High Martial Arts: Invincible Starts from Basic Archery Chapter 782 - 612: Who exactly are you!

Liu Zheng and his son shared a quiet look after hearing Xu Hu’s statement, neither of them speaking a word.

Had they realized that representatives from the Elder Council were already en route, they surely would have found some way to stall for time.

The problem was, they were completely in the dark!

Furthermore, delaying might have been an impossible task even if they had tried. The opposing party had already seized control of them, extracting every bit of information they possessed.

"Elder Xu."

After a moment of silence, Liu Zheng spoke up. "This tragedy occurred while our family ancestor was acting on behalf of the Elder Council. The culprit who took his life also brazenly plundered our Liu family’s secret realm treasures in broad daylight..."

He trailed off, knowing that speaking too bluntly might come across as overly aggressive. With the Liu family’s foundation so severely crippled, he could not afford to provoke the Elder Council's ire.

"Rest easy," Xu Hu replied with total conviction. "We will definitely provide the Liu family with a proper resolution. That Chen brat's days are numbered! Regarding the items stolen from your household, they will be returned to you the moment he is apprehended."

In his mind, the Liu and Song families were entirely different cases.

If it were the Song family seeking help, he would have felt like striking them down just out of annoyance. However, the Liu family had truly met with disaster because they followed the Council's directives. The Elder Council was obligated to take responsibility.

"My deepest thanks, Elder Xu!" Liu Zheng replied with haste.

"Elder Xu," Liu Zhenyang suddenly interrupted, "Whatever the outcome, I beg the elders to assist us in reclaiming the secret realm treasures stolen from us. As for the Divine Demon-level martial arts among those spoils, we ask that you please accept them as a gift."

"?"

Liu Zheng’s eyes went wide as he stared at his father, utterly baffled. Abandoning the Divine Demon-level martial arts? What kind of madness was this? That was a Divine Demon-level martial art!

Even if no one in the family could currently master it, that didn't mean the Liu family wouldn't eventually produce a prodigy capable of doing so.

Across the line, Xu Hu and his associates were also caught off guard. However, as seasoned veterans, they quickly deduced his true motives.

It was a simple matter of survival; since their family no longer possessed a Celestial Realm Martial Artist, such a Divine Demon-level martial art would only invite disaster from greedy predators. Offering it up in exchange for the Council's protection was a calculated move. As for the secret realm treasures, the family clearly wasn't willing to part with those.

"Xu Zhenyang, what do you take us for?" Elder Qin interjected. "We are deeply saddened by the loss of your ancestor. Consequently, whether it is the stolen Divine Demon-level martial arts or the secret realm treasures, everything will be returned to your family in its original state."

"Indeed, your family’s Divine Demon-level martial arts is surely a volume of the Longevity Technique, isn't it? We have seen it before. There is no need for such gestures."

"Yes, of course," Liu Zhenyang quickly agreed.

"Very well, it is settled. It is possible that someone will arrive at the Liu family residence soon. If they do, see that they are treated with hospitality. If not, simply wait; it won't be more than a few days."

"Thank you, elders. We are truly grateful!" Liu Zhenyang and his son expressed their thanks simultaneously.

Once the connection was severed, both men let out a long breath of relief.

"Father, it appears these elders aren't as difficult to deal with as I feared," Liu Zheng remarked.

"Sigh, I truly hope that is the case."

Liu Zhenyang did not share his son's optimism. He knew all too well that human nature often falters when faced with great temptation. Currently, while the items were not yet in their possession, the elders would naturally promise anything. However, once the treasures were in their hands, whether they would actually return them was a different story—much like a debtor who promises to pay back a loan in days, yet remains silent even after six months have passed.

The smile on Liu Zheng’s face vanished instantly.

"Regardless, let us head back for now."

Liu Zhenyang patted his son's shoulder. "The elders mentioned that reinforcements are on the way. Even though they are arriving late, we must serve as excellent hosts. Since they were sent specifically to handle that man, they are undoubtedly top-tier experts. Building a good rapport with them is vital."

"You are right, Father," Liu Zheng nodded in agreement.

The pair quickly made their way back to the main hall. The members of the Liu family, who had been in a state of chaotic leaderless panic, fell silent immediately, their eyes filled with unspoken questions.

"The treasures have been taken," Liu Zhenyang sighed.

He couldn't hide the truth, as it was already a known fact. Furthermore, allowing the news to spread might actually discourage others who were currently plotting against the Liu family.

Grief and bitterness washed over the crowd.

"That man is truly a monster!"

"Exactly! Killing our ancestor wasn't enough; he had to rob us as well. It’s absolutely revolting!"

"But we are too weak... we are no match for him."

"This is the Elder Council's fault! If they hadn't given the orders, our ancestor would never have met such a tragic end."

"That's right! The Elder Council owes us a full explanation!" The crowd began to vent their frustrations loudly.

"Silence!"

Liu Zhenyang’s voice boomed as he glared at the disgruntled crowd. "The Elder Council just contacted us. They have already sent experts to hunt down that Chen kid. This matter will be resolved shortly. I do not wish to hear any more of these complaints. Is that understood?"

"Understood," the crowd replied in unison.

They realized now that the Elder Council had already reached out. They had assumed the Council was ignoring them. Still, in their eyes, this was the absolute minimum the Council should be doing.