Upon hearing Zhang Yang’s question, Long Feng turned his head and surveyed their surroundings.

Looking out over the vast, empty plain and the visible mountain ridge in the distance, a smile of pride touched Long Feng’s lips.

“This place was discovered by our Long family ancestors over eight hundred years ago—a natural barrier. As soon as the ancestor found it, he immediately decided to move the entire Long family here. After more than eight centuries of development, this has become our Long family’s secluded paradise!”

The Long family had been in the Kunlun Mountains over eight hundred years ago, but not in this specific location.

The previous Long family headquarters was built atop a mountain summit. The peak was large but frigid; Kunlun Mountain’s altitude meant many of its peaks were perpetually snow-capped.

The environment of the former Long family headquarters was, by comparison to the present, worlds apart.

After discovering this small, flat plain, the Long family made an immediate decision to relocate. This wasn't just because the plain offered ample space for living; the primary reason was that it served as a natural fortification.

This so-called natural barrier meant that without the correct path, one simply could not find the place.

The correct path was the single cave entrance they had previously used to enter and exit the Long family grounds—it was the only access point. Elsewhere, even from the sky, this location was utterly invisible.

As to why this was the case, the Long family had studied it for eight hundred years without fully understanding the mystery; no one knew to this day.

However, one thing the Long family members understood clearly: life here was genuinely superior. The environment for cultivation was even better than outside, possessing richer energy than even the most verdant forests.

“This small plain covers over fifty thousand mu, nearly all of which is suitable for cultivation. Everything that can be grown is cultivated here. For a place this large, it is more than enough for our Long family to use!”

Long Feng spoke slowly, and with every detail he shared, the pride on his face grew more pronounced.

This treasure ground of the Long family could truly be called a unique and excellent location. Their ancestors had made the right decision; they had indeed left behind the finest heritage site for their descendants.

Long Cheng also appeared visibly stirred, carrying his own sense of pride.

This was the Long family headquarters—a veritable Shangri-La. Looking at the surrounding wooden structures, Long Cheng almost wanted to move in himself. To live here quietly, enjoying the pastoral scenery without the clamor of a big city—this was likely the life many people longed for.

Astonishment filled Zhang Yang’s eyes as well; a place this good was certainly enviable. Yet, it was only envy. No matter how fine this place was, it was unsuitable for his lineage, the Medical Sage branch. There was nothing to covet.

Putting aside the fact that the Medical Sage branch was sparsely populated, their very purpose—practicing medicine—made this seclusion impractical. The Medical Sage lineage emphasized practical application; only through frequent medical practice could their skills truly enhance.

Zhang Yang’s superb medical skill was largely due to his previous life working in a hospital. It was only after accumulating vast practical experience there that he could handle all manner of diseases.

Relying solely on the memories of this current life, even with such deep internal energy, his medical skills would never have reached this height.

There were few wooden houses and tile-roofed homes, but the wooden structures were exquisitely crafted, making one feel as if they had stepped back into ancient times.

Not every house had occupants; many were empty, and some clearly hadn't been inhabited for a long time.

Most of these dwellings had been built over several centuries by the Long family servants. While the Long family lived here and could grow their own grain and vegetables, the core disciples couldn't be burdened with such tasks; they needed to focus on cultivation and martial arts research.

This necessitated a servant class to handle these duties. Over many years of inheritance, the Long family had cultivated a group entirely loyal to them and whom they could trust implicitly—Wisiya of Kubar Town was one such individual.

The number of such people was small, totaling just over a thousand. They intermarried, and their descendants remained servants of the Long family. The most outstanding individuals were occasionally bestowed the surname Long, binding them truly to the Long family.

Among the servants surnamed Long, the most exemplary were sent out from the headquarters to serve the Long family in the secular world—this formed the Long family’s Outer Gate, which had since developed considerably, gaining significant notoriety.

Long Cheng was a member of the Long family Outer Gate.

The three walked ahead, while Zhui Feng and Shan Dian followed curiously behind. Traveling through the mountains, arriving suddenly in such a fine plain caught the three little creatures by surprise.

