306: I wonder who dares to go! (asking for monthly tickets)

Just as Chen Yuan was looking for the Huanlong Clan and the North Sea Dragon Girl, preparing to have the North Sea Dragon Girl move into her new home, in another location, northeast of Jinguancheng, there was a sizable residence.

White snow covered the upturned eaves, and the vermilion and green tiles complemented each other, creating a unique scenery.

The Jin Family of the North City was located here!

In the Jin Family's backyard, there was an ancient, elegant, and refined pavilion.

Wind and snow swirled in front of the hall, and at the entrance was a clear pond.

A rockery guided flowing water downwards, preventing the pond from freezing over.

As snowflakes fell onto the water, they were immediately sucked in by the fish, creating tiny splashing sounds.

At this moment, in the sky, amidst the swirling snow, a pair of amber-colored, sharp eagle eyes rolled, reflecting an image of this small courtyard.

A large black eagle, with black feathers fluttering in the wind, circled above the small courtyard, monitoring every movement within it.

Suddenly, a thunderous sound, like a snapping string, echoed abruptly.

A streak of light, swift as lightning, pierced through the wind and snow, followed by a muffled 'thud,' black feathers scattered, and a mournful cry.

The large eagle plummeted, landing heavily in a soft patch of snow in the courtyard.

Its wings flapped, trying to fly again, but its body staggered.

Blood flowed from the feathers under its belly, staining the snow beneath it a shocking red, and it let out urgent wails from its throat.

“Creak.”

“Creak.”

The sound of crunching snow rang out at just the right moment.

A black boot stepped into the snowy ground, approaching the struggling eagle.

A large hand then reached down like lightning, grabbing its neck.

With a crisp snap of bones, the large eagle instantly perished.

“Hmph, Xuntian Eagle.”

Looking up, the newcomer was dressed in a black tight-fitting suit, with a jade belt around his waist, a leopard-like head, and glaring eyes, his face showing disdain.

This person killed the Xuntian Eagle, then casually conjured a flame with one hand to destroy the corpse, before quickly heading towards the pavilion.

Passing through the corridor, Chen Yuan entered through a side door, ascended the stairs with heavy steps, then bowed respectfully towards the direction obscured by a straw curtain, his tone filled with indignation.

“Your Highness, the Xuntian Eagles of the Jiannan Road Dao Fu Division have been deployed.

It seems they are monitoring us.”

“This Zhonglang General is going too far.

You, as the Crown Prince of Northern Liang, have been here for a whole day, and he not only hasn't shown up but also sent people to monitor us.

This is simply outrageous.”

“This completely disregards you and the Northern Liang Royal Mansion!”

This person carried strong subjective emotions.

Across from him, silhouetted against the hanging straw curtain, a figure sat cross-legged with his back turned.

Through the gaps in the curtain, the figure was seen wearing a dark silver python robe with meticulously carved patterns.

His posture was upright, his hair meticulously tied into a white jade crown, and his noble Aura exuded the majesty of a superior, cultivated over many years.

In front of the figure was a small square table.

On a delicate and small red stove, water was boiling, and amidst the curling white mist, the entire room was filled with an invigorating tea fragrance.

A crisp clinking sound was heard as the figure behind the straw curtain picked up a teacup, the lid clinking against the rim.

He moved his head slightly, blew on the tea, and then his voice slowly sounded.

“I heard that your cousin, the head of this Family, was just invited to Yunding Mountain by someone from the Dao Fu Division!”

As soon as these words were spoken, the middle-aged man in black tight-fitting clothes, with a leopard-like head and glaring eyes, immediately affirmed, his face showing displeasure.

“Reporting to Your Highness, that is indeed the case.

Your subordinate said that it is our good fortune for Your Highness to stay at our Jin Family, and how could the head of this Family leave.

That Zhonglang General should have refused, but my cousin is timid.

He asked me to apologize to Your Highness, saying he would be back soon, and hopes Your Highness will not blame him.”

It turned out that this person was the cousin of the Jin Family head, named Jin Taiyuan.

Many years ago, he ventured into the Jianghu, left Shu Province, and after several twists and turns, became a retainer in the Northern Liang Royal Mansion.

On this trip, he acted as the guide, and the Crown Prince of Northern Liang and his entourage stayed at the Jin Family.

As a retainer of the Royal Mansion, this person naturally knew something about Mr. Wu and others' failure in Shu Province, suffering a crushing defeat at the hands of that Zhonglang General.

It was clear that His Highness the Prince did not get along with that person, so he naturally had to side with His Highness.

“Such a small matter, no need to explain to me.”

“I presume that Ninth Zhonglang will not make things difficult for him.

If he truly makes things difficult over such a small matter, then this Prince would have overestimated this Zhonglang General.”

The Crown Prince of Northern Liang spoke in a casual tone, with an unhurried Aura.

Through the gaps in the straw curtain, it could be seen that the corner of His Highness’s mouth was slightly upturned when he said this.

Then he put down the teacup in his hand and slowly said, “Let’s not talk about this for now, how have you handled things?”

The leopard-headed, glaring-eyed Jin Taiyuan revealed a smile of seeking credit.

