Ancestral Sacrifice! (Seeking Follow-up Reads)

The Fang Family of the Royal City!

Those who had lived long in the Prefecture City knew nothing of a family wielding immense power in the imperial capital, thousands of miles away.

Also named Fang, it even shared the same roots as the Prefecture City's Fang Family.

"Three thousand years ago, a branch of the Prefecture City's Fang Family left. Later, they joined the founding emperor in his great enterprise, campaigned far and wide, and repeatedly achieved outstanding feats, earning the title of Dingguo Duke."

A knowledgeable person spoke up to explain.

"To reward the Fang Family's unparalleled contributions, the first emperor granted them a hereditary dukedom that could be passed down through generations, ensuring endless glory and wealth."

"If that's the case, the Fang Family of the Royal City must be far stronger than the one here in the Prefecture City," someone exclaimed in awe.

"Naturally. The Fang Family of the Royal City has enjoyed imperial favor for generations, producing one expert after another."

The old man sighed in admiration: "They are truly a top-tier clan standing firm within the Great Zhou Dynasty."

"The Fang Family really does produce talent after talent."

The Prefecture City's Fang Family already weighed on them like a mountain, and now there was an even more powerful Royal City branch—truly astonishing.

"Greetings, Dingguo Duke."

The Prefecture Lord, a high-ranking official governing a region, could only bow respectfully before a duke with such real power.

Under everyone's gaze, the members of the Royal City's Fang Family were welcomed into the Prefecture Lord's Mansion.

"Aren't these two Fang Families from the same root? Why hasn't anyone from the Prefecture City's Fang Family shown up?" someone wondered.

But his confusion was destined to go unanswered.

Those who knew a bit of the inside story all had some standing and dared not discuss the matter, lest they invite trouble.

With the Dingguo Duke's visit, the various noble families and sects in the city all sent gifts.

To that end, the Prefecture Lord, with Fang Runan's consent, set up a banquet to entertain the representatives from all factions in the city.

The elders talked about everything under the sun, but few of the younger generation were allowed at the main table, so they soon gathered in the outer courtyard.

The Dingguo Duke's second son, Fang Xuan, was naturally the center of attention, surrounded like stars around the moon, with endless flattery ringing in his ears.

"I have long admired Fang Xuan's bearing, and now that I see it, you are truly outstanding."

"I imagine that with Fang Xuan's talent, even among the gathered prodigies of the Royal Capital, you would stand out."

Fang Xuan looked to be in his early twenties, with a handsome face, dressed in splendid embroidered robes with gold-thread patterns on the shoulders.

He reveled in the adoring gazes of others.

As one of the most outstanding disciples of this generation in the Royal City's Fang Family, and the son of the Dingguo Duke, his future was destined to be boundless.

"What a pity that Fang Yuan isn't here. Otherwise, we could have witnessed the brilliance of two unparalleled geniuses."

No one knew who let that slip.

The harmonious atmosphere instantly turned somewhat strange.

Any faction in the city with a bit of background knew the relationship between the two families—it was far from cordial.

Mentioning Fang Yuan was like an indelible thorn in Fang Xuan's heart, and his face darkened.

He had grown up in luxury, with a distinguished family background and a father of high rank and power.

Yet the Qilin Child of the Royal City's Fang Family couldn't compare to that one from the Prefecture City's branch—it was a profound humiliation.

He had broken through to the Houtian Realm at eighteen, shocking the Royal City, directly entering the Azure Cloud Ranking, and the elders of the Azure Cloud Academy had personally come down the mountain to invite him.

His breakthrough speed was a full year faster than his elder brother, who had nearly set the Great Zhou Dynasty's Foundation Establishment record!

The family had placed great hopes on him.

But just a few years later, the fifteen-year-old Fang Yuan stepped into the Houtian Realm even earlier, and the news swept through the dynasty like a hurricane!

The Azure Cloud Academy also sent an elder down the mountain to invite him, but he refused.

For a time, Fang Xuan could only console himself with his cultivation advantage, clinging to his remaining pride.

