"A waste is a waste. I am firmly against giving this Chu Feng any special cultivation resources."
The person who spoke these words was none other than Chu Haoyan's grandfather.
And apart from Chu Haoyan's grandfather, there were two other Supreme Elder-level figures present within this hall.
One of them was Chu Hanpeng.
The other had a kindly face, and between his brows there was a faint resemblance to Chu Zhiyuan—Chu Ruoshi's childhood sweetheart.
This man was, in fact, the Supreme Elder who was Chu Zhiyuan's grandfather.
Right now, the seat of honor in this main hall sat there unoccupied, for it was a seat that only the Clan Chief of the Chu Heavenly Clan could take.
So all three of them—Chu Hanpeng and the other two—were seated below the main chair.
Chu Hanpeng was sipping his tea, seemingly paying no heed to what Chu Haoyan's grandfather had said, his expression utterly calm.
It was Chu Zhiyuan's grandfather who immediately rose to rebut, saying: "Chu Feng was labeled a waste back then because he was unable to cultivate martial arts. But now he has demonstrated his talent for cultivation. Regardless of what his father may have done, he is still a member of our Chu Heavenly Clan. If we don't nurture talent like this, then who exactly should the Chu Heavenly Clan be nurturing?"
"And what's the point of nurturing him? Aren't you afraid that once he grows powerful, he'll turn against our Chu Heavenly Clan, just like his father did?" Chu Haoyan's grandfather countered.
"That's a rather serious accusation, isn't it? When did Chu Xuanyuan ever act against our Chu Heavenly Clan?"
"Besides, what the father did has nothing to do with the son."
"Even if your grandson lost to Chu Feng, you shouldn't be making things this difficult for him." Chu Zhiyuan's grandfather said.
Hearing this, Chu Haoyan's grandfather did not grow angry. Instead, his eyes narrowed and he said with a cold laugh: "Let's stick to the matter at hand—there's no need to drag Haoyan into this. After all these years, I have never made things difficult for anyone on account of Haoyan."
"Oh really? Then how come I've heard that anyone who dares speak ill of your grandson immediately finds themselves targets of your displeasure?" Chu Zhiyuan's grandfather replied.
"You're spouting utter nonsense and making groundless accusations!" Chu Haoyan's grandfather shouted.
"Are you two quite finished bickering?" At that moment, the long-silent Chu Hanpeng finally spoke.
And the instant Chu Hanpeng opened his mouth, both men fell silent simultaneously, not daring to utter another word.
This was telling—though all three were Supreme Elders of the Chu Heavenly Clan, one of the nine in total, Chu Hanpeng's standing was clearly superior to the others.
"Chu Feng has returned to the clan—that is a fact—and he should receive the normal treatment accorded to any clan member. I made this decision. Do you have an objection?" Chu Hanpeng asked, looking at Chu Haoyan's grandfather.
"I wouldn't dare." Chu Haoyan's grandfather said in a low voice, his expression actually quite tense.
"Good that you wouldn't dare." Chu Hanpeng rose to his feet and turned to Chu Zhiyuan's grandfather. "I will be going into seclusion again. During my absence, clan affairs will be handled by you."
"Yes." Chu Zhiyuan's grandfather promptly stood and offered a deep bow of respect.
As for Chu Hanpeng, having said his piece, he walked straight out of the main hall.
After Chu Hanpeng departed, the expression on Chu Haoyan's grandfather's face turned dark and gloomy.
"It seems you won't be able to stand up for your grandson after all," Chu Zhiyuan's grandfather said with a smile—one tinged with a clear note of mockery.
"No matter what, my grandson is a hundred times better than yours," Chu Haoyan's grandfather shot back.
"Haha…" And upon hearing this, Chu Zhiyuan's grandfather actually burst into hearty laughter.
"Hmph." Chu Haoyan's grandfather, thoroughly exasperated, flung his great sleeve and stormed off.
He knew well enough what Chu Hanpeng meant.