If it’s only for Zheng Yaxin, making such a commotion on Xiang Island, although it showcases the energy and strength of the Zheng Clan, it would alert the mainland to something unusual.
Today’s Xiang Island is no longer the pearl of the world it used to be. Though it still holds significant importance, it is no longer the Dragon Country’s sole gateway to the outside world.
The people of Xiang Island can bask in past glory, but they must understand one thing: lacking exclusivity diminishes Xiang Island’s significance over time.
Especially with the opening of the Celestial Gate, this process is accelerating.
If the Zheng Clan cannot integrate into the Celestial Gate realm, sooner or later, they will fade into ordinariness.
Zheng Huai’an evidently does not understand this yet. He let out an angry grunt and pounded the table forcefully, but he knew that this was not the right time to make a big move.
The old patriarch has just recovered. If he learns about this now, it would definitely cause him extreme anger, making his condition worse.
And this time, they might not even find the so-called Immortal Pill.
The crucial point is, the clan is currently in a period of internal conflict. Different factions are waiting to see the family’s misery, and if a big fuss is made, the internal factions won’t help but will rather collude with outsiders.
As Zheng Huai’an was mulling this over, a commotion suddenly arose outside the door.
Zheng Huai’an was taken aback and quickly opened the door to look out.
Few would dare to cause such a ruckus outside his office.
Could it be the old patriarch?
Just as Zheng Huai’an stepped out, he saw an elderly man approaching.
The elder was being supported by several people, his aura as formidable as a tiger, and beside him stood a person in a Daoist robe, who seemed over fifty but had a youthful face.
Both the elder and the middle-aged man exuded the aura of a high-ranking individual.
"Patriarch, why did you come here?"
Zheng Huai’an was startled and hurriedly went forward to support the old patriarch.
The old patriarch was the head of the Zheng Clan of this generation!
Zheng Huyuan glanced coldly at Zheng Huai’an, pushed him away, and said firmly:
"If this house lost me, it would have fallen apart long ago. Do you think you can hide things from me?"
Hearing this, Zheng Huai’an showed a look of embarrassment.
"Patriarch, how could I hide anything from you? You are getting older, and I am worried you might get too anxious and hurt yourself again."
"Yaxin was taken away; I, as her father, am extremely anxious. I just learned about this and haven’t had time to report to you!"
Saying this, he led the old patriarch into the room, helping him sit down and serving tea, while continuing:
"When I capture that scoundrel, I will skin him alive."
"What use are these words?"
Zheng Huyuan sighed deeply, dismissing the expensive tea leaves as less tasty than plain water in his eyes.
"Mr. Gao, please explain yesterday’s events once more."
Zheng Huai’an was momentarily stunned at hearing this.
Mr. Gao?
He scrutinized the man before him. Was this person also called Mr. Gao?
There is a Mr. Gao on Xiang Island, but his age and appearance don’t match this person.
The other Mr. Gao is renowned for his powerful cultivation and good relations with various families. He doesn’t exude such strong murderous aura, nor is his gaze as arrogant.
This Mr. Gao had an incomprehensible arrogance in his eyes, making everyone he met feel disdainful.
This Mr. Gao behind Zheng Huyuan silently nodded, ignoring Zheng Huai’an’s gaze, and spoke calmly:
"The person who came to trouble Zheng Yaxin last night is named Lin Beichen.
As far as I know, before he took away Miss Zheng Yaxin, he fought Zhou Yuanshou. In the end, not only did he easily defeat Zhou Yuanshou, but he almost killed him."
"Zhou Yuanshou? The direct disciple of Master Zhou?"
Zheng Huai’an asked in shock.
A commotion erupted in the hallway.
Because of Zheng Yaxin’s kidnapping, many clan members had gathered outside the office, but due to the presence of the patriarch, they had no right to speak.
Last night’s situation was too complex. Unless one witnessed it firsthand, outsiders could only gather fragments of the event, unable to reconstruct the full picture.
It wasn’t until Mr. Gao appeared that they suddenly heard news about Zhou Yuanshou.
Zhou Yuanshou’s identity needs no explanation. Anyone familiar with Master Zhou would understand his exceptional status.
Some people become famous due to their outstanding talent, while others because of their extraordinary background.
Zhou Yuanshou is different; he is a true prodigy.
From the moment he first stepped into the public’s view, he captivated everyone.
Master Zhou rarely accepts disciples, and his standards for registered disciples are extremely stringent. No amount of influence can alter Master Zhou’s criteria.
Being a registered disciple is already exceptionally rare; being a direct disciple is one in a million.
Although Zhou Yuanshou is a young cultivator, both his talent and status surpass many of the elders.
In Xiang Island’s cultivation realm rankings, Zhou Yuanshou competes with old masters and consistently ranks in the top thirty.
Now, Zhou Yuanshou couldn’t capture Lin Beichen and was almost killed, which is shocking.
"Mr. Gao, who exactly is this Lin Beichen?"
Sensing the situation slipping, Zheng Huai’an quickly inquired.
Zheng Huai’an, as the current clan leader of the Zheng Clan, asked directly to the core of the issue.
Though Zhou Yuanshou’s appearance was surprising, Lin Beichen’s identity was more crucial.
"This person is also a cultivator, from the mainland."
Mr. Gao said lightly, his gaze sweeping over the crowd, focusing on the young disciples.
Hearing this, the younger generation’s expressions became strange.
"Clan leader, could this be an emotional dispute?"
One of the clan disciples suddenly spoke, his voice filled with ridicule.
Zheng Yaxin is clearly a member of the Zheng Clan, yet she entered the entertainment industry.
To ordinary people, the entertainment circle is the closest to elite circles, but in the eyes of real elites, it’s just a bunch of performers.
Entering the entertainment industry might bring fame and fortune, but it’s merely a plaything for the true elite.
Zheng Yaxin doesn’t care about her family status, relying on the family’s reputation and honor to manipulate the entertainment industry, appearing quite powerful, but actually making people laugh.
Many look down on Zheng Yaxin for this very reason.
Upon hearing the mocking voices, Zheng Huai’an’s face darkened, staring coldly at the speaker.
"My daughter is indeed beautiful but she conducts herself with dignity, never engaging in improper relations, unlike some of you!
I’ve heard that some have secretly joined various clubs, deceiving the patriarch, engaging in wild behaviors, some even hiding mistresses and leaving illegitimate children, you better pray I don’t find out, otherwise whoever that bastard is, I’ll drown them in the river."
Zheng Huai’an said coldly.
The mocking clan member’s face instantly changed, frightened.
He didn’t expect a casual joke would provoke such a drastic reaction from Zheng Huai’an.
More frightening was the patriarch’s presence.
The patriarch despised clan members’ promiscuity outside, especially leaving behind illegitimate children.
Big families don’t fear unambitious members, but fear the emergence of extra bloodlines.
These children raised outside could potentially become the root of the family’s destruction.
At this moment, Mr. Gao interrupted them.
"Clan leader, the priority now is Lin Beichen, not internal strife. If this issue isn’t addressed, the Zheng Clan could face catastrophic disaster."
Hearing this, Zheng Huai’an was startled and quickly looked at Mr. Gao.
"Mr. Gao, is this person really that formidable?"
Among cultivators, except for Master Zhou, the Zheng Clan could offend others without causing significant damage.
Mr. Gao’s face turned cold as he responded.
"This Lin Beichen is a hundred times stronger than Master Zhou. If he acts, even Master Zhou must submit..."
Upon hearing this, the room fell silent.