“Reporting to Your Highness, your subordinate has already sent servants to distribute invitations to all the prominent families, using my name, inviting them to be guests at the Jin Family tomorrow to celebrate my return home.

And servants have already reported that those people were very polite upon receiving the invitations, replying that they would definitely visit tomorrow.”

Saying this, the man laughed heartily, revealing arrogance and disdain.

“I suppose those fellows are all intelligent people.

Your Highness arrived in Jinguancheng yesterday and is staying at my Jin Family.

They would have already received the news.

Upon receiving the invitations, wouldn't they eagerly look forward to visiting, rushing to meet Your Highness?”

“What a distinguished identity Your Highness possesses.

These people in Jinguancheng may be considered prominent, but in front of Your Highness, they are nothing.

Your Highness condescending in such a manner, your subordinate admires you.”

Jin Taiyuan looked fierce, spoke crudely, and appeared arrogant, like a rough person, but in his words, he occasionally flattered and handled matters smoothly.

However, what he said was indeed true.

The Northern Liang Royal Mansion was said to have three thousand retainers, possessing immense power.

The Liang Province Iron Cavalry was even more of a fierce and elite army, striking fear into the Western Region barbarians.

As the Crown Prince of Northern Liang, the identity and status he represented were incomparable to a few small families in this small Jinguancheng.

Those people were completely trying to curry favor, and should have been begging to pay their respects.

But the matter His Highness asked him to handle was a complete condescension, which was also one of the reasons why Northern Liang had three thousand retainers.

One would imagine that a noble and powerful Prince, treating a wandering Jianghu vagabond with courtesy, would surely be impressed by such a demeanor.

Across the straw curtain, the Crown Prince of Northern Liang chuckled.

“You, oh, you!”

“Be more restrained in your actions and words!”

“A strong Dragon cannot suppress a local snake.

To quickly open up the situation, local forces are indispensable.”

“This is not Liang Province after all.”

“Your subordinate understands, then I will take my leave first.

After my cousin Mingquan returns, your subordinate will arrange tomorrow’s banquet!”

Jin Taiyuan affirmed, his eyes also burning with anticipation.

Although it was under the guise of his return home, to help His Highness the Prince gather the various families, Jin Taiyuan himself was filled with excitement.

He had ventured into the Jianghu, leaving Shu Province for over a decade, drifting abroad, and he wondered how many people in the city still remembered his name.

Now, he could be considered to be returning home in glory, moreover, backed by the Crown Prince of Northern Liang.

He could already imagine the attitude of those prominent figures in Jinguancheng when they saw him tomorrow.

Thinking of this, he could not suppress his excitement.

After all, who doesn't want to return home in glory?

With that, the man withdrew.

Soon, the pavilion became quiet.

However, at this moment, from behind the straw curtain, the Crown Prince of Northern Liang picked up the hot teapot from the small red stove, poured another cup, pushed it across the table, and suddenly spoke.

“Has Sir driven away those annoying flies?”

As soon as the words fell, a figure materialized out of thin air opposite the Prince.

Through the gaps in the curtain, the other person was seen with gray hair, wearing a dark purple robe embroidered with a bagua symbol in the center, his face obscured by the Prince's back.

That person spoke, his voice somewhat aged, it was precisely the voice heard from the sedan chair yesterday.

“Just a few blind little soldiers.

This old man didn’t take their lives, merely crippled their Dantian and knocked them unconscious.”

“This old man used a Divine Ability to interrogate them a few times, and these people indeed followed orders, monitoring His Highness’s movements.

Hmph, they don’t know what’s good for them.”

“Also, they are inquiring whether there is someone named Mr. Wu among us!”

The aged voice carried a sense of indifference and apathy.

From his words, it seemed that the people Gao Yu had sent to stake out outside the Jin Mansion, by order, had all been dealt with cleanly by him.

Upon hearing this, the Crown Prince of Northern Liang raised an eyebrow, then his tone seemed nonchalant, “It seems this Ninth Mountain Zhonglang General is a nostalgic person, hehe, what, does he intend to harm this Prince?”

“He dares!”

The Bagua figure opposite frowned, then his tone softened.

“Your Highness, rest assured, with this old man here, he wouldn’t dare be so bold.”

The Crown Prince of Northern Liang shook his head and smiled, “With Sir here, I am naturally at ease.”

Then, he turned to the side, “Call Wu Chang over.”

Soon, the sound of footsteps receding was heard from below.

Not long after, the sinister-looking Mr. Wu appeared in the pavilion, bowing his head and cupping his hands, “Your Highness, why have you summoned me?”

“Do not go out recently.

That Zhonglang General is looking for you.”

“You have been exposed!”

Upon hearing this, Wu Chang immediately broke out in a cold sweat, a hint of fear flashing in his eyes, and he thought in panic, 'Damn it, this Chen Yanwang is truly a life-claiming Yanwang.

It's been so long, and he still remembers me.'

What he was looking for him for, he could figure out with his butt.

And thinking of what he had just done...

“Your Highness, this... I just went out.”

He spoke with some difficulty, having just returned from an errand outside not long ago.

