173: Chapter 173 The aloof and stunningly beautiful young lady! Helpless submission…

Without waiting for Family Head Nie Zining to react, Zhou Liangan leaned down, domineeringly captured Family Head Nie Zining's soft, delicate lips, crushing all remaining stubbornness between his teeth and lips...

The last hour of interstellar travel is always the most agonizing.

The starlight outside the porthole gradually shifted from blurry spots of light to clearly discernible points, and the galaxy's ribbon, which had originally appeared as a continuous stretch, slowly dispersed, revealing individual, twinkling stars.

Second Elder Gongye Cheng leaned back in the captain's chair, his fingers tapping unconsciously against the armrest; the cold touch of the metal surface failed to relax his taut nerves even a fraction.

The spaceship landed slowly at the Gongye Family's private spaceport on the Transit Planet.

The massive alloy hatch opened slowly, and a familiar air, carrying the faint scent of metal mixed with plants, rushed toward him. Second Elder Gongye Cheng stood up, adjusted his black Elder uniform, and walked quickly off the spaceship.

The butler who had come to greet him was already waiting by the boarding ramp. Upon seeing Second Elder Gongye Cheng, he immediately bowed respectfully, "Second Elder, you have returned. The Grand Elder is already waiting for you in the quiet room."

Second Elder Gongye Cheng nodded without saying much and walked straight toward the hovercar parked not far away.

The hovercar drove steadily along the Gongye Family's exclusive lane.

Outside the window lay a continuous complex of buildings, with uniquely shaped high-rises soaring into the sky, their rooftops shimmering with the light of energy shields in various colors.

This was the Gongye Family's headquarters on the Transit Planet, the Foundation of an interstellar meritorious Family with a Legacy spanning over ten thousand years.

However, at this moment, an invisible cloud of gloom hung over this seemingly prosperous complex.

Second Elder Gongye Cheng watched the scenery flashing past the window, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

He was the Second Elder of the Gongye Family, second only to Grand Elder Gongye Dan in seniority and cultivation.

Logically, after the Family Head died, he should have been one of the biggest beneficiaries.

Yet he knew clearly in his heart that the Gongye Family had reached a critical juncture of life and death.

The hovercar stopped in front of an ancient, stone building.

This was the Forbidden Ground of the Gongye Family, which only those at the Elder level could enter.

Grand Elder Gongye Dan lived here usually and rarely saw outsiders.

After getting out of the car, Second Elder Gongye Cheng walked into the building alone. Inside, the lighting was dim, and the air was filled with a faint scent of sandalwood.

Passing through a long corridor, he arrived at a quiet room in the deepest part.

The door to the quiet room was ajar, and from within came Grand Elder Gongye Dan's aged, calm voice, "Come in."

Second Elder Gongye Cheng pushed the door open and entered.

The quiet room was simple, containing only a stone table and a few cushions.

Grand Elder Gongye Dan was sitting cross-legged on a cushion with his eyes slightly closed, looking just like an ordinary old man.

But Second Elder Gongye Cheng knew that this seemingly ordinary old man was the true power-holder of the Gongye Family and one of the most powerful people on the entire Transit Planet.

"Grand Elder." Second Elder Gongye Cheng bowed respectfully and then sat down on the cushion opposite Grand Elder Gongye Dan.

Grand Elder Gongye Dan slowly opened his eyes, a flash of sharp light passing through his murky pupils.

Second Elder Gongye Cheng relayed Zhou Liangan's words to Grand Elder Gongye Dan exactly as they were.

Second Elder Gongye Cheng took a deep breath, looked at Grand Elder Gongye Dan, and asked, "Grand Elder, what is your intention?"

Grand Elder Gongye Dan did not answer directly but instead asked in return, "Do we have a choice right now?"

Second Elder Gongye Cheng fell silent.

Indeed, was there a choice?

Refuse?

That would undoubtedly be seeking one's own death.

Agree?

But this matter was not so simple.

Although Second Elder Gongye Cheng had already agreed to Zhou Liangan, and he knew the Grand Elder would agree, he could not directly tell the Grand Elder that he had already agreed to Zhou Liangan's request.

Otherwise, he would become the scapegoat when the time came; he had to appear forced and helpless.

