Vol. 1 - Chapter 158 - A Warm Invitation

In less than a month, the green wolves had suffered far greater losses than usual. And it was all because of the Wolf King’s repeated deployment of vanguard scouts.

Each time, a few were sent out to probe the territory ahead and gather intelligence—but none ever returned. Not even a single howl.

Though the pack was sizable, numbering in the dozens, it couldn’t afford such steady attrition. So this time, after the Wolf King issued his orders, the core members of the pack didn’t immediately withdraw.

A few older, more seasoned green wolves—those who had already reached the Blood Coagulation Realm—let out low howls, voicing their doubt.

At their protest, the Wolf King merely rose to his feet. The movement alone cast his massive frame into the moonlight, and his shadow draped heavily over the dissenters below.

Under the weight of his presence, the wolves’ howls grew softer, more restrained—but they didn’t back down.

Though the Wolf King ruled the pack, these wolves, as beasts of the Blood Coagulation Realm, had already begun to develop some measure of intelligence. They could sense the pack’s weakening state.

Seeing that none of them backed off, the Wolf King raised his head and let out a few resonant howls.

“This time was merely a feint.”

“Next time, I promise.”

Only after receiving the Wolf King’s assurance did the green wolves finally retreat.

Once the pack dispersed, the Wolf King turned his gaze toward the distant Chen clan estate. A glint of helplessness flashed in his eyes.

…

Several days later, the Chen clan estate bustled once more.

Near the gates stood several strong horses, though they were now being used like mules, loaded with goods for sale. The roads were too rugged for carriages, but this method was far more efficient than the handcarts they’d used before.

This time, the group heading to Yong’an City was larger. Leading the party were Chen Tianyu and Chen Tianjing, both late-stage Blood Coagulation Realm cultivators. Accompanying them were over a dozen clan members who hadn’t been part of the last trip.

It was all part of Chen Xingzhen’s plan. Now that the clan had opened itself to the outside world, he wanted more members to experience it—widen their horizons. That, he believed, was key to the clan’s future growth.

Among the group were also two servants who had performed exceptionally well.

Though they were still servants, Chen Xingzhen saw them as part of the clan. He hoped they’d serve as role models, inspiring others to realize that there were still many paths to advancement.

Before departure, Chen Xingzhen personally informed Chen Tianyu and Chen Tianjing of the items the clan needed to purchase. With the two of them in charge, there was little worry of mishap.

Once everything was packed and ready, the group set out once again.

…

Five days later, just outside Yong’an City, the newcomers stared in awe at the towering city walls. None of them had imagined a city wall could be so high—it far surpassed anything their clan had ever built.

Still, none of them were discouraged. As members of the Chen clan, they believed in their clan’s future. One day, they told themselves, their clan would stand behind walls just as grand.

Having been here once before, Chen Tianjing led the way with calm familiarity, guiding the group toward the same market district as before.

But before they could approach the city gate, two guards suddenly rushed over from the side.

“Are you from the Chen clan of Chaotic Burial Mountain?” one of them asked.

Chen Tianjing tensed.

He had only been here once, and most of the people with him now hadn’t come before. These guards weren’t the same ones from last time either. How had they recognized them?

Before he could ask, the guards smiled and explained.

“We’re from the Xie clan. We’ve been waiting here to receive your esteemed clan. Please forgive the abrupt approach.”

Chen Tianjing’s expression sharpened slightly.

The Xie clan? How many Xie clans could there be in Yong’an?

Clearly, news of their departure from Chaotic Burial Mountain had already reached the four great clans of the city. The clan had anticipated this. Chen Tianjing quickly composed himself and returned a polite smile.

“That’s right. We are from the Chen clan.”

“Wonderful. Our clan elder has been waiting eagerly. If you don’t mind, he would like to host you for a brief meeting.”

Chen Tianjing hesitated.

After the Zhou clan’s Wind-Chasing Falcon appeared, the clan had anticipated some form of outreach from the four great clans. Establishing connections in the city would help stabilize their presence.

But the patriarch had also warned against getting too close to any one of them.

Their strength wasn’t yet enough to rely on a single major house, and the clan’s goal in Yong’an was simple: to sell blood rice and acquire cultivation resources. They didn’t care who the buyer was.

Each great clan had its own stock of resources. If the Chen clan dealt with just one, it would limit their options—and limit their profits.

This was the consensus reached after much discussion among their ancestors.

So Chen Tianjing hesitated to respond.

Just as he was about to answer, another group of uniformed figures approached from down the road.

“Are you from the Chen clan of Chaotic Burial Mountain?”

“I’m from the Shen clan. Our elder has prepared a small banquet—he’d be honored if you joined us for a gathering.”

Chen Tianjing swallowed back the words he’d been about to say.

Before the newcomer had even finished, members of the Gan and Shi clans also arrived, extending similar invitations.

Faced with the eager enthusiasm of all four great clans, Chen Tianjing could only offer a measured smile.

“We’re honored by your invitations. However, we’re here on a task for our clan, and there are still things we need to take care of. Perhaps we can visit after we’ve completed our business?”

The representatives of the four clans fell into a thoughtful silence.

They knew full well what business the Chen clan was here for. If they waited until the blood rice was sold, there would be nothing left to negotiate.

One of them quietly slipped away from the group, no doubt heading off to inform their elder of the news.

With the arrival of all four clans, the area around the city gate soon became crowded with onlookers.

Hearing the names being thrown around, many passersby were stunned.

“What kind of clan is this Chen clan from Chaotic Burial Mountain? Even the four great clans are coming to greet them?”

“Could they be a mid-tier clan from another city?”

“No idea. Let’s keep watching.”

More and more people stopped to watch the scene unfold, whispering among themselves.

Though the Chen group’s clothing was simple and their demeanor a bit provincial, anyone who could draw the attention of the city’s most powerful houses was clearly no ordinary group.

While they observed, many took careful note of the Chen clan’s totem, imprinting it in their memory.

Identifying a clan by its totem was the simplest method. That way, if they encountered a Chen clansman again, they’d know to steer clear and avoid any offense.

Everyone knew: prominent clans rarely reasoned with commoners.

The stares from all directions left Chen Tianjing and the others feeling increasingly awkward. Since none of the clan representatives had anything more to say, they didn’t linger. Leading their horses behind them, they made their way toward the heart of the city.

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