A trace of bitterness flashed across Shangguan Tengfei’s face as he answered Shangguan Yunmeng’s question. “Father has already issued the decree; I am to return soon to assume the mantle of the Shangguan Family Patriarch.”

“What?” Shangguan Yunmeng’s expression shifted violently upon hearing this. She pressed, “Did Father mention us?”

“Heh, even if he didn't ask directly, I doubt anything could escape his notice.” A sharp glint appeared in Shangguan Tengfei’s eyes. “But he tasked me with two objectives before I can inherit the Patriarch position.”

“What objectives?” Shangguan Yunmeng knitted her delicate eyebrows, as if she already suspected the nature of the matter.

Shangguan Tengfei glanced at her, seeming to know exactly what she was thinking. “One of the two tasks is quite simple. But the other… I fear I cannot complete it.”

“You mean Father wants you to leave me, or perhaps, to kill me outright?” Shangguan Yunmeng let out a cold laugh; she knew the nature of that old man well enough.

In traditional families, women had always been looked down upon. After what had transpired between her and Tengfei, that old man had surely come to loathe her to the very bone. Shangguan Yunmeng was certain of this, which is why she had already drawn a conclusion about what Shangguan Tengfei had yet to say.

“Sister, don’t think so extremely pessimistically. Father hasn't reached that extreme, it’s just that…” Shangguan Tengfei trailed off, the melancholy deepening in his brow, causing the infatuated girls loitering outside the classroom to collectively draw a sharp breath.

“Just what?”

“The relationship between the Shangguan Family and the Xuanyuan Family—you know it well enough…”

“Could it be?” Shangguan Yunmeng’s delicate body shuddered. Marriage alliances between families were commonplace among the great houses.

“Yes, Father demands that I become engaged to Xuanyuan Bing of the Xuanyuan Family by the end of this month!” Shangguan Tengfei sighed mournfully.

“That old man truly prioritizes profit above all else. With the Xuanyuan Family’s strength as an Awakened power, once the Shangguan Family forms an alliance with them, I doubt anyone in Huaxia, save for the Ye Family, would dare harbor ill intentions toward us. A calculated move, indeed a shrewd calculation!” Shangguan Yunmeng scoffed, her heart filling with desolation.

“Don’t worry, Sister! I will not marry Xuanyuan Bing.” Feeling his sister’s slight tremor, Shangguan Tengfei’s heart clenched.

“Heh heh…” Shangguan Yunmeng knew he wouldn’t betray her, but his refusal didn't mean the old man of the Shangguan Family would permit it. Because of this, Shangguan Yunmeng’s thoughts became obscured in uncertainty.

Seeing his sister’s dejected expression, Shangguan Tengfei changed the subject. “The other matter concerns the currently rampant underground syndicate.”

“The syndicate?”

“Yes, they managed to rank among the Four Great Gangs of Huaxia in less than two years; their strength cannot be underestimated. Furthermore, Father received intelligence suggesting that the Dragon Lord of the Black God Gang is currently enrolled at our Fudan University, and they might make a move against the Shangguan Family.”

“You mean they plan to strike against our family? Do the gangs now seek to occupy a place among the Eight Great Families through conflict?”

“Heh, actually, his intent isn't to insert himself into the internal affairs of the Eight Great Families. Their objective is quite clear: the delicate relationship between the Eight Great Families and the underworld, compounded by our connections to the Northern Military Region—therefore, if the Black God Gang wishes to establish a foothold in Shanghai, perhaps all of Huaxia, they must involve themselves with the Shangguan Family.”

“I understand what you mean!” Shangguan Yunmeng’s lips curved into a perfect arc. “Isn't it simply because, among the Eight Great Families of Huaxia, the Shangguan Family holds the premier position?”

“Exactly, so he must establish a deterrent within the Shangguan Family!” Shangguan Tengfei smiled noncommittally. “Sister, tell me, perhaps we shouldn’t get entangled with them?”

“I don’t know. Regarding this Black God Gang, I truly have no idea!” Shangguan Yunmeng immediately dismissed the first topic.

“Sigh, the Black God Gang is too mysterious. I heard from Father that twenty years ago, this faction could have dominated the national underworld, but they suddenly went into hiding. Moreover, the Dragon Lord of the Black God Gang twenty years ago was the person who gave Father the biggest headaches. I wonder what kind of ruthless character the current Dragon Lord of the Black God Gang might be?”

“One who, upon debut, plunged the entire Eastern China underworld into a state of sheer terror; one who used a minor tactic to depose the Yagyu Clan’s Godfather in Country R, subsequently becoming the Godfather himself and assuming control over the Miyamoto family, eventually making his name known throughout Huaxia and across the globe.”

