Protect Our Patriarch

……

To the northwest of Longzuo Commandery City, the terrain gradually rises.

A wide river originates from the highlands of the massive Tianlong Mountain Range, flowing from west to east across the entire Longzuo, and rushes into the sea from the Jinzhou Peninsula.

The upper and middle reaches of the river are known as the Chijin Plateau, with a significant elevation drop towards the east. The river carries a large amount of red sand, turning the water a reddish hue, with surging waves that are grand and imposing. Hence, this river is called the Chijin River!

Compared to the "winding and lingering" and "magnificent miles" of the An River, the Chijin River is majestic and has the momentum of swallowing mountains and rivers, exuding a different kind of grandeur.

Chijin Garrison.

This garrison town once had its own glorious period.

In the early days of Longzuo Commandery's development, this place was densely populated, with various family forces rampant, making it the undisputed core of northern Longzuo, a place fiercely contested by noble families.

Eventually, with the Yan Clan's Ancestor advancing to the Purple Mansion Realm, they declared dominance over this entire region, a status that continues to this day.

Now, Ancestor Yan Yufei is the third-generation Purple Mansion Ancestor of the Yan Clan. Over a hundred years ago, the Yan Clan's Purple Mansion seed, the prodigy Yan Jingchi, would have been the fourth-generation Purple Mansion Ancestor had he successfully broken through to the Purple Mansion Realm.

Unfortunately, in life, things often don't go as planned. Yan Jingchi ultimately failed to break through to the Purple Mansion Realm, leading the Yan Clan into a crisis of succession.

Currently, within a thousand miles of the northern seven garrisons of Longzuo Commandery, things seem calm on the surface, but countless noble families are secretly sharpening their knives, waiting to seize a share once the Yan Clan falls.

Even within the Yan Clan, there is a sense of unease, hoping that Ancestor Yufei and Clan Head Feihong can resolve the family crisis and get through the toughest times.

On this day.

Outside the east gate of the core garrison town of the northern seven garrisons of Longzuo—Chijin City, the wide main road had been under traffic control for three days.

All itinerant cultivators, noble families, commoners, and merchant caravans were prohibited from passing through the "Chidong Avenue." If they wanted to leave the city, they had to detour through the west or south gates.

Most cities value the east as noble, as the saying goes, "Purple energy comes from the east, noble guests arrive." Therefore, welcoming distinguished guests is often done at the east gate. Back in the day, when Longzuo Commandery was hit by floods, Xiahou Hongde, the city guard of Changning Garrison at the time, welcomed Fang You'an outside the east gate.

At this moment, outside the east gate of Chijin City, preparations were already in place to welcome distinguished guests.

Outside the east gate, the Welcoming Immortal Plaza.

The plaza, paved with locally produced Chijin bricks, shimmered with golden light under the sun, shining brightly.

In the center of the vast plaza stood a towering Welcoming Immortal Platform, over ten zhang high, with a grand and noble layout, showcasing the hospitality of the people of Chijin Garrison.

In fact, this Welcoming Immortal Platform was originally built to welcome Emperor Longchang. Back when the northern Longzuo was bustling with activity, Emperor Longchang had plans to inspect Longzuo and visit Chijin City.

However, after the Welcoming Immortal Platform was built, Emperor Longchang toured Longzuo Commandery City, then went directly to Jingang Garrison, and later inspected the Qingluo Sea region. Remembering Princess Qingluo saddened him, and in a bad mood, he returned to Guilong City.

As a result, the Welcoming Immortal Platform, which Chijin City spent a fortune to build, was never used. But what can you do when the Emperor is capricious? You can't just submit a memorial to scold him, can you?

From this, it can be inferred that Emperor Longchang was quite capricious in his prime. Now, as his lifespan nears its end, he acts with even less restraint, his mercurial and petty nature becoming more unbridled.

Thus, the Welcoming Immortal Platform became a facility for welcoming other distinguished guests in Chijin Garrison. However, as the Yan Clan declined, the Welcoming Immortal Platform had not been used for nearly a hundred years.

Yet this time, after nearly a century of silence, the Welcoming Immortal Platform was once again put to use.

Starting three days ago, the Welcoming Immortal Platform had been gradually tidied and decorated. Now, the entire platform looked as good as new, adorned with fresh flowers and colorful ribbons, appearing very grand.

