"Who were the buyers?"
Hun Qianxue asked.
The figure in the black robe paused, seemingly weighing his words:
"There were actually quite a few buyers, mostly busybodies in the city with some influence, but if we're talking about who was first, it seems to have been… someone from the Huben Legion."
"According to my speculation, it was likely Zhou Lie's doing."
Hearing this name, Hun Qianxue furrowed his brows.
"Zhou Lie?"
He repeated the name:
"The one previously known as the 'Qianhun City's Number One Prodigy', Zhou Lie?"
"Exactly."
The figure in the black robe nodded and continued slowly:
"According to our investigation, after Wu Daoyuan came out of the Life and Death Ravine, Zhou Lie's men were the first to find him and paid a high price for the information.
The versions circulating in the city afterward mostly spread from Zhou Lie's side.
This person likely harbors jealousy toward Young Master Han and wants to use this to suppress Young Master Han's reputation."
Hun Qianxue was silent for a moment, then said coldly:
"Just for a hollow reputation?"
"Zhou Lie comes from an ordinary background with little Family influence. He is only able to establish a foothold in Qianhun City because of his title as a 'Genius'.
After Young Master Han appeared, his reputation was suppressed, and his resources, connections, and prestige have all been affected."
The figure in the black robe paused and explained:
"Furthermore, he previously challenged Young Master Han to a duel, but Young Master Han ignored him; perhaps in his eyes, this is a form of humiliation."
"A challenge?"
Hun Qianxue sneered; he was actually someone who leaned toward the style of a hard Cultivator himself.
It was just that for the sake of competing for the position of Family head, he needed a reputation.
"Xuanji is in closed-door Cultivation; how would he have time to pay attention to him? Can this even count as humiliation?"
The figure in the black robe did not respond.
Hun Qianxue stood up and paced the hall with his hands behind his back.
A moment later, he stopped and said in a decisive tone:
"As for that Wu Daoyuan, deal with him; keeping such a person around is just a disaster."
"Yes."
The figure in the black robe replied.
"As for Zhou Lie…"
Hun Qianxue pondered for a moment, unable to think of a good way to handle it for the time being.
The other party is the apple of the Huben Legion's eye; one cannot simply tear off the mask of civility over such a trivial matter.
If this were taken to the Holy Lord Jiuxuan, it would most likely result in both sides being punished equally, and there would be no benefit to be gained.
"This person is indeed a trouble. He is not only a member of the Huben Legion but also deeply trusted by the Legion Commander.
That Legion Commander, as you know, is a descendant of a Saint Family from Jiuxuan City and has operated in Qianhun City for many years with a good reputation.
We have a request for the Huben Legion this time, and the Creation Platform is in their hands, so it is not appropriate to have a direct conflict with Zhou Lie."
The figure in the black robe lowered his head slightly:
"Does the Family head mean…"
"First, send someone to negotiate and shut Zhou Lie's mouth."
Hun Qianxue waved his hand and said casually:
"As for those who fabricated and spread the rumors, not a single one can be let off.
It is better to kill by mistake than to let one slip through.
The importance of Xuanji to the Hun Family is far greater than you or I imagine.
He is the future hope of our Hun Family; I absolutely will not allow him to be slandered."
If Han Xuanji were to truly become alienated from the Hun Family because of this matter, it would be something Hun Qianxue absolutely could not accept.
He must cut the gordian knot quickly.
He cannot be allowed to suffer even the slightest grievance; otherwise, it would be his failure of duty.
Others may not know, but he is clearly aware of what a great favor Han Xuanji has done for him.
The figure in the black robe bowed deeply:
"Yes, I understand."
"Go."
Hun Qianxue's voice was indifferent, revealing no emotion.
But the figure in the black robe knew Hun Qianxue very well; the more indifferent he sounded, the more it meant his anger had reached its limit.
He must handle this matter as quickly as possible.
The next second, the black figure disappeared without a sound.
Hun Qianxue sat back in the main seat and picked up his tea cup, but he did not drink, his gaze falling on the twilight outside the window, wondering what he was thinking.
...
Purple Soul Grotto-Heaven.
When Han Xuanji emerged from the cultivation chamber, a month had already passed. His Cultivation had also steadily stopped at the eighth level of the Eternal Dao Lord, and even though his practice was extremely fast, there were no issues left behind.
Next, it was time to wait for news about the Creation Platform.
He took out his communication jade talisman and saw that Wang Ping had sent a few more messages.
[Those who spread the rumors didn't escape, not a single one. The culprit is said to be a Loose Cultivator named Wu Daoyuan, who has already disappeared without a trace. It is unknown if he escaped or what happened.]
"It was the Hun Family who took action."
Han Xuanji nodded.
Those who spread the rumors were dragged out one by one. Those who needed to be punished were punished, and those who needed to be expelled were expelled; the city suddenly became much quieter.
Even some descendants of influential Families were captured and detained by the people of the City Lord's Mansion.
Those Families had to expend a great deal of effort to get them out.
[Brother Han, after this incident, I'm afraid no one will be gossiping anymore.]
[Good, thank you.]
Han Xuanji finished reading, put away the jade talisman, and gave Wang Ping some encouragement. He was not surprised by Hun Qianxue's methods.
That Family head always acted with thunderous speed and never dragged his feet.
"It actually goes against my original intention, but it doesn't matter."
Han Xuanji stood up.
Rumors or jealousy, they are all external things. He only needed to do one thing — become stronger. Strong enough for everyone to look up to, strong enough for all rumors to collapse on their own.
By then, what "Number One Prodigy", what "Second Prodigy", none of it would matter.
Because his name would be the answer.
...
After Qianhun City calmed down.
Hun Qianxue's news came faster than expected. It had only been a few days since the rumors were resolved.
Han Xuanji's communication jade talisman lit up. This time it was not text, but a direct call request. After he connected, Hun Qianxue's voice came from the other end, carrying a hint of relief.
"Xuanji, there is progress on the matter of the Creation Platform."
Han Xuanji was slightly taken aback:
"So fast?"
"I have already personally spoken with the Huben Legion Commander."
Hun Qianxue paused and said:
"The process was not smooth, but the result is good; he agreed to let you enter the Creation Platform."
Han Xuanji did not answer immediately.
He heard the "but" in Hun Qianxue's words.
It probably wasn't that simple.
Sure enough, Hun Qianxue continued:
"However, there is a condition."
"What condition?"
Han Xuanji frowned, feeling that trouble was coming.
As expected, Hun Qianxue's words confirmed his guess.
Hun Qianxue's tone sank slightly as he introduced:
"Xuanji, you might not fully understand the background of the Creation Platform.
That place of enlightenment is said to be where a Saint Realm powerhouse attained enlightenment. The dao rhyme is extremely precious, but limited.
Every time someone enters to seek enlightenment, they consume the Origin dao-rhythm left behind by the Saint; every bit used is a bit less.
Therefore, the Huben Legion values this quota very highly. I had already prepared to pay a heavy price, but what he proposed was…"
"He wants you to demonstrate your strength and conquer the people of the Huben Legion."