My ancestors were spiritual plant growers, so it's not surprising that I hunt demons every day,

Luo Ming's troubles have resulted in his wife and children bearing the bitter consequences; what good thing could there be in the world!

Thinking of this, Cui Ying raised her eyes and said in a cold tone:

"Such a person with such wicked intentions should have been killed long ago!"

"Even so, Luo Ming has long since disappeared. Not only can your aunt and the others not find him, but even the manager of the gambling den has no clue."

Meng Tingjun's face was also very pale. Thinking of her two grandchildren whom she had raised herself, her eyes were already brimming with tears.

“Hong Yu and Hong Ya are gentle by nature. If they are taken away by the gambling den, they will probably not survive. We have already asked your aunt. After selling all the valuables in the house, we are still short 10,000 spirit stones.”

"With tomorrow being the deadline for enforcing the blood pact, your grandfather and I have no other choice but to beg you."

After understanding the general situation, Cui Ying neither refused nor immediately agreed, but only said that she would go to the Wang family tomorrow.

Despite having some blood ties to consider, Cui Ying felt somewhat annoyed upon hearing such distressing news.

The next morning, she arrived at the Wang family residence early. After learning from her aunt Wang Xuan, her cousin Luo Hongyu, and her cousin Luo Hongya that the matter was indeed as described and confirming that the three of them were not lying, she pondered for a moment and then led the three of them to visit the head of the Gongsun family, Gongsun Yu.

Gongsun Yu is a mid-Foundation Establishment cultivator. There are two Foundation Establishment cultivators in his family, which is a well-known Foundation Establishment family within a hundred miles. His residence is located at Wangsong Cliff behind Songlin Market.

The two cultivators guarding the door were both at the early stage of Qi Refining. They were neither arrogant nor servile. After Cui Ying handed over the visiting card, they ran inside to report, but soon came out again and said respectfully, "Greetings, senior. My family head is already waiting in the main hall. Please follow me in."

Cui Ying nodded slightly and led Wang Rong and the others into the Gongsun family's residence.

Although the Gongsun family was a Foundation Establishment family, the entire mansion was decorated very simply. She followed the cultivator around a screen wall, through an extremely spacious martial arts arena, and arrived at the Gongsun family's reception hall.

Wang Xuan and her brother Luo Hongyu waited outside the main hall. Given their cultivation level and status, it was difficult for them to meet Gongsun Yu directly. Cui Ying had to explain the situation in detail and then make an introduction.

Cui Ying stepped across the threshold and immediately saw Gongsun Yu seated at the head of the table. He was an extremely refined-looking middle-aged male cultivator; even seated, his tall stature and upright posture were evident. He wore a plain long robe, and his gaze was clear and dignified, causing Cui Ying to nod subtly and bow, expressing her utmost respect.

“Cui Ying from Fengxi Ridge has come to pay his respects to the head of the Gongsun family.”

"Friend Cui."

Gongsun Yu's expression was gentle, showing neither joy nor anger. He raised his hand and pointed to the large chair below his right hand, saying, "Please sit down."

"I have long admired the reputation of Patriarch Gongsun, but I have never had the chance to meet him. I apologize for the trouble I have caused you by visiting him today."

As the head of the family, Gongsun Yu was naturally very adept at interpersonal relationships. Upon hearing this, he smiled faintly and replied, "Fellow Daoist Cui, what are you saying? I am more than happy to have such an outstanding junior as you come to visit me, how could I feel annoyed?"

Foundation Establishment cultivators pride themselves on their strength and rarely associate with Qi Refining cultivators, thus often displaying an arrogant and aloof demeanor.

Rumors circulated that Gongsun Yu, though the head of the family, was extremely kind to his subordinates. Cui Ying felt a sense of warmth and comfort when talking with him.

"Although I am the head of the Gongsun family, I have long since handed over the family's mundane affairs to my sons and grandsons because I am devoted to cultivation. Now, Wangsong Cliff is deserted, and few people come to visit. Fellow Daoist Cui, have you come today to discuss something?"

