Volume 2 Chapter 33: Brothers at Odds - Martial God

### Chapter 33: Brothers at Odds The Yuan family of Jinlin, although not one of the ancient, thousand-year clans, boasts a legacy that spans a century. Despite this, the family has never produced exceptionally powerful martial artists, and their main estate is located near the outskirts of Zhengtong County. As far as regional influence is concerned, the Yuan family pales in comparison to the He family in Taicang County. Yet precisely because of this geographical setting and their consistently low profile, they have cultivated rather extensive connections. Unfortunately, these connections offer little defense against the threats posed by more formidable forces. In the rural expanse outside Zhengtong County, the sound of galloping horses suddenly resonated near a massive estate. In mere moments, eight magnificent horses arrived at the gates of the estate. Among them, one particular horse stood out for its exceptional grace and vigor. This horse was a brilliant shade of red throughout, without a single mixed strand, its hue akin to ripened jujubes. Anyone who laid eyes on it couldn't help but exclaim in praise of such a fine horse. The gate opened swiftly, and an elderly servant stepped out, greeting with respect, "Master, you're finally back." Yuan Cheng Zhi's face shifted slightly, and with a quick step, he landed firmly on the ground. He questioned sharply, "What has happened at home?" The old servant shook his head, glancing towards He Qian Xin, while instinctively overlooking He Yi Tian and He Yi Ming who accompanied them. Yuan Cheng Zhi spoke in a deep voice, "Rest assured, this here is Lord He Qian Xin from the He family of Taicang. With him here, even if Fan Shu He himself comes, we need not worry." His words were resolute and firm, carrying an unwavering strength, and echoed with a captivating power. Since the Fan family set their sights on the Yuan family, Yuan Cheng Zhi had been suppressing his frustrations for too long. Thus, he seized this opportunity to assert that the Yuan family now had the means to contend with the Fan family. The old servant's face indeed brightened instantly, looking at He Qian Xin with admiration in his eyes. It was well-known that Fan Shu He, the current head of the Fan family, was a master of the tenth level of inner energy. Therefore, since Lord He could rival such a man, he was certainly of equivalent standing. Faced with such a master, the old servant's heart was naturally filled with enthusiasm. News of Yuan Cheng Zhi's return quickly spread throughout the estate, and more importantly, he had brought back a grand master of the tenth level of inner energy. This news acted like a stabilizing needle, invigorating the confidence of everyone in the estate. When Yuan Cheng Zhi led He Qian Xin into the grand hall, someone was already there waiting. An elderly gentleman, portly and amiable, stood on the steps of the hall, his face full of delight. Upon seeing He Qian Xin and company, he promptly stepped forward to greet them. "Haha, fifty years ago, I roamed the Tianluo Kingdom for ten full years alongside Brother He. Later, Brother He settled in Taicang County, while I returned to the family. Who would've thought that this parting would last over forty years," the old man laughed heartily, reminiscing before asking, "It's been many years since we've met, how has Brother He been?" He Yi Ming and the others immediately realized that this could only be Yuan Ze Yu, the current head of the Yuan family, who had been friends with He Wu De for decades. He Qian Xin promptly stepped forward, bowing low, "Uncle Yuan, my father is in good health, though he very much misses you." Yuan Ze Yu quickly helped him up, saying, "Our families are generations of allies, dear nephew, there's no need for such formality." Behind them, He Yi Ming inwardly mused that decades ago, their grandfathers might have been close allies, but after so many years, the relationship between the two families was maintained primarily through mutual interests. If it weren't for your need for our help now, you'd probably not be so courteous. These thoughts, however, he only dared voice inwardly; he would never express them openly. After conversing outside the hall for a while, under Yuan Ze Yu’s enthusiastic invitation, they entered the hall. Servants came forth to serve tea as Yuan Ze Yu’s gaze landed on He Yi Tian and others. He smiled, "It's been decades, Brother He has extended his lineage, and even the third generation has achieved such progress." He sighed, "Li Ling has practiced arduously for over twenty years, yet remains at the peak of the sixth level, while Young He Yi Tian has already progressed to the seventh. Truly, a prodigious talent." He Yi Tian stood and bowed deeply to the elder, "Grandpa Yuan, you flatter me." Yuan Ze Yu laughed heartily, yet his gaze upon He Yi Ming was somewhat tentative. He inquired, "Cheng Zhi, who might this young man from the He family be?" Yuan Cheng Zhi replied immediately, "Father, this is Brother Qian's second son, He Yi Ming." Yuan Ze Yu nodded faintly, assuming He Yi Ming was merely an ordinary young member sent to observe, and thus, after greeting him, he didn't pay him much heed. In Taicang County, He Yi Ming was already renowned, not just as the foremost among the younger generation of the three great families, but also as someone many considered a notable figure even among the elders of longstanding repute. After