"Has our Zhu Family ever provoked Xuanlong Daozhang and that terrifying young man?"
Inside the Zhu Family headquarters, a tall, white-haired old man asked clearly.
"Well...
To my knowledge, our Zhu Family has never dispatched personnel to deal with Xuanlong Daozhang and that young man. However, I cannot be certain whether *all* members of our Zhu Family have avoided provoking them."
A middle-aged man standing beside him hesitated for a moment before replying.
Because the Zhu Family was a large clan with many members, he couldn't be sure if any among them had offended Xuanlong Daozhang and Ye Yunfei.
"No one was sent to hunt them?
That's good.
Immediately gather all family members for an investigation. If anyone is found who has previously provoked Xuanlong Daozhang and that young man, arrest them immediately. Then, dispatch envoys carrying generous gifts to apologize and resolve the grievance!
"
After some thought, the white-haired elder gave the order.
"Yes, Ancestor, rest assured. I understand what must be done."
The middle-aged man nodded in acknowledgment.
---
White Lotus Sect Headquarters.
Within the main council hall.
"Sect Master, some time ago, our White Lotus Sect also participated in hunting Xuanlong Daozhang and that young man. Our enmity with them runs deep.
Now that the Tianliang Sacred Land and the Sword Emperor Pavilion have both been annihilated by them, with their temperament, I'm afraid they won't let our White Lotus Sect off easily. We must prepare ourselves."
A senior member of the White Lotus Sect spoke with deep concern.
At this moment, all of the sect's upper echelons were gathered in the hall. Having received news of the successive destruction of the Tianliang Sacred Land and Sword Emperor Pavilion, the White Lotus Sect leadership was scared out of their wits.
Since the overall strength of the White Lotus Sect was somewhat inferior to both the Tianliang Sacred Land and Sword Emperor Pavilion, these seniors understood one grim reality: if Xuanlong Daozhang and Ye Yunfei truly came knocking to settle accounts, their sect would have no power to resist at all!
"Given the strength of our White Lotus Sect, trying to confront them head-on is simply impossible."
A certain Elder lamented.
"Sect Master, at this point, we only have two options."
Suddenly, a Supreme Elder of the White Lotus Sect slowly spoke up.
"Two options?"
All eyes turned toward the Supreme Elder.
"First, to submit, to admit defeat and seek reconciliation.
Second, before they come for us, seize the moment to pack our belongings. All members of our White Lotus Sect shall collectively flee the Tianxiong Domain and start anew elsewhere.
Aside from these two, we have no other alternatives."
Having heard the Supreme Elder's words, the White Lotus Sect's leadership looked at each other in silence.
"Elder Yang's reasoning is sound. At present, it seems these are indeed our only viable paths.
So, let us proceed with both concurrently. First, issue the order for all members to immediately begin packing their belongings, preparing to leave at any moment. Second, immediately dispatch envoys bearing generous gifts to find Xuanlong Daozhang and that young man. Apologize to them face-to-face, beg for their forgiveness, and strive to meet their demands to resolve this enmity.
If they can pardon our White Lotus Sect, then our sect can continue to develop within the Tianxiong Domain.
Otherwise, we can only flee immediately."
The Sect Master of the White Lotus Sect pondered and then spoke slowly.
"I concur with the Sect Master's approach."
Elder Yang nodded.
---
The same scene, the same conversations, played out repeatedly within the headquarters of many major powers across the Tianxiong Domain.
Consequently, numerous prominent forces within the Tianxiong Domain scrambled to dispatch envoys laden with lavish gifts, searching everywhere for Xuanlong Daozhang and Ye Yunfei.
Moreover, the envoys from every major force were in a frantic hurry to locate the pair as quickly as possible. These forces feared that they might be the next target.
Once their gates were breached by the enemy, any attempt at reconciliation would likely be too late.
---
"What?
Keqi, Ziyan, are you saying you two are acquainted with that young man?
He even saved your lives on two separate occasions?"
Within the Zhu Family headquarters, the Family Ancestor looked excitedly at two beautiful young maidens as he spoke.
These two beauties were none other than Zhu Keqi and Zhu Ziyan.
"Of course it's true.
I don't understand why you're all so afraid of him. Actually, he's quite easy to talk to.
If he hadn't intervened to save me, I would have died twice already."
Zhu Ziyan pouted.
"Haha, that's fantastic!
I never imagined the two of you would have ties to him!
Keqi, Ziyan, the two of you must immediately take generous gifts and go find Xuanlong Daozhang and that young man. Thank him personally for his lifesaving grace.
Moreover, you must find a way to build connections with them, to earn their goodwill towards our Zhu Family.
If our Zhu Family can befriend them, it would be like gaining an extra layer of protection. In the entire Tianxiong Domain, no major force would dare to provoke our Zhu Family lightly!
This is a rare opportunity for our Zhu Family!"
Hearing Zhu Ziyan's words, the Zhu Family Ancestor was extremely pleased.
"Ancestor, since that young man saved Keqi and Ziyan twice, I suspect it is highly possible he has taken a liking to them.
How about this? Betroth Keqi and Ziyan to him. This way, he and our Zhu Family would become one. With such a guarantee, our Zhu Family could potentially develop into the most powerful force in the Tianxiong Domain in the future!"
A Zhu Family Elder standing nearby spoke up after some thought.
"That makes sense!
Keqi, Ziyan, you heard the Third Elder. If that young man truly likes you, you must seize the chance immediately.
If he doesn't fancy you yet, then you must create opportunities to make him like you.
In short, for the future of our Zhu Family, you two must find a way to marry him!"
Zhu Family Ancestor nodded repeatedly in enthusiastic agreement.
"Ancestor, what are you saying!
What do you mean we have to marry him!
We've only met him a few times!
If you want to marry him, you go marry him! I won't do something so shameful!"
Hearing her ancestor's words, Zhu Ziyan immediately protested.
Zhu Keqi also flushed scarlet with embarrassment.
"Ziyan!
This is an order from the Ancestor!
This is no joke!
For the future of our Zhu Family, you must do this!"
The Third Elder's face darkened as he spoke sternly.
"No, I won't! No way! Third Elder, if you're so eager, marry him yourself!"
Zhu Ziyan began to throw a tantrum.
"Third Elder, don't push too hard for now.
Keqi, you are more sensible. You should understand how greatly befriending that young man would benefit the future development of our Zhu Family. Therefore, you and Ziyan must make this sacrifice and find a way to marry that young man."
Zhu Family Ancestor's gaze softened as he looked at Zhu Keqi.
"I..."
Zhu Keqi opened her mouth but couldn't find the right words.
She was indeed much more mature than Zhu Ziyan. She understood that living in such a large family often meant one's marriage was not a personal decision. It had to submit to the overall interests of the clan.
This was the sorrow of being born into a great family.