Chapter Nineteenth: The Law of Response

  Qin family council chamber.

  Qin Feng's face was stern as he sat in the main seat, his hands grasping the armrests, looking at Qin Hao with great majesty.

  The elder of the family sat on Qin Feng's right side, stroking his white beard, with a thoughtful expression.

  The two elderly family members sat on Qin Feng's left side, their thin faces wrinkled together, and their faces were also a serious expression.

  Inside the council hall, many family juniors gathered around, showing great concern for this matter. Even Qin Yuxian, who was usually calm and composed, and didn't care about most things, was standing outside the door, appearing calm but actually perking up her ears...

  Qin Hao, standing opposite the three men, saw such an array and almost broke out in a cold sweat.

  Qin Hao knew his problem was very serious, extremely serious.

  It was only a few days ago that he seemed to be still troubled by his kung fu, stuck at the eighth level of Xuanxuan. But somehow he broke through and became a tenth-level Xuanxuan master. What's more, several elders were still trying their best to find a solution for him, but suddenly his problem was solved without them even knowing about it, leaving many of them still deep in thought.

  The crime is quite serious.

  Looking at Qin Feng's serious face, a ridiculous idea still emerged in Qin Hao's mind. If he couldn't come up with a reason today, his father and the two elderly men who had been working hard for many days would immediately deal with him on the spot, and it would be over.

  As for this matter, Qin Hao really didn't know what to say.

  What was wrong with the "Yin Flame Technique" created by his grandfather? Why could practicing another technique make up for the deficiency?

  He doesn't know anything about it. He knows how to solve it, but he doesn't know how this method works.

  So he couldn't say it out loud either. Should he tell them that he was reborn, and that he had succeeded in this way by coincidence in the past, so trying again now wouldn't be difficult?

  He said that, Qin Feng would have what kind of reaction Qin Hao was not very clear, those two usually looked gentle, but sometimes had a temper like a volcano, the two elders would definitely not say a word and directly draw their swords.

  If it weren't for Lin Bi's matter, Qin Hao intended to gradually reveal some of his strength and slowly tell Qin Feng that the problem with his kung fu seemed to have been solved unknowingly. Hearing this wouldn't be too surprising either.

  It's just that now he has revealed too much and attracted attention. After thinking about it, Qin Hao can only go down the dark road to the end.

  Collecting his thoughts and mentally preparing himself, Qin Hao lifted his head and looked straight at Qin Feng on the main seat.

  Qin Feng picked up a cup of fragrant tea, took a light sip, and then gently put the teacup down, facing Qin Hao: "Hao'er, how did you break through the Eighth Layer of the Condensed Mysteries?"

  "It's a matter of skill and technique." Qin Hao replied with a serious expression on his face.

  Qin Feng's eyes flickered at the corners, and he rubbed his brow before asking, "Then how did you reach the tenth level of Condensing Mysteries so quickly?"

  "It's a matter of technique." Qin Hao still had a serious expression and replied solemnly.

  Qin Feng's eyes twitched again, and he fell silent for a moment, looking helpless at Qin Hao's response.

  The elder beside him stroked his white beard, and asked with great interest: "So how did you master your martial skills so skillfully? I heard from Qin Shan that when you fought against Lin Bi in the past, the mid-level martial skill 'Shattered Gold Three-Link Breaking' that you used was quite powerful."

  "A matter of technique." Qin Hao still had a straight face, his tone and expression unchanged.

  Qin Feng's eyes twitched again as he listened in on the side, jumping with unusual excitement...

  "What's wrong with the kung fu? What's wrong with the kung fu? Then I'll ask you, what's wrong with the Flame Control Technique you're practicing? And don't use those four words to brush me off again. At least come up with a different reason." Qin Feng's tone was somewhat severe, clearly also dissatisfied with Qin Hao's evasive approach.

  "I don't know." Qin Hao said with a very thick face. This sentence of Qin Hao was actually the truth, he really didn't know where the problem lay, but saying it at this time was somewhat reckless.

  It was very natural for the scene to become extremely strange at this time.

  Qin Feng's eyes were wide open like a cow's, staring fixedly at Qin Hao.

  Just a moment ago, the dignified and composed elder with a gentle smile and stroking his white beard, upon hearing Qin Hao's words, trembled and plucked out a few strands of his white whiskers, wincing in pain, and his stately image was completely destroyed.

  The originally wrinkled face of the Second Elder now had its wrinkles tangled into a ball, deeply embodying the meaning of "furrowed brows and a bitter expression".

  As for the crowd surrounding them outside, they all had red faces and their eyes seemed to be bulging out.

  Even Qin Yuxian was biting her crystal-like lips, with a hint of smile in her beautiful eyes.

