265: Chapter 265 The Reactions of Various Families

Liu Chuanzhi plotted in his mind, a trace of worry flashing deep within his eyes.

Although the Liu Family still held the title of a martial arts Family, they had long since transitioned into a commercial Family; the younger generation was more interested in the intrigues of the business world than the swords and shadows of the martial path.

Consequently, among the younger generation of the Family, the only one who was respectable and had already entered the Anjin Stage was his eldest grandson—Liu Qing.

Now, the state was suddenly summoning the children of these martial arts families to join the Security Bureau, which would surely involve many dangers. This eldest grandson of his had always been groomed as the Family successor; if he truly joined the Security Bureau and something went wrong, wouldn't the vast Family business fall into the hands of the side branches?

The heads of the other branches also harbored their own hidden agendas; seeing Liu Chuanzhi's hesitation, they exchanged meaningful glances.

Soon, one of the serious-looking Elders of the clan broke the silence, his brow furrowed and his tone filled with obvious dissatisfaction: "Clan Chief, our Liu Family's focus is now on business. Joining the Security Bureau offers us no benefits. In my opinion, it would be better to use our connections to decline."

Liu Chuanzhi composed himself, took a deep breath, and looked directly at him with a grave expression, speaking slowly: "A state summons is an honor for our Liu Family; how can we easily decline?! Although our current focus is on business, do not forget that the Liu Family's Foundation is martial arts. This is the basis of our existence and the reason we receive respect from the state. We cannot neglect the root for the branches."

He paused slightly, looking around, and seeing that everyone's attention was drawn to him, he continued: "Furthermore, if we refuse to respond to the summons, we will likely be ostracized by other martial arts families. In this martial-oriented circle, once respect is lost, our commercial path will only grow narrower."

Hearing Liu Chuanzhi's impassioned speech, the clan members nodded in agreement, though they secretly thought the Clan Chief was a 'hypocrite' who didn't mean what he said.

However, while the words sounded nice, the question of who to send to the Security Bureau became a thorny issue. Discussions rose and fell within the hall, but a consensus could not be reached.

At this moment, another clansman stood up. He cleared his throat, looked around at everyone, then at Liu Chuanzhi, and said in a heavy voice: "Clan Chief, since we cannot decline the state's summons, then in my view, we should send Qing'er. In terms of strength, he is the most outstanding among the Liu Family's younger generation. Moreover, joining the Security Bureau will inevitably involve sparring and exchanges with the children of other families; if his strength is too weak, it will also disgrace our Liu Family's reputation." After speaking, he looked at the other branch heads present and asked, "What do you all think?"

Hearing this, everyone nodded in agreement with the proposal. For a moment, all eyes were focused on Liu Chuanzhi, waiting for him to make the final decision.

Should he really send Qing'er?

Liu Chuanzhi remained silent, his brow tightly furrowed, his Face showing an indescribable complexity of emotions.

"Clan Chief, Qing'er is the future of our Liu Family. Since the founding of the country, children of martial arts families have rarely entered officialdom. Now, this sole Anjin Stage Martial Artist slot must belong to Qing'er." A Family Elder took the opportunity to fan the flames, a hint of craftiness flashing in his eyes.

Liu Chuanzhi took a deep breath, his gaze sweeping over the Face of every Family member, seeing through all their little schemes. "I think we should be fairer. The state's summons notice did not specify the strongest person in the clan. Furthermore, besides the Anjin Stage, there are five slots for the Mingjin Stage. Why don't we decide by drawing lots?"

"Even if it's a lottery, we can't let the whole clan participate," another Elder countered. "Since someone is going, we must select those with strength. Otherwise, if they go to the Security Bureau and are outperformed by other families, wouldn't that disgrace the prestige of our Liu Family of Qingcheng?"

"Yes, yes..." Everyone nodded in agreement, their voices echoing in the council hall.

Liu Chuanzhi's expression grew increasingly gloomy. He understood in his heart that these Family Elders simply wanted to use the state summons as an opportunity to weaken his branch's strength.

He swept a cold gaze over everyone present: "Fine, in that case, an internal Family martial arts competition will be held tomorrow. All Family children who have entered the Mingjin Stage must participate, and the top ten will take part in the lottery. The branch to which the chosen person belongs will have the Family's annual dividends increased by ten percentage points. Upon their return to the Family, they will have priority inheritance rights to the Family's industries!"

As soon as he finished speaking, everyone present frowned slightly, thinking to themselves: This old fox really refuses to suffer even a small loss.

...

Meanwhile, in the old residence of the Southwest Si Family, Si Zhengxiong was intently reading the red-headed document his son had brought. His brow furrowed slightly; after a moment, he placed the official document gently on the table, his fingers unconsciously tapping the desk with a "thud-thud" sound.

Seeing this, Si Hongjun did not say much and waited quietly by the side for the old man's decision.

Just then, Si Zhengxiong looked toward Si Hongjun and spoke slowly, his voice carrying a hint of inquiry: "Hongjun, what do you think about this matter?"

Si Hongjun frowned, and after a moment of contemplation, said: "Old Man, I believe this might be a signal that those organizations in the shadows are beginning to make moves. Currently, the situation in the surrounding countries is unstable, and the higher-ups are likely issuing such recruitment orders to the major martial arts families out of consideration for national security."

