Book 2: Chapter 87: Zouyi City Fu Family
Vol 2 Ch 87: Zouyi City Fu Family
“Oh?” Zhang Xuan narrowed his eyes.
He was confident in his disguise, yet somehow, so many people had managed to pick up on subtle clues. This woman had only seen him twice, but she’d already investigated everything thoroughly. It seemed that the path of disguise wasn’t the best choice for him.
For outstanding individuals, disguises were akin to placing a diamond amidst coal. Its brilliance shone through without needing to sift—it was impossible to hide.
Sigh, being excellent is exhausting!
Seeing that Zhang Xuan didn’t deny it, Fu Yingying realized she had guessed correctly. Clenching her teeth, she looked at him intently. “You’ve disguised yourself as him and haven’t been exposed. There’s only one explanation: the real Ling Buyang is already dead. I happen to know Elder Min Jiangtao of the Mo Dao Sect is still in Hanyuan City and hasn’t left. If he hears of this, how do you think he’ll react?”
“You’re threatening me?” Zhang Xuan’s smile was calm as he glanced at her.
Fu Yingying bowed her head and clasped her fists. “I wouldn’t dare! I just wanted to show my sincerity to Lord Zhang. While I know this information, I’ve kept it to myself, which proves my goodwill…”
Zhang Xuan chuckled. “I don’t need your goodwill, nor do I accept threats.”
Fu Yingying pressed on. “I only hope Lord Zhang will reconsider. The Mo Dao Sect is one of the stronger sects in the Zouyi Dynasty and has recently become a branch of the Ten Thousand Blades Alliance. Even if I don’t reveal this, it could still cause trouble once they find out. However, if you cooperate with me, having Green Hill Mountain as an ally will make them think twice before acting against you…”“Green Hill Mountain is powerful?” Zhang Xuan raised an eyebrow in doubt.
Fu Yingying’s expression was full of pride. “While Green Hill Mountain doesn’t rival top-tier powers like the Destiny Hall or the Wanchang Sect, it stands out among second-tier factions and is renowned across the continent. It’s not something a minor sect like the Mo Dao Sect can compare to! If you’re willing, I can shield you from Elder Min Jiangtao’s inquiries…”
Before she could finish her sentence, a tall and slightly gaunt middle-aged man strode into the hall. He knelt on one knee and clasped his hands. “Jiangtao pays respects to Lord Zhang. I plan to return to the Zouyi Dynasty today. Would you like to accompany me, my lord?”
“Wait…”
Hearing this, Fu Yingying was utterly stunned. Her face twisted in disbelief as she stammered, “What… What did you say your name was?”
Min Jiangtao frowned, turning his head to look at her. “My name is Min Jiangtao of the Mo Dao Sect. I don’t change my name whether standing or sitting.”
“???” Fu Yingying was frozen on the spot.
She had just threatened Zhang Xuan, claiming that if Min Jiangtao discovered his disguise, it would spell danger. Yet the next moment, this very Mo Dao Sect elder came running in, knelt down, and addressed him as “Lord Zhang”…
He knows everything already!
And yet, here she was, making low-intelligence threats. How ridiculous did she look right now?
Unable to bear it anymore, her lips trembled as she asked, “You call him ‘Lord Zhang’... Don’t you know he killed Ling Buyang?”
Min Jiangtao raised an eyebrow, stood up, and declared, “It was Ling Buyang’s honor to die at Lord Zhang’s hands. I couldn’t be happier! What are you implying with this? Are you trying to sow discord?”
“Honor? Happiness?”
Fu Yingying felt like her world was crumbling.
Her junior had been killed, and not only was Min Jiangtao unbothered, but he was kneeling and defending Zhang Xuan as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Was this man insane?
“Alright, if there’s nothing else, you may leave,” Zhang Xuan said dismissively, waving his hand lazily. “Sun Qiang, see her out.”
“Yes!” Sun Qiang stepped forward and gestured. “Master Fu, this way, please.”
Faced with such an attitude, Fu Yingying knew continuing would only annoy them further. She reluctantly turned to leave but stopped at the door, looking back. “Lord Zhang, if you help me gain my family’s recognition, I’ll give you 500 Fate Disks… no, a thousand!”
