"Who might that be?" The man who was seated next to Liu Chuandao blurted out with an equal measure of shock.

He knew the extent of Luo Heng's abilities. In comparison, Jiang Ning had shown himself to be overwhelmingly powerful.

He didn't seem that much older than Luo Heng.

He didn't recall such a young talent in Qingshan Sect.

"Him?" Liu Chuandao smiled lightly. He didn't seem fazed at all. "He's the man who's earned the favor of my daughter, my future son-in-law who's going to marry into Qingshan Sect." This man was going to marry into the Qingshan Sect?

"He had been abandoned by another sect and I took him in. I didn't expect him and my daughter to develop feelings for each other," Liu Chuandao laughed. "I can't interfere with their romance. It's their life, after all. I'm not going to break up a happy couple."

He didn't seem to notice the strained looks on a few of his guests' faces. His voice was filled with unconcealed approval as he kept on talking.

It sounded a lot like bragging.

He could have bragged about anything. Why was he bragging about his future son-in-law?

Had he forgotten the purpose of their arrival? They had come to seek his daughter's hand in marriage on behalf of their young master. Wasn't it inappropriate to sing Jiang Ning's praises to them? "What do you think, Elder Luo Feng?"

Liu Chuandao glanced at the elder and smiled.

The expression on Elder Luo Feng's face froze.

He was part of the convoy who had come to seek Liu Qing's hand in marriage and they had already informed Liu Chuandao of their intentions. But from what Liu Chuandao had said so far, it appeared that he was going to turn down their proposal.

"He's indeed an extraordinary man with exceptional talent," Elder Luo Feng laughed. "But he might not be a good fit for Third Miss. Our young master grew up with Third Miss. They were childhood playmates. His talent and skill are equal to the young man's."

Since Liu Chuandao had made his point very clearly, Elder Luo Feng didn't see the need for tact anymore.

Liu Chuandao seemed to have expected such words from him. He laughed loudly and shrugged. "Let the young folks deal with their own matters. We should stay out of this."

He was telling them that he wasn't going to interfere with Liu Qing's marriage. He wasn't going to allow the elders from Tianlian Sect to interfere either.

What was the meaning of this?

Was he demanding the young master of their sect to request Liu Qing's hand in marriage in person? He must think very highly of himself!

Elder Luo Feng didn't say another word.

But you could tell from the look on his face that he was clearly displeased.

He turned and gave Zhang Heng a look. The latter was standing a distance away and obviously in a foul mood as well.

He wasn't bothered about Luo

Heng's defeat. That wasn't going to

affect his plan. However, the

powerful punch that Jiang Ning had unleashed had been a shattering blow to the Inner Court's reputation.Content protected by Nôv/el(D)rama.Org.

It had damaged his reputation as well.

His words used to carry some weight. Luo Heng's defeat gave Liu Chuandao an opportunity to undermine his authority. Liu Chuandao wasn't going to let this opportunity pass. Elder Luo Feng and Liu Chuandao stopped talking. What else could they say to each other?

The message that Liu Chuandao had sent them had been loud and clear.

They had to get rid of Jiang Ning if they wanted to earn Liu Qing's hand in marriage and secure a place in the Qingshan Sect through this marriage.

Where did Jiang Ning come from?

Zhang Heng had never seen or heard of him before. He had materialized out of nowhere and appeared in Qingshan Sect

suddenly. His sudden appearael.net

was too bizarre for Zhang Heng's comfort.

Meanwhile, Mr He turned up at Liu Qing's courtyard shortly after Liu Qing and Jiang Ning had returned.

He was smiling. With his chin slightly raised and his hands folded behind his back, his mannerisms appeared contrived.

"The sect leader would like to reward you for your efforts," he declared loudly. "Jiang

Ning, step forward and receive your due reward."

Jiang Ning remained seated in his

rattan chair. He looked up and glanced casually at Mr He. There was no hint of happiness on his face. He wasn't going to geton his feet or get down on his knees.

He knew that the two wily foxes had begun to make plans for him. They were going to use him for their own ends.

"If you have anything to say, just say it," Jiang Ning said coolly.