High Gate Cui Family, the Plague Ghost Sets Out!

To prevent potential attacks by cultists, and to ensure the safety of the General Headquarters' envoy,

Lin Shiquan was put under 'protection' again.

Because there are more important things to do.

What does "the High Gate Cui Family" mean?

During the three-person meeting, Zhang Fusheng sat at the other end of the round table, frowned, and tapped on the table.

What kind of force is this?

"In short, prominent and powerful families," Chen Daoling succinctly stated, "Can be understood as aristocratic clans."

"Is it that impressive?"

"Being called a 'high-ranking family' means that there is at least one ancient monster at the innate level in the Lineage."

Innate

Zhang Fusheng's expression relaxed slightly; it was definitely not low.

But to say it's high-end or expensive?

It wouldn't force me to look up to it.

In a sense, he himself is half Innate Great Realm.

"However, the situation with the Cui family is a little different," Zhao Wenting said calmly. "The Cui family is a branch of the Qinghe Province Cui Clan."

"The Qinghe Cui Clan is a true powerful clan, with members who stand in the realm of gods—of course, they have nothing to do with us, and the Qinghe Cui Clan looks down on the Cui family of the Golden Province."

After pausing for a moment, he continued:

"But in our High Gate Cui Family, there is a Celestial Person, though he has been critically ill for many years, suffering from a severe injury that has never healed, and has spent more than 90% of his time in a deep slumber."

"Recently, there have been rumors that the Cui family's Celestial Person, who is only a little over a thousand years old, is nearing the end of his life."

Zhang Fusheng raised an eyebrow.

A Grandmaster's lifespan is three hundred years, while a Primordial Being's is only eight hundred years. However, Celestial Person suddenly gains five thousand years of lifespan.

He's only a little over a thousand years old, yet his lifespan is nearing its end?

It seems the injury is indeed quite serious.

After a moment's thought, he said:

"So what exactly do these people from the Cui family want?"

A moment ago, a report came from below that the High Gate Cui Family in Golden City, had called to say they would be visiting soon.

Chen Daoling shrugged:

"What else could it be? Picking the fruits of others' labor. In a sense, the tentacles of these powerful families run even deeper than those of the governor."

He pondered for a moment, his expression slightly hardening:

"While I can temporarily deceive the headquarters by using my position as the garrison commander, I cannot deceive these powerful families. The Cui family must know about the special circumstances in Chongyang City and want to get a share of the pie."

As they spoke, both Chen Daoling and Zhao Wenting turned their gazes to Zhang Fusheng, who asked:

"Director Zhang, what do you think of this? Should we share the pie with them?"

Although Zhang Fusheng was ostensibly a master who had ignited the Body Furnace Fire, the two dared not underestimate him in the slightest.

The reason is quite simple.

As a fellow member of the Gaotian Association, Director Zhang was highly regarded by [the True Person].

It could even be said that even Old Hu had to treat this master of physical strength with utmost respect.

Zhang Fusheng replied without hesitation:

"As I said before, although the True Person didn't explicitly state it, we, the people below, must do everything well—the Double Ninth Festival can only be the Double Ninth Festival of the Gaotian Association."

"This concerns me, you and him, and the interests of every one of us."

Under the dim light, Zhang Fusheng, who looked quite young—sometimes a youth and sometimes a boy—exuded a unique sense of authority.

Faced with Zhang Wenting and Chen Daoling, both of whom held higher positions than him on the Trio Arbitration Committee, they made the final decision at this moment:

"If the Cui family comes with sincerity, we can accept them into the Gaotian Association."

"This has always been the mission of the Gaotian Association."

"But if they want to pick the fruit? Then drive them out."

Zhao Wenting and Chen Daoling nodded silently, the latter then offering a reminder:

"There are many powerful and influential families in the Golden Province, but have you ever wondered why only the Cui family wants to come to the chaotic Chongyang Festival and try to get a share of the spoils?"

Zhang Fusheng casually tossed a Calming Tea into his mouth, chewed it, and swallowed it. The slight, volatile Malevolent Energy that had just begun to rise in his mind and could have clouded his judgment vanished instantly.

He calmly said:

"Because the Celestial Person of the Cui family is nearing his death."

