Great Grandmaster!
No matter where in the Great Zhou Dynasty, they were the most powerful and top-notch fighters, and they were simply not ones the Wu Family could afford to offend.
Once truly offended, perhaps the Wu Family would be annihilated the next day, and they would have no power to resist whatsoever. Such was the might of a Great Grandmaster.
“Clan Leader, is this true?”
In fact, some of the cleverer members of the Wu Family had already guessed the real answer.
After all, the Family Head himself had said that he was far from being an opponent, which meant that he had already met with that person.
They might even have crossed hands.
And now, saying that he was far from being an opponent, the answer was quite obvious.
However, they still wanted confirmation.
“There’s no need to doubt it.”
Wu Yuancheng gave them the answer. These people were the core members of the Wu Family who must be informed, otherwise, if there were any misunderstandings later on, the trouble would be even greater. Matters related to the fate of the family absolutely could not be vague.
The people in the council hall just couldn’t contain their emotions, even though the Family Head was there, they started whispering to one another.
At first, they thought the Family Head’s decision to come here seeking so-called protection was not wise, they trusted the Valley Master of Stargazing Valley too much, after all, the Valley Master was not omnipotent.
The Wu Family had come to Shuzhou so quickly, but at the cost of abandoning a great deal of interest, affecting many people within the clan.
Although they dared not openly criticize, they were also very puzzled in their hearts.
Especially after arriving in the three counties, they learned that the so-called protection of the three counties was simply from a Grandmaster.
Wu Yuancheng himself was a Grandmaster, with no need for another Grandmaster’s protection.
Of course, it was just a lack of understanding. They also knew who the Wu Family relied on; even if they didn’t understand, there were no complaints, and they obediently settled here without causing any trouble.
But now, Wu Yuancheng’s words directly changed their thoughts.
The protector of the three counties turned out to be one of the few Great Grandmasters.
They could only say that the Family Head truly had foresight.
Wu Yuancheng waited for them to discuss for a while before saying:
“Alright, quiet down. The reason I called you here was to inform you of some matters.
First, everyone present is a core member of my Wu Family. The conversation we just had cannot be spread by anyone. If I catch wind of it, clan discipline will be enforced.
Second, keep an eye on those pampered scions. It’s fine for them to idle around in their usual pleasures, but if I find anyone committing crimes, they will also be dealt with according to clan rules; their cultivation will be abolished followed by one hundred and twenty floggings.
Also, be sure not to discuss that Great Person anymore. Although that person may not care, we cannot do so. Understand?”
“Yes!”
There was no opposition from anyone. Facing a strong figure with the power of a Great Grandmaster, no amount of caution was too much.
“If you understand, then go. Also, don’t reveal these matters to anyone else, not everyone can keep their mouth shut.”
“Clan Leader, if we don’t explain the reasons, what if some people don’t understand?”
Wu Yuancheng’s gaze turned chilly as he said, “Anyone who has enjoyed the protection of the Wu Family but is unwilling to make sacrifices for it should no longer consider themselves part of the Wu Family!”
Everyone felt a chill in their hearts, knowing Wu Yuancheng’s resolve.
Orders were soon dispatched. Indeed, there were some who didn’t understand, but it was fruitless. After being disciplined, they also became obedient.
And because of this, the people of the Wu Family kept an even lower profile.
…
After asking Wu Yuancheng, Wang Sheng and Yue returned to Qingshan Village.
He distinctly felt that Yue, having asked about the Valley Master of Stargazing Valley, had become more open-minded. Although there was no expression on her face, her mood had clearly improved a lot.
Clearly, this search for Wu Yuancheng could not be called a complete success, as he failed to find out the Valley Master’s purpose, but Yue had obtained what she desired.
Every choice the Valley Master made was his own decision, with no regrets.
This alleviated one of Yue’s burdens, and for her lineage, the benefits were immense.
Wang Sheng also felt similarly. He too had received crucial information, although he could not solve his doubts immediately.
Compared with resolving some mysteries, he felt he needed to be even more cautious.
He could bide his time!
He was also waiting for Jiangyuan City to reopen and see what the situation was like in the Imperial City.
So—
Half a month later, the overlord of Jiangyuan City was finally decided.
A powerful Grandmaster named Gao Tianyu took command of Jiangyuan City, transforming it into his territory.
This person was very intelligent, knowing why Jiangyuan City had not been occupied by any of the Three Great Families.
Therefore, he did not intend to restrict Jiangyuan City at all; instead, he ordered all forces to cease their conflicts and then gradually began to repair Jiangyuan City.
Another half month passed, and Gao Tianyu officially announced that Jiangyuan City was reopened to the outside, connecting to the external world, and began to lease and sell the shops in Jiangyuan City to anyone who wished to purchase.
Originally, these shops were not of much significance, after all, Shuzhou was just too remote and lacked special resources. Only well salt was somewhat renowned, so even if the locations were good, they could not compare to those major commercial cities.