Thinking that the Zhonglang General was looking for him, he now felt a sense of lingering fear and a chill down his spine.

“Hmm?”

From behind the straw curtain, the Crown Prince of Northern Liang’s voice turned somewhat cold, “This Prince remembers warning you yesterday when we entered the city not to show your face casually.

What were you doing outside?”

Wu Chang then gathered his wits, “Yesterday, Your Highness reminded me to send a letter and investigate that building at Tianxiong Pass.

The more I thought about it, the more uneasy I felt, and my heart was somewhat heavy, so I went outside the city to send a letter, transmitting information to those people in the Western Regions.”

Wu Chang originally didn't pay much attention to this past event, but upon arriving in Jinguancheng, the old matter was brought up again, His Highness's reprimand, and the cold eyes of other retainers, made him increasingly angry, so he took it to heart.

However, Jinguancheng was now heavily guarded, and it was unsafe to transmit messages within the city, so he went outside the city to send letters by flying message.

“Moreover, your subordinate naturally kept a Minds Eye and changed my appearance,” Wu Chang added softly.

“Alright, you may withdraw!”

From within the straw curtain, the Prince’s cold voice came.

Wu Chang's expression changed slightly, and he quickly bowed and withdrew.

Once out of the pavilion, his sinister and malevolent face showed anger, and his palms clenched tightly.

Damn it!

Soon, as time passed, night quietly fell.

On Yunding Mountain, in front of the Xuntian Great Hall, a figure stood in the biting cold wind, having stood there for an entire day.

The accumulated snow beside him was about a foot thick, covering his heels.

But this person dared not leave.

This person was Jin Mingquan, the head of the Jin Family.

After being called by Chen Yuan, he had been left out in the square in front of the Xuntian Great Hall, waiting like an ice sculpture for Chen Yuan's summons.

When he first arrived, he was confused, not knowing why that Lord had called him, as his Jin Family had been supporting that Lord's work recently without any mishaps.

Gradually, as he waited for the Lord in vain, he became anxious and uneasy.

He asked the armored guards in front of the hall, but they completely ignored him.

This attitude made him realize that he had clearly done something wrong.

But he hadn't done anything recently, except for one thing: the Crown Prince of Northern Liang had stayed at his Jin Family yesterday.

At that time, he was extremely excited.

Who was the Crown Prince of Northern Liang?

A son of a Prince, a noble of noble birth, the procession entering the city was awe-inspiring.

To have them stay at their small Family was like their ancestral graves emitting green smoke.

But now, his heart was filled only with doubt and trepidation.

Was there some connection between the Lord and the Crown Prince of Northern Liang?

He dared not imagine!

Regardless, his Jin Family, with its weak arms and legs, couldn't withstand any trouble, and he grew increasingly panicked the more he thought about it.

At this moment, he saw a streak of light appear in front of the great hall, and his eyes immediately lit up, shouting:

“Gao Councilor!”

It was Gao Yu who appeared.

He had come from down the mountain and turned to see Jin Mingquan waiting at the foot of the stairs.

“Gao Councilor, I have been waiting for half a day.

When can I see the Lord?

I am dull-witted, and I hope Gao Councilor can enlighten me.”

Jin Mingquan was a master of the Heavenly Gate Dao Soldier Realm, yet he was extremely polite to the slightly weaker Gao Yu, even with a hint of a fawning smile.

Gao Yu was expressionless at this moment, “Patriarch Jin, the Lord is busy with official duties.

I also came to see if the Lord is in.”

“However, I heard that Patriarch Jin’s cousin has returned home in glory and is now a retainer of the Crown Prince of Northern Liang.

He just came to my Dao Fu Division to demand someone, and I, Gao, could only politely send him away.”

“Patriarch Jin, please continue to wait!”

With that, Gao Yu turned around and asked the armored guards outside the great hall if the Lord had come to the Xuntian Hall today.

Receiving a negative answer, he did not linger, turned, and leaped away from the Xuntian Hall.

Not long after, after Gao Yu requested a few times outside the closed Ninth Mountain Zhonglang Hall, he finally received a response.

The hall door opened, and following the sound, he arrived at a quiet room in the side hall.

Chen Yuan was sitting inside, his expression calm.

But Gao Yu felt that the Lord now was different from when he saw him during the day, becoming even more imposing.

“The Lord was Cultivating, this humble general has indeed disturbed you, but there is an urgent matter to report!”

“Speak!”

Gao Yu then relayed the information he had received.

That cousin of the Jin Family had sent invitations to various families, saying that a homecoming banquet would be held tomorrow, and had even personally come to the Fushi to demand someone, with a strong attitude, and was sent away by him and General Fan Chou.

And at this moment, the head of the Jin Family was still waiting outside the Xuntian Hall.

“Also… the several brothers whom this humble general sent to stake out the Crown Prince of Northern Liang were all knocked unconscious by a mysterious person and had their Dantian crippled.”

Gao Yu’s face was grim.

Upon hearing this, Chen Yuan’s eyes finally turned cold.

“Go and leak the news to a few families.”

“Let’s see who dares to go?”