22: Chapter 22 Convenient! Of course it's convenient!

High above the Imperial Palace, Ancestor Zhou Huaixu, having learned the full situation from Prince Zhao Zhou Zhenyue, let his expression darken; he turned toward Jiang Changge, bowed respectfully, and spoke in a low, solemn voice:

"Senior, this matter arose because of the noble families under the jurisdiction of the Zhouwu Dynasty, and it nearly harmed your Disciple. This is the fault of our Imperial House."

"Might I ask, Senior, how would you like to deal with these people?"

As soon as these words were spoken, the entire scene fell into a deathly silence.

Those Cultivators who had been in a state of shock and uncertainty were now completely stunned.

Ancestor Zhou Huaixu—the Peak Undergoing Tribulation stage expert, the Old Ancestor of the Zhouwu Dynasty, an existence standing at the pinnacle of this realm—was actually bowing and referring to that young man in white as "Senior"?

What kind of background could this young man possibly have?

Clan Head Qin Wentian's pupils constricted sharply, and he instinctively looked at Su Wanli beside him; both of them had expressions of sheer horror in their eyes.

Qin Muchuan and Su Fuguang were even more dumbfounded on the spot; they knew Lu Jinghan had a formidable Revered Master, but they never imagined he would be formidable to this extent.

As for the survivors of the Gu, Zhu, and Jin families, they were now ashen-faced, their legs trembling uncontrollably.

They had actually wanted to kill the Disciple of an existence whom even the Peak Undergoing Tribulation Old Ancestor had to treat with such respect?

If this wasn't seeking death, what was?

Jiang Changge stood with his hands behind his back, his robes fluttering slightly in the night wind.

His gaze swept calmly across the plaza and finally landed on Lin Yanzhou, his lips curling up slightly to reveal a gentle smile.

"Earlier, that person from the Zhao family injured my Disciple, so I killed him; it was merely a slight punishment."

His tone was indifferent, as if he were speaking of an insignificant trifle.

Upon hearing this, everyone finally realized—so Zhao Yang had been killed by Jiang Changge himself, not by Lu Jinghan.

Hearing this, the remaining members of the Zhao family were filled with endless regret.

If they had known that Lin Yanzhou had such a terrifying existence behind him, they wouldn't have dared to touch a hair on his head, even if they were given a hundred times the courage.

Unfortunately, there is no medicine for regret in this world.

Jiang Changge continued: "It's just that I did not expect them to not only fail to restrain themselves, but to also dare to unite with a group of noble families in a vain attempt to kill my Disciple."

He paused, his eyes turning slightly cold.

"Since that is the case, these noble families have no reason to continue existing."

As his voice fell, the long sword in Elder Ling Xu's hand vibrated slightly, and an incomparably sharp Sword Intent soared into the sky.

The terrifying aura of the Late Stage Undergoing Tribulation released without reservation, and that keen, piercing Sword Intent seemed as if it would tear the very firmament apart.

Gu Yunting, Zhu Hanhai, and Jin Buhuan turned pale, falling to their knees with a thud.

"Senior, spare us! Senior, please spare us!"

"We were bewitched by the Ye family; we did not intend to make an enemy of you, Senior!"

"We beg for your mercy, Senior; we are willing to offer up all our family assets and serve you as slaves for generations to come!"

The pleas for mercy rose and fell; where was there any shred of the dignity of noble family heads left?

Just as Elder Ling Xu was preparing to swing his sword to eradicate these noble families, Ancestor Zhou Huaixu suddenly raised his hand to interrupt.

"Fellow Daoist, wait a moment."

He looked at Elder Ling Xu, his gaze carrying a measure of solemnity.

"This matter occurred under the jurisdiction of the Zhouwu Dynasty; it is because our Imperial House was lax in governance that this disaster was brewed."

"If they are to be purged, it should be done by me; there is no need to trouble you, Fellow Daoist."

As he spoke, Ancestor Zhou Huaixu's gaze lingered on Elder Ling Xu for a moment, and he nodded inwardly.

Although this Elder Ling Xu only had a Late Stage Undergoing Tribulation cultivation, that extremely sharp Sword Intent made even him feel a measure of wariness.

He is worthy of being one under Senior's tutelage; truly extraordinary.

Hearing this, Elder Ling Xu sheathed his sword and looked at Jiang Changge; seeing the Sect Master nod slightly, he stepped back and ceased his movements.

Ancestor Zhou Huaixu turned around, his gaze falling on Gu Yunting and the others.