all, on the Cheng family's wedding tournament platform, He Yi Ming held his ground against Lin Tao Li, who had previously defeated Xu Xiang Qian. However, Taicang County is only a small county. The reputations from such places rarely carry weight abroad and are often undervalued by the masters from larger families. Besides, Lin Tao Li, having lost a match, hadn't publicized it extensively, so He Yi Ming's fame hadn't even spread through Tianluo's Lin Lang County, let alone Jinlin. Yuan Cheng Zhi's expression shifted slightly. Although he wasn't fully aware of He Yi Ming's renown, he had personally witnessed He Yi Ming's strength on this occasion. Whether it was effortlessly lifting a heavy guandao or the subsequent simple throws, both were feats of immense power far beyond his reach. Even though He Yi Tian is a seventh-level inner energy master, anyone with eyes could see the substantial gap between him and He Yi Ming. After a soft cough, Yuan Cheng Zhi's expression was slightly awkward, "Father, He Yi Ming is actually the foremost young master in the He family." Only then did Yuan Ze Yu's gaze shift with surprise, studying He Yi Ming more intently. Moments later, Yuan Ze Yu's countenance subtly changed, because in his eyes, He Yi Ming resembled an unfathomable well, whose depths were indiscernible. Yuan Cheng Zhi added enthusiastically, "Father, even Uncle He has passed down his famous guandao to Brother Yi Ming." Yuan Ze Yu's eyes immediately glinted with sharpness. Recalling that fearsome guandao weighing over three hundred pounds sent a shiver through his heart. Such a weapon, apart from someone of He Wu De's natural strength, who else could wield it so easily? Yet observing He Yi Ming, he seemed unrelated to feats of Herculean strength. But since Yuan Cheng Zhi mentioned it, and with He Qian Xin and his son maintaining a calm demeanor, it was undoubtedly true. Taking a deep breath, Yuan Ze Yu exclaimed, "Impressive, truly a hero emerges from youth; even an old man like me was mistaken." He Qian Xin smiled briefly, "Uncle Yuan, since we're here now, can you tell us the full details of the situation?" Yuan Ze Yu’s smile faltered slightly as he chuckled bitterly, "It's a long story, and regrettably, my Yuan family has been embarrassed by such a matter." His words caused a slight stir in the hearts of He Qian Xin and the others, hinting that this matter was not as simple as they imagined. With a grand wave of his sleeve, Yuan Ze Yu suddenly proclaimed, "Prepare a banquet! We must properly welcome and show our appreciation to the distinguished guests!" ※※※※ That very evening, the Yuan family held a grand feast, inviting all the pivotal and dispersed family members back to the estate, along with some of the key stewards. Yuan Ze Yu was determined to leverage He Qian Xin and the others’ prestige to subdue the restless family members. He Qian Xin, Yi Tian, and Yi Ming were well aware of the elder's intent, but since it aligned perfectly with their purpose of visit, even the otherwise reticent He Yi Ming found himself at the head of the table, posing as an impassive deity alongside his cousin He Qian Xin. In contrast, He Yi Tian seemed well-suited to such occasions, displaying composure and winning approval. During the banquet, Yuan Ze Yu formally introduced He Qian Xin. Upon hearing that this man in his fifties was a master at the zenith of the tenth level, every face around lit with mixed delight and astonishment. Lately, they had been cornered and pressured by the Fan family, with their hearts weighed heavily. Finally, they felt a sense of relief. A tenth-level inner energy master was akin to an insurmountable mountain, bringing unimaginable pressure to them. However, not everyone wore expressions of unbridled joy. Among those seated at the secondary table, a few of the Yuan family senior and juniors held peculiar expressions, tinged with confusion and anxiety. Yuan Ze Yu cast a glance towards them and declared in a clear voice, "Elder Brother, please head into the city tomorrow and convey to Mr. Fan Shu He that after consideration, the shops we own in the city, as well as the surrounding farmlands, are the bedrock of our Yuan family. No matter the offer, we will not sell them." From the secondary seat, an elderly man slowly stood up. His age matched Yuan Ze Yu's, and his facial features bore some resemblance, though his eyes were distinctly sharp and unsettling, like those of a cold serpent. "Second Brother, Mr. Fan's intentions are good. The lands around our estate aside, the shops in the city don't perform well; we lose money every day they're open. So why not liquidate them?" Yuan Ze Yu snorted coldly, "Elder Brother, are you truly unaware of why the shops are losing money?" He paused, sighing, "These shops were passed down from our forebears a hundred years ago. Under no circumstances will they slip from my hands." A young man suddenly stood up from the secondary seat, appearing to be in his early twenties, wrapped in a long mole fur coat, with rabbit fur gloves and large beaver fur boots. As he stood, he exuded a sharp and commanding aura. Taking a step forward, he said, "Second Grandpa, while our shops have legacy, if they're not flourishing, it might be wise to sell them temporarily and buy back later when finances permit." Yuan Ze Yu glared at him fiercely, finally standing. Under his piercing gaze, all those seated lowered their heads, including the elderly man who spoke first. Yuan Ze Yu sighed