Chapter 350

“Mulan bashfully curtsied, saying, ‘Marshal He, I beg your kind attention.’”

Grandpa Lion hummed as he filed Grandpa Leopard’s nails.

Grandpa came down from upstairs, carrying a saber, a bow, a sword, and a spear on her back, with a row of throwing knives and two daggers hanging from her waist.

How could she, having come from the Yu Family Nursery, possibly fight?

Although she had diligently studied and trained for decades, the limitations imposed by a beast’s bloodline were far greater than those for humans.

Whenever the village required force for something, Grandpa Lion and Grandpa Leopard usually handled it, while Grandpa was only responsible for daily management and planning.

Grandpa knew she lacked talent in this area, but having many limbs, she equipped herself with as many weapons as possible.

Grandpa Lion said, “Grandpa, perhaps you should…”

Grandpa replied, “Let’s go, we’re going home!”

Grandpa Lion’s words of dissuasion ultimately remained unspoken.

Going home, to the Yu Family, was where they were born, and where they wished to be buried.

Grandpa Leopard stood up from Grandpa Lion’s lap, shook himself, and rubbed his front paws back and forth on the floor, adjusting to the sharpness of his nails.

Grandpa Lion stretched with a big yawn, tilted his head back, and opened his mouth. Mindful of the many important guests in the village and not wanting to disturb them, he refrained from letting out a roar.

Then, the two figures and the leopard descended from the second floor to the first.

However, the first floor had no space for them to set foot.

The lizards, originally clinging to the surrounding walls, now covered the entire floor. Their color had changed from green to black, a black edged with red, and they writhed in rhythmic unison, like black flames fiercely burning.

In the center of this “flame,” Yu Dibei sat on a bench.

The little yellow dog, lying in the young man’s arms, turned over and looked towards the staircase after hearing the commotion.

Normally, the animals in the village, including the little yellow dog, would naturally show reverence for these three.

But now, the little yellow dog’s gaze upon them was remarkably calm.

Instead, the three of them, still standing on the stairs, felt a terrifying, invisible pressure.

Grandpa couldn’t stand, collapsing onto the floor, her eighteen types of weapons scattering with a clatter.

The leopard’s limbs trembled, and Grandpa Lion gripped the stair railing with both hands.

Grandpa called out to the young man: “Dibei…”

The little yellow dog looked up and barked: “Woof!”

Yu Dibei slowly raised his head. His eyes were completely black, revealing a chilling despair.

Grandpa felt as if everything around her had vanished, leaving only herself and the young man before her. A similar sensation enveloped Grandpa Lion and Grandpa Leopard.

The Dibei before them made the three old creatures feel utterly unfamiliar.

Although Yu Dibei had always been strong — Grandpa Lion and Grandpa Leopard had long since dared not spar with him — and according to Yu Family tradition, one’s power would greatly increase after the Rite of Awakening…

But where exactly did this terrifying pressure come from?

Yu Dibei spoke, “You, stay.”

With that, Yu Dibei stood up, carried the little yellow dog, and walked out of the wooden house. Wherever he stepped, the lizards on the ground parted like a receding tide, clearing a path.

Grandpa, Grandpa Lion, and Grandpa Leopard immediately felt the pressure lift. Grandpa stood up, instinctively wanting to walk down the stairs, but the moment that intention arose, the lizards on the floor collectively turned red-eyed, with faint but real fire glimmers poised to ignite.

This meant that if they dared to try and leave, they, along with the entire house, would be instantly incinerated.

The problem was, these lizards had previously only been used for decorating walls and occasionally released to deal with village pests; they had never possessed such abilities.

Grandpa Lion pointed at the group of lizards on the ground, saying in disbelief: “Their… bloodline… has changed!”

“Woof!”

After stepping out of the wooden house, the little yellow dog let out another soft bark.

The blackness in the young man’s eyes receded. He lowered his head somewhat blankly, met the gaze of the little yellow dog in his arms, and a moment later, he smiled.

“That’s good,” he said. “Grandpa said they won’t go. They’re old, and it’s definitely dangerous there. The village also can’t do without them.”

The little yellow dog also seemed to smile, wagging its small tail exuberantly.

Ming Yuwan approached with a group from her alliance.

After Yu Dibei had acknowledged her as the Dragon King, the people in her alliance naturally deferred to her leadership.

Seeing Yu Dibei standing there with just himself and the dog, Ming Yuwan asked: “Where are Grandpa and the others?”