This plain was different from the outside world. The climate of Xijiang Province was harsh and bore no comparison to this place, which enjoyed perpetual spring.

“Up ahead is our Long family main base!”

After walking a short distance, a massive palace-like structure appeared before them. Zhang Yang had spotted the roofline rising here right when he first arrived, initially wondering if it was some kind of ancient palace architecture.

Now, the speculation had become reality—it was a palace, the true residence of the Long family disciples.

The palace was enormous, surrounded by long perimeter walls. Even from a distance, one could feel its towering majesty. While building wooden or tile structures on this small plain presented no difficulty, constructing such a grand palace was no small feat.

“The main base began construction with the second generation of ancestors after the relocation. It took over a hundred years to complete. They never had the chance to enjoy it, but they left all those opportunities to us, their descendants!”

Looking at the place where he had lived and grown up, Long Feng sighed softly once more.

The Long family headquarters represented the lifeblood and effort poured in by countless generations of the Long family. Every member held a profound emotional attachment to this place.

Zhang Yang nodded gently. The education in aristocratic families always centered on the clan, a fact he understood well.

Although the Medical Sage Zhang family lacked numerous descendants, the same principle held true during their transmission. Every Zhang family member possessed a strong sense of honor and belonging to their lineage.

After his transmigration, Zhang Yang had always identified as a Zhang family member in this body precisely for this reason.

Without such honor and belonging, a family could never endure for so long.

As they spoke, the three soon arrived at the main gate. It had three archways, and surprisingly, no guards were posted; the gates stood open, allowing free passage.

“Xuanyuan Aristocratic Family!”

Standing before the gate, Zhang Yang tilted his head back, reading the four characters inscribed on the lintel.

These four characters were large and deeply carved. Within them resided an overwhelming, heaven-piercing aura of dominance that compelled onlookers to feel an urge toward reverence.

Zhang Yang stared up at the characters, his alarm growing the longer he looked.

Even with his late-stage third layer cultivation, he felt this effect. If he hadn’t actively restrained himself, he might have already knelt there.

Zhang Yang understood the implications clearly. It meant the person who inscribed these four characters possessed incredibly formidable power—certainly far surpassing his own—to be able to infuse such spiritual will into their calligraphy and have it persist for so many years.

“Thud!”

Beside him, Long Cheng also stared at the characters. After only a few glances, he dropped to his knees, sweat beading on his forehead.

Long Feng made no move to pull him up. Long Feng was acutely aware of the power held within those four characters. Long Cheng, only at the first layer of internal strength, simply could not withstand the spiritual force contained within the inscription.

As a member of the Long family, kneeling before the calligraphy of his own ancestors was no disgrace; it was expected.

“Good.”

After observing for a while longer, Zhang Yang let out a long breath and turned his gaze away from the gate’s sign. The four characters were indeed potent and imbued with dominance, but Zhang Yang disliked that particular brand of dominance.

It was an absolute dominance—the arrogance of ‘the world belongs to me, save none other,’ the conceit of unmatched supremacy. In the literary world, there is no first place; in the martial world, there is no second. Zhang Yang held no ambition for conquest, but neither did he wish to trail behind others.

Of course, he merely disliked it; he held deep admiration for the person capable of creating such writing. It was no easy feat.

“Hmph!”

Zhui Feng snorted. After standing by the entrance for a while, the creature grew bored.

It, along with Shan Dian and Wuying, hadn't paid any attention to the characters. The little beasts couldn’t read, so observing them was truly like playing a lute to a cow.

“Zhang Yang, please!”

Long Feng extended an arm, gesturing politely for Zhang Yang to enter. Here, he was the host, and Zhang Yang the guest; courtesy was warranted.

Long Cheng respectfully kowtowed a few times before rising and following Zhang Yang inside.

The living quarters of the Long family disciples did not forbid servants or Outer Gate members from entering. Long family servants also resided within these grounds. The palace was vast, providing ample housing.

