Therefore, when these obscure and mysterious words were spoken, they seemed to carry a certain persuasive power, causing everyone to feel a jolt of spirit.

The representative of the Dong Family sighed, "We still honor the Fan Family as the leader, but everyone knows that the Fan Family has encountered constant misfortunes over the years. Fifteen years ago, the son of the Patriarch of the Fan Family, Fan Wubing, was born. He had a naturally malevolent appearance, and when the red light appeared, it was followed by continuous rain, oppressing the entire city. Six years ago, during a battle of the immortals, a ball of fire fell into the Fan Family, causing severe damage, and even the Patriarch's wife perished. We all thought that once Fan Wubing joined the Eternal Immortal Sect, the family's luck would change, but not only did it not change in the slightest, it is said that even Enlightenment Peak was affected."

The elder of the Fan Family angrily retorted, "Dong Xiao, stop talking nonsense. What oppression of the whole city? Who doesn't know that it was at the end of January, a season of continuous rain. As for Enlightenment Peak, it began to decline thirty years ago. How can this be blamed on Fan Wubing?"

The representative of the Dong Family asked, "Are you saying it has nothing to do with the Fan Family at all?"

"No!"

"Do you think everyone believes that?" The Dong Family representative looked at Fan Qi and said, "Patriarch Fan, I hope you consider the welfare of the entire Kuiyu City. Do not let the internal affairs of the Fan Family affect the fortune of the whole city."

Such words were extremely venomous, aiming to place the Fan Family in opposition to Kuiyu City. Fan Qi was uncertain in his heart, not knowing the best way to respond. He understood that at this point, mere words were useless; only with real confidence would others be convinced.

The confidence of the Fan Family nowadays... is not abundant.

There were conflicts both internally and externally.

Only two paths lay before them: One, to swallow the loss this time, bide their time, solve the internal conflicts first, which would mean that for many years, the Fan Family would stay on the sidelines, pushed to the edge of the core of Kuiyu City. Two, to hold their ground and not back down, but this would surely provoke a collective crisis, leading to sanctions on the Fan Family from all quarters. A slight mistake would result not in stepping aside but in being ousted from Kuiyu City.

At this moment, their core point of contention was that the Fan Family's ill fortune would affect the entire Kuiyu City if they were to take control of the spiritual mine in Little Abyss Valley.

This notion must be overturned.

But how to overturn it?

Amid the stalemate, a man wearing a steward's robe came in, "Patriarch, the flying ship of Canglang Country is parked on the empty ground outside the North Martial Arts Arena."

"Which country?"

"Canglang Country. Judging by the size and shape, it's the same one from ten years ago."

Fan Qi immediately spoke loudly, so that all present could hear clearly, "So, it's an imperial guest!"

"Yes."

"Quickly, come with me to greet them. Everyone, we have distinguished guests today, forgive the inconvenience, and we shall discuss at length another day."

Canglang Country's royal guests? Coming to the Fan Family?

Everyone's heart started to race. For what purpose? Did they come specifically, or just passing by? Does the Fan Family have a good relationship with the Canglang Country royal family?

Could it be that today it ends this way?

The representative of the Dong Family hurriedly stepped forward and said, "Patriarch Fan, we all have connections with Canglang Country, and with such esteemed guests, it's only right to show our respect and go greet them together."

"Yes, Dong Xiao is right."

Everyone agreed.

Fan Qi knew these people merely wanted to see what kind of relationship the Fan Family had with the Canglang Country royal family and whether it would affect their obvious schemes. Refusing now would only appear as guilt.

"In that case, let's go together."

Thus,

Zuo Junliang saw a large entourage coming to welcome them. He was slightly puzzled; there was no need for such a grand reception, as it wasn't a formal state visit but merely a temporary stopover.

Fan Wubing stepped out from behind Zuo Junliang, looking at this place that was both familiar and unfamiliar to him, filled with mixed emotions.

He said it was familiar, but it was only a psychological familiarity. In truth, due to his frail health in earlier years, he spent most of his time in a small courtyard and rarely went elsewhere.

He looked at the leading man in the crowd, and complex emotions surged in his heart.

This life's father, Fan Qi. Over the past ten years, Fan Qi seemed to have aged quite a bit, with heavy bags under his eyes and deep-set wrinkles nearby; even his steps were not as steady as they had once been.

"Welcome Prime Minister of Canglang Country, Lord Zuo Junliang." Fan Qi, upon stepping forward and seeing Zuo Junliang, respectfully saluted without looking closely.

Zuo Junliang did not accept the salute, taking a few steps forward to support Fan Qi's arms, smiling, "Patriarch Fan, there is no need for such formalities. There is no disparity in our statuses."

This statement not only stunned the others but also left Fan Qi astonished.

A Prime Minister of Canglang Country and a family patriarch of Kuiyu City, with no difference in status?

Was this said in earnest?

But from Zuo Junliang's demeanor, it did not seem like a joke. Fan Qi couldn't decipher his intention or dare to slight him, "Lord Zuo, please come this way, quickly, have a seat inside."

Zuo Junliang smiled, "There is no need for 'Lord'. If it feels too direct to use my name, you may call me Mr. Zuo. I used to teach."

What kind of attitude is this?

The representatives of other families were dumbfounded. Was this Prime Minister lowering his status to favorably speak to Fan Qi?

What exactly has happened! By no means should it be this way. Although Kuiyu City is not a subordinate city of Canglang Country, it has developed almost entirely under its influence, greatly subject to it. In terms of position, a Canglang Country Prime Minister ought to be far above the patriarch of a family in Kuiyu City.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.