Terry Yang's parents didn't want to wait any longer. They went directly to seek out other elders, but since those elders were all cultivating and unaware of the current events, only four elders were temporarily keeping watch outside.
However, these four elders weren't under their control, so they could only look for other people.
Drip, drip—In a damp, gunpowder-scented place, a figure sat cross-legged atop the water with eyes closed. Yet the water beneath him churned as if boiling, bubbling up constantly.
Gurgling and dripping sounds echoed together. Just then, footsteps approached—light and nimble. The man did not open his eyes, continuing to meditate atop the water.
The newcomer glanced around, then looked at the man on the water and asked, "Where is your master?"
"My master is in seclusion. May I ask what urgent matter brings you here, First Madam?" The man opened his eyes and looked at her.
It was indeed First Madam Yang, here to find someone. She found the disciple interesting. "Contact your master. I have urgent business with him."
"Alright, please wait a moment." The young man nodded.
With that, the young man leapt off the water and left, heading into a tunnel behind him.
After a short while, the young man returned with an elder. The elder, seeing First Madam Yang, asked, "What business do you have with me, First Madam?"
"Liam Yang's matter," said First Madam Yang.
"Liam Yang? Isn't he imprisoned? What—" The elder seemed visibly agitated upon hearing this.
"He is imprisoned, but someone wants to rescue him," First Madam Yang replied.
The elder's already haggard face looked even more worn, and his right arm hung limply at his side, as if it couldn't coordinate with his body.
But now, triggered by the news, his right arm trembled slightly, as if some old injury had flared up again. He exclaimed, "Who?"
"His son," said First Madam Yang. "His son? Since when does he have a son?" The elder asked, shocked and suspicious.
First Madam Yang explained the whole situation to the elder. After hearing it, the elder's face looked as if a thin layer of something pale had been smeared over it.
His face darkened and he said angrily, "No way. Whether or not he's really Liam's son, he can't enter the Yang Clan, and Liam Yang must not be released."
"But the patriarch has already said—anyone who touches him will have their soul annihilated," First Madam Yang reminded.
"Hmph, the patriarch's words aren't absolute! I'll gather the other elders. Before the patriarch emerges, we'll kill that brat," the elder snorted coldly.
"Then I'll leave it to you, Elder Pineleaf," said First Madam Yang.
"First Madam, I know you hate Liam Yang too. Let's treat this as a collaboration—so you need to stand on our side," said Elder Pineleaf.
"Don't worry, I'll definitely stand with you," First Madam Yang replied.
"Good. Then you can go back. I'll make preparations and head out soon," said Elder Pineleaf.
"Alright." First Madam Yang nodded, then turned and left.
Watching her leave, Elder Pineleaf's disciple asked, "Master, is that newcomer really Second Young Master Liam's son?"
"Who cares if he is or not? One thing is certain—we can't let him live. After all, he's the one trying to free Liam Yang!" Elder Pineleaf snorted coldly.
"Master, my technique has reached initial success. Should I go deal with him?" The young man was eager to prove himself.
"You've cultivated the Flame-on-Water Demon Art, relying on this chamber's water for years. Otherwise, you'd risk qi deviation. Are you sure you can leave for a while?" Elder Pineleaf frowned.
"Master, don't worry. I'm now fifth-tier Immortal Lord. If I use this demon art, I can reach seventh-tier Immortal Lord in strength. He's only eighth-tier Profound-Immortal, right? That's a huge gap. Dealing with him will be easy," Darren West boasted.
"Darren, didn't you hear what First Madam Yang said? If he managed to enter the forbidden zone, that already proves his true strength is impressive. I fear you may not be his match," Elder Pineleaf analyzed.
"Master, why are you boosting the enemy's morale? My demon art counters fire, and you've spent years training me to cultivate a technique that restrains fire. Don't you want to see its effect?" Darren West argued.
"That's true. I trained you to witness a miracle. But this demon art, if handled poorly, will expose you as a demonic cultivator. Then the Yang Clan will imprison you for practicing demonic arts," said Elder Pineleaf.
"Master, have you forgotten? When you first taught me this demon art, you also taught me how to control the demonic qi inside my body. As long as I don't use that qi and absorb all the demon art's qi back into myself, no one will notice," Darren West said. "Alright, then. I can use this as an excuse to make him withdraw from the Yang Clan on his own," Elder Pineleaf's eyes lit up.
Darren West was excited. Years of effort had all been for this moment—to witness his own miracle. He desperately wanted everyone to see what a remarkable talent he was, so that the Yang Clan would recognize him.
He remembered how, years ago, he was insignificant, longing to join the Yang Clan as a guard. But his strength was lacking, and he had no qualifications. He nearly died several times trying to enter, until Elder Pineleaf finally chose him and taught him the technique he now practiced, leading to his current success.
As for Evan Yang, Lydia Yang, and the others, they were already within Steward Lewis Yang's domain.
It was an estate, where Evan Yang and the others laughed and chatted together.
"When will the patriarch come out?" After a while, Evan Yang asked curiously.
Lydia Yang and the Wine Beggar also wanted to know the exact time, so they all looked toward Steward Lewis Yang.