C17 The Zhao Family Wanted to Swallow the Dragon!!

Asvetaesi City was home to four prominent families: the Yuan family, the Zhao family, the Huang family, and the Yu family.

The city's revenues, as well as the mines and herbal forests outside its walls, were collectively owned by these influential families.

Even the position of mayor was hotly contested among them.

Over the past century, both the Zhao and Huang families had succeeded in ousting the Yuan family to seize control of the mayoral authority in Asvetaesi.

The Huang family held sway over numerous mines and quarries, extracting rare Sunsilver and special ores, most of which fell under their ownership.

The Yu family oversaw the expansive medicinal gardens and herbal forests surrounding Asvetaesi, cultivating various spirit herbs.

The Zhao and Yuan families, meanwhile, derived their main income from within the city itself. The Yuan family, which included the current mayor, collected the majority of rents from Asvetaesi's main commercial streets.

The Zhao family owned numerous city shops, including taverns, silver exchanges, and various material trading establishments, maintaining a firm grip on these businesses.

The Huang and Yu families earned their soulstone materials through more labor-intensive means outside the city, working hard for their income.

In contrast, the Yuan and Zhao families acquired their wealth in more prestigious and comfortable ways, also claiming a significant share of the annual profits from the external mines and herbal forests.

The so-called tri-realm competition among the Four Great Clans was a test of strength, determining the redistribution of shares in the ore mines, stone quarries, medicinal gardens, and forests based on clan power.

For the Huang and Yu families, gaining a foothold in the city's internal affairs, firmly controlled by the Yuan and Zhao families, proved to be an immense challenge.

...

Deep within a Yuan family estate in the eastern part of the city, Lin Hanyu and his daughter were submerged in two enormous wooden barrels.

The barrels were filled with a dark green liquid that emitted a foul stench, and one could occasionally glimpse poisonous insects floating to the surface.

These insects, upon emerging, quickly hardened and died from the poison.

Lin Hanyu, who was on the brink of death due to the potent Lizard Blood Pill, hung his head in humiliation as he gazed at his chest. He could feel a swarm of poisonous insects converging on his middle elixir field, greedily feeding on the blood poison derived from the Lizard Blood Pill.

As the poison left his body, his mind gradually cleared, but the rage within him remained unabated.

Meanwhile, Lin Zhuyun, enduring the overwhelming stench and the insects crawling on her, kept her eyes tightly shut, overwhelmed with grief and fury.

The father and daughter had never imagined they would suffer such a devastating blow at the hands of the Yu family. They had not only failed to achieve their desires but had also nearly lost their lives.

"Yu Yuan!"

They both seethed with anger in their hearts.

"It wasn't me who saved you from the clutches of the Yu family and Yu Yuan. I found the antidote and saved your lives," Yuan Lianyao materialized as if a phantom.

Bathed in the moonlight, she stood in a tight silver-white dress, her figure as enchanting as a mermaid adorned with white scales.

"Hehe! While the detoxification method might be unconventional, it has proven effective," Yuan Lianyao's gaze flitted over Lin Hanyu and his daughter, intensifying their feelings of discomfort and resentment. "This is Asvetaesi. I trust the Lin family will refrain from further rash actions."

"Lady Lyu of Winter's Bite is just outside the city! If she learns of my daughter's plight, she will not stand idly by!"

Lin Hanyu, aware of the woman's formidable connections, knew that the Lin family's influence might not be enough to deter her, so he invoked the name of Winter's Bite.

"Oh, by the way, I forgot to share some news with you," Yuan Lianyao said, her smile taking on an odd twist. "The city guards discovered signs of a fierce battle in a cave outside the city. The Guru of Winter's Bite is likely dead, and no remains were found."

"What?"

Father and daughter exclaimed in unison.

"To be frank, I suspect Yu Yuan has powerful support behind him," Yuan Lianyao stated gravely. "Once the poison has fully left your systems, it would be wise to depart Asvetaesi promptly. Let the Lin family and Winter's Bite ascertain the facts before you take any further action. It would be unfortunate to die here in Asvetaesi under mysterious circumstances, leaving me to account for your deaths to both the Lin family and Winter's Bite."

