After a long while, Zhang Tianzheng finally spoke.
"This old man has fought Demon Cultivators and slain Demon Beasts in his lifetime. I've lived a full life. Now that I've seen these two little ones come into the world, my heart... is at peace."
"But before I go, I'd like to make some more noise one last time."
At this, the old ancestor's voice rose a little. "Pass down my orders! In one month, we'll hold a Full Moon Baptism Feast for Daoxuan and Daoling!"
"Send out invitations far and wide! Invite every cultivation family and sect in the East Mountain Islands to attend! Even those who don't get along with us—send them invitations too!"
"I want everyone to see that my Zhang Family has heirs to carry on its legacy! Even when I'm gone, the Zhang Family... won't fall!"
His words sent a wave of commotion through the hall.
Great Elder Zhang Yunhai hurriedly said, "Old Ancestor! To hold such a grand feast at a time like this... won't it draw too much attention? And your health..."
"What? I'm not dead yet, and my words no longer carry weight?"
Zhang Tianzheng glared fiercely. Though his pressure had faded, its lingering force remained.
"I wouldn't dare!"
Zhang Yunhai quickly lowered his head.
"Then go and make the arrangements!"
Zhang Tianzheng gasped heavily and waved his hand. "Make sure it's a grand affair! Bring out all the old Spirit Wine from our family vault! Don't let people laugh at us!"
Zhang Yunshan answered through tears. "Yes! I'll get right on it, Father! I'll make sure you're satisfied!"
As the old ancestor was helped away, Zhang Chen stood among the crowd.
The corners of his mouth lifted slightly!
The act of entrusting his heirs before death, combined with one last burst of madness, had been played to perfection.
Now, the bait had been cast.
All that remained was to see when the big fish in the sea would bite.
The news that the Zhang Family was holding a Full Moon Banquet sent shock waves through the East Mountain Islands.
One gilded invitation after another flew to the various islands by Flying Sword Message, scattering like snowflakes.
The various factions reacted in completely different ways.
The few small families friendly with the Zhang Family sighed when they received their invitations. They felt the Zhang Family was merely putting on a brave face, but they all began preparing generous gifts.
As for the forces that were usually neutral or aligned with the Wang Family—
They were all gloating.
Anyone could see this wasn't really a full-moon celebration.
Once a family lost its only Nascent Soul backer, it was like a tiger without teeth. When that happened, who wouldn't want to take a bite out of this juicy prize?
Three thousand li north of Green Snail Island lay Black Reef Island.
It was the Wang Family's stronghold.
The lamps in the Wang Family's council hall burned dimly.
A middle-aged man in a black python robe sat in the seat of honor. He held the gilded invitation from the Zhang Family between his fingers, a scornful sneer on his face.
He was none other than the Wang Family's Family Head, Wang Lie.
He was burly, with rugged features.
Though he had yet to achieve Nascent Soul Formation, his cultivation had already reached Golden Core Great Perfection. His Killing Intent was so terrifying that he was infamous throughout the East Mountain Islands as "Madman Wang."
"Heh. A Full Moon Banquet?"
Wang Lie rubbed the invitation lightly between his fingers, and the beautifully crafted card instantly crumbled into ash.
"That old ghost Zhang Tianzheng really is on his last legs."
"Making such a big show of things now is nothing more than a superstition to ward off bad luck, with a little attempt to intimidate us thrown in. He wants everyone to think he can still hold his own."
A Goatee Old Man seated below him was the Wang Family's Strategist. He chuckled darkly. "The Family Head is wise. According to reliable intelligence from our informants in the Zhang Family, that old ghost needed two people to support him when he left seclusion yesterday. He was even out of breath when he spoke."
"I'd say he's arranging his affairs before he dies, trying to pave the way for those two newborn brats with the last of his strength."
"Pave the way?"
Wang Lie snorted, his eyes filling with murderous intent. "That depends on whether there's any road left!"
He rose and walked to the window, gazing toward the Zhang Family's territory.
"The East Mountain Secret Realm is about to open. This time, the Secret Realm concerns not only the spiritual materials needed for Nascent Soul Formation, but also the redistribution of power throughout the East Mountain Islands."
"The Zhang Family has held on to the largest quota for far too long."
"This time, I'll make them spit it all back out—with interest!"
The Goatee Old Man ventured, "Then, Family Head, do you mean... are we going or not?"
"Going? Of course we're going!"
Wang Lie turned around. "Since they've stuck their faces out for us to slap, why wouldn't we?"
"However, I won't be going myself."
"I'm going into seclusion to adjust my condition and make my final preparations to break through to Nascent Soul. Besides, I don't want that old ghost to make a last-ditch attempt to drag me down with him."
His gaze swept over those below, finally settling on a haughty young man clad in silver armor.
"Second Son."
"Your son is here!"
The Wang Family's second young master, Wang Teng, stepped forward and cupped his fists.
Wang Teng was a ruthless character too. Despite his young age, he had already reached Foundation Establishment Late Stage.
His conduct was even more arrogant and domineering than his father's.
He had the blood of many Zhang Family cultivators on his hands.
"You'll lead the group to the banquet."
Wang Lie took a black brocade pouch from his robes and tossed it to his son. "Remember, don't show the Zhang Family any respect at the feast. Test them hard!"
"I want to see how many breaths that old ghost has left."
"If he's faking it, withdraw. If he really is on the verge of death..."
Wang Lie chuckled, his voice icy. "Then don't bother showing them any courtesy."
"Don't worry, Father! I'll strip the Zhang Family of every last shred of dignity and grind it under my heel!"
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