……

“Uncle Jin Huan, what exactly has happened?” Huangfu Deyun was somewhat alarmed, sensing that something was amiss.

The recent changes had been too many and too sudden, often catching people off guard.

“Hmph~ See for yourself!”

Huangfu Jin Huan’s face was extremely grim as he handed the secret letter to Huangfu Deyun.

After carefully reading the letter, Huangfu Deyun’s face also changed: “No wonder the Wang’s Clan of Ping’an dared to join forces with the Xu’s Clan of Changning to confront us. It turns out that they have made a significant breakthrough in silk reeling and weaving technologies.”

“Although the price of raw silk has tripled due to the competition between the two sides, they can still make a profit because of the technological breakthrough. No wonder they dare to compete with us! Damn it~~~”

He was suddenly thrown into a panic.

This time, they had placed all their bets on the cooperation with the Ji’s Clan. Although the Huangfu’s Clan was secretly leading the initiative, they had also invested almost all their funds.

If they failed, the Huangfu’s Clan would be severely weakened, and the wealth accumulated over hundreds of years would vanish overnight.

And that wasn’t even the worst part.

The worst part was that the two clans had not only joined forces but also brought in the Xu’s Clan of Jinsha.

Jinsha Town originally had a tributary, which attracted many family clans and independent cultivators to pan for gold due to the presence of gold in the river sand.

The area was once extremely chaotic and had seen countless conflicts. However, hundreds of years have passed, and the gold in Jinsha Town has been completely mined. The land is barren and unsuitable for cultivation, gradually becoming desolate.

Only the Xu’s Clan of Jinsha still stubbornly held on to that piece of land, slowly managing their clan. Now, they have gradually stabilized their footing through their own abilities.

“If what the secret letter says is true,” Huangfu Deyun’s face was solemn and gloomy, “the new technology of the Wang’s Clan of Ping’an can use water wheels as power to process raw cocoons into raw silk. The poor area of Jinsha Town, due to the Jinsha River, has crisscrossing waterways and rapid water flow, and a large area of wasteland, which is the most suitable for building silk reeling workshops and weaving workshops.”

Huangfu Jin Huan sneered incessantly: “That Wang Shouzhe of the Wang’s Clan of Ping’an is indeed a remarkable talent. I originally planned to deal with them slowly after the people from the Zifu Academy left. I didn’t expect them to dare to confront us proactively. Since that’s the case, don’t blame us for being ruthless.”

A hint of killing intent flashed in Huangfu Jin Huan’s eyes.

“Someone, bring ‘Mr. Yin’ here.”

“Yes, clan leader.” A personal attendant immediately took the order and left.

“Mr. Yin?!” Huangfu Deyun was taken aback, his eyes somewhat worried, “Uncle Jin Huan, the personal disciple from the Zifu Academy is currently overseeing disaster relief in our Changning Wei. If you ask Mr. Yin to take action, will it…”

“The more it is at this time, the less likely we are to be suspected. Besides, given the current situation, do we have any other choice?” Huangfu Jin Huan’s eyes were gloomy, “If this matter can’t be resolved, Lady Ji is not someone easy to deal with. Her patience is not good, and we can’t withstand the wrath of the Ji’s Clan of Longzuo.”

Huangfu Deyun’s eyes were uncertain, as if he wanted to say something but hesitated.

“Deyun, don’t worry.” Huangfu Jin Huan began to reassure him, “Although the matter of the Xu’s Clan and the Wang’s Clan has disgusted us. But if you think about it from another angle, as long as it is handled properly, the two clans have actually made wedding clothes for us.”

“Think about it, if we could get a more powerful silk reeling and weaving technology, as well as the batch of raw silk materials they have hoarded at a huge cost, we could use our cooperation with the Ji’s Clan to develop and strengthen ourselves. In the future, not to mention a sixth-rank noble family, even a fifth-rank Zifu noble family would be within our reach.”

With these words, Huangfu Jin Huan’s eyes were filled with fanaticism.

