Chapter 194: Returning Home
Presently, most of the old people seated in this house were highly respected scholars in the Xie Family. Despite the intense debate, no one would lose their temper and start cursing.
The elderly man sitting in the main seat remained silent for a long time. He listened to these clansmen who were of similar age talk for a long time before picking up the cane next to him and lightly tapped the ground. The sound was not loud, but everyone else immediately quieted down. The small room became rather silent.
When it was completely quiet, the old man slowly said, "That girl grew up in White Deer for more than ten years. Who among us hasn't taught her? Do you all really not understand what kind of personality she has?"
Hearing this, the other elderly folks fell into silence. Back then, Xie Nandu had revealed an extraordinary mind from an early age, making White Deer's Xie Clan view her as the leader of this generation of descendants. As a result, they had spared no effort in nurturing her. Before she left White Deer's Xie Clan and headed north, it was likely that every scholar in this mansion had taught her something.
Originally, if it was the average person, with this relationship there, even if there were disputes, they would not fall out too badly. However, Xie Nandu was not an ordinary person. Her decision to return to White Deer's Xie Clan at this time was enough to imply a lot.
"That's right, as long as it's something that she doesn't want to do, even if you threaten her with her mother's life, it will probably be useless. Moreover, her mother has already passed away many years ago."
Xie Nandu's background was not considered great. Other than being born in the White Deer's Xie Clan, both of her parents had passed away when she was young. She would naturally also have some unpleasant memories during her early years. Fortunately, she had exhibited her uniqueness from an early age, making her youth less tragic.
Someone frowned and said, "This isn't something we should do in the first place. Even if her mother were still alive, how could we use her mother to threaten her? Xie Zhongting, has all your years of studying gone down the drain?!"
Initially, the discussion was still very peaceful. But when someone proposed using Xie Nandu's mother to threaten Xie Nandu, two diametrically opposed voices emerged here. Soon, they divided into two sides and heated arguments broke out.
The old man in the main seat furrowed his brows, showing a hint of anger as he said, "Such a thing is naturally unacceptable. White Deer's Xie Clan cannot afford to lose this kind of face, don't even mention this!"
With the old man speaking, the scene quieted for a moment. But soon, that old man called Xie Zhongting suddenly spoke up, "Doesn't the Family Head know about this matter now? Why did the Family Head choose to enter closed seclusion at this time?"
"Perhaps it's just a coincidence."
"A coincidence? How can there be so many coincidences? I think the Family Head doesn't want to come out and speak! Otherwise, how could these things happen?!"
"Are you suggesting that the Family Head is afraid of that girlie?!"
Seeing that another argument was about to break out, the expression of the old man sitting in the main seat became rather ugly. However, before he could speak, someone quickly rushed into the room. It was a middle-aged man who looked like a steward. He came into the house, walked right before the old man and whispered, "Third Old Master, Miss has already arrived at the gate."
Hearing this, the room fell into a deathly silence once again.
The old man was silent for a long time before saying softly, "Let her come."
……
……
A small wooden boat sailed downstream from the Lu River. When it entered the capital city, no one dared to stop it. Xie Nandu had never informed the Xie Family that she would be returning, but since she had the idea, how could White Deer's Xie Clan not be aware? Since they knew, how could they not be prepared? In White Deer Prefecture, no one could provoke the Xie Family. Therefore, entering the capital city was not a problem at all.
Hence, Xie Nandu was standing at the entrance of the Xie Clan now.
Looking at that plaque that was ordinary to the extreme, Xie Nandu inexplicably felt a little unfamiliar.
That was personally inscribed by the forefather of White Deer's Xie Clan back then. At that time, he was already a great scholar of his era and naturally lacked nothing in wealth. However, when making the plaque, he still used the most common wood. The meaning behind it was actually very clear. But while the elders could understand, could the juniors that came later understand?
Even if one or two generations of descendants could, could the generations that followed in the distant future?
