Stepping forth from the East Hua Pavilion, the air still hummed with the lingering resonance of the Morning Hear Bell atop the Star Gazing Tower, its chime now leisurely fading.

The sound roused Jiang Wang from a haze of thought.

He had truly memorized the texts until his head swam and swelled, until the fear of failure sent shivers down his spine. Though he habitually applied himself diligently, failure this time meant a crime against the Emperor! The pressure was immense.

Never had he imagined that the Qi Heavenly Emperor would summon him to the East Hua Pavilion for a full hour, solely to randomly test his memorization!

This, at the critical juncture when an army was poised to strike at Xia.

The entire court, civil and military, awaited his decree.

Was this Great Qi Heavenly Emperor… perhaps a little *too* idle?

Yet, this idleness, this disregard for proper affairs on the eve of a grand war, this leisurely inclination to tease a young marquis even before the court session – it precisely instilled a sense of composure, a profound confidence…

A composure that surveys the world.

A confidence that grasps heaven and earth!

What is Xia Country? This worldly game of chess, what difficulty does it hold?

He, Jiang Shu, merely indulged in idle chat, summoned a young man to honestly recite scriptures, made a casual move… and mountains crumbled before the move!

Accompanied by the eunuch Qiu Ji, Jiang Wang stepped out of the palace city. A sense of calm had indeed settled within his heart.

“Lord Jiang, our family will see you no further.”

“Eunuch, please stay. I shall not lose my way in Linzi.”

It was only then that Qiu Ji offered a smile. Without another word, he returned directly into the palace.

Jiang Wang had not yet pondered if Qiu Ji’s words held any hidden meaning when he saw the curtain of a large sedan chair ahead being drawn back.

Heavy Xuan Sheng waved at him from within: “Come in!”

“What’s happening?” Jiang Wang asked as he settled into the sedan.

The sedan was already in motion, its bearers moving with a swift, flying gait.

Heavy Xuan Sheng, still squeezed beside Fourteen, merely waved a hand: “First tell me what happened to you! What did the Emperor seek you out for?”

“He wanted me to recite some texts,” Jiang Wang replied truthfully.

Heavy Xuan Sheng paused, perhaps not initially expecting the Qi Heavenly Emperor to be so… trivial. But he immediately continued: “It seems today’s court meeting will decide the commander for the attack on Xia!”

Jiang Wang was utterly bewildered as to how he connected these two things. However, he was already accustomed to this. It was enough to trust Heavy Xuan Sheng’s conclusions; the analytical process was not particularly important.

So, he shrugged: “Where are we headed now?”

“South Yao.” Heavy Xuan Sheng was likely still contemplating the political situation, a little distracted: “Pieces that have fallen for a long time should be gathered back.”

Red Yang County, South Yao City, the Lian Clan.

The foremost family of weapon masters in Great Qi.

One of the five recognized holy lands of weapon masters in the world.

Of course, this so-called “holy land” was merely a name to impress; it was far from comparable to the truly sacred sites like Hanging Empty Temple or Jade Capital Mountain.

Just as the world’s famous weapons are attached to individuals, wielded in their hands, one never hears of someone becoming strong *because* of a particular weapon. The weapon only becomes famous *because* of a strong individual.

Weapon masters, for the most part, rely on powerful forces for their existence; they themselves do not possess a great sense of independent being.

And through Jiang Wang and Lian Que’s connection, Heavy Xuan Sheng had already secretly laid out his plans within the South Yao Lian Clan for a considerable time.

In a crucial war like the attack on Xia, at the moment of final competition with Heavy Xuan Zun, he needed to gather all his strength.

Jiang Wang, of course, understood this. So, he closed his eyes, intending to cultivate: “Call me when we arrive.”

“No time!” Heavy Xuan Sheng suddenly shouted: “Stop the sedan!”

The sedan halted. He pushed Jiang Wang: “We must do this before the court meeting’s results reach South Yao City. We cannot wait to sit in the sedan.”

Great Qi’s armor is in Red Yang; Red Yang’s armor is in South Yao.

The importance of the Lian Clan was, of course, beyond doubt. The production of armor in South Yao City was also firmly held in the hands of the Qi Court.