Si Zhengxiong nodded, a trace of approval flashing in his eyes. He sighed: "Since the founding of the Dragon Country, our major families have shifted their focus to economic development, and there are very few children left who can truly reach the Anjin Stage. This state summons is likely an attempt to bring the Foundations of our families under their banner."

"Then what do you mean?" Si Hongjun asked tentatively.

"Of course we must fully cooperate," Si Zhengxiong said decisively without the slightest hesitation. "Currently, the only children in our Si Family who can reach the Anjin level are Hongbin, Hongwu, and Yaoyao."

Hearing this, a look of worry appeared on Si Hongjun's Face: "Old Man, Hongbin has always been responsible for taking care of you, and Yaoyao is the future successor of our Si Family. It seems that the only one who can be sent is Hongwu."

"But if Hongwu is sent away, what about your safety?" Si Zhengxiong's brow furrowed slightly; he was clearly somewhat hesitant about this decision.

Si Hongjun appeared quite calm: "You can rest assured about my safety. With my current status, if an average person wants to move against me, they have to consider whether they can bear the consequences. Moreover, letting Hongwu gain some experience in the Security Bureau might not be a bad thing for our Si Family."

After hearing this, a look of gratification flashed in Si Zhengxiong's eyes. He nodded: "Since you think so, then ask for Hongwu's opinion later. If he has no objection, arrange for him to report to Magic City as soon as possible. Additionally, we need to select five from the Mingjin Stage from among the Family children; leave this matter to Hongwu. Remember, we must choose those whose overall strength is up to par; we must never disgrace the reputation of our Si Family."

"Yes, Old Man, I understand," Si Hongjun replied respectfully. He paused and then continued, "By the way, Old Man, there's news from Yaoyao's side. Wenruo arrived in Magic City yesterday, met with Yaoyao, and told her about your health condition. Yaoyao is very concerned about you."

Si Zhengxiong's eyes flashed with gratification upon hearing this: "Oh? Really? Then did Yaoyao say when she would come back to see this old man?"

Si Hongjun was about to answer when his phone suddenly rang.

Si Hongjun took out his phone, and upon seeing the caller ID, a flash of surprise and joy appeared in his eyes. He looked up at Si Zhengxiong, the corners of his mouth curling up unconsciously, and showed the phone screen to the old man: "Old Man, look, it's Yaoyao's call!"

Hearing this, Si Zhengxiong's spirits were immediately lifted, and an eager expression appeared on his Face: "Answer it, answer it quickly!" he urged, his body unconsciously leaning forward.

Si Hongjun nodded, quickly pressed the answer button, and turned on the speakerphone. He placed the phone on the table to ensure the old man could also hear.

"Hello, Yaoyao?" Si Hongjun's voice carried a hint of caution and anticipation.

There was a moment of silence on the other end before Si Yao's voice came through: "Mm, it's me. How has Grandpa's health been lately?" Her tone sounded a bit cold, but the concern revealed within it gave both father and son a sense of relief.

"Sigh," Si Hongjun deliberately sighed, a worried expression appearing on his Face: "Yaoyao, your grandfather's health hasn't been very good lately. He's lost quite a bit of weight, and yesterday he even told me his lower back was uncomfortable. Can you find some time to come back and see him?"

Hearing this, Si Yao seemed somewhat moved. She was silent for a while before speaking: "I understand. I'll arrange things on my end and head back in a couple of days."

"Really? That's wonderful!" Si Hongjun and Si Zhengxiong looked at each other and smiled, their eyes full of joy.

"Additionally," Si Yao's voice came again, "I'll be bringing a friend back with me."

"No problem! Bring whoever you want!" Si Hongjun laughed heartily. "Once you've confirmed the time, I'll send a private jet to Magic City to pick you up."

"Okay. Then wait for my news." After Si Yao finished speaking, she hung up the phone directly.

Si Hongjun looked at the phone screen, a satisfied smile on his Face. He looked up at Si Zhengxiong and laughed: "Old Man, see? What did I tell you? Yaoyao still has you in her heart. As soon as she heard you weren't well, she immediately prepared to come back and see you."

Si Zhengxiong also smiled and nodded: "Yes, it wasn't in vain that I've doted on her for so many years. By the way," he changed the subject, "how are things with Zhao Lintai's side?"

"That kid from the Zhao Family is quite good at business." Si Hongjun's smile faded, and he said seriously, "In the past two days, I arranged for people to take him around the Southwest. He's met some friends in the business world and looked at quite a few projects. I haven't had time to ask for details yet, but looking at him, he seems quite satisfied." As he spoke, a sharp light flashed in his eyes.

He knew clearly that Zhao Lintai's purpose for coming to the Southwest was not simple, but he was also happy to go along with it and give the Zhao Family some Face. After all, having another friend meant having another path.

"Mm," Si Zhengxiong nodded, but his heart was immersed in the joy of his granddaughter's imminent return. He smiled and instructed, "Keep an eye on him. If he takes an interest in any project, act as a bridge for him. Consider it returning a favor to the Zhao Family. In case this marriage arrangement with Yaoyao doesn't work out, it won't end up looking too ugly."

"Don't worry, I know what to do."

"Mm, then go and arrange it quickly. Once the list on Hongwu's side is finalized, send a reply to the Security Bureau. Don't let people say our Si Family isn't cooperating."

"Alright, I'll go arrange it now. Then, Old Man, you should get some rest." After speaking, Si Hongjun exited the main house and walked toward the courtyard gate.