Protect Our Patriarch

At the same time.

Inside the main house of the Huangfu Clan.

When Huangfu Jin Huan arrived at the front yard, he saw a figure standing quietly under the corridor of the front yard.

He was a tall and handsome young man.

His back was to Huangfu Jin Huan, his gaze lightly falling on the flower trees in the courtyard.

From Huangfu Jin Huan's perspective, he could only see the robe on his body and half of his side face.

He was wearing a white robe embroidered with the same color of dark flowers, casually draped over his shoulders was a long cloak. It seemed careless, but the fur on the cloak was the precious fur of a fierce beast, looking glossy and extraordinarily luxurious.

Just this cloak alone was worth a fortune.

This made him look like a dandy young master from a large family, radiant and noble, but without much deterrence.

The figure under the corridor seemed to sense something, turned his head and glanced at Huangfu Jin Huan: "It seems that the pressure the Wang's Clan has put on the Huangfu Clan is much greater than I thought. The usually wise and decisive head of the Huangfu Clan has become timid."

His voice was light and casual, with a touch of indifference.

But this "wise and decisive", in Huangfu Jin Huan's ears, did not sound like a compliment, but more like a sarcasm.

A flash of anger rose in his heart, but he forcefully suppressed it, and raised his hand to salute him as if nothing had happened: "Jin Huan did not know that the young master was coming, I failed to welcome you from afar, I hope the young master will forgive me."

"The so-called ignorance is not a crime. If I were to hold onto such trivial matters, it would make me petty." The young master in white laughed lightly, his tone still light, "However, has the head of the Huangfu Clan forgotten? You still owe me three lives."

Three lives?

Huangfu Jin Huan's heart skipped a beat, and he immediately understood.

It was Mr. Yin and the other two.

Originally, in order to plot against Wang Shouzhe and seize the blueprint for the manufacturing workshop equipment, he had specifically asked Mr. Yin and the other two to take action, but the result was a failure.

Later, the Huangfu Clan tried to turn the tables and seize the design and blueprints of the Wang's Clan's cement workshop.

Even the Ancestor Huaye personally took action for this, but still fell into Wang Shouzhe's trap. Not only did they fail to turn the tables, but it also resulted in the Ancestor being seriously injured and difficult to recover.

After that, on one hand, he had to find a way to heal the Ancestor Huaye's injuries, and on the other hand, he was almost suffocated by the continuous commercial pressure from the Wang's Clan. In the midst of his distress, he had no time to deal with the matters of the Yinsha Sect.

Could it be that this person came to settle the accounts?

His cold sweat came down instantly: "Young, young master, there is actually a reason for this......"

"No need to explain." The young master casually interrupted Huangfu Jin Huan, his tone neither light nor heavy, showing no emotion, "Yin Wujiu's failure is due to his own incompetence, I don't listen to excuses. But Yin Wujiu was working for me. Since he failed here, you have to make up for it."

With that, he turned around and faced Huangfu Jin Huan for the first time.

His face was undoubtedly handsome, with impeccable facial features, but there was not a trace of the warmth that ordinary people should have in his deep black eyes, just like an abyss, cold and indifferent.

As if, in his eyes, he was just one of the countless ants, easily crushed to death.

Huangfu Jin Huan felt a pressure even heavier than when he faced the Ancestor.

He unconsciously lowered his head and gritted his teeth: "I don't know what the young master wants Jin Huan to do to repay these three lives? The strength of my Huangfu Clan is not what it used to be, I'm afraid......"

"Don't you still have Huaye?"

The young master's voice was still light, but Huangfu Jin Huan was shocked and suddenly raised his head: "You, you mean......"

The young master's tone was still casual: "As far as I know, although Huaye is seriously injured, the most troublesome thing is the Purple Mansion Sword Qi in his body. As long as the Sword Qi can be suppressed, most of his injuries will be healed."

Huangfu Jin Huan was still a little unsure: "But that's Purple Mansion Sword Qi......"

"So what about the Purple Mansion Sword Qi?" The young master laughed lightly, "I have a secret method to suppress it. Do you not believe me, or do you not believe in the strength of my Yinsha Sect?"

Huangfu Jin Huan heard that the young master seemed a little displeased, and quickly said: "I believe, Jin Huan naturally believes in the strength of the young master and the Yinsha Sect."

The Yinsha Sect was the number one sect in the extreme west, naturally its strength was extremely strong.

The person in front of him was one of the direct disciples of the Yinsha Sect's generation. He had advanced to the Heavenly Man realm at a young age, and was a rare genius who had a four-fold spiritual body bloodline after advancing to the Heavenly Man. His future path to the Purple Mansion was wide open, and his mind and methods were all top-notch.

