"Where is my son?" Qian Jin looked up, scanning the surroundings! Luo Zhen, Qian Jin's son, was exclaimed.

In the backyard, a middle-aged woman rushed up to Qian Jin, holding Luo Jin in her arms: "Master, your son..."

Little Luo Jin lay nestled in the middle-aged woman's embrace, his curious, large eyes darting everywhere. Upon spotting Qian Jin, he suddenly opened his small hands and let out a giggle.

Qian Jin took Luo Jin, holding him close and swaying gently: "Little one, call out 'Da-da' for me to hear."

"Ahem," "Ahem."

Fakel Vivenota could no longer tolerate being utterly ignored. The patriarch of a high-ranking family was being completely overlooked by the guardian of a lower-ranking family!

Two dry coughs drew the attention of many in the yard. Qian Jin, without even looking up, continued to tease Luo Jin: "Comrade, do me a favor. Tell these guests that if they are here for business, they should speak with Qingqing. If they wish to discuss other matters, tell them to leave; I have no time for them." Fakel Vivenota looked as if he had choked, his sallow face flushing crimson. The warriors beside him simultaneously took a step forward.

Luo Qingqing glanced at the warriors behind Fakel, worriedly tugging at the corner of Qian Jin's robe, and whispered, "Brother Qian Jin..."

"Girl, let it be," Qian Jin smiled at Luo Qingqing. "We cannot back down on matters like this, and there is simply no room for negotiation, is there? Since there's nothing to discuss, why discuss anything at all? Those things that can be discussed, discuss them. As for what cannot, handle them as they must be handled."

Fable Pers stood outside the gate, nodding slightly. Qian Jin was indeed far more mature than his years suggested. The Fakel family had clearly come to consume the Luo family; any negotiation would only result in losses, or rather, negotiation was entirely meaningless. Only by presenting a sufficiently hard stance—letting the other side know that even if they were ultimately consumed, they would still knock out two of their front teeth—was there any real room to maneuver.

Duan Feng Bu'er walked forward, his Bu'er Spear resting casually across his shoulder, swaying slightly. The young warrior standing closest in the yard had a cold expression, his hand resting on the hilt of the sword at his waist as he stepped forward to block Duan Feng Bu'er’s path. His entire body thrummed with the fighting energy of a Ninth-Rank Warrior, tinged with a faint arrogance in his brow: "Who do you think you are?"

"Who do I think I am?" The corners of Duan Feng Bu'er's mouth slowly pulled upward, revealing a smile that somehow looked utterly unsettling: "You'll know soon enough."

Fakel Vivenota, standing on the high platform, watched Duan Feng Bu'er's smile. A vision of a certain creature suddenly flashed in his mind: a snake! This young warrior carrying a long spear was just like a cold, venomous viper, and that smile was exactly the same!

"Ninth-Rank Warrior? May I take that as a challenge?" Duan Feng Bu'er circled the young warrior slowly, his spear resting on his shoulder.

Fakel Vivenota watched the arrogant fighting intent bloom on the young warrior's face. His thin lips parted slowly, and his body suddenly shivered. He shouted, "Fakel Noris, don't—"

"Of course, I am challenging you."

The young warrior, Fakel Noris, lifted his chin slightly, his five fingers gripping his battle sword tighter. Suddenly, he saw the skin of the smiling Duan Feng Bu'er change abruptly—a layer resembling black, oily scales erupted, and cold, primal fighting energy instantly burst forth!

The power of the noble and mighty Nine-Headed Serpent bloodline fully awakened in that instant! Fakel Noris looked into Duan Feng Bu'er's jewel-black eyes, his entire body turning ice-cold and rigid, as if hit by petrification magic, only his legs trembling violently.

A Bloodline Warrior! A Bloodline Warrior! Fakel Vivenota’s heart lurched. He desperately tried to raise his hand to concede... His mouth opened, but before a sound could emerge, his eyes clearly saw the chilling, venomous glare of a snake shining from Duan Feng Bu'er's gem-like eyes. His fist, charged with the fighting energy of the Demon-Subduing Seven Battles, slammed viciously into Fakel Noris's jaw—the sound of shattering bone erupted simultaneously with a spray of blood!

Fakel Noris’s body spun sideways through the air like an arrow loosed from a bow, slamming straight into the wall outside the hall. His eyes rolled white; it was impossible to tell if he was dead or merely unconscious.

