51- Beginning of the hunting stage

When Zhong Yuan heard Zhong Li's words, he emitted a burst of most vexatious laughter.

Zhong Li ground his teeth in frustration at the sound, and his anger toward Zhong Yuan grew more intense with each passing moment.

There isn't a single second that goes by where Zhong Li doesn't wish he could exact revenge on Zhong Yuan for his actions.

However, Zhong Li's cultivation has been crippled, and the disciples of the Zhong clan who once revered him now view him as a traitor. As a result, Zhong Li was as helpless as ever.

After Zhong Yuan had laughed to his heart's content, he exclaimed, "Who is going to kill me?" with a wicked grin on his face. Then he added, "You?"

"Where is your honor as a clan elder of our Zhong clan? How are you going to face our ancestors?" Zhong Li exclaimed in anger. "You have chosen to become a lackey to Wang Lei, and your greed has clouded your judgment," he added with frustration.

"I am no lackey to anyone!" Zhong Yuan screamed furiously.

"What are you then, if not a lackey?" Zhong Li retorted. "What do you think you are to Wang Lei? Once he gets what he wants, you will be of no use to him anymore. He will take control of our Zhong clan and plunder our resources for himself. That has always been what he wanted," Zhong Li added with a tone of disgust.

"Hahaha!" Zhong Yuan laughed wickedly. "I see what you are trying to do. You are trying to change my mind, but it won't work. Can't you see that you are no longer who you used to be? Why don't you hand over what he asked of you and die peacefully?" Zhong Yuan said with a sneer.

Stubbornly, Zhong Li declared, "I shall never surrender it to you. Even if you desire it, you may take my life, but never shall you obtain it."

Zhong Yuan sneered, "You are an obstinate old fool. If you hand over the pill to Wang Lei and submit to my commands, I shall spare your life and that of your son."

When Zhong Li caught wind of his son Zhong Peng being mentioned, his face twisted with rage and he bellowed, "You shall not lay a hand on my son! If you do even if I must become a vengeful spirit, I shall ensure that you are killed!"

"I have dispatched word far and wide, and I have set a reward for his capture. It won't be long before he is discovered, no matter where you may have hidden him. And when I do find him, I will make certain to end his life before your very eyes," Zhong Yuan declared with seething anger. "Be aware that your obstinacy is what led to the demise of your son," he added before striding away.

"Zhong Yuan, you old dog, do not dare lay fingers on my son!" Zhong Li bellowed with fury.

With an air of indifference, Zhong Yuan paid no heed to Zhong Li's words and strode out of the dungeon.

As soon as he departed, Zhong Li collapsed to the ground, motionless as a lifeless cadaver. His eyes were empty and devoid of any spark of life, except for the excruciating emotions of suffering and torment that were etched on his hollow visage.

After some time had passed, Zhong Li spoke barely above a whisper, his voice barely audible. "My son, where are you? I hope you are faring well, wherever you may be. Your old man has failed you." A solitary tear trickled from his sunken eyes.

******************

Zhong Peng remained oblivious to the events unfolding at the Zhong clan, as he patiently sat and waited for Zheng Hongyi and the others to arrive.

He eagerly anticipated the commencement of the cloud-gathering contest.

After some time had passed, Zheng Hongyi, Elder Liang, Lin Daiyu, and Elder Zheng Wei finally arrived at the arena.

The entire place was teeming with activity, as people eagerly awaited their arrival.

As soon as they stepped into view, the crowds erupted in joy and excitement. Their presence signaled the start of the contest.

As soon as they arrived, Elder Zheng Wei stood up and ascended the stage. He raised his hands, gesturing for the crowd to quiet down.

Upon seeing Elder Zheng Wei's signal, the entire audience fell silent. The arena was now hushed, as everyone eagerly awaited what was to come next.

Elder Zheng Wei stood on the stage, exuding an aura of authority that commanded respect. Zhong Peng gazed at the old man, still amazed that the frail-looking figure before him was the most powerful person in the arena. Despite his apparent physical weakness, Elder Zheng Wei's presence alone was enough to make everyone feel a sense of awe and reverence.

Elder Zheng Wei, upon observing that the surrounding area had grown quiet, declared in a domineering manner, "I hereby announce the commencement of the hunting contest!" His words were delivered with a forceful and authoritative tone, leaving no room for doubt that his declaration was a directive to be followed without question.