Chapter 164: One hundred and sixty-four, one move Chapter 164: One hundred and sixty-four, one move Song Yan Ning shook her head and smiled at Mr. Song, “I have already decided.”
“But the Ancient Martial Sect is far more terrifying than you imagine,” Mr. Song pleaded. “The people they’ve sent this time might not be their strongest. When you face a true powerhouse, you’ll understand their terror. Grandfather doesn’t want you to regret it.” Xiao Ning was a member of the Song Family, the future Family Head he had in mind, and he truly did not want her to regret a decision made in haste.
“I won’t regret it,” Song Yan Ning assured, knowing Mr. Song meant well, but she also believed in her own decision.
“Xiao Ning, can’t you be less obstinate, please? If you won’t think of yourself, at least consider your grandparents,” Mr. Song tried, knowing that Yang Lisheng and Li Meixiang were her weaknesses, and she certainly would not want any harm to come their way. He actually envied Yang Lisheng and Li Meixiang. If only Xiao Ning could treat him the same.
Yang Lisheng, Li Meixiang, and Qin Yushen all looked at Song Yan Ning. But they knew that no matter what Mr. Song said, it would be in vain; Xiao Ning was just too stubborn—once she made up her mind, not even ten oxen could pull her back.
“I’m going back alone this time,” Song Yan Ning stated. Of course, she wouldn’t allow any harm to befall her grandparents; if anyone dared hurt them, she would seek revenge at any cost.
“You’re going back alone?” Mr. Song was surprised and turned to Yang Lisheng and Li Meixiang, “Are you okay with her going back by herself?” No matter how capable Xiao Ning was, she was still just a child.
“We’re worried too, we just spent a long time trying to persuade her,” Yang Lisheng said, shaking his head helplessly. Xiao Ning inherited nothing from Xinxin except this stubborn temperament.
“It’s not entirely alone, Xiang will accompany Xiao Ning back,” Li Meixiang pointed to Xiang not far away. If it weren’t for having witnessed Xiang’s prowess, she certainly wouldn’t be at ease with Xiao Ning returning to Yang City alone.
Mr. Song looked over at Xiang, sizing her up, “Is she an Ancient Martial Cultivator?” He couldn’t see anything particularly special about the young girl.
“Mhm,” Song Yan Ning nodded slightly. Ordinary Ancient Martial Cultivators were no match for Xiang, but she preferred not to elaborate.
Mr. Song turned his gaze back to Xiang, observing her for a long while, then raised his hand with a pat.
Two figures flashed into existence, two men in camouflage uniforms appeared behind Mr. Song.
“Xiao Ning, Grandfather wants to test her strength. If she can defeat my two men, then I won’t urge you to stay in Beijing any longer. But if she loses, you’ll listen to Grandfather this once, okay?” Mr. Song looked toward Song Yan Ning, a confident smile playing at the depths of his eyes. He had great confidence in these two subordinates; although they were not Ancient Martial Cultivators, their strength was by no means inferior.
“Alright,” Song Yan Ning agreed readily. She, too, wanted her grandparents to witness Xiang’s strength. The last time Xiang had only shown a fraction of her capabilities, not enough for her grandparents to truly grasp Xiang’s might.
Mr. Song laughed heartily and instructed the two men behind him, “Go and have a little spar with Miss Xiang, just to the point of contact.” He believed that in no more than three moves, Xiang would be defeated by his men. With that, Xiao Ning’s stay in Beijing was guaranteed.
“Yes!” The two subordinates respectfully responded and walked into the open space to wait for Xiang. They felt that taking on a young girl would be an easy task for just one of them, but they had to follow Mr. Song’s orders.
Song Yan Ning’s lips curved, and she turned her head to Xiang, “Xiang, try not to hurt them.”
“Yes!” Xiang nodded and walked toward the two men.
Mr. Song’s subordinates nearly laughed hearing the exchange between Song Yan Ning and Xiang. They were among the top experts in Beijing, and the idea that they couldn’t handle a girl was ludicrous. They felt underestimated, but soon enough, they’d show their true level.
Xiang approached the two men and without a word, launched her attack. Her speed was so fast that they had no time to react.
By the time the men realized what was happening, they were grasping their own necks, unable to move, let alone fight back.
The two turned their shocked gaze to the expressionless Xiang, their eyes filled with awe. She was too strong; they had been defeated without executing a single move, and now their lives were in her hands. They may have underestimated her, but she was truly the strongest opponent they had ever faced.
Mr. Song watched, his eyes brimming with disbelief. He knew his men’s capabilities; they might not claim to be invincible, but they were certainly on par with ordinary Ancient Martial Cultivators. Yet they had been defeated by a young girl, and so swiftly that he hadn’t even realized what happened before they were overpowered. How strong was Xiang, and where had Xiao Ning found such an expert?
“We lost!” the two men admitted defeat, their gaze still on Xiang. Today marked their darkest day; they had never felt such despondence.
Yang Lisheng and Li Meixiang exchanged glances, finding it hard to believe that Mr. Song’s men were so easily defeated.
“You may leave,” Mr. Song waved dismissively at his subordinates.
“Yes!” The two men responded and quickly departed, the day’s events leaving a deeply humiliating mark.
Mr. Song looked to Song Yan Ning with a complex expression, “Xiao Ning, Grandfather won’t persuade you anymore. If you encounter any troubles in Yang City, you can call me anytime.” He knew the people he had sent were already noticed by Xiao Ning, who simply chose to ignore them. With Xiang guarding her, he could rest assured. He only hoped that Xiao Ning would change her mind and return to Beijing, to the Song Family, sooner rather than later.
“Mhm,” Song Yan Ning nodded.
“I should go now. Xiao Ning, the doors of the Song Family will always be open for you. I hope you’ll return soon,” Mr. Song said to Song Yan Ning, nodded to Yang Lisheng and the others, and walked towards the door. Today’s encounter had given him a better understanding of Song Yan Ning’s temperament—she was not someone he could control. Only she herself could decide her path; otherwise, nobody could influence her. He regretted sending such a good child away. It was too late for regrets now.
He had met Xiao Ning several times, but not once had she called him Grandfather, clearly showing that she didn’t consider herself a part of the Song Family, never truly accepting him as her grandfather.