Yu Dibei replied, “Grandpa said they won’t go.”

Ming Yuwan frowned at this. Grandpa and the others were from the Yu Family; even as lower-tier beasts who might not know many Yu Family secrets, they were at least familiar with the terrain and could serve as guides.

Of course, everyone knew that given the trio’s current aged state and limited power, entering the now complex Yu Family situation meant they would most likely not survive.

Ming Yuwan asked, “Are they really not coming along?”

That didn’t seem right. Those three beasts had deep affection for the Yu Family; shouldn’t they prefer to die within the Yu Family rather than elsewhere? Why would they suddenly become afraid of death?

Yu Dibei said, “Yes, Grandpa said that while the past Yu Family was important, the future Yu Family is even more so.”

This reason was logical and wise, but everyone present had extensive experience on the river. How could they be so easily fooled?

“I’ll go see what’s going on,” said Scarface.

Scarface bypassed Yu Dibei, intending to check inside the wooden house.

Yu Dibei sidestepped, blocking Scarface, and asked: “Do you not trust what I’ve said?”

Scarface’s gaze sharpened slightly.

Ming Yuwan interjected, “Alright, it’s right that Grandpa and the others aren’t going. Their help will be needed for the upcoming reconstruction of the Yu Family.”

It was clear something was amiss, but Ming Yuwan was unwilling to break ties at this moment.

Scarface smiled at Yu Dibei and stepped back.

Ming Yuwan looked at Yu Dibei and asked, “So, how are you feeling? Nervous?”

Yu Dibei shook his head. “I feel like I should be nervous, but I don’t seem to be.”

Ming Yuwan reached out, patted the young man’s shoulder, and praised him, “Those who achieve great things need composure. You are doing very well.”

A hint of confusion appeared in Yu Dibei’s eyes. “Is that so…?”

Ming Yuwan said to everyone: “Let’s go. Depart.”

They had arrived with twelve people; they left with thirteen people and a dog.

After exiting the formation, a group of people immediately gathered around them outside the bridge archway. These were the team members they had arranged to leave outside earlier.

The Liang sisters, Xu Ming, and Chen Jing quickly moved to stand beside Zhao Yi.

Then, Yu Dibei, who was supposed to join Ming Yuwan’s team, walked over to Zhao Yi instead.

Zhao Yi, without formality, enthusiastically began introductions.

“Come, little brother,” he said, “these are your two sisters-in-law.”

“Hello, sisters-in-law,” Yu Dibei replied.

The Liang sisters liked the address “sisters-in-law” very much and responded warmly.

Chen Jing said, “Hello, Brother Yu Dibei.”

Yu Dibei replied, “Hello.”

The little yellow dog in the young man’s arms opened its eyelids, glanced at Chen Jing, then looked at Zhao Yi beside him. Their gazes met, as Zhao Yi was also looking at it.

The little yellow dog stuck out its tongue, panted a few times, then curled back up, burying its head in the young man’s arms.

Ming Yuwan’s gaze swept over. When she noticed Yu Dibei standing among Zhao Yi’s group, a surge of anger rose within her, and her voice sharpened: “Yu Dibei!”

Yu Dibei turned and walked towards Ming Yuwan.

Ming Yuwan struggled to control her emotions, finally managing to soften her tone: “Come, let me introduce you…”

Ming Yuwan’s team consisted of three people—two men and one woman—all with extraordinary presence. At this moment, they were scrutinizing Yu Dibei. While they did respond, the feeling was distinctly different from what he had experienced with Brother Zhao’s group.

Ever since encountering Li Zhuiyuan, Zhao Yi had returned and begun to cultivate his team’s atmosphere.

The effect was remarkable: after Old Man Tian Tou remained in Nantong and could no longer follow them on their river journey, Zhao Yi successfully turned fifty percent of his team members into his romantic partners, effectively transforming team conflicts into internal family disputes.

All the river-crossing teams were making their final preparations.

This was an unspoken understanding among them: since the elders had already pushed into the Yu Family, it was better to let them fight a little longer.

Firstly, it would eliminate as many threats as possible beforehand. Secondly, if the two sides met midway, it would be difficult to handle; they were all people who had nominally split from the family. It was easier to maintain distance in daily life, but during a real fight, the younger generation would instinctively gravitate towards their elders, and the elders would instinctively look after their juniors.

