Getting to the Point

In the reception hall, sunlight streamed through the window lattice and spilled across the elegant bamboo mat, while a faint scent of ink lingered in the air.

Xue Churan's pale green dress swayed gently, like lotus leaves stirring in a light breeze.

Her face was warm and jade-like, her brows carrying a hint of heroic spirit without losing any feminine softness.

Xue Churan and Chen Cong sat facing each other, their gazes meeting as if they had both returned to days long past.

She took a small sip of Fragrant Snow Spirit Tea. The tea's fragrance spread through her mouth, clearing her thoughts along with it.

Setting down the teacup, she looked up at Chen Cong, her eyes shimmering with warmth and emotion.

"Brother Chen, we haven't seen each other in over ten years. Now that we meet again, Brother Chen has already advanced to Titled Douluo. Truly worthy of congratulations!" Xue Churan said, her voice carrying a touch of feeling.

Chen Cong smiled faintly and said, "I never expected Churan would come to Chang'an City to serve as City Lord either. I was truly surprised when I heard yesterday. Back when we were at Heaven Dou Royal Academy, I owed you many thanks. My advancement was also thanks to you allowing me to read so many books and use them as nourishment."

Xue Churan gently shook her head and said, "Brother Chen, you praise me too much. Being able to help you was my honor as well."

The two looked at each other and smiled, as if they had returned to those youthful, brilliant years.

Xue Churan recalled how, back then, Chen Cong had specially come to Heaven Dou Royal Academy for exchanges in order to later break through the artistic realm of a Sword Array Master. As the Director of Studies, she had given Chen Cong tremendous help, and their friendship had been deep.

"I came this time first to thank Brother Chen and Dragon Horse Majesty for lending your aid. Otherwise, the Ji and Liu Families would have been doomed, and I could hardly have escaped blame," Xue Churan said, turning to the main topic.

Chen Cong and Dragon Horse waved their hands at the same time. Chen Cong smiled and said, "Churan, you're making too much of it. We're all family, so there's no need to be so polite."

Xue Churan nodded, then changed the subject. "Brother Chen, there is indeed an important matter I wish to discuss. I have a rough understanding of the process behind the Crimson Church's attack on the Ji and Liu Families last night."

"Moreover, multiple facilities and important locations caught fire, causing no small amount of negative impact. I wonder what Brother Chen thinks of this matter?"

When Chen Cong heard this, he knew that what Xue Churan really wanted to ask about was his understanding of the Crimson Church.

Chen Cong's brows furrowed slightly. It seemed it was time to give something substantial. Fortunately, on this point, he had long since prepared himself mentally.

After a moment, he said, "I was also someone who experienced this matter firsthand. The strength of the people sent by the Crimson Church was indeed extraordinary. Those who came this time should have been the main fundamentalist branch's forces, led by the Yan Family and You Family. Their purpose is unclear, but they clearly had some scheme in mind."

Xue Churan's expression turned grave. "The main branch, is it? Among this generation's Seven Demon Generals, how many belong to their faction?"

Chen Cong said in a deep voice, "Four! The Yan Family, the You Family, the Ming Family, and the Yuwen Family."

Zuo Tinggang cut in from the side, "They've grown stronger again."

His brows drew together slightly, and he continued, "I'd like to ask Brother Chen, how much do you know about the Crimson Church? What sort of background and strength does their main branch possess?"

When Chen Cong heard this, his brow tightened even more, as though he were recalling his past clashes with the Crimson Church.

He said gravely, "The Crimson Church... they've recovered very quickly. If not for that internal strife over thirty years ago, they would probably have become even stronger. As for the main fundamentalist branch's forces, their methods have become even more covert, like currents beneath an abyss. I know little about them."

Xue Churan nodded and said, "Yes. They act in strange and unpredictable ways. Their attack on the Ji and Liu Families this time was probably not as simple as revenge or provocation. What exactly was their goal?"

Chen Cong shook his head lightly. He slowly said, "We don't know for now. However, they invested such great force, so the Ji and Liu Families must have something they want. I suspect even the Ji and Liu Families themselves don't know what it is."