Second Elder Gongye Cheng frowned and said slowly, "But what about the Ye Family? Ye Feiyu has always liked Gongye Peining, and the parents of both sides have already met; it's just short of a formal proposal. Moreover, I heard that Ye Feiyu has already reached the seventh stage of the Enlightenment Realm at such a young age. You have to realize he isn't even one thousand years old yet."

Speaking of this, Second Elder Gongye Cheng's tone was filled with emotion.

Reaching the seventh stage of the Enlightenment Realm at one thousand years old could be considered a Genius in the history of the entire interstellar Alliance.

One must know that ordinary cultivators might not even reach the Enlightenment Realm in their entire lifetime.

Yet Ye Feiyu was already at the seventh stage of the Enlightenment Realm at less than a thousand years old; his future achievements would be limitless.

The Ye Family was already one of the top Families in the interstellar Alliance, and with a Genius like Ye Feiyu, the Ye Family's power would inevitably rise to another level in the next few decades.

If they offended the Ye Family at this time, it would likewise be a catastrophic disaster for the Gongye Family.

A grave expression appeared on Grand Elder Gongye Dan's face as well.

He narrowed his eyes halfway, his fingers tapping lightly on the stone table, producing a "tap-tap" sound.

The quiet room was completely silent, with only this monotonous tapping sound echoing.

After a long while, Grand Elder Gongye Dan slowly said, "Indeed, this is truly a thorny problem. But now that the person has specifically named Gongye Peining, if we refuse, that person will likely not only refuse to help us but might even use this matter to cause trouble."

Second Elder Gongye Cheng nodded thoughtfully.

He understood Grand Elder Gongye Dan's meaning.

This old fox wanted him to take the blame, but how could Second Elder Gongye Cheng be willing to bear this infamy?

"But," Second Elder Gongye Cheng hesitated for a moment before saying, "my concern here is just one thing. What I am more worried about is that, strictly speaking, that person is actually the murderer of Gongye Peining's father. I fear Gongye Peining will not be able to get past this."

It was an indisputable fact that Gongye Peining's father had died after the young man devoured his Divine Soul.

The hatred of a father's murder is irreconcilable.

How could Gongye Peining possibly be willing to serve the man who murdered her father?

When Grand Elder Gongye Dan heard this, a glimmer of sharp light suddenly appeared in his pupils.

He sneered, his tone carrying a touch of indifference, and said unhurriedly, "That's right! Apart from her, there is no one left in the Family Head's lineage who is worth considering, and no one left who can influence us, is there?"

Second Elder Gongye Cheng was shaken and looked up at Grand Elder Gongye Dan abruptly.

He instantly understood what the Grand Elder meant.

The Family Head's lineage was already sparse, and after Gongye Peining's father died, she was the only one left.

Although her cultivation was not high now and she had no real power, she was, after all, the rightful heir to the Family Head position.

As long as she was still around, the Grand Elder's branch could not legitimately control the Gongye Family.

And now, sending Gongye Peining to that mysterious young man was simply killing two birds with one stone.

On one hand, they could satisfy the young man's request, exchange it for his support, and preserve the Gongye Family's status.

On the other hand, they could use the young man's hand to eliminate the last threat from the Family Head's lineage.

By then, the Gongye Family would completely be the domain of the Grand Elder's lineage.

As for Gongye Peining's feelings?

In the face of the Family's interests, what did individual feelings count for?

"That is true!" Second Elder Gongye Cheng realized suddenly and nodded, "Since no one is backing her, then this matter is not up to her."

Grand Elder Gongye Dan nodded slightly, a satisfied smile appearing on his face, "Correct. You should send someone to call her to the Elder Hall now. Then you will take her yourself, bring her to Tianxuan Star, and deliver her into that person's hands."

"Very well." Second Elder Gongye Cheng replied.

Grand Elder Gongye Dan stood up, dusted off his clothes, and then said slowly, "I will leave this matter to you to handle entirely. I am old and lack the energy, so I will not get involved in these affairs."

After saying this, his figure flickered slightly and disappeared from the quiet room.

Second Elder Gongye Cheng looked at the empty quiet room and shook his head helplessly.

He knew this old guy too well.

