175 - Divine Mastering Dragon System

Chapter 175: Reluctance Just as Xiang Shi Yan anticipated, even though Xu You Qing had pure intentions and tried her best for her two companions, she had left her family at a young age and lacked guidance in the art of power struggles. Unfamiliar with the dynamics within Huai Hai City, her actions, no matter how sincere, could still be leveraged by her father. Before Xiang Shi Yan approached the flying vessel with the group, she deliberately paused to observe for a while. As expected, the Xu Family’s guards, though appearing ordinary, were subtly keeping a close watch on the sisters' rooms. Any comings and goings or messages would surely be reported to the head of the family, potentially even intercepting any communications. When Xiang Shi Yan caught Xu You Qing wandering the streets without a single guard by her side, it made her frown. She had heard that the welcoming entourage wasn’t small, yet here was the supposed eldest lady wandering alone, while Zhu Yun and Zhu Yu were tightly monitored. Clearly, the Xu Family had ulterior motives. Due to Xiang Shi Yan's imposing reputation, Xu You Qing feared her greatly. When Xiang Shi Yan grabbed her by the nape, Xu You Qing quickly spilled everything—from when they started planning the escape, to how many times she had delivered messages for Zhu Yun, and how He He had instructed her to delay the group, waiting for Xiang Shi Yan’s arrival. She confessed everything like beans spilling from a bag. That He He knew about this did surprise Xiang Shi Yan, but upon reconsideration, it was only natural. With neither Xiang Shi Yan nor Qin Miao present for the past four years, He He had been managing the affairs of Mo Bamboo Peak, showing much care for the two sisters, forming a close bond with them. How could he not be aware? Could He He’s recent entanglements with Xiang Shi Yan also have been a guise to cover for the sisters' planned escape? While Xiang Shi Yan thought the events that followed were likely coincidental, it was possible that He He sought to divert her attention that evening by visiting her quarters. If this were indeed the case, once back on the mountain, Xiang Shi Yan would certainly give him a good scolding. On that day, when Xu You Qing insisted on stopping midway, the Xu Family steward accompanying them vehemently opposed. With the Zhu family’s young masters already in tow, they couldn’t afford any mishaps on the road, lest the family head held him accountable instead of his precious daughter. Zhu Yun, however, had prepared for this, not disclosing to the Xu Family that Xiang Shi Yan was unaware of their departure. If the Xu Family had any plans, they would have to reconsider if provoking Xiang Shi Yan was worth the trouble. The three families were still speculating how much of the disturbance in Huai Hai City was orchestrated by Xiang Shi Yan. A person capable of causing such upheaval for these two girls certainly wouldn’t fear the Xu Family, especially since Zhu Yun and Zhu Yu hadn’t been expelled from their sect, with the backing of Yu Cang Shan. Xiang Shi Yan surmised that the Xu Family intended to ally with Yu Cang Shan, albeit they likely didn’t foresee Zhu Yun playing both sides, leading her to wonder if Zhu Yun could indeed outsmart them without her intervention. Indeed, the Xu Family’s precautions were somewhat effective. Traveling alongside Zhu Yun and Zhu Yu, Xiang Shi Yan was vigilant when a paper crane stealthily flew in through the window. "Sister: Enemy ahead in thirty miles, be cautious when entering the city." If the Xu and Zhu families joined forces, the Bai Family, already weakened, would stand no chance of recovery and would naturally send someone to intercept. They had their sources, leaving Xiang Shi Yan as the only one in the dark yet under the spotlight. Xiang Shi Yan sighed, beginning her preparations for deception. The voyage on the flying vessel was smooth, raising suspicion among the prepared Xu Family guards. They likely didn’t realize that amidst their journey through the mountains and rivers, Yu Ming had silently dealt with several waves of assassins. The Bai Family's more reputable cultivators above the Nascent Soul stage, though renowned, were cautious not to expose themselves under such circumstances. Thus, the assassins they sent, other than a few rogue cultivators from the black market, were no more than at the Golden Core level. These assassins were no match for Yu Ming and were swiftly obliterated. "The three families have indeed declined. It wasn’t like this when we visited with our master," said a cloaked woman, yawning while standing beside a porter. In disguise, Xiang Shi Yan replied without looking, secretly transmitting her voice to Yu Ming: "It’s normal for dynasties to not last long. Unlike some demon tribes with unique bloodline inheritances as a foundation." She found Yu Ming's lack of energy odd: "You arrived earlier than us, haven’t you found Dragon cousin yet?" Yu Ming hesitated, then pulled the hood further down to cover half his face, indicating his reluctance to discuss the topic. "Hey, you! What are you doing?" The Xu Family steward, not expecting a newcomer from the Zhu Family during his lapse of attention, blocked Xiang Shi Yan, annoyed. Under orders from the Xu Family head, upon entering the city, no stops were allowed; they were to proceed directly to the Xu residence to avoid any incidents along the way. However, their miss was quite troublesome. Passing an antique shop, she insisted on purchasing something, causing another delay, unaware that the Zhu Family had already sent someone. Currently disguised as an inconspicuous youth, Xiang Shi Yan coldly rebuked when confronted for meddling: "The young ladies go where they wish; it’s not your place to intervene." Zhu Yun smiled at the steward: "Please extend our thanks to Uncle Xu. Without his consent for us to travel with You Qing, we