Chief Shopkeeper Huang’s face turned deathly pale.

Even within the Huangfu Family, matters concerning the Yin Sha Sect were confidential, known to very few. The affairs on the gambling side were all personally handled by him, not even the maidservants around him knew.

Except for...

Suddenly, his heart skipped a beat as he turned sharply behind him, but Ding Youde’s figure was already gone.

"A wise man submits to circumstances. Chief Shopkeeper Huang, apologies~"

Unbeknownst to the moment, Ding Youde had sneaked over to Wang Ding Race’s side, bowing and scraping obsequiously.

"Ding Youde, how dare you?!" Chief Shopkeeper Huang trembled with rage, "Don’t forget, your mother and son are still in our hands!"

The matter of the Yin Sha Sect was of vital importance. Had he not held Ding Youde’s fatal weakness, how could he dare trust him to handle it?

However, regardless of how careful Chief Shopkeeper Huang was, he wouldn’t have anticipated that Wang Shouzhe had already investigated Ding Youde’s background months ago and had someone secretly protect his mother and son.

In this way, how could Ding Youde not obediently submit?

Though Chief Shopkeeper Huang had cultivation of the Spirit Platform Realm, surrounded by hundreds from the Patrol Camp troops, he couldn’t stir up a storm, let alone Wang Ding Race’s cultivation which was equally formidable.

Wang Ding Race paid no heed to the conflict between Ding Youde and Chief Shopkeeper Huang, instead coldly scanned all the soldiers: "What are you waiting for? Search!"

"Yes, Lord Commander!"

The Patrol Camp troops agreed in unison, subsequently rushing into the various rooms of the gambling house, searching in a trained manner.

Seeing this, Ding Youde quickly gave Wang Ding Race a fawning smile: "Lord Commander, I know which room Huang Huai’an hid the account book. Let me take you there."

Chief Shopkeeper Huang heard this and his vision darkened in furious despair, directly spitting out a mouthful of blood. This treacherous villain truly sold him out thoroughly.

...

Time passed swiftly~

The night banquet hosted by Ancestor Hua Ye had unknowingly stretched on for several hours.

The closer it drew to the end, the more restless Huangfu Jinhuan became, constantly looking out, as if waiting for something.

Eventually, he sidled up to Ancestor Hua Ye and whispered a few words.

Ancestor Hua Ye furrowed his brow in thought, then rose and said, "I thank everyone for attending this banquet. I have lived nearly three hundred years, seeking nothing else but unity among the various families of Changning Guard to forge a future together. Our Huangfu Family, as a Celestial Human Family, will do our part as leaders and work with all families for development."

"Well said, Ancestor," applauded Huangfu Deyun and others in unison.

Meanwhile, Faang You’an and Lord City Lord Xiahou Hongde exchanged glances, both understanding Ancestor Hua Ye’s implication, and stood to say a few polite words.

Neither Faang You’an nor Xiahou Hongde were locals of Changning Guard, making it imprudent to oppose Ancestor Hua Ye on this matter.

Rather, Wang Shouzhe and Xu Anbang exchanged bewildered glances.

This Ancestor Hua Ye appeared overly presumptuous, not to mention he hadn’t reached the Celestial Human Realm middle stage yet. Even if he did, who acknowledged him as the leader? Acting in such a manner, where does this leave the Celestial Human Lei Family and other families?

Sure enough.

Lei Race Patriarch Lei Yangyu, who had come to attend, frowned. He had kept a low profile today, not wanting the conflict with the Huangfu Family to surface.

Yet unexpectedly, as the banquet drew to a close, Ancestor Hua Ye’s speech elevated the Huangfu Family so highly. At this point, if he didn’t speak, it would lead everyone to believe Changning Guard solely belonged to the Celestial Person Huangfu Family, with no status for the Lei Family.

Immediately, Lei Race Patriarch Lei Yangyu stood and spoke cheerily: "Ancestor Hua Ye, Changning Guard has been established for five hundred years, with each family attending to their own. Is it your intention today to share your family’s pastoral business with us all?"

Ancestor Hua Ye’s eyes narrowed, revealing a hint of displeasure, yet he ultimately considered Lei Yangyu as the younger generation.

At this moment, Huangfu Jinhuan stepped forward and said, "Brother Lei, you are mistaken. Ancestor means that if Changning Guard remains a scattered entity as it had been, it will lead nowhere. If the Lei Family is willing to step up and take responsibility, we welcome it."

Lei Yangyu smiled wryly but said without feeling: "Let’s not. Our Lei Family always focuses on minding our own affairs, and we do not wish to be controlled by others. If your family truly desires to lead, first elevate to a Sixth Grade Noble Family."

With these words, and without waiting for a rebuttal, Lei Yangyu cupped his hands and said, "Everyone, I have urgent matters at home to attend to and will take my leave first."

Upon hearing this.

Quite a few people stood up, cupped their hands, and bade farewell.

Such a scene brought a sharp glint to Huangfu Jinhuan’s eyes.

But just then, an abrupt change occurred.

Outside came the commotion of household servants, shouting: This is the Huangfu Family, how dare you barge in?

Along with sharp cries demanding: Make way, or be arrested for conspiring with the Evil Sect and betraying the Daqian!

Huangfu Jinhuan’s face changed dramatically, frowning in anger and shouting: "Who is causing the commotion outside?"

Just as he spoke, a fully armored team of soldiers stormed in viciously, surrounding the main hall.

Following them, an authoritative commander stepped in.

Upon entering, he announced loudly: "Changning Guard Patrol Third Battalion is here to seize those from the Qianma Huangfu Family who collude with the Yin Sha Sect in treason against the nation. Anyone who dares harbor or obstruct official duties will be charged as accomplices."

Zhou Zhenwu!

This was none other than Zhou Zhenwu, who had returned with the fastest speed from Golden Sand, leading the troops.

Today’s achievement, how could he miss?

...