67 - Divine Mastering Dragon System

Chapter 85: Old News This honored Zhu San Shu Gong goes by the name Zhu Feng, approaching the age of seven hundred. He stands as the most prestigious cultivator within the Zhu Family with cultivation at the later stages of the Mahayana realm. As the most senior member of the Zhu Family, Zhu Feng commands respect even from Zhu Cheng, the current patriarch and head of the family. Zhu Cheng, besides inviting the adept cultivators from the Zhu family, also temporarily requested two elder patrons with full Nascent Soul cultivation to oversee the protection of Xiang Shi Yan during her stay at Zhu Manor. Even though it's unlikely for Xiang Shi Yan to openly snatch away the twins, and also improbable that she would escape Huaihai City after doing so, Zhu Cheng remains wary of her. He himself lacks innate talent, having relied on pills to reach the Nascent Soul stage, while Xiang Shi Yan became renowned at a young age and, despite her slower progress after Nascent Soul, has achieved full Nascent Soul cultivation before hitting three hundred—a rarity in the realm of cultivators. Zhu Cheng's foundations were unstable and untested in battle, making his abilities comparable to a full Gold Core cultivator at best. Having a high-level cultivator like Xiang Shi Yan present, someone capable of destroying the entire Zhu Manor with a single strike, made him uneasy. Her ambiguous intentions only heightened his sense of unease, and he dared not underestimate her. Being backed by different factions, everyone's actions had to be approached with caution. Zhu Cheng wasn't overly concerned about any possible grievances Xiang Shi Yan might expose, but he couldn't help being vigilant, given how significant this matter was for the continuity and revival of the Zhu Family. If Xiang Shi Yan truly had some insider knowledge, he wouldn't simply let her leave. Inviting the clan members was easy, filling the room with one Mahayana stage elder and six Nascent Soul cultivators. The elders who usually used family resources couldn't refuse participation now. However, prematurely forcing a Mahayana stage elder to seclude himself just to outnumber a single full Nascent Soul seemed disrespectful, and Zhu Cheng dared not disturb them lightly. Even with these assurances, Zhu Cheng remained uncertain. About six months ago, a rumor of Xiang Shi Yan's death spread across the Shenzhou, and though quickly debunked within a month or two, it reinvigorated her dormant fame as a genius across the land. One must remember she was the one who slew a Nascent Soul icicle phoenix to seize its demon core, and subsequently, even after being ambushed by the demon tribe, she managed to escape from a high-level cultivator and several Nascent Soul cultivators encircling her. Normally, Zhu Cheng would dismiss such tales with laughter, as they seemed impossible. But these were verified events, not mere jokes. That was a life-and-death encounter in a secret realm! Zhu Cheng couldn't even guarantee that the cultivators he'd called upon to restrict Xiang Shi Yan would commit wholeheartedly without a threat to their lives, let alone claim certainty she could be confined. In truth, the more he maintained surface calm, the more anxiety gnawed at his heart, driving him to want urgent confirmation that Xiang Shi Yan knew nothing about the shady dealings the Zhu Family operated underground. He was aware that his actions were against human ethics and celestial laws, things that, if revealed, would cause all those parties who made hidden agreements with them to not just passively step back but actively ruin the Zhu Family to clear their names and seize the technology of the artificial cauldron. As for Xiang Shi Yan? Her true motive remained unclear. Optimistically, Zhu Cheng hoped she wasn't intending to expose the Zhu Family's murky dealings to let Yu Cang Shan profit like a fisherman. Maybe... just maybe, she truly came only for the twins? If that were the case, like Zhu Cheng, she couldn't allow their nature as cauldrons to be known. The Heavenly Spirit Root Cauldron was nearly as valuable as a divine treasure, which, regardless of outward dignity, would undeniably invite secret contention detrimental to Zhu Yun and Zhu Yu. Zhu Cheng was gambling, betting that no matter what, Xiang Shi Yan wouldn't dare escalate the situation and might even risk it all to continue this business, engaging with Xiang Shi Yan herself. Xiang Shi Yan was already acutely aware of Zhu Cheng's scheming, assisted