"Yes, head to the mountainside!" Leng Ming nodded lightly.

Jiang Chen turned his head to Fang Tiancheng behind him: "Elder Fang, once we head up the mountain, quietly fall back during the procession. When the ceremony begins, stay near the Liu Family members. If any action begins, they will be your target!"

"Alright!"

Fang Tiancheng glanced at the Liu Family members and nodded slightly.

Although the Liu Family was merely a procurement clan with unimpressive strength, after following Jiang Chen for so long, Fang Tiancheng understood that their apparent lack of strength was just a facade. When Gene Organization's warriors don't unleash their real power, no one can truly gauge their level!

Tap. Tap. Tap!

The Zhou Family members, led by Zhou Dingguo, approached the group.

Zhou Dingguo gave everyone a sweeping glance and spoke loudly: "Today marks the ancestral ceremony of the Zhou Family. I welcome you all. I won't say much; please follow me up the mountain!"

The members of the Offering Group moved aside, creating some distance between themselves and Jiang Chen's group.

Jiang Chen and the others froze briefly, exchanged glances, and there was a hint of surprise in their eyes.

Could they have noticed something?!

"Stay calm!"

Jiang Chen released his Qi discreetly, transmitting his voice.

The group steadied themselves upon hearing Jiang Chen's words and regained their composure.

Zhou Dingguo, through the pathway cleared by the Offering Group, walked up to a large stone. He glanced at Jiang Chen's group, nodded lightly, and reached out to clutch a slightly protruding rock piece.

Snap!

Click. Click. Click!

Zhou Dingguo activated his Inner Qi, firmly pressing the rock and slowly rotating it.

Rumble!

The massive stone suddenly shifted aside, revealing a pitch-black tunnel.

"This..."

Jiang Chen froze slightly, staring in surprise at the dark opening.

Zhou Dingguo explained softly, "The Zhou Family Ancestral Hall isn't located on the mountainside but inside the mountain. This place also serves as our last line of defense against extermination."

Jiang Chen blinked, and realization dawned in his heart.

It seemed that after the Zhou Family was dethroned by other major forces, they had decided to establish such a mountain passage when choosing this place as their refuge. They knew they would inevitably become a thorn in the side of the ruling clans, so they built this pathway to escape in times of crisis.

"Everyone, please follow our footsteps carefully. There are many hidden mechanisms in the tunnel; any wrong steps, and you'll bear the consequences yourself! Of course, this journey is not compulsory. If anyone feels unsafe, they may choose not to proceed. This will not diminish the Zhou Family's gratitude for your attendance!" Zhou Dingguo admonished loudly before turning to enter the mountain.

"Mr. Jiang, I'll join you!"

Zhou Liecheng, along with Zhou Tong and Zhou Min, stopped near Jiang Chen's group.

Jiang Chen hesitated for a moment and looked around. After Zhou Dingguo entered the tunnel, the Zhou Family members began filing in, but several key figures didn't follow.

Zhou Liecheng had come to Jiang Chen's side, Zhou Wanrong went to the Offering Group, Zhou Jiang led Zhou Hai and Zhou Yuan to join the affiliated clans, yet no Zhou Family members headed toward the Liu Family.

"Liecheng, aren't the Liu Family members going in?" Jiang Chen frowned and asked.

Zhou Liecheng nodded gently: "The Liu Family is just a procurement clan, not even considered an affiliated clan. They are forbidden from entering the tunnel space, let alone the ancestral hall!"

"This..."

Jiang Chen hesitated briefly, opened his mouth to speak, then suddenly furrowed his brows and swiftly turned to glance at the forest on the mountainside.

"What's wrong?" Zhou Liecheng looked at the forest and asked Jiang Chen with puzzlement.

Jiang Chen shook his head lightly, "It's nothing. Let's go, Elder Fang, let's head inside!"

"Alright!" Fang Tiancheng nodded.

"The ancestral hall is far from this tunnel entrance; there's no need to worry about any disturbances inside being discovered." Zhou Liecheng, thinking Jiang Chen was worried about the Liu Family escaping, whispered in reassurance.

Jiang Chen was slightly taken aback but nodded lightly. Zhou Liecheng was implying that they could deal with the Liu Family later, but Jiang Chen knew in his heart—the Liu Family wouldn't be waiting for them to take action.

"Let's move!" Zhou Liecheng beckoned.

Jiang Chen and his companions followed Zhou Liecheng, Zhou Tong, and Zhou Min into the tunnel.

At the rear, Zhou Wanrong cast a glance at Jiang Chen and his companions, then signaled to Liu Zhicheng beside him.

Liu Zhicheng nodded slightly, a sharp and icy glint flashing in his eyes.

...

As they entered the mountain tunnel, they were greeted by a pitch-black passage. Yet, for individuals as capable as Jiang Chen's group, the darkness was merely faintly dim.

"This tunnel was constructed after our Zhou Family lost its position of dominance. Historically, only direct descendants of the Zhou Family could enter this place. Even the Offering Group is not qualified to access it!" Zhou Liecheng whispered.

Jiang Chen paused briefly and asked in surprise, "Then why is everyone allowed to enter this time?"

"Because, several years ago, most of the mechanisms in this tunnel were destroyed, and we lost control of it!"

Zhou Liecheng's expression dimmed slightly as he glanced at the Huangluo Clan and Yue Family, somewhat puzzled. "Why have I never seen these seniors before?"

"They only arrived today!" Leng Ming replied on their behalf.

Jiang Chen glanced at the new additions from the two clans, suddenly recalled something, and frowned: "Your ancestral hall is on the mountainside, isn't it?"

"Yes, it's on the mountainside. This tunnel leads there," Zhou Liecheng confirmed.

"Why don't we take the route from outside?" Jiang Chen's eyes revealed a hint of oddness.

Zhou Liecheng shook his head and replied in a muted tone: "I'm not sure. It's... it's that person who instructed us to use this path!"

"That person?!"

Jiang Chen's expression changed slightly, a vague sense of unease arising. He looked again at the new additions from the Huangluo Clan and Yue Family, and an inexplicable sense of relief surfaced within.

After nearly half an hour of walking, the group arrived at a massive stone chamber. The space spanned almost a thousand meters—large enough to accommodate everyone for a banquet.

"Welcome, everyone!" An aged voice echoed.

Rumble!

There was a sudden rumbling sound. On one side of the enormous stone chamber, a hidden door appeared, and an elderly man with snow-white hair and beard stepped out.

"Greetings to the Old Ancestor!"

"Greetings to the Old Ancestor!"

The Zhou Family members bowed collectively in respect.

Jiang Chen also glanced at this patriarch of the Zhou Family. His eyebrows slightly furrowed, and suspicion flickered in his gaze.

Strangely, this Zhou Family patriarch bore none of the characteristic aura of the Soul Devouring Group, but instead exuded a distinct presence aligned with the Gene Organization.

Inside Jiang Chen, the Heaven and Earth Dragon Origin Qi surged violently in response—detecting the life force of the Gene Organization.

Jiang Chen couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss!

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