The Zhou Family

"Human Immortal Scroll?"

Wu Ming's heart stirred, and he immediately flipped forward, finding another entry: "Yellow Court Yin Talisman Scripture - Earth Immortal Scroll, the method of an Earth Immortal, priced at two thousand Heavenly Merit! And it's incomplete!"

The Main God Hall was in a lull, and nine out of ten items on the Heavenly Merit list were out of stock. Wu Ming was used to it.

"Going by the Main God Hall's usual behavior, the incomplete items must be particularly powerful... It seems that an Earth Immortal is quite something in the Great Zhou world, a lofty and supreme figure..."

Actually, Wu Ming wasn't entirely clear on the Daoist realms right now, but he had heard of a title from the Human Immortal Scroll – True Man!

Daoists of this rank, he heard, possessed unfathomable Magical Power and were figures from myths and legends, capable of slaying demons, vanquishing monsters, and suppressing destiny.

They were so rare that even in the counties, they were seldom seen. They were honored guests of feudal lords and military governors, and could even receive official titles from the court!

In Wu Ming's opinion, this was already a formidable being, yet they were still within the Human Immortal realm.

"According to the description in the Yin Talisman Scripture, Pháp Sư, True Man, and Heavenly Master seem to be minor realms within the greater Human Immortal realm!"

Wu Ming stroked his chin. "This Daoist Qing Ping's Pháp Sư techniques are incomplete, no wonder he was so easily defeated..."

He then read carefully and realized that in cultivation, Human Immortal was a very broad realm. Basically, if one cultivated to the peak of Human Immortal, the Heavenly Master realm, they could roam the mortal world freely, achieve the impossible, and view worldly wealth and status as trivial.

And before Pháp Sư, there were still the stages of Ordained Daoist and Refining Master.

In Wu Ming's view, and based on Feng Han's knowledge, that Daoist Qing Ping had only just reached the level of Ordained Daoist, barely qualifying as a Daoist, or rather, just entering the path. He hadn't even achieved internal refinement before encountering Wu Ming and being defeated.

However, just being able to enter the path was already an incredible feat.

After all, the Dao was difficult. Those like Ma Lao San and Zheng Qian from before had only learned one or two minor spells and didn't even qualify as proper Daoists; they could only be considered low-class trash.

"This Silver Seal Jade Book has only one page, mostly incomplete. The initial entry and Refining Master stages are fine, but it's incomplete at the Pháp Sư stage, requiring one hundred and fifty Great Merit to mend..."

Wu Ming stroked his chin. "But... its quality is quite high. It's more expensive than the Daoist technique manuals I was originally planning to study..."

In the Main God Hall, although the grades of various Daoist techniques were not displayed, one could discern them from their prices.

Not to mention, this Yellow Court Yin Talisman Scripture even had subsequent stages, and divisions into Human Immortal and Earth Immortal, which Wu Ming had never even heard of... In his limited prior knowledge, True Man was already an incredibly significant title.

All these factors combined began to tip the scales in Wu Ming's mind.

"One last try. If I still haven't heard back from Sister Wu Qing, and the Daoist Academy is inaccessible, I'll just have to cultivate and enlighten myself!"

Leaving the Yellow Court Yin Talisman Scripture and Great Yin Corpse Refining Method in the Main God Space, Wu Ming emerged and lit the oil lamp, engrossed in reading the notes and jottings of Daoist Qing Ping.

Although this person came from humble origins, he had extraordinary opportunities and was knowledgeable. He recorded many things casually, which greatly broadened Wu Ming's horizons.

Under the cold moonlight, it was unknowingly late into the night.

"This oil lamp... it's still too harsh on the eyes!"

Wu Ming stretched, rubbing his eyes. The oil lamp in his room was of excellent quality, seemingly refined from whale oil. When lit, it even emitted a faint, pleasant fragrance. But having experienced the past, the difference was stark.

Ancient scholars said, "For eternity, they clearly read their scrolls, and their lives were illuminated by their writings." Unfortunately, countless unfortunate souls damaged their eyesight because of this.

"The Wu Family is only moderately wealthy... I've heard that truly prominent County Magnate families use dozens of thick, arm-thick beef tallow candles every night. The cost is immense, but their entire residences are as bright as day. I've heard that those even higher up use Daoist magic for illumination; I can't even imagine the extravagance..."

Wu Ming sighed and prepared to rest.

After all, even though his body was strong and he wasn't afraid of minor wear and tear, he still needed to take care of himself.

"Has the young master retired?"

At this moment, the maidservant in the adjacent room softly knocked on the door: "Master Feng Han is here to see you!"

"Hmm? Please invite him in!"

Wu Ming called out loudly, and then saw Feng Han striding in, his eyes lighting up: "Did Steward Yu confess?"

"Yes. Xue Lao Si from the stables was a craftsman in the Government Office before. It was passed down for generations. He was dismissed after committing a crime. I brought him here, and once he brought out his old tools, Steward Yu confessed everything without even enduring two rounds!"

Feng Han's expression was somewhat grim.

"Is it the Zhou Family from the county town?"

Wu Ming smiled.

Daoist Qing Ping was a guest of the Zhou Family, which was recorded in his jottings.

Compared to the Wu Family, which was still somewhat nouveau riche, the Zhou Family was the true magnate of the county. They owned fifty qing of land – a qing was a hundred mu, totaling five thousand mu of land. They had numerous servants and over a thousand clan members, a true powerful clan!

