Fifth Sheng’s face finally darkened, and he said sternly, “Young friend, be cautious with your words! The Fifth Family values peace above all. This time, we sincerely invited you. If you choose not to go, that’s fine, but how can you still slander us?”

Qin Ruqing raised an eyebrow. “Slander? I didn’t slander.”

She tilted her chin towards Fifth Lingyu, who was standing not far away, and smiled, “Your Fifth Clan used a spiritual contract to threaten me to help open the Immortal Tomb’s seal, and then there was the life-and-death confrontation on the inheritance path… Since Fifth Lingyu’s attack failed, he naturally wouldn’t give up. If I followed the Fifth Family now, wouldn’t that be like a sheep walking into a tiger’s den?”

The implications of her words were enormous.

The onlookers looked on in surprise.

They knew about the battle between Qin Ruqing and Fifth Lingyu on the inheritance path from the leaderboard, but the specific reasons for their conflict were unknown.

According to Qin Ruqing, “life-and-death confrontation” was used, which implied it was a deadly struggle.

It sounded like there was deep-seated enmity rather than a simple competition for inheritance.

And that earlier comment about the Fifth Family using a spiritual contract to threaten her…

Oh, so that was the case!

They had thought Qin Ruqing joined the Fifth Family’s team because of their recruitment.

Now it seemed the truth was that she was coerced?

Fifth Sheng was not just displeased now but enraged, his face turning red.

“On the inheritance path, the Dao tradition comes first, and it’s all based on skill. Lingyu’s dispute with you is normal, what’s this ‘life-and-death confrontation’ you speak of?”

“As for the spiritual contract, that’s nonsense!”

“Have you not received benefits from the Fifth Family? We didn’t expect anything in return, so why, after receiving our benefits, do you still smear the Fifth Family?”

Fifth Sheng was indeed angry, but as the Clan Leader, his skill in avoiding the core issues was top-notch.

He redefined Qin Ruqing and Fifth Lingyu’s life-and-death struggle as a mere “dispute,” attributing the cause to the “inheritance Dao tradition struggle.”

If it were really this reason, it would be quite normal in the cultivation world.

As for the spiritual contract…

Fifth Sheng was aware of it, as Lingyu had mentioned it before.

However, knowing it was one thing, taking it seriously was another.

He always thought that even if there was such a contract, so what?

The Fifth Family had indeed provided her with benefits, and having received them, she should not claim it as a threat.

Of course, with so many people watching, admitting to such things was out of the question.

Regarding the reputation of the Immortal products, it was essential to deny it decisively!

Not only deny but also to accuse Qin Ruqing of ingratitude, so as to obscure the main issue.

Fifth Sheng’s rhetoric was clear to Qin Ruqing.

After all, she was quite adept at verbal sparring.

However, today she had no intention of contending with Fifth Sheng; her target had never been the Fifth family.

Qin Ruqing deliberately sighed heavily, adopting a genuinely heartfelt demeanor: “Clan Leader, please don’t be anxious. I still appreciate the cultivation you have given me.”

“From what you’ve said, are you unaware of Fifth Lingyu’s use of the Word Spirit Contract against me?” Her brows furrowed slightly, showing visible confusion.

She began to elaborate on the matter.

“I don’t know what wrong I did to offend him. Long before, when Fifth Lingyu was still the director in the Western Ridge, he placed a Word Spirit Contract on me. As someone from a small family, how could I guard against such means?”

“Later, on the path of inheritance, Fifth Lingyu even directly tried to kill me. Everyone on the path of inheritance saw this! This is something anyone could confirm, and it certainly cannot be said that I am fabricating it!”

Fifth Sheng calmed down.

Listening to her tone, he sensed that Qin Ruqing didn’t seem to intend to tear her relationship with the Fifth family apart.

It seemed her grievance was solely with Lingyu.

Didn’t she say, “Are you unaware of Fifth Lingyu’s use of the Word Spirit Contract against me”?

Wasn’t this a glaring step down?

Unawareness—this directly absolves the Fifth family and him as the clan leader!

So, should he follow this lead?

Fifth Sheng cautiously remained silent.

At this moment, Qin Ruqing shifted her gaze.

She looked at Fifth Lingyu and suddenly raised her voice:

“Director, if I’ve done something wrong, please let me know, and I will certainly apologize publicly!”

“I hope the Director does not resort to hidden means; I really can’t guard against that!”

On the surface, her words seemed to be pleading, but they were actually laden with sharp edges.

This was like a public slap in the face!

The crowd sighed and marveled at the drama unfolding before them.

They quickly turned their attention to Fifth Lingyu’s reaction.

In the past, they were more concerned about the current young clan leader of the Fifth family.

