Sole Sword Supremacy-Chapter 612 - 616: Longxi Guan Family

"Guest officer, are you staying the night or just having a meal?"

As soon as he stepped into the inn, a waiter immediately approached and politely inquired.

"Get me an upper room, and then bring some wine and dishes."

Wang Junze replied nonchalantly.

Since leaving the Capital City, it had already been five days; even Wang Junze felt somewhat fatigued after these continuous days of travel. Moreover, he couldn’t be sure when someone might catch up to him, thus he dared not let himself grow too tired and had to find a place to rest first.

Now, Wang Junze had concealed his aura and changed his attire; at first glance, he appeared just like a traveling scholar, and ordinary people would find it impossible to recognize his identity.

He had stopped at just a small town, selected at random, without any particular significance.

Casually finding a table, the waiter soon brought over wine and dishes.

Wang Junze didn’t ask much and just sat down to eat.

However, to his surprise, not even a quarter of an hour had passed after sitting down when someone came over and directly sat down opposite him.

Without waiting for Wang Junze to ask, the person smiled and said, "Young Master Wang, you are a guest from afar; these humble wine and dishes are too neglectful. Why not change to another place and let me host you properly?"

"..."

A slight heaviness settled in his heart, Wang Junze naturally understood that his whereabouts had already been uncovered by the other party.

But how could he have been discovered so quickly when he had been so careful?

"Oh right, allow me to introduce myself: Guan Yunhua from the Longxi Guan Family."

Playing with the wine cup in his hand, the young man smiled and spoke.

The Longxi Guan Family!

Wang Junze naturally remembered, this was the Empress’s family, dominant in Longxi.

No way, this is Longxi?!

A shiver of shock ran through him, and Wang Junze immediately realized.

From the Capital City back to the Nether Sea, the journey spans thousands of miles, indeed passing through the Nine Prefectures of Longxi. However, Wang Junze, who had long lived in the Northern Domain, was not so familiar with the world; he was only thinking of avoiding the possible pursuit by the Four Great Celestial Sects along the way, inadvertently stopping at a small town within the Nine Prefectures of Longxi.

But with a turn of thought, Wang Junze came to understand that the Nine Prefectures of Longxi were vast; unless he deliberately took a large detour, it was impossible to avoid Longxi.

And fleeing from the Capital City, to avoid detection, rushing at full speed initially was necessary—calculating the distance, the place to stop must be within the Nine Prefectures of Longxi.

However...

"Among the younger generation, you are already considered a genius, but... is it not overconfident to want to kill me?"

Shaking his head, Wang Junze took a sip from his wine cup before leisurely asking back.

Though it was indeed unexpected to be discovered by someone from the Guan Family, in reality, Wang Junze wasn’t afraid. While the Longxi Guan Family was strong, it was strong in intricate networks of power, whereas in terms of raw strength, it was naturally far inferior to the Four Great Celestial Sects.

As for the young man in front of him, his cultivation was merely at the level of Divine Travel; even before Wang Junze’s breakthrough, he posed no threat, let alone now.

"You misunderstand, Young Master Wang, as I mentioned, my intention is to invite Wang Junze to the Guan Family as a guest, with no hostility."

Guan Yunhua laughed lightly and explained, "Of course, if Young Master Wang wishes to kill me, I cannot resist; however... if I were to die, there would be no room for negotiation between you and the Guan Family, which wouldn’t be worthwhile for you."

"Oh?"

This statement took Wang Junze by surprise.

His involvement with the Empress, no matter how much was concealed, Longxi Guan Family’s influence could certainly uncover the truth; besides, he had slain Prince Yu. From any angle, the Guan Family should want him dead, yet here they faced him with an overture of amicability?

Or were they merely stalling for time, waiting for the Guan Family experts to arrive?

"I’ve conveyed my message, whether you choose to go or stay, Young Master, it’s up to you."

Shrugging, Guan Yunhua spoke again, seemingly unfazed by his own life or death.

"Lead the way!"

It took only a moment’s thought for Wang Junze to decide.

Now that his location was exposed, killing Guan Yunhua wouldn’t solve anything, and avoiding the Guan Family, even opting to exit the Nine Prefectures of Longxi entirely, held little strategic value.

Moreover, throughout the journey, Wang Junze could ill-afford to show weakness; retreating at the hint of danger might be perceived as weakness by others.

He had ventured into the Imperial Palace; surely, he would not fear a Guan Family?

Might as well comply and see what the Guan Family was up to.

"Young Master Wang, please!"

Guan Yunhua stood up and gestured an inviting motion, at which point attendants promptly approached, and an elaborate carriage awaited at the inn’s entrance.

Once aboard the carriage, Wang Junze discovered that this seemingly ordinary carriage was extremely luxurious; it not only had a spacious interior akin to a small room for comfortable rest, but it was also inscribed with an array, drawn by horses with demon beast bloodline, capable of speeds comparable to a Heaven-Stepping Powerhouse’s full-speed flight.

A few hours later, the carriage slowly came to a halt at the entrance of the Guan Family’s old residence.

As Wang Junze alighted the carriage, any fatigue seemed to have dissipated.

Guan Yunhua had, of course, sent word ahead, and without any hindrance, the Guan Family opened their main gate wide, leading Wang Junze inside.

Following the front corridor, circumventing the garden, they finally entered the inner residence.

From a distance, Wang Junze saw a familiar figure.

Hai Feng!

The Chief Eunuch by the Empress’s side was actually standing outside, awaiting his arrival.

His eyelid twitched slightly as Wang Junze looked towards Hai Feng, lightly cupping his fists, saying, "Eunuch Hai, we meet again."

"I’m merely a servant, unworthy of Young Master Wang’s salute."

With a calm expression, Hai Feng responded, "Mr. Guan awaits inside, Young Master Wang, this way please!"

Feeling a slight stir internally, Wang Junze grew more cautious.

Hai Feng was a person close to the Empress and a Saint Realm Powerhouse; one would expect him to be treated with courtesy even in the Guan Family. Yet now, he was still sent out to greet guests, highlighting the Guan Family’s confidence.

It seemed his previous judgment was somewhat off; the Guan Family must possess top-tier Saint Realm Powerhouses, otherwise, they wouldn’t have the audacity to command Hai Feng.

Nevertheless, at this point, retreat was not an option. Wang Junze merely cast another glance at Hai Feng before striding toward the main hall.

In the center of the hall sat an elder, his hair and beard all white, yet he exuded a vibrant spirit and, though his aura was subdued, it carried an immense pressure.

Standing beside him were two maids, and only three or four middle-aged individuals sat in the lower seats, clearly direct members of the Guan Family.

"Younger Wang Junze greets Mr. Guan."

With a slight bow, Wang Junze softly spoke.