146: humiliation

Qin Feng's calm yet sharp words were like a drop of water falling into boiling oil, instantly igniting the atmosphere of the entire Deliberation Hall!

Frost instantly covered Great Elder of the Bai Family's rugged face. The Coercive Pressure of a Martial Sovereign late stage, like a tangible mountain, bore down even more fiercely on Qin Feng, his voice cold and biting:

"Hmph! An ignorant brat! Do you have the right to speak here?! Pavilion Master Yue Long! Is this how your Hundred Flowers Pavilion disciplines its disciples, allowing a Young Child to spout nonsense and offend his Elders?!"

He immediately shifted the focus to Yue Long, his tone undisguisedly filled with questioning and dissatisfaction.

Former Family Head of the Bai Family's sharp eyes also completely chilled, locking onto Qin Feng like a viper targeting its prey: "You, you are Qin Feng? I heard you were lucky, achieved some minor merits in Star South City and here, and received some rewards, so you no longer know your own limitations?"

The contempt and disdain in his tone almost materialized: "But, brat, you must understand! No matter how much you jump around, you are ultimately just a small Martial King! In this world where The Strong Are Respected, a Martial King is merely a toddler learning to walk!"

He took a step forward. The Mid-stage Martial Emperor Aura, mixed with Killing Intent, surged towards Qin Feng like a tide, his voice carrying a naked threat: "I advise you to be sensible, tuck your tail and behave. Don't meddle in matters that don't concern you! Otherwise... if I accidentally crush an ignorant ant, I doubt Pavilion Master Yue Long would truly blame my Bai Family just for an Elder who doesn't know his place, right?"

This was an undisguised death threat! With his Mid-stage Martial Emperor Strength, to kill a newly advanced Martial King Qin Feng, no one present except Yue Long could likely stop him, and he was certain Yue Long wouldn't completely fall out with the Bai Family over Qin Feng!

Yue Long's expression finally darkened completely. Her surrounding Qi fluctuated, clearly showing extreme internal struggle and anger, but facing the combined pressure of two Martial Emperors, especially one Martial Sovereign late stage, the consequences would be unimaginable if she forcibly intervened. She took a deep breath, just about to speak... "Old geezer!" Qin Feng suddenly lifted his head, showing no fear. Instead, raging fury and an unyielding will burned in his eyes. His inner Sword Heart was strongly stimulated, beating violently at an unprecedented frequency. A soaring Sword Intent uncontrollably erupted; although faint, it carried the absolute resolve to cut through everything! "You rely on living a few extra years and having higher cultivation to bully others like this! If I reach your age, I will definitely crush you beneath my sword!"

These words exploded in everyone's ears like thunder!

"You seek death!!" Great Elder of the Bai Family was furious. What was his status, to be publicly humiliated by a Martial King junior! His Killing Intent instantly surged, and he raised his withered hand, intending to disregard his standing and teach this ignorant brat a lesson right then and there!

"Stop!" Yue Long cried out, her figure flashing, already blocking Qin Feng. Her jade hand lightly swept out, instantly setting up a resilient yet powerful Hundred Flowers Qi Wall, barely deflecting the aftershock of Great Elder of the Bai Family's enraged strike. The collision of energies resulted in a muffled sound. Yue Long's body swayed slightly, and her face grew paler, but she managed to stop the attack.

"Elder Bai, striking a junior so heavily is beneath your status!" Yue Long's voice was cold.

"Jin Yang! What are you standing around for? Capture that disrespectful brat!" Great Elder of the Bai Family shouted sternly at Former Family Head of the Bai Family.

A cold light flashed in Former Family Head of the Bai Family's eyes. His figure moved like lightning, bypassing Yue Long and heading straight for Qin Feng! The speed and power of a Mid-stage Martial Emperor far surpassed that of a Martial King!

"Don't even think about it!"

"Protect Big Brother Qin!"

Almost simultaneously, several figures moved!

Hua Qianying let out a sharp cry, circulating her Hundred Flowers Cultivation Technique to the extreme, attempting to block the attack.

Zhao Mang also gritted his teeth, his Aura erupting as he moved to intercept.

Ji Ruxue appeared like a phantom directly in front of Qin Feng's side. Her Poisoned Dagger carried a decisive cold glint, stabbing straight for Former Family Head of the Bai Family's vulnerable wrist—a move risking her life!

Xiao Chun, without a second thought, rushed toward Qin Feng, attempting to use her meager cultivation and Myriad Medicine Body to shield him!

Qin Feng's pupils constricted. The True Essence within him circulated wildly. The ink plum sword was already humming in its sheath, and his Sword Heart was pushed to the limit, preparing to launch his strongest strike regardless of the cost! Even knowing it was futile, he would not suffer this humiliation!

Seeing a bloody conflict about to erupt, Former Family Head of the Bai Family's Palm Wind was already upon them!

"Enough!!!"

A sharp, desperate shriek echoed throughout the hall.

Su Yuetang suddenly rushed between the two sides, spreading her arms, using her frail body to block Qin Feng, Zhao Mang, Ji Ruxue, Xiao Chun, and the others, directly facing Former Family Head of the Bai Family's terrifying Palm Force!

Her face was pale, tears streamed down, and her eyes were filled with endless pain, humiliation, and helplessness.

"I'll go back with you!!!" She practically screamed the words, her voice cracking with a broken tremor, "I'll return to the Bai Family with you! Don't make things difficult for them anymore! Don't make things difficult for the Pavilion Master! Let them go!!"

"Su Yuetang, you mustn't..." Yue Long said anxiously.

She looked at Former Family Head of the Bai Family, who was ashen-faced and forcibly retracted his palm, then looked at Yue Long, who sat in the main seat with a complex and apologetic expression. Finally, her gaze fell upon the stubborn, unyielding young man behind her who was willing to oppose a Martial Emperor with his Martial King cultivation for her sake. Her heart felt like it was being twisted by a knife.

She knew that if she didn't surrender now, Qin Feng would surely die today, and the Hundred Flowers Pavilion would form a Deadly Feud with the Bai Family. She couldn't implicate everyone who cared about her because of herself.

Yue Long looked at Su Yuetang's desperate and resolute eyes, opened her mouth, and finally let out a silent sigh. The Hundred Flowers Pavilion still failed to protect him today.

Former Family Head of the Bai Family retracted his palm and stood, a trace of satisfaction appearing on his face, as if everything was under control: "It should have been like this long ago. Yuetang, don't worry, the Family won't mistreat you when you return. You can also go and spend time with Kong'er; he misses you very much."

Su Yuetang closed her eyes, two lines of clear tears silently sliding down. She didn't look at anyone, just nodded numbly.

Great Elder of the Bai Family snorted coldly, his Coercive Pressure slightly receding, but his gaze remained cold as he swept over Qin Feng: "Consider yourself lucky to have saved your life. Otherwise, even if you are an official appointed by the court, I would make you suffer."

The conflict finally subsided temporarily with Su Yuetang's self-sacrifice.

But the suppressed anger and humiliation were branded deep into the hearts of every unwilling person present, especially Qin Feng.

He watched Su Yuetang's forced departure, her figure appearing lonely and desolate, and tightly clenched his fists, his nails digging deep into his palms until blood seeped out.

Strength! His Strength is still insufficient!

The humiliation suffered today, he will repay a hundredfold in the future!

The Bai Family... The Imperial Capital... He raised his head, looking toward the direction Su Yuetang disappeared, his eyes sharp as swords, filled with unprecedented determination and resolve.