Chapter 1252: Chapter 1225: Behind the Mary Sue 24
"What a great inability to remain indifferent."
Xiao Yuan, pale-faced, stood in front of Anning: "Lang Daoist friend, isnât it? Friendship is precious for its sincerity, as well as its ability to mutually influence and improve each other. But when Xiao He did wrong, usurping othersâ belongings, why didnât you counsel him? Now weâre just retrieving what belongs to our family, yet you stand in the way. Does one word âfriendâ allow you to disregard the Heavenly Dao Laws, and ignore right and wrong?"
Lang Qingyu looked at Xiao Yuan, his expression unpleasant.
It had been a long time since a junior had openly confronted him like this, making him feel embarrassed.
Most importantly, Xiao Yuan was blocking his view of Anning, preventing him from seeing her.
The first time Lang Qingyu laid eyes on Anning, he was captivated.
He felt she was the most suitable Daoist couple he had sought for years, and he wanted to take Anning with him at all costs, have some friends witness them becoming Daoist partners, and everything else was insignificant.
But Xiao Yuan, oblivious, was blocking his sight, making him restless.
"How I should act is not for you, little brat, to preach."
Lang Qingyu shouted angrily at Xiao Yuan.
Xiao Yuan reached out, but before he could move, Xiao Qing and Anning had already rushed forward.
Xiao Qing struck out with a palm aimed straight at Lang Qingyuâs chest.
Lang Qingyu waved it aside, but Anning had already leapt up, dagger in hand, aiming for Lang Qingyuâs temple.
Lang Qingyu didnât take Anningâs lethal move seriously.
To him, just a Foundation Establishment initial stage cultivator, was no threat to him.
He casually tilted his head, thinking he would easily evade Anningâs kill move.
But he miscalculated.
Anning wasnât just some Foundation Establishment cultivator; she was a Golden Core Master, and after returning from the mortal world, her cultivation had deepened, possibly even surpassing Lang Qingyuâs.
Lang Qingyu couldnât evade.
Anningâs blade plunged directly into Lang Qingyuâs temple.
He screamed in pain, stepping back in disbelief as he looked at Anning: "You actually hurt me?"
Anningâs eyes were full of loathing: "You insulted my friend, why shouldnât I hurt you?"
Anning shielded Xiao Yuan behind her and said to Xiao Qing, "Brother Xiao, come over."
Xiao Qing snapped back to his senses.
He hadnât expected he couldnât harm Lang Qingyu, but Anning managed to gravely wound him.
Now he realized Lang Qingyuâs cultivation was that of a Golden Core Master, something he, as a Foundation Establishment cultivator, couldnât contend with.
And Anning?
Xiao Qing still couldnât see through her.
He was shocked inside but obediently hid behind Anning.
Anning protected the Xiao brothers: "Uncle Xiao, I advise you to quickly return Brother Xiaoâs belongings."
Xiao He was nearly scared out of his wits.
Xiao Qing had only been hiding for two short years and was already at the Foundation Establishment Late Stage.
While Anning was completely unreadable to him.
From the fact that Anning could seriously injure Lang Qingyu, it could be inferred she was already a Golden Core Master. As to what level of the Golden Core Stage, Xiao He couldnât determine nor dared to guess.
"Well, well done, Zhu Family."
Xiao He was so angry he spat blood: "Miss Zhu Er, is this a declaration of enmity with us Xiao Family."
As he finished speaking, he heard Family Head Zhuâs voice: "Ningning, what are you doing here, hurry and come back with me."
Turning back, Anning saw Family Head Zhu striding over.
He was anxious, eyes filled with veiled worry: "Why are you being so mischievous, this is the Xiao familyâs household affair..."
Anning curled her lips: "Father, Iâm not going back. Since Iâve witnessed todayâs events, I must uphold justice, I am determined to protect Brother Xiao and Xiao Yuan."
Meanwhile, Lang Qingyu had already pulled out the dagger, taken some healing spiritual medicine, and applied a thick layer of external medicine.
He dared not underestimate Anning any longer, nor did he stand up for Xiao He anymore, but his desire to win Anningâs heart had intensified.
