Two months later.
Yuehu Commandery city.
Yang Family, Main Hall.
"Young Master Zhou, what brings you to our Yang family?"
Yang Wenfeng sat in the main seat of the hall, looking at Zhou Shaocheng with a faint smile.
"As the Yang family's old family head, you still have to manage Yang family affairs. It seems the Yang family is indeed declining. But for our Zhou family, this is just right."
Zhou Shaocheng thought to himself, then cupped his fists and said, "Old Family Head Yang, this junior won't beat around the bush. I've come to request the Yang family's assistance."
Yang Wenfeng wasn't surprised. Rather, it was Zhou Shaocheng's proper etiquette and respectful words that made him sigh that the Zhou family's education of their disciples was several times better than the Su family's.
He remained silent, his knuckles lightly tapping the armrest.
"However, forgive this junior for speaking frankly. In the commandery city, top-tier sixth-rank families like the Yang family cannot possibly stay out of this conflict.
"As far as this junior knows, your Yang family has already incurred the Su family's hatred. If the Su family happens to win in our conflict with them, our Zhou family has ways to preserve ourselves. At worst, we can seal the mountain gates with formations for several decades and recuperate.
"But your Yang family, if my prediction is correct, will definitely be purged within a few years.
"Even if they don't exterminate your entire clan overnight, they'll cut you down slowly, eventually consuming you completely."
Yang Wenfeng's brows drew together in a slight frown, "Isn't Young Master Zhou being a bit alarmist?"
"Whether or not, Old Family Head Yang knows in his heart. This junior won't say more." Zhou Shaocheng was calm and composed, silently picking up the tea cup from the table and taking a sip.
Yang Wenfeng fell silent.
After a moment.
"If, and I say if, our Yang family assists your Zhou family, what would our Yang family get?" Yang Wenfeng said gravely. "I can foresee that this battle will definitely be extremely fierce."
Zhou Shaocheng didn't explain, simply nodding with an equally grave expression.
Everyone here was shrewd. Surface rhetoric was completely useless.
"Our Zhou family naturally knows this, but the Su family won't let our Zhou family go. The years of grievances between us won't be easily set aside either. They must be washed away with blood, otherwise how can we become the hegemon of Yuehu Commandery in the future?
"If it were your Yang family, would you easily let go of your mortal enemy?"
Yang Wenfeng fell silent again, then helplessly shook his head.
"As for what the Yang family can get from participating, this junior can guarantee that after the battle, regardless of whether the Yang family survives, we will definitely help one Yang family member become a grandmaster perfection martial expert, and help one become a late-stage Qi Refining immortal cultivator.
"Old Family Head Yang should know how difficult it is to cultivate someone to grandmaster perfection or late-stage Qi Refining.
"Even in our Zhou family, such people aren't many.
"This is already the greatest sincerity we can offer. If you're unwilling, our Zhou family won't force you. But Old Family Head Yang should also be prepared.
"After this battle, quite a few families will rise. If the Yang family has a gap in successors, you'll need to be careful."
"The Zhou family isn't easy to deal with either." Yang Wenfeng sighed softly.
But he truly didn't want to get involved. First, he feared that all of the Yang family's main forces would perish. Even if the Zhou family would protect them afterward, it would be hard to ensure the Yang family wouldn't gradually become their vassal.
Second, the Zhou family hadn't specified how they would cultivate these people.
If they took two Yang family children to the Zhou family for cultivation, when they grew up, would they be loyal to the Yang family or to the Zhou family?
Of course, these terms could certainly be negotiated further.
After a moment, Yang Wenfeng looked at Zhou Shaocheng and said, "Setting other things aside, how can Young Master Zhou guarantee that the Zhou family will definitely provide these resources? Whether it's cultivating a grandmaster perfection expert or a late-stage Qi Refining immortal cultivator, neither is easy."
Zhou Shaocheng smiled faintly and said, "Simply because my grandfather is Zhou Sen."
"The Zhou family's chief pill master, Yuehu Commandery's number one pill refining grandmaster, is your grandfather?!" Yang Wenfeng's pupils suddenly contracted as he exclaimed in surprise.
"Absolutely genuine. My coming here was at my grandfather's request. My promise is my grandfather's promise. What kind of status he holds in the Zhou family, Old Family Head Yang should have heard about."
"Naturally. A pill master's importance to an immortal cultivation family should be second only to your Zhou family's ancestor!"
Yang Wenfeng paused, then continued, "This matter is significant. Please give our Yang family three days to consider."
"Naturally. I hope the next time I visit, I'll receive good news."
Yang Wenfeng nodded slightly.
After Zhou Shaocheng left, Yang Wenfeng summoned all important members of the Yang family, gathering them together to discuss once again.
…
Yang Zhao's Residence.
"Yang Zhao, the Old Family Head requests your presence at the ancestral home's main hall."
Yang Zhao looked at the middle-aged guard and nodded, "I understand. I'll go right away."
The middle-aged guard turned and left.