Not to mention, almost every generation could produce an official of the eighth rank. If a skilled fortune-teller with the ability to observe qi saw their aura, they would say: "Crimson qi surrounds them, blessings are long and abundant. This is the magnificent residence of a County Magnate!"

Although the Wu Family could barely be considered a powerful clan, they were at the bottom. They were still generations away from a clan like the Zhou Family.

"If that's the case, then so be it..."

Feng Han gave a wry smile. "The key is that this matter is aimed at the young lady, with the purpose of the Dragon Gate Gathering! And it seems there's a County Magnate involved behind it!"

"Dragon Gate Gathering? County Magnate?"

Wu Ming couldn't help but straighten his posture.

The aristocratic families of this world could generally be divided into rural gentry, county households, and County Magnates. Above them were the renowned clans that shook the world.

The Wu Family was roughly at the peak of the rural gentry, perhaps also at the bottom of the county households. The Zhou Family was at the peak of the county magnates. However, regardless of which, facing a County Magnate, there was at least a major class difference!

Simply put, the influence of a County Magnate family was so great that even a substantive fifth-rank county governor had to take them seriously. They would even visit them upon taking office. If they couldn't gain their support, not only would their administration be problematic, but they might even be directly ostracized.

"Truly..."

Wu Ming stood up and pushed open the window.

The night was cold and chilly, dark clouds obscured the moon, and the oppressive, pitch-black sky seemed on the verge of unleashing a storm at any moment.

"The wind fills the tower before the mountain rain... Master Feng!"

In the darkness, Feng Han saw Wu Ming react to the sudden change with surprising composure. Wu Ming strode out, his movements even hinting at the bearing of a dragon or a tiger, and Feng Han couldn't help but feel deeply impressed.

Martial arts and Daoist techniques could be cultivated later in life, but innate talent was something that couldn't be learned.

Originally, upon hearing of the great calamity facing the Wu Family, he had intended to deliver the news, fulfill his duty, thank them, and then leave, extricating himself from this predicament.

But now, seeing Wu Ming like this, and knowing that Wu Qing was also a seed of the Daoist Academy with a bright future, his heart stirred again. He bowed and said, "Does Young Master have any orders?"

"I am grateful that you can tell me the truth!"

Wu Ming waved his hand. "This matter does not concern you, Master. I would not dare to implicate you. I have prepared three hundred taels for your services. You may leave now!"

"What are you saying?"

Although he had entertained the thought before, Feng Han's face changed color at the prospect of placing a bet. "Since ancient times, loyal ministers do not serve two masters. Though I, Feng Han, am but a common man, I am not a villain who flees when his lord faces hardship!"

"It was my mistake. Please forgive me, Master Feng!"

Seeing Feng Han's resolute demeanor, Wu Ming found it somewhat strange, but there was nothing more to say. With a look of gratitude, he stood up and bowed deeply. "Your righteousness, Wu Ming, will be remembered!"

The two looked at each other and smiled, their relationship deepening further.

"This matter of the County Magnate is ultimately hearsay, without concrete proof... Even if there were, my Wu Family is a prominent household in the county, and Wu Qing is a member of the Daoist Academy. Without evidence, even the Prefect of the County Magnate could not easily act against us!"

Having decided to face this together, Wu Ming first offered Feng Han a word of reassurance.

He then sneered, "Even if the rumors are true, we can simply abandon our assets... What is a County Magnate's family? Can their influence extend beyond the county, or even reach other provinces?... Before we leave, we will certainly make them know retribution!"

Feng Han nodded. In this world, with the existence of supernatural powers, true strength lay in oneself. People like Wu Qing could take Wu Ming anywhere in the world and forge a new path.

Of course, the foundation of a noble family lay in its land. While Wu Qing could ensure Wu Ming had food and shelter elsewhere, whether they could build a new fortune was another matter.

Seeing that Feng Han had a plan for the worst-case scenario, Wu Ming's expression immediately softened. "These are all worst-case scenarios... just in case. We still need to gather more information from the county, but this Zhou Family, their intentions are truly despicable!"

His sneer was laced with killing intent, sending a shiver down Feng Han's spine.

"There are a few matters that will require Master Feng's assistance!"

"Just give the orders, Young Master!"

Wu Ming paced slowly in the hall. "Though I have heard of the Zhou Family for a long time, I do not know them well... I will need your help to investigate their connections within the county and prefecture, their available military strength, and the reasons why they are targeting my Wu Family..."

After seeing Feng Han out, Wu Ming turned to a maid. "Call Steward Wu here for me!"

Regardless of what Feng Han did, there were still differences in their closeness. It wasn't about suspicion, but necessary precautions had to be taken.

Moreover, some matters were best handled by their own family members to ensure peace of mind.

"Young Master, you were looking for me?"

Not long after, Steward Wu entered with a fawning smile, his face etched with humility.

But Wu Ming felt he was quite lucky.

Whether it was the incident with Lin Qi last time or the trap set by the Daoist of Qingping this time, he had survived completely intact. If nothing else, his luck was exceptionally good.

"Mmm... Go deliver a letter to the county Daoist Academy and ask my sister to return. Also..."

Wu Ming hesitated. "Also, summon some of the Wu Family's distant relatives who are scattered in the surrounding villages. I have something to announce!!"

PS: Thank you to the esteemed patrons Zhizun Baobao and Jidu for their generous rewards. Your support before the novel has even been officially released is truly unexpected and deeply appreciated by Wenchao. Thank you! I will certainly not forget the three chapters owed to the patrons. Thank you both!