"The difference between a high-ranking family that possesses Celestial Person and one that does not is probably greater than I imagined."

After pausing for a moment, Zhang Fusheng stood up, buttoned his shirt, and said calmly:

"The Cui family wants to make one last fortune before the Celestial Person dies—no one wants to provoke a Celestial Person who is nearing the end of his lifespan and is willing to fight to the death."

"Such a Celestial Person is perfectly capable of taking some others down with him before he dies, isn't he?"

Zhao Wenting and Chen Daoling exchanged a glance, and the latter exclaimed in admiration:

"I didn't expect you to see it so clearly. I thought your perspective would be limited since you've only just begun to explore these topics."

Zhang Fusheng chuckled, did not answer, nodded slightly, and then pushed open the door and left the conference room.

He glanced sideways at the Martial Arts Master:

"Bring Lin Shiquan to see me tonight."

"Yes, Director Zhang."

This Martial Arts Master, who held an extremely high position in the outside world and could be considered a great figure, bowed his head towards the young man.

First District, Villas.

The high and mighty Director-General is playing rock-paper-scissors with Zhang Xiaoxi.

"I won again."

Zhang Fusheng sat upright and smiled as he said:

"You've lost twelve hands in a row, shouldn't you go wash the dishes? What, trying to cheat again?"

"I don't care, this is the last round!"

Zhang Xiaoxi started acting like a scoundrel again, puffing out her cheeks:

"Come on, let's settle this with one last round. The loser has to do the dishes!"

"OK."

Zhang Fusheng stared intently at his younger cousin, observing the point where every muscle in her body was engaged.

The moment Zhang Xiaoxi made her move, she had already discerned the opponent's specific actions.

"Cloth against stone."

Zhang Fusheng said with a smile:

"You lost again, go wash the dishes!"

Zhang Xiaoxi let out a howl and walked angrily into the kitchen, while Zhang Wentao and Zhou Guifang chuckled to themselves.

Old Zhang shook his head:

"Can't you just give in to Xiaoxi a little?"

"I'll let her?"

Zhang Fusheng glanced sideways and pursed his lips:

"That's absolutely impossible."

He leaned back lazily on the sofa, stretched slightly, feeling comfortable, relaxed, soothed, and peaceful.

Here, he is truly Zhang Fusheng.

Instead of the Director-General or the Great Celestial Venerable.

At this moment, Zhang Fusheng realized that he was still a human being—not some scheming brute who could only scheme and plot, and whose only solution was to smash someone's head with a single punch.

"It's actually quite fine like this."

The thought had barely formed when he immediately rejected it, a sense of unease creeping into his heart.

How can I slack off?

How can I slack off?

I can't even kill a Primordial Being or Celestial Person with one punch!

I'm still too weak!

Zhang Fusheng closed his eyes slightly, then opened them again, looking at his parents who were leaning together, eating sunflower seeds and watching TV.

In this absurd and crazy world, a peaceful life requires enough strength to protect it.

Speaking of which, what was my original aspiration again?

I remember now.

I want to learn martial arts and become more powerful.

The same applies now.

Thoughts flashed by, the mind became clear, and all distracting thoughts vanished.

He continued to lazily sink into the sofa, listening to his parents' nagging and the clattering of dishes as Zhang Xiaoxi angrily washed them in the kitchen.

That's great.

'Ring ring!'

The landline phone in the living room, which was almost just for decoration, suddenly started vibrating.

"I'll go pick it up."

Zhang Fusheng stood up, walked over, and casually picked up the phone:

"Hello?"

A young woman's voice came from the other end of the phone:

"Zhang Fusheng?"

Zhang Fusheng frowned. At this point, there weren't many people who dared to speak to him like that.

Even Old Hu would only offer a token politeness, addressing Zhang as Director Zhang.

He said calmly:

"Who are you?"

"My surname is Cui, the Cui from the Cui family."

The woman on the other end of the phone spoke with an air of arrogance, her voice indifferent:

"I called Zhao Wenting and Chen Daoling first, and they said, 'It's not easy for you to make up your mind.'"

Zhang Fusheng's expression darkened.

They just moved here a short time ago.

He didn't even know his landline had been dialed, yet a call had come in from the High Gate Cui Family in Golden City?

"What's up?"

His tone became somewhat cold.