On the Welcoming Immortal Platform, quite a few people were already standing.

In Chijin Garrison, only a few had the qualifications to stand on the Welcoming Immortal Platform.

Among them were Duan Yangxia, the city guard of Chijin Garrison; Liu Wenzhi, the Celestial Ancestor of the Liu Clan, a seventh-grade family of Chijin; Yan Yufei, the Purple Mansion Ancestor of the Yan Clan of Longzuo; Yan Feihong, the Yan Clan Head; Yan Yujing, the current Purple Mansion seed of the Yan Clan; and some official figures from the city guard office.

Around the Welcoming Plaza, fully armed patrol camp soldiers kept the onlookers at bay. On the city walls, the stationed city defense troops were also full of energy and spirit.

As everyone waited, time slowly passed.

Suddenly.

"Ang!"

A clear and melodious cry of a spiritual crane came from the clouds in the sky.

Immediately, several flying carriages broke through the clouds, appearing in the sight of the people of Chijin Garrison. Guided by the Chijin Garrison side, the flying carriages spiraled down to land on the Welcoming Immortal Platform.

These flying carriages bore the insignia of the Shouda Trading Company.

Once they landed steadily, a woman with a graceful appearance and elegant, mature demeanor stepped out of the carriage first, followed by a group of young male and female aides and guards from other carriages.

The leading woman wore a modified dark purple brocade dress, exuding elegance and nobility, like a blooming peony, dignified yet without a trace of vulgarity.

Surrounded by a group of young men and women, she appeared composed and confident, her gaze steady and powerful, exuding an aura of authority, clearly someone who had long held a high position and experienced many significant events.

Not far behind her, a Heavenly Puppet exuding a powerful aura followed, evidently there to ensure her safety.

This woman was none other than Gongsun Hui, the legitimate mother of the current head of the Wang Clan.

Gongsun Hui hailed from the direct line of the Shanyang Gongsun Clan. When she married into the Wang Clan as a second wife, life wasn't easy for her. Fortunately, her legitimate son Wang Shouzhe was promising, not only turning the tide for the Wang Clan at a critical moment but also leading a group of allied families to prosper and grow together.

Over the decades, the Shanyang Gongsun Clan had transformed into the "Changning" Gongsun Clan, with their family status reaching the seventh grade, steadily advancing towards the sixth grade, and even the fifth-grade Purple Mansion was within reach.

As a result, the Gongsun Clan had long decided to firmly cling to the Wang Clan's support. The current clan leader, Gongsun Yan, admired his cousin Wang Shouzhe immensely, following his lead in everything.

The Shouda Trading Company, a joint venture between the Wang Clan's marriage alliance and the Qian Clan, served as the most solid bond of interest between the families, beyond bloodline marriages.

Starting with high-end transportation, the Shouda Trading Company generated a staggering amount of cash flow each year.

Aside from annual dividends, the Shouda Trading Company retained a lot of cash for expansion, investing in or acquiring some quality industries beyond its core business.

Additionally, the Shouda Trading Company purchased commercial properties and land in various garrisons, building massive turnover warehouses and accommodation hotels.

This made the Shouda Trading Company like a small monster, constantly devouring and growing, developing into a colossal entity in just a few decades.

Of course, during this period, there were various minor issues.

After all, people have selfish desires, and with a large organization, all kinds of people are present. As the Shouda Trading Company expanded, flaws in internal management became more apparent, and various minor problems emerged one after another.

Thus, Wang Shouzhe personally intervened, calling on Qian Xuehan to join him in a comprehensive reform of the Shouda Trading Company's internal structure.

The main direction of the reform was to refer to modern management practices, forming various departments, and gradually establishing process norms and strict related systems through repeated trials.

One crucial department was the Finance Department.

The head of the Finance Department, known as the Chief Financial Officer, managed all the financial transactions of the Shouda Trading Company. Besides, the Finance Department had the authority to review and assess the financial status of external investments or acquisitions.

It could be said that the position of Chief Financial Officer in the Shouda Trading Company was extraordinary.

In the past, Gongsun Hui was one of the accountants of the Shouda Trading Company, proficient in finance, and very sensitive to economics and numbers. Naturally, she was appointed as the Chief Financial Officer by Wang Shouzhe.

