Chapter 903: How Could Something Like This Happen

Chapter 903: Chapter 903: How Could Something Like This Happen

Qin Chuan gritted his teeth, his eyes filled with anger and unwillingness, but he knew the current situation was unfavorable and dared not act rashly.

He lowered his voice and said to Li Nian’er and Xiao Xiao, "Don’t panic, we must respond calmly."

He turned to the soldier captain and said as calmly as possible, "We are here to see the Patriarch of the Xue Family, there’s an urgent matter to discuss, please inform them."

The soldier captain snorted coldly, slightly raising the Longsword in his hand, signaling his soldiers to remain alert: "The Patriarch isn’t someone you can see just because you want to. Without a legitimate reason, intruders will be severely punished!"

Qin Chuan grew more anxious inside, knowing that continuing to stalemate would only make them more passive.

His gaze was resolute as he firmly said, "You know who we are. My junior, Ye Qingchen, is missing. We must see the Patriarch to discuss a strategy!"

Hearing this, the soldier captain furrowed his brow slightly, seemingly considering Qin Chuan’s words.

He turned and exchanged a few low words with the soldiers behind him, then turned back, speaking coldly, "Wait here, I will report to my superiors. But if you are found to be hiding anything, bear the consequences yourself."

The soldier captain signaled for his soldiers to maintain the encirclement while dispatching one soldier to report.

Qin Chuan and the others were forced to remain in place, surrounded tightly by soldiers like an iron wall, the scene tense and oppressive.

Each soldier moved like a precision machine, holding their vigilance without relaxation.

Li Nian’er and Xiao Xiao huddled close to Qin Chuan, feeling the stern aura of the surrounding soldiers, involuntary tension rising within them.

Amidst the tense atmosphere, the Patriarch of the Xue Family suddenly appeared outside the scene.

In his luxurious long robe, his expression stern, his gaze like a torch, he scanned the surrounding soldiers and the besieged Qin Chuan group, his complexion darkening instantly, his brow tightly knitted, showing his extreme displeasure.

"What’s going on here?" The Patriarch’s voice was low and authoritative, with a hint of hidden anger.

What are these guys doing here?

Such a nuisance.

The leading soldier captain immediately stepped forward, saluting respectfully, his tone anxious: "Patriarch, these people intruded into the Xue Family, we are performing our protective duties."

The Patriarch coldly glanced at the captain, then turned his gaze to Qin Chuan. He evidently recognized Qin Chuan, knowing him to be Ye Qingchen’s senior brother. A hint of impatience flashed in his eyes, and he waved his hand, signaling the soldiers to stand down.

"Stand down." Though the Patriarch’s tone was cold, it brooked no dispute.

Upon hearing the order, the soldier captain immediately responded respectfully, "Yes, Patriarch." He turned and shouted to his soldiers, "Everyone stand down!"

The soldiers swiftly retreated, uniformly dispersing to the side. The previously tight encirclement dissolved in an instant, leaving only Qin Chuan and the two others standing before the Patriarch.

The Patriarch of the Xue Family turned and walked towards the office door, coolly saying to the group, "Come in with me, please."

Qin Chuan, Li Nian’er, and Xiao Xiao followed the Patriarch into the office. As soon as they entered, they were entranced by the sight before them.

The interior of the office was exceptionally spacious, with walls adorned with ancient paintings, each exuding grandeur and a heavy sense of history.

In the center of the room was a massive mahogany desk, atop which were neatly arranged various scholarly treasures, with several brushes hanging from a brush rack, seemingly still carrying the scent of ink.

Behind the desk, there was a bookshelf inlaid with gold threads, with an array of ancient books and scrolls neatly displayed on it, each book cover glowing slightly, appearing extremely precious.

Beside the bookshelf, a huge map hung on the wall, marked with various important geographical locations and resource points, displaying the Xue Family’s significance on this continent.

In the corners of the room stood ancient bronze incense burners, with smoke curling inside, emitting a faint sandalwood scent, making the entire room appear extraordinarily tranquil and harmonious.

The Patriarch gestured for them to sit down. Several carved mahogany chairs were placed neatly in front of the desk, each chair appearing ancient and substantial.

Qin Chuan, Li Nian’er, and Xiao Xiao sat down, their expressions somewhat restrained.

The Patriarch sat on the grand master’s chair behind the desk, hands folded over his chest, looking at them with calm eyes, and the atmosphere in the room instantly became solemn.

The Patriarch’s gaze swept over each of their faces, finally resting on Qin Chuan, and he said in a mild tone, "What brings you so far here?"

Qin Chuan spoke urgently, "Patriarch, my junior, Ye Qingchen, has gone missing in your Xue Family’s Secret Realm. We’re anxious, which is why we’ve come to you."

Upon hearing this, the Patriarch of the Xue Family slightly furrowed his brow but then showed an expression of surprise, feigning astonishment as he said, "Oh? There’s such a matter? I hadn’t heard of this at all."

The change in the expression on the Patriarch’s face was natural and smooth, his brow slightly elevated, with a trace of confusion and concern flashing in his eyes, as if it were the first time he was hearing this news.

His voice was low, carrying a hint of contemplation: "Ye Qingchen went missing in our Secret Realm? That’s really odd, our Secret Realm has always been safe, how could such a thing happen?"

The Patriarch’s tone was filled with concern and puzzlement, his gaze sweeping between them, seemingly waiting for more details.

He slightly tilted his head, his gaze gentle yet carrying a hint of majesty, as if listening to each word while also scrutinizing each person’s expression.

Seeing the Patriarch’s response, Qin Chuan had doubts in his heart, but could only continue speaking under the current circumstances: "Patriarch, we know this matter is unfavorable to the Xue Family, but please, you must help us search. My junior is very important to us."

The Patriarch sighed softly, his brow slightly furrowed as if immersed in deep thought.

His tone showed a hint of helplessness, saying slowly, "I understand your urgency, and I care about Ye Qingchen’s safety too. However, this Secret Realm cannot be opened casually."

He paused for a moment, then continued, "The Secret Realm is a significant asset of our Xue Family, each opening requires a large expenditure of resources and time. Besides, the environment within the Secret Realm is complex and changeable, and each opening is an adventure. Especially now, with only a few days until the Saint Position election, we must concentrate our energy on that."

The Patriarch’s tone carried helplessness and powerlessness, as if he was also helpless in this situation.

His gaze swept over Qin Chuan and the others’ faces, carrying a hint of apology, "It’s not that I’m unwilling to help you, but the timing is really inconvenient right now. Furthermore, we need to first confirm the specific situation within the Secret Realm, ensuring it doesn’t harm the interests of our Xue Family."