Mingxin Mountain, the sacred mountain of the Nine Nether Clan.
As the day of the Nether Ranking Competition approached, the once quiet land became lively. On a vast square, long queues of people were orderly registering.
Meanwhile, on the outskirts of the Mingjian mountain range, Li Xuan followed Ming Luo, slowly walking into the mountains.
According to Ming Luo, if he were to suddenly appear at the Nether Ranking Competition, it might arouse suspicion from his family. Moreover, as the heir of the family, Ming Luo naturally returned to his family immediately upon arriving at the Nine Nether Clan.
Although Li Xuan knew there were many potential dangers in this undertaking, he had no choice but to let Ming Luo return to the family. Otherwise, if the Ming Luo family's attention was drawn, it would cause even more complications for his future plans.
"The family headquarters is ahead. Although my father is the patriarch, the affairs have always been managed by my second uncle. I've been missing for so long, my second uncle must have received the news. So, when my second uncle asks later, just answer as I've taught you. I'll handle the rest."
As they ventured deeper, a mountain peak that towered into the clouds emerged. Looking at the peak, Ming Luo stopped and spoke. Li Xuan nodded in understanding.
"Also, you don't need to worry. Our family is currently facing pressure from the Great Elder's family, so they won't investigate your Li family's affairs too thoroughly. Besides, my life is in your hands, and I won't joke about my own life."
"Moreover, bringing an outsider into the Nine Nether Clan privately is a grave offense. Even my family may not escape repercussions."
Ming Luo thought for a moment and spoke again.
Li Xuan sighed and patted Ming Luo's shoulder, "If not for these circumstances, I would genuinely like to befriend you. After this matter is settled, I hope there will be no conflict between me and your family."
Ming Luo gave a wry smile and nodded, "I can see that your potential is immense. In the future, you will surely be someone beyond my reach. I only wish to live the rest of my life in peace. Let all that is happening now be like a dream."
"Who goes there… Ah? Young Master has returned!" Just as Ming Luo finished speaking, three figures suddenly appeared. The man in the lead had just spoken when he saw Ming Luo and hastily bowed, shouting.
Ming Luo tidied his attire and replied, "Commander Kang Cheng, it is you. Is there anything important happening in the clan?"
Kang Cheng stood up and replied, "Reporting to the Young Master, there are no major events happening in the clan. Only that the Patriarch has returned and is discussing the Nether Ranking Competition with Elder Ye and Elder Hua. Young Master, didn't you go to the Northern Region with someone?"
Seeing Kang Cheng's puzzled expression, Ming Luo waved his hand, "Does Commander Kang Cheng also need to inquire about my affairs?"
Kang Cheng immediately bowed in fear, "This subordinate dares not."
"Patrol diligently and do your assigned duties. Are my father and the others in the Hall of Discussion?" Ming Luo asked again, his tone carrying a hint of authority.
Even Li Xuan, observing this, nodded slightly. It seemed that despite Ming Luo's apparent timidity and fear of death, he possessed some of the bearing of a superior. With some tempering, he might indeed make a decent patriarch.
"Reporting to the Young Master, yes," Kang Cheng replied promptly.
Ming Luo nodded and then looked at Li Xuan, "Come with me to see my father and the others."
"Yes, Young Master Luo," Li Xuan replied, slightly deferring and nodding. Now that they were in Ming Luo's territory, he had to play his part thoroughly. Otherwise, if anything seemed amiss, it would be difficult for Li Xuan to escape alive, given his strength.
In the Hall of Discussion, Ming Er Hall.
Ming Hongyang, who was in discussion, stood up after hearing a report from a clan member, "Ruò'er has returned unharmed?"
Ming Yanghua and Ming Deye also stood up, their eyes showing a hint of joy, "What, Ruò'er is back?"
Ming Hongyang nodded slightly and then looked at the clan member beside him, "Let him in."
Ming Yanghua and Ming Deye turned their gaze towards the entrance of the hall. After the clan member left for a moment, Ming Luo and Li Xuan entered.
"Greetings, Father, Second Uncle, Third Uncle," Ming Luo bowed happily to Ming Hongyang as he entered the hall.
"Ruò'er is truly back! Come, let your second uncle have a good look," Ming Yanghua said, opening his arms towards Ming Luo.
Ming Luo, also appearing delighted, walked to Ming Yanghua. From his demeanor, it was clear that Ming Luo and Ming Yanghua shared a deep bond.
Li Xuan, observing this, understood clearly. According to what Ming Luo had said earlier, Ming Hongyang often went into seclusion in the Nether Pagoda for cultivation, and clan affairs were managed by Ming Yanghua, thus he was naturally closest to Ming Luo. A deep bond was only to be expected.
Ming Yanghua looked Ming Luo up and down, and as he held Ming Luo's hand, his expression changed, "Ruò'er, why is your spirit and vitality so weak?"
Ming Hongyang and Ming Deye stepped forward, each taking one of Ming Luo's hands and closing their eyes to sense.
"How was your vital energy and blood depleted?" After a moment, Ming Hongyang slowly opened his eyes and asked.
As Ming Luo was about to speak, he remembered Li Xuan's methods and gave a wry smile, "Reporting to Father, the team I led unfortunately encountered a mysterious powerful individual. Fortunately, I was blessed with great fortune and survived."
Ming Luo glanced at Li Xuan and then said to Ming Hongyang, "Father, this is a disciple from the Li family. After that person let me go, I wanted to return to the clan to recuperate. Perhaps due to the depletion of my vital energy and blood, I fainted at the foot of Mount Qiyun after being teleported back. If they hadn't healed me, I wouldn't have recovered so quickly. Now, they wish to participate in the Nether Ranking Competition. I request Father to assist them."
"Li Xuan, of the Li family, greets all seniors. It is our Li family's honor to be able to heal Young Master Luo," Li Xuan said, bowing to Ming Hongyang.
Ming Hongyang's gaze fell on Li Xuan, and a hint of surprise flickered in his eyes. "Your Li family, this elder has heard of it. To possess such strength at such a young age, Intermediate Realm of World Creation, it seems your Li family intends to make a comeback in this Nether Ranking Competition. Since you escorted Ruò'er back, this elder will grant you the spot."
"Thank you, Second Elder," Li Xuan said, bowing again.
Ming Hongyang nodded, then retracted his gaze and looked back at Ming Luo, "Since you have returned, you should report to the Clan Leader another day. Although you lost a team, you are the sole heir of the second branch of the family, and I believe the Clan Leader will not punish you too severely. After this matter, you should recuperate at home."
"Your son understands," Ming Luo nodded.
Ming Hongyang nodded and waved his hand, "Your father and your second and third uncles have important matters to discuss. You may leave now."
Ming Luo nodded, glanced at Li Xuan, and then walked out of the hall. Li Xuan bowed to Ming Hongyang and followed Ming Luo out.
After Li Xuan and Ming Luo left with the four elders, Ming Hongyang pondered for a moment and then said to Ming Yanghua, "Second Brother, go and investigate the situation of the Li family."
Ming Yanghua was stunned for a moment but quickly understood. His figure moved and disappeared.