Gongsun Hui initially intended to keep a close watch on the Shouda Trading Company's accounts for the Wang Clan, diligently doing her job. Unexpectedly, she grew increasingly adept at it, often discussing uncertain matters with Wang Shouzhe at home.

Although Wang Shouzhe wasn't a finance major in his previous life, he lived in an era of information explosion, gaining broad, if not deep, knowledge. Whenever he offered ideas and suggestions, Gongsun Hui treated them as valuable guidance, gradually incorporating them into her work.

This made Gongsun Hui increasingly proficient in finance, gradually developing a unique set of financial methods and systems.

But that's enough digression.

On the Welcoming Immortal Platform, the Yan Clan and Chijin Garrison warmly welcomed Gongsun Hui and her entourage, expressing that they had prepared a banquet with the highest etiquette to entertain them.

For the Yan Clan, Wang Shouzhe wouldn't offer casual help but proposed a "comprehensive" solution plan. The main approach was to use the Shouda Trading Company as the economic entity, injecting capital into the Yan Clan's various industries and incorporating them into Wang Shouzhe's grand plan for the Longzuo industrial chain.

If successful, the Yan Clan could not only overcome their difficulties but might even rise to a higher level.

If, by chance, they failed, having already boarded the Wang Clan's ship, would the Wang Clan just watch the Yan Clan decline and be besieged?

Moreover, Gongsun Hui was not only the Chief Financial Officer of the Shouda Trading Company but also Wang Shouzhe's legitimate mother, making her a significant figure throughout Longzuo Commandery. How could the Yan Clan dare to neglect her?

"Ancestor Yufei, Clan Head Feihong, City Guard Duan." Gongsun Hui's beautiful eyes swept over the crowd with a steady and powerful gaze, saying calmly, "We are not here for a private visit. Although Shouzhe proposed that the Shouda Trading Company invest in restructuring the Yan Clan's industries and establish subsidiaries, as the Chief Financial Officer, I must be accountable to every shareholder."

"We have already informed your family of the relevant matters in advance. I believe your family's accountants should have prepared the accounts for the past years. Why don't we start working early, so we can complete the account verification and asset assessment as soon as possible, allowing the subsidiary to enter the formal operation stage."

The Yan Clan invited her again, but Gongsun Hui insisted on business first. Reluctantly, the Yan Clan had to let her proceed.

Soon, the finance department, led by Gongsun Hui, settled into the main residence of the Yan Clan, auditing the assets planned for investment and restructuring.

Initially, the Yan Clan thought Gongsun Hui was just going through the motions, as they had never heard of those financial terms. However, they soon realized how formidable Gongsun Hui was.

Her team consisted of elite financial talents she had gradually cultivated over decades, experts in asset and project auditing.

"Chief Accountant Yan," Gongsun Hui said to an elder, "there are discrepancies in the accounts for twenty thousand Salt Marsh Sheep in your Salt Marsh Ranch. Please explain."

"Chief Accountant Yan, there are obviously many ghost employees in your pottery industry, and productivity is very low. First, all these personnel must be removed during the asset restructuring. Second, I will lower the valuation of your pottery industry, as it's not worth the significant investment from the Shouda Trading Company."

"Chief Accountant Yan, as far as I know, your No. 5 Cinnabar Mine, No. 16 Aluminum Mine, and No. 29 Spiritual Stone Mine have long been exhausted. Why are they still listed in the asset inventory?"

She wouldn't overlook any detail or doubt.

This wasn't her first time acquiring or restructuring assets. She was well aware of the twists and turns within noble family industries. In such millennia-old families, there were bound to be many parasites, and if not careful, one could easily be deceived, with significant discrepancies in the accounts.

Collaboration was collaboration, support was support, but the Shouda Trading Company was investing, not doing charity, and wouldn't tolerate the bad habits of some within the Yan Clan.

The Shouda Trading Company always maintained clear and transparent accounts.

Subsequently, the parasites, embezzlers, and bribe-takers within the Yan Clan were quickly unearthed by Gongsun Hui's team.

These individuals were scattered throughout, with no industry under the Yan Clan spared.

