Crisis Situation

"Knock, knock~"

The door was knocked. "Miss, the Patriarch wants you and the son-in-law to go to the main hall. Patriarch Yang and Patriarch Zhao are here, saying the Liu Family is arriving."

"Got it." A voice sounded. "We're coming right over."

The room flickered with candlelight. Zhang Shiqing sat by the bed and said faintly, "The Liu Family is coming? Do they intend to make a move against our Zhang Family?"

"Possibly!" Qin Jishi yawned, looking completely unconcerned.

"Aren't you worried?" Zhang Shiqing's brows furrowed slightly, and she looked at him meaningfully.

"Is worrying useful?" Qin Jishi shrugged. "Since the Liu Family has gathered these people, it proves they have the confidence. I imagine they are preparing to make their move."

"They're preparing to make their move?" Zhang Shiqing narrowed her eyes slightly. "The outside world says the Liu Family has the Black Eagle Prefecture as a powerful backer. Is that true?"

"Possibly." Qin Jishi said with a serious expression. "The Black Eagle Prefecture holds a certain status in the Azure Wave Imperial Capital, and it's not comparable to the forces in Soaring Dragon City."

"Then you're not worried?" Zhang Shiqing's delicate eyebrows rose, her gaze fixed on Qin Jishi.

"When soldiers come, we'll block them; when water comes, we'll cover it with earth." Qin Jishi stood up from his chair. "Let's go. I heard the Black Eagle Prefecture isn't an utterly evil force. I think they'll reason with us."

Reason with them?

Zhang Shiqing's forehead developed a dark line.

However, she was more filled with intense curiosity. Logically speaking, facing the Black Eagle Prefecture, Qin Jishi shouldn't be worried, right? But his expression?

With confusion and deep bewilderment, Zhang Shiqing left the room with him.

In the main hall!

Zhang Jinhua and a group of family elders were filled with deep worry. "Patriarch Yang, if what you say is true, and the Liu Family has the support of the Black Eagle Prefecture this time, you don't need to get involved in this mess. We will bear all the consequences."

"My lord, you..." Tang Xiulan, standing beside him, kept nudging Zhang Jinhua with her hand.

At this critical juncture, if the Yang Family and the Zhao Family truly stood by and watched, how could their Zhang Family bear the consequences?

After all, the ones coming were from the Black Eagle Prefecture, a renowned power in the Azure Wave Imperial Capital. How could their small Zhang Family have the ability to resist?

Zhang Jinhua understood this point, but what could he do?

The Yang Family and the Zhao Family doing this much was already going above and beyond. Why should they be dragged further into it?

"Patriarch Zhang." Yang Kun chuckled softly. "We said that from now on, we share honor and disgrace. If we leave now, what will the forces in Soaring Dragon City think?"

"That's right!" Zhao Tai chimed in. "Patriarch Zhang, rest assured, even if the Liu Family really brings the Black Eagle Prefecture, we have nothing to fear and no reason to worry."

Zhang Jinhua blinked. Seeing Yang Kun and Zhao Tai looking so unconcerned, did they have a backup plan? After all, the Black Eagle Prefecture's power was undeniable.

Looking at the two confident men, Zhang Jinhua was grateful. "Two Patriarchs, our Zhang Family will never forget this great kindness. Please accept my bow."

"Patriarch Zhang!" Yang Kun quickly held Zhang Jinhua up. "Absolutely not."

Joking aside, Zhang Jinhua was Qin Jishi's father-in-law. How could Yang Kun accept his bow?

"Patriarch Zhang." Zhao Tai raised his hand. "If you do that, you're being too formal with us."

Helplessly, Zhang Jinhua nodded and could only give up. "Two Patriarchs, if the Zhang Family can overcome this disaster, we will definitely visit and thank you in the future."

Saying that, Zhang Jinhua looked at Tang Xiulan. "Madam, the Liu Family is not coming with good intentions this time. When Jishi and Shiqing arrive later, you will leave first."

"My lord..." Tang Xiulan frowned deeply.