However, there were certain crucial areas these individuals were still barred from entering.

Upon entering, Long Feng became even more animated. Unlike the sparse activity outside, once they passed the main entrance, they saw many people nearby, all staring at them with surprise.

“Brother Feng, Brother Feng is back!”

“Young Master Feng has returned! Go report it quickly!”

Those who saw Long Feng began shouting, and many started moving about, with one person hurrying rapidly toward their group.

“We rarely have guests at the Long family. Since it’s usually just our own people, we don’t have many strict protocols. Over time, things have become like this!”

Long Feng offered a slightly sheepish explanation. Those who shouted included Long family disciples and servants alike.

As a hidden clan living in seclusion, they seldom received visitors and therefore lacked formal etiquette for receiving guests. When a family member returned from an outing, this was the usual reaction.

Normally, Long Feng wouldn't mind, but this time was different. He had brought Zhang Yang, and he worried Zhang Yang might perceive the Long family as poorly disciplined, hence the hasty clarification.

“I understand. It’s much livelier than where I’m from!”

Zhang Yang smiled lightly. He actually liked the bustling atmosphere of the Long family; the Medical Sage branch had never experienced such energy.

“Brother, you’re finally back! Why were you gone so long this time?”

The person approaching was a youth around fifteen or sixteen, with a still-tender face. He was also a disciple of the younger generation of the Long family.

Zhang Yang recognized him instantly with a single glance. His internal strength cultivation was at the late first layer, the same as Long Xiang previously.

However, his late-first-layer cultivation seemed unstable, unlike Long Xiang, who was closer to breaking through. Even so, he was more advanced than Long Cheng, as the direct lineage disciples of the Long family were all subjects of intensive cultivation. Long Cheng was more than twice his age.

Looking at the youth before him, a trace of doting affection appeared in Long Feng’s eyes.

“I had some matters to attend to outside, so my return was delayed. Have you neglected your studies during this time?”

“No, I’ve been diligent in my practice. Seventh Uncle says my Falling Blossom Sword Style has reached sixty percent proficiency!”

Upon hearing Long Feng’s words, the youth immediately held his head high, speaking with a hint of pride, as if seeking commendation.

Long Feng smiled and nodded. “Sixty percent? Not bad. Keep working hard, strive to master the style completely!” As he spoke, Long Feng reached out and gently stroked the youth’s head.

“Zhang Yang, this is my younger brother, Long Jian. When he was little, he clutched a sword during the zhua zhou ceremony and wouldn't let go, so we named him Long Jian. As he grew up, he indeed chose the path of the sword. The Falling Blossom Sword Style is an advanced sword technique; even someone from Mount Shu might not achieve sixty percent proficiency at his age!”

Long Feng introduced the youth to Zhang Yang, offering more detail than he had for anyone else. From his demeanor, Zhang Yang could tell that his biological brother was someone immensely important to him.

“Long Jian, this is Zhang Yang, my good friend and our esteemed guest this time. His cultivation is much stronger than mine!”

Long Jian was now looking up at Zhang Yang, his eyes filled with curiosity. He bore a strong resemblance to Long Feng. Even without Long Feng pointing it out, Zhang Yang could guess their relationship. Among the spiritual medicines Long Feng had previously saved, one was surely intended for Long Jian.

After studying Zhang Yang for a moment, Long Jian turned to Long Feng and asked, “Brother, Mother said you lost a bet and have to be someone’s bodyguard for three years. Is that true?”

A sudden flicker of embarrassment crossed Long Feng’s face. The bet he had with Zhang Yang was a matter from the past. Neither of them had brought it up since. Yet, it was because of that initial arrangement that they had become true friends. At the time, Zhang Yang had other objectives, but he never expected the ensuing development would forge such a bond.

“It is true. I simply lacked skill against him,” Long Feng explained quietly. He had only confided this to his father, the current Patriarch of the Long family. His father wouldn't spread it, but his immediate family wouldn't be kept in the dark.

