Chapter 46: Forty-six Awakening
"Back in the day, your grandfather and that third uncle from the Shang Family had a life-and-death bond, boasting the gallant words ’Li Feng suppresses the evil hordes, sheathing his sword with a smile for Hongzhuang,’ and it is from this that your and Yun Xiao’s names derive. The marriage arrangement between our two families was intended to proceed once you and Yun Xiao came of age. Who could have predicted such an event would occur."
Xu Lingsong’s tone was full of emotion, yet if one were to listen carefully, there wasn’t a trace of sorrow in his words. Xu Hongzhuang, still reeling from shock, of course noticed nothing.
"But this might be for the better. I’ve heard that a few months ago, Yun Xiao, in an attempt to heal someone, accidentally damaged all his meridians. Not only has he completely lost his Meridian Qi, but he also can no longer cultivate it. I certainly wouldn’t want my precious daughter to marry such a cripple!"
Xu Lingsong seemed to get carried away as he voiced some hidden thoughts, and once they were spoken out loud, Xu Hongzhuang finally became aware, her beautiful eyes staring bewilderedly at her father.
"Father, did you already know about Yun Xiao’s meridian damage?"
Xu Hongzhuang fixed her gaze on her father, posing her question. It was then that Xu Lingsong realized he had been indiscreet, but almost immediately, he heard his daughter continue, "Over a month ago, Elder Yu Qian left Lingyun City for some time – does it have something to do with this matter?"
Xu Hongzhuang’s sudden interrogation caught Xu Lingsong off guard, but as the present Sect Master of Lingyun Sect accustomed to dealing with tempestuous events, his face remained composed despite his inner startlement.
"Hongzhuang, are you suggesting that I orchestrated the annihilation of the Shang Family? Do I really appear so contemptible in your eyes?" Xu Lingsong feigned anger, his words carrying a tint of heartfelt pain, creating the image of a misunderstood and aggrieved father.
"Father, it’s not that I want to suspect you, I just want to find out the truth of the matter. Besides, with Yun Xiao’s meridian injury, you wouldn’t be incapable of doing these things for my sake!" Xu Hongzhuang wasn’t swayed by her father’s act, remaining exceptionally rational at this moment.
Xu Lingsong, who knew his daughter through and through, was aware that she wouldn’t believe him without a solid explanation. His mind worked quickly for a solution.