This was not lacking energy; it was clearly wanting to play dead, pretending to know nothing about this matter.

When the time came, even if the matter was exposed, whether the Ye Family came knocking or Gongye Peining had any grievances in the future, they would not be able to find him. He would have to shoulder all the blame himself.

But what could he do?

Who told him his cultivation was not as good as the other's?

Who told the other to be the Grand Elder, the one whose word was law in the Gongye Family?

Moreover, the Gongye Family was currently in a troubled time, so internal strife was absolutely not advisable.

If he fell out with the Grand Elder at this time, it would only cause the Gongye Family to hasten toward destruction.

Thinking of this, although Second Elder Gongye Cheng was unwilling, he sighed and turned to leave the quiet room.

Walking out of the quiet room, the sunlight was blinding. Second Elder Gongye Cheng squinted, took out his communicator, and dialed the butler's number.

"Hello, Butler. Go to Young Miss Gongye Peining's villa and tell her that I am waiting for her at the Elder Hall; I have important matters to discuss with her."

"Yes, Second Elder." The butler's respectful voice came from the other side of the communicator.

Hanging up the communicator, Second Elder Gongye Cheng walked toward the Elder Hall.

Meanwhile, inside Gongye Peining's villa.

This was a luxurious villa situated halfway up a mountain, surrounded by lush trees, singing birds, and fragrant flowers.

The villa's design style was modern and luxurious, with huge floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a view of the entire city on the Transit Planet.

In the living room, Ye Feiyu was sitting on the sofa, holding a glass of red wine, looking tenderly at Gongye Peining, who was sitting opposite him.

Ye Feiyu was wearing a white casual suit, his figure upright, and his face handsome.

A faint smile always played on the corners of his mouth, making him look refined, elegant, and dashing.

Combined with his terrifying cultivation talent and illustrious Family background, he was the Prince Charming in the hearts of countless interstellar maidens.

And Gongye Peining was even more breathtakingly beautiful.

She was wearing a red spaghetti-strap long dress, which outlined her perfect body curves.

Her long, raven-black hair was draped casually over her shoulders, her skin was as fair as snow, and her features were as exquisite as an artwork meticulously carved by God.

Especially her large, watery eyes, which sparkled and carried a natural bit of enchantment and allure.

At this moment, she was looking down, gently stirring the coffee in front of her with a small spoon, her long eyelashes trembling slightly, looking exceptionally moving.

Ye Feiyu looked at her stunning profile, a strange look flickering in his eyes.

He put down the wine glass in his hand, looked at Gongye Peining earnestly, and said, "Gongye Peining, my father said that he would personally come to the Gongye Family to propose in the next few days."

Gongye Peining paused slightly when she heard this, her hand holding the spoon.

A faint blush instantly appeared on her stunning, enchanting face.

She turned her head to the side, not daring to look into Ye Feiyu's eyes, and said coquettishly, "Hmph! Who wants to marry you..."

Although she said she was unwilling, there was not a hint of resistance in her tone; instead, it carried a touch of a young girl's shyness and anticipation.

Ye Feiyu leaned over with a smile and sat down beside Gongye Peining.

Ye Feiyu's gaze became even more tender. He looked at Gongye Peining's flushed cheeks and said with a smile, "If you don't marry me, then who do you want to marry? You are mine! You won't be able to escape for the rest of your life."

His voice was low and magnetic, carrying an unquestionable domineering tone.

Gongye Peining's cheeks turned even redder, like a ripe apple.

She stole a glance at Ye Feiyu and then quickly lowered her head, muttering in a low voice, "Who is yours... I am not..."

Ye Feiyu looked at her shy appearance and couldn't help but laugh, saying, "Alright, I won't tease you anymore. After my father comes to propose, we will get engaged. When you come of age, we will get married. At that time, I will give you the grandest wedding in the entire interstellar Alliance."

Gongye Peining felt sweet in her heart.

She had grown up with Ye Feiyu since she was a child; they were childhood sweethearts.

Ye Feiyu had always taken good care of her and was compliant with her every wish. In her heart, she had long regarded Ye Feiyu as her future husband.

Especially after her father passed away, Ye Feiyu gave her a lot of comfort and support.