The Yan Clan's accounting team was nearly driven mad, and Clan Head Feihong was so angry he almost jumped up, even Ancestor Yufei was a bit stunned.

They never expected that even in their current state, there were still so many parasites within the Yan Clan. It seemed they wouldn't stop until the Yan Clan was hollowed out!

"Investigate! No matter who it is, investigate thoroughly!" Ancestor Yufei roared in anger, "Anyone who dares to resist or obstruct will face my personal enforcement of family law."

Ancestor Yufei valued the cooperation with the Wang Clan highly, seeing it as the Yan Clan's hope for resurgence. Now, with the Yan Clan's internal decay exposed before Wang Shouzhe's legitimate mother, he felt utterly humiliated.

This also strengthened his resolve to thoroughly rectify the Yan Clan internally.

While chaos ensued within the Yan Clan of Longzuo, gradually emerging from its internal turmoil, the Wang Clan also began to dominate Longzuo, stirring up the world.

Almost simultaneously.

The outer region battlefield.

Unlike the lush and prosperous Great Qian, the outer region battlefield was perpetually shrouded in the miasma of war, desolate and bleak.

The demonic energy emanating from the outer regions also tainted this land, leaving it barren. Even the occasional resilient plant that managed to survive in this land mutated under the influence of demonic energy, becoming twisted and dangerous.

This place was barren and perilous, unsuitable for human habitation.

Yet here, it was the frontline of humanity's defense against the invasion of outer region demons. It was because of the existence of the outer region battlefield, with countless people bravely fighting and sacrificing, that demons could not invade this world, allowing humanity to thrive and live in peace within their domains.

Amidst the miasma of war, many military camps were scattered.

These camps housed troops from different countries and forces, including some powerful individuals who came to fight under different banners, earning military merits by slaying enemies.

Above one of the larger camps, the Azure Dragon flag representing the Great Qian fluttered.

This camp was the main base of the Great Qian on the outer region battlefield. Besides this camp, the Great Qian had multiple strongholds on the battlefield, ready to provide support from all directions in case of conflict.

Inside the camp.

Near the camp gate, a massive bronze pillar stood, with the blood-stained spear impaling the corpse of a high-level demon.

It was a high-level demon, its body wrapped in an exoskeleton.

It had long been dead, its large spines on its back losing their luster, the metallic sheen of its exoskeleton dull and battered, even its thick tail was only half intact. Yet, even in death, its corpse exuded a chilling and overwhelming aura, intimidating and terrifying.

High-level demons were formidable, their strength equivalent to human Divine Realm experts at their peak, extremely difficult to deal with.

This demon on the bronze pillar was a trophy of the Great Qian army, a military achievement, nailed to the bronze pillar to boost morale and serve as a deterrent to outer region demons.

From the arrow towers on all sides, a faint yellow glow dispersed, clearing the miasma of war from the camp and illuminating the surroundings.

In the camp, soldiers in black armor patrolled back and forth, maintaining order, their eyes sharp and their aura fierce.

Their black armor was heavy and battered, with barbed joints, clearly designed for life-and-death combat. The armor was inscribed with mysterious runes, emitting an enigmatic aura.

These soldiers were at least at the seventh or eighth level of the Qi Refining Realm, with captains almost all at the Lingtai Realm or higher, their aura cold and murderous, clearly seasoned veterans, elites among elites.

Besides them, there were many scattered Basalt cultivators moving around the camp.

Unlike the uniformed soldiers, these cultivators wore their own clothes, moving in small groups, not forming a cohesive unit. But their aura was very strong, with Lingtai Realm cultivation being the lowest, and Celestial Realm cultivators not uncommon.

Even the Purple Mansion Realm experts, who were highly respected and rarely seen within the Great Qian, could occasionally be spotted here.

Some gathered at the camp gate, exchanging demon heads from their storage rings for military merits, some at the warehouse door, exchanging merits for rewards, and some with injuries heading to the alchemy room in the camp.

They didn't belong to the Great Qian official forces but were Basalt cultivators who voluntarily came to fight, exchanging slain demons for military merits. Among them, the largest group came from the Lingyun Holy Land.

