454 Second Prince

The head of the Fei family looked at everyone and said in a deep voice, "Investigate the Eighth Elder's family and subordinates thoroughly and deal with them according to clan rules."

"Yes, thank you, Master." The old woman bowed and thanked her.

The head of the Fei family shook his head slightly and did not sit down again. Looking at the young people, he said with a slightly serious expression, "I have invited you to participate in the family meeting this time."

First, you're all around that age; second, circumstances have changed recently.

A clear yet slightly serious voice rang out, causing the many young people to tense up instantly, a sense of pride and responsibility rising within them. They concentrated, adjusted their breathing, and listened intently.

I don’t know when it started, but the number of my fellow cultivators seems to have decreased. I can still see them sometimes, but there’s more restraint and difference between them now.

Some have already ventured out into the world, while others are managing family businesses or pursuing further studies. They also occasionally receive letters from their friends.

But gradually, as time passed, the letters became fewer and fewer, and some even disappeared completely. In this helpless time, the strength was insufficient to completely eliminate the evil spirits, so accidents were always inevitable.

As for themselves, they didn't know what the future held. The higher their cultivation level, the more dangers they would face.

The head of the Fei family waited a moment, then slowly said, 'The Red King's surprise attack on the royal city resulted in heavy casualties. Recently, demons and fallen beings have been probing everywhere. You must all be constantly vigilant.'

He glanced at it again and said heavily, "Last night, in the capital of Qi, the Red King launched a surprise attack, the King of Qi died, and a three-year-old child succeeded to the throne. The Xuanji Sect and the Taishang Sect divided the country into east and west."

Effective immediately, any plans of yourselves to travel to the State of Qi should be temporarily suspended. Trade with Qi is also halted until the situation becomes clearer.

The others nodded in agreement, some of whom already knew the news and remained silent.

Some people, hearing this for the first time, looked astonished, clearly unable to believe it.

The head of the Fei family glanced at everyone and said again, "Although our Fukang Prefecture is located in the middle and does not border the Red King or the Qi Kingdom, we cannot let our guard down."

Looking at the many young people, some surprised and some thoughtful, I felt as if I were thinking of myself back then, when I was just as ignorant. Fortunately, with the protection of my family, we were able to gradually grow up.

Unlike the Holy Emperor, or the current ruler of the border city, who has been constantly fighting and killing along the way because he had no other choice.

He held no contempt for the two men; on the contrary, he was amazed by their talent, decisiveness, and strength.

Without a strong backing, if one does not strive to become stronger, one will have strength but will still be constrained at every turn.

Now, observing the situation in the royal city, with the Holy Emperor absent, the border city has gained momentum, and in a short time, no one dares to underestimate it.

"Elder, please stay. The rest of you, go ahead." With these words, the group discussed their next move.

Fei tidied his clothes at home and went alone to the ancestral hall, or more accurately, the City God Temple.

In my mind, it was as if I had arrived at the same scene, but this place was much darker, as if there was no light at all.

The person before him was clad in golden armor and wielded a long spear, charging forward fearlessly. On either side of him stood a group of people of immense strength, who were also his ancestors, many times stronger than himself.

He unconsciously straightened himself, bowed his head, and softly apologized, "Your Majesty, it has been investigated and it has been confirmed that a junior was unfilial; someone secretly refined elixirs. This person has been punished according to clan rules."

Above the City God, he nodded slightly and said politely, "Master, there's no need for that. You are the head of the mortal realm, and you are in charge of mortal affairs."

The fact that this could be detected was due to changes in the earth's veins and the alteration of the City God's energy, which also caused the range of restrictions on movement to disappear.

What happens next is uncertain, and if the City God harbors evil intentions, the underworld will likely not be peaceful.

We are expanding our patrol area within a controllable range. We also need your help with this.

The head of the Fei family bowed respectfully and nodded, "Yes, Your Majesty."

After waiting a moment, he whispered, "I wonder if the City God has any further instructions?"

The City God nodded gently and waved his hand. A sandalwood box, a foot tall, appeared instantly in his hand. He opened it gently, revealing golden incense ash inside.

Just as I was about to express my gratitude, my mind suddenly returned, and I suddenly became clear-headed. Looking at the box in my hand, I gently opened it, and a glimmer of golden light flashed. I quickly covered it up; it was indeed a good ordinary incense ash.

He bowed deeply before the statue of the City God, expressing his gratitude once again, 'Thank you, Your Majesty the City God.'

He silently bowed respectfully in his heart and said, 'Thank you, ancestor.'

With this item, when engaging in trade, distributing some among the processions can also serve to deter any passing thieves.

He chuckled wryly. With the Holy Emperor around, his manor had developed rapidly, engaging in considerable trade with Bodai Prefecture. Externally, the Holy Emperor suppressed the world, so he and his ilk didn't need to worry too much.

Following the Holy Emperor's rules is best; it makes things much easier for you. You can focus on developing your career without any ambition to become king, which also reduces a lot of troubles.

With the Supreme Elder in charge, other powerful families or ambitious individuals dare not provoke them.

Now that the Red King's war has begun, it will be difficult for him to remain unscathed.

With the outbreak of war, the abundant grain and wealth of Fukang and Bodai prefectures have attracted many covetous eyes. People are eager to borrow grain, and he sighed inwardly, 'I must choose carefully.'

With constant warfare in the south and relentless attacks from sea monsters, the Second Prince's eyes grew even sharper, and his aura of killing intent intensified.

Looking at the Second Prince and the Holy Emperor, the steward became more and more convinced, not only of their appearance but also of their character: decisive, leading by example, which earned them not only the love of the soldiers but also the favor of some military generals.

In the past, things would have been much better, but now, the royal city isn't as peaceful as one might imagine, especially with the Red King's attack—it's a huge loss of face. All they can do is remain silent for a while.

However, the news that arrived today was like a bolt from the blue, leaving everyone shocked.

The shock and impact it brought were enough to unsettle people and make it difficult to calm down. The fact that the eldest prince was unharmed after the attack on the royal city seemed like a great victory.

The King of Qi died while a three-year-old child ascended the throne; such a scene is something even a theatrical performance wouldn't dare to depict.

But it really happened, and for a moment, looking at the grand scale of the dynasty, a sense of uncertainty lingered in my heart.

The Red King's sneak attack was merely a war between two countries, and all sorts of schemes and strategies were acceptable. However, the death of the King of Qi not only shattered the peaceful situation but also changed the entire landscape of the Qi state.

The impact of this news was so great that the Second Prince, who was leading the charge at the front lines, had to be brought back, and many strategies and plans had to be changed as a result.

Looking at His Highness, whose face was still covered in dust, the steward felt a pang of heartache and admiration. He gently offered him a cup of hot tea and quietly reported the intelligence he had just received.