Chapter 57: Chapter 57: The Zhang Family Bows Their Heads, Two Years Later
Before Zhang Xingde came, he already clearly understood the current situation of the Ji Family.
No one knows better than him what it means to break the Mountain Protection Array of the Han Family, killing multiple Foundation Establishment cultivators with one’s own power.
It means that Ji Haoyuan before him very likely has reached the late stage of Foundation Establishment, the same as him.
Though this result surprises him.
He has to admit that such strength is enough to make their Zhang Family bow.
Indeed.
Currently, because he has been in seclusion for a long time, his cultivation also reached the late stage of Foundation Establishment.
But he knows better that his late Foundation Establishment is no match for Ji Haoyuan’s late Foundation Establishment in front of him.
Most importantly, his lifespan is running short.
He has no confidence in taking the opponent away.
If today their Zhang Family really offends the Ji Family to death, even forming a mortal enmity, their Zhang Family might follow in the Han Family’s footsteps.
As for Zhang Zhilong, who has already joined the Crimson Sunset Sect.
Although he bears the Zhang surname and has Zhang Family blood flowing through his veins.
Ultimately, he has not fully grown yet.
Moreover, in a sense, he is no longer considered a cultivator of their Zhang Family.
In these circumstances, he simply cannot assure whether the Crimson Sunset Sect or his master would act against the current Ji Family for the Zhang Family.
Especially in this sensitive moment when they urgently need a strong figure like Ji Haoyuan.
If their Zhang Family bets wrong, the consequences their Zhang Family will face will be unbearable for him as the ancestor, and for the entire Zhang Family.
Moreover, this Taiping Mountain originally belonged to the Ji Family.
Back then, when they bought it, they actually took advantage of the situation.
There is no need for their Zhang Family to drag the entire clan into an unpredictable abyss for a Taiping Mountain.
Therefore.
Zhang Xingde was exceptionally decisive at this moment.
Without waiting for Zhang Mingyuan and Zhang Mingze to react, he addressed Ji Haoyuan again:
"Including everything my Zhang Family has obtained from here over these years, my Zhang Family is willing to return all of it to your family.
As for the fee to buy back this mountain, just symbolically give us one Spirit Stone as payment.
I wonder what your intentions are?"
This statement from Zhang Xingde immediately shocked Zhang Mingze and Zhang Mingyuan, leaving them in disbelief.
But after this upheaval, the two gradually realized something.
Although their expressions were unpleasant, they did not say anything further.
Ji Haoyuan looked deeply at the elder in front of him.
He knew that today’s matter could end here.
Given their attitude, he indeed couldn’t do anything further.
He nodded slightly.
"No need for one Spirit Stone. Whatever amount of Spirit Stones you used to purchase from our Ji Family back then, we will use the same amount to buy it back this time.
Including the resources your Zhang Family has acquired here over the years, our Ji Family will also repurchase them at the normal market price.
Additionally..."
Saying this, Ji Haoyuan paused slightly before continuing:
"In one day, I’ll have people from the Ji Family come to take over. I hope you can evacuate all of your Zhang Family members before then."
After saying this, Ji Haoyuan didn’t linger, instantly transforming into a long rainbow and disappearing from the sight of the Zhang Family members.
Looking at the direction where Ji Haoyuan disappeared, Zhang Mingyuan and Zhang Mingze’s faces were extremely grim.
Zhang Mingyuan asked somewhat unwillingly, "Uncle, is this really the end of it?"
"Hmm..."
Upon hearing Zhang Mingyuan’s words, Zhang Xingde’s eyes suddenly turned towards him, his expression full of sternness.
"Mingyuan, I hope not to hear such words from you in the future."
After a pause, Zhang Xingde continued:
"Greed in itself is not terrifying. What is terrifying is one’s inability to recognize oneself, lack of self-awareness, blinded by greed, leading to disaster.
The Han Family was destroyed primarily because they were too self-important and couldn’t understand the disparity between themselves and their opponent.
Our Zhang Family must not follow their example.
Do you both understand?"
At the end, Zhang Xingde’s gaze shifted from Zhang Mingyuan to Zhang Mingze.
Feeling a jolt in his heart, Zhang Mingze immediately replied respectfully:
"Yes, Uncle, I understand.
I will also keep Mingyuan in check."
"Good!"
Zhang Xingde nodded slightly, evidently satisfied with Zhang Mingze’s response.
Clearly, Zhang Mingze genuinely heard and understood his words.
Suddenly, as if he recalled something, Zhang Xingde resumed a serious demeanor and told the two:
"Also, unless necessary, don’t disturb Zhilong anymore, let him cultivate peacefully in the Crimson Sunset Sect.
Otherwise, neither for our Zhang Family nor for Zhilong himself, would it be beneficial.
Do you understand?"
This statement again startled the two.
Finally, Zhang Mingze sighed and nodded, telling Zhang Xingde:
"Yes, Uncle, I understand.
From now on, unless absolutely necessary, we won’t disturb Zhilong."
...
Time flies.
In the blink of an eye, two years have passed.
Throughout these two years, all cultivators within the Crimson Sunset Sect’s territory have distinctly felt the increasing tension between the Crimson Sunset Sect and the Netherworld Sect of the Demon Dao.
Evidently, the full-scale war between the two sects is nearing.
The rising prices in various marketplaces quickly reflect this.
Moreover, the number of demon cultivators infiltrating the Crimson Sunset Sect’s territory from unknown origins is growing with each passing day.
In the region where the Ji Family resides, they have caught no less than ten.
This includes two Foundation Establishment demon cultivators.
Although they were unable to extract any useful information from the opponents, through various signs and observations over these two years, Ji Haoyuan can guess that the opponents are likely in search of something.
This corresponds with his initial assessment of the situation.
Could it be that the current situation between the two sects is due to that thing the demon cultivators are looking for?
Buzz!
Just as Ji Haoyuan was pondering these issues, he suddenly felt the Spiritual Qi around the Cloud Cave Mountain gather towards a certain grotto on Cloud Stream Peak.
This made him immediately aware of something.
His gaze instantly went in that direction.
He saw a Spiritual Pressure entirely different from Qi Refining Stage cultivators slowly emanating from that direction.
This is?
Ji Haoyuan’s eyes slightly moved.
Just then, the silhouette of ancestor Ji Bochang appeared beside him timely.
His gaze was also directed toward that grotto, his voice full of anticipation as he said:
"If nothing unexpected happens, Yunfan must have succeeded."