He was not content to be a Lingtai realm cultivator for his whole life, he also wanted to break through to the Tianren realm, to see the unique scenery there.

If he had the chance to glimpse the Zifu, he would be content with his life.

Similarly, these words also brought a great shock to Huangfu Deyun.

Which clan doesn’t want to climb higher, to achieve a higher status, power, and influence!

If the Huangfu’s Clan of Changning had the opportunity to become a sixth-rank noble family, then their Huangfu’s Clan would have the qualification to become a seventh-rank noble family, and all the clan members would also rise to heaven.

Not much later.

A personal attendant led a man in a black robe into the room.

The man in the black robe had an ordinary demeanor, his face slightly pale as if he had not seen the sun for a long time.

But if you looked closely, you would find that his eyes were almost motionless, like the cold water in a deep well that had been silent for thousands of years, terrifyingly quiet.

As soon as this man arrived, both Huangfu Jin Huan and Huangfu Deyun stood up and bowed to him: “We greet Mr. Yin.”

Mr. Yin’s calm eyes swept over them, his tone calm and cold: “Huangfu Jin Huan, what is the result of the investigation you were entrusted with a few days ago?”Huangfu Jinhuan hurriedly said, “Mr. Yin, you are well aware that Fang You’an, the direct disciple of the Zifu Academy, is currently stationed in my Changning Guard. There are some things I dare not investigate openly. However, there are already some clues. Just give me a little more time, and I will definitely find out who stole the young master’s treasure.”

“Hmph~”

Mr. Yin snorted coldly with a fake smile, “Huangfu Jinhuan, it’s been almost three months, and you haven’t found anything. If my young master personally comes to Changning Guard and you still haven’t found anything, neither of us will benefit!”

“Mr. Yin, rest assured.” Huangfu Jinhuan said seriously, “I will definitely prioritize the young master’s matter. However, I have a favor to ask of you.”

As he spoke, Huangfu Jinhuan explained what he wanted Mr. Yin to do.

Mr. Yin’s eyelids twitched slightly, and he said coldly, “Huangfu Jinhuan, you just said that a direct disciple of the Zifu Academy is commanding disaster relief in Changning Guard, but you want us to take action and commit such a big crime. Are you overestimating me or underestimating the direct disciple of the Zifu Academy?!”

“Mr. Yin, please rest assured.” Huangfu Jinhuan confidently said, “Since I have decided to ask you to take action, I will naturally arrange everything. Our ancestor has made some progress in practicing the ‘Red Dragon True Jue’ recently and has just left seclusion. This is a good opportunity to play the role of a good host and thank the people of the Zifu Academy.”

“This time, not only will we invite people from the Zifu Academy, but we will also invite all the heads of the eight-rank families, including Changning Xu’s Clan, Ping’an Wang’s Clan, and the former Huangfu’s Clan. In this way, you can take action.”

“In short, we will catch them off guard. With Mr. Yin and your subordinates’ abilities, plus the assistance of two Lingtai realm ancestors from the former Huangfu’s Clan, how can this not succeed?”

According to his estimation, there are at most two or three Lingtai realm cultivators in the workshop of the Jinsha Xu’s Clan. Even if we prepare for the worst, with so many Lingtai realm cultivators taking action together, we can ensure that nothing goes wrong.

To reassure Mr. Yin, Huangfu Jinhuan added, “I will arrange an escape route for you, and guarantee that Fang You’an won’t find any traces.”

Mr. Yin’s eyes narrowed slightly, and he didn’t immediately agree, but said, “This doesn’t sound difficult. But why should we kill for you and take the blame?”

Huangfu Jinhuan laughed heartily, “Mr. Yin, you’re mistaken. We are partners and should help each other. As long as you accomplish this, we, the Huangfu’s Clan, will spare no effort to assist in the young master’s matter.”

Hearing this, a glint flashed in Mr. Yin’s calm eyes.

After a long while, he agreed, “Huangfu Jinhuan, don’t forget what you said today. I believe you know my young master’s temper.”

