Chapter 82: Bringing Xiao Yu Back

“Greetings, Vice Palace Master!”

The man in white and Wang Bo walked to the front of the great hall, respectfully addressing the four figures atop the steps.

As their voices faded, the elder seated in the center slowly opened his eyes. A tangible beam of light shot forth, causing Wang Bo and his companion below to feel an overwhelming pressure.

“Have you investigated the matter?”

The elder spoke calmly, his voice tranquil.

“Reporting to Palace Master Ouyang, the matter has not yet been fully clarified. Steward Meng and I arrived at Wolong Mountain, but those involved in the confrontation had already vanished. However, one thing is certain: a group of powerful martial artists clashed, causing the unusual celestial phenomena we witnessed.”

Wang Bo respectfully recounted everything he had deduced from the scene.

“Martial artists fighting? And such a battle could trigger those celestial changes? Could it be an Innate Martial Emperor?”

The other three vice palace masters abruptly opened their eyes at Wang Bo’s words. Not long ago, Xiao Yu had fiercely battled Ampei Seizuka and Tōjō, both of whom unleashed peerless divine techniques. The sheer power of those forces had made even these elders, miles away, wary.

“An Innate Martial Emperor dueling in the mundane world? Have they forgotten the rules established years ago? These martial artists are becoming increasingly lawless. If the common people witness such things, it might incite panic.”

One vice palace master frowned, his voice deep and grave.

“Brother Ye, please remain calm. Nowadays, those possessing Martial Emperor strength are few and far between. It’s still uncertain whether it was indeed a Martial Emperor in combat.”

Another stroked his beard and spoke serenely.

“Do you mean, Brother Pang, that if it wasn’t a Martial Emperor, we need not concern ourselves? The purpose of our Hall of Law is precisely to prevent such occurrences. If we ignore this, what authority do we retain?”

Noticing a dispute was brewing between the two vice palace masters, Wang Bo hurriedly bowed and interjected, “Please, masters, do not be angry. Perhaps I know who is responsible for this incident.”

All four turned their eyes upon Wang Bo, saying nothing, each apparently waiting for his explanation.

Feeling the weight of their gazes, Wang Bo grew uncomfortable and quickly continued, “Reporting to the masters, here is what happened: Though we saw no combatants at the scene, I sensed a familiar aura lingering in the void. Its owner is named Xiao Yu.”

“Xiao Yu?” The four frowned, pondering whether such a formidable figure existed in the martial world.

After a long pause, the elderly Ouyang suddenly turned to the other three, who likewise looked at him.

“The same name, and such great power—there’s no doubt it’s him,” Vice Palace Master Ouyang murmured.

The other three nodded in agreement.

“Since we have a lead, why not send envoys to seek him out and investigate thoroughly?” Palace Master Ye suggested.

“And what if we do? Are we to punish him? Don’t forget his identity. Though our Hall of Law has no fear of his strength, those influential figures behind him are not ones to offend lightly,” Palace Master Pang said with a furrowed brow.

“Hmph! What does it matter if he has powerful patrons? Should that allow him to disregard our rules? Influential figures are but ants; if they interfere, we’ll wipe them out too,” Palace Master Ye retorted coldly.

At his words, the other three fell silent in contemplation. In truth, they found his argument compelling.

Since its founding, the Hall of Law had always wielded absolute power within the worlds of cultivation and martial arts. The incident at Wolong Mountain had surely been witnessed by many peers; if the Hall of Law failed to act, its authority would inevitably suffer in their eyes.

“Very well! We all agree with your proposal. I believe the four palace masters would also make such a choice. The Hall of Law has stood for a century, and never has anyone dared defy our ordinances. This must not set a precedent—even Xiao Yu is no exception!”

“Wang Bo, Meng Tong, take the Law Tokens and go to the Ye family in Phoenix City. Bring Xiao Yu back to the Hall of Law!”

With that, the four quickly reached a decision. Wang Bo and the white-robed Meng Tong accepted the Law Tokens passed by Palace Master Ouyang, then turned and strode out of the hall. Mounting their swords, they soon departed in flight from the Hall of Law.

Their destination: Phoenix City.

“Steward Wang, you seem to harbor a grudge against this Xiao Yu,” Meng Tong remarked as they soared side by side through the void. He had noticed Wang Bo’s tone turn icy whenever Xiao Yu was mentioned in the hall, and could not resist asking.

“My family—the Wang clan of Phoenix City—was destroyed by Xiao Yu! My father too died at his hands.” The mere mention of Xiao Yu made Wang Bo gnash his teeth in fury. Once, he lacked the strength, but now he was a steward in the Grand Hall of Law, with its full support behind him. The vengeance for his annihilated clan must be repaid!

“Well, it seems Xiao Yu’s days of good fortune are over. He dared provoke the Hall of Law. Don’t worry—once we bring him back, the four palace masters will surely grant you justice,” Meng Tong replied with a smile.

Wang Bo’s face was grim. He remembered how Xiao Yu had once strode into the Wang family with another, displaying unparalleled might and slaying his father, Wang Bolin, before his very eyes. Wang Bo had trained tirelessly for this day—to finally take Xiao Yu’s life and avenge his father.

“We need to hurry. If Xiao Yu realizes the trouble he’s caused and goes into hiding, he’ll be far harder to find,” Wang Bo said in a low voice, then instantly urged his sword forward, transforming into a streak of light.

Seeing Wang Bo so eager, Meng Tong revealed a cold smile and quickly changed his hand seal; his sword too became a gleam, swiftly chasing after Wang Bo.