268: Please uncles and aunts act as matchmakers tomorrow (asking for monthly tickets)

Jinguan City.

This afternoon, the city was in an uproar.

The Ninth Mountain Zhonglang General, who had fought an astonishing battle thousands of miles away, returned triumphantly to the city!

As soon as he appeared, he began a massacre, suppressing and killing several rebellious Heavenly Gate powerhouses, and dozens of Heavenly Gates were also captured.

What was even more horrifying was that a Martial Artist Great Divine Power Practitioner was also executed on the spot!

His fierce might was monstrous!

It was said that the whole incident started because someone had bullied the Family members of a deceased Ninth Mountain soldier, and this Ninth Zhonglang, in a thunderous rage, personally intervened.

“Well killed.”

“They deserved to die.”

In the streets and alleys, the common people cheered, clapping their hands. They were at the bottom of society and had the most genuine feelings. Jinguan City was becoming increasingly chaotic. With more and more people pouring in, the market was a mixed bag of good and bad, and their living environment was rapidly deteriorating. More and more shocking incidents occurred, and the rule of law was quickly collapsing.

Now, Jinguan City, though seemingly prosperous on the surface, was in fact like oil cooking on a raging fire. Under the great power of demons, people's hearts were like a ghost realm.

There were also some outsiders who, standing by, tasted a different flavor in this matter.

It was originally the Qing Sha Gang's leader who had acted foolishly, but as a result, even the Heavenly Gate experts who rushed to watch the excitement suffered misfortune and were implicated.

The entire sequence of events was not difficult to untangle, but this Ninth Mountain Zhonglang General seemed to have been prepared. A clue could be seen from the simultaneous appearance of the Four Cities Garrison. This Ninth Zhonglang was clearly establishing his authority, making an example of others, and forcefully suppressing the chaotic tendencies that were now emerging in Jinguan City.

However, the fact that this Ninth Zhonglang ultimately captured all the remaining Heavenly Gate experts made people somewhat uncertain. It seemed a bit forced to hold a grudge, after all, these people did not participate in the incident this morning. By doing this, wouldn't he fear inciting public anger and a backlash?

“This Ninth Mountain Zhonglang General, by capturing all the Heavenly Gate experts, isn't he afraid of inciting public anger? After all, a single tree cannot stand alone.”

“In the projection of that battle, did this person ever show fear? Would a hero who has emerged from a mountain of corpses and a sea of blood on the Demon Battlefield be afraid? I have a premonition that this Ninth Zhonglang would actually prefer these people who bury their heads in the sand to come out and jump around. That way, it might be even easier to kill them.”

“This Zhonglang General’s actions are hard to fathom; they are not something people like us can casually comment on. Do you know what Eight Mountain is? It’s rumored to be a transcendent blessed land outside of Shu Land, where everyone is like a Dragon. Even a Martial Artist Great Divine Power Practitioner from there, this Lord can kill whenever he wants.”

“Let’s take it one step at a time. I feel that something big is still going to happen. Instruct your subordinates to be more restrained in their actions recently. Don’t cause trouble. If trouble is caused and this Zhonglang General sets his eyes on them, I won’t need him to act; I will personally clean house.”

In North City, by a window in a certain restaurant, a hushed voice spoke, solemn and grave. As soon as he finished speaking, a clamor approached from afar outside.

Soon, the thud of hooves, the clanking of chains, and the noisy human voices, including cries of fear, grew clearer.

Looking out, one could see teams of Black Armored Soldiers, imposing and stern, approaching from afar on the street outside the restaurant. They did not have the Fashan Flag on their backs; they were South City Guard Division soldiers.

Behind the soldiers, figures dressed in green robes and black belts, with their hair cut short and their bodies bound by chains, appeared. Some looked as if they had lost their parents, some had terrified expressions, and some wailed in fear.

On both sides of the road, crowds surged, some cheering and clapping, others shouting curses and throwing various stones and rotten vegetable leaves at these people.

“It’s those small fries from the Green Robe Gang.”

“They’re finished!”

“Finished!”

In the East City of Jinguan City, a sprawling mansion covering dozens of acres had the characters “Xia Family” marked on its gate plaque.

Inside, there were flying eaves and towers, rockeries and flowing water, with every step revealing a new scenic view, exuding opulence.

At this moment, in the Xia Family’s main hall, a group of people sat solemnly on both sides, their faces grave. In the hall, figures hurried in and out, constantly reporting news.

“Second Master, the Qing Sha Gang in North City has been purged by the North City Garrison Commander’s South City Guard Division. The Garrison Commander personally led troops. Anyone who resisted was killed on the spot, and the rest were all taken away to be executed soon. It is rumored that the South City Guard Division is investigating the relatives of the Gang’s main members, and it seems they intend to implicate them.”

“Second Master, the Qing Family in South City has been raided by the South City Guard Division, and several of the Qing Family’s side branches have all been taken away.”

