Kirin Son of the Ye Family, The Dominance of the Ye Family

"Family Head, the clansmen at the Qingyun Sect have all returned," an elder reported upon his arrival.

Ye Zhentian merely gave a slight nod to acknowledge the information.

The individuals currently seated in the Council Hall were all elders of the Ye family.

"Heh, Fifth Brother, this Kirin Son of your household truly doesn't hold me, the Family Head, in his eyes anymore. Even the summons for a family council meeting couldn't bring him back."

The tone of Ye Zhentian's voice was clearly laced with malice.

The Third Elder chimed in at this moment: "Feiyang is just a child, but surely he isn't still holding a grudge over what happened back then? That matter was explained clearly long ago, wasn't it? Fifth Brother, you really ought to keep him in line."

The Fourth Elder also spoke up at the opportune moment: "Fifth Brother, you know how the family rules work; cultivation resources are always tilted toward clansmen with higher talent. Back then, Feiyang's talent was indeed lacking, so prioritizing resources elsewhere was only natural. Besides, all these years of resource allocation have more than made up for what was owed to him back then. You should really try to persuade him; everything is for the sake of the family."

The Second Elder, however, did not speak; he merely glanced at the Fifth Brother.

The Fifth Brother now wore a look of awkwardness, though his heart was filled with a sense of pride. He had never expected his son's cultivation talent to suddenly erupt, making him the highest-cultivated member of the Ye family's younger generation. He was immensely proud of his son; his son was now the Kirin Son of the Ye family, his greatest source of pride. In his eyes, nothing Ye Feiyang did could be considered excessive.

Though he thought this, the Fifth Brother still wore an apologetic expression as he said: "I suspect Feiyang is at a critical juncture in his breakthrough, which is why he couldn't return on such short notice. I received word from him just a few days ago saying he was on the verge of another breakthrough and asked me to send over some resources."

As soon as the Fifth Brother said this, everyone in the hall, including Ye Zhentian, wore expressions of astonishment.

However, Ye Zhentian caught the implication in the Fifth Brother's words—he was nudging him to provide resources for Ye Feiyang.

"Feiyang is breaking through again? If I recall correctly, it's only been half a year since his last breakthrough! If he breaks through again, doesn't that mean he's already reached the Foundation Establishment Fourth Layer?"

"That puts him ahead of us old fellows."

The tone of the elders' voices had shifted entirely.

"Don't worry, Fifth Brother. Since Feiyang is on the verge of a breakthrough, I naturally won't mind his absence today. As for the cultivation resources, rest assured—I will double them, and they shall be delivered to the Qingyun Sect by tomorrow."

Ye Zhentian's sudden declaration shocked the other elders. Doubling the cultivation resources was no small matter! However, since it was Ye Zhentian's decision, they would not oppose it. Besides, prioritizing resources for talented clansmen was the standard practice; who could blame them for not having a Ye Feiyang of their own?

"Then, on behalf of Feiyang, I thank the Family Head."

"No need for formalities, Fifth Brother. It is only right."

After the pleasantries between the Family Head and the Fifth Brother concluded, Ye Zhentian added: "As for the assets Shopkeeper Tong left behind in Wannan City, Fifth Brother, I shall leave it to you to take them over."

Once Ye Zhentian finished speaking, the other elders looked at the Fifth Brother with envious eyes. The implication was clear: Shopkeeper Tong's assets would henceforth belong to the Fifth Brother. Even after handing over the family's share, there would still be plenty of profit to be made. The other elders could only harbor envy; they dared not voice any objections.

"Understood, Family Head. I shall attend to it immediately." The Fifth Brother's face beamed with joy; this was essentially Spirit Stone being handed to him on a silver platter.

"Very well, the matters are concluded. Everyone, go about your business."

"Understood."

The elders departed with their assignments, leaving only the Second Elder in the hall, who had remained silent and had received no orders.

"Second Elder, what is your take on this matter regarding Shopkeeper Tong?"