“A thousand?” Zhang Xuan’s eyes lit up at the offer, but he quickly raised the stakes. “Five thousand Fate Disks, and I’ll help you. Otherwise, no deal.”
It wasn’t dangerous, and there was money to earn—who wouldn’t take the opportunity? Having condensed the Pathos of Heaven Destiny, Heaven’s Fate Energy was incredibly valuable to him. Since she casually offered a thousand, he saw no harm in pushing the price.
“Five thousand?” Fu Yingying gritted her teeth in hesitation but then lifted her head resolutely. “Deal! But you must guarantee that I’ll gain my family’s recognition. If I become the heir, five thousand Fate Disks won’t be an issue for my Fu Clan.”
“The Fu Clan? Are you from the Fu family in Zouyi City?” Min Jiangtao couldn’t help but ask.
“Yes!” Fu Yingying nodded.
Zhang Xuan grew curious. “Is this Fu family well-known?”
Min Jiangtao nodded. “It’s not the largest family in the Zouyi Dynasty, but it’s undoubtedly one of the most powerful and wealthy. They excel in investments and are known for producing stunning beauties. Over the years, their alliances have included individuals with extraordinary talents or exceptional business acumen. From prime ministers to wealthy merchants and even two vice-hall masters of the Destiny Hall, all have married into the Fu family. Many consider it an honor to wed a Fu woman. Even I once tried, though I was unsuccessful…”
“You?” Zhang Xuan gave him a skeptical look.
Do you even realize your own limitations? Wanting to marry into the Fu family… You have no shame.
“Indeed,” Fu Yingying confirmed. “If I pass the test and become the heir, five thousand Fate Disks won’t be an issue.”
“What kind of test?” Zhang Xuan asked, intrigued.
Fu Yingying hesitated for a moment before answering. “As I mentioned, our family specializes in charm techniques. To inherit the family destiny, one must prove their ability to enchant and attract talented individuals…”
“Does everyone have a chance?” Zhang Xuan pressed.
Before she could respond, Min Jiangtao spoke up. “Of course not. Only core descendants are eligible, and they must undergo a bloodline baptism from birth. You’re one of the chosen seven infants from twenty years ago, aren’t you?”
“Yes!” Fu Yingying admitted without hesitation.
Zhang Xuan was puzzled. “Twenty years ago? What’s the story?”
Min Jiangtao explained respectfully. “Lord Zhang, the path of destiny can either be comprehended or inherited. Green Hill Mountain has eight branches, with the Fu family being one of them. Over a hundred years ago, Madam Hu Qing, an elder of the family, married into the Fu family and established this lineage. However, despite their growing numbers, the destiny she controlled wasn’t passed down.
“In the Source World, unlike those who govern a realm like yourself, cultivators have limited lifespans. Most Source Warriors rarely live past a hundred unless they reach the Star River Realm, where the limit is around two hundred years.
“This isn’t due to physical decay but rather the suppression of their fate by the heavens. Unless their destiny advances, it begins to crumble, eventually dissipating back into the world.”
“...So, she set rules to find a successor before her time ran out?” Zhang Xuan mused.
Min Jiangtao nodded. “Exactly. She selected seven infant girls, performed bloodline baptisms, and sent them away to cultivate independently. Twenty years later, those who demonstrate the greatest mastery over the Fu family’s Fox Charm Destiny will inherit it.”
Zhang Xuan nodded in understanding but suddenly looked at Fu Yingying with suspicion. “You… should be in your thirties. How can you be one of the seven infants from twenty years ago?”
Caught off guard, Fu Yingying rolled her eyes. “If you can disguise yourself, so can I. This isn’t my true appearance. Without sufficient strength, I’d have been devoured long ago. Before inheriting the destiny, we can enchant, but we cannot lose our purity.”
Zhang Xuan nodded thoughtfully. The Library of Heaven’s Path revealed flaws but wouldn’t expose identities if the disguise was flawless. He had assumed she was around thirty, but it turned out she was barely twenty, and her appearance was false.
“Let’s see your real face. If it’s acceptable, I’ll consider helping you,” Zhang Xuan said after a moment of reflection.
Fu Yingying smiled faintly. With a wave of her hand, her body shimmered, revealing a stunningly enchanting face and a figure that would make countless women envious.
Author's Note