The next day, as dawn broke, a serious and oppressive atmosphere enveloped the entire Aojia.
The members of Aojia were already aware that the Zheng Family would launch a major attack today. Therefore, everyone's vigilance was heightened to the maximum.
As the first light of day appeared, the Aojia Guard Team took their positions, prepared for the Zheng Family's assault.
Outside Aojia, a crowd had gathered. However, these people were merely there to watch the spectacle, having received news of the impending showdown between the Zheng and Ao families. They arrived early to witness the event.
After all, both families were giants in Ning City, and their conflict naturally stirred the hearts of countless onlookers. Everyone was eager to see which family would come out on top in today's battle.
"Look! The Zheng Family is coming!"
Suddenly, a gasp arose from the crowd. Instantly, everyone's gaze turned toward a group approaching from afar.
Leading that group was Zheng Kun, the head of the Zheng Family, followed by countless Zheng Family Guards. Clearly, the Zheng Family had mobilized all their forces to confront Aojia.
"Make way! Make way! We need to clear a path!"
Before Zheng Kun even reached the crowd, people instinctively parted to create a wide passage for the Zheng Family members to enter.
Seeing this, Zheng Kun did not bother with pleasantries; he led his guards straight toward the entrance of Aojia.
As Zheng Kun passed by the crowd, people offered words of congratulations, expressing hopes for a swift victory for the Zheng Family and the destruction of Aojia.
However, Zheng Kun paid them no mind; only some of his guard members responded to the crowd's remarks. If Zheng Kun happened to glance at any individual in the crowd, that person would feel honored and even provoke jealousy among those nearby.
At that moment, Zheng Kun's vanity would be satisfied, as if he were the most esteemed person in the world.
At this moment, Zheng Kun was indeed standing at the pinnacle, given his strength and status. However, he did not realize that sometimes, the higher one stands, the harder one falls.
As Zheng Kun led the Zheng Family members arrogantly through the gates of Aojia, a different scene unfolded in the hall of Aojia.
In Aotian Hall, Aotian, Aotian, Niu Geng, Xiao Ya, and Xiao Hong'er were all present.
"Tian'er, remember what your father told you. If the Ice River Sect really intervenes and you cannot withstand it, then run immediately. Do not stay here to die!" Aotian said solemnly to Aotian.
Aotian felt warmth in his heart but did not speak. It was absolutely impossible for him to abandon his family and flee!
In fact, Aotian had already made up his mind that no matter what happened, he would help his father withstand the pressure from all sides, including the Ice River Sect!
Seeing that Aotian did not respond, Aotian thought he had tacitly agreed and couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.
At this moment, Xiao Ya said worriedly, "Aotian, Senior Sun hasn't returned yet. It's unwise to confront the Zheng Family head-on at this moment."
To help Xiao Ya obtain the Phoenix Tree in Wutong City, Sun Jing had left Aojia to return to the Sun Family and had not yet returned. Without Sun Jing, Aojia's combat power had undoubtedly decreased significantly.
"Whether we fight or not is not something we can decide. However, even without Senior Sun, dealing with the Zheng Family shouldn't be too difficult," Aotian said.
Indeed, what Aotian feared was the Ice River Sect, not the Zheng Family. Today, as long as the Ice River Sect did not intervene in the Zheng Family's attack, Aotian was confident that he could make the Zheng Family retreat in defeat.
"Aotian brother, go for it! Drive those bad guys away!" At this moment, Xiao Hong'er waved her little fist and cheered for Aotian.
Looking at Loli's adorable appearance, Aotian couldn't help but smile and said:
"Alright, Hong'er, you have to watch how your brother Aotian drives those bad guys away!"
"Mm mm!" Xiao Hong'er nodded vigorously, looking at Aotian with anticipation.
"Thud!"
At that moment, a member of the Aotian Guard Team, covered in blood, stumbled into Aotian Hall, stammering:
"Master, Young Master, it's bad! The Zheng Family... the Zheng Family is about to break in!"
Aotian's expression darkened suddenly as he growled:
"I want to see what kind of people Zheng Kun can bring out today!"
Saying this, he took the lead and walked out.
Niu Geng chuckled and said:
"I've been cooped up for days; finally, there's a fight today! Damn it, let the Zheng Family wait for Grandpa Niu to teach them a lesson!"
With that, Niu Geng flew out and disappeared in an instant. His speed was even faster than Aotian's.
Clearly, the recent tranquility had made this violent character Niu Geng feel restless. Now that there was a fight to be had, he couldn't wait even a moment.
"Uncle Xiaoya, let's go out and see. I want to see how the Zheng Family bullies others!"
Aotian smiled slightly at Xiao Ya, but there was a bone-chilling coldness in that smile.
Xiao Ya nodded, then picked up Xiao Hong'er and followed Aotian's quick pace.
"Aotian, you coward, open the door for me!"
The door of Aojia was tightly shut, while Zheng Kun led the Zheng Family Guards and shouted loudly.
