"Everyone’s still fine. Zhu Bei has already built so rapport with Alchemist Zhou. As long as we handle things carefully from now on, I think we’ll be able to earn Alchemist Zhou’s favor," one of the clan elders said.
His na was Zhu Ding, and he belonged to the sa bloodline as Zhu Bei.
This ti, when Zhu Bei shifted his focus from the assessnt to expanding connections, he had Zhu Ding’s full support.
After all, getting acquainted with alchemists is no easy feat, especially those with real talent. They all drive a hard bargain—if you don’t invest enough resources, most won’t bother associating with clans like ours.
Hearing this, Zhu Zhen let out a deep sigh.
"It really is so unexpected. Who would’ve thought Niu Xi over there actually managed to befriend an alchemist prospect."
"Yeah, too bad we found out a little too late."
Imdiately, everyone seed a bit crestfallen, and so of the elders started pressing Zhu Er.
"Zhu Er is, after all, just a minor steward. Not much experience. When sothing like this cos up, it’s easy to lose grip."
"Exactly. I was opposed to Zhu Er substituting for Zhu Ming and staying on at Platinum Immortal City in the first place."
Zhu Ding’s face was blank—he knew saying anything now would just bring him more trouble.
Zhu Zhen waved his hand and said, "Since what’s done is done, there’s no point in harping on it. Still, Zhu Er just barely took over at Platinum Immortal City—switching him out so suddenly wouldn’t be good either. Let him think of a way to make up for his mistakes. Third Uncle, this is your responsibility to keep tabs on."
Zhu Ding’s expression softened a little and he nodded.
The Clan Leader, being a Qi Cultivation late-stage cultivator, held sway while the other late-stage elders remained silent. That left the mid-stage elders with no choice but to hold their tongues, so—just like that—the matter with Zhu Er was brushed aside for now.
But that was just the beginning. Whether everyone would really be satisfied depended on what happened next.
Then, the group moved on to their real purpose for gathering here.
Naly, how to deal with Niu Xi.
"Niu Xi really does have so damn luck... so nobody alchemist from the Mayfly World ends up with this kind of talent, it’s just—"
One of the elders suddenly blurted out.
At once, a few of the elders’ expressions darkened, especially Zhu Ding’s.
Zhu Er had already made friends with Lu Chang’sheng. If things had gone as planned and they’d brought him into the Zhu Family, it wouldn’t have been long before the Zhu clan had an alchemist truly their own, instead of this embarrassing limbo.
Seeing a few elders looked like they wanted to say sothing, Zhu Ding stepped forward and said, "Admittedly, this ss is Zhu Er’s fault. Still, the Clan Leader must’ve thought it over—Zhu Er is more familiar with Lu Chang’sheng, and after all, he did bring him to the Spirit Realm. That favor is no small thing."
"There’s also the fact that Lu Chang’sheng’s roots are in the Mayfly World. If he doesn’t know which side his bread is buttered on, then, his family in the Great Yuan territory—"
Zhu Ding didn’t get to finish before being brusquely cut off.
"That’s the worst possible plan. If they could beco allies, great—but if not, we cannot make an enemy out of him either."
Zhu Zhen’s eyes were sharp as daggers.
"The Zhu Family clawed its way up from nothing because we’ve always been careful!" he said deeply, then turned to Zhu Ding. "Third Uncle, don’t get involved in this anymore. Let Sixth Uncle handle it."
Zhu Ding looked unhappy, but t Zhu Zhen’s icy gaze—and imdiately bowed his head, answering ekly, "On this matter, I’ll do whatever the Clan Leader instructs."
Zhu Zhen withdrew his gaze, speaking blandly, "That Lu Chang’sheng isn’t the rookie Qi Cultivator fresh out of the Mayfly World anymore. Whatever little sches you might be thinking of, drop them now—or don’t bla for being ruthless."
"Right now, the top priority is resolving things with Niu Xi and doing everything we can to erase any grudges. Fifth Uncle, Sixth Uncle—this is your job to handle."
The Fifth Uncle in question was Zhu Fang, who happened to be Niu Xi’s father-in-law.
The real reason Niu Xi hadn’t left the Zhu Family all these years was mostly those two kids.
Zhu Zhen called out Zhu Fang by na, making it clear he expected him to handle the matter properly.
"Don’t worry, I’ve already told i everything. There won’t be any slip-ups. That girl may be a little wild in so ways, but she knows what’s what!" Zhu Fang nodded and replied with a smile.
But before he’d barely finished speaking, a faint commotion could be heard from outside.
Zhu Fang frowned, about to send a servant to check things out, but just then, a figure ca running over in a panic.
"Bad news, sir! Young Miss and Niu Xi are fighting!"
"What!"
A gathering of otherwise calm Zhu Family higher-ups suddenly shot to their feet in unison, anger flashing across their faces as they rushed to the side courtyard.
Soon, the group arrived at the side courtyard.
The place was an utter ss.
The female cultivator Zhu i, radiating a fierce and wild presence, was hurling magic talisman seals at Niu Xi again and again.
Niu Xi, anwhile, dodged as best he could, relying on his magical artifacts and talismans.
Previously, Niu Xi had been provoked by Zhu i’s words and attitude, finally losing his temper. As it happened, Zhu i had long been a powder keg waiting to blow—one spark and the whole thing exploded.
Just one sentence: "What, you think I’m doing you a favor?"—and she imdiately started launching talismans, nearly burning Niu Xi to ashes.
The two were both at the third level of Qi Cultivation, evenly matched in strength. But Niu Xi eventually regained his senses and, filled with hesitation, couldn’t bring himself to strike hard. That left him cornered and desperate under Zhu i’s attack.
Zhu Fang had long doted on his daughter Zhu i as if she were his own heart and soul. If he made just one careless move and she got hurt, it would certainly be a catastrophe.
The only reason he’d lasted so long in the Zhu Family was because he’d always kept his head down; if he’d ever acted impulsively, he’d have probably died in a gutter years ago.
"Enough! Stop this!"
At that very mont, a stern voice thundered out.
"Clan Leader, Father—you got here just in ti. This man never learns! He barged into my courtyard intending to take advantage of . Quick—help !"
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