Among the people Huangfu Jin Huan knew, only Fang You'an, the direct disciple of the Purple Mansion Academy, could compare with him.

In terms of strength, even the Ancestor Huaye at his peak might not be his opponent.

Even though he was in Daqian, he had heard of this person's fierce reputation, and naturally he dared not disbelieve.

"If the young master is willing to help suppress the Ancestor's injuries, my Huangfu Clan will be grateful." He saluted the young master, "What does the young master need my Huangfu Clan to do?"

"Prepare a few ships and a crew in the name of the Huangfu Clan, I need to go to sea. Also, let Huaye be prepared, this time, there may be other guests."

The young master's tone was light, but Huangfu Jin Huan heard a heavy killing intent from it.

He felt a chill in his heart.

But what does that have to do with him?

He was just the head of a Heavenly Man family, managing his own family was already difficult enough, who cares what the Yinsha Sect was plotting?

"After the matter is done, I will take care of the Wang's Clan for you." The young master in white said lightly, as if dealing with the Wang's Clan was as simple as dealing with a nest of ants.

Huangfu Jin Huan's heart was burning, as long as the Ancestor's injuries could be suppressed, and with the young master's help, how could the Wang's Clan not be destroyed?

He immediately bowed and said, "Please arrange for the young master to settle down first. I will arrange this matter for the young master as soon as possible, and I will definitely not delay the young master's important affairs."

……

Every day in Changning Wei, various things are happening, but not many of them can be put on the table and remembered by people.

In the following period, there were only two major events in Changning Wei that people could remember.

The first one was that the term of the city guard, Xiahou Hongde, had come to an end, and he was transferred to a wealthy city in the inland. As his parents were leaving, Wang Shouzhe naturally went to see them off in person.

However, although Xiahou Hongde's term had ended, the wine business between the two would still be carried out, and their relationship would naturally continue.

Then, the newly appointed city guard, Wei Wenxun, took office and came to Changning Wei.

As a representative of the eighth-rank noble family, Wang Shouzhe naturally participated in the welcome meeting, but he did not rashly deepen the relationship. Wei Wenxun was a newly promoted celestial cultivator, and his temperament and nature were not yet clear, so he could not be casually associated with.

As the saying goes, a new official takes three fires.

As soon as Wei Wenxun took office, he began to rectify the public security, taxation, and city defense of Changning Wei, so that some of the gray forces in Changning Wei were swept away like autumn leaves.

Then, he took the patrol camp for a walk on the territories of various families, re-registered the fields, industries, and population, and showed a bit of power.

Unfortunately, this power can only scare ordinary eight or nine-rank noble families.

Wang Shouzhe privately showed Wei Wenxun a glimpse of his personal disciple order from the Purple Mansion Academy, and at the same time pointed out that he had three younger sisters, all of whom were personally passed down by the Purple Mansion.

In this way, Wei Wenxun's actions were immediately restrained a lot, and the major inspection work in Ping'an Town was also hastily passed.

This is not because Wang Shouzhe does not want to pay taxes according to the rules, but because there are too many secret industries on Wang's territory that he does not want to disclose, as well as many secret researches.

If Wei Wenxun is allowed to check at will, wouldn't the Wang's in Ping'an be stripped naked?

The position of the city guard is indeed very high, and it is a general used by the Daqian court to guard one side, but the powerful local tyrants are not vegetarians. Mutual checks and balances are the usual way of getting along.

After suppressing Wei Wenxun's momentum, Wang Shouzhe secretly visited him in person and had a "good exchange" with him, and the two "deepened" their feelings.

In addition to this.

The second major event was that Beichen, the ancestor of the Changning Xu family, after many years of seclusion, polished his cultivation and state of mind to perfection, attempted to break through the celestial realm, finally crossed the threshold, and attracted heavenly thunder, breaking through the celestial realm in one fell swoop.

The successful promotion of Beichen's ancestor naturally injected a strong heart into the in-laws and allies, and also changed the pattern of Changning Wei, turning the situation of two major seventh-rank celestial families competing against each other into a three-way balance.

The current Changning Xu family, although it cannot compete with the Lei family for the time being, its momentum has already surpassed the increasingly declining celestial Huangfu family.

Unless the ancestor Huaye of the celestial Huangfu family recovers from his injuries and once again dominates Changning Wei, the status of the Huangfu family will only decline day by day, just like the Wang family experienced decades ago.

……

Outside the city of Changning Wei.