That was why White Deer's Xie Clan today felt a bit unfamiliar. It was virtually something destined.
When she left the White Deer's Xie Clan, Xie Nandu felt that this place was quite nice; full of a scholarly atmosphere. Regardless of whether was it the elders or her peers, they were all very warm and friendly. But after leaving, she came to know many things and felt a sense of coldness.
That feeling was exactly the same as what she had experienced in the Divine Capital's Xie Family.
Hence, she began to feel some disgust towards this place.
If it were last year, she might have felt that it would be best never to see them again. But after she thought about it carefully, she felt that this approach would not be good. So on the journey south this time, she decided to visit them on the way.
Stepping off the small boat, Wei Xu followed her as they headed towards a side entrance.
Wei Xu was a Nepenthe Realm cultivator, with a high level of cultivation. Many places would treat him with courtesy or even with great respect. However, at the White Deer's Xie Clan, he still could not make them open the main entrance.
The reason behind it was clear to Wei Xu. Although others might feel angry in this situation, it was not a big deal for Wei Xu. He just wanted to go in and take a look at White Deer's Xie Clan. Being able to take a look would be enough.
But soon, he realized that it turns out that he was really just taking a look.
"I've long heard of Mr. Wei's renowned name and know that Mr. Wei is an esteemed disciple of the Dean, your knowledge must be profound. Coincidentally, our Xie Family also has some attainments in scholarly ways. Since I'm fortuitous enough to meet Mr. Wei, I wonder if I can have a chat with Mr. Wei?"
A middle-aged steward appeared at the gate, smiling at Wei Xu with a very sincere expression.
Wei Xu turned his head and glanced at Xie Nandu.
Seeing Xie Nandu's lack of response, Wei Xu said softly, "Since I'm invited, please lead the way."
Wei Xu walked towards the distance and quickly disappeared from sight.
As Xie Nandu watched this senior brother leave, she was silent for a long time. When she entered the Xie Family's gate, she knew that these people here would definitely do something, but she did not expect their reaction to be so fast and also this direct.
By bringing away Wei Xu, this Nepenthe cultivator, they removed the most important piece that Xie Nandu might use to launch an attack against the Xie Family.
Without a powerful cultivator by her side to protect her, even if Xie Nandu wanted to do something, what could she do?
Xie Nandu remained silent and just looked at the maidservant at one side.
The maidservant had an ordinary appearance and she could not be described as beautiful, but Xie Nandu was very familiar with her.
Because during the years when she had not left the Xie Family, the maidservant in front of her was her playmate. The two grew up together and their relationship was good.
"Younger sister, you're back!"
A young man walked over from a distance, greeting Xie Nandu warmly when he saw her.
This young man was called Xie Qing. In this generation, he was on the best terms with her.
One was the maidservant she was closest to, while the other was the elder brother she was closest with. Both of them appeared here at the same time, what more needed to be said?
Xie Nandu looked at the two of them and said straightforwardly, "If there's still some friendship left, please don't open your mouths."
She had always been direct with her words, so it was not surprising for her to speak so bluntly now.
When Xie Qing heard this, his expression turned somewhat unsightly. It was naturally not his intention to show up here at this moment, but how could he have expected that after this little sister went to the Divine Capital, when she returned again, she still did not change. In fact, she seemed a little more resolute than before.
The maidservant naturally dared not speak again and stepped aside. Xie Qing hesitated for a moment but still opened his mouth to ask, "Actually... I just want to know, what did Sister come back for this time? Sword Qi Mountain seems to be... rather far from home."
After Xie Nandu left Sword Qi Mountain, returning to the Divine Capital versus coming to White Deer's Xie Clan, there was actually a considerable distance between the two journeys.
Xie Nandu looked at Xie Qing and asked very seriously, "You don't know why?"
Xie Qing felt a little helpless when he heard this question.
This little sister in front of him really showed no mercy.