"Qing Tiejun, are you trying to protect him?" Mu Ruxue's face turned ashen as he looked at Qing Tiejun, who was standing in front of Li Xuan, blocking his pressure.
Qing Tiejun smiled and nodded, "As I said, Li Xuan is my Qing residence's son-in-law. Furthermore, in sparring matches, life and death are fated. If Li Xuan were to be killed during a spar, my Qing residence would not cause trouble like you, Patriarch Mu, are doing now."
A glint of ferocity flashed in Mu Ruxue's eyes, his chest heaving uncontrollably. It was evident that Mu Ruxue was struggling to suppress the turmoil within him. After all, it was his only son who had died.
Mu Ruxue also knew that he had indeed been a bit rash. Qing Tiejun was right; sparring matches were inherently unpredictable, but Mu Ruxue had never expected his son, who had quietly reached the mid-stage of the Dominator realm, to die here today.
The leaders of the various factions remained silent, their gazes towards Mu Ruxue shifting slightly. In Dou City, duels and challenges within the fighting arena had always been a matter of life and death. These ideas were deeply ingrained. Mu Ruxue's action towards Li Xuan had, to a large extent, displeased many.
If it weren't for the power of the Mu family, the leaders of the various factions would have spoken up long ago.
"Well said, life and death are fated." Mu Ruxue finally suppressed himself. He glanced at Li Xuan, then at Qing Tiejun, and said, "The previous sparring match is now concluded. I must admit, your Qing residence has found a good son-in-law. However, I wonder if your Qing residence can protect him."
Mu Ruxue turned and left, his attendants quickly following.
"Are you alright?" As Mu Ruxue departed, Qing Tiejun's gaze shifted to Li Xuan, who had stood up, and asked.
Li Xuan shook his head slightly. The scene of him spitting blood earlier was deliberate. Now that the main party had left, Li Xuan saw no need to continue the pretense.
"You小子 (lad), you've got some nerve." Qing Tiejun patted Li Xuan's shoulder with a smile, then continued, "Let's go. There's no need to stay for this Dou Feast any longer."
Li Xuan could naturally understand what Qing Tiejun meant. Killing someone's son right in front of their father was indeed an unexpected event. In fact, Li Xuan had prepared for Mu Ruxue to attack him regardless of the consequences, but he hadn't expected Mu Ruxue to hold back.
He had to admit that those who could become patriarchs of a top-tier force in a city possessed considerable patience.
However, Li Xuan knew that even though Mu Ruxue hadn't acted now, it didn't mean the matter was over. Li Xuan was certain that the events to come would likely be like a tempest.
As the Mu and Qing families departed, Duan Mu Qi also rose and left with Duan Muxiu. The remaining attendees began to exit, as there was no longer any reason for them to stay now that the three major forces had left.
Mu Residence.
Bang!
With a loud bang, a wooden table instantly turned to dust. Mu Ruxue's aura was raging, causing the surrounding powerhouses to retreat several steps.
"Ruxue, your temper still needs tempering," a hoarse voice suddenly sounded. Upon hearing this, Mu Ruxue's aura immediately subsided, and he bowed respectfully to the newcomer.
"Ancestor, why have you emerged from seclusion?" Mu Ruxue asked after straightening up.
The elder waved his hand at the onlookers, who immediately bowed and departed. Then, the elder looked at Mu Ruxue and said, "The demise of Qingfeng is indeed a loss of a genius for our Mu family. However, if we can swallow the Qing residence, this loss can be compensated."
Mu Ruxue frowned, "Ancestor, although the Qing residence's overall strength is slightly weaker than ours, if we were to engage in a full-scale war, we would suffer heavy losses even if we took them down. Furthermore, within Dou City, there is still the Duanmu family."
Although Duan Mu Qi had discussed an alliance with Mu Ruxue and reached an agreement, now that Mu Qingfeng was dead, and the Duanmu family was not foolish. If they joined forces to destroy the Qing residence, how could Duan Mu Qi not understand the principle of "lips gone, teeth cold"?
Moreover, if Duan Mu Qi were to betray them at the critical moment, the Mu residence might suffer a disastrous defeat. Therefore, gambling with the future of the Mu residence made Mu Ruxue somewhat worried.
The elder smiled faintly and remained silent. However, in the next moment, his aura changed.
Mu Ruxue was startled, then looked at the elder with immense joy and bowed, "Ancestor, you have broken through to the advanced stage of the Dominator realm!"
The elder nodded with a smile, "Just a fortunate breakthrough. If it had been earlier, Qingfeng wouldn't have perished. However, this revenge will be repaid by the Mu residence and the Duanmu family."
"The Duanmu family too?" Mu Ruxue was taken aback. After all, they had already formed an alliance with the Duanmu family. Such an action would only force the Duanmu family to ally with the Qing residence. Even if the Mu residence won, the price would be too great.
The elder nodded slightly and said, "Even if we don't act against the Duanmu family, will they stand by and watch us swallow the Qing residence? Since the outcome is the same, we might as well take them down directly. This way, I can leave for the rear area with peace of mind."
Mu Ruxue fell silent. It seemed the ancestor intended to lay a strong foundation and clear any obstacles for the Mu residence before heading to the rear area. Although facing the Qing residence and the Duanmu family would be challenging, Mu Ruxue relaxed upon remembering that the ancestor had already reached the advanced stage of the Dominator realm.
Advanced Dominator realm, such strength was already invincible.
"Ancestor, I will make arrangements immediately. After tomorrow, this Dou City will be the domain of our Mu residence!" Mu Ruxue declared.
"First, destroy the Duanmu family. They would never expect the Mu residence to attack them. By catching them off guard, our losses will be minimized. After it's done, then we'll go for the Qing residence," the elder nodded slightly and said.
"Everything will be as the Ancestor commands!" Mu Ruxue immediately nodded.
The elder said no more. Mu Ruxue hastily turned and left.
Qing Residence.
"You小子 (kid), you've truly surprised me," Qing Tiejun said with a smile, sitting on the throne and looking at Li Xuan.
Li Xuan smiled and remained silent. Qing Ruoyi, standing beside him, looked rather spirited. After all, Li Xuan's actions today had greatly shocked her. As an early-stage Dominator, he had actually killed Mu Qingfeng, who was in the mid-stage of the Dominator realm.
In a daze, Qing Ruoyi recalled Li Xuan's words before he descended into the Heavenly Pool.
"With me, Li Xuan, here, the Qing residence will be safe."
"Li Xuan, although you have killed Mu Qingfeng and dealt a significant blow to the Mu residence, this matter is unlikely to end here. Mu Ruxue will surely seek revenge through various means. What are your plans next?" Qing Tiejun asked, seeing Li Xuan's silence.
Li Xuan shook his head slightly and replied, "I believe Patriarch Qing has ways to deal with the Mu residence's machinations. If things truly reach a point of no return, then I will appear. The worst outcome would be a battle."
Qing Tiejun looked at Li Xuan with surprise, then nodded slightly, "Very well, let's wait and see what Mu Ruxue's methods are. I didn't enjoy today's Dou Feast to the fullest. Li Xuan, would you like to have a few drinks with me?"
Li Xuan smiled and replied, "I'd be happy to accompany you."