by the system and its operators who accounted for her considerations as well. Beneath the calm and gentle exterior of the man before her, Xiang Shi Yan discerned his underlying panic and filth, the provocative expression seeming like a clown’s antics to her. Zhu Feng cleared his throat and employed a seniority attack: "Yue Hua Dao Jun... Without my notice, Lian Long’s young disciple has already earned the Dao Jun title. Time truly flies without looking back. I remember when I first met your master, she was but an infant, a child who exuded great respect." His words subtly criticized Xiang Shi Yan's discourtesy, suggesting her mentor, who greeted him with reverence, failed in her apprenticeship. "Indeed, Zhu Senior, you are of the same generation as my master ancestor. When he ascended, I had yet to be accepted under Yu Cang Shan, missing the spectacle of the heavens descending ladders—such a profound regret. Watching our esteemed predecessors pass one by one truly is a lamentable event for our cultivation world." A mere seven hundred years? You're my master ancestor’s contemporary while he’s ascended to immortality, yet here you are, stuck at late Mahayana, awaiting death. Zhu Feng's eyelid slightly twitched, recognizing the sharp-tongued lineage of this Yu Cang Shan lass. Quickly replacing it with a kindly elder's smile, he addressed her, “What purpose brings Yue Hua Dao Jun to our abode this time?” Xiang Shi Yan slightly bowed, “I've heard the Zhu family's twin sisters are exceptionally gifted and have yet to find a mentor. Despite my own lack of acumen, I hope to bring about two celestial ascensions. Considering my acquaintance with Senior Sister Gong Ning at Yu Cang Shan, I came personally with the audacious hope to secure the twins as disciples before others claim them.” Zhu Cheng's smile faltered for an instant. Good heavens, was this the same flowery-talking Yue Hua Dao Jun, Xiang Shi Yan, he welcomed yesterday? “How could that be possible? I’ve only ever heard of reaching out a thousand miles in search of a mentor, never of a master seeking disciples at their doorstep! Such actions could tarnish the noble path of a mentor.” Zhu Feng sipped his tea leisurely, “Wouldn't it damage your reputation? People might think Yu Cang Shan has trouble recruiting new disciples, with even its elder protectors needing to plead.” “The senior is correct. Nonetheless, given these two promising cultivators and their remarkable resemblance to Senior Sister, my fondness dictates my relentless pursuit. I ask for forgiveness for my unwavering intentions.” Zhu Feng was momentarily stunned. He hadn't expected Xiang Shi Yan to be so unconcerned with her own reputation, even employing an emotional appeal. Clearly, those twin siblings held significant value for her. Glancing at Zhu Cheng beside him, his thoughts ran through Zhu Cheng's insistence on keeping the daughters while Xiang Shi Yan aimed to take them away. Curious indeed. Zhu Feng wasn't unfamiliar with the twins; though their appearances and innate talents were exceptional, they were hardly reasons to bring visitors to the door. Single spiritual roots, though rare, still appeared every few years even among the Five Great Sects, so it didn’t warrant such demands. Zhu Cheng must be up to something. If it halted the encroachment of the Xu and Bai families on the Zhu Family, he would be content. Still, since Zhu Cheng claimed the twins were of great benefit to the family, Zhu Feng wouldn't argue for now, planning to address this after dealing with Xiang Shi Yan. Having reached this point, only the authentic father Zhu Cheng could respond. He adopted a sorrowful expression: “Junior Sister Xiang, with the late wife’s old friendship, I'd naturally trust my daughters to you... I won’t lie, under the current circumstances, with threats surrounding Zhu Family, keeping them close is my only peace of mind.” Such claims felt subjective. While the sect could be a mixed bag, potential dangers existed everywhere. Keeping the twins wouldn't guarantee safety, especially with Xiang Shi Yan on guard. Still, insistent on portraying a worried father, Zhu Cheng left no flaws for Xiang Shi Yan to exploit. Ready for every conceivable clash, Zhu Cheng noticed Xiang Shi Yan's serene demeanor. She clasped her hands lightly and, with genuine sincerity, said, “Zhu Brother, your reasoning holds, and it's my own oversight.” Though her words appeared conciliatory, Zhu Cheng sensed danger beneath her tranquil expression. Sure