Chapter 1021: Pleading

Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

Huangfu Ruiling’s sudden actions caught Huangfu Jingzhang and Zhongyu Liuying off guard. They quickly withdrew their hands, feeling a bit awkward. When they glanced at Huangfu Ruiling, their expressions showed clear discontent. They were obviously unhappy with Huangfu Ruiling’s behavior.

“Just spill it!” Huangfu Ruiling placed his glass on the table and stared directly at the family of three before him. He spoke straightforwardly, “Why are you here today? Tell me straight.”

Meanwhile, Ye Leng’an sat back on the sofa, holding her glass of water, seemingly amused by the spectacle unfolding before her.

Huangfu Jingzhang and the others weren’t blind. They could clearly see Ye Leng’an’s amusement, but they had to swallow their anger.

In Huangfu Ruiling’s eyes, Ye Leng’an’s status outweighed theirs by far. Their opposition to Ye Leng’an had created a deep divide between them and Huangfu Ruiling.

Huangfu Jingzhang conveniently forgot that even before Ye Leng’an’s appearance, their relationship with Huangfu Ruiling was already distant, if not cold. Back then, Huangfu Ruiling hardly paid them any mind.

Feeling stuck between a rock and a hard place, Huangfu Jingzhang didn’t know how to proceed. So, he silently signaled Zhongyu Liuying, hoping she would take the lead. Despite her reluctance, the matter now involved their youngest son’s future, leaving her no choice but to speak up.

Taking a deep breath, Zhongyu Liuying looked at Huangfu Ruiling, attempting to muster a gentle smile. “Ruiling, we’ve disciplined Ruixiang. He’s learned his lesson and is committed to diligent cultivation. We’re pleading for another chance for him to return to the Hidden World’s Huangfu family.”

“Please, give me another chance, Brother,” Huangfu Ruixiang chimed in, standing beside them. “I promise to dedicate myself to cultivation from now on. I won’t let you down again.”

He was young and had a bright future ahead. If he hadn’t entered the inner sect for cultivation previously and if his elder brother wasn’t the patriarch, he might have resigned himself to his fate. But having tasted the world of cultivation, he couldn’t bear the thought of giving up so easily.

Huangfu Ruiling looked at Huangfu Ruixiang coldly. “It’s not possible. I’ve said before that if he can’t pass the family assessment, he can’t continue cultivating in the inner sect. He had his chance and didn’t take it. He can’t blame anyone else.”

“But he’s your younger brother.” Zhongyu Liuying’s tone was urgent. “Consider it for his sake. Can’t you give him a chance?”

“I did give him a chance by allowing him into the inner sect,” replied Huangfu Ruiling coolly. “Unfortunately, he didn’t value that opportunity, so he has to face the consequences. It’s his own decision, and he must face the results.”

“But there were reasons for that,” Zhongyu Liuying explained quickly. “Family matters held him back, but it won’t happen again.”

“That’s not my concern,” Huangfu Ruiling said, still coldly. “I only care about results. Huangfu Ruixiang failed the assessment, and that’s final.” His words sounded distant as if he were speaking to a stranger.

“But he’s your brother!” Huangfu Jingzhang interjected anxiously. “Do you have to be so indifferent?”

“In the Hidden World, strength is crucial,” Huangfu Ruiling explained. “Ruixiang lacks talent, strength, and discipline. He’s not fit for survival here.”

“Ruiling, he’s your brother,” Zhongyu Liuying insisted unhappily. “Can’t you help him improve his cultivation? You’re the family head, after all.”

“No,” Huangfu Ruiling replied firmly. “I won’t assist someone who’s deemed useless.” His tone dripped with disdain, showing his true contempt for Huangfu Ruixiang.

These words caused Huangfu Ruixiang to flush red with embarrassment and misery. Despite feeling unbearable, he couldn’t find any words to defend himself against Huangfu Ruiling’s blatant contempt.

“Huangfu Ruiling!” Huangfu Jingzhang couldn’t contain his frustration and exclaimed, “How could you say such things? Ruixiang is your own brother!”

“I’m simply stating the truth.” Huangfu Ruiling remained calm, almost indifferent, in contrast to Huangfu Jingzhang’s agitation. “If you can’t handle the truth, then perhaps you’re not cut out for the Hidden World.”

“You…” Huangfu Jingzhang struggled to find his words amidst his anger.

“If you’re here for Huangfu Ruixiang, there’s no need to continue.” Huangfu Ruiling dismissed the topic, taking a sip from his cup. “It’s a waste of time for everyone. And for future reference, don’t bother me with such trivial matters. I have more important things to attend to.”

“You are so ungrateful.” Huangfu Jingzhang pointed a trembling finger at Huangfu Ruiling, “Don’t you care about your family at all? Are we just invisible to you?”

While Zhongyu Liuying remained silent, her eyes spoke volumes, filled with accusation.

With a sarcastic smile, Huangfu Ruiling responded, “I thought you understood that already. Isn’t my stance clear enough?”