"Yes, open the door quickly! If Aojia doesn't hand over the villain Aotian today, we will flatten Aojia to uphold justice!"
The Zheng Family's Guard Team also shouted angrily.
"Shut up! If you dare to insult our Young Master again, we will leave your Zheng Family in a sea of corpses!"
At that moment, the door of Aojia swung open, and the Aojia Guard Team quickly stepped out, confronting the Zheng Family Guards.
The members of Aotian's Guard Team were all filled with rage, as if the words of the Zheng Family Guards had violated their sacred beliefs.
It must be said that Aotian had established an unparalleled authority in Aojia, making its members revere him like a deity.
"Hmph, Aotian is a heinous criminal! He personally killed his own cousin and drove his uncle and cousin out of Aojia. Is such scum worth your protection?" Zheng Kun sneered.
"Damn it! How dare you slander our Young Master? We won't let you off!"
The Aojia Guard Team shouted loudly and charged towards the Zheng Family Members.
"Hmph! These people have been bewitched by that monster Aotian! Someone, kill them all to prevent these individuals from continuing to cause trouble for the world on behalf of that sinner Aotian!"
"Yes, Head of the Family!"
The Zheng Family Guard responded in unison and moved to confront the Aotian Guard Team.
In an instant, the sound of clashing swords and blades echoed. Soon after, severed limbs and bright red blood sprayed into the air. For a moment, outside the Aojia was like a scene from a hellish battlefield.
Both Aojia and Zheng Family were giants in Ning City, so the strength of their guard teams was naturally comparable. Therefore, although the two guard teams were engaged in a free-for-all, it was not difficult to see that the entire scene was evenly matched.
Zheng Kun's expression darkened at this sight, with flashes of cold light occasionally flickering in his eyes.
"Zheng Family Head, leave the Aotian Guard Team to me!" Suddenly, a figure wearing a black hat stepped forward and respectfully spoke to Zheng Kun.
Zheng Kun narrowed his eyes and then smiled, saying, "Since Brother Ao Gong has such confidence, then you shall take action!"
The figure in the black hat bowed slightly to Zheng Kun and then removed the hat. Instantly, a grim face was revealed to the air.
If Aotian were present, he would certainly recognize this person as Ao Gong.
"Stop!"
Ao Gong stepped forward and shouted fiercely at the crowd gathered for the Free-for-All.
Immediately, everyone stopped and turned to look at Ao Gong.
"Is that... Second Master?!"
Suddenly, some members of the Aotian Guard Team exclaimed in surprise.
"Aotian Guard Team, listen up! Clear the way! Let the people from the Zheng Family through. Anyone who dares to obstruct them will face the family law!" Ao Gong commanded sternly to the Aotian Guard Team.
At once, the members of the Aotian Guard Team exchanged glances, unsure of what to do. After all, Ao Gong had been the Aojia Second Master for many years, and his authority was deeply ingrained. Although he had been expelled from Aojia by the Young Master, there were still many within the Aotian Guard Team who supported Ao Gong.
Hearing Ao Gong's words, they began to waver.
"Captain, what should we do?" The guards looked toward a middle-aged man clad in armor.
This armored middle-aged man was none other than the captain of the Aotian Guard Team, possessing Innate Eightfold cultivation, and leading all the guards of Aojia.
A flicker of hesitation crossed the captain's eyes before he gritted his teeth and said:
"Brothers, Ao Gong is no longer the Aojia Second Master. He has been expelled from Aojia by the Young Master, and he no longer has the right to command us. If you support the Young Master, then let’s help him deal with this bastard!"
Instantly, upon hearing their captain's words, a chilling murderous intent towards Ao Gong emerged in the eyes of the members of the Aotian Guard Team.
This included even those who had previously sworn to support Ao Gong.
Ao Gong's expression changed, seemingly not expecting that Aotian would have such high prestige within Aojia.
Originally, Ao Gong thought that even if he was expelled from Aojia, his years of established authority would be enough to command the Aotian Guard Team. However, he did not anticipate that Aotian would completely win over the Aotian Guard Team in just a few days.
This included those who had previously been staunchly loyal to him.
In truth, Ao Gong had no idea that he had only commanded respect in Aojia through strength. Everyone feared his power, which is why they followed his orders.
However, Aotian had been winning people over with virtue these past few days, treating all members of Aojia equally. If he noticed anyone with exceptional talent, he would even grant them precious elixirs and martial arts techniques.
This naturally led those who were still loyal to Ao Gong to completely turn to Aotian.
Of course, Aotian did not think too much about it. He simply hoped for the overall strength of Aojia to grow stronger, which was why he acted this way. Yet, it was precisely Aotian's detached attitude that further won the loyalty of the members of Aojia.
There was no doubt that at this moment, if Aotian asked them to take their own lives, they would not hesitate for a second.
Returning to the main point, the Aotian Guard Team also knew that Ao Gong was an enemy of Aotian. Therefore, at the command of the Captain of the Guard, everyone charged fiercely towards Ao Gong...
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