Chapter 516 - 255: Incompetent Son

Chapter 516: Chapter 255: Incompetent Son

His dignity as the Young Master of the Ten Thousand Poisons Sect and his duty as a son—neither would permit it!

"Ke’Er, you..."

Lady Lan reached out, but failed to call back his resolute figure.

She finally slumped back into her chair, listening as the footsteps rapidly receded, eventually disappearing into the night outside.

Raising a hand, Lady Lan’s fingertips gently traced the cool, butterfly-shaped mark on her arm as she let out a desolate sigh.

"What a wretched fate..."

If the backlash from the Simurgh Phoenix Jade Butterfly wasn’t growing fiercer by the day, threatening the very foundation of her Dao path...

Why else would she be trapped in such an awkward, impossible position?

.....

Ouyang Ke stormed from the study, his chest filled with a rage and anxiety so intense he could barely think.

He strode swiftly along the covered walkway for a moment. Only when the night wind brushed against him did his muddled thoughts begin to clear.

The first suspect that flooded his mind was the Profound Yin Valley!

Especially that so-called "Ancient Ghost," who was rumored to have taken a particular interest in his mother.

Nearly all the pressure the Ten Thousand Poisons Sect had faced recently stemmed from the Profound Yin Valley’s relentless advances.

His mother’s sudden, uncharacteristic decision was most likely made under duress, both internal and external. She must have been forced to agree to their demands in exchange for a temporary reprieve for the sect.

’Or... was it to protect me, her son?’

The moment the thought took root, it grew like wildfire, twisting Ouyang Ke’s heart into knots and deepening his sense of powerlessness.

If that was true, then the Profound Yin Valley was Ouyang Ke’s mortal enemy!

However, anger wouldn’t solve anything.

The Ten Thousand Poisons Sect was currently weak. It was impossible for him alone, or even the entire sect, to confront the Profound Yin Valley head-on.

He needed outside help. He needed a powerful ally!

Almost without thinking, one person’s image surfaced in his mind.

Chen Sheng!

Or more precisely, the Nie Family of Yunzhou, whom Chen Sheng represented.

Only the intervention of a titan like the Nie Family could possibly make the Profound Yin Valley hesitate, buying his mother a chance to reverse her fate.

’Even though the marriage alliance with Nie Lingshan is off the table, I can agree to marry another woman from the Nie Family. I’ll pay any price!’

’As long as the Nie Family is willing to help!’

At this thought, Ouyang Ke hesitated no longer. He changed direction and headed straight for the guest courtyard where Chen Sheng was staying.

He didn’t even wait to be announced, instead pushing the door open and bursting in with reckless haste.

Inside, Chen Sheng was in the middle of his cultivation. He was rather taken aback when Ouyang Ke suddenly burst in.

"Ouyang, what is this...?"

Chen Sheng’s brows knitted slightly as several thoughts flashed through his mind.

’Could it be that Lady Lan already told him? Has he come to hold me accountable?’

Before Chen Sheng could finish his sentence, Ouyang Ke dropped to his knees with a THUD.

Ouyang Ke looked up, his eyes bloodshot with agitation and rage. He stared intently at Chen Sheng, his voice tinged with desperation.

"Chen, I’m begging you... help me this once! In the future, whatever you ask of me, I will go through fire and water without hesitation!"

Chen Sheng was even more astonished, but he let none of it show on his face. He quickly stepped forward to help him up.

"Ouyang, please, get up. There’s no need for this between us. What in the world has happened to put you in such a state? Get up and tell me everything. If there’s anything I can do to help, I won’t refuse."

But Ouyang Ke stubbornly refused to rise. He remained kneeling, his fists clenched so tightly his nails dug into his palms. With his head lowered, his voice filled with self-recrimination and anguish.

"I... I am a useless son!"

At these words, Chen Sheng raised an eyebrow. His expression turned subtly strange.

’Why do those words... sound so familiar?’

’I’ve only ever heard of useless husbands...’

’A useless son? What’s that about?’

Chen Sheng had a vague suspicion, but his expression remained one of concern.

"Ouyang, why would you say such a thing? You’re so young, yet you’re already on the Dragon and Tiger List. You are a recognized genius in Nanzhao, the Young Master of the Ten Thousand Poisons Sect, and a future leader destined to command your own domain. How can you speak so poorly of yourself?

Tell me what’s troubling you. If there’s anything I can do to help, I will certainly do my utmost."

Ouyang Ke took a deep breath, as if mustering all his strength to state the fact that he found so humiliating.

"My mother... she’s getting married!"

"Yes. And?"

Chen Sheng’s expression remained impassive. ’Just as I thought,’ he said to himself, though the strange feeling was intensifying.

"I suspect... my mother is being coerced! She has no other choice!"

Ouyang Ke’s head snapped up, the bloodshot veins in his eyes even more prominent. He quickly explained his theory and then pleaded again, his tone bordering on a desperate beg.

"Chen, right now, only the Nie Family can help me stand against the Profound Yin Valley!

I’m begging you to speak to the Nie Family on my behalf. As long as they’re willing to intervene, to help my mother through this crisis and protect her dignity and freedom...

Whatever conditions the Nie Family sets—whether it’s a marriage to a daughter from the Direct Lineage or a branch family, whatever price the Ten Thousand Poisons Sect must pay—I, Ouyang Ke... I will agree to it all!

I only ask that the Nie Family lend their aid!"

Chen Sheng looked at Ouyang Ke, prostrate on the floor, and fell silent.

’So that’s how it is...’

Ouyang Ke didn’t know the truth. He’d simply made a completely wrong deduction based on appearances, pointing the finger at the Profound Yin Valley.

This earnest filial piety and desperation moved Chen Sheng.

Chen Sheng quickly weighed his options.

Lady Lan had chosen to hide the truth for a reason; she clearly had her own concerns.

’If I rashly reveal the truth now, the situation will spiral out of control. Not only will it humiliate Lady Lan, but Ouyang Ke will likely turn on me in an instant. All our previous plans and calculations would be for naught.’

’Besides, the final resolution of this matter requires further discussion with Lady Lan. It’s not the time to introduce new complications.’

After a few moments of deliberation, Chen Sheng made his decision.

He helped Ouyang Ke to his feet, patting his shoulder with a solemn expression.