Over the years, the Lingyun Holy Land maintained a balance with the Great Qian royal family, coexisting with each other. This wasn't just because of a Lingxu Realm powerhouse's suppression, but also due to the countless disciples of Lingyun Holy Land, earning unparalleled merits with their strength and blood.

On the battlefield against outer region demons, besides the Great Qian military, it was the Lingyun Holy Land that shed the most blood and paid the heaviest price.

Regardless of their original affiliation or country, on the outer region battlefield, they were comrades, fellow soldiers, and guardians of human civilization.

Of course, people have selfish desires.

After all, they belonged to different forces, and while jointly resisting external enemies, secretly, there was inevitably intrigue and deceit. This was unavoidable anywhere.

Back then, Zhou Yuhang, a personal disciple of Yuanshui Ascetic from the Yuanshui lineage of the Purple Mansion Academy of Longzuo, was ambushed by a disciple of the Yinsha Sect during a confrontation, nearly falling on the battlefield. To this day, his injuries haven't fully healed, and he's still in seclusion at Yuanshui Heavenly Lake.

Of course, later on, Binglan and Changchun Immortal personally went to the battlefield, avenging him and making the other party pay a heavy price.

Over countless years, similar incidents occurred from time to time on the outer region battlefield. But with formidable enemies nearby and the strongest human civilization experts stationed on the battlefield, even the most scheming individuals had to restrain themselves, not going too far.

After all, at the alliance's inception, it was agreed that anyone who dared to undermine the unity and stability of the human alliance would be killed without mercy!

In this brutal battlefield, the Great Qian, though not the strongest, was one of the eight pillars, supporting stability and providing a haven for human civilization.

Within the Great Qian camp, outside a tent bearing a general's flag.

Four soldiers in black armor stood guard at the tent entrance, their eyes sharp, their aura fierce, maintaining vigilance even within the camp.

At this moment, a group of people approached quickly from a distance.

These individuals wore heavy black armor, exuding a murderous aura, their armor stained with blood, still emanating lingering blood energy. Many of them bore severe injuries.

Clearly, they had just returned from the battlefield.

Compared to ordinary soldiers, their aura was more imposing, their armor thicker and more refined, emitting a more profound aura, clearly not ordinary soldiers.

The leading youth's armor bore a dark golden Azure Dragon pattern, indicating his royal lineage and noble status.

This youth was none other than Wu Chengsi, one of the Quasi-Imperial Heirs of the Great Qian, Commandery Prince Kang.

Beside him was another youth without armor, Gongyang Ce, who had accompanied Commandery Prince Kang on the expedition.

His face was somewhat pale, his white clothes stained with blood, almost turned dark red, not his own blood, but that of demons.

As they walked, the two discussed something excitedly.

This battle, despite many twists and significant consumption, ended in a resounding victory. With this military achievement, both could gain substantial benefits.

It's worth noting that the merits earned by humans could be exchanged for items not only provided by the Great Qian but also some from the Han Yue Immortal Dynasty and the Red Moon Demon Dynasty.

In the Immortal Dynasty's camp, one could even exchange for ten-thousand-year-old purple ganoderma and Divine Spirit Artifacts, treasures that even Purple Mansion Realm experts coveted.

"Greetings, Commandery Prince. Greetings, Master Xuanmiao."

The guards at the tent entrance stiffened, quickly saluting with respect.

"At ease."

Commandery Prince Kang waved his hand, dismissing his personal guards, letting them rest or heal as needed. After bidding farewell to Gongyang Ce, he lifted the tent flap and entered.

This was his own tent.

After a hard-fought victory, he finally relaxed here.

Inside the tent, a young man in a scholar's robe sat behind a desk, writing something.

Seeing Commandery Prince Kang enter, he stood and saluted with a smile, "Your Highness, congratulations on your triumphant return. You've really boosted the Great Qian's reputation this time. I hear even the Immortal Dynasty is paying attention to you."

"Fourteenth Uncle, please don't tease me."

Commandery Prince Kang removed his helmet, tidied his appearance, and sat opposite the young scholar, smiling, "My achievements may be outstanding in the Great Qian, but they pale compared to the most talented in the Immortal Dynasty."

This young scholar was Zhao Zhikun, a direct descendant of the second-grade Zhao Clan of the Great Qian, and one of the Divine Realm seeds of his generation. Despite his youthful appearance, he was over three hundred years old, two generations senior to Commandery Prince Kang.