“What is most admirable is that just recently in Britain, it took him only a single day to render the world-class Mafia syndicate completely helpless. The current Black God Gang far surpasses the strength of its predecessor from twenty years ago; if we had to quantify it, the Black God Gang today possesses twice the might of that past iteration.”

A voice suddenly materialized before them, belonging to a youth dressed in a simple school uniform. Initially appearing modest, he was surprisingly adorned with gold and silver jewelry everywhere except perhaps his ears, sporting the epitome of trendy fashion.

“Uh, Cousin, when did you arrive?” Shangguan Yunmeng paused slightly, offering the newcomer a fond smile as she inquired.

“Heh heh, Cousin, it’s you two who were so absorbed in your romantic talk that you forgot I existed, aren’t you?” The youth was strikingly sunny, at least his slightly tanned complexion betrayed no hint of dust. His name was ‘Gongsun Ce,’ a man fond of schemes but fundamentally upright in character.

He was also the sole heir of the Gongsun Family. In truth, the Gongsun Family’s connections to the Central Authority of Huaxia stemmed entirely from their kinship with the Shangguan Family, as Shangguan Tengfei’s mother hailed from the Gongsun lineage.

“When did you become so fond of teasing me, young man?” Shangguan Yunmeng chuckled softly.

A flicker of compassion crossed Gongsun Ce’s eyes. “Cousin, although I don’t object to your relationship with Tengfei, you must also consider that old man in your family!”

“Ah!” Shangguan Yunmeng was taken aback, yet fully understood the weight of his words. This beloved younger cousin was perfectly aware of the situation between her and her brother. If not for their shared history in childhood and his deep sense of obligation, he likely wouldn't stand by her now.

“Cousin, thank you,” Shangguan Yunmeng said, her gaze never losing its doting affection toward Gongsun Ce.

“Heh, don't be so polite. Besides, if it hadn't been for you back then, I might not be standing here today!” Gongsun Ce replied with a bright, genuine smile.

“Alright, let’s drop the sentimentality. Little Ce, what you were just saying about the Black God Gang’s Dragon Lord—what’s the full story?” Shangguan Tengfei, being a year older than Gongsun Ce, usually should have addressed him as ‘Younger Cousin,’ but now simply called him ‘Little Ce’ due to their familial ties.

“Oh, that’s the second matter you mentioned,” Gongsun Ce responded. He held a good impression of Shangguan Tengfei, though most of that goodwill originated from Shangguan Yunmeng, as everyone in their respective families, especially the Gongsun clan, believed Gongsun Ce harbored deep affections for Shangguan Yunmeng.

Alas, Shangguan Yunmeng cared for no one but her younger brother, who was a year her junior. Perhaps she was simply resolute in the people and causes she cherished, which explained why she showed no hesitation in continuing her sincere, albeit unconventional, sibling romance.

“Regarding the Black God Gang’s Dragon Lord from twenty years ago, I never heard the details of his methods. But the Dragon Lord of today’s Black God Gang—I have heard of him. He is not a figure to be trifled with; even the Eastern Family’s members bow their heads in submission to him,” Gongsun Ce stated calmly.

“Oh? That’s interesting?” The melancholy expression vanished from Shangguan Tengfei’s face, replaced instead by one of keen interest.

“I rarely see you express such curiosity about others. For the Black God Gang’s Dragon Lord to pique your interest like this is indeed intriguing, and suddenly makes me feel a bit expectant myself!” Shangguan Yunmeng was exceptionally perceptive; she monitored Shangguan Tengfei’s every move and thought, seeming to comprehend him completely.

“Sigh, can you two please stop flirting for a moment? Aren’t you going to ask why I actually came here?” Gongsun Ce felt utterly defeated by the pair, their blatant disregard for his presence almost making him want to bang his head against a wall.

“Ah, right, tell us then,” Shangguan Tengfei replied.

“Ahem, ahem. I came here specifically to ask if you know about the events that transpired outside today?” Gongsun Ce asked, turning serious.

“We know. What about it?”

“Sweat… This time the Black God Gang is mainly targeting your Shangguan Family. Aren’t you nervous at all?” Gongsun Ce intensely wished he could jump up and throttle Shangguan Tengfei; he couldn't tell if the younger man was posturing or genuinely so composed.

Shaking his head slightly, Gongsun Ce left them with a final warning. “Let me tell you this frankly: never underestimate the Black God Gang’s Dragon Lord, or you will suffer for it. Even if you have no desire for power, others are not like you.”