If it hadn't been for Ye Feiyu staying by her side to accompany her, she really didn't know if she could have made it through those most difficult days.

Just at this moment, the doorbell suddenly rang.

Ding-dong—Ding-dong—

The crisp sound of the doorbell broke the warm atmosphere in the living room.

Gongye Peining frowned slightly and said somewhat unhappily, "Who is it? Coming to knock on the door at this time."

She let go of Ye Feiyu's hand, stood up, walked to the door, and checked the visitor through the smart System.

The screen displayed Second Elder Gongye Cheng's personal servant.

"It's Second Elder Gongye Cheng's servant." Gongye Peining turned back and said to Ye Feiyu.

"Second Elder Gongye Cheng?" Ye Feiyu's brows also furrowed slightly, "What is he looking for you for at this time?"

"I don't know." Gongye Peining shook her head, "Let me open the door and see first."

She opened the door and walked to the living room to greet them.

Ye Feiyu also stood up and walked to Gongye Peining's side.

After seeing Gongye Peining, the servant immediately bowed respectfully: "Young Miss Gongye, Second Elder Gongye Cheng requests your presence."

Gongye Peining heard this, a trace of curiosity flickering in her beautiful eyes: "What does Second Elder Gongye Cheng want with me?"

The servant shook his head slightly, a look of embarrassment appearing on his face: "I'm not too sure about that! I'm just a servant delivering a message. My master wouldn't naturally tell me what matters he has. The Second Elder only said that he has a very important matter to discuss with you and that you should go to the Elder Hall immediately."

Gongye Peining did not doubt him.

After all, Second Elder Gongye Cheng was the Second Elder of the Family, and it was quite normal for him to discuss matters with her, the heir to the Family Head.

She nodded slightly, turned to look at Ye Feiyu, and said: "Brother Feiyu! I'll go see what the Second Elder wants with me first. I'll be back soon."

Ye Feiyu nodded and said gently, reaching out: "Alright. Go ahead, stay safe. If anything happens, call me immediately."

"Mm." Gongye Peining nodded obediently, then left the villa with the servant.

Watching Gongye Peining's departing figure, the smile on Ye Feiyu's face slowly faded.

His brow furrowed tightly, and a faint, ominous premonition stirred in his heart.

The atmosphere in the Gongye Family had been very strange lately.

The Grand Elder and the Second Elder frequently held secret meetings, yet they never allowed Gongye Peining to attend.

This sudden summons today, I'm afraid there's more to it than meets the eye.

Ye Feiyu took out his communicator and dialed a number.

"Hello, help me investigate what exactly has been happening in the Gongye Family lately."

"Yes, Young Master Ye." A respectful voice came from the other end of the communicator.

After hanging up the communicator, Ye Feiyu walked to the window, watching Gongye Peining's figure disappear at the end of the mountain road, his gaze becoming deep and thoughtful.

No matter what happened, he would absolutely not let anyone hurt Gongye Peining.

No one.

On the other side, Gongye Peining followed the servant and took a hovercar to the Elder Hall.

The Elder Hall was the symbol of the highest authority in the Gongye Family; usually, only Elders could enter.

Although Gongye Peining was the heir to the Family Head, she rarely came here.

Walking into the Elder Hall, a solemn and dignified aura rushed towards her.

In the massive hall, towering stone pillars supported the dome, and the walls were carved with portraits of the ancestors of the Gongye Family.

The entire hall was empty, with only Second Elder Gongye Cheng sitting on the Elder chair at the very top.

After the servant brought Gongye Peining there, he bowed respectfully, then turned and retreated, gently closing the hall doors.

With a "clatter," the hall doors closed.

In the vast hall, only Gongye Peining and Second Elder Gongye Cheng remained.

A sense of nervousness inexplicably emerged in Gongye Peining's heart.

She looked up at Second Elder Gongye Cheng sitting above and asked cautiously: "Second Elder! Is there an important matter for which you summoned me?"

Second Elder Gongye Cheng raised his head and looked at Gongye Peining.

His gaze was complex, carrying a touch of regret, a touch of helplessness, and a touch of coldness.

He was silent for a moment, then slowly said: "Peining, the Gongye Family has reached a critical moment of life and death. As a member of the Gongye Family, you ought to share the burden for the Family, don't you agree?"