After saying this, Mr. Yin slightly bowed and turned to leave, leaving only one sentence.

“Notify me when you’re ready.”

After he left.

Huangfu Deyun looked worried, “Uncle Jinhuan, we’ve been entangled with them for too long, it’s too dangerous. If this gets out, I’m afraid we won’t have a foothold in the entire Daqian.”

“Deyun, don’t worry.” Huangfu Jinhuan said coldly, “I have a plan for this. In the end, we are too weak. If we can reach the fifth rank, no, the sixth rank, it would be easy to break away from them. We still need their power to get things done.”

After a pause, Huangfu Jinhuan ordered, “Deyun, this matter is of great importance and must be led by our two elders from the former Huangfu’s Clan. We need to let everyone know that it was the disciples of the Yinsha Sect who committed the crime, and it has nothing to do with us.”

“Once successful, it will be the day of our joint rise.”

Huangfu Deyun solemnly bowed, “Yes, Uncle Jinhuan.”

……

A few days later, a major event occurred in Changning Guard.

One of the two seventh-rank families in Changning Guard, the ancestor of Changning Huangfu’s Clan, Ancestor Huaye, came out of seclusion.

He, who has always been low-key, announced that his practice of the ‘Red Dragon True Jue’ has reached a small level of success.

To celebrate this, Ancestor Huaye decided to host a banquet at the main house of Changning Huangfu’s Clan, inviting all the eight-rank families in Changning Guard, as well as the group from the Zifu Academy who were leading the disaster relief.

The ‘Red Dragon True Jue’ is a top-grade technique passed down in the Huangfu’s Clan, said to lead directly to the Zifu realm. Now that he has announced his small success, he must have overcome the initial obstacles of the Tianren realm, and it won’t be long before he can reach the middle stage of the Tianren realm.

Ancestor Huaye is only in his two hundred and sixties. If he can smoothly enter the middle stage of the Tianren realm, he will have a chance to glimpse the Zifu realm in this lifetime.

Without a doubt, he is now at the forefront of the top masters in Changning Guard.

This is undoubtedly great news for interest groups such as Changning Huangfu’s Clan and the former Huangfu’s Clan. But for those families who are against them, it is adding insult to injury, increasing their pressure.

And such a person’s invitation, even with Fang You’an’s pride, he couldn’t possibly reject it outright.

He immediately replied, expressing his willingness to lead his fellow disciples to accept the invitation.The Changning Xu Clan and the Peaceful Wang Clan also received the invitations.

On this day.

The southern district of Changning Guard City became extraordinarily lively, even some independent cultivators rushed to join the excitement. Because as long as they said a few words of congratulations at the entrance of the Changning Huangfu Clan, they could receive two or three Top Gold as rewards.

Such a good thing, the cultivators who were used to being poor would absolutely not miss. And they naturally praised the spirit of Ancestor Huaye, endlessly complimenting him.

In such a scene, as Wang Shouzhe put it: Ancestor Huaye was quite good at grabbing attention.

Now, being invited by Ancestor Huaye, who had risen to be the top master of Changning Guard City, Wang Shouzhe naturally would not publicly offend him.

Following the rules, he prepared enough gifts and leisurely arrived at the south of Changning Guard City by carriage.

The south of Changning Guard City was where the main residence of the Huangfu Clan was located. In addition to the main residence, there were also many businesses here that belonged to them, and of course, the large number of direct descendants and side branches of the Huangfu Clan.

A family with a history of five hundred years, the number of direct descendants and side branches that had been passed down was extremely terrifying. Some of the outstanding ones among them had now become the backbone of the Huangfu family’s various businesses, providing a steady stream of financial and material resources for the development of the Huangfu Clan.

Let’s put aside the idle talk for now.

Wang Shouzhe’s carriage, under the escort of his family’s guards, had just arrived at the south of the city when it was stopped.

The one who stopped the carriage was not someone else, but a guard from the Changning Xu Clan.

The guard’s aura and strength were not ordinary, showing the depth of an old eight-rank family.