Zhao Yi walked over to Ming Yuwan, extending his hand to her openly.

The *Soul-Burning and Heart-Cleansing Art* had already been given to him in the village; what he was now taking was the *Wind-Raising and Rain-Spreading Map*.

Everyone was close enough that even without looking directly, they could clearly sense what was happening.

This private transaction was publicly revealed by Zhao Yi.

Everyone liked the feeling of being destined. To be chosen by a Yu Family inheritor and acknowledged as the Dragon King was an act that came with a sacred aura, which would help Ming Yuwan gain fame and further legitimize the Ming family’s standing.

But once it was exposed like this, the effect was lost. Any aura or legitimacy merely became a matter of who paid the most.

Ming Yuwan took a scroll from a female subordinate and handed it to Zhao Yi, her displeasure barely concealed: “Brother Zhao, you’re certainly very impatient.”

Zhao Yi took the scroll, explaining, “As you know, my Zhao family is gone. I’m truly very poor now, haha. Thank you.”

What he was thinking was: *I’ve waited for you this long since we came out, why the hell didn’t you offer it yourself!*

If I don’t ask for it now, in front of everyone, should I wait until this wave is over?

I want to kill you, and I assume you want to kill me. If I don’t take this feng shui artifact now, should I leave it in your hands for you to use against me?

Ming Yuwan pointed at Zhao Yi and said to Yu Dibei: “Your dear brother here sold you to me for a trifle.”

Clearly, Ming Yuwan had been observing throughout Zhao Yi’s introductions.

Zhao Yi poked Yu Dibei’s chest with the scroll and said with a laugh: “Don’t listen to this auntie’s nonsense.”

Ming Yuwan retorted, “What? It’s perfectly obvious, and you still deny it? Dibei, let me teach you today: on the river, never dream of calling anyone your brother…”

Zhao Yi interjected, “This is just an extra. The most important things were already exchanged in the village. Don’t worry, my little brother is very valuable. How could I sell you cheaply? That would be betraying our bond!”

Yu Dibei nodded and said, “That’s good, that’s good.”

Ming Yuwan’s breathing quickened.

Zhao Yi reached out, hooked Yu Dibei’s neck, and whispered instructions: “This auntie is very strong, and she’ll protect you, but she’s going through menopause, so she’s prone to losing control of her emotions.

“So, there’s no guarantee she won’t impulsively step into some pit and get herself and the team killed.

“Remember, if anything goes wrong…”

Yu Dibei said, “I’ll run to you, Brother Zhao.”

Zhao Yi was stunned for a moment, then vigorously slapped the back of Yu Dibei’s head three times, scolding him: “What are you thinking?!”

Once we enter the Yu Family, you’ll be the biggest ‘accident,’ alright? And you’d run to me?

Zhao Yi stretched out his hand, pointing to the various teams around them, and said loudly: “Run to them! Don’t worry, their ancestral lineages are very old, and they all have connections with your Yu family ancestors. They definitely wouldn’t want to see a talented sole heir like you cut off, so they’ll surely lend you a hand.

“Remember, whatever you do, don’t come to me, your brother. Your brother wants to live; I’m still dreaming of becoming the Dragon King. Don’t bring danger over here and get me buried with it.”

Yu Dibei replied, “Okay, got it!”

The crowd wasn’t surprised by what Zhao Yi said; they were surprised by the brazenness he was now displaying.

This was very different from the calm and humble demeanor Zhao Yi had shown all the way from Jiujiang to Luoyang previously.

Although everyone secretly knew Zhao Yi was putting on an act—how could someone who had done so many renowned things in the jianghu be gentle and refined?

Now, Zhao Yi no longer wanted to pretend.

This meant that this “wave” had entered a new phase.

The Yu Family, even after being cleared by the elders, remained a place of both danger and opportunity, and a proving ground for everyone’s struggles.

The alliances, from this point, were considered dissolved. From now on, everyone was each other’s enemy.

Zhao Yi walked back towards his team, continuing to shout as he went: “Later, everyone needs to stick close to our Miss Ming! The Yu Family inheritor is in her hands, giving her a natural huge advantage. If I were her, the moment I entered the Yu Family, I’d immediately shake all of you off, eat all the meat myself, and not even leave you a drop of soup, haha!”

No one was a fool to be easily swayed by a few words, but the problem was, what Zhao Yi said was the truth.

During previous internal discussions, all the teams had already reached a consensus: they absolutely had to keep a close eye on Ming Yuwan’s team next.