But for expeditionary armies, with so many branches of troops, which unit should receive the finest armor? Who would be the first to be equipped, and who could receive reinforcements most quickly?

Under the overarching command of the court, the Lian Clan also possessed relative autonomy.

This power was crucial!

Thus, the former Fourteen Prince, Jiang Wu Yong, could only dream of touching it.

Once the court meeting concluded, and the commander for the attack on Xia was decided, the great war would immediately commence. At that time, among those participating in the war, there would undoubtedly be many individuals connected to the Lian Clan.

Thus, Heavy Xuan Sheng insisted on haste.

So, right there on the streets of Linzi, the three individuals rose into the air, soaring directly towards Red Yang County.

Jiang Wang’s fourth-rank blue plaque and Heavy Xuan Sheng’s family background played a significant role at this moment – almost no one dared to challenge them. The people who *could* challenge them were likely still participating in the court meeting in the Purple Extreme Hall!

The three individuals flew swiftly without obstruction, crossing mountains and ridges, traversing counties and cities. In just a few hours, they had reached South Yao City.

Heavy Xuan Sheng’s objective was clear; they landed directly before the Lian Clan’s ancestral temple.

Having flown so ostentatiously all the way from Linzi to South Yao City, and then heading straight for the Lian Clan’s ancestral temple, the Lian family naturally wouldn’t remain ignorant.

Lian Zhu Ping, the head of the Lian family, arrived with several family elders, their expressions unnatural, yet they forced smiles: “Young Master Heavy Xuan! Lord Jiang! To what do we owe this esteemed visit today?”

“This is not the place to speak,” he extended his hand to lead the way: “I have prepared a banquet at a wine house. Please, do us the honor.”

Today’s Lian Zhu Ping was vastly different from before! He had been so arrogant in the past, and now, so humble.

Jiang Wang remained silent.

Heavy Xuan Sheng, however, said casually: “I see no need. Some words should be spoken in a wine house, while others can only be spoken here!”

Lian Zhu Ping’s face sank: “Young Master Heavy Xuan, what is the meaning of this?”

No matter how you looked at it, he was the head of a clan, a very renowned family master. Heavy Xuan Sheng, no matter how noble his identity, was still so young, and had not yet inherited his title…

He had already forced a smile, choosing not to dwell on the other’s unrestrained demeanor. How could he still be pushed further, to the point of dismantling the roof?

Heavy Xuan Sheng, however, was too lazy to reason with him. He merely looked left and right, then said loudly: “Where is Lian Que?”

In the short time these few sentences were exchanged, many members of the Lian Clan had gathered in front of the ancestral temple.

Lian Que, with his sturdy frame, walked from a distance. Without saying a word, the crowd automatically parted to make way for him.

Having forged Long Xiang Si, that world-renowned weapon, and having operated with Heavy Xuan Sheng’s assistance for these past few years, his prestige within the Lian Clan was already vastly different. This silent parting of the crowd was a testament to his standing!

Lian Zhu Ping glared fiercely at him, his gaze like that of an old wolf sensing the aura of a new king within the pack: “Lian Que, what is the meaning of this? Colluding with outsiders today, stirring up trouble, is it your desire to disrespect our Lian Clan’s ancestral temple?”

Lian Que’s face was not one people particularly enjoyed looking at, as it was indeed not very handsome. But at this moment, people were compelled to look at him.

He first nodded at Jiang Wang, then looked towards Heavy Xuan Sheng: “Has the time come?”

Heavy Xuan Sheng chuckled: “If after all this time, we still need a so-called ‘time,’ then your efforts over these years can be said to be in vain! You might as well go to Blue Sheep Town to forge iron, and I might as well go there to sell steamed buns!”

Lian Que then laughed, though his laugh was not pleasant to behold: “I understand all the reasons, but why would you sell steamed buns?”

Heavy Xuan Sheng grinned: “Someone likes to eat them!”

Lian Que glanced at Fourteen…

Then he cast a comforting look at Jiang Wang.

Only then did he turn back to Lian Zhu Ping, saying very calmly: “The position of Lian Clan family master, from today onwards, belongs to me.”

His tone was not passionate, for he was not declaring war, nor did he wish to attack anyone. He was simply stating a fact.

