Chapter 1210: Chapter 1199: The Plan to Attack the Ning Family Falls Apart
“Great!”
The several elders of the Nalan Family all loudly echoed, grinning as if they had already avenged Nalan Jiuhuang.
For a moment, the entire Huaxia Jianghu was thrown into turmoil, rumors flying everywhere, with all sorts of speculation.
“Hey, brother, have you heard? The Bloodbath Phoenix was killed.”
“Really? She’s a respected elder in the entire Huaxia Jianghu. It’s said that there are probably no more than two people who could defeat her. Who could have such skill?”
“You seem behind the times! I’ve just heard that the next Family Head of the Ning Family, Ning Fan, easily killed the Intermediate Stage Aerial Mastery Nalan Jiuhuang with his Peak True Origin Realm cultivation. Isn’t that strange?”
“It is indeed odd. Could it be that Nalan Jiuhuang was truly too old and ineffective?”
“It’s quite possible. After all, as one ages, physical abilities decline. She’s over a hundred years old, likely unable to exert the strength she once had, whereas Ning Fan is a vigorous young man.”
“But that doesn’t make sense. She’s still a high-level master of the Intermediate Stage Aerial Mastery. Even if her cultivation has decreased, she shouldn’t be worse than Ning Fan. A skinny camel is still bigger than a horse, after all.”
At times like this, Cloud Breaking Sect fighters mingling in the Jianghu would add fuel to the flame, speaking as if it were the truth.
“You guys know nothing. Nalan Jiuhuang’s death was well-deserved. Have you seen her appearance?”
“What? Are you looking down on people? I’ve indeed seen her. There are rumors outside that she looks over a hundred years old, but she maintains her youthful beauty as though she were only in her thirties. That look is tantalizing.”
“As the saying goes, ‘The heavens are unpredictable, and people face birth, old age, sickness, and death.’ Normally, at over a hundred, she’d be covered in wrinkles and age spots. Do you know how she kept her appearance?”
“What is it? Tell us.”
“Actually, during the dispute between the Nalan Family and the Ning Family, I heard something while traveling nearby. The martial arts Nalan Jiuhuang practiced severely burned her vitality. To maintain her beautiful appearance, she would absorb others’ vitality after each exertion, keeping her youthful looks. That’s why she always appeared to be in her thirties to you all.”
“Is that true?”
“Of course it is. How else do you think that old crone has survived all these years? It’s unlike the Nalan Family’s proclamation of her as some Jianghu giant, a Martial World legend, a paragon of justice. Not at all—many renowned figures in the Jianghu were drained of life by her, disappearing without a trace. She’s done too many evil deeds to count.”
“You speak as if it were true. She’s a Jianghu elder, and if your words are false, you’ll drown in spit.”
“What are you saying? I’m a solid seven-foot man, and I’m accountable for every word. You can verify or inquire. If I’ve said a single incorrect word, I’d rather be executed by you. If I flinch, I’m no hero.”
“This…”
At that point, everyone was dubious, but after some inquiry, it turned out to be true.
For a while, everyone realized the dangers of Jianghu, where nothing was too strange, and human hearts were truly unfathomable.
As the saying goes, ‘White-haired acquaintances still keep their swords, for hearts are concealed behind stomachs,’ precisely this principle.
Influenced by this public opinion, some allied families with the Nalan Family began showing ambiguous attitudes.
In the face of the Nalan Family’s summons, they dodged as much as they could, avoiding entanglement in the matter.
In truth, the heads of these families were experienced and astute, seeing the situation clearly.
The reason the Nalan Family dared to confront the Ning Family was due to Nalan Jiuhuang’s presence.
Now that Nalan Jiuhuang has been killed by Ning Fan of the Ning Family, the Nalan Family has lost its pillar of support, significantly weakening its strength.
Moreover, after this conflict, everyone was reminded again of the Ning Family’s formidable power, not to be trifled with. If they continued meddling, aligning with the Nalan Family, they might regret it if the tide turned against them.
Adding to that, the Nalan Family was now severely weakened. Although still branded as the foremost family in the North, it wasn’t truly reflective of its capabilities anymore.
This was the fundamental reason some families dared to defy the Nalan Family’s orders.
Not only these allied families dared do so, but even Nalan Jiuhuang’s brothers, disciples, and descendants displayed ambiguous stances.
Because in today’s society, self-interest is paramount. Although Nalan Jiuhuang’s death might bring them a few tears, they won’t act without a gain.
If the Nalan Family wants them to act against Ning Fan of the Ning Family, they must pay a certain price.
Counting solely on their martial brotherhood to rally troops proves challenging.
As a result, under the summons of Nalan Family Head Nalan Wushuang, less than half of the families, along with Nalan Jiuhuang’s martial brothers and descendants, attended.
Nalan Wushuang wore a cold face, sighing as he muttered, “Truly, the morals of the world are declining, and human hearts are no longer pure.”
Oh well, let it be as it is.
Once all the guests were present, Nalan Wushuang sat at the head position, smiling, “Everyone, with your help, our Nalan Family can surely triumph over the Ning Family once more.”
“What? You’re still fighting?”
Upon hearing this, everyone was taken aback, chiming in as chaos erupted.
“I say, Nalan Family Head, we are all reputable and genteel folks in Huaxia; according to ancient traditions of etiquette, peace should be valued. What’s with this constant fighting?”
“Indeed, if we engage in such slaughter, aside from fostering enmity, it will only result in numerous casualties—truly not worth the cost.”
“Isn’t the Dragon City Ning Family untouchable? They dominate Huaxia; anyone who troubles them will meet doom.”
“Right. Previously, Elder Nalan Jiuhuang led Nalan Family members to demand justice, but after the battle, they suffered great losses, nearly wiped out, and even he perished. We are certainly no match.”
“We came today out of lasting ties with the Nalan Family. If the Ning Family were to oppress you, we absolutely wouldn’t sit idly. But if you proactively provoke the Ning Family, forgive us for not participating.”
Saying this, someone stood up to leave.
Others followed suit, hinting at their threat.
“Wait, wait…”
Nalan Wushuang inwardly smiled bitterly, realizing the plan to attack the Ning Family could now be declared void.