"It seems something has changed. Wife, you and Chang'er and the others stay at home. Don't go out. I'll be back soon."
"Mm, your concubine will wait for your return."
When Yang Zhao arrived at the ancestral home's main hall, most people had already gathered. He could be said to be among the last few.
"Yang Zhao, come sit up front," Yang Wenfeng said.
Although Yang Zhao's strength hadn't reached grandmaster level, as the commandery city's commandery captain and highly regarded by Yang Wenfeng, his status in the Yang family was not low either.
"Yes, Grand Uncle."
After another while.
"Since everyone is here, let's begin."
Yang Wenfeng first detailed Zhou Shaocheng's visit, the benefits he promised, his identity within the Zhou family, and the possible outcomes of the Yang family's participation in the battle.
The Yang family members discussed animatedly.
"Old Family Head, the Zhou family's promises are acceptable. We can assist them in battle. Given Zhou Sen's reputation in Yuehu Commandery, he wouldn't go back on his word afterward. Without pill assistance, who knows how many years it would take for our Yang family to produce a grandmaster perfection expert.
"Young Nephew Yang Shidao is the most talented of our Yang family's current generation. Let him receive the Zhou family's help so he can grow rapidly and prevent our Yang family from having a gap in successors."
Once these words were spoken, many people agreed.
"Old Family Head, you've already analyzed the pros and cons very clearly. This is our choice."
"This battle is only for the Yang family!"
"That's right, this battle is only for our own Yang family!"
"Yang Zhao, what do you think?" Yang Wenfeng looked at Yang Zhao.
Yang Zhao cupped his fists and sighed, "I was too shallow-minded before, thinking we could firmly refuse. I didn't consider the post-war situation where various families would rise and slowly consume our Yang family.
"The Su family is tyrannical. The Zhou family seems open and upright, yet presses us step by step. But this pressure is also stark reality.
"Relatively speaking, if the Zhou family becomes Yuehu Commandery's sole hegemon in the future, our Yang family should have an easier time under them."
Yang Wenfeng nodded slightly, and many elders agreed.
"Grand Elder, what is your opinion?"
"This old man doesn't have many years left. Being able to fight one last time for the family is also my long-cherished wish." The Grand Elder stroked his beard and smiled faintly.
Seeing that most people present agreed, Yang Wenfeng said, "Then our Yang family will assist the Zhou family. As for how many people will participate and the Zhou family's promises, I will discuss with Zhou Shaocheng in three days."
"There's one more thing, Yang Zhao." Yang Wenfeng continued, "After this battle, whether I'm alive or not, you will assume the position of family head until you cultivate a qualified successor for our Yang family."
Yang Zhao's brows furrowed slightly, but he immediately cupped his fists and said, "Yes, Grand Uncle."
"Does anyone else have objections?"
The battle between the Su and Zhou families was dangerous. They didn't know if they would survive. As far as the current Yang family was concerned, Yang Zhao's breadth of mind, insight, and status made him the most suitable.
"Then this matter is decided as such."
He then looked at Yang Yan, "Yang Yan, you will participate in this battle. If you survive, the late-stage Qi Refining quota the Zhou family promised goes to you. I hope you can protect the family through this difficult time.
"When the family prospers, your cultivation path will also be smoother."
"Yang Yan obeys!" Yang Yan cupped his fists.
"Alright, this meeting ends here. Yang Zhao, Yang Shidao, you two follow me to the study."
The two exchanged glances and cupped their fists, "Yes, Old Family Head."
…
Study.
"You both know what was discussed earlier. From now on, the Yang family will center around you two. Shidao, you will be the future Grand Elder of the Yang family."
"Old Family Head, Shidao is unworthy and fears failing the clan's trust." Yang Shidao stood with hands folded, the worry lines between his brows deeply furrowed, and bowed deeply to Yang Wenfeng.
The title of Yang family Grand Elder felt like a great mountain pressing on his shoulders, almost making him unable to breathe.
Over ten years ago, he had fought Xu Mingwei, and both were at late innate realm.
Yet now, he was still stuck at the grandmaster bottleneck, unable to step into the grandmaster realm, truly failing to live up to the title of Yang family genius.
"With your talent, if you settle your mind, you can become a grandmaster in a year or two. And with the Zhou family's grandmaster pill resources in the future, you'll definitely be able to climb all the way to grandmaster perfection."
"You don't need to worry about family affairs. Just focus on martial training. The Yang family Grand Elder has historically been held by the strongest martial expert of the Yang family.
"Currently, besides the older generation, who in the Yang family is your match?"
Finally, Yang Shidao cupped his fists and nodded, "Shidao respectfully accepts the Old Family Head's order and will definitely protect the family with my life."
Yang Wenfeng's eyes showed satisfaction, then he looked at Yang Zhao, "I know you've never been interested in the family head position, but in times of family crisis, you cannot shirk responsibility."
"Yang Zhao understands."
"Shidao manages the family's martial force, you manage the family's affairs. I can rest a bit easier." Yang Wenfeng continued, "However, summoning you here wasn't about this matter."