Sometimes, he too felt a sense of bewilderment. Things he once considered insurmountable barriers, difficult situations he had vowed to change, a life he had sworn to devote everything to and struggle through, with the awareness of forging iron until his body burned –

But in just a few years, it had already become within reach.

After all, the young man who had come so far to Qi in the beginning had already grown into the foremost heavenly talent among the young generation of Qi Country.

After all, the disciple of the Heavy Xuan Clan who was not yet greatly respected at first could now contend with the “seizing all the glory of his generation” Heavy Xuan Zun in court.

After all, he himself had not wasted a single day in these past few years.

Thus, the agreement made at the wine stall back then should indeed yield a result today.

Lian Zhu Ping was both shocked and angry: “Absurd!”

He was angry at Lian Que’s attitude, but even more fearful of it.

He pointed at Lian Que and scolded: “You brat, do you think that by climbing onto the high branch of the Heavy Xuan family, by relying on the prestige of Marquis Bo Wang, you can dominate everything and even influence the position of my Lian family’s master?”

“You are truly both evil and foolish! How could the Red Yang County government allow this? How could the court stand by and watch?”

Amidst his guilty roar of anger, he did not forget to diminish the influence of the Heavy Xuan family, and he did not forget to bolster the confidence of those who supported him.

But Lian Que’s expression was strange: “What does this have to do with the Heavy Xuan family? Why would the Red Yang County government not allow it?”

His calm tone sharply contrasted with Lian Zhu Ping’s agitated demeanor: “This is our Lian Clan’s own decision.”

Lian Zhu Ping, at this point, naturally had a certain premonition. But he was unwilling to believe it.

He had been the family master for so many years, had operated for so long, had done so many things for this family… How old was Lian Que? He had only become famous in the past few years?

“Lian Clan?” He scoffed, though inevitably lacking some confidence, yet still exhausting his remaining strength, propping up his remaining prestige: “When can the Lian Clan be decided by you?”

Lian Que did not speak.

And at this moment, among the people surrounding the Lian Clan’s ancestral temple, more than half of them, almost simultaneously, lifted their heads and looked towards Lian Zhu Ping!

Their gazes held real weight at this moment.

What did Lian Que need to say?

In these past few years, the Lian Clan, through Lian Que’s connections, had received the support of the Heavy Xuan family, navigating the military world like fish in water. With every military order, they received the best conditions. Those troubles that had once hindered them at every turn, as long as Lian Que stepped forward, would vanish like smoke.

The entire Lian Clan, with several hundred people, and how many people were involved in the weapon forging industry surrounding the Lian Clan, who had not benefited from this?

What is the heart of the people? The heart of the people was right here!

And Lian Que, this person, though not smooth enough, and his methods not entirely refined, was absolutely a fair individual.

He would absolutely not let those who followed him suffer losses, and he would absolutely not wrongly distribute benefits. This alone far surpassed Lian Zhu Ping!

Lian Zhu Ping perhaps had once been considered an excellent family master. After all, in the Lian Clan, there had been no famous weapons forged for a long time, and without any military backing, he still managed to preserve the Lian family’s business. If not for merit, he at least had hard work.

But he was already old!

He was already over sixty, yet still had not reached the God Arrive realm, relying only on spiritual medicine to sustain himself, and thus his cultivation had not begun to decline.

He had not reached the God Arrive realm at this age, yet he still refused to give up! He continued to demand from the family, continued to occupy various resources, hoping for the day he would reach the God Arrive realm, hoping he could remain eternally young, breaking the limits of life.

Why did he lean towards the Fourteen Prince, Jiang Wu Yong? Why did he do things that skirted danger?

All stemmed from his unwillingness, his greed. He wanted things that were no longer attainable through normal channels; he wanted more!

Perhaps this was a common human emotion, but the people of the Lian Clan were no longer willing to understand. Because they had a better choice!

Within the crowd, a rising star of the Lian Clan, a young man named Lian Shao, was the first to speak: “The matters of the Lian Clan are, of course, to be decided by us, the Lian Clan ourselves. And I, Lian Shao, completely support Lian Que in taking over the family. I believe in him, just as I believe the Lian Clan still has a far future! I follow him precisely because I still have hope for this family!”

