guarding the door. Her melodic and indifferent voice rung, "Let her enter."
With Jun Ling'er's agreement, the guards stopped blocking the person, allowing her to successfully enter the courtyard.
"Ling'er." Ye Rong's eyes landed on Jun Ling'er, full of guilt and remorse. Before she could say anything, she was interrupted by the other girl.
"Ye Rong, I am not that familiar with you. Don't call me Ling'er. You can call me Miss Ling'er like everyone else."
Jun Ling'er's lips curled. Although Cao Yueqin causes her a lot of trouble, she must thank her for one thing. Because of her, she managed to clearly see Ye Rong's true colors.
"Ling'er, I only said those things because I was deceived by her." Ye Rong panicked and wanted to run towards Jun Ling'er but was blocked by the two guards, keeping her a meter away from Jun Ling'er.
Ye Rong's heart felt a chill. "You truly don't plan to forgive me?" Tears rose from her eyes as she looked at the indifferent Jun Ling'er while tightly biting her lips.
"Ye Rong, did you forget what you previously said? You said that you had to befriend Cao Yueqin for the sake of the Ye Family and you merely used me." Jun Ling'er snorted. "Why do you think I have to forgive you?"
Ye Rong's heart skipped a beat, and she admonished herself. It was not enough that she followed Cao Yueqin, but why did she tell that to Jun Ling'er while trying to prove her loyalty to Cao Yueqin. Who would have expected Cao Yueqin to be a counterfeit and cause her to offend Jun Ling'er?
"Ling'er, you aren't someone so cruel..." A teardrop hung on the corner of Ye Rong's pain-filled eyes.
"Dad, I don't want to see her." Jun Ling'er pouted. "This woman is too detestable, more detestable than those brown-nosing social climbers."
"Alright." Jun Xuan indulgently patted her head. "Then Dad will have people kick her out and evict the Ye Family from Jun City forever, is that alright?"
Ye Rong's face turned ashen, and she started lightly trembling.
If the Ye Family was truly forced to leave Jun City, then she would be a felon for the rest of her life and the elder generation of the clan absolutely would not spare her.
However, Jun Xuan would not give her a chance to hassle Jun Ling'er and waved his hand, directly ordering the guards to toss her out of the estate.
Jun Ling'er did not plead on behalf of the Ye Family at all. She might be kind but she did not tolerate any deceit! Ye Rong deceived her, so she must pay the price!
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Chapter 1537:- God Burial Mountain (1)
God Burial Mountain was the most dangerous part of the Seven Province continent, not only due to the abundance of spirit beasts in there but also because of the countless danger zones and traps in the mountain. Anyone who triggered these traps would dissipate into the air even if their strength rivaled a god's.
This was how God Burial Mountain obtained its name. A place that could become the burial place of even a god, the danger within could be imagined!
Of course, not the entire mountain range was incomparably dangerous, but the deeper you went, the more dangerous it became. As for the outer parts of the God Burial Mountain, they possessed a countless number of ferocious spirit beasts, but it still allowed people to leave alive.
Currently, a white-robed girl slowly entered the God Burial Mountain. Her hair fluttered in the wind and a faint light enveloped her beautiful and wicked face.
"Master..." Xiao Mo left the God's Code Space and appeared in front of Yun Luofeng. He looked at the girl with a slight purse of his lips. "Are you sure you want to enter God Burial Mountain? Truthfully, I don't know anything about God Burial Mountain and also don't know the situation inside."
"I'm sure." She could not allow Yun Xiao to face danger alone. No matter what happened, she would stay by his side.
"Alright, then I will accompany you without reserve." Xiao Mo smiled.
He had been all alone for so many years. Meeting Yun Luofeng was the fortune of a lifetime, so how could he cower as soon as he faced danger?
"Yun Yi," Yun Luofeng did not respond and called instead.
Instantly, the muscled Yun Yi stood behind Yun Luofeng, guarding her safety like Mount Tai.
Inside God Burial Mountain, there was an endless danger, so she must summon the puppet out just in case.
"Let's go." She turned her gaze to the continuous stretch of mountains before her, determination dominating her face.
Yun Xiao, wait for me! I will find you in no time!
...
Inside God Burial Mountain, dangers overlapped each other. The instant Yun Luofeng stepped inside, she could sense a pressure.
If Little Tree was still here, she would at least have an extra safeguard, but Little Tree had fallen into a deep sleep, and she could not rely on him. Hence, Yun Luofeng was extra cautious.
Rustle rustle rustle!
Suddenly, a murderous intent came from the underbrush to the side. Yun Luofeng's brows knitted as she called, "Careful!"
At the same time, a group of skeletons walked out of the underbrush, each holding a bone club in their hand. Moss-green hellfire floated in the sockets of where their eyes once used to be, giving them an eerie and odd appearance.
Like a well-trained group of soldiers, their steps were uniform and ordered.