That gaze was as calm as water, yet it caused the few who were kneeling and begging for mercy to freeze instantly, the words of supplication stuck in their throats.

"To injure Senior's Disciple and then attempt to kill to silence them—your crimes are unforgivable."

Ancestor Zhou Huaixu's voice was not loud, but it sounded like a final judgment.

"Today, I shall purge the ranks on behalf of Senior."

As his voice fell, he raised his hand and pressed down into the air.

A massive palm of Spiritual Qi that blotted out the sky descended, enveloping everyone from the Gu, Zhu, and Jin families present.

"No—!"

"Old Ancestor, spare us!"

"We know we were wrong! We were wrong!"

The shrill, wretched screams came to an abrupt end.

As the giant palm descended, Gu Yunting, Zhu Hanhai, Jin Buhuan, and all the Elders and Disciples of the three families present were reduced to powder.

Not even their bones remained.

On the plaza, there was a deathly silence.

Those Cultivators from other noble families who were watching didn't even dare to breathe loudly; one by one, they hung their heads, fearing they might bring disaster upon themselves.

Ancestor Zhou Huaixu withdrew his hand, turned to look at Dynasty Lord Zhou Shanhe behind him, and spoke in a calm voice.

"Shanhe, pass down the order."

"Purge all the remaining remnants of the Ye, Gu, Zhu, Jin, and Zhao families; leave none alive."

Dynasty Lord Zhou Shanhe bowed and accepted the order, his expression solemn: "Your son obeys."

He turned and left, taking the Imperial Guard to begin the operation.

After tonight, several major noble families that had passed down their Legacy for a thousand years in the Zhouwu Dynasty capital would completely vanish from this world.

Ancestor Zhou Huaixu turned back to face Jiang Changge and bowed, saying: "Senior, are you satisfied with this disposal?"

Jiang Changge nodded slightly, his expression remaining indifferent.

"You handled matters fairly; I have no complaints."

Ancestor Zhou Huaixu breathed a sigh of relief, though his expression became even more respectful.

"You flatter me, Senior. This matter was the fault of our Imperial House; it is already a sign of your great magnanimity that you do not blame us."

He paused, his gaze shifting to Lu Jinghan and Lin Yanzhou, a flash of envy appearing in his eyes.

"These two Disciples of yours, Senior, are both individuals of outstanding talent; they will surely achieve great things in the future."

Upon hearing this, Lu Jinghan quickly bowed: "Senior, you overpraise us."

Lin Yanzhou also bowed, though he was still digesting everything that had just happened.

He had never imagined that the Revered Master in white who took him as a Disciple and took him to eat everything at Zuixian Tower was actually an existence that even a Peak Undergoing Tribulation powerhouse had to treat with such respect.

Jiang Changge looked at Ancestor Zhou Huaixu, his lips curling up slightly.

"Today's matter is concluded. I intend to stay in the capital for a few more days; I wonder if that would be convenient?"

Ancestor Zhou Huaixu was overjoyed upon hearing this and quickly said: "Convenient! Of course it's convenient! That you are willing to stay, Senior, is something this Junior could only wish for!"

He turned to look at Prince Zhao Zhou Zhenyue and instructed: "Zhenyue, go and prepare immediately; have the best palace in the Imperial Palace cleaned and ready for Senior to stay."

Prince Zhao Zhou Zhenyue bowed to accept the order and turned to leave in a hurry.

Jiang Changge waved his hand: "There is no need for such a grand display; I am content with anything."

Ancestor Zhou Huaixu said sternly: "Since you have graced us with your presence, Senior, how could we treat it casually? These are all matters within this Junior's duty; please do not decline, Senior."

Seeing that he spoke with sincerity, Jiang Changge said no more and nodded slightly.

Ancestor Zhou Huaixu was overjoyed and stepped aside to lead the way: "Senior, please!"

Jiang Changge stepped forward, with Elder Ling Xu, Lu Jinghan, and Lin Yanzhou following closely behind.

Soon, the various noble families present began to withdraw one after another.

Grand General Yang Zhirong of the Nanli Dynasty and National Preceptor Xu Daozi of the Xuanyuan Dynasty had already departed from the Zhouwu Dynasty by this time.

Jiang Changge's background was unknown, but to be able to make Ancestor Zhou Huaixu treat him in such a manner, he was undoubtedly extraordinary.

They had to inform their respective Imperial Lords of what had happened today.