As the evening light filtered through the gaps in the window, it cast a warm glow on the ground, enveloping the entire Inner Hall in a serene atmosphere.
"Uncle Bo Yuan, what should we do next?" Cold Yang asked.
The three had been silent for a long time, as the current situation was indeed quite tricky.
Cold Boyuan looked out the window, his gaze revealing a hint of barely perceptible worry.
"Uncle Bo Yuan, why not just confront the Xu Family directly?" Cold Yang said impulsively, recalling Leng Ping's appearance.
Cold Boyuan shook his head slightly and sighed, "Although it can almost be concluded from what the man in black said that the hired killer is undoubtedly Xu Ao, it would be unreasonable to attack the Xu Family based solely on his word..."
"Though the Xu Family is weak, we only have the legitimate power of the Cold Family to rely on. If a fight breaks out, it would likely result in mutual destruction. In that case, Cold Wu and Wu Tianci would benefit from our losses. Such reckless actions would be utterly foolish," Cold Boyuan said. As the head of the family, he had to consider everything thoroughly. If he were to put the Cold Family's century-old foundation at risk just out of momentary anger, he could not bear the final responsibility.
"Indeed, this matter cannot cause too much Whispers," Ye Tian, who had been deep in thought, finally spoke up.
"Are you suggesting we retaliate in kind?" Cold Yang quickly grasped Ye Tian's meaning.
Ye Tian nodded and softly said, "Assassination."
"Sigh... it seems this is the only feasible method at this point," Cold Boyuan sighed, feeling quite guilty. As the head of the family, knowing who the murderer was yet being unable to seek revenge openly was an insult to both the deceased and the Cold Family.
"Uncle Leng, with Cold Wu and Wu Tianci inside and the Wang family watching us closely from outside, we are truly facing internal and external troubles. So you need not feel too guilty," Ye Tian observed Cold Boyuan's expression and guessed his feelings. At such a critical moment, if Cold Boyuan continued to dwell in despair, then the pillar of the Cold Family would collapse.
"Alas..." Cold Boyuan sighed again, feeling melancholic as he said, "As the head of the family, I have to sneak around just to take revenge. Hmph..."
"Ye Tian is right," Cold Yang also spoke to comfort him. "Uncle Bo Yuan, you really don't need to blame yourself too much. In the years you've led the Cold Family, we have transformed from a second-rate family into the most powerful force in Spirit Martial Town. The Cold Family's remarkable progress is all thanks to you."
Hearing this, Cold Boyuan's brow twitched. Reflecting on the hardships and challenges of the past decades, he immediately put away his sorrowful demeanor, and his gaze regained its usual wisdom and calmness as he said, "You don't need to say that. I was just feeling sentimental for a moment."
Seeing this, Ye Tian and Cold Yang both felt relieved.
"Uncle Bo Yuan, leave this matter to me!" A glint of cold light flashed in Cold Yang's eyes as Xu Ao's figure appeared in his mind.
"Brother Yang, I know you're eager for revenge, but it might not be appropriate for you to handle this matter," Ye Tian said.
"Why?" Cold Yang asked in confusion.
"First, you are a legitimate member of the Cold Family. If there is any mistake during your actions and your identity is revealed, it would bring catastrophic consequences to the Cold Family." Ye Tian paused and gritted his teeth as he continued, "Second, this matter arose because of me. Leng Ping is your younger brother and also my good friend. Moreover... my mother was also harmed by Xu Ao!"
Cold Yang took a deep breath upon hearing this and finally understood the pain and unwillingness Ye Tian felt when he spared Xu Ao during the Martial Arts Selection Tournament. The blood feud was right in front of him, yet he could not take revenge due to concerns for the Cold Family; how bitter that feeling must be.
"Alright! Xiao Tian, you sacrificed your chance for revenge for the Cold Family that day. I must thank you for that friendship. Although I also wish to tear Xu Ao apart, compared to what you've endured, it pales in comparison. I will give you this opportunity to take down our enemy," Cold Yang said as he patted Ye Tian on the shoulder sincerely.
"Thanks," Ye Tian smiled lightly at Cold Yang, feeling grateful that he was willing to pass this chance for revenge onto him.
After all, for either Ye Tian or Cold Yang, not being able to personally kill Xu Ao to avenge such a deep grudge would be an unbearable resentment.
"Okay, Xiao Tian, I'll leave this matter to you." After careful consideration, Cold Boyuan also felt that it was reasonable and justified for Ye Tian to handle this situation.
Ye Tian cupped his hands towards the two, his expression unusually firm.
...
Cold Family, Cold Mansion back garden.
At this moment, a delicate figure was crouching in a patch of fresh green grass, deeply inhaling the vibrant scent of spring grass, a satisfied smile on her face.
"Brother Ye Tian, is that you?" A hint of anticipation appeared on Cold Frost's face as she happily turned around upon hearing footsteps behind her.
The newcomer was not Ye Tian, but rather a short and plump boy.
Upon hearing Ye Tian's name, the boy's expression instantly darkened. He said in a low voice, "Xiaoshuang, it's me."
"Oh... it's you, Xiao Zhuang..." Cold Frost's face showed an unmistakable disappointment as the boy she had hoped to see did not appear.
Seeing the cute girl's expression, Wu Xiaozhuang's face grew even more sullen. He thought bitterly, "Ye Tian! What is so great about him!"
"Isn't Brother Ye Tian coming with you?" Cold Frost stood on her tiptoes, still unwilling to give up as she peered behind Wu Xiaozhuang.