Seeing Family Head Zhu, his eyes lit up, taking a few steps forward and giving a salute: "So itâs Uncle Zhus."
Family Head Zhu was momentarily stunned.
He did recognize Lang Qingyu.
Many years ago, when he was out training, he had traveled with Lang Qingyu. Back then, Lang Qingyu called him Brother Zhu, but now he was calling him Uncle. What did he mean by this?
Upon hearing this, Xiao Yuan felt a pang of jealousy.
He held Anningâs hand tightly.
Xiao Qing looked down and saw Xiao Yuan holding Anningâs hand.
He smiled, his mood suddenly improved.
"So itâs Brother Lang."
Family Head Zhu returned the courtesy: "Brother Lang, when did you arrive in Sifang City? Didnât even think to look for me, do you look down on the simplicity of my home?"
"Perish the thought, perish the thought."
Lang Qingyu smiled, his voice became much gentler: "I just arrived, havenât had a chance to visit Uncle, but I will be sure to visit the Zhu Family later, hoping Uncle wonât mind me being bothersome."
Xiao He looked at Lang Qingyu, then at Anningâs overly beautiful face, and suddenly understood everything.
Understanding, his expression turned even sour.
Lang Qingyu took a fancy to Anning, would he still protect a not-so-close friend like him?
Anning looked at Xiao He: "Uncle Xiao, what do you say to that, will you return Brother Xiaoâs belongings or not?"
"I didnât take them."
Xiao He forced out a reply.
Anning chuckled: "It seems Uncle Xiao intends not to return them. Aunt Xiao has always prided herself on being a righteous person, yet acts like a petty person, disregarding familial bonds, seizing her sister-in-lawâs dowry. Itâs truly an eye-opener."
Anningâs smile carried a hint of sarcasm as she glanced at Xiao Qing: "Brother Xiao, it seems todayâs matters are difficult to resolve. Perhaps you should take Xiao Yuan and leave first, and return when your cultivation has improved, directly challenge the Xiao Family. Then, whether it be anyoneâs belongings in the Xiao Family, wouldnât they be yours to take freely?"
Xiao Qing laughed.
He knew he wouldnât gain much today and nodded to Anning: "Alright, Iâll listen to you."
Xiao Qing helped Xiao Yuan and saluted Family Head Zhu: "Uncle, Ayuan and I are leaving first."
Family Head Zhu smiled: "Alright, you go ahead, visit our home when you have time to catch up."
"Okay."
Xiao Qing agreed cheerfully.
He helped Xiao Yuan and started heading north.
Anning hurried to follow.
Family Head Zhu grabbed Anning: "Where are you going, hurry and come home with me."
Anning winked at Family Head Zhu: "Father, Iâm a little worried, Iâll go check."
Family Head Zhu didnât know what Anning meant by her wink.
But he knew his daughter was extremely clever, her standing up for the Xiao brothers today must have a motive, "Go ahead, see if Aqueeng is hurt or not."
Anning smiled, turned, and rushed after Xiao Qing and Xiao Yuan.
Xiao He glared at Family Head Zhu: "Are you deliberately being my adversary?"
Family Head Zhu smiled amiably: "Not at all, itâs more appropriate not to meddle in young peopleâs affairs."
Not meddling, Xiao He sneered inwardly, cursing Zhu, truly an old fox, leaving no loose ends, wanting to monopolize all the benefits.
Lang Qingyu stepped forward a few paces to Family Head Zhu and said: "Uncle Zhus, if convenient, may I visit your home?"
"Certainly."
Family Head Zhu agreed.
Lang Qingyu rejoiced: "Letâs go now then."
Xiao He grabbed Lang Qingyu: "Brother Lang."
"Brother Xiao, I have something to do, letâs catch up another day."
Lang Qingyu shrugged off Xiao He and followed Family Head Zhu, eagerly heading to the Zhu Family.
Xiao He felt utterly frustrated.
Damn, Lang Qingyu is too enthralled by beauty over friendship; now that heâs taken a fancy to Anning, he disregards everything else.