Cui Ying smiled and said:

“The Gongsun family head’s cultivation is profound. If you were willing, the cultivators would probably line up to visit you every day. How could the Daoist sect be deserted? I am extremely honored that the Gongsun family head would take the time to meet me.”

Seeing that Gongsun Yu got straight to the point, Cui Ying also stated her purpose directly:

"I have come to your door today because I have something to discuss."

"But there's no harm in talking."

Gongsun Yu raised an eyebrow slightly, showing no surprise.

"This matter begins at the Juling Gambling House in Songlin Market. I have brought the victim's wife and children with me. Patriarch Gongsun, please listen to what they have to say."

Cui Ying suggested.

Gongsun Yu had no idea what Cui Ying was up to. After thinking for a moment, he nodded and signaled the servants outside the door to bring Wang Xuan and the other two in.

Wang Xuan walked in with her head down. This was the first time she had seen a Foundation Establishment cultivator. In addition, she had been feeling lost and helpless these past few days because of the blood pact, so she didn't dare to look up at the person at the head of the table.

Luo Hongyu and Luo Hongya behind him trembled even more, their eyes filled with fear, their lips dry and white, afraid that the next moment a thug from the Juling Gambling House would jump out and drag them into that smoky and chaotic Hehuan Tower.

Cui Ying began by introducing them: "These are my aunt Wang Xuan, my cousin Luo Hongyu, and my cousin Luo Hongya. They are all independent cultivators from Shuangling Village."

Gongsun Yu and the other two had the highest cultivation level of only the third level of Qi Refining, and the Luo siblings behind them had just reached the Qi Refining stage. They had already lost most of their interest.

Upon learning that they were relatives of Cui Ying, his expression softened slightly, and he merely nodded slightly to the three of them.

Upon seeing this, Wang Xuan and the others were filled with fear and trepidation, and hurriedly knelt down and kowtowed, saying:

"We are but humble weeds, yet we pay our respects to the head of the Gongsun family."

Gongsun Yu waved his hand and said directly:

"I've heard that your family has some connection with Juling Market. I'd like to inquire about the details so that I, as the head of the family, will have something to say."

Seeing his polite manner, Wang Xuan and the others were slightly flustered. When they looked up and saw Cui Ying nodding at them, they sorted out their thoughts and simply recounted how her husband, Luo Ming, frequented the Hehuan Tower in the neighborhood and incurred huge debts of spirit stones at the Juling Gambling House, tricking them into signing a blood pact.

Fearing that Gongsun Yu might suspect them of fabricating evidence to protect Luo Ming, Wang Xuan, in a moment of desperation, immediately made a vow to Heaven.

As soon as Wang Xuan finished speaking, a steward from the Gongsun family quietly stepped forward and reported: Indeed, a cultivator named Luo Ming owed 13,000 spirit stones at their gambling den.

Gongsun Yu paused, looked at the three people below him who were trembling like leaves, and sighed:

“In the mortal world, there is still a principle that one’s wife and children should not be harmed. Since this matter is true, then I will take the liberty of destroying your blood oath.”

Cui Ying was satisfied with the result. After all, the other party was a Foundation Establishment cultivator, and it was already quite remarkable that he would condescend to handle this matter personally.

As for what Luo Ming's fate would be if he dared to deceive such a Foundation Establishment family, Cui Ying naturally wouldn't sympathize. Even worse, if she were to encounter Luo Ming, she would kick him while he was down.

With Gongsun Yu's words, Wang Xuan was finally relieved. She hurriedly pulled her two children, who were almost scared out of their wits, to thank Gongsun Yu. Her previous gloomy expression was no longer visible.

Now that the matter was cleared up, Cui Ying should have taken her leave with Wang Xuan and the others, but just as she was about to depart, Gongsun Yu stopped her.

She then instructed Wang Xuan to take Luo Hongyu and Luo Hongya back to Shuangling Village first, while she herself stayed behind at Wangsongya and asked:

"Is there anything else, Patriarch Gongsun?"