"He has something to do." Wu Xiaozhuang's tone was somewhat cold.
"Oh." Cold Frost squatted down again in disappointment. Although she didn't dislike Wu Xiaozhuang, without Ye Tian present, she found it hard to muster any enthusiasm for the latter.
Wu Xiaozhuang frowned slightly but soon returned to normal. He slowly walked over and sat down beside Cold Frost, asking, "Don't you want to know what he is up to?"
Cold Frost brushed the tender grass that had just sprouted from the ground, her crescent-like eyes filled with sweetness as she softly said, "I don't want to know. Anyway, I will support whatever Ye Tian does."
Wu Xiaozhuang stiffened for a moment before coldly replying, "Is he really that captivating to you?"
Cold Frost frowned slightly, feeling displeased by Wu Xiaozhuang's rather rude remark. She did not answer the previous question and coldly asked, "Do you have something to say?"
Noticing the cute girl's slight displeasure, a hint of guilt rose in Wu Xiaozhuang's heart, regretting his own rudeness.
However, this emotion was quickly suppressed as he began to address the main topic of the day: "Speaking of Ye Tian, being able to be his brother in this life is worth it."
The insincere smile on his face went unnoticed by Cold Frost, who continued to listen as Wu Xiaozhuang said, "For Young Master Ping, he truly is willing to go all out."
"Did they get into another argument with people from other families?" Cold Frost asked with concern.
"Ha ha, it seems she really doesn't know," Wu Xiaozhuang thought to himself, secretly amused by Cold Frost's expression. He feigned surprise and said, "Xiaoshuang, do you really not know?"
"What happened? Is there something going on?" A hint of worry surged in Cold Frost's heart.
"Nothing... nothing at all..." Wu Xiaozhuang deliberately stammered, pretending to be hesitant about revealing the truth.
Seeing this, Cold Frost became even more anxious, her small face filled with concern as she urgently asked, "What exactly happened? Is Ye Tian hurt?"
A barely perceptible smirk flashed across Wu Xiaozhuang's face as he thought, "Ha ha, hurt? That's not enough pain! Before long, I will make him feel utterly hopeless! That kind of pain is what truly matters!"
"No, no... Xiaoshuang, you shouldn't ask anymore." Wu Xiaozhuang turned and hurried away, though this was all an act.
"Don't go, please tell me what happened to Brother Ye Tian!" Cold Frost chased after him and blocked Wu Xiaozhuang's path.
"Sigh..." The latter let out a heavy sigh and said, "Ye Tian is fine, but Young Master Ping..."
"Ping Ge? What happened to him?" The constant switching between Ye Tian and Leng Ping left Cold Frost confused.
"He... is dead..." Wu Xiaozhuang's expression turned sorrowful, and after saying this, he turned away as if he was extremely reluctant to bring it up.
This kind of acting was second nature to him, and besides, Cold Frost was no match for Cold Boyuan; she would definitely not see through any flaws.
Cold Frost trembled at his words: "What did you say?"
"Young Master Ping... was killed!" Wu Xiaozhuang stomped his foot heavily and said sternly, "If I catch the murderer, I will definitely tear them to pieces!"
"Ping Ge..." This sudden piece of bad news made Cold Frost's head buzz, and she nearly collapsed to the ground.
Wu Xiaozhuang quickly stepped forward to support her. Of course, his more important goal was to take advantage of the situation.
However, Cold Frost disappointed him. Her delicate body swayed slightly but then steadied instantly, with tears streaming down her face.
Wu Xiaozhuang awkwardly withdrew his hand, feeling a sense of regret in his heart.
"What does Brother Ye Tian plan to do?" The immense shock left Cold Frost somewhat dazed as she asked with a hint of hesitation in her tone.
"This is exactly what I wanted to discuss with you." Finally getting to the point, a sinister look flashed across Wu Xiaozhuang's face before he quickly returned to normal: "It has been confirmed that the murderer is Xu Ao. Knowing Ye Tian's character, he will undoubtedly take risks to avenge Leng Ping!"
"No, I have to find him!" The words of taking risks caused Cold Frost to lose her composure instantly. She had already lost one brother and could not afford to lose Ye Tian again.
"Wait!" Wu Xiaozhuang stopped Cold Frost, his eyes darting as he said, "Don't go just yet. Don't you understand him? If he doesn't take revenge for this grudge, he won't be at peace. Right now, there's only one way to minimize his risk!"
"What way?" Cold Frost was filled with concern for Ye Tian's safety. Wu Xiaozhuang was right; Ye Tian would definitely seek revenge for Leng Ping, but the danger involved was evident. So, after Wu Xiaozhuang mentioned a way to reduce the risk, Cold Frost immediately asked.
"You need to find out his plan's timing and details— the more specific, the better— and then tell me. I will secretly follow and protect him. If everything goes smoothly, I won't need to intervene; if not, I can step in to help." After saying this, Wu Xiaozhuang eagerly awaited Cold Frost's response.
Cold Frost bit her lip, seemingly contemplating the feasibility of this plan, but she did not doubt Wu Xiaozhuang at all.
"Don't hesitate! Ye Tian might already be on his way to the Xu Family! It will be too late if you wait!" Wu Xiaozhuang urged, mixing encouragement with intimidation.
Finally, Ye Tian's safety occupied Cold Frost's entire mind and body. Without further hesitation, she said, "Alright, I'll go find Brother Ye Tian right away. I'll notify you as soon as I have any news." With that, she hurried away.
As Cold Frost's figure gradually faded into the distance, a sly smile slowly appeared on Wu Xiaozhuang's face.
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