“…”

One piece of news after another was brought back by the Martial Artists sent out by the Xia Family. At the head of the main hall, in a seat, a middle-aged man wearing a bright yellow cloud-patterned robe, with phoenix embroidered on his shoulders, and a mustache, heard these reports. He couldn't help but lean back, his eyes somewhat unfocused.

“It’s over!”

Because the Xia Family’s head, who was his elder brother, had been personally captured by the Ninth Mountain Zhonglang General, and his future was uncertain.

And these pieces of news all came from the forces that had been very active these past few days.

Among them, some were killed on the spot by the Ninth Mountain Zhonglang General this morning, while others were not present at the time but were actively sought out by the South City Guard Division. These people dared not resist, fearing that the terrifying Lord would personally descend, so they could only flee in all directions, being hunted down throughout the city.

Over ten forces were either raided or wanted.

The speed of the South City Guard Division was terrifying!

This morning, the Ninth Mountain returned triumphantly, and the Ninth Mountain Zhonglang General made a forceful move. In the afternoon, the Four Cities Garrison’s South City Guard Division began city-wide arrests.

With the force of thunder, these prominent figures were powerfully suppressed and utterly crushed!

And their Family head was taken away by the Ninth Zhonglang at this critical juncture, so how could they not panic?

Each of them felt as if they were sitting on pins and needles, fearing that the sound of hooves would suddenly come from outside, signaling that the South City Guard Division had set its sights on them.

As the saying goes, if you do nothing shameful, you fear no knocking at the door. But for families like theirs, with thriving populations and vast enterprises, who was truly clean? There were always some unsavory things happening.

Once targeted, it would be equivalent to a disaster!

Although the Xia Family had four Heavenly Gates, two Dao Soldiers, and two Dao Seeds, making their strength considerable and placing them among the top-tier families in Jinguan City, that Ninth Zhonglang was someone who could casually kill a Martial Artist!

And as this “Second Master” himself lost heart, the other members of the Xia Family also showed shifting expressions, their eyes flickering with unease, and their bottoms restless on their chairs.

The Third Branch of the Xia Family gripped the armrest of the chair tightly, leaving handprints on the backrest, forcefully suppressing his nervousness. His eyes became firm.

“Second Brother, don’t panic yet. Even if Ninth Zhonglang’s power is immense now, he has captured Elder Brother and a host of Heavenly Gates, and almost every one of them has a considerable force behind them. Right now, we can contact their families, go to Yunding Mountain, and ask Ninth Zhonglang to hand over…”

He didn’t finish his sentence when he saw the Xia Family Second Master’s face change. He quickly sat up straight, his brows furrowed in anger:

“Don’t say another word!”

“Third Brother, are you trying to kill us all?”

“That idea is very dangerous. Don’t say it again.”

Saying this, the Xia Family Second Master, recalling something, addressed the several branches seated below with a serious face, saying:

“You few branches must strictly restrain the people in your own branches. Absolutely do not cause trouble at this critical juncture, especially, Old Third, Old Fifth, those few troublesome ones in your families.”

He pointed out a few of the troublemakers in the various branches, as with a large Family, there were always a few who were rotten and beyond help.

“Did you remember?”

“Yes, Second Brother.”

Unexpectedly, as soon as he finished speaking, an urgent shout came from outside.

“Second Master, this is bad!”

Then, there were hurried footsteps.

And this sound made everyone in the entire hall jump, their faces changing dramatically.

“Swish swish swish”

The heads of the various branches of the Xia Family immediately rose from their chairs.

“What’s wrong? Did the South City Guard Division soldiers come from outside?”

The Xia Family Second Master’s face turned anxious, and he couldn’t help but stumble, rushing out the door and grabbing a Family Martial Artist who usually guarded the gate.

It was this person who had exclaimed that something was wrong.

Several figures flashed, and the other heads of branches also rushed out, their faces tense, staring intently at the shouting Family Martial Artist.

This Martial Artist, trained by the Xia Family, was startled and somewhat trembled.

“Speak quickly!”

The Xia Family Second Master’s face was stern.

“Second Master, Second Master, it’s not that the South City Guard Division soldiers came from outside.” The subordinate quickly stammered, saying.

“If not, then why are you shouting and making such a fuss?” The several heads of the Xia Family, hearing that it wasn’t this, felt their hearts, which had been in their throats, drop. The Xia Family Second Master’s brow relaxed, and he angrily threw the man to the ground.

The subordinate, however, quickly scrambled up, his face anxious, “Second Master, news just came that Fourth Young Master got into a conflict with the South City Guard Division soldiers who were searching for criminals in Misty Tower and was arrested. He sent a Family servant to call for help.”

As soon as these words came out,

“What?!”

The faces of the several heads of the Xia Family immediately changed dramatically.

The Xia Family Second Master’s eyes widened even more, his entire face rapidly turning red, a surge of blood rushing to his head, making his steps unsteady.

The “Fourth Young Master” in his subordinate’s words was precisely his second son.

“Second Brother!”

The others quickly supported him.

