453 - Rebirth of a Star: Another Day, Another Drama

Chapter 453: On the War Between Father-in-Law and Son-in-Law If resentment could materialize, Bai Li Ming would currently be enveloped in an impenetrable shroud of black, seething anger. He found himself unable to see what was so special about this young man, apart from his looks. A mere pretty face, and he dared to claim that Linglong didn't favor him? Did that mean his own daughter didn't like someone like her own father but preferred someone like him instead? Bai Li Feng, clutching Xiao Hei, shuddered. The last time he saw his brother wear such an expression was long ago, and it was an unsettling memory. Hongye was equally indignant upon hearing this. This troublemaker was overly arrogant! After all this time apart, her brother and the Eldest Sister Jian were just sharing a simple embrace—how could he be displeased with such a thing! Immediately, she stood up for them, "Hey! Who do you think you are? My brother and the Eldest Sister Jian are partners, so what's wrong if they hug? Isn’t that perfectly normal?" Bai Li Ming’s calm voice interjected, "I am her father, do you think I can’t have a say in this?" Hongye: "..." Ye Tian Ming: "???" Others: "..." What was going on? Wasn't the Eldest Sister/ Linglong initially found and brought back? Everyone was aware that Ye Linglong was adopted by Ye Tian Ming from the foot of the Liuli Sword Sect's mountain—an open secret. All eyes turned questioningly to Ye Linglong. She, having stepped away from Jiang Lingyun's embrace, nodded under their inquisitive gazes, "Yes, he is my biological father, Bai Li Ming." With this affirmation, Hongye deflated immediately, offering an embarrassed smile. She gestured respectfully to Bai Li Ming, then swiftly hid behind Ye Linglong. "Oh my, the Eldest Sister’s father is truly daunting," she thought. Ye Linglong then briefly recounted why she'd fallen to the lower realm. She left the details vague but mentioned internal family strife, resulting in her being displaced to the lower realm shortly after her birth due to the chaos. The gathered crowd, knowing the kind of power struggles that occur within families, nodded in understanding. Ye Linglong began introducing everyone to Bai Li Ming. Of course, she started with Ye Tian Ming, acknowledging his pivotal role; if not for him discovering her and providing care, Bai Li Ming might never have seen his daughter again. Showing deep gratitude, Bai Li Ming performed a profound bow towards Ye Tian Ming, "Thank you for saving Linglong’s life back then." Ye Tian Ming, aware of Bai Li Ming’s prowess and standing from Ye Linglong’s stories, quickly demurred, "You’re too kind. It was fate that brought Linglong and me together. I've always treated her as my own daughter." Indeed, Ye Tian Ming's affection for Ye Linglong was indisputable. The introductions proceeded to Ming Ye and several elders, including Jiang Fengyao and Hong Feng. Yet Bai Li Ming’s reaction to Jiang Fengyao and Hong Feng, the parents of the 'young rascal' who swooped in on his treasured cabbage, was notably cold—a mere nod of acknowledgment. Jiang Fengyao and Hong Feng harbored no ill feelings. After all, given Bai Li Ming’s status and power, it was decent enough that he even offered a nod. Besides, their son was to be betrothed to his daughter. Any father whose beloved daughter was about to be taken away would understandably be upset, reflecting Jiang Fengyao's own hypothetical frustration. Though Bai Li Ming was less harsh towards Hongye, his demeanor noticeably soured when it came to Jiang Lingyun. "Dad, this is Jiang Lingyun, whom I've mentioned to you before. He is also my partner," Ye Linglong introduced Jiang Lingyun with seriousness after introducing the other elders. Jiang Lingyun, with a slight smile complementing his white attire, looked not only handsome but also well-mannered—exactly the kind of child one hears about from envious parents. He respectfully addressed Bai Li Ming with a simple "Father." Instantly, Bai Li Ming’s expression darkened further, a chill permeating the air. Even Hongye was astonished. Her brother stayed true to form. The mythical dragon trembled in fear from this overwhelming presence, whispering in Hongye’s ear, "Isn’t your brother worried his father-in-law might do away with him in an instant? With skills like his, Bai Li Ming must be among the elites even in the heavenly realm." Hongye shot it a glare, "Shut it. No one called you a mute for staying silent." Bai Li Ming scrutinized Jiang Lingyun from head to toe, offering a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes, "If I recall correctly, Linglong hasn’t formally conducted the Daoist partner ceremony with you yet. You’re not technically partners, so why call me father?" Pausing, he added, "Moreover, Linglong is my only daughter. The entire Bai Li family will be hers one day. I can't part with her so soon." Jiang Lingyun looked sincerely at Bai Li Ming, "That’s no issue. I can marry into the family." Bai Li Ming: "..." A pretty face scheming to be a freeloader. Bai Li Ming hmphed, ready to retort, but held back when Ye Linglong tugged at his sleeve. He pursed his lips, saying nothing more, resigned to the thought, "Indeed, a daughter will favor her partner over her father." Caught in the middle, Ye Linglong sighed deeply. Everyone claimed the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationship was fraught, but who knew the father-in-law and son-in-law dynamic could also prove so challenging? ... With that tension momentarily at bay, Ye Linglong turned her attention to Huang Bufan and Shen Jinghong. She was taken aback; seeing her elder brother here made sense, but Shen Jinghong’s presence was unexpected. As far as she recalled, they had only crossed paths during the desolate secret realm and had no further contact. "Brother Huang, long time no see," Ye Linglong greeted Huang Bufan. Huang Bufan laughed heartily, "Indeed, it’s been a while. We were quite worried during your absence, Linglong." After some cordial exchanges, Ye Linglong finally addressed Shen Jinghong. Jiang Lingyun seemed to sense Ye Linglong’s curiosity, explaining, "After you vanished in the secret realm, the forefather of Tianji Pavilion concealed your whereabouts, prompting us to believe you were still inside." "Later, they struck an agreement with the demon clan, planning to target Liuli Sword Sect first. It was Shen Jinghong, our Daoist friend, who forewarned us, allowing us to retreat into the Cloud Sea Tower before the demon clan and other sects besieged us." Without Shen Jinghong’s warning, Liuli Sword Sect might have been able to retreat into the Cloud Sea Tower but likely at great cost. Jiang Lingyun vividly recalled the scene he witnessed through the water curtain of the Cloud Sea Tower: an overwhelming host of cultivators surrounding Liuli Sword Sect’s walls.