Invincible Soul Emperor

All of a sudden, Ye Qingchen felt the power within his body reach a critical point; the Fire Element and wood element intertwined in his Dantian, forming a wondrous balance.

On the other side.

Xue Wei walked quickly toward the Patriarch of the Xue Family’s residence, his face expressionless, as if he were going to meet someone of no consequence.

The Patriarch of the Xue Family’s residence was located at the highest point of the Xue Family’s main peak. The entire compound was built against the mountain, imposing and magnificent, exuding a sense of solemnity and majesty.

In front of the main gate of the Patriarch’s residence was a wide flight of stone steps, with evergreen pines and cypresses planted on both sides. Beneath the trees stood two mighty stone lions. The lions were carved with exquisite craftsmanship, vivid and lifelike, as if guarding this sacred ground. At the end of the steps was a tall archway, with the two characters "Xue Family" inscribed upon it in powerful, vigorous strokes, overwhelming in momentum.

Passing through the archway, there was a spacious courtyard. In the center of the courtyard was a huge fountain, its water column shooting several zhang high. Under the sunlight, the droplets shimmered with seven-colored radiance. All kinds of rare flowers and plants were planted around the courtyard, their fragrance overflowing, refreshing the heart and mind.

Xue Wei passed through the courtyard and arrived at the Patriarch’s main hall. In front of the main hall was a long corridor, with portraits of the Xue Family’s past Patriarchs hanging on both sides. Each portrait was filled with majesty and power. The main hall’s doors were tall and heavy, carved with intricate cloud patterns, displaying the Xue Family’s supreme authority.

Pushing open the heavy doors, Xue Wei entered the main hall.

The interior of the main hall was lavishly decorated. The walls on all sides were inlaid with precious Luminous Pearl, emitting a soft glow. At the center of the hall stood a massive redwood long table, with carved sandalwood chairs on either side. The backs of the chairs were inlaid with valuable jade.

At the deepest part of the main hall, on a throne, sat the Patriarch of the Xue Family. The Patriarch wore a magnificent purple Long Robe, embroidered all over with golden dragon patterns, making him appear incomparably noble.

His features were stern, and between his brows there was a hint of authority and an unquestionable aura. The Patriarch’s eyes were deep and sharp, as if they could see through everything.

Though the Patriarch of the Xue Family was handsome, he did not look kind. His face was as sharply contoured as if cut by a blade, his brows like swords, his lips tightly pressed together, making him appear cold and merciless. Time had left several deep wrinkles on his face, adding a touch of gravitas and vicissitude.

He sat on the throne with a straight posture, his hands folded on his knees, his whole body radiating an aura of dominance that needed no anger to inspire fear.

"Xue Wei." The Patriarch of the Xue Family spoke coldly, his voice low and powerful, rumbling through the hall like thunder.

Xue Wei nodded and slowly walked to stand before the Patriarch.

"Xue Wei, what important matter brings you here?" the Patriarch of the Xue Family asked coldly, his voice like an icy sharp blade, stabbing straight into one’s heart.

"Family Head, I came to ask for your opinion," Xue Wei said in a deep voice. "Ye Qingchen and Xue Zhao secretly entered the Secret Realm. This matter has caused a huge stir in the Xue Family. Many Elders and disciples are extremely indignant about it. I believe he must be severely punished."

The Patriarch of the Xue Family’s brows furrowed slightly, a trace of anger flashing in his eyes. He said in a deep voice, "I’ve been thinking about this matter these past few days. Ye Qingchen actually dared to not report this matter and simply went—this is practically a provocation against our Xue Family! He absolutely cannot be let off lightly."

Seeing the Patriarch so enraged, Xue Wei was extremely satisfied in his heart.

"Family Head, I believe we must take action as soon as possible to avoid more people doubting our authority. In addition, our cooperation with the Jiang Clan also cannot be ruined because of this matter."

A cold glint flashed in the Patriarch of the Xue Family’s eyes as he said coldly, "You are right. The Xue Family’s majesty brooks no challenge from anyone, and the cooperation cannot be ruined because of him. This matter must be dealt with harshly!"

"Family Head, you are wise!" Xue Wei said respectfully. "I am willing to fully assist the Family Head in handling this matter, to ensure that our Xue Family does not suffer any loss."

The Patriarch of the Xue Family stared coldly at Xue Wei. After a moment, he asked, "Do you have any good ideas that can make Ye Qingchen pay the price he deserves?"

Xue Wei had long made his plans. He smiled slightly and said respectfully, "Family Head, I am willing to send people into the Secret Realm to deal with Ye Qingchen."

If the Patriarch personally sent people to the Secret Realm, the consumption and losses would undoubtedly be enormous.

So earlier, the Patriarch had been unwilling to send people into the Secret Realm.

With him making such a proposal, the Patriarch would absolutely not refuse.

As expected, upon hearing this, the stern expression on the Patriarch of the Xue Family’s face gradually softened, and a hint of satisfaction flashed in his eyes.

He slowly rose to his feet, walked down from the throne, and fixed his blazing gaze on Xue Wei, as if reappraising this loyal subordinate.

"Xue Wei, your proposal is very good." There was a trace of gratification in the Patriarch’s voice. "You have never disappointed me. This operation is of utmost importance. I will entrust it entirely to you. You must capture Ye Qingchen and bring him back."

Xue Wei bowed again, speaking with firm conviction: "Family Head, rest assured, I will not fail your trust and will ensure that Ye Qingchen has nowhere to run."

In this way, he had more than enough reason to casually plant people inside the Secret Realm.

It was simply killing two birds with one stone.

The Patriarch nodded in satisfaction and patted Xue Wei’s shoulder. "Very good, go. Arrange the personnel as soon as possible. You must act quickly."

Xue Wei agreed with a nod, then quickly left the main hall.

The Patriarch of the Xue Family watched Xue Wei’s departing figure, a rare smile appearing on his face.

"Not bad, not bad. As for the struggle over the Saint Position, I still favor you more!"

Not long after Xue Wei left the main hall.

Xue Feng hurriedly arrived before the Patriarch.

In the Patriarch’s eyes, Xue Feng was an outstanding figure among the younger generation of the Xue Family. Though young, he already possessed considerable influence within the clan.

"Xue Feng, you’ve come at just the right time." The Patriarch’s voice was cold and forceful. "I was just about to deal with Ye Qingchen’s unauthorized intrusion into the Secret Realm."

Xue Feng stood in the main hall, his expression solemn.

He, too, had come because of this matter, but he did not know what the Patriarch currently had in mind.

After making up his mind, Xue Feng said in a deep voice, "Family Head, Ye Qingchen is indeed in the wrong, but his strength and the people behind him are not to be underestimated. Perhaps we could consider a more lenient handling, to avoid inciting an even greater grudge."

Upon hearing this, the anger on the Patriarch’s face instantly surged.

His brows knitted tightly, and a cold light burst from his eyes. "Xue Feng, are you pleading on Ye Qingchen’s behalf?"

His voice was low and laced with menace. "He trespassed into my Xue Family’s Secret Realm. That is not only a provocation against my Xue Family, but also a contempt for my personal authority! Do you also support his actions?"

Xue Feng’s expression changed slightly. He immediately realized that his wording might have angered the Patriarch.

He hurried to explain, "Family Head, please quell your anger. I have absolutely no intention of begging for mercy on Ye Qingchen’s behalf. I was merely thinking that he is still young, and perhaps we could adopt a softer approach to show our magnanimity."

If he wanted the Patriarch to be lenient in this matter, he absolutely could not go head-to-head with him; he could only test the waters first.