"Why haven't the family head and Yan Shouyi returned yet? Could that cunning fellow have played a trick and set a trap for the family head?!"
"I say, the family head is truly getting senile, agreeing to Yan Shouyi's unreasonable demands. This is dangerous!"
"If the family head has fallen for the trap, are we still going to fight the Yan family to the death?"
The Zhao family members had their own thoughts, discussing amongst themselves in hushed tones. The dishes on the table had gone cold, yet no one had the appetite to pick up their chopsticks.
In contrast, Long Feicheng and his companions' table was filled with a relaxed and jovial atmosphere. Long Feicheng and the bald man were even playing drinking games.
Old Jin quietly asked Lin Zihong, "Lin family girl, does Young Yan have confidence? There's been no news for half the day. Should we go and check on them?"
Lin Zihong took a sip of wine and replied confidently, "He has his own plans. A mere Zhao family hasn't reached the point where he needs to gamble his life. So he's definitely fine."
Old Jin nodded. "That's true. This kid looks honest, but he's actually sly as a fox."
Everyone present couldn't help but nod upon hearing Old Jin's words, recalling their own bitter experiences of being tricked by Yan Shouyi.
Just then, Yan Shouyi and Zhao Zhenghao finally returned. Contrary to everyone's expectations, Yan Shouyi and Zhao Zhenghao were chatting and laughing, appearing to be getting along famously!
"What... what's going on?"
It wasn't just the Zhao family; even Old Jin was somewhat bewildered.
As the two returned to their seats, Zhao Zhenghao glanced at the people he brought with him and couldn't help but scold, "What are you all standing around for? Aren't you hungry? The food has gone cold, hurry up and eat!"
"No, Family Head, what is the situation now?" a Zhao family member couldn't help but ask.
Zhao Zhenghao replied while eating,
"It wasn't Yan Shouyi who killed my son, but Yi Hehuan of the Wuzhen Sect. So we came to the wrong place. To seek revenge, we should go after the Wuzhen Sect."
The Zhao family members were all stunned, "But this Yan Shouyi..."
"Those who achieve great things do not dwell on the past. Let bygones be bygones. Zhao Zhenghao and Yan Shouyi had a pleasant chat, and we've even become sworn brothers. From now on, the Zhao family and the Yan family will have everlasting friendship."
"..."
The Zhao family members stood frozen, their minds unable to process the information.
Just a moment ago, they were bristling with killing intent, demanding an explanation. Yet, in the span of a tea break, Zhao Zhenghao and Yan Shouyi had become like brothers.
How could those who had spoken ill of Yan Shouyi face this turn of events?
Just as the Zhao family members were about to say something, Zhao Zhenghao silenced them with a single sentence:
"Yan Shouyi gave me the Divine Internal Scripture."
Those who were about to speak immediately swallowed their words.
The Divine Internal Scripture?
Wasn't that something that the celestial shamans yearned for?
If the Zhao family possessed the Divine Internal Scripture, how could they have fallen to their current state?
The Zhao family members, who had been harboring resentment towards Zhao Zhenghao's decision, instantly felt appeased. In fact, Yan Shouyi now appeared pleasing to their eyes.
If they hadn't known that Yan Shouyi was already married, they would have stepped forward to arrange a matchmaking!
However, there were still a few Zhao family members with ulterior motives who, noticing that things had not unfolded as they expected, couldn't help but step forward and say,
"Family Head, the Yan family is our sworn enemy. Have you forgotten your father's Yellow Immortal? I personally believe we should not associate with the Yan family!"
Zhao Zhenghao drained his wine and then glanced sideways at the speaking Zhao family member, sneering,
"When my son Zhao Shentian died, you were the one shouting the loudest. Can't you see that my son was killed by the Wuzhen Sect? Or perhaps, you were hoping for our Zhao family to fight the Yan family to the death? I understand, heroes emerge in troubled times. If the Zhao family were not in chaos, how would you have had a chance to rise?"
"Family, Family Head, don't speak nonsense... I didn't mean that!" The Zhao family member immediately panicked and hastily denied it.
But the other Zhao family members were not fools. With Zhao Zhenghao's pointed remark, everyone began to see clearly.
The Zhao family was already in a precarious state, and now they were provoking Yan Shouyi. No one would believe that this wasn't deliberately orchestrated by someone!
As a result, the speaking Zhao family member became the target of everyone's anger. Faced with the questioning, he quickly gave in and admitted that he did have such intentions.
Zhao Zhenghao didn't waste any words. He immediately expelled this person from the Zhao family, making him leave on the spot as a warning.
It must be said that Zhao Zhenghao was indeed a decisive individual. After obtaining the Divine Internal Scripture, he did two things that solidified his position and also demonstrated his loyalty to Yan Shouyi.
First, he announced the acquisition of the Divine Internal Scripture, gaining the trust and support of the Zhao family.
Second, he swiftly dealt with someone who coveted his position as Family Head, thus intimidating others and simultaneously showing loyalty to Yan Shouyi.
