Hades, the Urban Legend

Chapter 679: Chapter 682: Unbelievable

In Yan Capital, within the Yang family courtyard.

Though it was only mid-May, the daytime temperatures were quite mild.

After the morning twilight had dissipated, the lush green plants burst with vibrant life, making the entire courtyard pleasing to the eye and filling the air with a faint, fresh fragrance.

Yang Gongming, as usual, was dressed in light clothing and cloth pants. Leisurely, he watered a few newly acquired wisterias, then walked to the stone table in his cloth shoes.

He picked up a cup of already brewed ginseng tea, took a sip, and looked around at the well-arranged garden plants. The old man smiled to himself contentedly.

At this moment, a tall young man wearing a short-sleeved military uniform walked into the courtyard, his eyebrows exuding a trace of arrogance.

The young man walked up behind Yang Gongming, glanced at the flowers and plants with a fleeting look of disdain, and then smiled, "Grandfather, you called for me."

The visitor was none other than Yang Lie.

Yang Gongming turned around and said with a smile, "Oh, you're here. Come, sit down."

After inviting Yang Lie to sit, Yang Gongming pushed a plate of delicate pastries in front of him and said, "Try this. You probably haven't had breakfast yet. It tastes good."

Yang Lie nodded, picked up a piece of mung bean cake, and swallowed it whole without taking a second piece. He directly asked, "Grandfather, did you call me back for something important?"

"Actually, I should have told you this a few days ago, but you weren't at the base, so I didn't rush to tell you. Your mother called a few days ago and said she would be coming back to Yan Capital soon," Yang Gongming said with a smile.

Yang Lie frowned, "Mother is coming back? Is she coming alone?"

Yang Gongming shook his head, "No, no, your brother and sister-in-law will be coming with her."

"What?!" Yang Lie stood up abruptly and said loudly, "Grandfather, are you joking with me? How can that guy enter this house?! If that's the case, I'd rather mother not come back!"

Yang Gongming frowned and gestured for Yang Lie to sit down, "Calm down. I didn't call you here today to ask for your opinion. In this family, my word is final. Whether you agree or not, they will come back."

"Grandfather, you..." Yang Lie was furious but couldn't say anything. Indeed, in this family, no one could refute Yang Gongming's decisions. Yang Gongming sighed and said, "Lie'er, your temper is as fierce as your name. It's good for young people to have some spirit, but if you continue like this, you'll break from being too rigid."

"Hmph," Yang Lie snorted coldly, clearly dismissive. "Did you call me here today just to tell me this boring news?"

Yang Gongming was not angry and said, "I just wanted to tell you and have a look at you. Your father has been stationed at the Huinan Defense Zone for years and doesn't come back. You are also in the military and live outside. You all have your own lives and decisions. As an old man, I can't really force you to do anything. It's all up to your own life choices.

However, I hope that while I'm still alive, you descendants can live as well as possible."

Yang Lie's expression changed for a while, then he said, "Grandfather, if it weren't for that guy, my life would be perfect."

Yang Gongming glanced at him and shook his head with a smile, "Lie'er, whether you admit it or not, Yang Chen is your biological brother.

You grew up with the support of the Yang family and were accepted as a direct disciple by Master Yu Ji Zi of Kunlun. Compared to Yang Chen, you have lived a life of luxury and smooth sailing.

Yang Chen is different from you. Just being alive and appearing before us again is already a blessing from the heavens. Although I don't believe in gods or Buddhas, I believe that people have their fates. There is destiny in everything."

"Grandfather, if you're only going to talk about this nonsense, I'll leave now," Yang Lie said impatiently.

Yang Gongming opened his mouth, a trace of helplessness flashing in his eyes. He sighed and said, "Fine, fine. No matter what I say, you won't listen. The path is yours to choose. If you want to leave, then go."