"Shopkeeper Tong's affairs are not worth mentioning."

Ye Zhentian nodded slightly; he, too, had never truly cared about it from the start. Shopkeeper Tong would have to be dealt with sooner or later; it was merely a matter of time, and having someone else do it for him was all the better.

"However, the matter regarding the Fifth Brother and Ye Feiyang is something that should be carefully considered."

"Oh?"

"The sudden rapid improvement in Ye Feiyang's cultivation is worth investigating, and on top of that, the Fifth Brother seems to have become a bit arrogant lately. It is time to knock him down a peg," the Second Elder said with a grim expression.

"I have already spoken to the Ancestor regarding Ye Feiyang's rapid cultivation progress; the Ancestor's intention is to focus on nurturing him."

"The Ancestor has come out of seclusion? And the Ancestor's cultivation level?" the Fourth Elder asked in surprise.

The Ye Family Head did not answer, merely nodding faintly.

The Second Elder understood instantly; the Ye Family had grown stronger once again.

"As for the Fifth, let him be. No matter what he does, he cannot stir up any waves, and for now, we still need him to keep Ye Feiyang in check. The Ancestor has grand designs and requires capable helpers. As long as the Ancestor remains, our Ye Family will flourish, and perhaps even grow stronger."

The Second Elder seemed to grasp the meaning and nodded gently.

Following this, a silent storm of blood and carnage swept through Wannan City.

It was not just one family that wanted to contend for Shopkeeper Tong's assets, but once the Ye Family made their move, the other families retreated in dejection.

They knew full well they could not compete with the Ye Family, and continuing would only serve to provoke them.

In a secret chamber within Wannan City, several people were conferring in private.

"Why did the Ye Family suddenly take action?"

"I don't know, but judging by their stance, they are determined to win. If we continue to fight, we will only be the ones to suffer."

"What is the City Lord's Mansion's opinion on this?"

"The City Lord's Mansion has not made any moves for the time being."

"Forget it. It seems the City Lord's Mansion has compromised as well. They aren't even investigating Shopkeeper Tong's affairs anymore; it seems they know of some hidden circumstances. The Li Family is withdrawing."

"My Wang Family is withdrawing."

"My Liu Family is also withdrawing."

"However, the Ye Family's recent movements are somewhat intriguing. It would be best for everyone to remain vigilant."

"Indeed, our families should stick together for warmth."

"Sigh, we shall see!"

For the past two days, Chen Ze had been living a relaxed life, aside from his discussions with Zhao Ling'er.

When he felt interested, he would practice the Thirteen Swords of Star Movement and the Nine Heavens Dragon Roar Spear.

When he lost interest, he would lie down and rest; in any case, his daily cultivation time never exceeded two hours.

As for those two bottles of Qi Gathering Pill, they were being consumed very slowly, with Chen Ze taking at most two pills a day.

However, over these two days, Chen Ze's cultivation had indeed seen significant improvement.

Name: Chen Ze
Cultivation: Qi Refining Fifth Layer 20/100
Talent: Earth-element Low-grade Spiritual Root
Cultivation Method: Xuantian Record (Minor Accomplishment) 130/400
Spells:
Earth Shield Art (Grandmaster) 2250/5000
Heart Piercing Stab (Proficient) 1/200
Soul Searching Technique (Proficient) 2/200
Thirteen Swords of Star Movement (Entry) 10/100
Nine Heavens Dragon Roar Spear (Entry) 10/100
Swallow Step (Entry) 1/100
Ignition Art (Legendary)
Breath Concealment Art (Legendary)
Myriad Things Space: Level 2

"Not bad, my cultivation has reached the Qi Refining Fifth Layer. Foundation Establishment is no longer just a dream!"

After reviewing the system interface, Chen Ze sighed with emotion.

"Ling'er, it's time to cook."

"Yes, Master."

"What more could one ask for in a life like this, akin to an immortal? If it could always be like this, it would truly be a joy."