Chapter 61: The Young Master’s Integrity
[Ding! Host has successfully humiliated the Chosen Son ‘Luo Chen’ in public, converting destiny points…]
[Current Blue Star return countdown: 265 years.]
[6 months deducted, remaining time: 264 years, 6 months.]
Luo Chen’s smile froze.
Luo Jiutian, knowing full well Luo Chen was presiding over the family meeting, still arrived late, with the excuse of oversleeping.
Wasn’t this a blatant slap to the Young Master’s face?
In the main hall, someone couldn’t hold back a chuckle but quickly regained a serious expression.
After all, this was the annual family meeting—no one wanted trouble on such an occasion.
Luo Chen noticed but could only maintain his smile. “Since everyone’s here, let’s begin.”
Luo Jiutian casually found a seat, with Luo Yunlan sitting beside him.
On the high platform, Luo Changqing glanced at them, sighing inwardly.
“Ahem.” Luo Chen cleared his throat. “First, thank you all for attending despite your busy schedules. The annual family meeting is a tradition, and…”
And so, Luo Chen rambled through a long, meaningless opening speech that could lull anyone to sleep.
Some in the crowd pinched their thighs to stay awake.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, he got to the point.
“Due to the Qingyun Secret Realm incident, the clan paid a steep price to appease others. Our resources are now significantly reduced…”
His gaze swept the room, lingering on Luo Jiutian. “So, I’m thinking, should we adjust next year’s resource allocations for each branch?”
The drowsy crowd snapped awake.
Luo Changqing frowned slightly, unclear why he’d suggest this.
A long-bearded elder spoke gravely, “Young Master, that’s unwise. Our resources are strained, but we’re far from needing to cut branch allocations. The impact would be significant.”
Another elder agreed, “Exactly. Rash adjustments could spark internal conflict.”
Luo Chen’s expression didn’t waver. “I understand your concerns. But after the compensation, our resources are tight. If we stick to last year’s allocations and face another crisis, we’ll be unprepared. Better to adjust now than be caught off guard later.”
He paused, adding, “Besides, with the situation stable, each branch can adapt without immediate harm.”
The bearded elder’s frown deepened, wanting to argue but unsure where to start.
Murmurs spread—resource allocation affected everyone’s cultivation, and no one could ignore it.
Luo Chen, seeing his goal achieved, smirked.
He sighed deliberately. “If only… Brother Jiutian had handed over the Tempering Origin Persimmon back then, we might not have paid such a price. Our resources wouldn’t be this strained.”
He added, “Of course, I’m not saying it’s Brother Jiutian’s fault—just a pity.”
His words sparked quiet agreement among some disciples.
“Now that the Young Master mentions it, it does make sense.”
“Yeah, if he’d given it up then…”
“But who’d just hand over something they earned?”
“Still, we’re the ones suffering the consequences…”
Luo Changqing, watching, realized his son’s intent.
He rubbed his temples, exasperated.
This kid, after losing to Luo Jiutian so many times, still didn’t learn and kept provoking him.
The Qingyun mess was Luo Chen’s own doing, yet now he was flipping the script to pressure Luo Jiutian.
But since Luo Chen was presiding, stopping him now would undermine his authority as Young Master.
Luo Changqing sighed inwardly, deciding to observe and step in only if things spiraled out of control, letting his son learn a lesson.
Meanwhile, Luo Jiutian, the center of attention, lounged in his seat, leisurely eating grapes.
Suddenly, he frowned.
Luo Chen, noticing, felt a surge of glee.
Surely Luo Jiutian was racking his brain to counter this.
All eyes turned to him, curious for his response.
Instead—
He spat out a grape seed, grumbling, “Why’s the seed so big? Who bought these grapes?”
Luo Chen: “…”
We’re discussing clan matters, and you’re complaining about grape seeds?!
If his tolerance hadn’t improved, he’d have lost it on the spot.
Luo Jiutian, as if just noticing the stares, said earnestly, “Go on, don’t mind me.”
Luo Yunlan handed him another plate of fruit, her voice gentle. “Little Tian, try these. They’re good.”
He accepted without hesitation and started eating.
The scene lightened the tense atmosphere in the hall.
Luo Chen, sensing things veering off track, was about to stir the pot again when Luo Yuanshan’s voice transmitted to him: “Young Master, Luo Jiutian’s not reacting at all. This is a golden opportunity.”
Luo Chen replied, “What do you mean?”
Luo Yuanshan continued, “If you cover the cut resources from your own pocket, won’t they be eternally grateful?”
Luo Chen paused, seeing the logic but feeling something off.
Noticing him overthinking, Luo Yuanshan cut in, “Young Master, the sooner you act, the better the effect. If Luo Jiutian pulls something later, it’ll be trouble.”
Luo Chen nodded, convinced.
Every time Luo Jiutian was around, he ended up in trouble.
So, he stood tall, clearing his throat.
“Everyone,” he said loudly, “I know my proposal has upset some of you.”
The murmuring crowd quieted, eyes on him.
Seeing their attention, he continued, “Cutting resources affects your cultivation. This Young Master understands.”
He paused, his expression solemn. “So… I’m willing to use my personal reserves to compensate each branch.”
The hall fell silent.
Moments later, Luo Jiutian was the first to clap.
“Bravo, bravo! The Young Master’s truly noble!”