"Now," Duan Feng Bu'er licked the blood from the back of his fist with a tongue that appeared slightly thinner due to the transformation. "Do you know what I am now?"

The chilling tone, the violent and bloody attack, and the near-supernatural act of licking the blood—Duan Feng Bu'er exuded an indescribable, wicked aura! A single glance instilled a timidness that made one instinctively step back!

In that moment, no trace of Duan Feng Bu'er's usual affability remained. There was only the unique, powerful presence of a Bloodline Warrior, and an endless tide of dark energy.

Li Juntu stared at Fakel Noris, slumped against the corner, his entire face deformed like mud. The fat on his face trembled uncontrollably. He secretly regretted colluding with the Kai family to seize the Vice President position of the Luo Qingqing Merchant Guild, and then involving the weakened yet still partially powerful Fakel family to carve up the Luo family.

Luo Qingqing gripped Qian Jin’s hand tightly, her gentle, watery eyes filled with curiosity and surprise. Brother Qian Jin was truly formidable; with just one appearance, he had brought back such a powerful companion, and a Bloodline Warrior at that!

The more Li Juntu looked at Fakel Noris’s mud-like face, the more terrified he became. He secretly glanced toward the thin, goat-bearded, triangular-eyed Kai family head, Kai Gelali, standing nearby. This time, to deal with the ferocious Qian Jin, they had specifically allied with the Kai and Fakel families, bringing out all their masters. They came to this city only to hear news that Qian Jin might be dead, believing they wouldn't need much trouble. But because of Gu Yue Jiaying's status and the buffs she provided, they insisted on waiting for Fabre Dis to return...

As the guardians of Oakland City, the Kai and Fakel families had no choice but to show deference. They believed that even if Fabre Dis returned, what could he do? City Guardians were not supposed to interfere in family or commercial affairs. Unexpectedly, what arrived was not Fabre Dis, but the fiercely dangerous man who should have been dead: Qian Jin!

Not only that, but this fierce man had apparently brought back a Bloodline Warrior who fought with wicked precision! Li Juntu felt his bowels twist with regret. If he had known things would turn out this way, he never should have eagerly participated when the Fakel family came knocking.

The warriors in the hall all darkened their expressions, each man placing a hand on his weapon and glaring furiously at Duan Feng Bu'er. To strike so ruthlessly in front of so many people—even against a Bloodline Warrior, they could not tolerate it! Moreover, this one seemed to be only a Bloodline Warrior at an early stage of awakening? While perhaps formidable among those his own age, he possessed no distinct advantage over older, ordinary warriors.

Fakel Vivenota spread his arm, stopping the impulsive warriors, and slowly paced down the steps from the dais. Standing a few meters from Duan Feng Bu'er, he bowed slightly: "Esteemed Bloodline Warrior, greetings. I am Fakel Vivenota, head of the Fakel family. This matter concerns an internal reorganization we are conducting within our branch family. According to the laws of the True Decree Dynasty, you are not permitted to intervene."

"That is correct," Kai Gelali stroked his grizzled goatee and slowly walked down the steps. "Norris challenged you actively just now, so your actions were not problematic. However, the laws of the True Decree Dynasty stipulate that internal family affairs cannot be easily interfered with, even by Imperial power."

"Precisely," Fakel Vivenota smiled and nodded repeatedly. "Even if this Qian Jin is your retainer, you still cannot interfere in the internal affairs of our Fakel family."

Kai Gelali turned and exchanged a triumphant glance with Vivenota. In this coordinated duet, they used the laws of the True Decree Dynasty to firmly suppress the Bloodline Warrior. Even a Bloodline Warrior could not violate the Dynasty’s laws, or it would be tantamount to rebellion!

Rebellion? That was a charge even a Bloodline Warrior could not bear. Maliciousness flickered in Kai Gelali's triangular eyes as he repeatedly scanned Qian Jin. It was this man who killed the disciples of my Kai family! Kai Gelali clenched his fist, his hand trembling slightly, hatred radiating from every corner of his being toward this warrior! It was this warrior who caused the Kai family's plan to smoothly absorb the Luo family to fail completely! This time, not only would they carve up the Luo family, but they would kill Qian Jin! For this purpose, they had even invited the Fakel family's First Guardian, Fabino of the Demon-Subduing Nine Battles!