After a mix of encouraging and threatening remarks, the mayor departed amidst the astonished and puzzled stares of the father and daughter.

...

In the city, within the secluded backyard of the Vault of Wonders.

Zhao Dongsheng, a man of considerable girth, sported seven rings on his chubby fingers, each adorned with a mix of gold, silver, and various precious stones—an ostentatious display of wealth.

Before him on a jade table lay a pair of scissors, an emblem, and a ruler.

Each item was a rare treasure, emitting a faint glow and pulsing with an extraordinary spiritual energy.

"The Black Dragon Scissors, a bona fide spiritual weapon, albeit not of a high grade—merely third level."

Zhao Dongsheng caressed the black scissors leisurely. A dark gleam flickered to life, reminiscent of the mythical black dragon, as if it had been vigorously roused within the scissors. "A third level spiritual weapon isn't the pinnacle here in Asvetaesi, but there are those who can afford it. Yet, I suspect, young man, you're not among them."

He wore a smile as he appraised the visitor with a discerning eye. "Frankly, I agreed to meet you because I've heard quite a bit about your recent exploits."

While speaking, he reclined comfortably in his spacious chair, foregoing any further explanation of the emblem and the iron ruler. "Unless I'm mistaken, the Black Dragon Scissors is what you truly desire, isn't it?"

"Indeed."

Yu Yuan stood tall and composed, addressing the Zhao family's second-generation leader with respect. "I've done my research and understand that the Black Dragon Scissors from your Zhao family's Vault of Wonders would be perfect for my aunt. Hence, my visit today is to request the Black Dragon Scissors. As for the other two items, they currently hold no interest for me."

"Tsk!"

Unable to suppress a sneer was Qin Ann, the nominal steward of the Vault of Wonders. His lanky figure stood in stark contrast next to Zhao Dongsheng, an odd sight indeed. "Young Master Yu, I feel compelled to remind you that when the Black Dragon Scissors first arrived at the Vault of Wonders, your aunt, Yu Lili, was quick to visit."

"I vividly recall her reluctance to leave without it. But do you know why she was unable to take the Black Dragon Scissors with her?"

Before Yu Yuan could respond, Qin Ann interjected with his own conclusion, "She can't afford it!"

Zhao Dongsheng's recliner began to rock dramatically. "The Vault of Wonders is no charity. Without sufficient soulstones, there's no point in further discussion."

While speaking, he nonchalantly gestured for Qin Ann to show the guest out.

He had seen his share of people and his curiosity was now quenched.

The young master from the Yu family did seem somewhat peculiar and remarkable to him.

Yet, the Zhao family's Vault of Wonders was a business, not a place for entertaining smooth talkers who arrived empty-handed.

Yu Yuan stood before him without even a pouch for soulstones, clearly indicating he had come with nothing.

Arriving at the Vault of Wonders empty-handed was a sign of disrespect to both him and the Zhao family!

"I've heard that Zhao Yafu's cultivation has hit a standstill at the Soul Awakening stage," Yu Yuan stepped forward, locking eyes with Zhao Dongsheng. "Miss Zhao is a year younger than me. Logically, her late Soul Awakening stage is respectable. But we both know she progressed rapidly through the Spirit Channel and Soul Awakening stages. She had the chance, like my betrothed, to step into the Golden Sanctum early."

The incessant rocking of the recliner came to a halt.

Qin Ann, the nominal manager of the Vault of Wonders, spoke with a frosty tone, "What concern is my mistress's cultivation to you?"

Zhao Dongsheng's beady eyes glinted with a chilly light as a dense, mountainous spiritual energy aura suddenly enveloped Yu Yuan.

In a moment, Yu Yuan's once erect spine was forced to curve.

Zhao Dongsheng rose slowly from his chair, towering over Yu Yuan, his stature like a massive flesh mountain, exuding an overwhelming presence.