The Xia Family Second Master was breathing heavily, furious,

“Rebellious son, oh, rebellious son! Did this dog drink too much wine and lose his mind? I’m going to chop him into pieces!”

He was absolutely furious.

His elder brother was captured, and he was already afraid that the South City Guard Division would target the Xia Family and find an excuse. Now, it was his own foolish son who had personally handed the knife to the South City Guard Division.

Damn it!

“Let him die in the South City Guard Division; I will no longer acknowledge him as my son.”

However, just as the atmosphere fell into a heavy silence, a woman’s voice came over.

“Several uncles, I, Qing’er, as a Junior and a woman, am not suited to participate in your discussions, but my father has been captured by that Lord, so Qing’er would like to say a few words.”

As she spoke, a woman dressed in a bright red dress, with fiery red lips, a dignified appearance, and a hint of assertiveness in her brows, quickly walked up from the side corridor of the main hall.

She was about twenty-four or twenty-five years old, followed by two maidservants.

“It’s Qing’er!”

The heads of the various branches, seeing this young woman, did not slight her. This was the second daughter of the First Branch, well-read in literature and knowledgeable in martial arts. Her actions and demeanor were sharp and assertive. She helped the First Branch manage the Family business and made it flourish, showing quite a bit of capability that rivaled men.

“Say whatever you want. You are a woman of good ideas.”

Xia Qing’s Phoenix eyes widened, “Several uncles, I presume you are also anxious and worried about Father’s matter. Qing’er believes that the most important thing right now is to first use our connections with the Dao Fu Division to inquire about Father’s whereabouts, and incidentally, to sound out that Lord’s intentions.”

As soon as these words came out, several uncles frowned. The Xia Family Second Master, having caught his breath, waved his hand and then spoke: “Of course we have thought of these things. Our Xia Family has operated in Jinguan City for so many years, so naturally, we have acquaintances in the Fushi. It’s just that now, all the influential people in the Fushi are either dead or on the front lines, and this Lord has emerged out of nowhere. We only saw him at the anointing ceremony about a month ago and have no prior connection with him, so we don’t know where to start.”

At this moment, this Xia Qing spoke two words.

“Yun Family!”

“Yun Family?” The several branches of the Xia Family heard this name and were somewhat puzzled.

“Yes, the Yun Family of Jinguan City!”

“What does Qing’er mean?” The others listened, nodded, and recalled.

A second-tier Family in Jinguan City, with some reputation.

Xia Qing’s eyes sparkled, and she softly parted her lips, saying:

“The Yun Family has a Young Master named Cloud Skyborn, who is the Young Master of the Yun Family’s Second Branch. He serves as a Military Commander in the Ninth Mountain. Not long ago, Qing’er remembers, the Town Demon Envoy fell, shocking the entire Shu Land. The Dao Fu Division summoned Sects and Families from Shu Land to the front lines to fight against the demon army that had breached the pass. It’s just a pity that there was a lot of thunder but little rain; many forces did not appear.”

“And it is rumored that the Yun Family followed the Ninth Mountain to support the front line.”

As this second daughter of the main branch slowly recounted, the several uncles of the Xia Family, hearing this information, suddenly realized and then remembered something, their eyes lighting up.

“That’s right, I remember now. This Yun Family is only a second-tier Family, so we didn’t pay too much attention to them, but this indeed happened. Perhaps we were too anxious about Elder Brother’s matter.”

The Third Branch of the Xia Family’s voice brightened, and then he smiled as he looked at Xia Qing, praising her, “We old fellows, when faced with trouble, are not as calm as Qing’er. We’ve really lost face.”

“Moreover, I know why Qing’er mentioned that young man named Cloud Skyborn! Perhaps some of you have forgotten over time, but this Yun Family once proposed marriage to Qing’er two years ago, specifically for this young man. I heard that this person was once captivated by Qing’er at a Family banquet and boldly sent a matchmaker directly to propose marriage, but Qing’er refused him.”

“Indeed, this person is not the legitimate eldest, and the Yun Family is only second-tier. With Qing’er’s ambition, how could she possibly fancy him?”

“After all, these past few years, countless young talents from noble families and Sects have pursued our Qing’er, almost wearing out the threshold. It’s just that our Qing’er is high-minded and doesn’t fancy any of them. I wonder who will have such good fortune in the future.”

The Xia Family Third Master spoke with increasing enthusiasm, even cracking a joke.

“Third Uncle is joking, Qing’er doesn’t have that much ability!”

Xia Qing gently curved her eyebrows.

“Qing’er, what do you plan to do?” The Xia Family Second Master returned to the main topic.

“Qing’er naturally wishes to save Father. I ask several uncles, tomorrow, to act as matchmakers for the Yun Family.” The second daughter of the main branch spoke softly, her eyebrows trembling slightly, seemingly a little unsettled.

Hearing this, several uncles’ eyebrows moved, and they exchanged glances.

Clearly, this highly ambitious niece was preparing to sacrifice herself this time.

“Alas, we can only let you suffer this grievance!”