Death Grip
"They have backing, and so do we. However, if we can avoid relying on the power of Headquarters, we should." A cold glint flashed in Xing Chen's eyes as he slowly said, "You all go rest for now! After three, take down Ye Family!"
"Understood, Helmsman." The two replied and then left the hall.
"If Ye Family really has reinforcements coming, then it will truly be a three-way standoff." Xing Chen's gaze flickered, revealing a contemplative expression. Although Star City is currently dominated by the three forces of Starry Branch, Zhang Family, and Ye Family, Starry Branch undeniably holds the upper hand as the unquestioned ruler of Star City. However, if reinforcements from both families arrive, they could instantly contest with Starry Branch, leading to a situation where the three forces would be evenly matched.
"Yuer, do you think it’s possible for Starry Branch to eliminate the two families?" Xing Chen glanced at Yuer beside him and asked slowly.
"In the past, perhaps we could have taken them down one by one. However, now that Zhang Family has reinforcements from the Sword Sect, their strength is no longer inferior to ours in Starry Branch. If we add Ye Family into the mix, it would be very difficult for us to eliminate them with our current strength," Yuer said with a slight frown. The current strength of Zhang Family was completely on par with that of Starry Branch, and if they united with Ye Family, it would put Starry Branch in danger.
"It’s not just difficult; it’s simply impossible," Xing Chen shook his head and said. "However, one thing is certain: the two families will absolutely not unite."
Upon hearing Xing Chen's words, a look of realization appeared on Yuer's delicate face. No wonder Xing Chen let Ye Wusheng and others go earlier; his intention was to disrupt the relationship between the two families.
"So you already knew they would have reinforcements, which is why you..." Yuer said in realization.
"No, I didn’t know they would have reinforcements coming. However, I do know that they must not be allowed to unite," Xing Chen replied with a hint of cold amusement on his face. "That would only cause us greater harm."
"Young Master Chen, I still don’t quite understand," Yuer gently pressed her lips together and asked. "Since you know it’s impossible to deal with both families, why attack Ye Family after three?"
"Because the existence of Ye Family cannot surpass three," Xing Chen said as he looked into the distance and spoke calmly. "Zhang Family has been schemed against this time and lost many disciples. Now that their strength has surged again, they will definitely not let Ye Family off."
"I see now; you’re using their own weapons against them!" Yuer smiled lightly.
"This is the Ye Family's own doing. If they hadn't abandoned the Zhang Family, then it would be my Starry Branch that would be destroyed now." Xing Chen lightly tapped his fingers on the armrest of the chair. The downfall of the Ye Family was already destined, and with their strength, they could certainly resist for a while. This time was enough for the Ye Family to send a message to the royal family, and by then, the royal family would definitely send someone.
"By the way, Young Master Chen, should we distribute the items in these Storage Rings to them?" At this moment, Yuer blinked and asked.
"Yes, although we didn't leave anyone from the Zhang Family, we still have rewards to give. After all, we can't let those below feel disheartened." Xing Chen nodded and said, "I'll leave this matter to you."
Yuer gently nodded. She agreed with Xing Chen's words; after all, those below had also put in effort. Even if they didn't achieve the original goal, they should still receive some rewards.
"The strength of being at the early stage of the Human Soul Realm is ultimately too low. I need to focus on improving my strength!" Xing Chen thought to himself. Since joining the Azure Cloud Gang, his cultivation had risen from Body Refinement Level Eight to the early stage of the Human Soul Realm in less than two months, crossing a major realm in between. Such progress was significant, but it wasn't enough for Xing Chen. With his change in status, he increasingly felt weak.
"My biggest trump card right now is that Black Jade Pendant, but that's an uncontrollable factor. Next is the **Plaque, but since that last time, the **Plaque has completely merged into my body, granting me the power of soul suppression." Xing Chen's eyes flickered: "However, the power of this force now depends on my own strength; it can no longer erupt suddenly like before."
At this moment, Yuer wisely stepped out. It was clear that Xing Chen was contemplating something important, and she naturally wouldn't stay here to make things awkward.
"I need an opportunity now, a breakthrough to the Human Soul Realm Mid Stage." Xing Chen understood very well that he was just one step away from breaking through to the Human Soul Realm Mid Stage, but that step was not so easy to take.
"To break through now, there are two methods: one is to use medicinal pills to break through the Bottleneck, and the other is... a life-and-death crisis." A sharp glint suddenly flashed in Xing Chen's eyes.
...
"Master, there's been a change at Starry Branch. The people from the Zhang Family did not die there." A family disciple rushed into the Ye Family Council Hall.