Xue Churan sighed softly and said, "Yes. This matter involves a great deal. Although I have already sent people to investigate, there still haven't been any leads. I would like to ask Brother Chen to lend me a hand and help uncover the truth together."

Chen Cong nodded, his gaze firm. "This matter concerns Chang'an City's safety and the empire's dignity. Naturally, I am duty-bound. Churan, whatever you need me to do, just give the order."

Xue Churan looked at Chen Cong gratefully and said, "Many thanks, Brother Chen. In addition, what I need most right now are clues regarding last night's attackers. At that time, the city gates had already closed, yet the Crimson Church's people retreated in good order and soon vanished. Right now, we don't know whether they have already left Chang'an City."

"So, the attack, the poisoning, the arson—for them to act and retreat so swiftly and covertly, it seems their forces in Chang'an City are not weak at all. They could even be called very strong. I would like Brother Chen to use the Chen Clan's intelligence network to help me search for possible suspects."

Chen Cong nodded and agreed. "The Chen Clan is duty-bound in this matter. I will immediately mobilize the Chen Clan's intelligence network and pursue this matter with all our strength."

At this moment, Chen Cong seemed to think of something. His brows lifted slightly, and he asked, "Rumors are flying everywhere outside. Churan, don't you plan to handle them?"

Xue Churan smiled softly, as if everything was within her grasp. She shook her head and said lightly, "It's fine. Let the storm brew a little bigger first."

As she spoke, she gently smoothed the creases in her skirt. Every movement appeared graceful and composed. A wise light flickered in her eyes, as if she had already seen the course of the future.

Chen Cong nodded, indicating that he understood. He knew full well that as the City Lord of Chang'an City, Xue Churan had her own measure and strategy when handling affairs.

He asked no further questions, instead changing the topic. "Churan, regarding the Chen Clan's future development, I have some ideas I would like to discuss with you."

When Xue Churan heard this, an interested look appeared on her face. "Oh? What wise thoughts does Brother Chen have? I would like to hear the details."

Chen Cong pondered for a moment, then said, "Now that I have advanced to Titled Douluo, the Chen Clan's strength has also reached a new height. I want to take this opportunity to further expand the Chen Clan's businesses and influence, while also making a greater contribution to the empire."

After listening, a pleased look flashed through Xue Churan's eyes. "Brother Chen has lofty ambitions. This is truly a fortune for the empire. May I ask what specific plans Brother Chen has?"

Chen Cong said, "I plan to first strengthen the Chen Clan's Military Construction, train more outstanding disciples, and raise our overall strength. At the same time, I also want to enter some emerging industries, such as the research, development, and production of Soul Tools, as well as service industries related to soul masters."

After hearing this, Xue Churan nodded and said, "These ideas are all quite good. Soul Tools are indeed the future trend of development, and the soul master service industry also has broad market prospects. Brother Chen can keep pace with the times and seize opportunities. It is truly admirable."

Chen Cong smiled modestly and said, "Churan, you flatter me."

Xue Churan asked with some curiosity, "However, which service industry does the Chen Clan intend to enter?"

"Medicinal herbs! My family's medicinal herb business has a certain scale, and we want to open a Herbal Medicine Market in Chang'an City. These are only some of our preliminary ideas. They still need to be further refined and improved before being submitted to the City Lord's Mansion. When the time comes, I hope to receive your support and help."

Xue Churan grumbled inwardly, So this is what the Chen Clan really wants. Research, development, and production of soul tools? Who are you trying to fool? I've never heard of your family accomplishing anything in that field!

She smiled and said, "Brother Chen, rest assured. I will support you with all my strength. Our two families have been old friends for generations to begin with. Now that you have advanced to Titled Douluo, your strength has risen greatly, and you are even stationed in Chang'an City. Our cooperation in the future will surely become even closer."

"Then many thanks!" Chen Cong cupped his hands in thanks.

After that, the two exchanged opinions on other matters as well. Only then did Xue Churan and Zuo Tinggang rise and take their leave.

When she left the Chen Clan's alternate estate, she felt a little more confident.