After leaving the hospital, Zhuang Zeqian hurried back ho without stopping.
In the villa atop Taiping Mountain, preparations were underway to welco an esteed guest, which was why Zhuang Zeqian returned in such haste.
"Father."
Zhuang Zeqian approached an elderly man standing with a cane, whose kind and benevolent face belied the youthful light still shining in his eyes.
He was none other than the patriarch of Xiangjiang's most prestigious family, known as 'Ban City'—Zhuang Chaoren.
"How is Kuun's injury?"
"He's not seriously hurt, just a bit ntally exhausted."
"Have you gotten to the bottom of things?"
"Yes, I've investigated. It was because Kuun had a conflict with soone at the auction and wanted to retaliate later. However, the other party sensed the hostility and taught him a small lesson, it wasn't intentionally directed at us."
In front of Zhuang Ban City, Zhuang Zekuun, who was over forty and a father of three, was utterly respectful, not daring to overstep at all.
Unlike his younger brother, who had been flamboyant and competitive since childhood, Zhuang Zeqian adopted an air of modesty, appearing mature and steady, and thus earned his father Zhuang Ban City's deep trust. Over the years, many of the family's enterprises were successively entrusted to him.
"As long as that's not the case."
Zhuang Ban City sighed in relief and then remarked, "A Martial Arts Grandmaster is indeed unfathomable; even the slightest hostility can be imdiately perceived."
"Father, even though Ye Qingzhou's cultivation is profound, he's rely an eighteen-year-old. Why do we need to be so fearful of him?"
The Zhuang family, wealthy as they were, also had their backing. There was no need to fear a grandmaster to such a degree.
"Sigh, I am not afraid of Ye Qingzhou, but of the Martial Arts Faction within Dongji Kingdom. This person is said to be on good terms with Gu Minghui and Divine General Cyan Dragon. If he's here to investigate that matter, our Zhuang family would be dood."
Clearly, Zhuang Ban City's apprehension was not because of Ye Qingzhou but because of the Divine Strategy Army and the Celestial Secret Research Institute.
The reason is simple: Zhuang Ban City, and indeed the entire Zhuang family, are core mbers of the Coexistence Faction within Dongji Kingdom, the first faction to succumb to the Void Divine Dynasty's influence and kneel to the Emperor Slayer.
Over half a century of developnt, this faction had already branched out and grown robust within Dongji Kingdom, infiltrating various industries.
Especially the various comrce organizations and financial capital; all beca the lackeys of the Void Divine Dynasty, joining the Coexistence Faction, awaiting the fall of the Blue Star.
"Father, are we really going to fully back one side? Didn't you tell that in business, waiting for the right price yields the greatest benefit?"
Zhuang Zeqian once again looked puzzled.
He was deeply involved in many of the family's core affairs, and thus understood better than his brother why the Zhuang family was so prominent.
It's not because the Zhuang family was adept at business, but because a formidable force stood behind them.
And the gifts of fate do not co without a price.
This force supported the Zhuang family, allowing them to amass vast fortunes and dominate Xiangjiang, naturally requiring the family to act in return, and not in an ordinary way.
Zhuang Ban City's aged face, lined with wrinkles like grooves, grew deeper as did his gaze: "Aqian, I've also told you, consider thoroughly before placing your bets, but once decided, do not vacillate. We've long wagered our future on the Coexistence Faction and can't withdraw without antagonizing both sides."
"Haha, well said!"
A figure suddenly appeared in the living room, wrapped in bandages, hidden beneath thick robes that enveloped his tall body, only the gaps between the bandages revealed twisted and eerie tendrils.
"As expected of Xiangjiang's richest man, your ability to grow your business so vast is truly impressive."
"Who are you? How did you get in here? Sobody, help!"
At the sight of the intruder, Zhuang Zeqian's scalp tingled, and he promptly called for the villa's bodyguards, but there was no response despite his shouting for quite a while.
"To ensure we have a quiet conversation, I've put your bodyguards and servants to sleep."
The newcor ignored the shouting Zhuang Zeqian and looked instead at Zhuang Ban City behind him: "I ca by invitation, where is the hospitality of your Zhuang family?"
"Aqian, don't be rude, this is Mr. Arthur."
"Father!"
Zhuang Zeqian could hardly believe it; his father was actually going to cooperate with this monster?
Indeed, in his eyes, Sakler Arthur was nothing short of a living monster, especially with those tentacle-like tendrils snaking around, just a glance induced deep repulsion and terror.
"Have you given thought to our last discussion?"
Arthur sat on the opposite side of the dining table, his dining posture as elegant as a gentleman, yet his hideous 'visage' couldn't be further from 'elegance'.
Faced with his question, Zhuang Ban City remained silent, clearly still struggling and hesitant inside.
Arthur noticed his struggle and hesitation, a smile tugging at his lips: "Take your ti to consider, but rember, your ti is running out."
"..."
Zhuang Ban City indeed felt his body would not last for many more years.
Years of hard work in his youth had long taken a toll on him.
Even after achieving success, he couldn't cease his forward montum, instead, he felt drained because of the Martial Arts Faction gaining power in Dongji Kingdom, diminishing the Coexistence Faction.
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