Zhu Huai is dead, even if Third Master Wei is unwilling in his heart, facing General Wei, he can only choose to retreat.
"Good, good, good, truly courageous!"
Third Master Wei pointed at Xu Guang, his eyes emitting a cold chill, as if looking at a dead man.
Xu Guang glanced at Third Master Wei's position, knowing it was beyond General Wei's attack range; he understood that he couldn't keep this person here today.
Besides, he had no intention of keeping this person.
This was a member of the Wei Family; once dead, he'd face endless pursuits from the Wei Family.
Third Master Wei took a deep breath, swept Xu Guang with a final glance, then stepped on the wall, borrowing the force to leap away.
No one stopped him.
Xu Guang stood in place, silent.
But he was soon attracted by the panel appearing on the Golden Finger.
[Elephant Envoy Log: Unity of Man and Elephant, comprehended skill "Elephant Control," Elephant Envoy experience +100]
[Martial Artist's Log: Horizontal Pressure, Martial Artist experience +50]
This was quite an unexpected joy.
Xu Guang opened the panel, switching to the Elephant Envoy profession.
[Elephant Control lv0 (0/10): Connect with the Giant Elephant spiritually, range of mental connection expanded]
The skill's color was green, requiring more experience points to level up.
But its effects are extraordinary and supernatural.
This could truly be considered a divine technique, couldn't it?
Xu Guang felt satisfied, understanding the need to gain more experience to enhance this skill.
...
Zhu Fu was barely breathing.
He was severely injured, despite not being weak, with an Eighth Grade Great Cultivation, making him a renowned expert in Qingshuo.
Yet, it was in vain.
First poisoned by someone, then faced with the joint forces of Eighth Grade Great Cultivation's Third Master Wei and Eighth Grade Minor Cultivation's Zhu Huai.
His vital energies reversed, his five viscera injured, and considerable time was wasted.
Zhu Cheng and Zhu Zhenzhen looked grief-stricken.
"Don't... don't cry."
Zhu Fu said softly.
Zhu Cheng lifted his head and grasped Zhu Fu's hand, "Dad..."
"I'm done for, you must..."
He was someone steady by nature, someone who could see what others couldn't due to his steadiness.
"Listen to me."
"Dad, don't speak..." Zhu Zhenzhen couldn't help but advise.
But was intimidated by Zhu Fu's gaze.
"Alright, alright, Dad, go ahead."
"Today's situation, I've anticipated, it's a conflict among the three major forces, and our Zhu Family is merely an innocent victim. If things go as expected, a battle will inevitably occur among the three for the true ownership of Qingshuo County.
After I die, you should seek refuge with the Iron Armor Sect! Especially, you must bring Xu Guang and General Wei! You should take the Zhu Family's wealth, cash, and definitely support General Wei. If the Iron Armor Sect wants the shops, give them all of them."
Zhu Fu said this with a hint of unwillingness in his eyes.
He had thought much further, today was likely orchestrated by the Iron Armor Sect behind the scenes, using both the Wei Family and Zhu Huai as Tie Kuang's pawns.
Yet, he couldn't bear seeing his children surrender to the Iron Armor Sect.
But there was no choice. Among the three major forces, Xu Guang had already incurred lasting enmity with the Wei Family today, and the Four Directions Guard was military, with County Captain Zhou Platform being notoriously cruel and lecherous. The only option was the Iron Armor Sect.
Moreover, among the leaders of the three major forces, in terms of strategy and power, Tie Kuang was evidently superior.
Following the likely victor would ensure the Zhu Family's better survival.
Zhu Zhenzhen and Zhu Cheng only nodded.
Zhu Fu thought of something, and looked at them hesitantly, "Can you guess Xu Guang's mind? If he doesn't want to join the Iron Armor Sect..."
"Cheng'er, you take General Wei to the Iron Armor Sect, and Zhenzhen... you should go find someone from the Thirty-Six Bandits and see if you can procure a Great Beast. If you can, find a way to marry Xu Guang."