Never mind that such a young warrior couldn't possibly be the Demon-Subduing Nine Battles—even if he were, they had to seize this opportunity to kill him! Kai Gelali winced recalling his family's past losses. His triangular eyes shifted to Biluo, and that female mage! She must possess some Inscription Magic Tool to temporarily attain the rank of Archmage! This time, they had purchased an expensive Sixth-Tier Magic Scroll for Mage Luoweili; revenge must be exacted!

"First the Dynasty's law, then the Dynasty's law. Do you think you've got me cornered just by citing the law?" Duan Feng Bu'er slammed his Bu'er Spear heavily onto the ground, producing a heart-shaking impact sound—the reverberating tremor was like a massive bell being struck. "I ask you, comrade, does your family hire guardians?"

Luo Qingqing's lips parted in astonishment. She blinked hard, trying to confirm if she was dreaming. A powerful and noble Bloodline Warrior, who normally only accepted others as retainers, was today asking to become a guardian for someone else? And for a merchant family at that!

The goatee on Kai Gelali's chin twitched uncontrollably. He stared blankly at Duan Feng Bu'er, wondering if the boy had gone mad. A noble Bloodline Warrior, wanting to serve as a guardian to a mere merchant with some money? Could it truly be so?

"We do hire them, but..." Qian Jin patted his chest. "I am already the First Guardian of the Luo family. If you want to be a guardian for the Luo family, you can only be the Second Guardian..."

Second? Vivenota smiled. Although the First Guardian and Second Guardian differed by only one rank, the gap between them in any family was enormous. How could a noble Bloodline Warrior stoop to serving under an ordinary warrior, content to be a merchant's Second Guardian?

"I'll do it!"

"I'll do it!"

"I'll do it!"

Three crisp, loud voices simultaneously erupted in the Luo family's small courtyard, drawing everyone's attention to Fen Tu Kuang Ge, Chuck, and Duan Feng Bu'er.

"Hey, you two can't do this," Duan Feng Bu'er complained, his tone full of grievance. "I asked about the guardian position first."

Chuck didn't even look up: "I called out first."

Fen Tu Kuang Ge stepped forward: "My voice was the loudest."

Qian Jin rubbed his ears. These three had competed over medicine consumption in the ruins, and now they were fighting over the position of family guardian too?

Vivenota stared dumbfounded at the three warriors fiercely arguing. He desperately wanted to understand what was going on. Was the position of Second Guardian truly that desirable? If a Bloodline Warrior liked it, the Fakel family's First Guardian position could certainly be negotiated! As for the other two warriors...

Vivenota looked at the injuries of the gate guard curled on the ground and knew those two warriors also possessed considerable strength. The treatment for the Fakel family's Second or even Third Guardian would be better than the Luo family’s Second Guardian! These were all things that could be negotiated!

Kai Gelali was equally bewildered. What in the world was happening? Qian Jin should be the Bloodline Warrior's retainer! How could he instead be willing to become the retainer family’s Second Guardian? And even agree to compete for the status of a retainer?

"I say," Qian Jin sighed, interrupting the ceaseless argument. "I don't mind you fighting, but you should at least look at the environment! How about this: let's use Rock-Paper-Scissors to decide the guardian order for now."

Fable Pers couldn't help but chuckle softly. What was all this? Since when did a small Luo family merchant have a First Guardian who was a warrior from the Demon-Subduing One Battle, who was also a master smith, divine archer, and pharmacist—a true monster?

The Second Guardian was supposedly a scion from the War God lineage, labeled as an ordinary warrior. A family scion who was notoriously arrogant about only hiring others as guardians was now coming to serve a merchant like the Luo family? If the current head of the Fen Tu lineage knew, would his nose not turn purple with rage?

Fable Pers looked at the dejected and remorseful Duan Feng Bu'er and bitterly smiled. A dignified Nine-Headed Serpent Bloodline Warrior! One of the Ten Great Bloodlines of the True Decree Dynasty, a successor whose bloodline was considered among those closest to the Ultimate Bloodline Warrior, was coming to the Luo family as the Third Guardian!

Bloodline Warriors! There was almost never a case where they served as guardians for others. Even when it occasionally happened, it was always some form of interest exchange between truly wealthy, powerful families.

To come to a family of the Luo family's standing to serve as a guardian... Fable Pers thought for a long time before finally concluding that Duan Feng Bu'er had set a historical precedent, bringing shame upon Bloodline Warriors.

