In the Xue Family's ancestral land, Yuanzhen Island.
Within a grand mansion in the southeast corner.
A man and a woman sat in the hall.
The young woman wore a crimson palace dress, with delicate features and sharp eyes. She was Xue Danping, whom Ning Fa had met once before at Tianshui Market.
The middle-aged man was about thirty years old, dressed in a white robe, with a fair, beardless face. He looked like someone who lived a life of comfort and possessed an extraordinary demeanor.
Judging by his powerful spiritual pressure, he was clearly a Foundation Establishment Cultivator.
This person was Xue Danping's father, and also the Xue Family's Third Elder, Xue Zhishen, at the peak of the early Foundation Establishment stage.
He was the Xue Family's third strongest expert, second only to the First Elder at the late Foundation Establishment stage and the Second Elder at the mid Foundation Establishment stage.
Xue Danping said resentfully, "Father, are we just going to let it go? The Ning Family has incurred public wrath, and now is the time to rally support. If you were to personally intervene, I don't believe Ning Zhongjiu could still be so arrogant!"
Xue Zhishen chuckled, "There's no need for that. Our Xue Family has achieved its objective. We shouldn't push too hard, lest the Ning Family resort to desperate measures."
Xue Danping's eyes showed confusion.
Xue Zhishen said with a strange expression, sighing, "Actually, I was at the Feng Family that day, and I also made a move personally."
Xue Danping was greatly surprised, "Ah! Then why didn't I see Father that day!"
Xue Zhishen first sighed, "I deliberately hid myself that day. I know Ning Zhongjiu well and knew he would definitely issue a challenge, so I hid in the shadows, waiting for an opportunity to strike."
"After so many years, Ning Zhongjiu's strength has become even greater. To be honest, in a one-on-one fight, your father is likely no match for him now."
"If this person is allowed to grow, he will undoubtedly become a serious threat to our Xue Family."
Xue Danping suddenly understood, then hesitated slightly, "But I was also at the Feng Family that day and didn't see Father... make a move."
Xue Zhishen smiled, "Although I was hidden, Ning Zhongjiu sensed my presence during his battle with the Chang Kong Alliance members. So, not only did he have to deal with those two, but he also had to contend with my threat. In essence, it was as if I personally intervened."
"However, Ning Zhongjiu is too arrogant. Even so, he didn't retreat. At the last moment, although I didn't reveal myself, I used a spiritual secret technique, which allowed the Chang Kong Alliance's Elder Chang's Soul Annihilation Staff to strike Ning Zhongjiu squarely."
Xue Danping recalled Ning Zhongjiu's slightly abnormal state at the final moment during her observation of the battle, as well as the look of shock and anger on his face. She finally understood.
Xue Zhishen continued to laugh, "If Ning Zhongjiu didn't cultivate both body and law, and his physical body wasn't strong enough, this blow would have been enough to severely injure him. But even now, he's definitely not feeling well. As far as I know, Ning Zhongjiu has injured his vital energy. It will take years of recuperation to recover. This will significantly delay his breakthrough to the mid Foundation Establishment stage. That's why I said our Xue Family's objective has been achieved."
Seeing Xue Danping's confused expression.
Xue Zhishen continued to explain, "You are also about to enter the family's higher echelons. Some things can be told to you now."
"For various reasons, it's not convenient for our Xue Family to directly deal with the Ning Family at this time. Besides isolating the Ning Family, our higher-ups' strategy to deal with them is to eliminate their key figures."
"Figures like Ning Zhongjiu and Ning Huarong are top-priority targets. Causing Ning Zhongjiu to suffer a severe injury to his vital energy and hindering his future advancement is already a very good outcome for our Xue Family."
Xue Danping nodded first, then asked, "Since Ning Zhongjiu is heavily injured, why didn't Father personally appear and capture him? If this person were eliminated, the Ning Family would definitely be like a hawk with a broken wing."
Xue Zhishen slowly shook his head, "Although Ning Zhongjiu is heavily injured, his wounds are not fatal. If he were to fight with all his might, he would at least take one or two people down with him. Your father doesn't want to take such a risk."
Xue Danping's eyes flashed, and she asked curiously, "Then what about Ning Huarong's situation before? How was that accomplished? Once she was about to break through to Foundation Establishment, the Ning Family would definitely protect her closely. Yet, she still failed to establish her foundation and suffered a severe backlash."
Xue Zhishen revealed a mysterious smile but shook his head, "This matter involves family secrets. Your father cannot tell you yet."
Although Xue Danping was very curious, she wisely didn't press further.
Her eyes flickered, and she then said, "Ning Fa of the Ning Family has also been making a name for himself recently. Not only does he have exceptional alchemy talent, but his personal combat strength is also considerable. He can fight on par with Shi Shaoyang of the Cloud Lotus Sword, and is now hailed as the Ning Family's second Ning Huarong."
"He currently serves as the Deputy Hall Master of the Ning Family's Blazing Wind Hall and frequently travels between Tianshui Market. When will the family consider taking action against him?"
Xue Zhishen said, "Ning Fa is someone we elders have discussed. Previously, we dispatched Mei Kaixiong to intercept him. The Ning Family should know it was for Ning Fa. Now that the Ning Family still dares to let this young man act outside, it's clear they have equipped him with life-saving treasures sufficient for him to escape from Foundation Establishment Cultivators."
"Therefore, we cannot act rashly against this young man, lest we alert the enemy. We must wait for the opportune moment."
Xue Danping nodded, then as if thinking of something, she asked with anticipation, "Father, my Foundation Establishment Pill, when will the family approve it?"
Xue Zhishen showed a look of difficulty and sighed, "I'm afraid we'll have to wait a while longer. Not just for you, but all applications for second-grade spiritual items within the family are temporarily suspended. Even the True Return Pill that I need, I can only obtain it myself."
Xue Danping's delicate eyebrows furrowed, and she slowly said, "I've recently been involved in the management of Tianshui Market and found that a large amount of Spirit Stones are flowing out of the market. Where is our Xue Family's resources going?"
Seeing Xue Zhishen remain silent for a moment, Xue Danping slowly said, "Could it be for... that person from the Myriad Beast Gate?"
Xue Zhishen said solemnly, "You've guessed it... That's right. That person is currently at a critical juncture in the Myriad Beast Gate's Pill Hall. The Deputy Hall Master of the Pill Hall is selecting disciples. If that person performs exceptionally well, there's a high chance they'll be chosen, and our Xue Family will have a powerful backer."
"That's why the family has made this decision to allocate most of the family's resources to that person in the short term, as refining second-grade pills consumes too much."
Xue Danping nodded slowly, but her expression showed little joy.
After all, whether that person succeeds is uncertain, while clan members like Xue Danping are suffering.
Xue Zhishen comforted her, "Don't be discouraged. I've received news that soon, a prominent figure will visit our Xue Family. The family should let you accompany them throughout the entire process. As long as this matter is handled smoothly, the family will definitely prioritize preparing a Foundation Establishment Pill for you."
Xue Danping's eyes lit up as if she had thought of something, "Could it be the eldest young lady from the Huayu Sect? Is she really coming!?"