A luxurious carriage with the emblem of the Huangfu family slowly stopped outside a low-key manor, and then the curtain of the carriage was lifted, and Huangfu Jinquan, the head of the Changning Huangfu family, walked down from the carriage with the help of his family general.

"The head of the family, the door of the manor has been passed in, and there should be a reply soon." The family general helped Huangfu Jinquan to stand firm and reported in a low voice.

"Um. Let's wait and see~"

Huangfu Jinquan nodded, then looked up at the manor in front of him.

This manor was once his favorite among many manors. He secretly bought it and carefully managed it for many years. Although it looks unremarkable on the outside, it is very luxurious and exquisite on the inside, and it is very comfortable to live in. Over the years, many major decisions about the Huangfu family have been made here.

Once.

For the sake of confidentiality, this manor was registered under the name of a foreign businessman. Later, this manor was sealed and confiscated by the city guard's mansion because of its unclear involvement with the Yinsha Sect.

Later, it was still the lady of the Ji family who had lived here for a while and liked this manor. She bought this manor from the city guard's mansion and renamed it "Zhe Mei Yuan".

However, why did Lady Ji choose such a strange name?

Huangfu Jinquan was a little confused, he clearly remembered that there were no plum blossoms planted in this manor.

At the same time, his heart was filled with waves, and he was full of emotion.

Back then, the celestial Huangfu family was so energetic and often influenced the situation in Changning Wei.

And he, Huangfu Jinquan, was also a high-ranking figure, who could easily point out the country and even determine the rise and fall of a low-ranking noble family.

But now, only a few short years have passed, and everything has changed.

He, Huangfu Jinquan, is only middle-aged, but his temples have already grown white hair, and his face is withered and old. This is all because he has been working hard to preserve the Huangfu family over the years, and he has worked hard and tired.

"Master Huangfu."

While thinking, a beautiful-looking Qi Refining Stage two or three-layer maid walked out of "Zhe Mei Yuan".

She bowed to Huangfu Jinquan and said respectfully, "My lady said that she has been feeling a little unwell recently and is not ready to see anyone. But since Master Huangfu is here in person, she is willing to meet with the master for the sake of the past."

Huangfu Jinquan also hurriedly returned the salute to the maid: "Thank you, miss."

Originally, with his status, he wouldn't even take a second look at a maid of this level.

However, people have to bow their heads under the eaves. He has to ask for help everywhere, so naturally he can't be arrogant anymore.Under the guidance of the maid, Huangfu JinHuan entered the manor, where plum blossoms were blooming everywhere. It was the season when the spring plums were in full bloom, filling the manor with a delightful fragrance.

Lady Ji really loved plum blossoms, she had transplanted so many of them.

Huangfu JinHuan felt that he had grasped Lady Ji's preferences. After this visit, he planned to find some rare varieties of plum blossoms to strengthen their relationship.

Over the years, as the Huangfu Clan continued to decline, more and more noble families had ceased their dealings with them. Now, the only ones willing to lend a helping hand to the Huangfu Clan were a few related families and Lady Ji.

Out of past affection, she had helped them several times.

For a moment, Huangfu JinHuan felt a deep sense of gratitude towards Lady Ji.

"Master Huangfu, we have arrived." At this moment, the maid leading the way suddenly stopped and bowed to Huangfu JinHuan, "The lady is waiting for you ahead."

"Thank you, miss."

Huangfu JinHuan thanked her and then proceeded forward.

Ahead was a stone pavilion surrounded by blooming flowers.

It was located next to a small lake in the garden, facing the water and open on all sides. The beautiful flowering trees concealed everything in the pavilion, with only a stone path winding through the trees, creating a sense of hazy beauty.

After walking a dozen steps along the path, the view suddenly opened up.

The situation inside the pavilion came into Huangfu JinHuan's view.

A beautiful woman in a purple gauze dress was sitting on the edge of the pavilion, casually waving a fan and occasionally throwing fish food into the lake. The fish in the lake were swimming back and forth to grab the food, looking very lively.

This beautiful woman was naturally Lady Ji.

Seeing this scene, Huangfu JinHuan couldn't help but sigh. Back then, these fish were the ones he had released, and he had often fed them like this.

Unfortunately, times have changed, and these fish no longer had anything to do with him.

Huangfu JinHuan composed himself, put away his distracting thoughts, and stepped forward to greet, "JinHuan pays his respects to Lady Ji."

"Master JinHuan has arrived."

Lady Ji withdrew her gaze and lazily greeted Huangfu JinHuan.

The two sat opposite each other in the pavilion. After some small talk, Lady Ji went straight to the point, "Master JinHuan, did you encounter any problems again?"