"I estimate that in the battle between the Su and Zhou families, the outcome is uncertain. If the Zhou family wins, all will be well. But if the Su family wins..."
"Therefore, I plan to have you two secretly leave the commandery city in a few days and return after the battle concludes."
"Where can we go?" Yang Shidao asked, puzzled. "I don't recall our Yang family having branch families in other county seats."
Yang Wenfeng looked at Yang Zhao.
Yang Zhao was startled, then suddenly understood, "Qingjiang?"
Yang Wenfeng nodded slightly.
"Ten years ago, the Xu family had already risen. Now they're unfathomably deep. Do you know that there are many Xu family businesses in the commandery city as well?"
"There's such a thing?" Yang Zhao exclaimed in surprise. "How did I not know?"
"Naturally they're not openly operated. Do you know the Guanghu Residence?"
Yang Shidao nodded, "I do. It's one of the most popular restaurants in the commandery city. Customers come like clouds, with endless new dishes and fine wines, widely praised. As far as I know, quite a few people have had designs on it.
"Rumor has it that the Chang family backs it."
"It's one of the Xu family's businesses, just cooperating with the Chang family." Yang Wenfeng sighed softly, "What was done back then ultimately made them dislike us. The Xu family would rather cooperate with the Chang family than with our Yang family."
"Old Family Head, so what? Our Yang family doesn't lack such small businesses or partners."
"Your martial talent is excellent, but your vision and insight are lacking. That's why I only have you focus on martial arts." Yang Wenfeng said, "Yang Zhao, what's your view?"
"I've witnessed the Xu family's capabilities. I saw them rise from the most humble commoners to an ordinary county family. As for what happened afterward, since I returned to the commandery city, I don't know much.
"But from occasional correspondence with Ronghua, she's living quite comfortably. From this, one can deduce something about the Xu family's strength. They must be among the top one or two in Qingjiang."
Yang Wenfeng turned his gaze to Yang Shidao, "Shidao, seeing the whole from a part, this is the insight and ability a family head should have."
"Old Family Head, Shidao understands now." Yang Shidao lowered his head, also admiring Yang Zhao's reasoning.
How could he deduce the Xu family's strength from just a few letters?
"You seem unconvinced." Yang Wenfeng chuckled softly, "But let me tell you, what Yang Zhao said is true, and even understated. This was obtained through our Yang family's intelligence gathering."
"Yang Zhao, when you were in Qingjiang, there were the five great families of Wu, Fang, Wang, He, and Cao, correct?"
Yang Zhao nodded slightly, "Indeed. Those five great families were the top five in Qingjiang, with deep foundations. The Wu family in particular had the foundation and strength of a ninth-rank family."
"Only ninth rank?" Yang Shidao was astonished.
Yang Zhao explained, "Nephew, among county seat families, few can accumulate the foundation of a ninth-rank family. Most rise rapidly for a hundred years, then quickly decline.
"The Wu family's strength was already considerable. If a commandery city family was willing to assist them, relocating to the commandery city wouldn't be a problem."
Yang Shidao understood.
"Correct. But today's Qingjiang is no longer the Qingjiang from when you were there. These so-called five great families have long since vanished."
"The Xu family?" Yang Zhao's brows furrowed slightly. "But based on my understanding of Xu Chuan, he shouldn't be so tyrannical."
"One is naturally not tyrannical when weak. But after growing into a fierce tiger, consider this: how can one tolerate others sleeping beside one's bed!"
"If it were our Yang family, we would do the same." Yang Wenfeng continued, "However, exactly how they did it, I don't know.
"According to the intelligence, everyone in Qingjiang County says the Wu family offended some commandery city family and suffered disaster. Then they were attacked by other families, and finally the government stepped in to arrest members of four families.
"Thus, the five great families existed in name only."
Yang Shidao was somewhat dazed, "Wait, Old Family Head, this has absolutely nothing to do with the Xu family?"
"Struggles between families aren't always out in the open. Some things aren't what they appear to your eyes and ears."
Yang Shidao completely gave up, sighing to himself, "Fortunately the Old Family Head isn't having me manage family affairs. It's truly a tangled mess."
"So the Xu family is now the number one family in Qingjiang?" Yang Zhao raised his head to look at Yang Wenfeng.
"Not just that. 'Unfathomably deep' would be a more appropriate description." Yang Wenfeng said indifferently.
To receive such an evaluation from Yang Wenfeng's mouth, Yang Zhao could hardly believe it.
Yang Shidao even more so but he had learned his lesson and just listened quietly without speaking.
"Currently, Dongxi has become the Xu family's private land. I once sent innate realm martial artist guards to infiltrate and investigate. Two in succession, and both disappeared without a trace."
Yang Zhao fell silent, then nodded, "Then it truly is like a deep pool with no bottom in sight."
"That's why I'm having you go to the Xu family to take temporary shelter."
"Yang Zhao will follow Grand Uncle's arrangements."