Family is the honor etched in one’s bones.
For everyone, family is the root, the very foundation of oneself. No one can accept being removed from the family registry.
People live for their reputation, just as trees live for their bark. To be cast out from the clan is a lifelong disgrace, even if you achieve greater success. If you cannot return to the clan and fulfill the ultimate achievement of glorifying your ancestors, it equates to nothing.
And in this era where loyalty and righteousness reign supreme, if a person’s own relatives cannot tolerate them, how outrageous is that? What would others think if they heard? Who would dare associate with them?
Unfortunately, Zhang Chen is from a later generation, where the concept of clan is meaningless.
Not returning to the clan? So be it! There’s no throne waiting for him to inherit in the clan; working hard outside will lead to a good life too. Why go back to the clan?
In any case, he won’t starve!
As for reputation? What would outsiders think? Zhang Chen doesn’t care!
So, facing the price offered by Zhang Gaqi, Zhang Chen sighed lightly. It turns out the Zhang Clan isn’t unwilling to take him back; it’s just that the cost isn’t worth it. Otherwise, how would Zhang Gaqi offer such terms now?
So facing Zhang Gaqi’s confident expression, Zhang Chen’s blood flow gradually began to accelerate, preparing for the action to come:
"What if I say no? Are you going to intercept me?"
"No?" Zhang Gaqi was stunned upon hearing Zhang Chen’s words, his eyes staring blankly at Zhang Chen, unable to fathom that Zhang Chen would utter words of refusal.
"I didn’t quite hear what you just said; could you repeat it?" Zhang Gaqi suspected he had misheard.
Zhang Chen remained silent, simply watching Zhang Gaqi, who then fell into silence before finally speaking: "Do you know what your choice represents?"
Zhang Chen smiled: "Do you want to forcefully make me stay for the deal, or will you clear the way for me to pass?"
Zhang Gaqi shook his head helplessly, stepping aside: "After all, you and I are of the same clan, our blood still within three generations. How could I harm you?"
"I just want to remind you: if you give me this ancient corpse, my power will rise to an unparalleled level. At that time, even if Mrs. Zhang falls, I can become the new Sea Calming Force of the Zhang Family in Shangjing, supporting the entire Zhang Family. The Zhang Family would have at least two more cycles of good fortune, allowing more time to select and nurture new successors. Under my leadership, the Zhang Family’s strength could advance further." Zhang Gaqi was still unwilling, earnestly trying to persuade him.
Upon hearing his words, Zhang Chen shook his head without responding, merely saying: "If you’re not going to make a move against me, then I’ll be leaving."
After speaking, Zhang Chen calmly walked past Zhang Gaqi, who watched his departing figure, indeed opting not to intercept.
"If you ever change your mind, be sure to find me in Kyoto." Zhang Gaqi called out with reluctance, watching Zhang Chen’s stubborn silhouette.
Only that increasingly distant figure and Zhang Chen’s waving arm stood in reply to Zhang Gaqi.
"Such a rebellious boy! This wild nature and resolve are not found among the disciples immersed in the soft luxury at home." Zhang Gaqi shook his head:
"Such talent requires a way to bring him back into the fold."
He hadn’t connected the ancient corpse to the recently rumored Ancient Divine Demon corpse; otherwise, who knows if he might have changed his mind.
Seeing Zhang Chen carrying the Princess’s corpse, running wildly, his movements were even more cautious this time, with ultrasonic waves reverberating among the mountains, probing all directions.
From afar, Zhang Chen saw Prince Pingbian’s Mansion’s army of a hundred thousand, bypassing the torrid magma, heading towards the center of the battlefield.
Zhang Chen had no time to detour; he drew up underground water, controlling its flow, forming a layer of ice over the magma, stepping on it as he vanished into the night.
The time he had was limited. The disappearance of Prince Pingbian’s Mansion’s ancient corpse couldn’t remain hidden for long; soon, the entire Northern Land would be in an uproar, and the major powers would target him.
Fortunately, Zhang Chen’s efforts were not in vain; he managed to avoid causing any unexpected incidents along the way, seeing from a distance the battlefield left by the Water God’s self-destruction.
Yet, there were quite a few people at the battlefield, hundreds of figures constantly moving around, hoping to find Creation left behind by the Divine Spirit.
"Dear niece, there are a lot of people ahead, and many recognize you. The real test for us is just beginning." Zhang Chen patted the Princess’s Protective Golden Light, muttering.
Unexpectedly, the Princess glanced towards the battlefield, next turning into a streak of Golden Light, slipping away from Zhang Chen’s shoulder, only her faltering voice echoing in the night: "Thank... Now... Leave it to me...!"
Seeing the Princess suddenly leave, Zhang Chen froze for a moment, then upon hearing her stuttered words, he understood the meaning within them.
"If you could control Golden Light flight, why did I have to carry you all this way?" Zhang Chen looked at the Princess’s back, feeling helpless.
"Could it be that the Dragon Vein of Prince Pingbian’s Mansion had suppressed her in its domain, the will of Heaven and Earth being stronger, and the Princess didn’t want to waste power resisting it?" The Great Freedom Celestial Demon appeared by Zhang Chen’s side: "To ascend to the Spiritual World, she must maintain her peak state, facing the vitality found in the extreme."