Chapter 456 - 237: Liou Hexuan’s Defection, Liou Zhen Becomes Patriarch of the Liou Family (3)

Apart from the uncommon spirituality of those objects, this Wenda Tower really doesn’t differ much from a mundane study.

"Liou Hexuan fled with the Taichu Ice Mirror. This time, it was a neglect on the sect’s part, and I bear responsibility as well."

"Since the Taichu Ice Mirror promised to grant you the Ice Vein, the promise remains valid. Once Liou Hexuan is subdued, the legacy will naturally be handed to you brothers."

Xuanyi did not speak words of evading responsibility, first admitting his oversight, then taking slow steps from behind the desk and walking out.

He arrived in front of the two brothers.

At a close distance, Liou Yuan felt that this Sect Leader looked implausibly young.

His face was gentle as jade, his contour lines soft, showing not a trace of ferocity. His eyebrows were as distant as mountain meadows, exuding an innate air of elegance. His eyes were like deep pools, his gaze mild yet profound.

Xuanyi’s gaze swept over Liou Zhen and Liou Yuan, suddenly fixating on Liou Zhen’s face, then he said: "Let’s not discuss the Taichu Ice Mirror for now. With Liou Hexuan’s defection, the position of Patriarch of Xiangshan the Liou Family lays vacant. As one of the seven major families of Five Extremes Mountain, the Liou Family significantly influences Five Extremes Mountain and cannot be without a leader even for a day."

As soon as Xuanyi spoke, Liou Yuan knew what the Sect Leader intended to say.

Joy overflowed from his brow and eyes instantly.

Now, among the Ice Vein and Fog Vein of the Liou Family, who is most eligible to be the Patriarch? It must be his big brother.

As expected, under Xuanyi’s calm voice, the position of Patriarch of the Liou Family fell to Liou Zhen.

"Throughout the Liou Family, only you, Liou Zhen, taking charge of Xiangshan can satisfy everyone."

"From this day forth, you, Liou Zhen, are the Patriarch of the Liou Family."

Traditionally, within the Liou Family, the Ice Vein has always held power. As the Golden Core bloodline, each generation births remarkable talents.

Capable of suppressing the Fog Vein.

It was only in the generation of Liou Zhen and Liou Yuan’s father that the Golden Core bloodline thinned, and suddenly the Fog Vein birthed Liou Hexuan, a genius with Golden Core potential, causing him to seize power.

Now with Liou Hexuan’s defection, the position naturally returned to the Ice Vein, setting things right.

"The Taichu Ice Mirror isn’t in hand, but regaining the Patriarch position certainly made the efforts worthwhile," Liou Yuan analyzed the benefits and losses.

The Taichu Ice Mirror was indeed important, but the position of Patriarch held power and influence, which equates to resources.

With Liou Zhen as Patriarch, Liou Yuan himself would be the second-in-command of Xiangshan, offering numerous potential benefits.

Of course, Liou Zhen’s temperament wouldn’t care for the position of Patriarch, yet it involved the legacy of the Ice Vein and its dignity. Hence, when Xuanyi mentioned him assuming the Patriarch role, his brows initially furrowed, then relaxed.

He responded calmly: "Disciple accepts the command!"

Then Liou Yuan noticed Liou Zhen’s sidelong glance at him, hearing Liou Zhen’s voice in his mind: "I am indifferent to the family position. Once you establish your foundation, this position shall pass to you."

Yet Liou Yuan was not one to be confined to the position of Patriarch, the world was so vast and he hadn’t yet explored it to his satisfaction.

"I don’t want to be Patriarch." Of course, he did not say this out loud.

Upon receiving Liou Zhen’s transmission, he displayed an ambiguous expression.

Internally, he mused: "It’s up to my big brother to handle it."

The position of Patriarch of the Liou Family was settled by Xuanyi’s few words.

However, the impact of Liou Hexuan’s defection was only just starting; Five Extremes Mountain has zero tolerance for traitors.

Soon, a Wanted Order for Liou Hexuan will spread across the Jin Dynasty and Jiuli.

With Xuanyi’s prior warning, the Inner Sect Disciplinary Hall will certainly mobilize to pursue and kill Liou Hexuan.

The two brothers exited Wenda Tower, seeing a bulky figure clad in a red Taoist robe waiting outside.

Seeing Liou Zhen and Liou Yuan emerging from Wenda Tower, the pudgy Taoist quickly approached, his face filled with sycophantic smiles, his voice complete with flattery and currying favor.

"Subordinate Liou Hongjun welcomes the Patriarch."

Liou Yuan’s gaze swept across the pudgy Taoist, noting his strained smiling face, his own expression growing peculiar as he silently uttered the name: "Liou Hongjun."

This was the very Liou Hongjun who, alongside Liou Le Yao and Liou Xie, once besieged Liou Zhen on the Spirit Ascension Platform—the trio from the Fog Vein who had established their foundation.

Liou Yuan’s lasting impression of him stemmed from being the only one of the trio unscathed.

Throughout he had screamed the loudest, and fled the fastest.

Compared to Liou Le Yao’s decisiveness and Liou Xie’s ruthlessness, Liou Hongjun among the three was undeniably the plainest.

Yet ironically, he was the sole survivor.

"This plump fool is adept at shifting positions with the wind." Liou Yuan wore a mocking smile.

Apparently, Liou Hongjun already heard of Liou Zhen taking charge of Xiangshan, so he had been waiting outside Wenda Tower.

Liou Zhen did not respond, just glanced at him blandly.

Liou Hongjun’s smile stiffened on his face, the spectacle of Liou Zhen in battle during the chaotic scene had scared the pudgy Taoist witless.

Even the entirely demonized Liou Le Yao was split by Liou Zhen with a single sword strike. Before Liou Zhen, Liou Hongjun was utterly devoid of courage.

Just a single look had him trembling in fear.

Yet he maintained his smiling façade, saying: "The Patriarch is of the true Ice Vein legacy. Liou Hexuan’s power grab was vile; I scorn to associate with him. In the future, I shall follow the Patriarch’s lead."

"Liou Hexuan did not bring Liou Hongjun along when defecting from Five Extremes Mountain for a reason." Liou Yuan watched amused, musing: "Or perhaps Liou Hongjun simply dared not leave."

Liou Zhen knew Liou Hongjun’s character well, hence his lukewarm stance, merely nodding slightly without offering consoling words.

Liou Yuan instead pondered on Xiang Mountain the Liou Family’s existing Foundation Establishment combat power, thinking: "Dead or fleeing, only Liou Hongjun remains, and there’s no one else usable."

Resolving to suppress his disdain, he smiled and attempted to defuse the situation: "Mr. Liou’s turnabout is quite venerable."