He politely saluted and said, “Master Wang, our master of the Xu Clan, invites you to share a carriage.”

“Since Uncle Five has invited me, I won’t refuse.”

Wang Shouzhe was not surprised, he smiled and gave a few instructions to his accompanying guards, then publicly got on the carriage of the Changning Xu Clan’s master, Xu Anbang, without any intention of hiding.

Such a scene would naturally fall into the eyes of those with ulterior motives.

However, the Changning Xu Clan and the Peaceful Wang Clan were getting closer and closer, and their behavior of joining hands and helping each other was no longer a secret, so not many people were surprised.

However, Wang Shouzhe had just sat in Xu Anbang’s carriage and hadn’t had time to exchange pleasantries with him when the carriage was stopped again.

He lifted the curtain and saw that the one who stopped the carriage was an unpretentious old man, like an old servant. But the aura and power he exuded could not be concealed from the eyes of a Xuanwu cultivator at the Spirit Platform Realm.

Without a doubt, this was a strong man at the Spirit Platform Realm.

The old man saluted Wang Shouzhe, “Master Shouzhe, my mistress wishes to meet with you.”

Wang Shouzhe’s mouth twitched.

Even if she had put on makeup and disguised herself, could he not recognize his own Ancestor Xuanhan?

Needless to say, the so-called “mistress” in the carriage behind him was Wang Mei, who was disguised as “Lady Ji”.

This was not in his plan, and he didn’t know what she was up to.

He was pondering how to refuse, when he saw the curtain on the other side also being lifted, and a woman with an extraordinary demeanor and seductive charm walked down from that carriage, gracefully came to him and Xu Anbang, and looked at them with a smile.

“Master Shouzhe, Master Xu, I wonder if you could give me this honor?”

Whether it was out of etiquette or other reasons, Wang Shouzhe and Xu Anbang could no longer refuse, so they politely invited her onto the carriage.

The three of them gathered in one carriage and headed for the main residence of the Huangfu Clan.

Such a scene naturally quickly reached the ears of Huangfu Jinhuan, who was preparing for the banquet.

Upon hearing the news, he couldn’t help but sneer, “That woman surnamed Ji really has no patience, she can’t wait to act so soon. This move of hers, playing both sides, can put pressure on us and also hedge her bets, she really has a good plan.”

Huangfu Deyun was a little worried, “Uncle Jinhuan, she wouldn’t really cooperate with the Changning Xu Clan and the Peaceful Wang Clan, would she?”

“Hmph~ No matter.” Huangfu Jinhuan sneered, “After tonight, she will know who is the real master of Changning Guard City!”

……

At this moment, the atmosphere in Xu Anbang’s carriage was a bit awkward, even though the scent of tea was wafting around.

Actually, the layout inside the carriage was quite spacious, but because Lady Ji was there, Wang Shouzhe and Xu Anbang could only squeeze to one side and sit opposite Lady Ji.

Lady Ji looked at Wang Shouzhe with a deep gaze, as if she had unspeakable grievances.

However, Wang Shouzhe ignored her completely, not even glancing at her.

Are you kidding me~ Even if she was more aggrieved, he couldn’t sit next to her. Otherwise, this day next year might be his death anniversary~

“Shouzhe, you this……”

Xu Anbang looked at the charming Lady Ji, then at Wang Shouzhe, his eyes flickering, and he was also a little uneasy.

Did he know something extraordinary?

“Cough cough~”

Wang Shouzhe hurriedly coughed twice and explained to Xu Anbang, “Uncle Five, this Lady Ji is my business partner. You must not misunderstand.”

“No misunderstanding, no misunderstanding.” Xu Anbang nodded repeatedly with an understanding look, “I know, she is your business partner, definitely not anyone else.”Pausing for a moment, Xu Anbang put on a very loyal demeanor and said, “Shouzhe, rest assured, I will keep this matter to myself.”

