Chapter 370: The Will (2/2)

Ling Sheng’s gaze was bitter and enraged while Madam Ling’s was as calm as usual. In front of the four Elders, they were just insignificant individuals.

Needless to say, Great Elder was the leader of the Elders Guild. Elder Ling was the leader of the Aristocratic Faction while Elder Song was the number two figure in the Aristocratic Faction. Both of them were bosom buddies. Meanwhile, Yuchi Ba was the leader of the New Citizens Faction.

All of them surrounded a gigantic pool. In the central of the pool, there was a platform on which only one person could stand. The pool’s surroundings were fully carved with complicated and fine decorative designs that flickered with light. The water within the pool was multicolored and the colors were clearly distinctive, looking like strips of brightly-colored ribbons.

”I am sorry for bringing inconvenience to everyone over such a small matter.”

Great Elder saluted and thanked all the people present. Everyone did not dare to hesitate and quickly stood up to return Great Elder’s salute.

”However, Lin-er said that gossip is a fearful thing. As a mother, she doesn’t want Xiaobao to be disturbed by the rumor in the future. Therefore, I have to bring an end to this issue. Xiaobao is my only grandson. Ever since his birth, he has led troubled life. His father died young and I’m not frequently in Silver City to take care of him. As such, I feel extremely guilty and have to brazenly invite everyone here today.

Yuchi Ba opened his mouth and spoke first. ”This rumor is mean and evil. Great Elder, don’t take it to heart. All of us have watched Xiaobao growing up since he was a baby. He looks exactly like his father, how can he not be his own child?”

Yuchi Ba had a pair of naturally scowling eyebrows, resembling King Kong with glaring eyes. At this point of time, his face was brimming with resentment and anger.

Elder Ling had a refined appearance. His eyebrows were drooping and his mustache was long. With a gentle voice, he advised, ”That’s right. When I heard this rumor, I immediately knew it was a lie. Don’t we know Lin-er’s character? Furthermore, the Ye Residence’s family values are matchless.”

Everyone agreed with what he said.

Ye Lin smiled and half rose from her chair to thank everyone.

”Everyone, I believe there are a lot of people in this world that are capable of coming up with lies,” said Great Elder.

”That’s true!”

”You’re right!”

All the Elders nodded.

With a deep and solemn tone, Great Elder continued, ”If Xiaobao is not a member of the Gu Family, then it would mean our family values have been corrupted and that we have humiliated the world; however, if it’s proven that the rumor is a lie, I will not let Xiaobao receive injustice for nothing. My only grandson has been severely sick since he was born and has led a troubled life. I hereby swear that I will use whatever methods to seek revenge for him!”

A cold shiver went down everyone’s spine. They knew that Great Elder was truly enraged this time around. Given his status, one could tell how angry he was to say such words.

Elder Ling cast a glance at Ling Sheng and the latter shook his head subtly to signal that the rumor was not his doing. Upon seeing that, Elder Ling felt slightly at ease. As long as the rumor had not been spread by members of his family, no one could blame it on the Ling Residence.

If it had been another family that had colluded with blood elementalists to attack the Fu Family and Ye Lin and her son, then that family would definitely be destroyed. With the backing of Elder Ling, however, the Ling Residence would not be affected by the so-called ”evidence.”

As long as this rumor had not been started by Ling Sheng, Elder Ling could just wait and see a good show.

If the rumor was a lie, then it would not affect them in any way. If the rumor was true, then things would get interesting. Elder Ling, who had been thinking of ways to neutralize Great Elder, realized that if the rumor was true, then it would create a good opportunity for him to do so.

To everyone, the look of bitter resentment and hatred on Madam Ling’s face was normal. Ye Lin had chopped off one of Ling Sheng’s arms. The feud between them was unsolvable.

Great Elder’s prestige was matchless. Elder Ling was no pushover as well. With the addition of the New Citizen Faction’s Yuchi Ba, the situation was extremely subtle.

When Xiaobao saw that everyone’s gaze was on him, he felt slightly afraid. He hid behind Ye Lin and said, ”Mama, Xiaobao is scared.”

”Xiaobao, don’t be scared, Mama is here.” Ye Lin stroked Xiaobao’s head gently.

Xiaobao felt slightly more at ease, but he still clutched Ye Lin’s clothes and was unwilling to let go.

When Great Elder saw this scene, he felt as if his heart was pierced by a sword, but then he hardened his heart and said, ”Let’s begin. Xiaobao, stand on the platform in the centre of the pool.”

Xiaobao continued to hide behind Madam Ye.

”Xiaobao, be good. Listen to Grandpa and stand on the platform in the centre of the pool. It will not hurt at all,” Ye Lin said with a gentle voice.

Xiaobao turned his face and asked, ”Really? It will not hurt?”

”It’s really not painful.”

The gentle smile on his mother’s face calmed Xiaobao down, following which, he sobbed. ”Xiaobao shall go then, Mama must wait for Xiaobao.”

”Mama will not go anywhere and wait here,” Ye Lin reassured Xiaobao.

”Xiaobao is the bravest! Xiaobao is scared of nothing!”

Xiaobao closed his eyes and encouraged himself loudly. Then, he opened his eyes and walked towards the platform.

When everyone saw this scene, feelings of empathy rose in their hearts. Whether it was their Gu Family or the Ye Residence, they were all top aristocratic families. They did not expect their younger generation to be reduced to this.

To an aristocratic family, nothing was more important than its heir and inheritance.

How could a mentally challenged individual carry such an enormous family on his delicate shoulders?

Some people could not help but harbor evil thoughts. Even though Great Elder was powerful and influential, he still did not have a qualified successor to carry on his undertakings at this old age. This was Great Elder’s deadliest weakness.

Great Elder looked deeply at Xiaobao. He opened his mouth to say something, but nothing came out.

Following which, he cut his finger and let his blood drip into the pool.