Chapter 122: Debts Must Be Paid; If You Lack the Coin, Pay With Your Life

Leaving the great hall, Ling Xiao made his way to the residence of the Valley Master.

The Valley Master was reading a book. Ling Xiao glanced at it, a trace of dissatisfaction appearing on his face.

"I’m sent to deal with those idiots, while you’re here slacking off and reading. Old man, you’re getting more wicked by the day!"

The Valley Master rolled his eyes.

"Hmph, you were the one who wiped out the Kongtong Sect; what does that have to do with me? You made the mess, so you can clean it up yourself. Besides, I’m only in my forties—don't call me an old man and age me prematurely!"

"I belong to the post-00s generation."

"..."

The Valley Master fell silent for a moment, then gave a soft huff.

"Damn post-00s generation!"

"..."

Ling Xiao couldn't help but be speechless.

"I don't have the patience to bicker with you. I’ve already handled those people from earlier. From now on, if anyone comes knocking with these kinds of questions, drive them away. If they won't leave, kill them. Don't waste my time!"

The Valley Master sighed faintly.

"Sigh! Don't you feel any guilt when you kill like that?"

Ling Xiao chuckled.

"When humans crush ants, or slaughter chickens and ducks, do they pity them? To me, they are no different from ants. Do you really think I’d feel guilty?"

"Fine, it’s useless to argue with you about this. Mingyan has handed over the evidence of Ning Xuanyuan’s crimes to me, and I will speak with him shortly. If you have any demands, let me know."

"I have no demands other than to have him expelled from the sect! The disciples of Ghost Valley are not permitted to harbor selfish motives. If he cannot be put to my use, then kill him."

"Very well, I agree. Come and take a look at this cultivation technique; I’ve been studying it for ages and still don't quite understand it."

"Let me see... your technique has a few errors; you should be practicing it this way instead..."

At that moment, the Master of Ghost Valley looked like a devout student, while Ling Xiao seemed to be the true master.

...

After leaving the Valley Master's residence, Ling Xiao headed straight for a small city near Ghost Valley with his entourage.

The Ning family was based in this very city!

Ling Xiao arrived directly at the Ning family manor. Through the window of the Bentley, he cast a glance at the estate, his eyes flickering with a hint of murderous intent.

"The Ning family seems quite prosperous in the mortal world!"

"Replying to the Young Master, Ning Xuanyuan is the Hall Master of the Medical God Hall. Since this place is near Ghost Valley, the local officials give him some face. Furthermore, Ning Xuanyuan has bought off many people here with his medicinal pills. Consequently, the Ning family is the wealthiest in this county!"

Ling Xiao sneered coldly.

"Using my Ghost Valley’s pills to cultivate his own influence—only Ning Xuanyuan would be so bold and reckless! Let’s go, let's head inside."

"Yes!"

The Bentley sped into the manor, and the Ning family servants immediately moved to block them.

"Hey! Stop right there! Are you blind or something? Do you know what place this is? How dare you barge in here like this? Tired of living?"

The car came to a stop. A Ning family servant stepped forward aggressively, but before he could finish his insults, a Ghost Valley disciple lashed out with a slap.

*Crack!*

With a crisp sound, the servant collapsed to the ground, his face swelling up instantly, a bright red handprint marked upon his skin.

"You—! How dare you hit me?"

The Ghost Valley disciple gave a cold snort.

"Not only do I dare hit you, but if you keep blathering, I’ll kill you!"

"You—! Do you know where this is? This is the Ning estate! My Young Master is the Hall Master of the Ghost Valley Medical God Hall!"

"Ning Xuanyuan, is it? No need to keep flaunting his name; soon, he won't be the Medical God Hall Master anymore!"

"What do you mean by that?"

"You don't need to ask so many questions. Go and inform all the members of the Ning family to come out immediately to receive the Young Master of Ghost Valley!"

"The... the Ghost Valley Young Master!"

The servant’s eyes widened as he watched the disciple respectfully open the Bentley door to reveal a man seven times more handsome and imposing than his own Young Master. He couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy.

How could there be a young man in this world more handsome and authoritative than his own master?

But jealousy aside, he dared not delay. He scrambled off to alert the rest of the Ning family in the manor.

Soon, the entire Ning clan was assembled in the villa at the center of the estate.

In the living room, Ling Xiao sat in the seat of honor. Clad in an expensive suit, he exuded an extraordinary presence, looking like a prince from the Middle Ages—handsome and possessed of a kingly air.

He reclined on the sofa, eyes half-closed, as if drifting between sleep and wakefulness, paying the Ning clan no heed at all.

"So, you are the Young Master of Ghost Valley?"

Old Master Ning couldn't help but frown in suspicion.

However, the next moment, one of Ling Xiao’s subordinates barked at him:

"Impudent! Who do you think you are to question the Young Master’s identity?"

Old Master Ning was displeased, but he didn't want a full-blown conflict with Ling Xiao. He spoke again:

"I am not sure what business brings you to our Ning estate, Young Master?"

Ling Xiao didn't answer. The disciple beside him moved forward without a word and delivered two heavy slaps, leaving Old Master Ning’s ears ringing.

"Your Ning family serves Ghost Valley. To speak to the Young Master without kneeling—are you trying to rebel?"

"I... I am the grandfather of your own Medical God Hall Master!"

Old Master Ning glared in fury!

Because of Ning Xuanyuan’s status, he had enjoyed the adulation of others his entire life. Even the county magistrate didn't dare order him around, always addressing him with the respectful title of "Old Master Ning."

When had he ever been forced to kneel to anyone?

But the Ghost Valley disciple wasn't fazed in the slightest, merely sneering.

"And what if he is the Hall Master? Even he must act with proper decorum when meeting our Young Master, let alone a mere mortal like you! Believe me, if you don't kneel, I will kill you!"

"I..."

Old Master Ning’s spirit was utterly crushed.

He was used to being overbearing, but when it came to risking his life, he didn't have the stomach for it!

There was no choice; one only had one life. Once it was gone, everything was gone! Who would ever claim to have good fortune in the next life if they were dead?

With that thought, he gritted his teeth and knelt down, albeit reluctantly.

Once Old Master Ning had knelt, the rest of the Ning clan could no longer stand tall and one by one, they all knelt as well.

Only when everyone was kneeling did Ling Xiao slowly open his eyes!

The moment he opened them, Old Master Ning couldn't help but shiver violently.

What kind of eyes were those?

They were filled with supreme authority and majesty, a coldness so chilling it left one trembling, daring not to harbor a single thought of defiance!

It was no wonder his grandson had never become the Young Master of Ghost Valley. In the presence of this young man, his own grandson, whom he was so proud of, was nothing at all!

This young man would surely rule the world one day!

At that moment, Old Master Ning felt as if he were witnessing a prophecy.

"May I ask, Young Master, what exactly is the purpose of your visit to our Ning family?"