Yang Lie bowed slightly and turned to leave. After taking a few steps, he stopped and said, "Grandfather, I know what you're thinking. I admit that guy is stronger than me. You want to use him to revive the Yang family. But let me tell you clearly, I won't give up what's rightfully mine. One day, you'll see that your choice is completely wrong! In the end, we'll see who wins. I'm leaving now. Even if mother comes back, I won't see them."

With that, Yang Lie strode out of the courtyard.

Yang Gongming squinted his eyes, his gaze flickering with complexity.

At some point, Yan Sanniang's hunched figure reappeared behind Yang Gongming. She comforted him, saying, "Master, Young Master Lie's temperament has always been like this. Changing it will be difficult. You needn't worry too much. After all, they are brothers. Eventually, there will be a way to resolve their grievances."

Yang Gongming chuckled, "Sanniang, you are overthinking. I'm not upset by these matters. Whatever these youngsters choose for their future is their decision. The continuation of a family doesn't rely on the elders' constraints but on their own nature and determination. Regardless of the outcome, I'm just here to watch and occasionally offer a few words."

Yan Sanniang nodded with a smile and added, "Master, Young Master Lie's body has undergone some changes."

"Hmm?" Yang Gongming asked, "Does it have something to do with Yan Buwen?"

Yan Sanniang replied, "I believe so. Although I don't know exactly how it was done, Young Master Lie's cultivation was crippled by Young Master Chen a few days ago. Yet, instead of declining, his cultivation has advanced to a higher level, almost breaking into the Innate Realm. Moreover, even more astonishing, Young Master Lie's body seems to have undergone a metamorphosis. If I am not mistaken, his physical strength is now comparable to Young Master Chen's. It's truly unbelievable.

Recently, Young Master Lie has been getting closer to Yan Buwen. If there's an issue, it should be related to the Yan family. It's said that aside from the military's underground experimental base, Yan Buwen has other private experimental bases. Even the Li family couldn't find out the details. I suspect Yan Buwen has extremely powerful backing. Otherwise, he wouldn't dare to risk defying the world."

Yang Gongming smiled lightly, "I have always said that Yan Buwen is a character destined for great things. It's not surprising."

"Actually, the recent actions of Yan Buwen are somewhat known to the four major families. But the Yan family currently has considerable strength, and Yan Buwen is indeed a rare talent. Despite his many actions, he leaves little evidence or traces. Moreover, he has not caused any real harm to the country. Instead, he has continuously provided advanced weapons to the military, earning their strong support. So, no one has dared to make any rash moves against him, fearing to alert him prematurely.

However, from what I see, Yan Buwen has many secrets. I worry that Young Master Lie might become his pawn," Yan Sanniang said with concern.

Yang Gongming tapped his knuckles on the stone table a few times before saying, "Blessing or curse, it's unavoidable. Sanniang, just keep an eye on these things. No need to intervene. If that kid Yang Chen truly wants to take over the Yang family from me, but can't even deal with Yan Buwen, he won't succeed in the long run."

"But Young Master Lie..." Sanniang was worried.

"A cat or a tiger, it's not the looks that matter," Yang Gongming said with a smile. "Only through competition will the truth be revealed. As for the outcome, whether it happens after I die or while I'm alive, I'd rather see it unfold in my lifetime. This is a show for the young people now. Let's just watch quietly."

Yan Sanniang nodded with a smile, "Master, you are right. Maybe I'm overthinking it. For some reason, even though Young Master Chen has already stepped into this threshold and protecting the Yang family shouldn't be an issue, I still have a vague sense of unease about potential accidents."

Yang Gongming sighed, "Sanniang, more than worrying about those two youngsters, I worry about you."

Yan Sanniang's wrinkled face showed a trace of emotion as she lowered her head and said, "Master, it's nothing. It's only a matter of time before Hongmeng catches up with me. I used to be afraid, worried that I couldn't repay you before leaving. But now that Young Master Chen has reached this level and is about to return to the Yang family, I can finally retire with a clear conscience."

"Ah, you are just as you were back then." Yang Gongming looked up at the clear sky, seemingly recalling distant memories.