After the Dragon King acknowledgment ceremony, the reason everyone rallied around Ming Yuwan was not to treat her like a revered figure, but because they were afraid she would run off.

Ming Yuwan’s face had darkened.

She took a deep breath, and her gaze suddenly shifted, as if she had become a different person. Then, with a flick of her head, her gaze returned to normal. After these simple actions, her emotions calmed down.

“Damn it…”

She had previously been wary of Zhao Yi secretly releasing that “peach blossom fragrance” when he was near her. But who knew, Zhao Yi had actually walked over, emitting the fragrance the entire way.

To make her lose emotional control, he was truly willing to go to great lengths.

Tao Zhuming raised a hand and shouted towards them: “Yu Dibei, after entering the Yu Family, if you’re in danger, you can come find me. I can protect you!”

Ling Wuxing also raised a hand and shouted the same: “The same goes for me! Whichever of us is closer, you go to them!”

As fellow Dragon King acknowledgees, they were willing to give this promise.

Yu Dibei bowed in gratitude to them.

Straightening up, Yu Dibei felt in his pocket, finding a handful of pills that Brother Zhao had secretly slipped in.

The little yellow dog put its nose to the pills, sniffed, then yawned, closed its eyes, and began to sleep.

Ming Yuwan did not shout “Depart” again. When she began to move, all the other teams immediately broke camp and followed closely.

Zhao Yi’s team followed at the very rear.

While others were thinking about how to stick close to Ming Yuwan after entering the Yu Family, he was thinking about how to quickly shake her off.

Don’t be fooled by the fact that the elders of various families had already stormed into the Yu Family, likely sweeping through it. The true “old dogs” of the Yu Family hadn’t returned home yet!

Zhao Yi reached out, ruffled Chen Jing’s head, and said to those around him: “Remember, after we enter the Yu Family, our task is to help A-Jing collect beast corpses—the higher the grade, the better. Right now, there must be a huge number of freshly slain powerful beasts inside the Yu Family.

“A-Jing, you have only one mission: eat, eat with all your might. Even if your stomach bursts, I’ll tear off a dragon’s skin and patch you up!”

Chen Jing was a long-term investment for Zhao Yi, one he had poured immense effort and cost into, all to ensure Chen Jing achieved a breakthrough improvement during this “wave.”

As long as Chen Jing could eat enough to become a “fatty” nearly as strong as Run Sheng, and become the cornerstone of his team, then Zhao Yi would consider this “wave” a massive success!

“Okay, Brother Yi, I’ll try my best to eat!”

Chen Jing raised a fist, signaling strong affirmation. From his sleeves, talisman papers taped to his body and chains bound inside his clothes were visible.

A-Jing was prone to falling into qi deviation if he consumed too much. This pre-arranged setup was to facilitate suppressing him if he did, so he could continue eating afterwards.

Zhao Yi wouldn’t have been this extreme before, but Xu Ming and Chen Jing had told him what happened at the Old Temple of the Guan Jiang Shou after they returned.

Now, not being extreme would be a disservice to himself, and even more so to Chen Jing.

Don’t be afraid of qi deviation,

Anyway, in this “wave,” the one named Li is also here!

Li Zhuiyuan stood at the entrance of the three-story wooden house, looking at the alert lizards inside.

Chen Xiyuan asked, “Has the mutation already occurred?”

Li Zhuiyuan nodded.

The young man didn’t break this beast formation because there was no need; if he did, the three inside would surely run to the Yu Family.

When everyone reached the village entrance, Li Zhuiyuan raised his hand, signaling them to stop.

The young man said, “Wait a bit longer. If we go out now, we might run into them.”

Chen Xiyuan said, “They’ve been gone for a while, but haven’t gone far.”

Li Zhuiyuan said, “They’ll intentionally delay for a while.”

Just then, from the nearby fruit orchard, a group of squirrels emerged in neat formation.

Lin Shuyou chuckled somewhat awkwardly and stepped forward.

The squirrels lined up before A-You for inspection. The last squirrel in line carried a book and presented it to him.

“Hmm?”

Lin Shuyou took the book and handed it to Li Zhuiyuan.

The cover was blank. The young man opened the book; the ink inside was still wet, and at the top of the first page, *Soul-Burning and Heart-Cleansing Art* was written.

Zhao Yi…

How could he not know who would be childish enough to train squirrels here?