The Royal City Fang Family!
People who had lived in Prefecture City all their lives knew nothing of the mighty clan in the imperial capital, ten thousand li away.
It was called the Fang Family, and it even shared the same roots as the Fang Family of Prefecture City.
"Three thousand years ago, one branch of the Prefecture City Fang Family left. Later, they joined the founding emperor in his great undertaking, campaigned across the land, and rendered repeated meritorious service. They were granted the title of Dingguo Duke."
Someone in the know explained.
"To reward the Fang Family for its unparalleled achievements, Emperor Yuanchu bestowed upon them a ducal title that could be passed down through the generations. They've enjoyed wealth and glory ever since."
"So the Royal City Fang Family is much stronger than the Prefecture City Fang Family," someone exclaimed.
"Of course. The Royal City Fang Family has enjoyed the emperor's favor for generations, and its ranks are full of powerful figures."
An old man sighed in admiration. "They're a true top-tier Aristocratic Clan, towering over the Great Zhou Dynasty."
"The Fang Family really is full of talented people."
The Prefecture City Fang Family already had them struggling to breathe. Hearing that there was an even stronger Royal City Fang Family left them truly astounded.
"Greetings, Dingguo Duke."
As the governor of a region, the Prefecture Governor held considerable authority, but when facing a powerful duke like this, he could only bow respectfully.
Under everyone's watchful gaze, the Royal City Fang Family party was escorted into the Prefecture Lord's Mansion.
"If the two Fang Families share the same roots, why haven't we seen anyone from the Prefecture City Fang Family?" someone asked, puzzled.
But no one was destined to answer his question.
Those who knew a little about the matter were all powerful enough to know better than to discuss it carelessly and bring trouble upon themselves.
When the Dingguo Duke came to visit, the many Aristocratic Clans and gangs in the city all sent gifts.
With Fang Runan's consent, the Prefecture Governor set up tables and held a banquet to entertain representatives from all the city's factions.
The elders talked freely about everything under the sun. Few of the younger generation were allowed at the table, so they soon gathered in the courtyard outside.
Fang Xuan, the Dingguo Duke's second son, naturally became the center of attention. People clustered around him like stars around the moon, showering him with endless flattery.
"I've long admired Young Master Fang Xuan's bearing. Now that I've seen you in person, I can tell you're truly extraordinary."
"With Young Master Fang Xuan's talent, I imagine you'd still stand out among the many prodigies in the Royal Capital."
Fang Xuan looked to be in his early twenties. He was handsome, dressed in splendid brocade, with gold-threaded patterns embroidered along his shoulders.
He greatly enjoyed the admiring looks people gave him.
As one of the most outstanding disciples of his generation in the Royal City Fang Family, and the son of the Dingguo Duke, he was destined for a bright future.
"It's a pity Young Master Fang Yuan isn't here. Otherwise, we could have witnessed the brilliance of two peerless geniuses."
No one knew who had let those words slip.
The harmonious atmosphere turned strange in an instant.
Every faction with even a little history in the city knew the two families had a very poor relationship.
Fang Yuan was also a thorn lodged deep in Fang Xuan's heart. His face darkened.
He'd grown up in fine clothes and fine food, born into a distinguished family. His father, too, held a position of great power.
Yet the Qilin Child of the Royal City Fang Family couldn't measure up to that young man from the Prefecture City Fang Family. It had truly cost him face.
At eighteen, he broke through to the Houtian Realm, shocking the Royal City and earning a place on the Azure Cloud Ranking. An elder of Azure Cloud Academy had personally descended the mountain to invite him.
He'd broken through a full year earlier than his elder brother, whose cultivation speed had come close to the Great Zhou Dynasty's record for Foundation Establishment!
The family had placed high hopes in him.
But only a few years later, Fang Yuan had reached the Houtian Realm even earlier, at just fifteen. The news swept through the dynasty like a hurricane, leaving everyone stunned!
Azure Cloud Academy had also sent an elder to invite him, but he'd refused.