"Listen..." Zhang Jinhua said in a low voice. "Shiqing is the hope of our Zhang Family. As long as she is here, our Zhang Family has hope, understand?"

"I'm not leaving..." Tang Xiulan's eyes were red. "My lord, I'll die with you even if I have to."

"Foolishness!" Zhang Jinhua reprimanded. "There is no room for negotiation on this matter."

"No... no..." Tang Xiulan knew exactly what Zhang Jinhua was thinking. She could never agree to live alone.

Yes!

She was afraid of death, but that didn't mean she could abandon Zhang Jinhua.

"You..." Just as Zhang Jinhua was about to scold her further, the two entered the main hall.

"Young friend Qin!"

"..."

Almost instantly, Yang Kun and Zhao Tai's gazes shifted. Deep respect could be seen in the depths of their eyes. Although it was fleeting, it did not escape Zhang Shiqing's notice.

The Yang Family and the Zhao Family were indeed here for Qin Jishi, Zhang Shiqing concluded in her heart.

What had he experienced in these ten years? Could it be that he was truly accepted as a disciple by the World-Saving Pavilion?

Only this possibility could explain it.

"Everyone!" Qin Jishi said with a smile as he entered the hall. "What happened? Why is everyone so solemn?"

"Qin..."

Before Yang Kun could speak, he was interrupted by Tang Xiulan's scolding. "Qin Jishi, it's all because of you! If it weren't for you, our Zhang Family wouldn't be in crisis?"

"Jinx!"

"Useless. Can't do anything right, only mess things up."

"..."

Tang Xiulan took out all her frustration on Qin Jishi.

Yang Kun and Zhao Tai's expressions shifted, their brows furrowing. They looked visibly displeased.

How dare someone disrespect their Young Pavilion Master. If Tang Xiulan wasn't Qin Jishi's mother-in-law, they'd have…

"Mother…" Zhang Shiqing was also a little unhappy. "How can you blame Jishi for this?"

"Shiqing!" Tang Xiulan's body trembled slightly. "At a time like this, you're still defending him? If he were truly capable, he'd help our Zhang family through this crisis."

"Matriarch!" Zhang Cheng scoffed. "Him? That's a joke."

"..."

Zhang Cheng and the others already had a bad opinion of Qin Jishi. Even with the current special circumstances, they didn't miss the chance to attack him.

"Shut up!" Zhang Jinhua said, his face grim. "Can't you all see the situation?"

"Jishi!"

Zhang Jinhua's voice was hoarse. "Listen to me. Take Shiqing and your aunt and leave this place. As long as you are alive, our Zhang family still has hope."

Hearing this, Qin Jishi shook his head. "Uncle Zhang, I know you're worried, but don't worry. With Patriarch Yang and Patriarch Zhao here, nothing will happen."

"Is that so?"

Upon hearing Qin Jishi's question, Yang Kun and Zhao Tai were taken aback, then they reacted.

"Ah~ Young friend Qin is right. With us here, the Liu Family can't make much of a splash."

"That's right, that's right. Everyone, please rest assured. Even if the Liu Family seeks help from Black Eagle Prefecture, so what? With us here, they wouldn't dare to act rashly."

Yang Kun and Zhao Tai's confident demeanor finally brought some comfort to the worried members of the Zhang family.

They could see that Yang Kun and Zhao Tai weren't just talking nonsense. From the tone of their voices, it was clear they didn't take the Liu Family seriously.

Could the Yang Family and Zhao Family have a background comparable to Black Eagle Prefecture?

It must be!

Otherwise, where would their confidence come from?

"Uncle Zhang!" Qin Jishi smiled. "Patriarch Yang and Patriarch Zhao have already stated that we should trust them. Don't worry, everything will be fine."

As he spoke, Qin Jishi walked to the side and sat down, acting as if nothing was wrong.

Zhang Shiqing watched Yang Kun and Zhao Tai's every move. With curiosity and confusion, she sat down beside Qin Jishi. "What exactly is your backing?"

"Guess?" Qin Jishi maintained his smile.

Zhang Shiqing: "..."