Translator: CinderTL
Xu Sanyan glanced around, his experienced eye immediately recognizing that all the young women had lost their virginity.
So... they're probably not just here to tend to the clan head's needs, but also to warm his bed.
Xu Sanyan blinked, inwardly sighing, What a player.
These women were all members of the Wang Family, tracing their lineage back several generations to a common ancestor. How could that old bastard clan head bring himself to do this?
Pah, shameless!
Xu Sanyan cursed inwardly, a hint of envy flickering in his eyes.
Outside the study, Third Madam waited with Xu Sanyan and the others. Faint voices drifted from within, suggesting the Wang Clan Head was handling some matter.
After a long wait, the study's wooden door creaked open, and a figure emerged. Xu Sanyan's eyebrows twitched slightly—he recognized this man.
It was none other than the Feng Clan Patriarch, whose clan had recently been annihilated by the Qian Kingdom. What a surprise to encounter him here.
The Feng Clan Patriarch's face lit up at the sight of the visitors. He clasped his hands in a respectful bow and greeted, "Greetings, Third Madam."
Third Madam returned the greeting. "Senior Feng, please don't stand on ceremony. Is the master in his study?"
"He is. I won't disturb you any further. Farewell."
The Feng Clan Patriarch glanced at Xu Sanyan, offering a friendly nod without recognizing him.
Xu Sanyan smiled in response, his storage pouch still containing the Feng Clan maiden's undergarments.
Third Madam turned to her daughter. "Wait here."
"Yes, Mother."
Xu Sanyan followed Third Madam into the study, where he immediately spotted a middle-aged man pacing thoughtfully.
The man had a pale complexion, thin lips, and deep, weathered eyes. Dressed in plain white robes, his stern features suggested a difficult temperament.
The Wang Clan Head's gaze settled on Xu Sanyan, scrutinizing him at length without speaking. The atmosphere in the room grew heavy.
Outside, Wang Zixuan pressed her ear against the door, nervously clutching her sleeve, unsure of what was happening inside.
Xu Sanyan broke the tense silence. "Junior Lin Fan greets the Clan Head."
"Hmm, you certainly have a presentable appearance."
The Wang Clan Head felt a flicker of satisfaction. He had heard about this young man from Third Madam the previous night. Rumor had it that the boy possessed exceptional talent, having already reached the Soul Refining Realm at such a young age. Marrying their daughter to him would hardly be a compromise.
He felt no particular reluctance. After all, his daughters would eventually marry. In his view, as long as the marriage benefited the Wang Family, the groom's identity mattered little.
With numerous wives and concubines, he had many children. Excluding illegitimate offspring, he had over thirty legitimate heirs, including Wang Qingyu and Wang Ruixin. However, lacking the formidable backing of the Third Madam, they received little attention.
"I hear you hail from the Vast Origin Sect?" the Wang Clan Head remarked, feigning thoughtfulness as he studied Xu Sanyan. "In my younger days, I traveled extensively and visited the sect. I recall a city beneath its jurisdiction... what was it called again?"
Xu Sanyan replied, "Guangan City. This junior often visits there. The city boasts a renowned establishment called the Drunken Dream Pavilion, where I frequently indulged my appetite before achieving Foundation Establishment."
In truth, Xu Sanyan had only visited Guangan City once, shortly after arriving in the Central Region, for a brief meeting with Cui Yousheng. The Drunken Dream Pavilion was a complete fabrication.
"Ah, yes, that's right," the Wang Clan Head said, his tone casual. After a brief probing, he continued, "You and Xuan'er are clearly in love, and I have no desire to separate you. However, our clan has its laws, and our family its rules. To marry a Wang Family daughter, you must meet one condition."
Xu Sanyan's expression turned solemn. "Clan Head, please speak. This junior will comply without hesitation!"
"Good!"
The Wang Clan Head admired Xu Sanyan's straightforwardness and abandoned any pretense. "I care nothing for your origins, but you must prove your sincerity. Have you heard of the Feng Clan incident recently?"
"Xuan'er told me about it."
"Hmm. The Qian Kingdom sent agents to act recklessly within Wang Family territory. If we don't teach them a lesson, they'll think the Wang Family is easy to bully."
Xu Sanyan immediately understood what was being asked of him: a blood oath.
As expected, the Wang Clan Head continued, "The Feng Clan is a vassal of the Wang Family. We can't ignore their plight. Tomorrow at dawn, the great elder will lead a punitive expedition. You'll accompany them. Any objections?"
"None."
"Heh, excellent. Once you return, I'll set a date for your wedding." The Wang Clan Head nodded in satisfaction.
"Thank you for your blessing, Clan Head."
"Go now."
Xu Sanyan bowed and departed, leaving with Wang Zixuan who had been waiting outside.
The Third Madam sat silently in her chair, her eyes vacant, lost in thought.
"Missing your daughter already?" The Wang Clan Head chuckled, wrapping his arm around her ample waist and pinching her side.
The Third Madam allowed his touch. "Ah... it's just that his background is unclear. I worry about what will happen to her..."
The Wang Clan Head chuckled. "Heh, as long as he stays with the Wang Family long enough, no matter his initial motives, he'll eventually become one of us."
"By having him offend the Qian Kingdom this time, we can make him offend the Li Clan next. Gradually, he'll realize he has nowhere else to go, and staying obediently with the Wang Family will be his best option."
"A Soul Refining Realm expert in his sixties... who knows? In time, the Wang Family might gain another void harmony realm powerhouse."
"Hmm..."
The Third Madam understood the logic. Setting aside personal feelings, this exchange was clearly advantageous.
Xuan'er was merely at the Initial Stage of the Dao Seeking Realm, while Lin Fan was already in the Soul Refining Realm and still young, with a high chance of reaching the void harmony realm. By any calculation, the Wang Family stood to gain.
The Wang Clan Head pinched her cheek, comforting her. "Don't worry. I'll stay with you tonight. Let's have another child to fill your emptiness with my precious treasure..."
"Hmm... What are you saying...?"
The Third Madam had lost her usual commanding presence, now clinging to him like a young girl, her voice soft and coquettish.
She knew full well that much of her power stemmed from this man before her, and she understood her place perfectly.
"Since we have some free time now, why don't we... heh heh..."
"You tease~"
Wang Zixuan looped her arm through Xu Sanyan's, her eyes filled with worry as she looked up at him. She whispered, "Brother Lin, please be careful. I'll be waiting for you to come back and marry me."
Xu Sanyan's lips twitched violently. These words sent a chill down his spine.
After this battle, I'll come home and marry you... After this delivery, I'll come back and marry you... After this mission, I'll come back...
Those who said such things rarely returned.
Xu Sanyan interrupted her. "Tell me about the great elder."
"Oh, the great elder is from a collateral branch of the family. He grew up alongside my father, and they were incredibly close. He's also at the void harmony realm, so with him leading the expedition, there shouldn't be any problems."
"Hmm..." Xu Sanyan nodded thoughtfully. As his gaze shifted, he suddenly noticed someone approaching in the distance. He froze. He recognized her...
"Zuoqiu Zhen? What's she doing here?"
Zuoqiu Zhen had clearly spotted him too and walked straight toward him.
(End of the Chapter)
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