“The person who defeated you must be very skilled, right? He must be an older person who deliberately bullied you?” Long Jian pressed. Ever since learning Long Feng had to serve as a bodyguard after losing the bet, this question had been weighing on his mind, and he was eager to ask as soon as Long Feng returned.

At this question, Zhang Yang felt a pang of awkwardness—he was, after all, the one who had defeated Long Feng.

“No, everything is fine now. Don't dwell on past matters. I need to see the Patriarch immediately,” Long Feng quickly interjected, masking his blush. He hurried forward, leading Zhang Yang away.

After a few steps, he remembered, turning back to issue instructions to Long Jian: have him take Long Cheng to find someone. Long Cheng was an Outer Gate disciple, and there were designated personnel within the clan responsible for them; they should host Long Cheng for now.

Long Jian didn't get the answer he sought and was momentarily disappointed. However, the disappointment vanished quickly as he began questioning Long Cheng, who revealed many interesting details.

Direct lineage disciples of the Long family were forbidden from leaving the headquarters until they reached the second layer of internal strength. At most, they could gaze at the mountain scenery when guarding the gate, but leaving was unthinkable.

Though young, Long Jian harbored a strong yearning for the outside world, especially after hearing the accounts of those who had ventured out. He couldn't leave yet due to his current cultivation, but that didn't prevent him from gathering information. Long Cheng became the perfect source. Instead of bringing Long Cheng to the assigned person, Long Jian took him straight to his own quarters, where they chatted for half the day, covering a host of bizarre and intriguing topics.

Long Feng was unaware of this prolonged interrogation. He had already brought Zhang Yang to the back courtyard, with Zhui Feng, Shan Dian, and the others following close behind.

Standing before the entrance to the back courtyard, Long Feng showed a trace of hesitation again.

It was fine for Zhang Yang to see the Patriarch; not only because of Zhang Yang’s status but also because his strength qualified him for such an audience. However, bringing Zhui Feng and Shan Dian along felt inappropriate. Discussing matters in a room while a horse stood nearby would feel undeniably odd.

“Shan Dian!”

Zhang Yang suddenly smiled and beckoned the creature over.

Shan Dian spun around and trotted over obediently, its little face wearing a flattering grin.

“Take Wuying and Zhui Feng with you. Wait for me right here, and don't wander off!”

Zhang Yang took out a small bottle and produced three small pills, tossing them casually to Shan Dian. These were ordinary pills, treats for his beasts. Zhui Feng had started eating them a few days prior and quickly developed a taste for the delicious little things. Shan Dian had told him correctly: following Zhang Yang truly meant plenty of good food.

After hearing Zhang Yang’s instructions, Shan Dian grinned and nodded, immediately grabbing the pills and running back. It showed no greed, distributing the three treats evenly. They were quickly consumed.

Shaking his head and smiling slightly, Zhang Yang then followed Long Feng into the back courtyard.

The décor in the back courtyard wasn't vastly different from the front, only that fewer people were present. Besides the direct Long family disciples and a few permitted servants, no one else was allowed entry here.

“Go announce that the friend from the Medical Sage lineage has arrived!”

After walking a short distance in the back courtyard, they reached a pavilion where two guards stood. Long Feng approached them and gave the instruction directly. One of the guards immediately nodded.

“Yes, Young Master Feng!”

The guard quickly ran inside. Long Feng waited outside with Zhang Yang, using the time to relay more information about the Long family affairs.

Not long after, the guard ran back out, respectfully ushering Zhang Yang and Long Feng inside.

The Patriarch was already waiting in the reception hall, asking both Zhang Yang and Long Feng to join him there.

The reception hall was where the Long family entertained distinguished guests. Generally, only Elders and the Patriarch utilized this space. Elders and the Patriarch held very high status, and guests they personally received were considered highly important. Long Feng was surprised the Patriarch would receive Zhang Yang in the reception hall; this was an unusually high honor. He had initially expected the Patriarch would meet them in a side room, as the Patriarch was unaware of Zhang Yang’s true strength. Long Feng had reported it once, but never followed up afterward.

“Patriarch!”

