Originally, the Great Elder, Wang Lu, had intended to greet Wang Chen and hand over the latest Wang Family financial report for his review.
But when he saw Wang Chen clearly occupied—with what looked to be a very important matter—the Great Elder immediately decided not to disturb his Patriarch's "business."
The financial report could wait a day or two. It wasn't going anywhere, after all.
So, Wang Lu cupped his hands respectfully toward Wang Chen, then gave him a knowing, "men understand men" kind of smile—before quietly slipping away.
Wang Chen's mouth twitched slightly.
He instantly realized that the Great Elder had completely misunderstood the situation—thinking he'd brought Ye Guyi and Zhao Yurou back for… other reasons.
But he couldn't be bothered to explain.
Some things only got darker the more you tried to clarify.
And besides, he was the Patriarch of the Wang Family. Why should he explain himself to anyone?
With an unchanged expression, Wang Chen continued leading Zhao Yurou and Ye Guyi deeper into the Wang Family's core compound.
Behind him, Zhao Yurou's eyes widened in disbelief.
That old man just now—if she wasn't mistaken—was the Great Elder of the Wang Family, a Soul Douluo–level expert named Wang Lu.
In all of Mingdu, there were only a handful of Soul Saints and above—especially seventh-level Soul Engineer–ranked ones.
Even if she hadn't met all of them personally, Zhao Yurou at least knew their portraits and reputations.
A Soul Douluo like Wang Lu was absolutely a famous figure—his strength, prestige, and soul power all formidable.
And yet…
He had bowed to Wang Chen.
That… was impossible.
Had she seen wrong? Or mistaken someone else for him?
No. Zhao Yurou quickly dismissed that thought.
Even without using her spiritual perception, she could feel that man's aura—far stronger than what she'd had even before her own meridians were crippled.
That man had truly been the Great Elder of the Wang Family.
Then the only possible "problem" here… was Wang Chen.
She immediately released her spiritual power, probing toward Wang Chen—
But to her shock, her power hit what felt like an invisible wall.
It was as if there were a layer of unseen energy surrounding Wang Chen, completely blocking her perception from getting any closer.
Zhao Yurou's eyes trembled slightly.
Even her Soul Saint–level spiritual strength had been repelled.
That meant—this young man's strength had to be above Soul Saint level!
She swallowed hard, her mind buzzing.
No way… this young man—barely older than Guyi—how could he possibly be stronger than a Soul Saint?
The idea was so absurd her mind nearly blanked.
It was far beyond anything she could comprehend.
Her thoughts spun wildly—
Could he be some old monster pretending to be young?
Or maybe he's the hidden heir or illegitimate son of some Rank Nine Soul Engineer, wearing a rare soul device that blocks spiritual detection?
Otherwise, how could a Soul Douluo powerhouse like the Wang Family's Great Elder bow to him?
Within the Wang Family, there was only one person who could receive such respect—
The Patriarch himself.
But that was absurd.
Surely Wang Chen couldn't be the Patriarch… right?
Still, when she thought about it, it somehow did make sense.
Wang Chen was too extraordinary—almost unnaturally so.
He didn't seem like someone the Wang Family could have "produced."
Zhao Yurou's head was a storm of speculation.
When she glanced at Ye Guyi, she found the girl simply staring dreamily at Wang Chen's back—clearly oblivious to everything.
Zhao Yurou could only sigh helplessly.
She had originally come to "check up" on Wang Chen for Guyi's sake—see whether he was worthy of her.
But now?
Forget vetting him—she couldn't even see through him at all.
Before long, Wang Chen brought the two women to the very heart of the Wang Family estate.
Ye Guyi had been following quietly, eyes fixed on his back.
When Wang Chen finally stopped walking, she looked up—
—and froze completely.
Before her stood a magnificent palace complex—towering halls glittering with gold, pavilions and terraces surrounding elegant artificial hills and flowing fountains.
Even with her limited experience, she knew enough to realize—
Whoever lived here had to hold a position of supreme authority.
If not the Patriarch himself, then someone of equal importance.
Ye Guyi's lips parted slightly in shock.
"Wang Chen… this is your new home?!"
Zhao Yurou's gaze followed suit, full of curiosity and disbelief.
After all the surprises along the way, she now felt almost certain:
Wang Chen must be the illegitimate son of some powerful figure—perhaps a Nine-Level Soul Engineer.
There was simply no other explanation.
As for the possibility that Wang Chen himself was a top-tier powerhouse—
She dismissed it immediately.
He was far too young. No matter how monstrous his talent, it was impossible for someone his age to exceed the Soul King level.
Wang Chen turned toward them, smiling slightly.
Seeing their stunned faces, he couldn't help but feel amused.
Then, in a calm but confident voice, he said,
"That's right—this place is my new home.
And as for me… I'm the Patriarch of the Wang Family."
Now that Wang Chen had mastered the Power of Origin, his strength had risen exponentially.
He no longer cared about hiding his identity.
Even if a Rank Nine Soul Engineer or Titled Douluo came for him,
who would live and who would die would depend on whose methods were stronger.
Power was a man's confidence—his foundation.
And with his current power, as long as he didn't rebel, betray the Empire, or offend Kong Deming or the Emperor himself,
No one in the Sun and Moon Empire could touch him.
At his words, both women's mouths fell open in shock.
"The Patriarch of the Wang Family—impossible!!"
Zhao Yurou blurted out before she could stop herself.
She looked at Wang Chen's youthful face and simply couldn't reconcile it with the image of the Wang Family Patriarch.
Wasn't the Patriarch supposed to be Wang Yan, the near–Rank Nine Soul Engineer and peak Soul Douluo?
How could that man be replaced by this young man?
Ye Guyi's mind was full of question marks.
She hadn't seen Wang Chen in only a short while—how had he suddenly become the Patriarch of the Wang Family?
Hadn't he been only slightly stronger than her the last time they sparred?
She blinked, uncertain.
"Wang Chen… how did you become the Patriarch?
Aren't you around my age?"
Wang Chen laughed heartily, radiating confidence.
Then, with an easy motion, he pushed open the grand doors and gestured for them to enter.
Ye Guyi and Zhao Yurou exchanged glances—still filled with doubt and disbelief—but followed him inside.
The interior of the hall was breathtakingly luxurious.
Golden light shimmered from every surface, soft carpets covered the floor, and the air carried a faint, elegant fragrance.
A massive redwood table dominated the center, laden with fine tea sets and delicate pastries.
And lining both sides of the hall—Stood two neat rows of attendant maids, heads bowed respectfully.