Breaking Clan, Yang Wudi

The Star Luo Imperial Family's system, put plainly, laid the struggle for the heir apparent out in the open. Life and death were disregarded; the capable would take the position.

The victor became the heir apparent, while the loser had only death awaiting them.

Though the system was cruel, its advantage was that it ensured every ruler was capable. This was also one of the main reasons the Star Luo Empire had always held the Heaven Dou Empire down.

Chen Xi withdrew his gaze from Zhu Zhuqing, his dark purple eyes slowly closing.

In Chen Xi's view, the Star Luo Imperial Family's system was not truly difficult to resolve. He did not mind helping Zhu Zhuqing settle it, but certainly not now.

The carriage sped along the smooth ancient road.

Zhu Zhuqing glanced at Chen Xi, who was resting with his eyes closed, then leaned back and lay down in the carriage. Before long, she fell into a deep sleep.

Dragon Rise City.

A small frontier city within the Star Luo Empire.

Although Dragon Rise City was rather remote, the Breaking Clan had moved here many years ago and conducted trade with the two great empires through the medicines they refined. As a result, Dragon Rise City had become somewhat well-known within the Star Luo Empire.

The sky gradually darkened.

Yang Wushuang drove the carriage through the somewhat empty streets before finally stopping in front of a residence.

Sensing the carriage stop, Chen Xi raised the curtain over the window and looked toward the residence before them.

Though the residence was not luxurious, it possessed an antique charm. Above its entrance was an emblem resembling a long spear, displaying the identity of the household.

Two plainly dressed young men stood on either side of the black gates, their backs as straight as spears.

"This is the residence of our Breaking Clan. If you—"

One of the young men stepped forward, but when he clearly saw Yang Wushuang's face, his words abruptly stopped.

"What?"

"Don't recognize me anymore?"

Yang Wushuang jumped down from the carriage and patted the young man on the shoulder.

"S-Second Clan Leader..."

"You've returned?"

The young man's voice carried surprise and disbelief.

"Yes, I'm back."

"Is my elder brother in the residence?"

Yang Wushuang nodded lightly.

"He is!"

"Second Clan Leader, I'll inform the Clan Leader at once!"

The young man gave Yang Wushuang a slight bow, then headed into the residence.

Chen Xi and Zhu Zhuqing also stepped down from the carriage and came to Yang Wushuang's side.

"Young Master, we can go straight in."

Yang Wushuang made a welcoming gesture and led Chen Xi and Zhu Zhuqing into the residence.

They had only just entered the residence.

When a hearty laugh rang out from within.

"Hahaha..."

"Wushuang, you're back."

A man who looked eighty percent like Yang Wushuang ran out from the residence and pulled Yang Wushuang into an embrace.

"Elder Brother, it has been twelve years since we last met."

"You've aged somewhat compared to before."

A hint of emotion appeared in Yang Wushuang's eyes as he looked at Yang Wudi before him.

"It's good that you're back."

"It's good that you're back."

Yang Wudi gave Yang Wushuang several heavy pats, then turned his gaze toward Chen Xi and Zhu Zhuqing. "Wushuang, who are these two?"

"Elder Brother, let me introduce them."

"This young master is Chen Xi. If not for him, I would not have been able to return to the Breaking Clan. Strictly speaking, I am now his subordinate."

"This is Zhu Zhuqing. We rescued her on the way back, and she is still injured."

Yang Wushuang softly introduced Chen Xi and Zhu Zhuqing.

"An injury is no problem."

"Our Breaking Clan has many medicines that help injuries heal."

"Someone, first take this young lady to have her injuries examined. Bring her some medicine that will aid her recovery."

Yang Wudi waved to a clansman at the side. Someone immediately stepped forward and led Zhu Zhuqing toward the place where the medicines were stored.

After Zhu Zhuqing left, Yang Wudi turned his gaze toward Chen Xi and repeatedly sized him up.

"This young master, Wushuang did not explain in detail, but I imagine your help to him was no small matter. On behalf of the Breaking Clan, I offer you our thanks."

Yang Wudi bowed slightly and saluted Chen Xi.

But Chen Xi quietly avoided it.

"You are too courteous, Senior."

"The one who truly helped Uncle Yang was my older sister. I really did not help Uncle Yang much. Rather, Uncle Yang took greater care of me throughout the journey."

Chen Xi very politely performed the greeting a junior would use upon meeting a senior toward Yang Wushuang.

"Haha..."

"I don't know others, but I know Wushuang all too well."

"This is not a place for conversation. Let us speak inside."

Yang Wudi laughed heartily and led Yang Wushuang and Chen Xi toward the main hall.

After entering the main hall.

Everyone took their seats according to status.

After Yang Wudi had someone prepare tea and pastries, he turned his gaze toward Yang Wushuang.

"Wushuang, weren't you captured by Spirit Hall back then?"

"How did you escape? Tell me everything in detail."

Yang Wudi asked.

Hearing this, Yang Wushuang cleared his throat and began recounting the story. Of course, the version he told was the one he had discussed with Chen Xi beforehand.

"Elder Brother, that was roughly what happened."

"We returned this time for two reasons. First, to see you, Elder Brother. Second, to invite you to join us."

Yang Wushuang spoke softly.

Yang Wudi nodded slightly and turned his gaze toward Chen Xi.

"We are deeply grateful for the help you gave Wushuang. On behalf of the Breaking Clan, whatever you need our help with, the Breaking Clan will not refuse!"

"But bringing the entire Breaking Clan to join you is something I must consider carefully."

Yang Wudi gave Chen Xi a gentle smile.

"Of course."

"Bringing an entire clan to join us is a major matter. Naturally, it cannot be handled carelessly."

"Uncle Yang, I came in a hurry this time and did not bring much. Please accept this as a meeting gift."

Chen Xi took the Aromatic Silk Beauty from his bracelet and held it in his palm.

"Aromatic Silk Beauty!"

Yang Wudi rose from his seat, staring fixedly at the Aromatic Silk Beauty in Chen Xi's hand. Even his breathing became somewhat hurried.

If Yang Wudi had still needed to carefully consider whether to bring the entire Breaking Clan to join Chen Xi just moments ago, then now, upon seeing the Aromatic Silk Beauty in Chen Xi's hand, he practically wanted to join immediately.

After all, with the Aromatic Silk Beauty, he would no longer need to have any reservations when refining medicine.

"Ahem, Elder Brother, restrain yourself a little."

Yang Wushuang coughed lightly and reached out to tug on Yang Wudi's sleeve.

Hearing Yang Wushuang's words, Yang Wudi came back to himself. He felt that staring so fixedly at a child just now did seem a little impolite.