enough, Xiang Shi Yan continued, “If my nieces remain at Zhu Manor, let them be. I, uninvited, wish only for your pardon for any breach of courtesy. Since my request can't ensure them as disciples, I'll depart soon.” Sipping tea with a gentle smile, she portrayed an intimacy with Zhu Cheng, “If they encounter any confusion on their cultivation path, they may write to me. I’ll be eager to build familiarity with the future head of Zhu Family.” Zhu Cheng's mind blared with alarms. As expected, once Xiang Shi Yan finished speaking, representatives of various family branches who had been silently sipping tea to impose pressure now trained keen looks on Zhu Feng, the leader. The elder set down his cup, squinting as his discerning gaze hovered between Zhu Cheng and Xiang Shi Yan. Having discerned from system-provided data that the Zhu Family was far from a united front, especially considering Zhu Cheng’s own confession prior to the family gathering, Xiang Shi Yan understood the branch family’s refusal to accept Zhu Yun’s potential as the Zhu Family’s heir. The inheriting system of aristocratic families, being a male-dominated structure, is hardly altered since allowing female clan members to retain benefits would set a precedent where they wouldn't need to forfeit inheritance rights or marry off, but instead, could lead the family. This long-standing tradition has similarly corroded the minds of male heirs, equating the ineligibility of female kin to inherit resources and status as the natural order. This presumption of norms in both policy and ideology appeared justified, even to Zhu Cheng, who was confident in eventually fathering a male heir, thus hesitant to adopt another child. As the head of the household, unwavering in the matter of succession, eldest daughter Zhu Yun became an expedient scapegoat, suffering various implicit and overt attacks from kin over the establishment of her heir status. Zhu Cheng hadn’t firmly insisted on recognizing Zhu Yun as his heir yet, leaving the matter undecided since he wasn't yet too old to have more children. Hence, his cousins would not overtly threaten the family head’s interests. Zhu Cheng was merely intimidating them; he had no intention of letting a lowly cauldron rise to the family head position. However, Xiang Shi Yan’s remark effectively put Zhu Yun in the future family head's role. Should Zhu Cheng accept it, and if no relatives objected, it would mean tacit consensus from both the patriarch and the family members. This changed the nature of the situation entirely. Moments ago, the Zhu Family seemed united against an "external enemy." Yet, Xiang Shi Yan's single statement now steered the discussion towards the succession issue. Zhu Cheng froze, quickly grasping Xiang Shi Yan’s intentions—to force him to establish Zhu Yun’s rightful claim to succession before all the branch family heads. Though succession matters are internal family issues, adjustments can be made later. Not even Zhu Yun herself was aware of this situation. Ultimately, it was Xiang Shi Yan, an outsider, who broached the subject. Admitting to it would be as good as broadcasting it, especially since Xiang Shi Yan was an esteemed elder of Yu Cang Shan, one of the few factions still amicable with the Zhu Family. With Zhu Yun's mother, Qi Wei Jun Gong Ning, also hailing from Yu Cang Shan, reneging in front of Xiang Shi Yan would be impossible. It signified Yu Cang Shan's full backing for Zhu Yun's succession. The branch representatives’ expressions changed, unlike before, affirming Xiang Shi Yan's deduction. Zhu Cheng hadn’t laid bare his plans to all branch representatives. Logically so, since the main Zhu Family and the branch families weren’t inseparable allies. An ancient lineage like the Zhu Family, akin to a thousand-year-old tree, was extensive and influential, not easily dismantled. Just its close-blood branches crowded Huaihai City. The main and branch families’ symbiotic relations were more like “death-defying crawlers”; even if the core family perished, remnants couldn’t be readily erased. The best strategy would be nurturing a puppet from the branch families to control the entire Zhu Family's influence. While Zhu Cheng fidgeted, several from the branch families weren't keen to side with him. Thus, while inviting them to confront Xiang Shi Yan, Zhu Cheng wouldn't reveal the twins' purpose—largely offering inscrutable explanations to senior members. In contrast, Xiang Shi Yan didn’t appear as aggressive and domineering as Zhu Cheng