"Master, it's the Skeleton King and his troops! The Skeleton King's strength is at Sage Lord-level intermediate-rank and the others are at least Sage God-level advanced-rank, but a majority of them are Sage Lord-level low-rank!" Xiao Mo sharply inhaled.
"If I have guessed correctly, an army once came and lost their lives here. I don't understand how these soldiers were able to use a skeleton form to remain alive in this world and have raised their strength to this extent!"
Yun Luofeng's heart also sunk. If it was a group of spirit beasts, perhaps she could still fight them. However, it was a group of skeletons standing before her... Skeletons that did not feel pain and were already dead!
How should she fight a group of skeletons?
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Chapter 1538:- God Burial Mountain (2)
"Master, let's flee." Xiao Mo's voice rung by her ears. "We still have a sliver of a chance if we escape. Otherwise, we will die here."
He did not expect that they would encounter the skeleton army the instant they entered God Burial Mountain. Didn't they say that the outer limits of the God Burial Mountain weren't very dangerous?
However... what Xiao Mo did not know was that they had bad luck. The skeleton army only patrolled once a month, yet they just happened to encounter them during this month's patrol...
"Yun Yi," Yun Luofeng frowned and coldly called.
Yun Yi immediately understood his master's meaning. He scooped one hand around Yun Luofeng's waist and picked up Xiao Mo with the other before charging toward the crowd of skeletons in front of them.
If they want to enter God Burial Mountain, they had to go through this crowd of skeletons. If they drew back, it would mean they would not be able to step inside.
The hellfire in the skeletons' eyes intensified, and the bones in their hands swung fiercely at Yun Yi.
Although Yun Yi was a puppet cast from steel, he still could not bear the beatings of the skeletons. His body swiftly became ridden with holes, as though he was pierced by a sword over and over again.
The skeletons might only be holding a bone club in their hand, but this bone club was sharper than any weapon, and each strike equated one hole.
If these bone clubs landed on Yun Luofeng, it would be as simple as holes upon holes.
Yun Yi was merely a puppet without a soul and did not understand pain. He only knew how to obey Yun Luofeng's orders and swiftly dash forward.
...
Seeing Yun Yi escape, the skeletons all chased after them while brandishing their bone club.
"It appears that these skeletons might be dead already, but they still know to chase after enemies and are not the same as puppets like Yun Yi." Yun Luofeng contemplated. "However, after this, I must reforge Yun Yi."
Suddenly, Yun Yi halted. Yun Luofeng looked up and discovered a bottomless cliff in front of them.
"Master, there's something odd about this cliff." Xiao Mo frowned. "There appears to be a restriction in this location. If you jump inside, you can't fly in the air."
Yun Luofeng turned her head and glanced at their pursuers before turning back to the bottomless cliff. Her eyes turned cold as she sternly ordered, "Yun Yi, go down."
Yun Yi did not hesitate. Because he was a puppet, he did not display any fear and expressionlessly jumped off the cliff.
The wind whipped past their ears, the force causing her to be unable to open her eyes. The sharp winds caused her to ache all over, as though knives were cutting open her skin...
She hurriedly shut her eyes and waited for the landing.
However, before she could land, she lost consciousness and darkness overcame her. She remained clueless about the following events...
...
In her groggy state of mind, Yun Luofeng could faintly hear a call from her side.
"Miss, wake up. Wake up..."
Her brows knitted and opened her eyes, annoyed. A young and handsome face entered her sight.
The man wore a flax-colored long robe, and his good-looking appearance was matched with healthy tanned skin. His gray-colored eyes contained a faint trace of concern. When he saw Yun Luofeng open her eyes, joy entered his heart. "Miss, you are awake?"
Yun Luofeng was taken back. She rubbed her temples and climbed up from the bed. "I remember that I encountered a group of skeletons in God Burial Mountain. Where am I?"
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Chapter 1539:- God Burial Mountain (3)
The man smiled. "We are at God Burial Mountain, and you will be safe in this country."
The man swiftly explained everything to her.
It turned out the people in this place were visitors who had encountered danger inside God Burial Mountain over the past hundreds and thousands of years. Whether they were chased by skeletons or spirit beasts, they ended up escaping to here. Because spirit beasts could not enter this place, they started living in seclusion here.
Of course, there were people who wanted to leave, but they were unable the leave once they entered the base of the cliff. Hence, this place had eventually become a country of its own. Although the population was sparse, there was a royal city and a market, no different than the outside world.
However, spirit beasts and skeletons could not enter this country, but who knew whether the people could find an opportunity to leave one day? As a result, the country had a rule that the strongest man of the younger generation could become the king of this country! The strong people from the newer generation were recruited by the elder organization.
The marriage of the king was decided by the elder organization. As the king, he did not have the right to marry the one he loved most! Only the strongest woman could become the queen. Hence, the position of the king and queen were both unstable. If someone who surpassed them appeared, they could replace them. In summary, this was a country where your strength decided everything. The inheritance of the crown from father to son in the outside world was invalid here.