"That Chuck..." Fabre Dis sighed with confusion. He had met many strange people in his life, but he still couldn't fully fathom this young warrior. Silent, steady, ruthless when he struck, yet he seemed to hold back considerable strength, radiating mystery.

"Enough!" Duan Feng Bu'er turned to Vivenota. "Now, thanks to you all, I am the Luo family's Third Guardian. The Luo family's affairs are now my affairs."

Thanks to us? The group of warriors stared blankly at Duan Feng Bu'er. Could this man be any more shameless? We didn't force you; you chose to become his guardian, and now you're turning around to settle accounts with us?

Is this... Is there any justice? Any law? Everyone knew that Bloodline Warriors were domineering and arrogant in the True Decree Dynasty, but one as overwhelmingly aggressive as the Nine-Headed Serpent Bloodline Warrior was truly the first of his kind.

An astonishing reversal! No one could have predicted that a noble Bloodline Warrior would suddenly come to the Luo family to serve as a Third Guardian.

Vivenota gaped at Duan Feng Bu'er, then felt a hand clap his shoulder. Turning, he saw the Luo family's First Guardian, Li Zheng—the Fakel family's Demon-Subduing Nine Battles!

"Patriarch, there is no need to worry too much about this Bloodline Warrior," Li Zheng slowly stepped forward, his black beard swaying gently on his chest. "Young man, Demon-Subduing Seven Battles? Your bloodline power has just awakened, hasn't it? If you were a Demon-Subduing Eight Battles Bloodline Warrior, I might still fear you. But now..."

"You cannot shoulder the burden of the Luo family yet!"

Kai Gelali watched as the family's First Guardian, Fabino, strode out holding a long staff. His imposing figure stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Li Zheng, like two unscalable peaks, instantly crushing the imposing aura Duan Feng Bu'er had projected.

"Young Bloodline Warrior, even if you were a Demon-Subduing Eight Battles, you couldn't possibly defeat both of us at once, could you?" Li Zheng turned to look at the several family guardians behind him. "Moreover, you are only Demon-Subduing Seven Battles, and we have so many more people here..."

Swish, swish, swish...

The six warriors in the hall surged forward simultaneously, standing beside Fabino. Their swords were drawn, radiating a fierce deterrence.

Qian Jin raised an eyebrow, lifting Luo Qingqing protectively into his arms: "What? Are you robbing us out in the open?"

Vivenota felt Qian Jin's gaze, sharp as a knife, and retreated repeatedly behind Li Zheng before feeling safe. He looked toward Gu Yue Jiaying: "Now that Qian Jin has returned, and your father stands outside the gate, I intend to resolve the internal matters of my own family. Please remember the Dynasty's laws; you have no right to interfere. Otherwise, even if I report this to His Majesty the Emperor, you will lose the case."

"It seems they truly are robbing us out in the open," Qian Jin shielded Luo Qingqing as he stepped toward the courtyard gate. "Uncle Fabre, I know City Guardians cannot interfere in family affairs, but please protect the personal safety of a member of Oakland City. That is your duty, is it not?"

"Of course," Fabre Dis beckoned, pulling Luo Qingqing to his side. "The duty of the City Guardian is to protect the safety of every citizen in this city. Luo Qingqing is a citizen of Oakland City, so I must fulfill my responsibility as a guardian."

"Excellent!" Qian Jin laughed and strode into the courtyard. In full view of everyone, he spread his right arm and snatched the Zhanmadao (Horse-Slaying Blade) from the Dou Realm (Battle Realm)!

"Since you intend to rob us openly, yet call it internal family business, then none of you will be leaving here alive today!"

The Dou Realm (Battle Realm)! Li Zheng froze. This kid actually possessed a Dou Realm? And he dared to display his Dou Realm in front of everyone? Didn't he know that even if others killed him and couldn't take the Dou Realm, the mere news spreading would attract powerful figures who would restrain him and force him to remain a mobile storage depot at their side?

It's the second day of the Lunar New Year; I have to go to my in-laws' house today. Many comrades must be going to their in-laws' too, right? Alas, my father-in-law drinks too much; I can't out-drink him. Are there any comrades with invincible alcohol tolerance? Stand up for us sons-in-law, hahahaha.

Monthly tickets, still asking for monthly tickets U.

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