Chapter 417: Give an Inch and They'll Take a Mile_1
"Whether I'm spouting nonsense or not, you know it well in your heart," Qin Feiyang sneered.
Old Monster Dong's face turned menacing. He stared at the Dong Family Head and demanded, "Do you know or not!"
The Dong Family Head shuddered, his eyes suddenly frantic.
"Ancestor, the Family Head truly doesn't know," Steward Dong hurriedly interjected. He then scanned the crowd, a look of grim determination in his old eyes, and roared, "I will now use my own life to prove the Family Head's innocence!"
With that, he glanced at the ground and fiercely slammed his head against a large stone. His skull split open, and blood gushed out.
Color drained from Qin Feiyang's face as he rushed forward to check. Steward Dong was already dead.
He was somewhat stunned. He had never imagined Steward Dong would sacrifice his own life to exonerate the Dong Family Head. This way, there would be no one left to testify.
"Sigh!" He let out a long sigh, stood up, and looked at the Dong Family Head. It seemed impossible to deal with this man today as well.
The Dong Family Head, at this moment, seemed to have completely forgotten the excruciating pain. He stared at Steward Dong's corpse, his hands clenched tightly.
Dong Qing's gaze shifted to Qin Feiyang. "Are you satisfied now?" she said coldly.
Qin Feiyang ignored her, asking indifferently, "Dong Family Head, what are your thoughts right now?"
Hearing this, a murderous glint flashed in the Dong Family Head's eyes. But he quickly concealed it and said emotionlessly, "He got what he deserved."
"Quite the 'deserved punishment,'" Qin Feiyang cupped his hands, a deep sneer on his lips. "As a Family Head, you dare to commit acts but not take responsibility, letting a steward become your scapegoat. I, Qin Feiyang, am truly impressed beyond words."
The Dong Family Head's eyes reddened as he roared, "I've said it before, I knew nothing about this!"
"Alright, consider it my misunderstanding then," Qin Feiyang smirked.
"Since you admit it's a misunderstanding, then I advise you not to spout nonsense outside in the future!" Dong Qing threatened.
Qin Feiyang chuckled. "Rest assured, unlike certain people, I don't go looking for trouble." As he spoke, he glanced meaningfully at Lu Xingchen.
Lu Xingchen's expression immediately darkened.
"Qin Feiyang, my Dong Family has given you, and the Holy Temple, an explanation," the Dong Family Ancestor said at this moment. "Now, shouldn't you also give my Dong Family an explanation?"
Qin Feiyang raised an eyebrow. "Why should I give you an explanation?"
"It is true that my Dong Family was in the wrong first. We will not hold you accountable for killing Dong Zheng and Steward Dong. However, you absolutely should not have killed Dong Cheng!" the Dong Family Ancestor shouted.
"Oh? Pushing your luck, are you?" the War King yelped with a sinister laugh. "Old Bastard, don't provoke your Uncle Wolf, or I'll make sure you're left without descendants!"
"Insolent!" The Dong Family Ancestor seethed.
The Martial Palace Hall Master's gaze flickered as he stated, "I believe Qin Feiyang is indeed at fault in this matter."
"'Hmm?'" Yan Nanshan and Lv Yun both frowned.
Qin Feiyang and the War King also turned to the Martial Palace Hall Master, their gazes probing.
The Elixir Palace Hall Master smiled faintly, turning his gaze toward the Martial Palace Hall Master. "The Dong Family slandered Qin Feiyang, sullying his name. Anyone in such a situation would be furious. Can you tell me, where did he err?"
The Martial Palace Hall Master declared, "His error was in killing Dong Cheng! He clearly possessed evidence, so why didn't he present it sooner? Obviously, he was intent on killing Dong Cheng; such intentions are punishable! Furthermore, he should not have attacked Shi Ming. Even if Shi Ming erred, he is still a Law Enforcement Elder of the Holy Temple. Qin Feiyang's actions are not merely insubordination but also contempt for the Holy Temple's rules and must be severely punished! Otherwise, if everyone behaves as disrespectfully as he did, wouldn't the Holy Temple be plunged into chaos?"
Although his words sounded reasonable, Qin Feiyang felt this person was deliberately targeting him.
Shi Ming shot Qin Feiyang a venomous look, then turned pitifully to the Elixir Palace Hall Master, bowing. "Hall Master, I implore you to seek justice for me!"
The Elixir Palace Hall Master frowned, looked down at Qin Feiyang, and said lightly, "Just apologize to them."
"Why should I apologize?" Qin Feiyang sneered.
Yan Nanshan stepped beside Qin Feiyang, whispering, "Feiyang, don't be stubborn. Listen to the Hall Master."
"Uncle Yan, this isn't my fault," Qin Feiyang frowned.
"Uncle Yan knows you've been wronged," Yan Nanshan transmitted mentally. "But this matter is too complicated. Pursuing it further will only escalate the situation and benefit no one."
"Apologizing and admitting your mistake won't cost you anything. What are you afraid of?" Lv Yun then also came down to persuade him. "Besides, a true man knows when to yield and when to stand firm. Temporary forbearance doesn't make you a loser." After a pause, she added in a low voice, "I promise, once this is over, I'll give you a surprise."
"A surprise?" Qin Feiyang was taken aback.
Lv Yun didn't elaborate, just gave a mysterious smile.
Qin Feiyang looked between the two of them and finally nodded with an air of resignation. He could ignore Lv Yun's words, but he couldn't disobey Yan Nanshan.
He let out a long breath, turned to Shi Ming and the Dong Family Head, and cupped his hands. "Seniors, please forgive my earlier offenses."