Initially, in the Seven Stars Tower secret realm, Jiang Wang had saved him once, and afterwards, he had completely sided with Lian Que.

And at this moment, under his leadership, one after another, the young people of the Lian Clan stepped forward to declare their stance.

“I believe in Lian Que!”

“If Lian Que does not become the family master, the Lian Clan has no future to speak of!”

Like a spark spreading, it had already become a prairie fire.

“Lian Shao!” Lian Zhu Ping, in anger and frustration, said in an angry voice: “Do not forget where your life plaque is!”

But the words had barely left his mouth when he realized he had been overwhelmed by anger and fear, and had spoken foolishly. Some facts could exist, and had indeed existed for a long time, but they should not be spoken aloud.

There was no time to ponder why he was making one blunder after another. Those Lian Clan members on the scene, including those who had initially remained neutral, all took a step forward.

The dense crowd, behind Lian Que, surged forward like a tide!

The life plaque system was a rigid foundation of the Lian Clan, and also an old rule and bad habit where a minority of high-level members exploited the majority of the clan members. Many people simply dared not speak out, but that did not mean they did not resent it.

Life and death were in others’ hands, and in the struggle for their own rights, they often faced threats like the one today… Who could not resent this?

Lian Zhu Ping had incurred public wrath!

Jiang Wang moved to conceal the fluctuations of the Calamity Fight Seal and also quietly dispersed the dao technique of the Fire Seal of Anger.

Heavy Xuan Sheng still smiled and remained silent, maintaining a stance of standing by.

Lian Zhu Ping urgently wanted to say something to salvage the situation.

And at this moment, behind Lian Zhu Ping, a family elder spoke: “Actually, I also feel… letting Lian Que be the family master, perhaps indeed, is a better choice.”

This person was none other than Lian Lu Yue!

Initially, he had been so eager to curry favor with Jiang Wu Yong, actively seizing Long Xiang Si. Today, however, he had a serious expression and said: “Brother Zhu Ping, we are all old now. Our ideas cannot keep up, and our bodies are also much weaker than before… It is time to hand over the burden to the young people.”

Lian Zhu Ping’s biggest trump card at this moment was the life plaque system that had maintained the Lian Clan’s stability for many years. But there was one fatal flaw – the life plaques of the Lian Clan members were held in the hands of the family elders.

Lian Zhu Ping turned back to look at Lian Lu Yue, his eyes simply flustered and at a loss! At the most crucial moment, the person he trusted the most had stabbed him in his vital point.

Immediately after, another family elder said: “I also think Lian Que is very suitable to lead the family. In recent years, the Lian Clan has only produced one famous weapon, and that was forged by Lian Que. His attainment in weapon forging is beyond doubt; he has already surpassed us old folks and can fully inherit the ancestor’s foundation. And he is still so young, with limitless future! Our family, of course, should be handed over to someone with more future. This is a choice related to each one of us!”

The words that followed, Lian Zhu Ping could no longer hear clearly.

Family elders continued to step forward to declare their stance.

He only felt that everything was incredibly chaotic, his ears buzzing.

He had originally wanted to slap Lian Que, just as he had forced Lian Que to give up Long Xiang Si in the past.

But his fingers had just moved when a wisp of killing intent fixed itself on his brow.

He sobered up in an instant, fully recognizing the current situation.

His power was not as great as theirs, his virtue not as great, his strength not as great, his knowledge not as great!

The family elders who supported him still existed, and the people loyal to him had not all left his side.

But he said not a word.

He turned his body and walked into the ancestral temple alone.

The large doors of the ancestral temple slowly closed.

In his eyes, a fire burned. It seemed like the furnace fire, like the scorching passion he had once pursued in his youth.

Separated by a door, faintly transmitted from behind, was Lian Que’s voice—

“From today onwards, the Lian Clan abolishes the life plaque system! No one shall be born with shackles, and everyone shall enjoy the freedom they deserve!”

And then came the sound of cheering.

The cheering was thunderous.

From one mansion, one street, it spread throughout the entire city.

That cheering voice, as if, existed for him as well.

()

Please:

(Please note: The bracketed empty parentheses at the end typically indicate a chapter break or transition in the original text, but do not translate into meaningful content.)