The reception hall was vast. After the guards ushered them in, they withdrew. Long Feng looked at the seated figure inside and immediately called out the respectful title.

The Long family rules were strict, especially concerning the Patriarch; even his own children addressed him this way to symbolize his impartial treatment of everyone. This was why Long Feng had never called him ‘Father’ while outside.

“Long Feng has returned. This must be the friend from the Medical Sage lineage. Welcome to the Long family!”

The person seated rose, glancing at Long Feng with a smile before turning to Zhang Yang. As he looked at Zhang Yang, Zhang Yang was appraising him. This was a man appearing to be in his fifties, looking slightly older than Zhang Yun’an, though their actual ages were nearly identical.

This was Long Haotian, the current Patriarch of the Long family. Zhang Yang could already discern that his cultivation was the same as his own: late third layer. However, his cultivation was far more consolidated and stable, suggesting he was not far from breaking through to the fourth layer. Of course, reaching the fourth layer wasn't easy; without a Saintess Pill, relying purely on self-effort carried significant risk—it was a barrier that halted many.

“I am Zhang Yang of the Medical Sage lineage. I pay my respects, Senior!”

Zhang Yang lightly cupped his fists. His demeanor toward Long Haotian was much warmer than it had been toward Long Jiu. This wasn't because Long Haotian was the Patriarch, but because he was Long Feng’s father. Long Feng was his good friend, and his father was therefore Zhang Yang’s elder.

“Once you are in the Long family, there’s no need to be so formal. Please, take a seat first. Truthfully, I have been friends with Yun’an for many years. It is cause for celebration that the Medical Sage lineage has produced a talent as young as you!”

Long Haotian smiled. He and Zhang Yun’an did know each other from long ago, but their friendship wasn't particularly close; they had clashed many times. However, in front of a junior, he needed to project magnanimity.

Looking at Zhang Yang, Long Haotian’s eyes held a measure of astonishment. Zhang Yang was far younger than he had imagined.

Long Feng had contacted him via satellite phone earlier—the Long family couldn't be entirely cut off from the outside world, and the satellite phone was their sole method of external communication. At that time, Long Haotian learned of Zhang Yang’s cultivation and that he had broken through to the third layer of internal strength.

Even then, he had paid close attention to Zhang Yang and invited him to be a guest at the Long family. He understood clearly what a third-layer expert at such a young age signified, which was why he was personally receiving Zhang Yang in the reception hall today.

“Senior is too kind. Uncle also asked me to send his regards,” Zhang Yang replied with a smile, settling into a guest seat nearby.

“Uncle?”

Long Haotian paused slightly. He knew Zhang Yang was the successor of the Medical Sage lineage but was unaware of the intricate relationships involved.

Long Feng quickly stood up and briefly explained the relationship between Zhang Yun’an and Zhang Yang. The details were too complex to fully articulate, but the fact that Zhang Yang was the successor of the Medical Sage lineage was undeniable. Regardless of his specific connection to Zhang Yun’an, he represented the Medical Sage lineage.

"You're saying Zhang Yun'an has broken through to the Fourth Layer!"

After relaying all this information, Long Feng casually mentioned Zhang Yun'an's cultivation level. The moment he finished speaking, Long Haotian shot to his feet, his eyes wide and bulging.

It was worth noting that Long Haotian and Zhang Yun'an had known each other for close to two decades, and throughout those twenty-plus years, they had engaged in numerous clashes, their cultivation levels remaining consistently neck-and-neck.

Whenever one of them managed a breakthrough, the other would swiftly follow suit, a pattern that had always prevented either man from gaining a decisive upper hand. They functioned like rivals, where the very act of competition simultaneously imposed pressure and fueled their drive.

"Yes, Elder Zhang has indeed achieved his breakthrough. I can vouch for that!"

Long Feng nodded slightly. Zhang Yun'an was undoubtedly at the Fourth Layer; he had personally exchanged blows with him and had nearly paid the ultimate price, so he knew the truth beyond any doubt. (To be continued) RQ