C9 Family Dispute.

Ye Chenxi's expression turned grave. As the queen of Jin City's underground realm, she knew that without Chu Qing's assistance today, she might not have survived.

"I'll have someone take care of this," Chu Qing assured her.

Yet, Ye Chenxi marveled inwardly, "Can Chu Qing truly be just an ordinary high schooler? His actions are so at odds with my investigation. How could a mere student possess skills in Ancient Martial Arts, known to so few, and have such deep knowledge of the underworld?"

"We can't have dinner together today. I owe you one—let's plan for another time. It's getting late, and my dad's probably worried," Chu Qing mentioned.

He massaged his shoulder, the earlier confrontation seeming no more than a simple warm-up. A part of him was almost wishing for more trouble to come his way.

Chu Qing chuckled to himself. It was fortunate he was present; otherwise, Ye Chenxi might have faced serious difficulties. He felt she now owed him a favor, which might just take her down a peg or two in the future.

Ye Chenxi's phone rang abruptly. She flicked her hair back and answered, "Hello? Who's this?" The response from the other end left her shocked, "What?"

Chu Qing watched as her complexion drained of color, suspecting something serious had occurred.

But whatever it was, he figured it was beyond his concern. It likely pertained to her family's underworld connections—matters not meant for a high school student to meddle with.

Shaking his head, Chu Qing decided to take his leave. He had no interest in her family's issues and preferred not to get dragged in. Keeping a low profile suited him best, ensuring he could walk away carefree.

However, as he turned to go, Ye Chenxi reached out and grasped his arm. Her eyes reddened as she implored, "Chu Qing, please wait."

Curiosity piqued, Chu Qing wondered what could have so shaken the usually unflappable underground empress.

"What's happened?" he inquired.

"My mother's been attacked. She's in critical condition at home," Ye Chenxi disclosed, her voice trembling.

Chu Qing's face darkened in shock. The events unfolded too swiftly, and his instincts screamed conspiracy. The incidents of today were no mere coincidence.

If Ye Chenxi were harmed and her mother incapacitated by the attack, Jin City's shadowy corridors of power would surely be rocked by a seismic shift.

This was no trivial affair. The entire city could be on the brink of chaos.

"Hold back your tears; I'll go with you," Chu Qing offered, a wry smile on his face. It looked like his departure would have to wait—Ye Chenxi had just extended the hand of friendship, and he couldn't abandon a friend in need.

Ye Chenxi's gaze was distant, her mother the family's linchpin now in jeopardy, leaving a power vacuum the others were eager to fill. The path forward for her mother's self-preservation was unclear.

Chu Qing could relate to the turmoil Ye Chenxi felt. If his own family were in danger, his fury would know no bounds.

As Ye Chenxi stood there, lost in thought, Chu Qing hailed a cab. They needed to make haste to her family home. Without Ye Chenxi there, her mother's life hung in the balance.

While Chu Qing was honing his skills in the Alien World, his fellow sect members would stop at nothing to vie for power and status. He knew all too well that those targeting Ye Chenxi were plotting to wipe out her entire family line.

Chu Qing gave Ye Chenxi's shoulders a firm shake and said, "Right now, your family is counting on you. I'm here to offer substantial help, but you've got to pull yourself together."

Ye Chenxi, buoyed by Chu Qing's words, snapped out of her daze and embraced him tightly. In the midst of this crisis, the realization that she could lean on someone else enveloped her in a comforting warmth.

"Don't worry," Chu Qing reassured her, "I've got your back. Tell the driver where you need to go, and make sure your brother stays away from home for now!"

His encouragement seemed to take hold. Ye Chenxi knew she had to get her mother and brother to safety. If she couldn't muster her strength, they would all be in peril.

After giving the driver directions, Ye Chenxi phoned her brother, instructing him to stay away until she had resolved their family's issues.

Chu Qing closed his eyes, seeking a moment of respite. The recent skirmish had nearly drained his Spiritual Energy, and he needed to be in peak condition before they reached her home. He anticipated that her family's power-holders wouldn't grant her easy access.

During the recent clash, Chu Qing's Spiritual Body had partially rejuvenated, allowing him to wield more spells with greater mastery. A swirl of Spiritual Energy was beginning to form in his Dantian – a clear harbinger of an imminent breakthrough.