"How is that possible? With that new Helmsman from Starry Branch, they shouldn't have let anyone from the Zhang Family escape!" The head of the Ye Family, Ye Wusheng, changed his expression and said in disbelief.
"Reporting to the head of the family, it is Zhang Yifan from the Zhang Family. At the last moment, he brought a group of strong individuals, which forced the people from Starry Branch to compromise and let go of the Zhang Family members," said the person below.
"Zhang Yifan... what a Zhang Yifan. It seems that my Ye Family is in trouble this time," Ye Wusheng said with a gloomy expression, then exhaled deeply.
"Have we found out the identity of the new Helmsman from Starry Branch?" Ye Wusheng slightly closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and spoke slowly.
"Head of the family, the new Helmsman from Starry Branch is... is Yun Qing's Closed-Door Disciple..." the person below answered somewhat fearfully.
"Qingyun Gang Leader Yun Qing?" Ye Wusheng suddenly opened his tightly shut eyes. The name of Yun Qing was well-known throughout Sun Kingdom; his domineering actions and ruthless methods made everyone shudder at the mention of him.
"I didn't expect it to be Yun Qing's disciple. No wonder their actions are so ruthless; it seems this person has truly inherited Yun Qing's teachings!" Ye Wusheng's face turned pale, and there was a hint of fear in his eyes, but as the head of a family, the fear in his eyes quickly faded.
"Head of the family, we should seek help! Otherwise, our Ye Family will definitely be exterminated," several individuals from Earth Soul Realm looked at Ye Wusheng and spoke up.
"Heh heh, it seems our Ye Family is doomed this time. The Zhang Family will certainly not let us off, and Starry Branch will definitely fan the flames. Even if we seek help now, it will be too late," Ye Wusheng shook his head with a pale face; at that moment, he completely lost all confidence.
"No, head of the family, the royal family will definitely not abandon our Ye Family. Star City is not like other cities; it borders Sword Kingdom, and the Sword Sect's Divine Weapon that has been refined for hundreds of years is about to be born. The royal family will not miss this opportunity. When they come to Star City, they will also need a place to stay," an elder from Earth Soul Realm hurriedly said. "Therefore, for both public and private reasons, the royal family cannot abandon us."
"Alright, Elder, you go to seek aid from the royal family! I hope they can send more strong individuals here and that our Ye Family can hold on until reinforcements arrive..." Ye Wusheng straightened his body and regained some color on his face.
"Rest assured, head of the family; I will definitely bring back reinforcements from the royal family," said the elder who had just spoken as he cupped his fists.
"Yes, Elder, please set off as soon as possible. Whether our Ye Family can survive this calamity depends entirely on you," Ye Wusheng said earnestly as he deeply bowed to the elder...
On the other side, all the strong members of the Zhang Family gathered together to discuss something.
"Grandpa, what exactly is going on?" Zhang Yifan slowly spoke as he looked at the elderly man in front of him.
"Sigh! Not long after you left, the Helmsman of Starry Branch met an untimely death, and after that, Starry Branch collectively left Star City," Zhang the Elder sighed and said. "After Starry Branch left Star City, our Zhang Family took the opportunity to seize their Elemental Stone Vein. The Ye Family also took advantage of the situation to expand greatly, taking over all of Starry Branch's previous businesses. We all thought that Starry Branch's people would not return."
"But unexpectedly, they came back a few days ago. Naturally, upon returning, they wanted to reclaim what was originally theirs. However, since these things are now in our hands, it is impossible for us to return them easily, which led to a conflict between both sides."
"In the end, Starry Branch suffered a loss, and Ye Wusheng from the Ye Family approached me, wanting to take this opportunity to extort Starry Branch. What we didn't expect was that the new Helmsman from Starry Branch was incredibly ruthless; he didn't care about the losses of his branch and immediately fought with us. And that shameless Ye Wusheng actually fled to preserve his family's power."
As he mentioned Ye Wusheng, anger was clearly visible on Zhang the Elder's face.
"The Ye Family..." A cold killing intent flashed in Zhang Yifan's eyes as he said, "Don't worry, Grandpa. I will make the Ye Family pay for this."
"Fan'er, do not underestimate the strength of the Ye Family; they have the royal family backing them." Seeing the killing intent in Zhang Yifan's eyes, Zhang the Elder quickly spoke up, fearing that Zhang Yifan would provoke trouble that could not be resolved due to his impulsiveness.
"What does the royal family matter? If they dare to scheme against my Zhang Family, they are just asking for death!" Zhang Yifan said fiercely. "Grandpa, leave this matter to me! There will no longer be a Zhang Family in Star City." After finishing his words, Zhang Yifan left with several members of the Sword Sect.
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