Evidently, the man who stood before Yun Luofeng was the king of this country! However, from the way he dressed, she could tell how poor the royal family was. They didn't even have proper clothing. No wonder these people wanted to leave this place.
The handsome man scratched his head and genially asked, "I already told you everything. Can you tell me your name?"
Yun Luofeng pondered over it before answering, "Yun Luofeng."
These people had been living in seclusion here for so many years, so even if she spoke her name, they would not know who she was. Hence, she did not need to worry at all...
"Miss Yun, since you arrived here, you are now a citizen of our country. You will need to spend the rest of your life here." The man lightly sighed, his features brimming with worry.
He was born and raised inside God Burial Mountain and had never seen the outside world, so he had no knowledge of the outside world.
"We truly can't leave here?" Yun Luofeng frowned. She must leave! Yun Xiao was still waiting for her!
"That's right, the people who have come here are unable to leave," the handsome man responded with a faint smile. "Hence, you can rest here without worry. Right, I haven't told you my name yet. My name is Xuan Yuan."
After saying this, he gave a few orders to the palace maids tending to her before leaving.
"Right..." Yun Luofeng suddenly remembered Yun Yi and Xiao Mo and hurriedly checked on the situation inside God's Code Space. She discovered the battered Yun Yi laying on the grass and Xiao Mo silently sitting beside him.
Seeing them, Yun Luofeng subconsciously relaxed.
"Forget it, since we can't do anything, we will wait and see. I believe we can find a way to leave."
...
Inside a bedchamber, a gently beautiful woman was sitting on a chair and listening to the report of a palace maid, a cold glint flashing through her eyes.
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Chapter 1540:- God Burial Mountain (4)
"What is the strength of this new arrival?"
"Reporting to the Queen, this servant doesn't know," the palace maid answered while respectfully kneeling on the ground.
"Humph!" the gently beautiful woman snorted. "Observe that woman for me. If she is weak, forget it. But if she is strong, then immediately send someone to secretly eliminate her!"
"Yes, my queen!" The maidservant retreated.
The woman tightly clutched the teacup in her hand, a cold glint flashing through her eyes.
She did not become the queen because she was greedy for power. It was because she truly fell in love with Xuan Yuan! Because of this, she had no scruples about killing her older sister!
That's right, the elders did not choose her as a candidate to become the queen! It was her stronger sister instead! In order to obtain Xuan Yuan, she poisoned her sister and then immediately stepped over her sister's corpse and ascended the throne to become the queen.
How could she permit anyone to threaten her position now?
Unfortunately, her sister was not only the queen chosen by the elders, but Xuan Yuan and her sister also had affection for each other. As a result, this man did not touch her at all during the two years that they had been married!
Recalling the past, the killing intent in the queen's eyes deepened and with a crack, the teacup in her grasp also shattered.
"Queen, why are you so angry?" Suddenly, a light laugh was heard, quickly followed by the entrance of a woman in a cyan-colored ruqun. She had a clean and refreshing type of beauty, comparable to a newly blooming lotus.
"State Preceptor, why did you come?" Seeing this woman, the queen's voice was very respectful.
Like Yun Luofeng, this woman also came from the outside world, but her methods were too formidable. She was talented in both the art of poison and medicine, so she was greatly revered in a country without physicians like this one. In addition, this woman could observe the stars and calculate a person's fate, so the elders unanimously bestowed her with the title State Preceptor.
"I know the girl that King brought back," the woman in cyan loathingly uttered, hatred rising in her eyes.
The queen was surprised. She did not expect the State Preceptor to know Yun Luofeng.
"Is there some enmity between you two?"
The woman in cyan sneered. "We naturally have a great enmity between us! Queen, when I arrived, I told you that my dad, I and others were misunderstood by the world and were hunted. After being forced to escape from Poison Valley, we were massacred by the Ghost Emperor. Besides me who luckily escaped with my life, everyone else died!"
"The one who caused all of this was Yun Luofeng!" Lin Youyu had not seen Yun Luofeng before, but she had carved this name into her mind during these years. If it were not for Yun Luofeng, Poison Valley would not be destroyed and she would not have had to watch her father be killed, unable to do anything...
The queen exclaimed with shock, "Yun Luofeng is really this vicious?"
"She isn't only vicious." Lin Youyu's eyes turned colder as she said, full of murderous intent, "Do you know the world's assessment of Yun Luofeng? She specializes in stealing men, whether it is a hundred-year-old elderly or a ten-year-old child, she won't let them slip away! Three years ago, this woman delusionally wanted to seduce my dad and become the mistress of Poison Valley. But my dad severely rejected her, so she harbored resentment and found the people she once successfully seduced to eliminate everyone in Poison Valley!"
In reality, Lin Youyu clearly understood why Poison Valley suffered a massacre.
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