  Bang.

  Qin Feng slammed his hand on the table and stood up, pointing at Qin Hao: "Qin Hao you..." He couldn't finish what he was going to say.

  The reason is simple, many people have found that Qin Hao, who used to be a dead pig not afraid of boiling water, with a mouthful of scolding and a face full of arrogance, has put on a warm, gentle, humble and polite smile.

  There was no transition at all in this process, it changed as soon as it said it would change, even faster than Qin Feng's speed of slapping the table.

  Qin Feng sat down weakly and had no way to deal with this bastard Qin Hao.

  Qin Hao saw that it was good to stop, and said in a flattering tone: "Father, I really don't know the specifics. You also know that the method was created by our ancestor, and it's extremely mysterious. Even you and several elders can't figure it out, let alone me."

  Qin Hao finished speaking, and quietly raised his eyes to take a glance. He found that Qin Feng's complexion looked better, the Great Elder was no longer showing his teeth, and the Second Elder's chrysanthemum-like face relaxed slightly.

  His heart was not at peace, and he even remembered his grandfather who had disappeared for many years to boast about him, and his skills were pretty good too.

  "I'm not quite sure how the problem with my kung fu was resolved. Yesterday, while I was practicing, I suddenly fainted and when I came to, I found that some of the kung fu moves that were previously difficult for me to control had become smooth and effortless, and my spiritual state had also suddenly broken through the tenth level of Xuan Yuan."

  "This matter should have been reported to Father and the elders first, you all worked hard for me, I understand. It's just that I didn't expect to suddenly hear about conflicts between family members and Lin, so I was in a hurry and forgot. It's really not intentional."

  After finishing speaking in one breath, Qin Hao felt a sense of relief in his heart. He had pushed all the questions onto an obscure qigong issue that no one understood, and at the same time flattered several elderly people, so he should be able to pass this test now.

  Qin Feng's face returned to normal. He sank into thought for a moment, having some questions he wanted to ask Qin Hao, but not knowing where to start. It was normal that Qin Hao wasn't clear about the method of work; and as for other things, Qin Hao had also given him a general idea.

  After a moment of contemplation, Qin Feng waved his hand and said to Qin Hao: "Let's not talk about this matter for now. You performed well in the square today, but don't relax your vigilance, never be as decadent as before."

  "Yes." Qin Hao's face was stern, his smile reined in as he replied with a serious tone.

  Qin Feng saw Qin Hao's reaction and a hint of comfort flashed in his eyes, and he said calmly: "Then go practice."

  Qin Hao nodded and backed out.

  Qin Hao's eyes did not glance sideways, as if he had not noticed the inquiring gazes of the two elders behind him. He slowly stepped out of the doorway and walked out of the council chamber.

  The two guards standing on either side of the gate quickly closed it, isolating the inside from the outside.

  Those two somewhat oppressive gazes were blocked, and Qin Hao also couldn't help but let out a long sigh, his face bearing a bitter smile as he wiped away the thin layer of sweat on his forehead.

  Just now he was very calm, but in fact to deal with his father and the two old men, and not to reveal his horse's feet in front of the three guys' poisonous eyes, is actually difficult. Those two elders are not as innocent as they look on the surface, but completely heartless and thick elderly people.

  Anyway, this matter is considered to be over, and from today on, Qin Hao will no longer have to worry about this problem.

  As he pondered, Qin Hao felt as if someone was nudging his shoulder, and when he looked up, he couldn't help but feel a little helpless.

  Qin Shan stood in front of him with a smiling face. Qin Yuxian was also standing on one side, but she didn't know when he got there.

  As for other cousins, they directly surrounded him. Those who were in the innermost circle were basically the same group of people from the square earlier.

  "Qin Hao, you're quite something, able to make the Second Elder look like that earlier. You didn't see him gritting his teeth and grinning from ear to ear." Qin Shan said with a mischievous smile, but soon his expression turned serious again, and he asked urgently: "Qin Hao, was what you said earlier true? Has your cultivation problem really been resolved?"

  Qin Hao bitterly smiled and said, "I'm not too clear either. It seems like I just broke through after waking up from a dream, but I don't know the specifics. Do you think I dare to randomly make excuses in front of my dad and those two elders?"

  Qin Shan smiled incredulously: "Whether it's true or not, I don't know, but just now you kept repeating the phrase 'technical issue' and also said 'I don't know', which really sounds like an excuse."

  Many people around them couldn't help but smile, and the two elderly men and Qin Feng's earlier embarrassed expressions had left a rather deep impression on them.

  Even Qin Yu Xian's delicate face seemed to reveal a hint of a smile.