Commandery Prince Kang's wife, Zhao Jingyi, was Zhao Zhikun's grandniece.

This time, Commandery Prince Kang's victory was already known before he returned from the front lines. As his advisor, Zhao Zhikun naturally received the news.

"I'm writing a memorial to the court to request honors for you," Zhao Zhikun said, picking up the memorial he was working on, smiling, "With this victory, your military record is now quite impressive. I believe no one can question your abilities in this regard anymore. The princes within the royal family who rose through military achievements will also recognize you more, making it easier to gain their support in the future."

Commandery Prince Kang nodded, "Indeed. This victory was well-earned. It was worth sending Brother Gongyang to the Han Yue Immortal Dynasty to find someone to refine the Soul Shaking Bell for me."

In fact, it was largely thanks to the Soul Shaking Bell that they won so decisively this time. Otherwise, with his original abilities, while he might not have lost, winning so decisively would have been difficult.

As they spoke, Zhao Zhikun pulled a letter sealed in animal skin from the pile of documents on the desk and handed it to Commandery Prince Kang, "By the way, there's a family letter here, sent by Jingyi. The servant who delivered it mentioned it seemed quite important, but I don't know what it's about."

Commandery Prince Kang took the letter, opened it, and glanced at it, his expression changing.

"Your Highness, what's wrong?" Zhao Zhikun asked, puzzled.

Commandery Prince Kang frowned, not speaking, continuing to read the letter. He read it through, then went back to certain parts, pondering them carefully.

Seeing Commandery Prince Kang's reaction, Zhao Zhikun was filled with curiosity but dared not interrupt, waiting quietly.

After a while, Commandery Prince Kang exhaled deeply, handing the letter to Zhao Zhikun, and poured himself a cup of wine, drinking it in one gulp.

Zhao Zhikun's curiosity grew, but he quickly opened the letter and read it.

Immediately.

His expression changed as well.

"This Wu Yingji... You endured so much to gain his support, tolerating his disrespect several times without complaint, yet he still acts so ungrateful!" Zhao Zhikun's face darkened, a cold glint in his eyes, "This matter cannot be left unresolved.""After all, the Imperial Uncle is the eldest son of Sixth Grandfather. Even I, the Little Commandery Prince, can't do anything to him. He counted on this fact to act so recklessly," Commandery Prince Kang put down his wine cup, his expression not looking too good. "Fortunately, His Majesty the Ancestor still favors us. He immediately issued an edict to appease and even conferred Jingyi the title of second-grade Commandery Princess, which helped us save some face. Moreover, the Imperial Uncle, being a direct descendant, even if he no longer supports me, can't openly support Wu Mingyuan. Otherwise, forget Ancestor Dexin, even Sixth Grandfather wouldn't let it pass."

"Your Highness, are you planning to just let this go?" Zhao Zhikun looked at Commandery Prince Kang.

"Of course not," Commandery Prince Kang lowered his eyes, a cold glint flashing in their depths. "I may not be able to deal with the Imperial Uncle, but that doesn't mean I can't handle others."

"Are you referring to the Wang's Clan?" Zhao Zhikun caught on, picking up the letter again and glancing at it, his brows slowly furrowing. "This Wang's Clan is indeed not simple. They've made several moves in such a short time, causing such a commotion and catching us off guard. Judging by their actions, this series of moves was not a spur-of-the-moment decision but rather well-planned. We might have been used as a stepping stone by them."

"This Wang's Clan is indeed formidable. No wonder Brother Gongyang valued them so much before, trying several times to either recruit or suppress them. I underestimated them," Commandery Prince Kang mused, rubbing the wine cup in his hand. "However, no matter how formidable the Wang's Clan is, they are just a sixth-grade family, mere ants before the royal family. The most crucial thing now is to mitigate the adverse effects caused by the Imperial Uncle's betrayal. Fourteenth Uncle, do you have any strategies?"

Zhao Zhikun pondered for a moment and said, "Regarding this matter, I do have a plan."

"Oh? Please share, Fourteenth Uncle."