"Zhao Family Head, let's have a toast." Yan Shouyi, greatly approving of Zhao Zhenghao's actions, shared a drink with him.
When their cups clinked, Zhao Zhenghao deliberately lowered his cup rim slightly below Yan Shouyi's.
The other Zhao family members did not notice, but San Long, the bald man, and the others at the same table saw it clearly.
The two exchanged a knowing glance, very satisfied with Yan Shouyi's performance this time.
Although they had gathered everyone, they had made the Zhao family submit without a single soldier being dispatched.
A true leader isn't just someone who wins battles by leading troops; it is someone who can subdue the enemy without fighting and prevent their own brothers from being harmed. That is true prowess!
Although the Zhao family members did not yet fully trust Yan Shouyi, this was not Yan Shouyi's concern. It was Zhao Zhenghao's responsibility.
A true emperor never needs to win the approval of everyone in the world; he only needs to make the feudal lords bow their heads.
Lin Zihong quietly asked Yan Shouyi beside him,
"What is our relationship with the Zhao family now?"
Yan Shouyi, sipping his wine, replied softly, "Master-servant relationship."
"Aren't you afraid that Zhao Zhenghao will renege on his word after getting the Divine Internal Scripture?"
"I'm not afraid. Zhao Zhenghao has already mortgaged his daughter to me."
"What?!" Lin Zihong's expression changed. "You want to take a concubine?"
"Pfft..."
Yan Shouyi almost dropped his cup. He quickly explained, "No... Zhao Zhenghao still needs to go back and develop the Zhao family, so he can't stay by my side. Therefore, he's leaving his daughter behind. On one hand, it's a guarantee for me, and on the other hand, it's to expand our team."
"That's more like it," Lin Zihong pouted. "I thought you were going to..."
"How could I be fickle?"
"It's just that I'm about to go on a long journey..."
Yan Shouyi was taken aback. He quickly put down his wine cup and asked in confusion, "What journey?"
Lin Zihong sighed and replied, "You know, my Uncle-Sect Leader intends to pass the position of Sect Leader to me, but before that, I must go on a tour of the world, especially to gain the support of sects that have good relations with our Lu Shan Sect. Therefore, I will be leaving for a while."
Yan Shouyi, having just resolved the Zhao family's affairs, was suddenly faced with Lin Zihong's departure, and he was at a loss for what to do.
After all, ever since they met again, they had barely been apart.
"Where are you going? I'll accompany you," Yan Shouyi suggested.
"No, I'm destined to be a Sect Leader. If you accompany me all the way, won't this training become a pleasure trip?" Lin Zihong refused.
Given Yan Shouyi's attitude towards Lin Zihong – cherishing her like a precious jewel – he understood that this was a path Lin Zihong had to walk alone. If he followed, he would only hinder her.
Seeing the disappointment and reluctance on Yan Shouyi's face, Lin Zihong smiled and comforted him,
"But don't worry, I will have the Uncle-Sect Leader and a few core disciples of the Lu Shan Sect accompanying me for protection, so there won't be any danger on the way."
"Sect Leader Lu Jing is also going?"
"Yes!"
"Then I can rest assured..." Yan Shouyi breathed a sigh of relief. He had great respect for Lu Jing's strength.
"While I'm gone, I have only one request for you," Lin Zihong said seriously, holding up one finger. "No flirting with other women!"
Yan Shouyi chuckled wryly. "Am I that kind of person?!"
"You're not that kind of person, but it's hard to guarantee that the women around you won't like you," Lin Zihong said. "I've already asked Luo Ning to keep an eye on you for me."
Yan Shouyi glanced at Luo Ning and asked, "Aren't you afraid she'll steal you away herself?"
"She won't," Lin Zihong said with a wicked smile. "Luo Ning likes women."
"Ah?"
I didn't know about this!
Yan Shouyi was greatly surprised, his jaw almost hitting the table.
So, Luo Ning's teasing of him earlier was purely out of camaraderie?
This is ridiculous!
Lin Zihong regained her composure, poured Yan Shouyi some wine, and reminded him,
"I'll be departing in three days, so there's no need to rush our discussion. You should focus on dealing with the Zhao family for now."
"Alright, alright."
Yan Shouyi picked up his wine cup and, through Zhao Zhenghao's introduction, met several core members of the Zhao family.
Watching Yan Shouyi handle the situation with such ease, Lin Zihong couldn't help but recall what Lu Jing had said to her earlier that day.
"Have you truly decided?"
"Uncle-Sect Leader, I have decided."
"Then... I'm afraid you'll have to leave with me for a while. If we want to halt the growth of your child, we must make a trip to the East Sea. I will personally escort you, along with a few core disciples for protection. There will be no danger on the journey."
"How long will it take?"
"We can only return after the Qingming Festival."
"Will I be able to make it for the Luotian Grand Ceremony?"
"...You silly girl, even at this point, you're still only thinking about that brat. What you've done for that brat, he can never repay in several lifetimes!"
"I love him, and I won't ask for anything in return."