The woman on the other end of the phone seemed somewhat displeased, but remained patient:

"Let's discuss the handover. A month from now, once the Chongyang Uprising has been completely quelled, we'll come over and complete the handover as soon as possible."

Zhang Fusheng frowned:

"What handover?"

The woman on the phone laughed:

"Regarding the handover of duties, Chen Daoling's position will remain unchanged. You and Zhao Wenting will both need to complete the handover process. Of course, the Cui family will not treat you unfairly."

The woman continued speaking as if everything were perfectly natural:

"At that time, you two will be provided with lavish treatment, your whole family can live in Golden City, and there will also be a ten-year supply of resources without any liability. That's settled."

Zhang Fusheng remained silent.

He wasn't angry; he was simply silent because he had nothing to say.

"Where is he?" the woman asked, frowning.

Zhang Fusheng took a Pure Qi and patiently asked:

"May I have your name?"

"Cui Qingyi"

The woman said calmly:

"Also, using honorifics, I don't want to be reminded again."

Before he could finish speaking, Zhang Fusheng hung up the phone and dialed Hu Zhongli's number.

"Old Hu, has the High Gate Cui Family relapsed?"

On the other end of the phone, Hu Zhongli gave a wry smile:

Wen Tingcai told me that I don't need to worry too much, and I shouldn't have any conflict with the other party for the time being, until that Celestial Person passes away.

Zhang Fusheng shook his head, exchanged a few casual pleasantries with Hu Zhongli, and then hung up the phone again.

"Fusheng, what happened?" Dad asked.

"No, it's something from headquarters."

Zhang Fusheng answered casually, walked to the side hall, pondered for a moment, and then said that this time the money was allocated to Chen Daoling.

"Second Martial Uncle," he said calmly, "I need information on one person."

"Who?"

"Cui Qingyi"

On the other end of the phone, Chen Daoling nodded in surprise but readily agreed:

"No problem, I'll have my friend at headquarters send over the documents. Please wait a moment."

A few minutes later, Zhang Fusheng received a file on his mobile phone.

He examined her for a moment. Cui Qingyi, a prodigy from the Cui family, possessed exceptional talent and had access to a vast amount of resources.

At only thirty-three years old, he had already ignited the Body Furnace Fire, making him a true martial arts master.

Their residence was in the Golden City.

Zhang Fusheng remained calm and closed his eyes slightly.

At the same time.

Waiting Area, deep in the Great Wilderness.

The crimson plague demon raised its head and stood up, followed by the thirty-one Ghastly Skeleton at the Grandmaster level.

They donned long black robes and hoods, their figures concealed in the shadows, and made their way step by step toward the Waiting Area.

Then, Chongyang City.

"Old Hu, I'd like to use the waterway leading to the Golden City to smuggle some people there."

"Okay, I'll arrange it."

"Thank you very much Old Hu."

"There's no need for thanks between us. Just don't make too much of a fuss."

"I know."

Zhang Fusheng hung up the phone expressionlessly, returned to the sofa, and sank back into it, lounging comfortably.

After washing the dishes, Zhang Xiaoxi stormed out of the kitchen. Seeing her younger cousin looking so relaxed, she became even angrier.

She plopped down on the sofa, shifting from side to side, seemingly feeling uncomfortable all over.

She simply collapsed onto the sofa, kicking Zhang Fusheng with her little feet.

"Are you out of your mind?"

Zhang Fusheng grabbed her and smacked her on the head, leaving three large bumps.

Zhang Xiaoxi screamed.

Amidst their playful banter, Zhang Fusheng's gaze became incredibly profound.

Cui family

They had originally thought they could still cooperate and bring the other party into the Gaotian Association.

What a pity.

In my perception, far away, within the Waiting Area, led by the Plague Demon, thirty-one Grandmaster skeletons have entered the core area of Waiting Area.

One by one, the men in black robes began their 'smuggling' journey.

The Cui family still has a Celestial Person who is not someone I can defeat for the time being, and I need time.

We can only let the Cui family descend into chaos first.

"Plague demon, let me see what you're capable of."

Zhang Fusheng let go, Zhang Xiaoxi fell to the ground with a thud, cried out in pain, and then pounced on him again, baring her teeth and claws.