At first, Fang Xuan could still comfort himself in silence with the advantage of his cultivation and preserve what little pride he had left.
But in less than two years, Fang Yuan had caught up with him!
Only after Fang Yuan failed the Azure Cloud Sect's trial could Fang Xuan finally release the resentment he'd been holding back.
Why did all the glory belong to you? Why did the woman I loved have to be betrothed to you?
"Indeed, it's a pity."
Fang Xuan's gaze was deep. He took a small sip of wine and smiled faintly.
Not long ago, his cultivation had advanced again. As for Fang Yuan, who had returned gravely injured, he'd be lucky just to survive.
If Fang Yuan were truly here, Fang Xuan could finally unleash all the resentment he'd bottled up for years!
Seeing this, Chang Qing narrowed his eyes and said with a smile, "Even if Fang Yuan were here, he'd only be overshadowed by Young Master Fang Xuan's brilliance."
"There's always been a rumor going around that he broke through to the Ninth Layer Houtian Realm. I'd say that's just false news."
Wang Cheng deliberately stirred the pot, pretending to chide him. "Brother Chang, you can't put it that way."
"Yesterday at the Imperial Fragrance Tower, he personally admitted to killing more than ten chieftains, including some powerful ones at the Ninth Layer Houtian Realm."
Fang Xuan's brow furrowed. Even he had been startled just now.
He had reliable information.
Fang Yuan had returned gravely injured after the Azure Cloud Sect trial, with his Dantian damaged.
It wouldn't have surprised him if the Prefecture City Fang Family had poured all its resources into rapidly healing his injuries, even repairing his Dantian.
But for his cultivation to improve in such a short time? That was simply impossible!
"No wonder he failed the Azure Cloud Sect's trial. Even the Ninth Prince wouldn't dare make such a boast," Fang Xuan sneered.
"But if he's using a name like that to tarnish the reputation of our Fang Family, I won't let him get away with it."
The Royal City and Prefecture City Fang Families had indeed split apart many years ago, but they still shared the same roots and had to return to the Ancestral Land for ancestral rites at regular intervals.
Whether commoners or cultivators, people all treasured their reputations and cared about their family's standing.
Seeing Fang Xuan's angry expression, Chang Qing couldn't help but chime in with more praise, though he secretly couldn't suppress his glee.
Soon, the banquet ended, and everyone began to leave.
The next day.
The Royal City Fang Family's procession set off for Qixi County in grand fashion. The Prefecture Governor saw them off at the city gates.
They had come from the Royal Capital, ten thousand li away, and their schedule was tightly packed. They had to reach the Ancestral Land before the New Moon.
The Prefecture City Fang Family had made its preparations early and was ready to set out for the Ancestral Land at any moment.
The two parties left the city almost back to back, drawing crowds of onlookers who stopped to watch.
"Once we reach the Ancestral Land, we'll follow the family rules. Do your best not to provoke them," Fang Zhongwu instructed.
Ancestral rites were the most important matter for the family.
Aside from the powerful figures who had to guard the family, all the elders without pressing duties, along with the outstanding juniors, had to come along.
"Is the Grand Elder not coming?"
Fang Man scanned the crowd, but he couldn't see the Grand Elder anywhere.
"He has to protect the family, so he can't leave," a companion reminded him.
Fang Yuan often read old books and historical records in the Library Pavilion, so he knew a few secrets, but he didn't bring them up.
Fifty years ago.
The relationship between the Royal City and Prefecture City Fang Families had still been warm and cordial, and they had often kept in touch.
But then something had happened, and relations between the two families had frozen over.
The incident wasn't discussed in detail, but all signs pointed to one person.
The Fang Family's current Grand Elder.
"Hopefully everything goes smoothly on this trip."
Fang Yuan still felt reverence for an important occasion like the ancestral rites.
The Fang Family had planned the route in advance, arranging for supplies at each stop and clearing obstacles along the way. The journey went smoothly.
Of course, even if petty thieves showed up, they'd have to flee at the sight of such a formidable party.
"We're here!"
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