Gongye Peining's heart tightened slightly upon hearing this.

The thing she feared most had happened after all.

A strong, ominous premonition instantly arose within her heart.

She looked up and stared fixedly at Second Elder Gongye Cheng, asking with a trembling voice: "Second Elder, what do you mean by that? Peining does not quite understand."

Second Elder Gongye Cheng sighed and stood up from the chair.

He walked up to Gongye Peining, looked at her young and beautiful face, and said slowly: "Do you still remember the person you brought back from the registration office of the Human Council Tournament?"

Gongye Peining's face turned deathly pale instantly.

How could she not remember!

It was that man!

That ordinary-looking young man!

If it weren't for him, her father would not have died!

She clenched her fists tightly, her nails digging deep into her palms, leaving several clear bloody marks.

Her eyes were filled with hatred and anger, and she said through gritted teeth: "Is it that beast, the one I wanted to bring back for my father's Possession, but instead, my father's Divine Soul was devoured by him?"

Second Elder Gongye Cheng looked at her agitated state and sighed again: "Don't say that! That person's current strength is already something we cannot afford to provoke. Some time ago, Family Head Nie Zining of the Nie Family was captured by this person. This person is very strong, so strong that we cannot imagine. If he wanted to, he could easily destroy our Gongye Family."

He paused and continued: "Therefore, to appease his anger and to save the lives of the thousands of people in the Gongye Family, we need you, Peining, to step forward and resolve this."

Gongye Peining shuddered.

She was not a fool.

How could she not understand the meaning behind Second Elder Gongye Cheng's words?

She stepped back violently, her beautiful eyes wide open, biting her silver teeth, and looked at Second Elder Gongye Cheng in disbelief: "What? You are telling me to go serve the enemy who killed my father! This is absolutely impossible!"

Her voice was sharp and trembling, filled with anger and despair.

Second Elder Gongye Cheng looked at her, a look of helplessness appearing on his face: "Sigh! Why must you be so stubborn? This matter started because of you. If you hadn't acted on your own initiative to bring him back for your father's Possession, how would the subsequent events have occurred? Peining, you planted the cause for this matter, and naturally, you must bear the consequences."

"Started because of me?" Gongye Peining suddenly sneered, as if she had heard the biggest joke in the world.

Her laughter was shrill and desolate, echoing in the empty Elder Hall, making one's heart creep.

"Second Elder! Why speak so sanctimoniously!" Gongye Peining stared fixedly at Second Elder Gongye Cheng, her eyes bloodshot, "I see that you are not doing this for the survival of the Family at all! You want that beast to participate in the Human Council Tournament under the name of the Gongye Family, to protect your own merits and status! You are truly something! For your own interests, you are actually willing to send me to the enemy who killed my father!"

Her words were like a sharp knife, stabbing fiercely into Second Elder Gongye Cheng's heart.

Second Elder Gongye Cheng's expression changed slightly, appearing somewhat embarrassed and angry.

He glanced at Gongye Peining and shook his head helplessly: "You! You are just too unreasonable. Do you think I want to do this? If there were any other choice, how could I possibly let you suffer such grievances? But now, we have no other choice."

"No other choice?" Gongye Peining sneered, "How is there no other choice? You could fight him! Aren't you Elders of the Gongye Family? Haven't you always taken guarding the Family as your duty? Now that the Family is in danger, instead of thinking about how to resist, you are thinking about how to sacrifice me to trade for your own survival! Don't you feel ashamed?"

"Fight him?" Second Elder Gongye Cheng was also getting angry, "With what? With our lives? Do you think the Gongye Family would be saved if we died? You are too naive! That person's strength is simply something we cannot contend with. If we were to fight him, we would only end up with our Family destroyed! By then, not only would you die, but the thousands of people in the Gongye Family would all be buried with you!"

"That is still better than surviving ignobly!" Gongye Peining shouted agitatedly, "I would rather die than serve that beast who killed my father! Second Elder! Give up on this idea!"

Second Elder Gongye Cheng looked at her resolute expression, and his face darkened.

He knew that reasoning with Gongye Peining would not work.

In the face of the hatred for killing her father, any reasoning was pale and powerless.