"Back then, Ancestor Gu married into the royal family. Although there were some mishaps, she was ultimately the wife of Prince Yong'an, a royal consort. Therefore, the royal family owes our Zhao's Clan a great prodigy," Zhao Zhikun tapped the table, musing, "Now, Little Commandery Princess Xue'ning is already fourteen."

"Are you referring to Yuanqing?" Commandery Prince Kang's eyes lit up, immediately understanding.

The Zhao's Clan's great prodigy is not limited to Zhao Zhikun. Besides him, the Zhao's Clan is also nurturing another great prodigy named Zhao Yuanqing, who just turned fifty this year and broke through to the Celestial Realm last year.

Due to his young age, he wasn't included in the 'Top Ten Outstanding Youths' of Shangjing before. But in another thirty or forty years, he will undoubtedly become a prominent figure in Shangjing City, just like Wu Zhixing and others.

If they want to propose marriage to Wu Xue'ning, Zhao Yuanqing is the only suitable match within the Zhao's Clan.

As for the age difference between the two, it's a minor issue.

After all, a great prodigy has a significant chance of breaking through to the Divine Realm in the future, with a lifespan close to two thousand years. A thirty-something age gap is nothing.

"Exactly," Zhao Zhikun nodded, analyzing, "Little Commandery Princess Xue'ning's mother is the eldest daughter of the direct line of the third-grade Chen's Clan, holding a significant position within the Chen's Clan. As far as I know, the Chen's Clan has invested heavily in Little Commandery Princess Xue'ning, likely to solidify their relationship with the royal family."

"Previously, when we tried to win over the Chen's Clan, their attitude was somewhat ambiguous. If we can secure Little Commandery Princess Xue'ning's hand for Yuanqing, it would indirectly establish a connection with the Chen's Clan. At that point, with a little maneuvering, the Chen's Clan would have no choice but to align with us, even if they were reluctant."

"Moreover, as far as I know, Little Commandery Princess Xue'ning has a good relationship with Little Commandery Prince Zhixing. Using her as a link, we might even be able to bring Prince An's faction, which silently supports him, onto our side."

In the royal family, the network of relationships is intricate and complex.

Behind every great prodigy stands one or even several top-tier families. Even someone like Wu Zhixing, a great prodigy from a distant branch, has forces backing him, including a prince.

These relationships, if utilized well, can often yield miraculous results.

"Additionally, regarding the Wang's Clan, I have a plan that could bring them to ruin," Zhao Zhikun added.

"Please share, Fourteenth Uncle."

"Although the Wang's Clan has made a grand spectacle this time, they have a fatal flaw. We just need to do this and that..." Zhao Zhikun lowered his voice, whispering a few words into Commandery Prince Kang's ear.

Commandery Prince Kang's eyes lit up as he listened, nodding repeatedly.

Soon, they called Gongyang Ce over, and the three of them secretly discussed and quickly finalized some details.

Finally, Commandery Prince Kang looked at Zhao Zhikun and Gongyang Ce, saying solemnly, "This time, I came to the outer region battlefield by imperial decree and cannot return without His Majesty's order. This matter will have to trouble Fourteenth Uncle and Brother Gongyang."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Zhikun and Gongyang Ce stood up in unison, cupping their hands, "Rest assured, Your Highness, leave this matter to us."

...

Almost simultaneously.

In the palace, at Zhuozheng Pavilion.

On the broad desk made of spiritual wood, the renowned "Divine Dynasty's Twilight" lay scattered.

The pieces were strewn about, some crumpled, some reduced to fragments, making it impossible to piece together the complete picture.

Most absurdly, a pungent urine smell was wafting from the section depicting the twilight glow of the setting sun.

Emperor Longchang's nose twitched, his expression darkening to the point of dripping water.

His gaze was as sharp as a knife, staring at Yao Chengchao with a cold smile, "Chengchao, is this my 'Divine Dynasty's Twilight'?"

Yao Chengchao was sweating profusely, his face pale, but he could only brace himself and salute, "Your Majesty, this... this is indeed the 'Divine Dynasty's Twilight.'"

"But Your Majesty, please allow me to explain. This... this is the handiwork of those little wolf cubs. Not only was Your Majesty's 'Divine Dynasty's Twilight' damaged, but many rare goods were also destroyed, and our Yun Yao flying boat almost crashed into the Storm Ocean due to a malfunction. Our Yao's Clan suffered heavy losses this time."