Now, the former clan leader’s son seemed even more mysterious and capable.

Fifth Lingyu stood with his hands at his sides and his back straight, his posture still dignified.

However, his narrow phoenix eyes reflected a cold light, like sharp needles pointing at Qin Ruqing.

Qin Ruqing showed no fear, even deliberately curling up the corner of her mouth in provocation, “What’s the matter, Director? Dare to act but not take responsibility?”

The crowd’s eyes darted between Qin Ruqing and Fifth Lingyu.

From start to finish, Fifth Lingyu had said not a word.

Yet his demeanor spoke volumes.

The crowd thought to themselves, what a grand show!

They might recognize that Qin Ruqing’s performance was somewhat staged, but it clarified one thing—if Qin Ruqing had truly been in the wrong, how could she dare to publicly offend the Fifth family?

The Fifth family had spent much effort in their explanations, but they couldn’t provide a solid response and could only maneuver around the issue.

Qin Ruqing had not only slapped the Fifth family’s face but had also given them an opportunity to step down gracefully.

She had the strength to deliver such a slap.

The crowd had no doubts about this.

However, the scene had indeed become somewhat unpleasant.

With such a high pitch, whether it could be resolved smoothly was a question.

Soon, the crowd noticed that someone was stepping in to help Qin Ruqing wrap things up.

Feng Qinxue, who had been overlooked, stepped forward.

Ignoring Fifth Sheng’s darkened face, she walked straight up to Qin Ruqing and said warmly:

“Child, if you’re worried about your safety, why not travel with our Feng family?”

“Our Feng family members are all skilled fighters, so your safety will be assured.”

“On the way back on the spirit boat, if you’re bored, you can spar with Mingyue.”

Qin Ruqing followed Feng Qinxue’s gesture and looked at Feng Mingyue.

The aloof fairy in her battle attire even showed her a somewhat awkward smile, her eyes sparkling with a strong desire for a spar.

Hey… more fighting.

Qin Ruqing turned her head back and grinned at Feng Qinxue.

“Director Feng’s invitation, I’m honored and of course cannot refuse.”

Feng Qinxue’s official title was the General Director Bureau of the Eastern Domain and an Elder of Feng Celestial Family.

Of course, she held a higher status in the Feng family, but Qin Ruqing’s address was entirely appropriate.

Feng Qinxue’s lips curved up.

Not refusing meant accepting.

“If you don’t mind, you can call me Aunt Feng.”

Without a second’s hesitation, Qin Ruqing called out, “Aunt Feng!” Afterward, she seemed a bit embarrassed, scratching her head and explaining, “Heh, I just boldly called you that.”

Their interaction was so warm, almost like family.

The crowd didn’t expect the drama to be so eventful and full of twists.

The resolution came swiftly!

Even after Qin Ruqing’s warm exchange, she didn’t forget Fifth Sheng.

At this moment, Fifth Sheng’s expression naturally showed anger, but also a hint of awkwardness.

The awkwardness came from the fact that Qin Ruqing had earlier offered a way out, which he hadn’t taken, leaving him in an awkward position.

Fifth Sheng wanted to interrupt Qin Ruqing and Feng Qinxue’s act to assert his presence but couldn’t bring himself to do so.

He could only stand there like a wooden statue.

Fortunately, Qin Ruqing hadn’t forgotten him.

In fact, she offered a second way out in a timely manner.

She spoke with a hint of apology, “The grudge between me and Fifth Lingyu is naturally unrelated to the Fifth family. I was a bit loud earlier when I was angry, and I apologize for any mistakes. I hope the Clan Leader will understand.”

This was not only a way out but also preserved the Fifth family’s face.

Fifth Sheng’s anger deflated like a punctured balloon.

It wasn’t that Qin Ruqing’s words truly comforted him.

Rather, his anger had simply run out of steam.

When a person has status and capability, she can say what she wants to say.

Qin Ruqing, if she were not steady, her “justice” would not be secure.

But this small tree had grown strong; she firmly demanded what was rightfully hers, and no storm could shake her.

Fifth Sheng sighed deeply.

For the first time, he felt the might of a person directly.

No matter how sharp the edge, even an immortal had to yield.

In an instant, Fifth Sheng’s mind was made up, and his attitude shifted immediately, putting on a renewed smile.

“It seems I really didn’t know what kind of contract Lingyu used against you. You, girl, didn’t say a word about it. Fortunately, nothing serious happened, or our Fifth family would indeed be hard to absolve of blame.”

“As for Lingyu’s heavy hand on the path of inheritance, you know, it’s related to the inheritance. In a moment of urgency, Lingyu might have been a bit too harsh, which led to your misunderstanding.”