  Put away your smile. Qin Shan said with a bit more seriousness: "However it is, you broke through the shackles and actually broke through the tenth level of Lingxuan so quickly, it's really a good thing. Perhaps soon you'll be able to enter the realm of Spiritual Mysteriousness."

  When he said this, Qin Shan felt a little jealous in his heart. After all, he was not so calm, and Qin Hao's performance today was much stronger than his. Moreover, at such a young age, he was already one level higher than him in terms of realm, how could he not be concerned?

  Apart from getting rid of that little uncomfortable feeling, most of it is genuine happiness, after all, this is a good thing for the family.

  Qin Hao didn't respond to Qin Shan's words, he just smiled and didn't take it seriously.

  Jingxuan ten layers and Lingxuan one layer, although the difference is not big when heard, only those who have experienced it can personally feel the difference.

  A warrior in the realm of Xuanxuan can only use some simple martial skills, and the way of using Xuanqi is also simply covering the surface of the body, cannot leave the body for a moment, a thin layer of Xuanqi to enhance power. Moreover, this is limited to certain parts of the body.

  Even if it is a profound and mysterious art, it can only perfectly gather the vital energy to the palms of the hands or soles of the feet.

  But Ling Xuan is a whole new world. The mysterious energy emanates outward, harming others with its mere presence, and just thinking about it reveals the vast difference between him and Jing Xuan.

  Qin Hao didn't respond, and Qin Shan didn't think much of it either. He continued, "Today was really thanks to you, otherwise we would have lost face completely in that square, and Lin Bi would have gotten away with being arrogant."

  The people around were filled with gratitude. Today, Qin Hao helped them resolve the humiliating scene, and many people in their hearts were full of thanks.

  "Alas." Qin Shan let out a long sigh, then said: "It seems we should also intensify our training. Otherwise, next month's competition will be difficult to face. I'll go practice first."

  Qin Shan suddenly leaned forward, whispering in Qin Hao's ear: "Qin Hao, actually your uncle is very satisfied with your performance today. Wait and let Yu Xian take you to see, then you'll know."

  Qin Shan finished speaking, patted Qin Hao's shoulder, and walked straight towards the martial arts arena.

  Then, a dozen or so people surrounding him walked up and expressed their gratitude one after another. The way they expressed their gratitude made Qin Hao feel uncomfortable.

  A sturdy-looking young man with a strong masculine aura, except for a black mark at the corner of his mouth, walked up and gave Qin Hao's shoulder a heavy slap. He laughed heartily and said: "Kid, I used to think you were only good at causing trouble at home, but today you taught Lin Bi a lesson with great vigor! Well done. Thanks a lot just now."

  As soon as he finished speaking, he turned around and left, handling things in a straightforward and decisive manner.

  Qin Hao revealed a helpless smile. This person was his distant relative, only five or six years older than Qin Hao, and Qin Hao didn't dare to say much about his behavior.

  "That's really something, you didn't bring shame to the Qin family." Another youth with some bruises on his face walked up and sincerely said to Qin Hao, while also not forgetting to heavily pat Qin Hao's shoulder.

  "At fifteen years old, Qingxuan was already at the tenth level of Qi condensation, which was quite rare."

  "You've done a great job, even Lin Zhanbei, that old dog, dares to confront you."

  ……

  One by one, they came up and took turns expressing their gratitude, while also taking the opportunity to pat Qin Hao's poor shoulder.

  Later on, Qin Hao couldn't remember what he said or did.

  In his impression, he just kept smiling all the time. When others made jokes, he nodded; when others patted him on the shoulder, he endured it honestly.

  When more than a dozen people finished expressing their gratitude and dispersed, Qin Hao had already become numb. The only things he could feel were his face, which was stiff from maintaining a smile; his neck, which was sore; and his shoulders, which were bruised.

  He rubbed his aching shoulders, and suddenly a sour numbness spread from above. Qin Hao was extremely helpless: Is this group of people's way of expressing gratitude to knock him silly? Moreover, many of them were older than him, so he really couldn't say anything.

  As he turned his eyes, Qin Hao suddenly discovered that there was still a person standing beside him, who had not left. He turned his head to take a look and found it was surprisingly Qin Yuxian.

  Qin Hao suddenly remembered Qin Shan's words and walked up to him, smiling at Qin Yuxian: "Yuxian, what did Brother Qin Shandao want you to take me to see?"

  "Qin Shantang's brother wants me to tell you that earlier, Father seemed unhappy because you broke through the tenth level without telling them, but in fact, he doesn't think so." Qin Yuxian said calmly.

