Cheng Yuanmu’s reprimanding voice echoed in the air.

All members of the Chengs fell silent momentarily, and finally Cheng Yuanmu’s gaze fixed on Cheng Tonghan.

This Cheng Tonghan is Cheng Yiyao’s father.

Cheng Tonghan’s power is at the Initial Stage of the Heavenly God Realm. Upon noticing Cheng Yuanmu’s gaze, a hint of evasiveness appeared in his eyes. Clearly, Cheng Yuanmu had no intention of letting him off; he demanded, "Tonghan, Yiyao is your daughter. Shouldn’t you say something? Do you also think we should sacrifice Yiyao?"

Upon hearing Cheng Yuanmu’s question, Cheng Tonghan showed no hesitation on his face, in fact, he must have made up his mind long ago. After taking a deep breath, his eyes met Cheng Yuanmu’s: "Ancestor, how can this be called a sacrifice? Yiyao only needs to publicly express her affection for Zhou Hongjing, there’s nothing inappropriate in that for her."

"Later, Yiyao could even marry Zhou Hongjing, and Zhou Hongjing’s direct ancestor has stepped into the Half-step Divine Venerable. This is a great thing for the Chengs. We shouldn’t have refused Zhou Hongjing in the first place."

"Therefore, I also believe there’s nothing wrong with Yiyao marrying Zhou Hongjing. On the contrary, if we don’t agree to Zhou Hongjing’s request, the Chengs will certainly face thunderous retaliation. At that time, the Chengs might suffer extermination. For the Chengs’ sake, Yiyao is only making a small sacrifice for us; we aren’t asking her to die."

Cheng Tonghan’s words were as cold-blooded as they could be. As Cheng Yiyao’s biological father, he could speak to this extent. Is there any difference between his heart and a stone?

Cheng Tonghan doesn’t have only one daughter, he has two sons as well. Although Cheng Yiyao’s talent is top-notch in the Chengs, compared to the Chengs’ future, the future is undoubtedly more important.

After all, Cheng Tonghan has two sons! He doesn’t want the Chengs to be wiped out because of Cheng Yiyao, so in his view, sacrificing Cheng Yiyao was a matter of course.

Upon hearing her father Cheng Tonghan’s words, Cheng Yiyao was struck as if by lightning, her mind buzzing, her beautiful eyes vacant as she stood unmoving. Normally, her father doted on her greatly. She didn’t want to drag the Chengs down either, and she had already prepared to sacrifice herself.

But after hearing the cold words from one relative after another, she still felt a desperate sadness, especially hearing her father’s cold and matter-of-fact words.

Cheng Yuanmu’s gaze became even sharper, he never imagined Cheng Tonghan would choose to sacrifice Cheng Yiyao. His anger burned more fiercely, as Cheng Yiyao was his most beloved junior among the Chengs, and her disposition was quite similar to his. He couldn’t sacrifice Cheng Yiyao under any circumstances.

If those present weren’t Cheng family members, Cheng Yuanmu might have already resorted to violence, for the attitude of the other Cheng members was enough to chill his heart.

An elder at the Later Stage of the Seventh Layer Heavenly God Realm, stepped forward from the crowd. He was Cheng Yiyao’s grandfather, Cheng Nianjiang, and respectfully said, "Ancestor, it’s not that we want to sacrifice Yiyao, but the current situation is such. We can’t ruin the future of the entire Chengs for one Yiyao, can we?"

Cheng Nianjiang turned his gaze to Cheng Yiyao: "Yiyao, you are a sensible child. I believe you know how to choose. Don’t bring harm to our entire Cheng family!"

Standing motionlessly, Cheng Yiyao, her grandfather’s words reached her ears, her body began to tremble slightly. She felt abandoned by everyone, with a strong urge to cry, but she forced herself, holding back tears from flowing out of her eyes.

Cheng Yuanmu could no longer hold back: "With me, Cheng Yuanmu here, no one can sacrifice Yiyao. You keep saying you don’t want to sacrifice Yiyao, for the future of our Cheng family, yet we are not at the brink of life and death now, but you already want to sacrifice Yiyao? Have you persevered? Have you worked hard for Yiyao?"

"I will take Yiyao to attend the Zhou family’s banquet. That Zhou boy wants Yiyao to set aside her dignity and publicly express love, which is absolutely impossible. Can emotions be bought or sold? Isn’t there anyone in the Zhou family who understands reason and distinguishes right from wrong?"

"Among you, who would be willing to join us in attending the banquet?"

Cheng Yuanmu knew that it was impossible to take Cheng Yiyao out of Lingfeng City now. Upon entering the city, the Zhous surely took notice, so he could only stay by Cheng Yiyao’s side now, facing the challenges with her.

Cheng Nianjiang was the first to speak: "Ancestor, don’t blame us for being heartless. You’re getting emotional. I, Cheng Nianjiang, withdraw from the Chengs from now on. The Cheng family’s matters have nothing to do with me anymore."

"I, Cheng Tongliang, also withdraw from the Chengs."

"I, Cheng Tongming, also withdraw from the Chengs."

"I, Cheng Tonghan, also withdraw from the Chengs."

...

Following Cheng Yiyao’s grandfather Cheng Nianjiang’s words, Cheng Yiyao’s uncles and father all spoke up, unanimously announcing their withdrawal from the Chengs.

Cheng Yuanmu’s chest heaved violently, his face flushed red.

Then, he sighed, as if he suddenly grew older, muttering to himself: "Emotional? Without emotions, what makes a person?"

He waved his hand, saying, "Go! Leave! The Cheng family’s future is no longer any of your business."

"Ancestor, I am willing to join you." The old steward stood resolutely beside Cheng Yuanmu.

Cheng Yuanmu appreciated the old steward’s determination and nodded reassuringly.

Ye Chenfeng, who had been watching the Chengs coldly, spoke up: "I am willing too, count me in! I, someone from the Central Continent, haven’t seen the Ancient Realm’s banquet, perfect chance to widen my horizons and taste the delicacies of the Ancient Realm."

Cheng Nianjiang and the others, upon hearing Ye Chenfeng speak, assessed Ye Chenfeng, realizing he was someone without Spiritual Energy, and dismissed him outright. Now hearing Ye Chenfeng is from Central Continent, they found it utterly laughable.

Cheng Nianjiang and the others packed some belongings and left the Chengs without hesitation.

Finally, within the Chengs, only Cheng Yuanmu, Cheng Yiyao, Ye Chenfeng, and the old steward remained. Even the middle-aged man from the Heavenly God Realm who had returned with them left with the other Cheng members, after all, no one wanted to die, and Cheng Yuanmu’s choice was seen as seeking death.

...(To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to recommend it and vote monthly on qidian.com. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users please read at m.qidian.com.)