deeply, "I must speak with the elders of the first branch. The rest of you, please leave." A commotion ensued, and shortly after, apart from the people seated at the main and secondary positions, the room emptied quickly. He Qian Xin and his companions were about to leave too but were firmly held back by Yuan Cheng Zhi, who subtly shook his head, indicating there was more beneath the surface. After ensuring the others had left, Yuan Ze Yu spoke, "Yuan Ze Wei, I know you've always coveted my position as head of the family. But even so, you shouldn't conspire with outsiders to seize our family assets." The older man's eyes flared with a cold glint, as he chuckled menacingly, "Second Brother, since you're no longer calling me elder brother, do you intend to sever our relationship completely?" Yuan Ze Yu sighed once again, "Several century-old stores in the city have suffered losses under your management, requiring supplementary funds from our estate. Out of respect for our late parents, I've tolerated this. But now you’ve gone further by marrying off our granddaughter into the Fan family, using their influence to threaten me. At this point, how can I still acknowledge you as an elder brother?" He Qian Xin and his companions finally understood why the Yuan family, with a foundation over a century old, had to seek aid from the He family in Taicang County, instead of finding a tenth-level inner strength master locally. Moreover, the Fan family, being a newly emerged clan, targeting the long-established Yuan family so aggressively now made sense. The presence of a family insider complicates matters greatly, deterring other families from intervening. He Yi Tian shook his head slightly and suddenly spoke, "Elder Yuan, I have a question to ask." Yuan Ze Wei's eyes sparkled with ferocity, yet knowing He Yi Tian was the son of He Qian Xin, a master at the pinnacle tenth level of inner strength, he dared not show disrespect. Bowing slightly from afar, he said, "Please, Mr. He, ask your question." He Yi Tian picked up his wine cup, drank it all, then spoke, "Elder Yuan, if I'm not mistaken, you have an agreement with the Fan family that once the stores and lands are transferred to their name, they will eventually return them to you, correct?" Yuan Ze Wei hesitated but ultimately said nothing, his demeanor implying acceptance. He Yi Tian sighed, "Elder Yuan, you are an eighty-year-old elder. Do you truly trust the Fan's promises? Have they provided any assurance that once they gain ownership of the shops and lands, they will keep their word?" He Qian Xin and He Yi Ming exchanged glances, both silently lamenting. Their entire focus was on cultivation, and in other matters, they fell short. He Yi Tian, with clear insight, deftly pinpointed the crux of the issue and expressed it, whereas they could merely serve as his staunch support. Yuan Ze Wei's face turned a mix of colors, but the young man behind him charged out and said, "Of course we trust our brother-in-law's word. Stop trying to drive a wedge." He Yi Tian laughed heartily, not bothering to argue further, only shooting a disdainful glance toward the young man—an expression of utter contempt that even a fool could discern. The young man was furious, striding forward, "He Yi Tian... Mr. He, I’ve heard your father is a peak tenth-level master, so I dare not offend. But how much of his skill have you truly inherited? Would you spar with me to demonstrate?" He Yi Tian's eyes sharpened as an aura vastly superior to the young man's surged forth. He moved like lightning, appearing before the young man in an instant, his palm swinging with electric speed. "Slap, slap, slap, slap..." Four blisteringly fast slaps turned the young man's face into a swollen mess. Blood spilled from his mouth, along with several teeth. Only then did he react, his eyes red with rage, attempting to fight back. Yet He Yi Tian had already returned to his spot without a second glance. Yuan Ze Wei's face twitched as he grabbed the young man, remarking, "Good skills indeed! As expected of the He family's eldest, we've experienced your excellence." The young man wanted to speak further, but was pulled and ushered out, promptly carried off by others for treatment. Yuan Ze Wei's eyes glinted with stern intent, as he slowly remarked, "Second Brother, if not for your silver tongue enchanting our father, the family headship would have never passed to you. Heh, you've assumed the leadership, but where does that leave me, the elder brother? Handing over the management of family stores was only to avoid accusations of outright obliteration." Yuan Ze Yu shook his head gently, sighing, "Elder Brother, father entrusted me with the headship because he feared your narrow-mindedness, worried that entrusting you with full power would only expedite our family's decline..." Yuan Ze Wei suddenly burst into laughter, "Second Brother, the past is irrelevant; such matters no longer hold any weight. Whoever eventually gains control of the Yuan family now, it will depend on one's own strength." With that, he waved his hand, summoning those seated at the secondary table to his side, ready to escort him away. Yuan Ze Yu's face was stormy, his voice raised, "Yuan Ze Wei, even if you triumph in the end, can you guarantee that Fan Shu He will hand the Yuan family back to you?" Yuan Ze Wei halted mid-step, his voice icy and penetrating, "The Yuan family was mine, to begin with. If I can't have it, then no other Yuan family member shall…"