  "It doesn't matter if Dad is dissatisfied, after all, he has also spent a lot of heart on my problem, thinking that I am hiding from him and feeling unhappy in his heart, I can understand." Qin Hao said with a bitter smile.

  "Qin Shandang knew you'd think this way, follow me and you'll understand."

  Qin Yuxian finished speaking and led the way forward.

  Qin Hao hurriedly followed up and asked: "Where is this going?"

  Qin Yuxian didn't respond and just quickened her pace.

  Qin Hao had no choice but to quickly follow up, and after winding around seven or eight times, he ended up circling behind the conference hall.

  "What's the point of coming here?" Qin Hao asked with some confusion.

  Qin Yuxian didn't respond, but stretched out her jade-like slender hand and gently tapped on one side of the wall in the conference hall. Then she lightly scraped a stone brick with a slightly different color from the surrounding ones, revealing a small hole.

  Through this peephole, he could vaguely see two elders and his father in the council chamber.

  Qin Yuxian said nonchalantly, "The conference hall was originally soundproofed from the outside, but since this wall has a small hole in it, you can hear everything if you put your ear up against it."

  Qin Hao pointed at Qin Yuxian and said incredulously, "You actually did something like eavesdropping? Aren't you afraid Father will get angry?"

  Qin Yuxian rolled her eyes and asked bluntly, "So are you going to listen or not? If you don't listen, I'll seal up this cave and find a chance to have it closed later."

  "Listen." Qin Hao nodded more decisively and stepped forward, pressing his ear against the small hole.

  As soon as he stuck it on, he heard a loud and clear voice laughing loudly, which was clearly the voice of his father Qin Feng.

  "Haha, this kid really didn't disappoint me. He beat that Lin family kid like a dead dog, and when Lin Zhanbei showed up, I thought I'd have to take action immediately. But unexpectedly, he wasn't afraid at all, and even dared to confront him."

  "Hearing you say that, Qin Hao has indeed changed, which is a good thing. Qin Hao breaking through two realms so quickly is probably because the cultivation method had been suppressing the Xuan Qi in his body for years. Now that the obstruction is removed, it's not surprising that he made rapid progress. I wonder if that cultivation method has been completely resolved?"

  Qin Hao immediately judged that this was the voice of the Great Elder.

  "It should be no problem, right? Otherwise, it would not have been possible to show such strength." The Second Elder continued: "I'm telling you, Qin Feng, since your heart is happy, why did you look so serious just now? This old man really thought you had some anger in your heart!"

  "Haha, isn't this to prevent that little rascal from becoming too arrogant?"

  ……

  Qin Hao blocked the small round hole with a small stone and didn't listen anymore.

  He leaned against the wall, his heart surging with emotion.

  His father's words made him feel a shiver from the bottom of his heart, as if a surge of blood was rushing up to his brain.

  He can finally make up for his regrets. His father will no longer be disappointed in him for being a coward, and he can finally do something for the Qin family, and...

  Qin Hao turned his head and stared at Qin Yuxian with piercing eyes.

  "Don't you have anything to say to me?" Qin Hao said with a pleasant tone.

  "Thanks just now," Qin Yuxian said somewhat flusteredly.

  "You're still as stubborn as ever." Qin Hao smiled and shook his head, "Just now on the martial arts stage, you were determined not to retreat. This temper of yours needs to be changed."

  Qin Yuxian wanted to refute, but Qin Hao directly waved his hand and continued: "Also, I want to hear not 'thank you', but why have you been so cold to me in these few years? From the little sticky thing that used to call me 'brother' to ignoring me for several years?"

  When he said this, Qin Hao's eyes were fixed on Qin Yuxian's face, not missing a single change on her face.

  Qin Yuxian didn't speak up, and Qin Hao also remained silent, the atmosphere was somewhat stiff for a moment.

  After a long while, Qin Yuxian calmly said: "You yourself are clear about how you performed those few years. Being so decadent and degenerate, I looking down on you and ignoring you is normal."

  "Tell the truth." Qin Hao lightly brushed off some dust from his robe and asked with a smile.

  "That's the truth, believe it or not." Qin Yuxian said angrily.

  Qin Hao didn't respond either, just staring at her big eyes.

  Made somewhat uncomfortable by Qin Hao's gaze, Qin Yuxian bit her red lips tightly and stomped her foot, turning around swiftly and walking away.

  "Yu Xian, I said it on the martial arts stage just now, let me come next time, not joking." Qin Hao shouted with a smile against Qin Yu Xian's backdrop.

  Qin Yuxian's originally calm figure stiffened for a moment, then returned to normal, gradually disappearing into the distance.

  "It doesn't matter if you don't say it now, I'll find out sooner or later." Qin Hao said to himself in a low voice.