Long Jian looked genuinely happy; such a smile had been rare for him these past few days. Starting the day before yesterday, the atmosphere at home had suddenly shifted.

The Clan Leader and the others had become incredibly anxious, and the family elders were constantly rushing about, busy with unknown affairs. Soon after, even they were caught in the turmoil.

The elder responsible for teaching them inner strength stopped overseeing their cultivation, instead assigning them rotating guard duties—a twenty-four-hour, non-stop watch. This was unprecedented.

It could be said that Long Jian had been living under a cloud of oppression for days. He knew something serious had befallen the family, but the specifics were hidden; the Long Family was still keeping the matter of the Guardians confidential from them.

Now that Long Feng had returned, his spirits lifted considerably. At the very least, he now had someone to confide in about whatever troubled him, rather than having to bury it deep inside as before.

The group walked quickly, though Zhang Yang's brow furrowed slightly. A grand formation had already risen around the Long Family estate—a true Wonder Gate array.

Had Zhang Yang not studied the principles of the Qimen Dunjia, he might not have detected this hidden structure. This massive array completely shielded the entire palace complex.

Glancing around, Zhang Yang shook his head subtly and continued forward. The array had only been raised; it wasn't fully activated yet.

Zhang Yang couldn't discern many issues currently, but the Long Family was an established lineage spanning over two thousand years; it was only natural they possessed some ultimate trump cards. Having such an array in place was entirely normal.

"Who goes there? Long Feng?" Just as they reached the rear hall, a loud shout erupted from the doorway, and the speaker immediately spotted the hurrying Long Feng.

Standing at the entrance was a young man Zhang Yang recognized—Long Zhan, who had once participated in the Long Family Grand Competition. Long Zhan stared at Long Feng in astonishment.

"Long Zhan, I'm back! I need to see the Clan Leader immediately; it's urgent!" Long Feng nodded.

Long Zhan glanced at Zhang Yang, hesitating for a moment before nodding in response. Zhang Yang had visited the Long Family plains before; many people there knew of him.

Long Zhan also knew Zhang Yang was a Fourth Level expert, equivalent to an Elder. Facing a Fourth Level powerhouse, he dared not ask too many questions, merely stepping inside to report their arrival.

Before long, Long Zhan returned, accompanied by three others: Clan Leader Long Haotian, and the Second and Third Elders of the Long Family. Since Long Zhan recognized Zhang Yang, he had naturally reported Zhang Yang's arrival as well.

Zhang Yang was already a Fourth Level expert, and rumors even suggested he had recently broken through to the mid-Fourth Level, possessing the ability to materialize energy. Because of this, no one in the Long Family dared to slight him; the Elders themselves came out to greet him.

The current Zhang Yang possessed the standing to receive such deference. "We did not know Brother Zhang was arriving; we apologize for not greeting you from afar.

Please forgive our oversight!" Long Haotian clasped his fists from a distance, bowing slightly toward Zhang Yang, and by the time he finished speaking, he stood directly before him. He offered no words to Long Feng or Long Jian beside him.

"Clan Leader Long, you are too polite. Long Feng and I are friends; you do not need to address me with such formality!" Zhang Yang offered a faint smile and studied Long Haotian closely for a few moments, instantly understanding everything.

Long Haotian had actually broken through as well. He had advanced to the Fourth Level, though it appeared very unstable—he must have just broken through.

If he had not advanced, as a late-stage Third Level expert, he would never dare address Zhang Yang as 'brother.' The hierarchy in the inner strength cultivation world was strict; a Third Level master would naturally defer to a Fourth Level expert, calling him Senior or at least Mr. Zhang.

"It is only proper, only proper. Brother Zhang, please, let us go inside to discuss matters!" Long Haotian smiled and gestured for them to enter, appearing quite open.

However, Zhang Yang keenly sensed a thread of anxiety lurking deep within the corners of his eyes. Zhang Yang nodded and, without ceremony, strode inside.

Long Feng followed him in. Long Jian turned and left to resume his patrol; that was his assignment for the night, and he had only escorted Long Feng and Zhang Yang this far.

Long Haotian received Zhang Yang in the same chamber Zhang Yang had used on his last visit. The difference was stark: last time, Long Haotian had faced him as a clear superior; this time, they were equals, and the Clan Leader even showed a degree of reverence toward Zhang Yang.

The First Elder of the Long Family appeared grave, offering only a few perfunctory words before falling silent. The Second Elder, meanwhile, said nothing at all.

Aside from them, Zhang Yang noticed two other figures in a small adjoining alcove. These two possessed incredibly steady auras, emitting almost no detectable sound.

If Zhang Yang hadn't used his energy to probe, he would never have found them. Judging by their composure, Zhang Yang guessed they were also Fourth Level experts, though he couldn't tell if they were early or mid-stage, nor could he ascertain their identity.

However, their presence here suggested a profound connection to the Long Family. Chasing Wind, Lightning, and Shadow followed Zhang Yang into the room.

