Chapter 982: Wasting Resources

Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

Huangfu Ruixiang’s face was grim, unable to find any words to refute Ye Leng’an’s remarks.

But more importantly, he dared not utter a word of disagreement or risk further offending Ye Leng’an. He feared that in a fit of anger, Ye Leng’an might actually bring up the matter with Huangfu Ruiling.

Observing Huangfu Ruixiang’s subdued demeanor, Ye Leng’an spoke with a cold smile, “Consider this a lesson for you. Think twice before you speak or act in the future. Otherwise, you may face consequences beyond your endurance.”

Though Ye Leng’an had briefly entertained the idea, she had no intention of actually changing Huangfu Ruixiang’s surname. It was merely a scare tactic.

However, if Huangfu Ruixiang continued to insist, she might indeed bring up the matter directly with Huangfu Ruiling.

Hearing Ye Leng’an’s words, both Huangfu Ruixiang and Zhong Yating couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief. They were genuinely worried that today’s events might have repercussions for them.

Observing their relieved expressions, Ye Leng’an chuckled and continued, “So, refrain from casually speaking about such matters in the future to avoid embarrassment. And by the way, I suppose you’re unaware that before your visit, Master Zhongyu had already paid a visit. However, they parted ways without much agreement.”

Huangfu Ruixiang’s expression turned even more sour upon hearing this revelation. Clearly, he was unaware of this.

“Why didn’t you mention it earlier then?” Huangfu Ruixiang’s tone carried a hint of reproach. “Are you just enjoying watching us embarrass ourselves?”

“Why should I have told you earlier?” Ye Leng’an retorted with a sneer. “Huangfu Ruixiang, who do you think you are? Moreover, you’re a member of the Huangfu family. Who gave you the right to meddle in the Zhongyu family’s affairs? Your embarrassment today is entirely of your own making.”

Huangfu Ruixiang’s face flushed red with anger and shame. He was seething with rage, but Zhong Yating’s grip on his hand kept him from losing his composure and yelling at Ye Leng’an.

Zhong Yating, too, understood Huangfu Ruixiang’s anger but knew they couldn’t afford to offend Ye Leng’an.

Under Zhong Yating’s subtle influence, Huangfu Ruixiang managed to suppress some of his anger. Through clenched teeth, he reluctantly conceded, “You’re right, Sister-in-law. I’ll be more careful in the future.”

If he could, he’d want to kill Ye Leng’an right now. He’d never suffered such humiliation before. But he knew he couldn’t afford to offend Ye Leng’an.

In the Huangfu family, Ye Leng’an’s words held almost as much weight as Huangfu Ruiling’s. And he was just an ordinary disciple. He even needed an appointment to see Ye Leng’an. If Ye Leng’an didn’t want to see him, he had no recourse.

Seeing Huangfu Ruixiang’s expression, Ye Leng’an remained emotionless. “Huangfu Ruixiang, let me give you some advice. If you have time to meddle in other people’s affairs, why not focus on your own? The Huangfu family’s assessment is about to begin. Do you think you’ll really pass?”

Huangfu Ruixiang’s expression darkened at the mention of the assessment. There was a hint of guilt in his eyes.

Too much had happened recently, and he hadn’t focused much on cultivation. So, even he wasn’t sure if he’d pass the test.

But deep down, there was still a glimmer of hope. He was Huangfu Ruiling’s younger brother. Even if he failed, he should be allowed to stay! Just like before, he’d stayed in the Hidden World to cultivate in the Huangfu family! So, despite feeling guilty, he hadn’t devoted much thought to cultivation recently.

Now that Ye Leng’an had brought up the assessment, he didn’t know how to respond.

Zhong Yating knew what Huangfu Ruixiang was thinking and quickly reassured, “Sister-in-law, don’t worry. Ruixiang has been diligently cultivating during this time. He’ll definitely pass.”

Though she spoke confidently, she knew it would be challenging for Huangfu Ruixiang to pass the family assessment with his current cultivation. But she couldn’t say that out loud.

Moreover, even if Huangfu Ruixiang failed the test and Huangfu Ruiling didn’t show him leniency, the worst outcome would be returning to the mortal world.

She didn’t mind returning to the mortal world at all. Even there, Huangfu Ruixiang would still be the second master of the Huangfu family, and she would still be the rightful second madam. They could live a luxurious life in the mortal world. In fact, she felt like life there was more comfortable than in the Hidden World

Of course, she couldn’t let Huangfu Ruixiang know her thoughts. She knew he was determined to stay in the Hidden World.

Huangfu Ruixiang remained silent, simply nodding. It was unclear whether he agreed with Zhong Yating or had other thoughts.

Ye Leng’an paid no mind to their responses and continued calmly, “Regardless, whether you put in the effort or not is your own business. But I can tell you one thing for certain. If you fail this assessment, you’ll leave the Hidden World. Don’t expect any back doors to be open.”

Huangfu Ruixiang was taken aback and blurted out, “That’s not true, Brother wouldn’t…”

Before he could finish, Ye Leng’an cut him off, “Your brother said so himself. Over the past year, a significant amount of resources has been invested in you. If you can’t even pass the simplest test, what’s the point of staying? It’s just wasting cultivation resources.”

These words made Huangfu Ruixiang’s face alternate between pale and flushed.

Soon after, Huangfu Ruixiang and Zhong Yating stood up to take their leave. Or rather, they couldn’t bear to stay any longer. Each word from Ye Leng’an pierced them to the core, leaving them furious yet unable to voice their anger. If they remained, they felt they might be driven to an early grave.