Family Cultivation: My entire family are Villains-Chapter 508: Meeting means a slap in the face

"Has there been any unusual activity between Great Jin and the Demon Sect recently?"

At the sight of Hou Yucheng, Hou Yuxiao’s journey full of trepidation came to an end. Although the military camps of the Demon Sect and the army of Great Jin outside Longguan Prefecture appeared normal, he hadn’t returned for half a year, and many specifics, no doubt, were better known to Hou Yucheng.

"Unusual activity?"

Hou Yucheng frowned slightly, pondered for a moment with bowed head, and after glancing around, he nodded gently and said, "Indeed, I’ve noticed something amiss recently. The stance of Great Jin toward the Demon Sect seems to be gradually softening!"

The stance is softening?

Hou Yuxiao and Hou Yujie both perked up immediately.

The situation was not complex. During the half-year Hou Yuxiao spent in the Prefectural City with Zhang Zhenwei, Hou Yucheng had, by virtue of his unbeaten record against the high-ranking martial artists of the Jin Army, made good relations with many commanders within the Demon Sect. This was because, to some extent, Great Jin had started to look down upon the Demon Sect’s army. This disdain wasn’t just directed at the Mansion Army; even the Purifying World Army from the Headquarters of the Brahman Sect were treated the same.

Thus, although the two parties were now allied to confront Gu Tianyun’s forces within Longguan Prefecture, in the recent absence of large-scale battles, they were also competing with each other.

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This competition was not only in personal martial power but also in small-scale battles against The Righteous Path armies. Overall, the soldiers of Great Jin were still superior, which was why Hou Yucheng’s unbeaten record below the Grandmaster Realm was such a morale booster for the Demon Sect’s forces.

In short, Great Jin’s various aspects of disdain for the Demon Sect’s army wasn’t a new thing, and despite the constraints of superior officers, the high-handedness of Jin’s soldiers toward the Demon Sect’s forces was unavoidable.

But recently, Hou Yucheng had noticed that the high-handedness of Jin’s soldiers had vanished. Not only that, they had even started to be polite to the soldiers of the Demon Sect. Even the many commanders from Jin at the Grandmaster Realm who had been clamoring to challenge him no longer sent word.

"When did it start?"

"Last month. What’s wrong, big brother?"

Hearing Hou Yucheng’s response, Hou Yuxiao’s eyes emitted a trace of darkness; he did not answer his question but abruptly turned to look at a person slowly approaching from behind.

"Master of Hou Family, do you still remember me?"

The newcomer wore a Crescent Crown and a Flying Fish Robe decorated with gold threads, none other than Tuoba Huang, the first martial artist of Great Jin that Hou Yuxiao had encountered. Tuoba Huang stood with cupped hands, a smile on his face, and a courteous demeanor, but the air of frivolous casualness on his face could not be concealed. The aristocratic aura that occasionally radiated from him made others involuntarily feel inferior.

"Lord Marquis is too humble with his words. When I first met Lord Marquis at Zhaoyang, I was already impressed by your poise, and you also saved my younger brother’s life. When Lord Marquis went to the Prefectural City with urgent news last time, I wanted to express my gratitude in person, but unfortunately, Lord Marquis was in a hurry, and I had to look for another opportunity!"

In this half-year, Hou Yuxiao had a more comprehensive understanding of various information about Great Jin. The Tuoba Clan, one of the three royal clans and four noble families of Great Jin, had been around for many generations, and its members were too many to count. These people lived comfortable lives simply because of their status, but if they wanted a place in the talented ranks of Great Jin, they would need real capabilities.

Those who had some say within the Tuoba Clan were at least like Tuoba Tao, who had the strength at the Peak of the Xuanyin Realm and also held the title of Marquis of Great Jin. Tuoba Huang came from the Conglong Guard, which could be inferred from the name that it was part of the Emperor of Jin’s personal guard force. Even within the Tuoba Clan, many were eager to join, owing his placement to his status as the princely heir.

He was one of the many legitimate grandsons of Tuoba Tao, but at just over twenty years old, he had been designated as the princely heir by Tuoba Tao himself, indicating the latter’s preference.

Seeing Hou Yuxiao’s demeanor, a smile clearly appeared on Tuoba Huang’s face. But upon hearing him, a hint of confusion crossed his eyes.

"Saved your younger brother’s life?"

The confusion lasted only for a moment. Tuoba Huang quickly recalled the Zhaoyang Disturbance and realized that Hou Yuxiao was referring to the incident where he had blocked Tian Fazheng’s strike for Hou Yuduan. His smile immediately grew even more intense.

"A minor matter, I did not expect the Family Head to have such a good memory, much appreciated!"

Hou Yuxiao shook his head slightly. He knew that, due to the vast difference in status, Tuoba Huang probably didn’t take him seriously, but he truly did remember the events in Zhaoyang; if Tuoba Huang hadn’t blocked that sword from Tian Fazheng, Old Fifth would definitely have been dead given the situation at the time.

To avenge a grudge and to repay a favor was the principal Hou Yuxiao upheld in his heart. Even if Tuoba Huang didn’t care about it, he was determined to persist.

"Family Head, Lord Marquis has requested your presence; please honor us with your company!"

Hou Yuxiao exchanged a glance with Second Elder and Fourth Elder beside him, and his expression flickered slightly. He had just arrived at Long Guan, and Tuoba Tao had sent an invitation already?

Combining what he had observed in Yunmeng County and what Hou Yucheng had just mentioned about the recent changes in Jin’s soldiers, a multitude of thoughts flashed through Hou Yuxiao’s mind. He did not respond immediately, his face showing a hint of hesitation.

He had returned from the Prefectural City on orders from Zhan Taiqing, and going to see Tuoba Tao before visiting Zhan Taiqing was clearly against protocol. What would Zhan Taiqing think if he knew?