wouldn’t have this chance to visit family." "Young Misses..." The Xu Family steward wasn’t a fool. He sensed trouble; previously, he assumed the two girls were mere puppets under Xiang Shi Yan and Yu Cang Shan’s care, to be easily manipulated once away from their master. But now, realizing their miscalculation. "... The Xu and Zhu families have been allies for generations, and the ladies are dear friends of our young miss. No need to stand on ceremony. Perhaps you’re unaccustomed to staying at home; should you grace us with your presence at the residence, our master will also be more at ease." His words, under the guise of common friendship, hinted at the dangers within the Zhu residence, offering the Xu family’s protection if needed. "Of course, we’ll visit someday," Zhu Yun tactfully replied, taking his cue. Understanding the steward’s wisdom in retreat, he escorted the duo to the Zhu residence before withdrawing with his entourage. As he left, he couldn’t help but eye the unfamiliar Zhu Family servant with suspicion. The Zhu family was indeed chaotic. Alarmed by Zhu Yun’s reputable return, they yearned to intimidate the sisters, ensuring they didn’t overestimate themselves. So why had they sent someone to welcome them so quickly? Could someone within the Zhu residence harbor similar schemes? Pondering, he left somewhat bewildered, leaving the trio and the invisibly concealed Yu Ming. In five years, the Zhu main family estate had become quite rundown. The Zhu clan’s vicious internal strife prevented anyone from maintaining dominance or residing for long. Few servants remained, sparing the estate from complete neglect. Yu Ming’s last visit to the Zhu residence was during Gong Ning’s grand wedding. She remained veiled upon entering, aware that her clouded expression would likely grieve Zhu Yun and Zhu Yu. The household staff hadn’t expected the girls to return, seeing them, now poised and radiant, they barely recognized them, faces unreadable. After all... they knew better than anyone what transpired here back then. Some truths remained unknown even to Zhu Yu. If accountability were pursued... Zhu Yun only glanced at them, seemingly unconcerned by their presence. The servants, unusually attentive, hovered around them—a demeanor even Zhu Yu hadn’t witnessed during Xiang Shi Yan’s previous visit, filling her with inexplicable disgust, prompting her to hide behind her sister. Noticing this, Zhu Yun remembered something and quietly asked Xiang Shi Yan, "Master, do you have trustworthy hands available?" She knew Xiang Shi Yan had her own forces, unrelated to Yu Cang Shan and unknown to others. But having resolved to rejuvenate the Zhu family independently, relying on her master’s help at the doorstep brought her some embarrassment. "The ones tasked with monitoring the Zhu family’s branches are still in the city and can be utilized temporarily. If you have such plans again, inform me beforehand." Sensing her master’s displeasure over their secrecy, Zhu Yu anxiously tugged at her sleeve, "Master, please don’t be angry... we didn’t mean to hide it." "I’m not upset about your sudden departure... it’s just unwise to risk yourselves without self-protection," Xiang Shi Yan sighed, "I’ve never seen you as burdens, nor will I. A fleeting reputation should never outweigh your safety." Turning to Zhu Yu, she seriously said, "In Huai Hai City, I can't watch over you constantly. You sisters must support each other." Her touch was cool and reassuring, not delicate but rather firm and calming. Grasping Zhu Yu's wrist, she was momentarily stunned before quietly lowering her head, ears reddening. Xiang Shi Yan continued, “How could such a major event be kept from only me... Did you tell even Huai Ye, while leaving me in the dark?” As it turned out, those words were a trap, yet the atmosphere was no longer as tense. Zhu Yun chuckled softly, “He Shi Jie has a big mouth—I wouldn’t dare tell her.” “Yes, but your He Shi Jie is tight-lipped enough...” Xiang Shi Yan suddenly paused, awkwardly shifting the topic, “Song He Hall serves as my informant post, but it’s not reliable enough to ensure your safety. I’ve discussed with your Senior Yu Ming, and she’ll stay in Huai Hai City for a while to look after you secretly.” Zhu Yu slowed her pace, and when Xiang Shi Yan glanced back, she noticed the girl’s ears were still red, her expression somewhat inexplicable. “Master... are you leaving?” “There are matters I must attend to,” she replied. Fearing that if she delayed any longer, Qin Miao might escape to a troublesome place, Xiang Shi Yan thought it best to depart promptly, “I’ll move the Song He Hall staff here. The original servants in the estate shouldn’t be kept.” “Understood.” “Revamp things a bit, and it’s best to summon the Zhu clan tomorrow to catch them off guard. The Xu Family can still be of use, but proceed carefully, ensuring they have no leverage over you later. In the worst case, the Bai Family might intervene, but their position offers little advantage." “Understood.” Watching the sisters hesitate, Xiang Shi Yan suddenly chuckled, “What’s this? After leaving me to return on your own, you now hesitate to see me leave?” Yes, when they left Yu Cang Shan, they were prepared for a future separated by thousands of miles from Xiang Shi Yan. When they quietly sneaked away with their belongings the night before, they felt nothing, but... But now, having realized Xiang Shi Yan had pursued them this far, this person’s presence had become unexpectedly invaluable. Author's Note: Thanks to the little angels who cast votes or provided nutrient solution from 2022-10-05 00:03:45 to 2022-10-05 23:59:58~ Thanks for the nutrient solution provided: Xu Zhong 20 bottles; Qing You Mu 10 bottles; linjpinx 3 bottles; Rotten Banana 2 bottles; slowly 1 bottle; Thank you all for your support. I'll continue to work hard! This site has no pop-up ads, permanent domain (xbanxia.com)