As he spoke, Yao Chengchao indignantly pointed at the five "culprits"—the little wolf cubs.

The five little wolf cubs sat obediently, their tongues lolling, their pure eyes filled with innocence. They couldn't understand the human accusations.

"Heh," Emperor Longchang chuckled coldly, "Is your Yao's Air Transport trying to shirk responsibility? Clearly, it was your negligence in safeguarding, yet you blame the little wolf cubs. With your capabilities, you couldn't even keep an eye on a few wolf cubs?"

The five little wolf cubs nodded repeatedly. This kind old man was right; they were just a bunch of innocent and naive little wolf cubs. What could they possibly have done wrong?

"No, no," Yao Chengchao hurriedly shook his head, "I am merely explaining the cause to Your Majesty. Our Yao's Air Transport has always upheld the principle of credibility. This time, it was indeed our fault for inadequate safeguarding. We will compensate Your Majesty without missing a single penny, and we will do so at double the highest standard."

Although the Yao's Clan is also a first-grade family, with Ancestor Lingxu overseeing the clan, their overall strength is still a notch below the Wu's Clan, which commands a nation.

Moreover, the Wu's Clan has a long-standing heritage and deep background, making it difficult for the Yao's Clan to offend them.

Double?

Emperor Longchang raised an eyebrow, "Do I, the Emperor, lack your little bit of money? What I want is Master Ji's masterpiece, the 'Divine Dynasty's Twilight.'"

"Your Majesty, that is against the rules and the contract," Yao Chengchao kept wiping his sweat, "Due to various reasons, accidents can always happen during cargo transportation. At most, we can only compensate at double, no, triple the price."

The Yao's Clan, after all, is a first-grade family. Although they can't afford to offend the Wu's Clan, they have their own foundation and principles to uphold. They won't just agree to whatever Emperor Longchang says.

Emperor Longchang ignored him, instead looking with interest at the five little wolf cubs, "You five are so mischievous, with such astonishing destructive power at such a young age. It seems your talent and potential are quite good. Which one of you is the leader?"

The five little ones looked at each other, then shook their heads in unison.

"Your Majesty, according to the shipping documents, the consignor is a young lady, likely the one who raised these five wolf cubs. They probably recognize her as their leader," Yao Chengchao explained in a low voice.

"Oh, which family's young lady has such skills to acquire five Silver Moon Wolves at once? And judging by their appearance, their bloodline is quite pure. Such wolf cubs, even among the Silver Moon Wolf packs, would be groomed as leader candidates. It's not easy to gather five of them," Emperor Longchang asked with some interest.

"Your Majesty," Yao Chengchao explained, "According to the information registered on the shipping documents, it's a young lady with the surname Wang, shipping to a small place in Longzuo Commandery, to a small family called the Wang's Clan."

Wang's Clan? Longzuo Commandery?

These keywords immediately piqued Emperor Longchang's sensitivity.

"Changning Wang's Clan?" he blurted out almost instinctively.

"Yes, yes, it's the Wang's Clan of Ping'an Town in Changning Garrison, and the recipient is someone named Wang Shouzhe," Yao Chengchao sorted out his thoughts and said, "The name sounds like an eighth or ninth-grade minor family. I don't know what kind of luck they stumbled upon to have a relative send them such high-grade battle pets. Any one of these five wolf cubs would fetch a sky-high price."

"Enemies meet on a narrow road, enemies meet on a narrow road~~!" Emperor Longchang's face turned as black as coal, "Wang Shouzhe, Wang Shouzhe, you really are the bane of this Emperor. I finally acquired something I desired, only for it to be completely ruined by your family's wolf cubs."

Well, now I don't have to worry about where to hang it...

Wait, that's not the point!

"Hmph, Wang Shouzhe, this Emperor will never reconcile with you!" Emperor Longchang's mind suddenly had a flash of inspiration, and he sneered, "Chengchao, I'll be keeping these five wolf cubs. Let the recipient come to me personally to retrieve them."

"Your Majesty, that's against the rules..."

"What I say is the rule!"

"If you're not satisfied, have your clan's ancestor come and fight me~~~ Guards, throw this Yao Chengchao out for me!"