The Grand Elder's Challenge

“What, your man can’t even hold your hand?” Yi Feng frowned and retorted.

This made Shi Qingwu speechless, and she couldn’t help but raise her head to look at him.

For a moment, she was at a loss for words.

The killing intent she had just released came to an abrupt halt, and she allowed Yi Feng to hold her hand like this.

This scene was immediately noticed by many.

“Heavens, look, who is that guy?”

“Yeah, he dares to hold the Sect Master’s hand.”

“The key is that the Sect Master isn’t even saying anything?”

“Am I seeing this wrong?”

In an instant, various murmurs and gossip spread among the crowd.

Seemingly noticing the reactions of these disciples, Yi Feng became even more audacious. Not only did he hold her hand, but he also pulled her into his embrace.

Shi Qingwu’s expression turned cold.

“Don’t go too far!” she said icily.

“If I don’t do this, who will believe you?” Yi Feng countered. “Don’t you want everyone to know you have a man? Look at the reactions of your little disciples. Isn’t this exactly what you need?”

Hearing this, Shi Qingwu pursed her lips and did not refute.

Her delicate face showed an indescribable expression.

Since childhood, apart from her closest family, no one had ever been this intimate with her…

Not long after, the three of them returned to the Hundred Refinements Hall.

As soon as they arrived, over a dozen elders swiftly approached.

Clearly, they had all heard the news—Shi Qingwu had brought a man back.

With grim expressions, they entered the hall.

Before they could speak, Shi Qingwu took the lead.

“I didn’t expect all of you to arrive so quickly. Since everyone is here, I might as well announce something.”

“This…”

She turned her gaze to Yi Feng, paused for a moment, and then continued, “This is my childhood sweetheart and the man I’ve chosen as my husband, Yi Feng.”

“Greetings, everyone. I am Yi Feng.”

Yi Feng stood up and gave a respectful bow, neither humble nor overbearing.

Although the elders had already heard the news before arriving, their expressions darkened further upon hearing this announcement. They completely ignored Yi Feng’s greeting.

“Sect Master, where did this childhood sweetheart come from? I’ve never heard of him before,” Elder Sun Zimei was the first to challenge, directing his question at Shi Qingwu.

“Do I need to report my childhood sweetheart to you, Elder Sun?” Shi Qingwu’s expression turned cold as she spoke.

“That’s not necessary,” Sun Zimei’s eyes narrowed as he replied. “We’re just concerned for you, Sect Master. After all, you are the leader of our sect, and your every move affects the entire sect. We’re just worried that you might be deceived by someone with ill intentions.”

“So, you don’t trust me?” Shi Qingwu sneered.

“It’s not that we don’t trust you, but we don’t trust him,” Sun Zimei said bluntly, not holding back.

Hearing this, Shi Qingwu’s expression turned icy.

Not trusting Yi Feng was the same as not trusting her.

However, she had anticipated that these people would cause trouble. Deep down, she knew that they would never believe that Yi Feng and she had such a relationship.

Using Yi Feng as a shield was merely a calculated move. As long as she insisted on it, even if they knew Yi Feng was a fake, there was little they could do.

“Sect Master, may I ask a few questions of this Young Master Yi?” Sun Zimei said leisurely.

Shi Qingwu’s sharp eyes flickered.

What she feared most was that Yi Feng might falter at this critical moment.

But she also understood that if she didn’t let Sun Zimei and the others have their way, they would not let the matter rest.

After a brief moment of contemplation, she nodded.

Sun Zimei fixed his sharp gaze on Yi Feng, scrutinizing him openly for several breaths before speaking.

“Young Master Yi, how can you prove that you are the Sect Master’s childhood sweetheart?” He didn’t ask about Yi Feng’s background or origins, knowing full well that if Shi Qingwu had brought him back, such details must have already been prepared.

So, he bypassed those questions and went straight to the point.

Before Yi Feng could respond, Sun Zimei added, “Young Master Yi, don’t bother using things that everyone already knows as proof…”

After saying this, he smirked.

This addition effectively blocked Yi Feng’s escape route. Unless Yi Feng could provide a convincing reason, any hesitation or inability to answer would lead to further challenges.

If Yi Feng was indeed a fake, he would inevitably reveal himself.

As expected, as soon as Sun Zimei finished speaking, Shi Qingwu’s expression changed.

She hadn’t prepared for this level of scrutiny, nor had she briefed Yi Feng on such details.

Noticing Shi Qingwu’s subtle change in expression, Sun Zimei and the other seven or eight elders couldn’t help but smile faintly.

In an instant, the gazes of everyone in the hall focused intently on Yi Feng.