"Mr. Tan's disciple personally delivering the news?" The Wang Family Head was a bit surprised.

"Yes... so the matter is rather difficult to handle. If Mr. Tan's disciple came to deliver the message personally, it means... Emperor Yu is very angry!"

"Speaking of which... we've only heard of the legends of Emperor Yu from Tiandu Mountain, but have never seen him in person... To meet him today could be considered an opportunity, right!"

"Indeed... although we don't know why Emperor Yu is angry, it certainly represents an opportunity for us. The three families must perform well."

The three Family Heads nodded frequently.

They agreed with this viewpoint.

"Family Heads, have you found out which scoundrel disturbed our ancestor's tomb?" The Wang Family Head asked.

Xue Feng sighed:

"Yesterday, under the leadership of Xue Ren, disciples from my Xue Family thoroughly searched the northern woodlands and all the cemeteries without finding anything. The opposite party left no traces, only a tombstone in our Xue Family cemetery."

"A tombstone?"

"A tombstone bearing the name Lu."

Upon hearing this.

The Wang Family Head and Fan Family Head nodded simultaneously.

With this clue, it's much easier to investigate.

"In Emperor City, the surname Lu is quite common. However, it is possible to investigate the Lu Family buried in that area."

"That is reasonable, hence I have not hurried, planning to first handle this matter. Afterward... the three families will unite to find the Lu Family, and vow to make them pay."

"Naturally, desecrating ancestral tombs and severing our clan's fortune is a capital offense!"

Just as the three Family Heads were engrossed in conversation—

A steward came out, bowed to the three, and said, "The Family Heads, my master invites you in..."

"Okay."

Only the three of them were allowed to follow the steward inside.

Other disciples could only wait outside.

The setup appeared rather grand.

But to them, meeting Emperor Yu wasn't just a numbers game.

Appearances must be maintained.

To beg for forgiveness, sincerity is required.

The disciples of the three families lined up outside the courtyard, not daring to make any noise.

All awaited with utmost respect.

"I don't even know what Emperor Yu looks like... If I could see him just once, that would be great!"

"If I could become Emperor Yu's disciple, I'd willingly trade ten years of my life..."

"Wishful thinking... Is Emperor Yu in need of disciples? I heard the weakest of Emperor Yu's students reaches Heaven Stepping Realm."

Everyone marveled endlessly.

Such figures are only to be admired from afar, not even dared to imagine.

...

Meanwhile.

The three Family Heads followed the elderly steward towards the main hall.

A few minutes later, as they reached the crossroads, the old steward suddenly halted and said, "This way please..."

"Huh? Aren't we supposed to go to Mr. Tan's residence?"

"Mr. Tan is already waiting outside the courtyard of Emperor Yu's residence..."

The three realized suddenly, nodded, and followed the steward. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝒆𝒘𝙚𝓫𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

Soon after.

They arrived near the courtyard.

The three Family Heads glanced up and saw Tan Tianzhong standing proudly outside the courtyard.

First stunned, the three Family Heads looked at Tan Tianzhong in surprise.

This was Tan Tianzhong.

Even resembling a middle-aged man, without that ethereal charm, and having all seen Tan Tianzhong before, they would never believe the person before them was the same influential ruler in the cultivator world.

Tan Tianzhong had become younger.

This rendered them quite incredulous.

The Xue Family Head, Xue Feng, arrived first, bowed, and greeted, "Mr. Tan..."

Tan Tianzhong nodded slightly, standing before the three with a calm expression.

The other two Family Heads followed suit in salute.

Having just finished bowing.

Tan Tianzhong's face turned cold, "Kneel."

Hmm?

The three Family Heads were dumbfounded.

Thinking they misheard, Xue Feng tentatively asked, "Mr. Tan, what did you just say?"

"Kneel."

This time, carrying a hint of faint oppressive aura.

No explanation, nor did he bother to explain.

Plop.

The three knelt down.

"Kneel and go inside." Tan Tianzhong ordered in a commanding tone.

"Yes!"

How glorious, how significant these three Family Heads were.

Yet before this cultivator, they could only bow humbly.

What dignity, what honor as Family Heads, if told to kneel, there needn't be a reason, they had to kneel.

But they didn't understand, why they suddenly had to kneel inside?

They could only comply.

All three slowly moved forward on their knees.

Inside the courtyard, it wasn't flat ground.

Pebble-stone pavement.

"You're not allowed to use any Primordial Qi, you cannot say I didn't warn you."

This...

The three Family Heads showed bitter expressions.

Moving across that way, what a life-killing torture that would be!

Yet Tan Tianzhong's words, would they dare disobey?

Immediately kneeling in motion.

It hurt.

It really hurt.

The three managed to reach the other side.

Tan Tianzhong bowed and said, "Mr. Fang, the Family Heads of Xue, Wang, and Fan have come to beg your forgiveness."

Even the leader of the Third Territory had to bow before Emperor Yu of Tiandu Mountain.

Showing Emperor Yu had completely subdued Tan Tianzhong.

Making the three Family Heads even more bitter.

Thinking Tan Tianzhong might plead for them, it seemed that plan had fallen through.

Creak——

The door slowly opened!

"Enter." Tan Tianzhong's voice grew even colder.

"Do not stand!"

Adding four more words with a heavy rebuke.

The three shivered in fear, not daring to speak, moving on their knees, slowly entered the hall.

Then.

Light illuminated the entire room.

All three Family Heads simultaneously looked up, landing their gaze upon Fang Yu seated in the center of the main hall—

A youthful appearance.

A youthful stature.

An arrogant expression, indifferent eyes.

Zhang Xiaoya stood respectfully by the side, resembling a maid always ready to serve.

In their hearts, a thousand thoughts emerged.

Is this truly Emperor Yu?

Is this the legendary figure from the cultivator world?

Is it really him?

Or is this a mistake?

A myriad of thoughts could only swirl within their minds.

Tan Tianzhong bowed and said, "Mr. Fang, these three Family Heads are from Xue, Wang, and Fan families."

Fang Yu nodded indifferently, his gaze sweeping over the three.

"Do you recognize your sins?"

Truthfully, not understanding any wrongdoing.

The three faces bore confusion.

Fang Yu spoke again, "Do you not know what error you've committed?"

Xue Feng immediately kowtowed, saying:

"Emperor Yu, we truly do not know how we offended you. Even if given a hundred thousand guts, we would not dare! Please enlighten us..."

"Such audacity."

Fang Yu's tone grew stern, "The cemetery in Emperor City's northern forest, is that occupied by your three families?"

"..."

The three hearts jolted in shock.

Calling out silently that things were not well.

Fang Yu continued:

"My biological father... Lu Tianxing, is buried there..."

Upon hearing the name Lu Tianxing.

Understanding the matter's ins and outs, Xue Family Head Xue Feng instantly felt as if struck by lightning—

It's over!

A grave mistake has been made!

What to do?