Huangfu JinHuan put down his tea cup and sighed slightly, "It's easy to add flowers to the brocade, but hard to send charcoal in the snow. In recent years, my Huangfu Clan has experienced the coldness of the world. Over the years, only you, Lady Ji, have often helped us in secret. JinHuan is deeply grateful."

Even a person like Huangfu JinHuan couldn't help but feel genuinely grateful to Lady Ji.

"Master JinHuan is too polite." Lady Ji waved her fan and laughed lightly, "Originally, I wanted to cooperate with your Huangfu Clan to make money. But fate played a trick on us, and in the end, it was the Changning Xu Clan that we ended up cooperating with. Your clan didn't blame me for this, so what's the big deal if I help a little? Consider it as making up for the loss of our relationship."

Huangfu JinHuan sighed softly in his heart.

Back then, after the Huangfu Clan failed in the competition for the weaving industry with the Changning Xu Clan, Lady Ji quickly switched to the other side and made a fortune using the connections of the Ji's Clan.

He wanted to hold a grudge against Lady Ji, but the Ji's Clan was powerful and influential. Even if he held a grudge, it would be useless. He had no choice but to continue dealing with Lady Ji.

Unexpectedly, Lady Ji, who appeared to be a delicate and thorny woman on the surface, was actually very loyal and righteous.

Such a strong woman made Huangfu JinHuan admire her secretly.

In the future, when the Huangfu Clan recovers from its decline and returns to its heyday, he must find a way to repay Lady Ji.

He bowed and said, "I'm sorry to bother you, Lady Ji, but I have a favor to ask."

"Master JinHuan, just say it directly." Lady Ji smiled charmingly, "You know my personality, I don't like beating around the bush."

Huangfu JinHuan immediately became serious and said, "I wonder if Lady Ji has heard of a one-time consumable unique spiritual treasure from the Zifu Academy, the 'Six Polar Sun Flame Bead'."

"Six Polar Sun Flame Bead." Lady Ji frowned slightly, "I'm sorry for my ignorance, I don't know much about it."

Huangfu JinHuan looked around and saw that there was no one nearby. He then lowered his voice and explained, "It's understandable that you're not interested in fighting and killing. Our Zifu Academy has always been in conflict with the Yinsha Sect, and over the long-term struggle, we have developed some spiritual treasures specifically to counter the Yinsha Sect."

"This 'Six Polar Sun Flame Bead' is a top-grade spiritual treasure specifically used to deal with the strong ones of the Yinsha Sect. Unfortunately, this spiritual treasure is very difficult to refine, and every time one is used, one less is left. Even in the Zifu Academy, only the direct disciples are qualified to exchange for it."

Lady Ji's eyebrows twitched slightly, and she looked at Huangfu JinHuan with a hint of confusion and incomprehension in her charming peach blossom eyes, "What do you want this 'Six Polar Sun Flame Bead' for, Master JinHuan? Are you planning to deal with someone from the Yinsha Sect?"

"Lady Ji may not know." Huangfu JinHuan shook his head solemnly, "In the past, a branch of our family colluded with the Yinsha Sect. While this was infuriating and regrettable, it also brought danger to the main family. I received news that a strong person from the Yinsha Sect is coming to take revenge on my Huangfu Clan. Now that my ancestor is still recovering from his injuries, I can only seek to purchase a targeted spiritual treasure to add some protection for the clan."

"This spiritual treasure is a one-time consumable, and it is estimated to be worth about 200,000 Top Gold within the Zifu Academy. If Lady Ji is willing to use her connections to get this item, our Huangfu Clan is willing to pay 300,000 Top Gold to purchase it."

"A difference of 100,000..." Lady Ji's eyes narrowed slightly, "Since Master JinHuan is seeking self-protection, I can try. However, I can't guarantee that I will definitely be able to get it.""If the lady is willing, then it shall be." Huangfu Jin Huan rose to his feet and bowed, "In that case, I won't impose any longer. I shall take my leave now."

After a round of polite farewells, Huangfu Jin Huan hurriedly left the manor with his entourage.

He still had to visit other in-law families. The Zifu Academy had a strict control over the "Six Polar Sun Flame Pearl", and he was not entirely confident that Lady Ji could obtain it. It would be safer to visit a few more families and make more preparations.

Once they had left, Lady Ji's gaze gradually became elusive and mysterious.

It was indeed the master's long-term plan to bait this fish. Over the years, no matter the cost, a lot of bait had been invested, and finally, some results were seen.

With this merit, the master will surely reward me, right?

Hehehe~

Thinking of the interesting and triumphant moments, Lady Ji couldn't help but let out a series of coquettish and malicious laughter.

......