Xiao Yufan didn’t reveal the fact that there were other women in his life, and Huangpu Xian’er chose to remain silent as well, because neither of them knew whether Huangpu Laoye might change his mind if they did.
“Judging from your expression, I can tell you’re hiding something. You’re just afraid I know about the other women in your life, aren’t you!”
Huangpu Yi laughed and said this as Xiao Yufan expressed his astonishment. Although Huangpu Yi knew that Xiao Yufan had more than one woman in his life, he wasn’t particularly bothered—he certainly wasn’t one of those rigid old-fashioned types.
“You rascal, since Huangpu brother is so magnanimous, why don’t you quickly thank him!”
Situ Lingyu chuckled dryly before playfully scolding. Although he felt proud of Xiao Yufan’s many relationships, this was still in front of their future in-laws—they had to show some decorum, after all.
“Pfft, looks like you two grandfather and grandson must’ve planned this together!”
Huangpu Yi teased, not taking the matter too seriously. Xiao Yufan couldn’t help but feel a bit embarrassed—Huangpu Laoye’s mindset was indeed quite progressive.
“By the way, Yufan, did you encounter anyone or anything unusual while you were in the Cold Water Gully?”
Suddenly, Huangpu Laoye remembered something and turned to ask Xiao Yufan. He had been so preoccupied with their previous discussion that he nearly forgot the original reason for sending Xiao Yufan into the Cold Water Gully.
“I met an old man in the Cold Water Gully—he could be considered half my master. According to him, my master should be the Great Elder of the Huangpu Clan.”
“What? The person in the Cold Water Gully is really the Great Elder? No wonder!”
Upon hearing Xiao Yufan’s words, Huangpu Yi was instantly taken aback. He had vaguely known that someone resided in the Cold Water Gully, but he never expected it to actually be the Great Elder. Yet, after so many years, why had the Great Elder remained there all this time?
“Grandfather, is there really someone inside the Cold Water Gully…?”
Clearly surprised by the news, Huangpu Xian’er asked. Everyone knew the Cold Water Gully was a forbidden area hidden by the Huangpu Clan—how could anyone possibly reside there? Plus, the extreme cold within the Gully was something ordinary people couldn’t possibly endure.
“If what Yufan says is true, then the Great Elder must indeed be in the Cold Water Gully!”
Huangpu Yi deeply believed Xiao Yufan’s words, but his only question remained: why had the Great Elder stayed in such a place for so long? Could there be some important task he was still completing?
“My master asked me to relay a message to you—please stop searching for him. He has an important task to complete and cannot leave the Cold Water Gully for now. When the time is right, he will personally reveal the truth to you.”
Xiao Yufan spoke again, feeling helpless about his master’s instructions. He could sense that his master possessed formidable strength. If he could leave the Cold Water Gully, it would undoubtedly be a tremendous boon to the Hidden Huangpu Clan.
“Did the Great Elder really say that?”
Huangpu Yi’s expression darkened. Previously, he had sensed a powerful aura within the Cold Water Gully and suspected there might be a master-level expert there, even speculating it could be the Great Elder. But now that the truth was confirmed, he was still shocked.
“If the Great Elder could leave the Cold Water Gully, the overall strength of the Hidden Huangpu Clan would be greatly enhanced. True masters are irreplaceable—no matter how many ordinary experts we have, they could never match the might of an Internal Energy expert.”
“He truly said that, so it must be that he really cannot leave at the moment…”
“Fine, fine!” Although Huangpu Yi was disappointed, he still respected the Great Elder’s decision, for the Great Elder was senior even to him in terms of generation.
“Huangpu brother, since this senior has already made his wishes clear, you shouldn’t dwell on it too much. Whether he leaves the Cold Water Gully or not, he is still a member of the Hidden Huangpu Clan. If the Huangpu Clan ever faces danger, he will surely step forward!”
Situ Lingyu furrowed his brow, seemingly lost in thought. If someone claimed the Great Elder was merely cultivating, he wouldn’t believe it. Who could possibly spend decades in cultivation? This could only mean one thing—the Great Elder was indeed occupied with some critical mission.
“Haha, how could I not understand such a matter? If the Great Elder has his reasons, naturally I won’t force the issue!”
Huangpu Yi quickly adjusted his mood. Knowing that there was still such a powerful figure within the Hidden Huangpu Clan was enough for him. He naturally wouldn’t expect too much more—after all, the greater the hope, the greater the disappointment.
“Ever since we arrived at the Huangpu Clan a few days ago, the Tian Alliance has been troubling you quite a bit. Now that everything is settled, we should head back. As for the remaining matters, I’m sure Huangpu brother can handle them on his own!”
After a brief silence, Situ Lingyu stood up and nodded slightly toward Huangpu Yi. Despite his arrogance, he wouldn’t display it in front of everyone—especially not in front of someone like Huangpu Yi, who was also a formidable figure.
“Actually, this was our Hidden Huangpu Clan’s fault. Since Yufan has emerged from the Cold Water Gully and even formed a marriage alliance, I suppose even those old traditionalists won’t object anymore—they must have personally witnessed Yufan’s return!”
Huangpu Yi made no attempt to stop Situ Lingyu from leaving, for he understood Situ Lingyu’s personality. After all, the “Silver Fox Lingyu” wouldn’t be held back by trivial matters. The only reason he had stayed so long in the Huangpu Clan was because he had no news of Xiao Yufan.
“In that case, I can rest assured. These are all internal matters of your Hidden Huangpu Clan, so I won’t pry further. If the Hidden Tan Clan dares to cause trouble for the Huangpu Clan, just let me know, Huangpu brother. Since Xian’er has officially joined the Situ family, both the Tian Alliance and the Situ family will naturally take responsibility for everything!”
Situ Lingyu’s eyes softened slightly as he looked at Xiao Yufan and Huangpu Xian’er, clearly satisfied with the pair. After all, they had become the bridge connecting the Hidden Huangpu Clan and the Tian Alliance.
“Even if the Hidden Tan Clan is powerful, I doubt they would dare to openly wage war against my Huangpu Clan. So, my brother Lingyu, there’s no need to worry too much…”
Thinking of the Hidden Tan Clan, Huangpu Yi couldn’t help but furrow his brows. The fact that so many within the Huangpu Clan had been swayed to the Tan faction showed that the Tan Clan had some skill. But if it came to open conflict, even if the Hidden Tan Clan had a slight edge over the Huangpu Clan, they wouldn’t gain any real advantage.
“In that case, I can leave with peace of mind. This time, Xian’er will come with us too—I’m sure she wouldn’t be comfortable staying with you old men…”
Finally reassured, Situ Lingyu prepared to depart. However, thinking of the destruction of the Hidden Lei Clan, he still felt some unease. If they targeted the Hidden Huangpu Clan next, things could become far more complicated. The world of Hidden Clans was indeed growing ever more chaotic!
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