Protect Our Clan Leader

Chapter 414: Chapter 97: The Mantis Stalks the Cicada, Unaware of the Oriole Behind (Seeking Monthly Pass) _1

…

Meanwhile.

All the key figures of the Zhong Family had been waiting in advance at the deepwater harbor built at the expense of Zhong Mountain Island.

Among them was the present head of the Zhong Family, Zhong Wannian.

Not yet sixty, he was at his prime, his robust figure under the magnificent brocade robe exuding a composed, dignified manner, characteristic of the steersman of a prominent family.

However, he did not stand in the chief position today, because the pillar of the Zhong Family, the Celestial Being Old Ancestor Zhong Xiangyang, was also at the dock.

Among the Celestial Beings, Zhong Xiangyang was considered old, his face already showed some signs of aging. Even so, his countenance remained as vast as the sea before him, embracing everything with a profound sense of gravitas—enough to discourage anyone from taking him lightly.

At this moment, he stood at the front of the waiting queue, hands behind his back, looking at the approaching large ship.

In addition to him, the most important person was Zhong Xingwang. He was the paternal uncle of Zhong Wannian and the third legitimate son who was sent to polish his skills at the Academic Palace due to his ineptitudes.

However, Zhong Xingwang was nothing more than an unremarkable student at the Academic Palace.

When his fellow Sky Prides or senior brethren showcased their prowess at the training grounds, he would cheer from the audience, his face full of exhilaration and admiration.

Soon, the colossal merchant ship slowly docked at the deepwater harbor of Zhong Mountain Island, and Wang Shouzhe and his entourage disembarked via the gangway.

“Welcome~ Welcome~”

The moment the two direct disciples from the Academic Palace set foot on the dock, the family head of the Zhong Family, Zhong Wannian, had already put on a big smile and greeted them enthusiastically.

The direct disciples of the Academic Palace commanded high social status outside. Not only do they have a Purple Abode Master as their mentor, but they also have the potential to become Purple Abode Realm cultivators in the future.

How could they miss the chance to build a relationship with such esteemed individuals?

Even the Celestial Being, Old Ancestor Zhong Xiangyang, showed a hint of joy.

Being able to connect with two direct disciples all at once was a big deal for the Zhong’s of Bai Dao Guard. Moreover, among the guests were the Celestial Being, Old Ancestor Xu Beichen from the newly-risen 7th-rank Aristocratic Family, the Xu Family of Changning, as well as numerous members of the Wang Family of Ping’an.

In recent years, thanks to Zhong Xingwang’s link, the Ping’an Wang Family has naturally been in good standing with the Zhong’s of Bai Dao Guard.

As the Wang Family-In-Laws Alliance became increasingly potent, their joint businesses with the Zhong Family also multiplied, leading to an expedited warmth in their relationship.

Of course, this kind of sentiment was largely based on mutual benefits and was nowhere near as solid as the In-Laws Alliance.

Subsequently, the Zhong Family of Bai Dao Guard naturally rolled out the best hospitality to entertain everyone.

After a lively feast.

The main figures from both sides finally sat down to drink Spiritual Tea and discuss serious matters.

As the host, Zhong Wannian naturally initiated the conversation, “Master Shouzhe, your visit this time must be related to the Yinsha Sect’s spy, right?”

Wang Shouzhe saluted Zhong Wannian and replied, “This matter indeed requires me to express my gratitude to Master Wannian for his help over the years.”

A few years ago, Wang Shouzhe’s nephew, Wang Zongchang, had a close encounter with a rogue Yinsha Sect cultivator in Bai Dao Guard. Even though Zongchang eventually awakened his Wind Bloodline as a blessing in disguise, the danger involved was all too clear. Given the longstanding grudge between the Ping’an Wang Family and the Yinsha Sect, how could he easily give up following this lead?

The ones who died on the Chen Clan’s merchant ship hid their identities well, but even with their best efforts at concealment, they could still trace the origin of the spies through the network of relationships around them.

Later, with the assistance of the Zhong Family and through factors such as the keen sensitivity of Old Ancestor Longyan to the Yinsha qi, Wang Shouzhe eventually dug out the Yinsha Sect’s spy who had been hiding in Bai Dao Guard.

He was a Tribute Elder from a 9th-rank Aristocratic Family in Bai Dao Guard who looked old and frail—nothing like a Yinsha Sect member.

However, to catch the big fish, Wang Shouzhe had been keeping him under observation without alarming him, assigning Zhong Family’s internal top-grade experts to monitor him in the long term.

“Not at all~” Zhong Wannian courteously replied to Wang Shouzhe, “Our Zhong Family and Wang Family are closely connected, and this is just a trivial matter that warrants no thanks. Besides, the Yinsha Sect is an enemy of Da Qian. It is only right for our Zhong Family to contribute to the cause.”

Old Ancestor Beichen at the side admired Wang Shouzhe, “Shouzhe, you are truly far-sighted and strategic, envisioning today’s situation years ago.”

“Old Ancestor Beichen is overpraising.” Wang Shouzhe returned the courtesy, “The Yinsha Sect has been operating secretly within our territory for a long time, and they couldn’t do this for no reason. As for the mishap that my clan member, Wang Zongchang, encountered years ago, it was also related to the Yinsha Sect, thus I casually put down a chess piece. As for when it would be useful, no one can tell.”

“It is still quite astounding, demonstrating your thorough and meticulous consideration,” Old Ancestor Beichen admired, “Working with you, Shouzhe, gives such a sense of security. If it had been someone else inviting me, I might have had to think twice.”

Even Fang Youan couldn’t help but view Wang Shouzhe with respect. To put it simply, this lad was reliable in dealing with matters and did not just focus on immediate problems.

“Master Shouzhe, are you planning to make a move against him during this visit? However, it seems like an overkill for just a Spirit Platform Realm cultivator?” Zhong Wannian, who was only aware of what’s on the surface and not privy to the actual reason, frowned slightly.