Yet in less than two years, the other had caught up to his level!

It wasn't until Fang Yuan failed the Azure Cloud Sect's trial that Fang Xuan finally released the pent-up emotions in his heart.

Why should all the glory belong to you? Why must the woman he admired be betrothed to you?

"Indeed, it is a pity."

Fang Xuan's gaze was deep as he took a light sip of the wine in his cup, a faint smile on his lips.

Not long ago, his cultivation had advanced again, while Fang Yuan, who had returned gravely injured, would be lucky just to keep his life.

If he were actually here, all the suppressed emotions of these years could be fully released!

Seeing this, Chang Qing narrowed his eyes and spoke with a smile: "Even if Fang Yuan were here, he could only be overshadowed by Fang Xuan's brilliance."

"There have always been rumors that he broke through to the Ninth Layer Houtian Realm, but I think those are all false reports."

Wang Cheng, not one to let an opportunity pass, pretended to scold him: "Brother Chang, you can't say that."

"Yesterday at the Imperial Fragrance Tower, he personally admitted to killing over a dozen Chieftains, including some at the Ninth Layer Houtian Realm."

At these words, Fang Xuan's brows furrowed tightly, and even his heart couldn't help but jolt.

He had solid intelligence.

After Fang Yuan's trial at Azure Cloud Sect, he had returned severely injured, his dantian damaged.

Even if the Prefecture City Fang Family exhausted all their resources to swiftly heal his injuries and even repair his dantian, he wouldn't find it strange.

But in such a short time, wanting to raise his cultivation level was absolutely impossible!

"No wonder he failed the Azure Cloud Sect trial—such wild talk, even the Ninth Prince wouldn't dare say that." Fang Xuan sneered.

"But if he uses this kind of reputation to tarnish our Fang Family's honor, I won't let him off."

The Royal City and Prefecture City Fang Families had indeed been separated for many years, but they were still of the same root, required to return to the Ancestral Land regularly for ancestor worship.

Whether ordinary people or Cultivators, they all cherished their reputation and cared deeply about family standing and conduct.

Seeing Fang Xuan's indignant expression, Chang Qing couldn't help but add a few words to elevate the mood, yet inwardly he couldn't suppress a secret smugness.

Soon the banquet dispersed, and everyone took their leave.

The next day.

The Royal City Fang Family's procession set off in grand style toward Qixi County, with the Prefecture Governor seeing them off at the city gate.

They had come from the Royal Capital over ten thousand li away, their schedule tightly packed, needing to reach the Ancestral Land before New Moon.

As for the Prefecture City Fang Family, they had long since prepared everything, ready to head to the Ancestral Land at any moment.

The two groups left the city almost back-to-back, drawing many onlookers to stop and watch.

"Once we arrive at the Ancestral Land, act according to family rules and try not to clash with them," Fang Zhongwu instructed.

Ancestor worship was the family's top priority.

Aside from the experts who had to guard the family, all elders without pressing duties and outstanding juniors were required to accompany the trip.

"The Grand Elder isn't coming?"

Fang Man's gaze swept through the crowd, but he didn't see the Grand Elder's figure.

"He needs to guard the family and can't leave," a companion reminded him.

Fang Yuan often read ancient texts and various historical records in the library, knowing some hidden secrets, but he didn't bring them up on his own.

Fifty years ago.

The relationship between the Royal City and Prefecture City Fang Families had still been harmonious and cordial, with frequent exchanges.

But later, some变故 occurred, and the relationship between the two families plummeted to freezing point.

The details of that incident were not elaborated on, but all vaguely pointed to one person.

That was the Fang Family's current Grand Elder.

"I hope this trip goes smoothly."

In matters as significant as ancestor worship, Fang Yuan still held reverence.

The Fang Family had arranged the route in advance, sending people ahead to prepare supplies at various points and clear obstacles, ensuring a smooth journey.

Of course, even if there were petty villains, seeing such a lineup, they would keep their distance.

"We've arrived!"