131: Chapter 131 Tang Shao with Two Faces

Ning Yuan stood proudly in the clearing, his eyes sweeping disdainfully over the surroundings, taking in every expression of the Tang Family members.

A terrifying aura slowly emanated from Ning Yuan, crashing against the minds of every Tang Family member present like raging ocean waves, causing those with lower cultivation to tremble uncontrollably and hesitate to advance.

Tang Shao's expression also changed dramatically, his mind shaken. If not for the composure he had cultivated over twenty years as the Family head, having experienced all manner of events, he might not have fared much better than the others.

Yet, he couldn't help but feel fear in his heart. As a Nascent Soul Cultivator and the head of the Tang Family, within the bounds of Xiangye City, only the City Lord had ever made him feel such dread.

Ning Yuan suddenly took two steps forward, startling everyone into instinctively retreating a distance. They looked at him as if facing a great enemy, their hands holding their Magic Treasures trembling slightly. At that moment, Ning Yuan's indifferent voice reached their ears:

"Tang Shao, I've come to the Tang Family today to seek justice for Tang Jingyi. Will you give it or not?"

Tang Shao felt panic in his heart, but remembering that the City Lord was at the Tang Family, his confidence swelled. Compared to a Soul Transformation cultivator, a mere Nascent Soul could be suppressed with a flip of the hand.

No wonder Tang Jingyi dared to return to the Tang Family—she had latched onto such a powerful Nascent Soul Cultivator. If not for the City Lord's presence today, the situation would likely have turned dire.

After steadying his mind, Tang Shao wore a mocking expression and said:

"To dare come alone and cause trouble at the Tang Family, you certainly have some skill. But if that's all you have, it's not enough to demand justice!"

"And you! Bringing an outsider to attack your own Family—do you still consider yourself a Tang Family member? How can you face your deceased elder brother like this?" Tang Shao's gaze shifted to Tang Jingyi not far away as he coldly shouted.

Hearing Tang Shao mention her father, Tang Jingyi immediately flew into a rage. Pointing at Tang Shao, she angrily retorted:

"How dare you bring up my father! His body wasn't even cold before you eagerly seized the Family head position and tried to force me into being someone's concubine. How can you face my father?"

"Hmph!"

Tang Shao snorted coldly, flicked his sleeves behind his back, and looked arrogantly at Tang Jingyi, sneering:

"A woman's shortsighted view! Everything I did was for the Tang Family. Sacrificing you alone can secure the City Lord's support—isn't that a worthwhile trade?"

"You don't understand contributing to the Family, and you even dared to flee. How can you face the Family that gave you life and raised you?"

"You..."

Hearing Tang Shao's high-sounding words, Tang Jingyi was so furious she felt her lungs would explode. There were other women in the Family—why did it have to be her? It was just an excuse.

Anyone with eyes could see what Tang Shao was scheming!

"Don't think that finding some wild man somewhere gives you free rein. In the Tang Family, I'm still in charge—it's not your turn!"

Then, Tang Shao slightly bowed and saluted, adopting a respectful expression, and loudly called out:

"I implore the City Lord to take action and help the Tang Family eliminate this scourge! The Tang Family will surely offer generous rewards afterward!"

Instantly, the surrounding Tang Family members erupted in commotion, their noisy chatter filling the air. They looked at Ning Yuan and Tang Jingyi as if they were already dead—with the City Lord intervening, capturing them would be effortless!

In Xiangye City, the City Lord was the only Soul Transformation cultivator. Even if Ning Yuan were incredibly strong, he was merely a Nascent Soul—how could he possibly be a match for the City Lord!

Just as the Tang Family members were brimming with confidence, quite some time passed without any sign of the City Lord appearing. This caused an uproar, with everyone speculating whether the City Lord was even in the city.

But while others might not know, Tang Shao certainly did!

The City Lord was at the Tang Family. With such a commotion, the City Lord couldn't be unaware. Was the City Lord holding out to extort a heavier price, hence not showing up?

Without the City Lord's help, he would be doomed today!

Tang Shao could no longer afford to hesitate. He shouted again, "I beseech the City Lord for aid! Any conditions can be discussed afterward!"

"..."

Yet, there was still no response whatsoever!

"City Lord, City Lord... you can state your terms; we can negotiate!"

"City Lord..."

"..."

By now, Tang Shao had lost all his earlier composure. Like an ant on a hot pan, he frantically paced in circles, shouting loudly, but still, no trace of the City Lord appeared.

Even the Tang Family members sensed something amiss. They gradually fell silent and watched Tang Shao's performance wordlessly.

Their hearts sank to the depths as they pondered whether to beg the Young Miss for mercy next, hoping to spare their lives.

Some clever ones tried to slip away quietly, but before they could take two steps, they collapsed straight to the ground. This sent a chill through everyone's hearts, and none dared entertain thoughts of escape.

This was naturally Ning Yuan's doing. The matter wasn't settled yet—how could he let them leave? If Tang Jingyi later wanted to settle scores with someone and that person escaped, wouldn't that be awkward!

Ning Yuan simply watched Tang Shao, a trace of mockery in his eyes, quietly observing his ridiculous performance.

Although Tang Jingyi felt somewhatUnable to bear (uncomfortable) watching her uncle perform this solo act, she had no intention of speaking up to remind him.

If not for Tang Shao, she wouldn't have been forced into exile, enduring hardships known only to herself.

This was merely a small lesson, not nearly comparable to the suffering she had endured.

Thus, a bizarre scene unfolded at the Tang Family: everyone else watched in silence while only Tang Shao's voice echoed incessantly throughout the estate.

After roughly a few quarters of an hour, Tang Shao's voice grew hoarse from shouting, yet not a shadow of the City Lord appeared. Reluctantly, Tang Shao had to give up:

"City Lord... damn you! Where the hell have you gone? You were just here..."

"You show up when there are benefits, but vanish at the first sign of trouble—what kind of City Lord are you!"

"I curse your ancestors for eighteen generations..."

"..."

After his tirade, Tang Shao had to face reality: the City Lord had abandoned him. Though he didn't know the reason, now wasn't the time to dwell on it.

Survival was paramount!

Thus, Tang Shao hurried over to Tang Jingyi, his aged face plastered with an amiable, kindly smile, bending at the waist and rubbing his hands together:

"Ah, isn't this my dear niece Jingyi! You returned without telling your uncle, so I could prepare a welcome feast for you!"

"Look how awkward this has become, with everyone coming to blows—this is no good at all!"

Then, Tang Shao took a few steps to Ning Yuan's side, his old face beaming obsequiously as he smiled:

"This must be the son-in-law! Truly handsome and extraordinary in bearing... Look at this strength, this appearance—our Jingyi is practically marrying up!"

"Where are you from, son-in-law? Do you have any Family left?"

"Has Jingyi been obedient by your side? This niece of mine has always been defiant toward her elders since childhood. If she displeases you, I have several daughters, each beautiful as flowers and gentle in temperament. I guarantee you'll... ahem? Be too happy to think of home!"

"..."