“Alright.” Seeing his conviction, Wang Shouzhe knew that further explanation would be futile. He glanced at Madam Ji and said, “Madam Ji, aren’t you afraid that Huangfu Jin Huan will become suspicious now that you are riding in our carriage?”

“Master Wang Shouzhe, you jest.” Madam Ji covered her mouth and laughed, her eyes sparkling with charm, “My relationship with the Huangfu Clan of Changning is merely a partnership, not subordination. Do I need to report to him whose carriage I ride in?”

“Moreover, I want him to be suspicious. The more he thinks, the more chaotic his heart will be. The more chaotic, the more likely he is to make mistakes.”

She was indeed a seductress, her casual smile exuding an irresistible charm. It was clear that she had studied this art thoroughly. According to Wang Shouzhe, she had collected many techniques of seduction!

“You make a good point.”

Wang Shouzhe nodded, not bothering to argue with her further.

She was clearly using public affairs for personal gain, yet she did so flawlessly. It was pointless to continue arguing.

He changed the subject, “Uncle Wu, is there any urgent matter that you invited me to your carriage?”

“There’s no urgent matter.” Xu Anbang stroked his beard and said, “But as the situation approaches, I can’t help but feel a bit anxious. Moreover, I never expected that you, Shouzhe, would be the one controlling this storm.”

“Regarding this matter, I sincerely apologize to Uncle Wu.” Wang Shouzhe’s expression became serious, and he bowed, “This situation, indeed, I played a part in stirring it up. But Uncle Wu, you should also know that with the domineering nature of the Huangfu Clan, it’s inevitable that two tigers can’t share a mountain.”

“If the Xu Clan of Changning wants to rise to a seventh-rank noble family, it will inevitably be targeted. Unless Uncle Wu is willing to let the Xu Clan of Changning stay as an eighth-rank noble family forever, a direct confrontation with the Huangfu Clan of Changning is inevitable.”

“Shouzhe, I admit, your words make sense.” Xu Anbang nodded slightly in agreement, but then changed the subject, “However, you manipulated us, the Xu Clan, to be the vanguard. I can’t possibly be without resentment. Today, you can scheme against us, how can I trust that you won’t do it again in the future? With this suspicion in mind, our two families will only drift further apart.”

Wang Shouzhe listened to his insinuations and smiled, “So, what does Uncle Wu suggest?”

Xu Anbang pretended to ponder for a moment, then said, “Regaining trust is actually simple. Just follow the tradition between noble families. Speaking of which, it’s been a long time since our two families had a marriage alliance between the main bloodlines, hasn’t it?”

“A marriage alliance between the main bloodlines?”

Wang Shouzhe’s eyebrows furrowed slightly.

Speaking of this, the Wang Clan still held some resentment, especially the older generation, who were still indignant about the incident from years ago.

Seeing Wang Shouzhe’s frown, Xu Anbang immediately understood his concerns.

“Shouzhe, I’ve heard about Madam Zhenmei’s incident.” His face became serious, “My father regretted it for his entire life, saying that he didn’t take good care of Madam Zhenmei. Because of this, he lived a life of melancholy, never reaching the Lingtai realm, and passed away more than ten years ago.”

He couldn’t help but sigh as he spoke.

Yes, this was the incident that caused the decades-long resentment between the Wang Clan of Ping’an and the Xu Clan of Changning.

The center of this incident was a woman named “Wang Zhenmei”.

She was the fifth-generation main daughter of the Wang Clan of Ping’an. At that time, the Wang Clan was in great trouble, so Ancestor Long Yan decided to marry Wang Zhenmei to the eldest son of the Xu Clan’s main bloodline, Xu Guorui.

This was to strengthen the blood relationship between the Wang Clan of Ping’an and the Xu Clan of Changning, and also to hope that the Xu Clan of Changning could become a strong support for the Wang Clan in its most difficult times.

However, plans can’t keep up with changes.

Not long after Wang Zhenmei was married, she became pregnant with the main bloodline, but she died in childbirth.

At that time, the older generation of the Wang Clan even stormed the Xu Clan of Changning.