He was silent for a moment, then slowly said: "Peining, I know you hate him in your heart. However, have you ever thought about who will avenge your father if you die? Your father died so miserably, don't you want him to rest in peace?"

Gongye Peining shuddered.

Revenge?

Yes, she had to get revenge!

She had to kill that beast with her own hands to avenge her father!

However, if she died now, she would never have a chance to get revenge.

Second Elder Gongye Cheng looked at her wavering state and continued: "If you go to his side now, although you will suffer some grievances, at least you will still be alive. As long as you are alive, there is a chance for revenge. Moreover, that person is still interested in you now. As long as you can capture his heart, perhaps you will have a chance to kill him in the future. By then, not only can you avenge your father, but you can also regain control of the Gongye Family. Isn't this better than throwing your life away for nothing now?"

Gongye Peining lowered her head, silent.

Her heart was struggling fiercely.

On one side was the irreconcilable hatred for her father's murder.

Asking her to serve the enemy who killed her father was more painful than killing her.

On the other side was the hope of revenge.

Second Elder Gongye Cheng was right; as long as she lived, there was a chance for revenge.

If she died now, she would have nothing.

Her father's revenge could never be attained.

Second Elder Gongye Cheng watched her hesitation and struck while the iron was hot: "Moreover, we will help you explain things to Ye Feiyu. The Ye Family is not foolish either; they will not make an enemy of that person for the sake of just you. Even if you don't go now, you and Ye Feiyu cannot be together anyway."

This sentence completely crushed Gongye Peining's last psychological line of defense.

Yes, even if she refused now, she and Ye Feiyu could no longer be together.

The Ye Family would absolutely not offend that terrifyingly powerful mysterious young man for her sake.

By then, for the sake of the Family's interests, Ye Feiyu would only be able to abandon her.

Rather than that, it would be better to take the initiative herself.

At least, there was still a chance for revenge.

Gongye Peining slowly raised her head, her eyes no longer filled with tears, leaving only cold hatred and resolution.

She looked at Second Elder Gongye Cheng and said word by word: "Fine, I will go."

Second Elder Gongye Cheng breathed a sigh of relief, a trace of an imperceptible smile appearing on his face: "That's right. This is the good daughter of the Gongye Family."

"However, I have one condition." Gongye Peining said coldly.

"Speak." Second Elder Gongye Cheng said.

"I want you to guarantee that after I leave, you are not allowed to touch anything my father left behind. Also, you are not allowed to make things difficult for the people around me." Gongye Peining said.

"No problem." Second Elder Gongye Cheng agreed without hesitation, "I guarantee in the name of the Second Elder that I will absolutely not touch anything your father left behind, and I will absolutely not make things difficult for anyone around you."

Gongye Peining nodded and did not say anything more.

She turned and walked towards the outside of the hall.

Her back was straight, yet it carried an unspeakable desolation and despair.

Second Elder Gongye Cheng watched her back, and the smile on his face slowly disappeared.

He sighed softly, his eyes complex.

He knew that what he did was too cruel for a young girl.

However, for the sake of the Family's interests, he had no other choice.

In this interstellar era where the strong prey on the weak, personal emotions and dignity were simply worthless in the face of the survival of the Family.

Gongye Peining walked out of the Elder Hall, the sunlight shining on her, but it did not bring any warmth.

She looked up at the sky; the sky was azure, with fluffy white clouds.

Everything looked so beautiful, yet her world had completely collapsed.

She took out her communicator, wanting to call Ye Feiyu to tell him everything that had happened.

However, her finger hovered over the dial button for a long time, and finally, she put it down.

Forget it, it's better not to tell him.

What good would it do to tell him?

Besides making him worried and putting him in a difficult position, what use could it have?

Between them, it was already impossible.

From the moment she agreed to Second Elder Gongye Cheng, everything between her and Ye Feiyu had completely ended.

Gongye Peining took a deep breath and wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes.

She raised her head, her gaze becoming incomparably firm.

Just wait, you beast.

I will definitely kill you with my own hands to avenge my father!

One day, I will make everyone who betrayed me and hurt me pay a painful price!

She turned and walked towards her villa.

She had to go back to pack her things, then follow Second Elder Gongye Cheng to Tianxuan Star...