This secret, Zhang Yang would not have been told by Zhang Pinglu had Zhang Yang not already encountered the Phantom Rat.

This was knowledge only the Guardians were privy to, but Zhang Pinglu, having judged that Zhang Yang would reach Great Perfection on his own and become a Guardian-level entity—and with Wuying acting as a liaison between Zhang Yang and the Phantom Rat—decided to divulge it.

“Remember, keep this confidential; don't tell Dao Feng or Yun An about it!” Zhang Pinglu gave another instruction, followed by a sigh.

“Our Zhang family is too small.

Many people think that because we are few, we are easy to bully.

This time, I will show them that my Thousand-Year Zhang Family is second to none among any of their great families or sects!” As he spoke, a fierce glint flashed in Zhang Pinglu's eyes.

This ancestor of the Zhang family, who had lived life as if playing a game, the true Guardian of the Zhang family, was genuinely enraged.

Although there were no written rules among those at the Great Perfection stage, there were certainly codes of conduct, an unwritten rule being that they should not directly attack the younger generations of other families.

Great Perfection cultivators were too powerful; if they took action, no one could withstand them.

This time, Huyan Feng had violated that rule.

Zhang Pinglu had an inkling as to why Huyan Feng was so determined to kill Zhang Yang.

Zhang Yang’s progress was too rapid.

Perhaps facing him alone might spark similar thoughts in the descendants of other families, let alone the fact that Zhang Yang was an enemy of the Huyan family.

Understanding this did not mean Zhang Pinglu would let the matter slide.

On the contrary, he would escalate this issue to the highest possible level.

He wanted everyone, every Great Perfection cultivator, to see that Zhang Yang was the Zhang family’s reverse scale—touch him, and he would fight to the death.

This time, the Huyan family would not be let off the hook.

“Old Master, having fewer people has its advantages.

Although there are only a few of us now, every single one of us is a powerhouse above the Fourth Layer.

This strength is enough to make the entire cultivation world look up to us!” Zhang Yang said quietly, glancing nervously at Zhang Pinglu.

He had initially thought that Zhang Pinglu lamenting the sparse population of the family was urging him to have children sooner; this was not an unlikely possibility.

Such things often happened in the Zhang family.

For some unknown reason, every Zhang family disciple was reluctant to start a family early.

Zhang Yun’an and Zhang Daofeng had both experienced it; in his past life, Zhang Yang had often been badgered by his own grandfather about it.

“You are right.

You go back first.

Given Old Man Madman’s cautious nature, returning heavily wounded like this, he will surely become a turtle hiding in its shell.

I need to go gather intelligence and find their turtle’s nest.

The Four Great Families—hmpf.

They’ve always thought there were only four great families.

It’s time their names were changed!” Zhang Pinglu said with a hearty laugh, involuntarily letting a trace of killing intent leak out as he spoke.

Zhang Yang quickly nodded.

This killing intent of his was even stronger than Huyan Feng’s had been, and feeling it was deeply unsettling.

Zhang Pinglu left alone.

Zhang Yang returned to the villa by himself.

Seeing that only Zhang Yang was present, Zhang Yun’an and Zhang Daofeng both came to inquire.

Upon learning that the Old Master had gone to gather information, both of them breathed a sigh of relief.

Zhang Yun’an grew excited again.

Judging by the Old Master’s attitude, he intended to fight the Huyan family to the death this time.

This was a Thousand-Year lineage! To go all out against such a family—the mere thought was exhilarating.

If they were truly annihilated, even if the Zhang family wanted to keep a low profile, it would be impossible; they would surely become famous again.

Even Zhang Daofeng remained silent now.

What the Old Master said was correct: the Zhang family had kept too low a profile for too long.

Now, everyone dared to push them around.

They were bound to be made to understand the terror of the Zhang family.

Zhang Yang spent some time talking with Long Feng before retiring for the night.

The next morning, Zhang Daofeng was already waiting for Zhang Yang in the living room, holding a small jade vial in his hand.

This vial contained three Detoxification Sacred Pills, which Zhang Daofeng had concocted using only half of the Thousand-Year Snow Lotus Root that Zhang Yang had brought.

After all, he was much older than Zhang Yang and far more experienced in compounding medicines.

With the Detoxification Sacred Pills, Zhang Keqin’s poison could be cured.

“Grandfather, thank you!” Taking the vial, Zhang Yang felt a great weight lift from his heart, and he spoke with a smile.

“You child, speaking like that to me.

Hurry up and go, I know you are anxious!” Zhang Daofeng said warmly, chuckling.

He had long known Zhang Yang’s worry about Zhang Keqin’s poison, which was why he had prepared the medicine so early, putting an end to Zhang Yang’s anxiety.

Zhang Yang nodded and smiled.

He didn't even eat breakfast before grabbing Mi Xue and heading out.

Only after curing Zhang Keqin’s poison could he truly focus on preparing for the battle.

The Huyan family was, after all, a thousand-year lineage; even a starved camel was larger than a horse.

Such ancient families usually had hidden cards up their sleeves; one never knew what the Huyan family’s trump card might be.

While attacking the Huyan family wouldn't be difficult, completely eradicating the clan would not be easy; meticulous preparation was essential.

“Zhang Yang, can Dad’s poison be cured now?” Sitting in the passenger seat, Mi Xue quietly asked, looking at the constantly smiling Zhang Yang.

She was an intelligent girl.

Although Zhang Yang hadn’t explicitly stated the purpose of their early departure this morning, seeing his urgency, she had already understood what was happening.

“That’s right.

By the way, are you willing to manage a large hotel?” Zhang Yang replied cheerfully, a thought striking him, and he posed the question.

“A large hotel? What kind of hotel?” Mi Xue was slightly confused.

She currently managed a restaurant, though it was also called a hotel.

“I mean a proper chain hotel, like a five-star one.

If you are willing, I plan to open one in Changjing!” Zhang Yang explained.

Huang Jing’s previous introduction hadn’t mentioned any chain hotels in Changjing, which had been a disappointment to Zhang Yang.

He had previously proposed that the company open a branch in Changjing.

If funds were tight, he could inject capital and increase his own shares.

Regarding the takeover of that other hotel, Zhang Yang no longer held any other reservations.

Since he had taken it over, and was now the majority shareholder, he naturally wanted to manage it well, and it wouldn't do to have no trusted people inside.

Mi Xue already had experience running a restaurant business, so managing a full hotel branch would be no problem for her.

Opening the hotel in Changjing would also be convenient for them personally.

“I don’t mind, anything is fine!” Mi Xue lowered her head, her face flushing slightly.

She had thought that since they were getting engaged, Zhang Yang intended to expand his business and entrust it to her management.

Thinking that way, she couldn't help but feel like a proprietress, and her face naturally turned red.

“Very well, we’ll settle on that for now.

The construction of the hotel will take time.

When you graduate, you can go elsewhere to study and gain experience first!” Zhang Yang nodded.

He had wanted to mention teaching her to cultivate internal energy; with the Peilan Pills and the Fire Dragon Fruit, Mi Xue, despite her age, could have an excellent start.

However, in the end, he decided against it.

Before the Fire Dragon Fruit could be compounded into medicine, and before he had consulted with Zhang Yun’an and Zhang Daofeng, it was best not to bring up the matter.

The car arrived at the Provincial Party Committee compound entrance shortly after.

Zhang Yang hadn't eaten breakfast, but given the late hour, according to Zhang Keqin’s habits, he would certainly have already arrived at work and started his duties.