"Mr. Yu, there's no need for you to fret over my daughter's cultivation," he said with a dismissive sneer.

A tremendous force bore down!

Yu Yuan grunted as his knees buckled under the strain, nearly bringing him to the ground. But just as he was about to kneel, he exclaimed, "Mr. Zhao, have you ever heard of the so-called 'dragon whelp' in Dragon Lake?"

The oppressive terror dissipated in a moment.

Yu Yuan inhaled deeply, straightening himself once more, his gaze piercing as he addressed the Zhao family's second-generation helmsman. "I've come in good faith. The reason I dared to arrive empty-handed is that I understand precisely what Mr. Zhao truly needs."

"Dragon Lake, nurturing dragon whelps? What are you talking about?" Qin Ann inquired, puzzled.

"Go to the front yard, and don't allow anyone to enter, including yourself!" Zhao Dongsheng commanded, his expression stern. His hands, adorned with seven rings, alternated between clenching and relaxing. "Come with me!" He strode toward the chamber in the back courtyard.

He barely glanced at the Black Dragon Scissors on the jade table or the valuable emblem and iron ruler.

Yu Yuan trailed behind him.

"How did you come to know about Dragon Lake?!"

In the back courtyard's chamber, Zhao Dongsheng seemed visibly agitated and restless. The landscape paintings on the wooden walls emitted an emerald glow as he spoke.

With just one look, Yu Yuan discerned that the room was protected by a magic circle that could block both sound and the probing of spiritual sense.

Anyone not of the Lunar Spirit Stage would be unable to eavesdrop on the conversation within the chamber using their spiritual sense.

"I'm curious whether the Zhao family granted permission for the dragon whelp's essence nurtured within your dear one's body to be at Dragon Lake?" Yu Yuan countered with a question of his own. "This is a crucial matter!"

Zhao Dongsheng's face shifted with concern. "What all do you know?"

"Mr. Zhao, I'd appreciate it if you answered my question first!" Yu Yuan said, his demeanor now completely composed. He had realized that the Zhao family's second-in-command was deeply troubled by his daughter's predicament.

After a long pause, Zhao Dongsheng gave a slight nod.

"Ah, so it was with permission," Yu Yuan remarked with a relaxed smile. "That means the true support behind the Zhao family is indeed Dragon Lake."

"That's one way to put it," Zhao Dongsheng admitted, no longer concealing the truth. "Given that you're aware of Dragon Lake and the concept of 'nurturing dragon whelps,' not to mention Yafu's challenging situation, and yet you still stand before me speaking so confidently..."

Zhao Dongsheng crossed his arms over his chest, his aura of danger escalating sharply. "If you don't have an explanation that satisfies me, I'm afraid I cannot allow you to leave here alive."

"The real body isn't here; rather, a wisp of spirit is nurturing the dragon whelp within your beloved's body. It's likely already dead," Yu Yuan said with a smile, his demeanor relaxed. "You're aware, and so is your beloved, but Dragon Lake might not be. The dragon whelp died outside, leaving behind only a wisp of spirit. If Dragon Lake were to find out, it would certainly sacrifice your beloved, using that wisp of spirit and the long-hidden dragon blood to resurrect the dragon whelp, wouldn't it?"

Zhao Dongsheng's expression remained unchanged as he gestured with his eyes for Yu Yuan to continue.

"So, you or the Zhao family don't wish to sacrifice Zhao Yafu, and you're planning to execute the 'Dragon Devour' plan without Dragon Lake's knowledge, correct?" Yu Yuan demanded.

"And what if we are?" Zhao Dongsheng replied with a sinister grin.

Regardless of Yu Yuan's recent success, Zhao Dongsheng was ready to take decisive action and eliminate him then and there.

Should the 'Dragon Devour' plan that the Zhao family intended to implement become known to Dragon Lake, they would likely face total destruction. He would not permit even the slightest chance of that happening!

"Is it not simply 'Dragon Devour'?" Yu Yuan chuckled lightly. "Mr. Zhao, trust me, I can help you!"

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