"You injured me like this, and you think a simple apology is enough?" the Dong Family Head roared angrily. "And Dong Cheng! He was my most cherished son! You must compensate for this loss!"
"Pushing your luck, are you?" Yan Nanshan and Lv Yun frowned instantly.
The Elixir Palace Hall Master's expression also soured. He had suggested Qin Feiyang apologize. Now the Dong Family Head was refusing to accept? This was undoubtedly making him lose face.
Qin Feiyang's eyes glinted as he said playfully, "Then tell me, how should I compensate you?"
"First, immediately have Treasure Pavilion lift its ban on the Dong Family," the Dong Family Head demanded. "Second, you refined the Potential Elixir, didn't you?"
"Yes, I refined it," Qin Feiyang nodded.
A shiver went through the crowd. Although Treasure Pavilion had never explicitly stated it, many had speculated that Qin Feiyang was likely the one who refined them. It turned out to be true! No wonder he had looked so disdainful at the martial arts arena, even crushing a Potential Elixir underfoot.
The Dong Family Head said gravely, "Lift the ban, and give us the Elixir Formula for the Potential Elixir. Then, we'll consider this matter settled."
"Give you the Elixir Formula?" Qin Feiyang was stunned, looking at the Dong Family Head as if he were an idiot. Throughout the entire Great Qin Empire, he alone possessed the Elixir Formula for the Potential Elixir. Possessing the formula was equivalent to possessing inexhaustible wealth. How could he possibly give it to the Dong Family? Let alone the Dong Family, even if Yan Nanshan asked for it, he would only provide the elixirs, never the formula. Of course, Yan Nanshan wouldn't be as audacious as the Dong Family Head. Asking for an Elixir Formula, especially a prized one, is a major taboo!
Before Qin Feiyang could speak, the Elixir Palace Hall Master interjected, "That condition is too outrageous. On Qin Feiyang's behalf, I refuse. This matter ends here. Please leave the Holy Temple immediately. If you are dissatisfied, you may take it up with the Mansion Master." He had directly issued an order for them to leave.
Hearing this, Old Monster Dong, the Dong Family Head, and Dong Qing all looked extremely grim.
The Martial Palace Hall Master was also displeased. He glared at the Elixir Palace Hall Master and snorted coldly, "You are shielding Qin Feiyang."
"Shielding him?" the Elixir Palace Hall Master retorted with a faint smile, his calm tone filled with unquestionable dominance. "Fine, have it your way. Anyone who dares to touch him will be making an enemy of me. If you have objections, you can take them to the Chief Hall Master. Of course, if you wish to test my strength, I will gladly oblige."
The War King mentally transmitted to Qin Feiyang, "Xiao Qinzi, these two powerhouses from the Elixir Palace certainly have backbone."
Qin Feiyang nodded. As leaders of the Holy Temple, they should possess such decisiveness. Only then could they earn the respect of the Holy Temple's disciples. The likes of the Martial Palace Hall Master and Shi Ming were simply a joke.
He looked at Old Monster Dong's trio, the mockery in his eyes undisguised. If the Dong Family Head had known when to quit, how could he have ended up in such a state? Truly, one reaps what one sows.
"Why are you still lingering?" the Elixir Palace Hall Master frowned, clearly having lost patience. "Must I invite you for drinks before you're willing to leave?"
"Hall Master, I was inconsiderate earlier. I sincerely apologize," the Dong Family Head roared indignantly. "But Dong Cheng cannot have died in vain, and I shouldn't have suffered these injuries for nothing! I don't want the Elixir Formula anymore, just fifty Potential Elixirs!"
Today's events have thoroughly disgraced the Dong Family. If they were driven away like this, the Dong Family would be utterly defeated. In the future, they would inevitably become a laughingstock for all.
"Fifty Potential Elixirs? You really have the gall to ask," the Elixir Palace Hall Master bellowed, a dangerous glint in his eyes. "Do you think they are common vegetables, readily available everywhere? Get out now, or don't blame me for throwing you out. That would be even more humiliating for you!"
The Dong Family Head trembled, furious. "Elixir Palace Hall Master—"
"Enough!" Old Monster Dong roared at that moment, cutting him off. "Haven't we been disgraced enough? Let's go!" With a wave of his hand, he produced a transportation portal.
"Ancestor, wait a moment!" Dong Qing's eyes flashed as she spoke.
Old Monster Dong frowned.
Dong Qing looked at Qin Feiyang and declared, word by word, "I formally challenge you!"
Qin Feiyang frowned instantly. Is this woman insane? She's a genuine Five Star War Emperor, challenging a Seven-star War King? Such shamelessness is truly beyond belief!
Ignoring everyone's stares, Dong Qing continued, "If I win, you will give me the Elixir Formula for the Potential Elixir."
"And if you lose?" Qin Feiyang asked.
Dong Qing stated, "If I lose, not only will my life be yours, but all past grievances will also be settled!"
"Is your insignificant life comparable to the Potential Elixir's formula?" the War King scoffed with utter disdain.
Lu Xingchen retorted, "Even if Dong Qing's life isn't worth much, it's still more valuable than yours!"
"Oh!" The War King shot him a sidelong glance, his expression full of contempt, as if looking at an ant. "If you hadn't spoken, I'd have forgotten you, Useless Lu! Looking for a sparring session? Come on, come on. Uncle Wolf happens to be itching for a fight. I'll play with you."
Lu Xingchen's hands clenched, his knuckles cracking. This Rogue Wolf's foul mouth really deserves a beating!