Ancestor Long Yan was heartbroken and personally investigated the matter, only to find that Wang Zhenmei’s death was indeed an accident, so she let it go.

But even so, the resentment between the two sides was hard to eliminate.

Especially the Wang Clan of Ping’an, who has always been resentful about this matter. Since then, the two clans have only intermarried in the direct line, and no longer involved the main bloodline.

And the current head of the Xu Clan of Changning, Xu Anbang, was the eldest son of Xu Guorui, who remarried after the incident.

If it weren’t for this, the main bloodline of the Xu Clan of Changning should have a strong Wang Clan bloodline.

Wang Shouzhe hesitated for a moment and said, “Uncle Wu, I can make decisions on other matters. But for this, I’m afraid we need Ancestor Long Yan to make the decision. Besides, it seems that your family doesn’t have a main bloodline that matches my family’s Miao Miao, right?”

“Shouzhe, don’t misunderstand.” Xu Anbang shook his head, “I’m not interested in Miao Miao.”

As soon as he said this, Wang Shouzhe’s face turned cold, “Uncle Wu, don’t tell me you’re interested in my Yao Yao?”

Wang Liyao was his lifeblood, who would dare to covet her?If Xu Anbang dared to nod, regardless of whether Xu Anbang was his fifth uncle in name only, or even if he was his blood relative, he would not hesitate to beat him up!

Facing his gaze, Xu Anbang involuntarily shivered.

He was, after all, a cultivator at the Spirit Platform realm, but at this moment, he also felt a chill in his heart. He quickly explained, “Don’t misunderstand, Shouzhe. Before my father died, he held my hand and told me that our family owes a legitimate daughter to the Wang’s Clan.”

Wang Shouzhe was taken aback by his words, his face slightly softened, but then he was puzzled, “Fifth Uncle, I’m already married.”

Xu Anbang breathed a sigh of relief and explained earnestly, “You may not know, my little rascal just had a daughter, who is only two years old now. Although she is not the eldest legitimate daughter, she is our family’s legitimate granddaughter, the treasure of our family. If you don’t mind, Shouzhe, I would like to betroth her to your son, An’an.”

“Marry An’an?”

Wang Shouzhe’s eyebrows relaxed instantly, and he began to ponder.

Now, the Changning Xu’s Clan and the Ping’an Wang’s Clan are like grasshoppers on the same boat, no, comrades! To be honest, without a marriage between the legitimate lines, the connection and bond between the two sides are indeed too fragile.

Mutual suspicion and cooperation under fear are not good for both families in the long run.

A marriage between the legitimate lines is indeed necessary.

“Alright, I agree to this marriage.” Wang Shouzhe was a straightforward man, and he made the decision right away, “After this, I will go to the Xu’s Clan to propose.”

The Changning Xu’s Clan itself is an old and established eighth-rank family with a very deep foundation. As long as everything goes smoothly, the possibility of becoming a seventh-rank family in the future is extremely high.

The legitimate granddaughter of a celestial family is not a bad match for Wang Zong’an.

“That’s great, very good.” Seeing Wang Shouzhe’s agreement, Xu Anbang obviously breathed a sigh of relief, “Since that’s the case, I will write off this matter of you dragging my Xu’s Clan into this. I won’t mention it again in the future.”

To be honest, he was also very nervous.

Wang Shouzhe was too mysterious and powerful. Without the bond of a marriage between the legitimate lines, he was afraid that one day he would be sold by him and even help him count the money.

“Giggle~” The lady by the side also covered her mouth and laughed, “Congratulations to Clan Leader Shouzhe, you have another daughter-in-law.”

Wang Shouzhe, who had gained a daughter-in-law out of nowhere, was also much happier.

At this moment, poor Wang Zong’an was still at the Wang’s ancestral home, working hard on his homework, completely unaware that his father had arranged a wife for him during his outing.

Poor Wang Zong’an, who was only five years old and knew nothing~

I guess when he finds out about this, he will be dumbfounded.

Ah~ It’s not easy being the young Clan Leader~

…