Zhu Cheng and Zhu Zhenzhen didn't interrupt, although Zhu Zhenzhen's face was blushing.
They understood, these were Zhu Fu's dying words, his final plans for his children.
...
Xu Guang didn't know about the conversation in Zhu Family's room, but he too had to think about his future.
Originally, he thought he could stay with the Zhu Family for a long time, until he improved his Martial Dao realm.
But now it seemed he had to find another path.
He was somewhat troubled; the affairs of the Zhu Family made him realize that in this chaotic world, individual or small forces had poor risk resistance, and he had to make decisions quickly.
Perhaps...
Bring General Wei and join the Iron Armor Sect?
Though he felt guilty towards the Zhu siblings, both Zhu Cheng and Zhu Zhenzhen treated him well, he needed to consider their feelings.
And how was Zhu Fu's condition after all?
As he pondered, he heard the sound of the door opening, and soon, Zhu Cheng and Zhu Zhenzhen came out looking mournful.
Zhu Zhenzhen glanced at Xu Guang, nodding reluctantly as a greeting, then spoke to Zhu Cheng.
"I'm returning to the Sect first."
Zhu Cheng nodded, and after Zhu Zhenzhen left, he continued.
"Xiaoguang, what do you plan for the future? Our Zhu Family... needs to choose a side."
There was a hint of desolation in his tone.
Previously, he took pride in everything about the Zhu Family, being second-tier under the three major forces, abundant businesses in the city, and lacked nothing in wealth. But now he realized, those were just juicy morsels in the eyes of others.
Unconsciously, he thought of his second uncle Zhu Huai, despite his resentment, he realized that Zhu Huai's plan to ally with the Wei Family was the most correct choice amid the chaos.
During chaotic times, no one could stay out of it, no force could remain neutral unless incredibly strong.
"Before dying, Father entrusted all Zhu Family matters to me, and I plan to ally with the Iron Armor Sect, you..."
Xu Guang was a tributor, not a servant, his skills were depended upon.
So Zhu Cheng looked at Xu Guang with hopeful eyes.
Xu Guang smiled slightly, "Since coming to Qingshuo County, I've received much protection from the Zhu Family. Since you're joining the Iron Armor Sect, I'll naturally follow."
Zhu Cheng finally revealed a satisfied smile.
...
"Interesting, was that Great Beast really so ferocious?"
Tie Kuang looked at the disciple reporting back with interest.
He didn't expect the Zhu Family to hold out.
Originally intended to give up the Zhu Family, helping Song Di to quietly obtain Wei Shuangnian's Celestial Register, but unexpectedly, without capturing Wei Shuangnian, the Zhu Family held its ground.
It was truly surprising.
After the disciple departed, another person emerged from behind the screen, a middle-aged man with graying hair, known as Yu Shaohua, the Vice Sect Leader of the Iron Armor Sect.
"People of the Wei Family are getting worse."
Tie Kuang had immense trust in Yu Shaohua, so wasn't surprised to see him, only sneering and commenting.
Yu Shaohua slightly shook his head, "They didn't expect the Great Beast to be controllable as an arm."
His eyes glimmered with admiration for the young man who could control the beast, gaining some interest.
"The Wei Family likely won't let Xu Guang go, it's a pity."
"Pity? Wei Zhong isn't a fool; I reckon he wouldn't take action and would personally recruit Xu Guang."
Yu Shaohua said instead.
Tie Kuang was slightly taken aback, frowning afterwards.
Though Wei Family lacked talents, Wei Zhong was a troublesome opponent, not one to look down on those below like those born into noble families, but someone willing to sacrifice for the cause at critical moments.
If the Wei Family truly recruited Xu Guang, then indeed...
"Perhaps, we should probe the Zhu Family's stance, after all... the Zhu Family's strength isn't weak."
...