“We are peers, and there shouldn’t be any insurmountable grudge. I’ll have Lingyu apologize to you. If it resolves the grievance, that’s great; if not, at least it will make you feel better.”

He waved for Fifth Lingyu to come over and said sternly, “I won’t ask much about why you treated Miss Qin so harshly. Just one thing: since you’ve done it, you must be prepared to bear the consequences. In front of the major families, you should apologize to Miss Qin, turning hostility into goodwill, and preserving the last shred of affection from the past.”

As a clan leader of an Celestial family, addressing the matter in this way was already a significant concession to Qin Ruqing.

Qin Ruqing also appeared prepared to accept the apology.

However, she knew she might not receive it.

Given Fifth Lingyu’s pride, merely not killing her publicly after this incident was already a great display of restraint.

As expected, Fifth Lingyu gave her a cold glance and remained silent.

He even left Fifth Sheng hanging.

Fifth Sheng fell into another awkward situation, but this time, it was of his own making.

Qin Ruqing smiled and shook her head at Fifth Sheng, saying, “There’s no need to force it. Let’s leave the enmity between me and Fifth Lingyu to be resolved another time.”

“It’s getting late; we should go.”

She then directly stood behind Feng Qinxue and called out, “Aunt Feng, shouldn’t we be leaving now?”

Her abandoning Fifth Sheng for the Feng family naturally enhanced Feng Qinxue’s status, and Feng Qinxue was more than willing to give Qin Ruqing face.

She responded warmly:

“Won’t you bring your little friends along? With Miss Qin here, they are also guests of the Feng family. They haven’t been to Penglai yet, so it’s a good opportunity for a visit.”

With someone backing her, Qin Ruqing would be foolish to refuse.

She nodded and took a few steps forward, waving towards her third sister.

“Third sister, Qi Rong, Xiao Tang, come here!”

Qin Ruqing’s words were clear and unapologetic.

Thus, everyone’s attention naturally turned to Qin Ruqing.

To be called over by Qin Ruqing and to visit Penglai with her meant they were part of the Qin family.

Among them, two were direct descendants of the Qin family, Qin Luwei and Qin Qirong.

One was a pill cultivator and the other a body cultivator, both had received the inheritance and held impressive ranks.

But why was Tang Zifeng from the Tang family always accompanying the Qin family?

It was inevitable there would be some whispers.

“That Tang Zifeng seems to have received the true inheritance from Minglu Immortal Venerable. With such a future, why does he always follow the Qin family?”

Following the Qin family would make one automatically seen as a subordinate, and besides adding glory to others, there was no real benefit.

“Perhaps in the future, the two families will merge. Young people today are very determined…”

Feeling the numerous gazes, Qirong swallowed nervously.

Tang Zifeng, however, calmly reminded, “We cannot retreat. This is an opportunity Qin Qing has created for the Qin family.”

It was a chance to formally step onto the stage and into the core circle of the immortal cultivation world.

Luwei nodded and made a decisive decision:

“There’s no need for further discussion. Just hold your head high and go.”

So the three of them, led by Luwei, with Qirong and Tang Zifeng following, walked to Qin Ruqing’s side.

To the crowd, this simple scene seemed like witnessing the rise of a family.

After the Void Realm, no one dared to ignore the Qin family any longer.

Someone recalled the past enmity between the Qin family and the Fang family, glancing at the Fang family elder.

Fang Yu, though displeased, managed to maintain composure.

In summary, some were happy, some were worried.

This trip to the Void Realm ended up being quite fulfilling.

Feng Qinxue and Fifth Sheng simultaneously took out a spatial token, shattering it.

The guardians at the Thunder Plains immediately sensed the movement and activated the teleportation array.

A pillar of light soared into the sky, making people dazed.

The Void Realm felt like another world where even competition seemed pure.

Leaving the Void Realm meant returning to a world full of intrigue.

A polite voice came from Feng Qinxue’s ear, “Miss Qin, shall we go?”

Qin Ruqing retracted her gaze and answered calmly.

Since the storm could not be avoided, she would stride forward confidently.

Fortunately, she was prepared.

In this ever-changing world, she could protect herself and her family.

As the teleportation light engulfed her, the dark red sky of the Ruins blurred, and the coarse, fiery air became thin in her nostrils.

Qin Ruqing took one last look at this land.

This land painted in crimson and filled with heroic souls would eventually see her return.

Return to lay the restless heroic souls to rest.

Return to make this scarlet land truly a place of peace.

When Qin Ruqing opened her eyes again, she saw the lightning of the Thunder Plains brightening the sky.

It seemed a crowd was rushing towards this direction, calling out:

“Finally back…”