described. She seemed rather amicable and close with him. Thus, it appeared that a troubled, earnest Zhu Cheng had long pondered the succession matter, and Yu Cang Shan was glad to support Zhu Yun, who was closely related to them, naturally cooperating in this staged act with Xiang Shi Yan. The aim was to deceive Zhu Family's relatives, coercing them into acknowledging Zhu Yun’s succession under the guise of a disciple acceptance ploy. Else, why else would the renowned Yue Hua Dao Jun make this arduous trip? Certainly not for two girls, correct? Moreover, what rationalizes Zhu Cheng's evasiveness? We’re all family—what merits concealing? The more they pondered, the more misgivings surfaced among the family branches, as if something conspicuous transpired between Zhu Cheng and Xiang Shi Yan. Yet, challenging the patriarch and an outsider openly wasn’t possible, so they shifted hopeful gazes toward Zhu Feng. Stumped, Zhu Cheng was at a loss, unsure whether to assent or dissent, his mind racing for a suitable response. Observing Zhu Cheng's struggle as though expecting a declaration, Zhu Feng grew somber and changed the subject: “Yue Hua Dao Jun, you needn't trouble yourself. Given the volatile stance within Huaihai City, perhaps allowing Yun'er and Yu'er to accompany you isn’t ill-advised." “San Shu Gong!” Despite his intense signaling through his gaze, Zhu Feng paid no heed, prompting Zhu Cheng to feebly interject, “But my concern is...” “That’s driven by worry!” Zhu Feng dismissed coldly, without sparing him a glance. According to the system's insights, Zhu Feng’s direct descendant stood as a powerful contender for heir, intertwining with his direct lineage's interests. Hence, his investment in the topic was visibly amplified. “San Shu Gong…” Having observed quietly, Xiang Shi Yan seized the opportunity to extend an olive branch to the branch family delegates, exhaling, “Truthfully, my persistence stems from an agreement made over a decade ago with Senior Sister.” She retrieved a yellowed letter from her sleeve, elegant handwriting endorsing “Gong Ning, as if meeting face-to-face.” It was undeniably Qi Wei Jun's handwriting, but even if it wasn’t, their acknowledgment sufficed. “This letter, penned by Senior Sister during her pregnancy, inquired into making me their mentor when the time came.” Xiang Shi Yan brandished the letter, “Senior Sister mentioned this undertaking was discussed with Lord Zhu. Brother Zhu, shall we examine it closely to verify the handwriting?” Zhu Cheng’s face drained of color, his lips shuddered into soundlessness before hoarsely conceding, “No... no need. Ning’er… Ning’er indeed conferred with me, and I... also agreed...” His words concluded with a grimace. Zhu Feng clapped his hands, “Yue Hua Dao Jun, why didn’t you present the renowned Qi Wei Dao Jun’s letter earlier? This discourse could have ended sooner. Alas, one must respect the deceased's will; with this being the mother’s dying wish…” Their gazes locked, Xiang Shi Yan’s eyes carried not triumph, but somber grief. Zhu Cheng pressed his lips tightly, her gaze inflicting pain throughout his being. He recognized Xiang Shi Yan's forgery since Gong Ning wouldn’t write her a letter. Aware of the imposture, Zhu Cheng couldn’t refute it. He couldn’t ascertain whether her forgery included mimicking Gong Ning’s script—he had never seen Gong Ning’s penmanship. Indeed, why not? Her composure unchanging, her eyes turned more venomous, and Zhu Cheng, for a brief moment, seemed to glimpse her overshadowed by the marriage-day memory, the same person pinning him against the wall, her expression taut: “Should you betray my Senior Sister, even with gods opposing, I’ll carve you out.” Closing his eyes in agony, Zhu Cheng realized she knew everything—from Gong Ning to Zhu Yun. Author’s Note: Dear readers, I'm late. Why do you ship all sorts of CPs? Readers in the comment section are shipping Huai Ye with Senior Sister Long, and some are even shipping Huai Ye with Zhu Yun, it's hilarious. Turns out, the master and niece are the true harem kings. Discussing some dog-themed character affinities. Thank you to the angels who voted for me or nourished with nutrient solutions from 2022-03-05 20:38:19 to 2022-03-07 35:43:20~ Thank you to the angel who threw the landmine: Hui Ting Sister's words 1; Thank the angel for irrigating the nutrient solution: Nai Lin stop eating hot pot eat me, Yi Ge, 48510020 10 bottles; 43044885 7 bottles; Thank you for your support, I will continue to work hard!