Long Zhan had tried to stop them, but Long Feng blocked his path. All three spirit beasts had reached the Fourth Level; provoking them now would likely cause headaches even for the Elders.

Seeing Chasing Wind swagger in and settle beside Zhang Yang, Long Haotian showed only mild surprise, saying nothing. A slight smile touched Zhang Yang's lips.

If he counted his three great spirit beasts, plus Long Haotian and the two Long Family Elders, plus the two hidden Fourth Level experts in the room, this single room convened eight Fourth Level powerhouses—a force that, if revealed, would be stunning. And this did not count himself.

He was also a Fourth Level expert, but one possessing Great Perfection strength. "Clan Leader, Zhang Yang has come with me to help.

He stands with our Long Family!" Once settled, Long Feng spoke first. He had arrived in such haste that he hadn't had time to report Zhang Yang’s intent to assist to the family; they were still unaware of this development.

Yet, Long Haotian had already guessed much of it. Zhang Yang arriving alone but accompanied by Long Feng explained his earlier excessive courtesy.

Long Feng’s words merely confirmed his suspicions. "Brother Zhang, in our time of great crisis, we deeply appreciate your powerful assistance.

The Long Family will surely reward you handsomely in the future!" Long Haotian stood up and solemnly bowed his clasped hands toward Zhang Yang. Zhang Yang’s help was akin to sending charcoal in a snowstorm, and moreover, Zhang Yang represented another identity that was incredibly important to them.

"Young Friend Zhang, we thank you for your help. May I ask if you have come as an individual, or on behalf of the Zhang Family?" The First Elder immediately followed up with the question, and the Second Elder and Long Haotian all turned their gaze toward Zhang Yang.

This was what concerned them most. Whether Zhang Yang came in a personal capacity or representing the lineage of the Medical Saint made a massive difference.

If he represented the Medical Saint lineage, they might secure the overall support of that entire faction, effectively gaining a Great Perfection powerhouse in their camp. Even if that person wouldn't fight to the death for the Long Family, their deterrent power would be significant.

Long Feng’s brow twitched slightly, but before he could speak, Zhang Yang answered: "What difference does it make if it's me personally, or my entire Zhang Family? I promised Long Feng I would certainly protect your Long Family!" Zhang Yang’s tone toward the First Elder was detached, even tinged with disdain.

The First Elder paused slightly, a flash of anger crossing his eyes, but he managed to suppress it. In their current critical situation, any external aid was vital; offending someone, especially someone connected to the Zhang Family—a Great Perfection entity—was unthinkable.

Zhang Yang smiled faintly, amused internally. These Long Family members still hadn't grasped that he wasn't truly there for the Long Family, but entirely for Long Feng.

He was safeguarding Long Feng’s family, not the family belonging to these individuals. If these people remained ungrateful and maintained their airs of superiority, Zhang Yang wouldn't mind stepping back and observing for a while.

Furthermore, if these people dared to provoke him directly, Zhang Yang would show no mercy this time. Protecting the Long Family to leave a home for Long Feng did not mean Zhang Yang would shield every single member of the clan.

Distinguishing between gratitude and grievance was part of Zhang Yang’s code of conduct. "Brother Zhang, regardless, we thank you.

It is quite late today; please rest first. We will certainly host a grand banquet for you tomorrow!" Long Haotian sensed things shifting unfavorably and quickly stood up.

Zhang Yang said no more. Having run all night, he needed rest to face the coming crises with energy.

Zhang Yang left, and Chasing Wind and Shadow followed him out. Long Haotian personally escorted them to their guest rooms before returning.

Upon his return, he found the First Elder sitting there, his face contorted with anger. The two mysterious figures had also emerged from the side room.

"That insolent boy! If this weren't such a critical time, I would certainly teach him a lesson!" the First Elder slammed the table, speaking coldly.

In his view, Zhang Yang was merely a newly ascended Fourth Level expert, not comparable to him. It was already a concession for him to humble himself and inquire, only for the youth to be so unappreciative with his reply.

From Zhang Yang’s words, it was clear he was only there out of deference to Long Feng, nothing more. "First Elder, please curb your anger.

Zhang Yang’s identity is special, and we desperately need the support of the Medical Saint lineage right now. It is a great thing that he came to help despite past grievances," Long Haotian said with a wry smile, stepping forward to mediate.

Although everyone in the clan understood the danger, the ingrained arrogance of their heritage remained; they still considered the Long Family the foremost noble house. This was dangerous, and unfortunately, Long Haotian alone could not change much; he could only strive to manage everything under his purview.

"Second Brother is correct. Long Shen, perhaps you should keep an eye on them secretly.

If they make any reckless moves, take them down first!" The First Elder nodded, directing this instruction to one of the two mysterious individuals in the room. In his chamber, Zhang Yang’s brow suddenly twitched.

With the surname Long, this man must also be a member of the Long Family. When did the Long Family gain another Fourth Level expert that the outside world was unaware of?