But now, things had changed.
With the conclusion of the great war, the fact that Shuzhou was abundant in spiritual medicine had already become known to many.
Spiritual medicine could be an essential resource for martial artists.
And this world was ruled by martial artists; once spiritual medicine appeared, nearly everything else had to take a step back.
Given Jiangyuan City’s role as a gateway connecting Shuzhou with the outside cities, its significance needed no further explanation.
The value of the shops released by Gao Tianyu had suddenly soared.
But even that was not the most important thing.
The most important thing was that Gao Tianyu had used these shops to establish countless connections.
Perhaps the short-term profits would be less, but the long-term hidden benefits were extremely substantial.
Those who could stand in high positions had more than just martial strength.
Perhaps it was because Gao Tianyu had thrown open the gates of Jiangyuan City that, before long, it had become bustling, with outsiders pouring in like crazy, bringing in much news from the outside world.
Wang Sheng also learned what he most wanted to know.
“After the death of the little prince, the Great Zhou Dynasty did not take long to support another emperor.
Of course, the royal family now lacks not just a Great Grandmaster but even Grandmaster-level strength, so it can only be said that while the dynasty still exists, it is in name only; now any force with Overlord-level strength could wipe them out.
However, since the Great Zhou ruled for five hundred years, it seems all forces have their reservations, which is why no one has made a move yet. But rumor has it that it’s only a matter of time.”
“Yun Sheng, how come you want to learn this news?”
The person telling Wang Sheng the news was Li Yongfeng, who had taken a trip to Lushui County himself, and had also asked people from the Three Great Families to gather information, so he knew the details.
Hearing this news, he was still very sentimental.
Had the Great Zhou Dynasty that ruled over them for so long not survived the five-hundred-year mark?
In that case, who would be their next ruler?
Although his Qingshan Village wouldn’t be affected much by such a major event, he still felt sentimental.
Compared to this, however, he was more curious about why Wang Sheng would inquire about such matters.
What did the rise and fall of dynasties have to do with them? Regardless of which dynasty it was, their lives would not change.
Whether in the past or the present.
Wang Sheng shook his head upon hearing the question and said, “I just want to know a few things. The Overlord powers you spoke of, are they what evolved from the remaining Great Grandmaster forces?”
Li Yongfeng nodded and said, “Yes, besides Yong Nian Wang, Spirit Sword Valley, and Heavenly Saber City that have already entered Shuzhou, there are two other Overlord-level forces outside.
One is Divine Lady Peak in Beihua State; Divine Lady Peak has completely taken control of Beihua State and started something like a divine election to choose an emperor, sending out many people with great influence over the neighboring states and counties around Beihua State.
Then there is Lihai City in East Sea State. They not only rule over East Sea State but have also brought nearby Qing State and Huai State under their control. Right now, they are the most powerful in terms of territory and are the closest to the Imperial City.”
“What about Yuelai Inn?”
Besides Stargazing Valley and the Border Army, there are seven other forces. Wengong was destroyed, but what about Yuelai Inn?
Li Yongfeng shook his head and said, “It seems Yuelai Inn hasn’t gotten involved in these affairs, which is kind of strange. Many people are saying that Yuelai Inn has bigger plans. No one knows where these rumors originated from.”
Wang Sheng smiled; he knew what was going on.
With Yuelai Inn’s inaction, it made others overthink.
He had heard of Yuelai Inn, whose reputation among the common folk was very good; it was said that they had done many good deeds.
It seems like good people are always the ones with a gun pointed at their heads. Of course, this wasn’t his concern; after all, Yuelai Inn was a transcendental power. If anyone really thought they could be easily bullied, some might end up bloodied.
“Never mind these matters, so Lihai City’s force is the most likely to threaten the Imperial City, right?”
Li Yongfeng was startled.
What kind of question was that?
Still, he honestly replied, “It does seem to be true.”
Wang Sheng found his answer.
“Thanks a lot, Brother Yongfeng!”
“No problem, then I’ll be leaving now, otherwise An’an is going to make a fuss again!”
An’an was the pet name of Li Yongfeng’s son, Li Longqing, who was very attached to his father.
“Take care!”
After Li Yongfeng left, Wang Sheng looked in the direction of East Sea State.
“Hopefully, even if you move against the Imperial City, you won’t destroy the things that shouldn’t be destroyed!”
There were things in the Imperial City that he really wanted to see.
Since learning about the benefits of reading, he was very interested in seeking out this hidden knowledge.
“Right, the books in the Imperial City are treasures as well. I hope no one burns them like the tyrant did!”
The idiom ’to burn the books’ signified an immense loss as numerous volumes were destroyed.
Hopefully, no one would impulsively destroy those things!
Books, now he could never have too many of them; ample knowledge could nourish his growth.
“To protect my books, I need to intensify my cultivation!”
While refining his flying sword, he had not neglected his Inner Core Skill cultivation. His progress was not insignificant at all…