Chapter 44: Bloodline

Xue Ding’s words struck like a thunderbolt, leaving the elder deeply shaken, and Xue Wu was also visibly moved. The Wolf King, with his brutal methods and long-standing tyranny, had left the people of Guanlan City and even the major human clans in the Eastern Sea cowering in fear, often resorting to silent compliance and self-preservation when faced with adversity. As long as trouble did not fall on their own heads, they turned a blind eye and a deaf ear.

The Wolf King, perhaps wary of Zhang Bu Zhou, had refrained from taking things to the extreme. While he would frequently oppress the major clans, he generally avoided touching their foundations. However, every year, one or two clans would be uprooted under various pretexts.

This made the clan leaders, all seasoned old foxes, acutely aware that the Wolf King was slowly eradicating human power bit by bit. Unfortunately, Zhang Bu Zhou had been in seclusion for years, entirely out of sight and uninvolved in any matter, big or small. As a result, the Wolf King gradually amassed more power.

The elder’s face darkened with anger, repeatedly muttering, “Outlandish thoughts, outlandish thoughts!”

Xue Ding sneered, “What outlandish thoughts? If all the clans unite, what can the Wolf King do against us? Have you old men not endured enough over these years?”

“Rascal! How dare you speak to your elders this way? Have you forgotten your manners after being away for so long?” the elder fumed.

Xue Ding retorted coldly, “What use is etiquette without spirit?”

The elder’s beard quivered with rage, and Xue Wu interjected, “Younger brother, this matter is of great importance. We must plan carefully and not act rashly. The consequences of impulsiveness are something our Xue Clan cannot afford!”

Xue Ding replied, “I am not being impulsive. Zhao Ye, now known as Qian Ye, we have seen his strength before. We also know his past deeds. A man who dares to challenge the Wolf King head-on must be confident!”

“But what if he fails?” the elder asked.

“Every endeavor has its risks. If we only acted when there were no risks, what could we ever achieve? What has our Xue Clan accomplished in recent years? What have the human clans accomplished? The Wolf King doesn’t wait for a surefire victory before he acts.”

The elder trembled with anger, repeatedly muttering, “Rascal, rascal!”

Xue Wu remained silent, which, in this context, aligned him with Xue Ding, supporting his ideas.

The elder slammed his hand on the table, bellowing, “You both have grown too big for your boots, haven’t you? Without the Xue Clan, would you even be here today?”

Ignoring Xue Wu’s warning look, Xue Ding laughed coldly, “Thirty years ago, how many assets did the Xue Clan have, and how many do we have now? Everyone knows. Elders, you have managed the Xue Clan to this state. Is this what you call wisdom and prudence? Do you still have the face to meet our ancestors?”

The elder shattered the table with a single blow, roaring, “Get out, get out! I never want to see you again!”

Xue Ding rose, bowed respectfully, and then left.

After Xue Ding departed, the elder suddenly appeared exhausted, sighing, “Was our past approach really wrong?”

Xue Wu comforted, “Back then, the Wolf King was powerful, and no one could control him. Our Xue Clan stood out, and we needed to hide our light to survive. Even if we gave up some assets, as long as the Xue Clan remains, we can rise again in the future.”

The elder nodded, “That makes sense. It’s a shame that Xian Ding is too impetuous. If only he were half as steady as you.”

Xue Wu remained silent. At that moment, a servant rushed in, saying, “Master! Third Master has gathered some private troops and allied with the Zhu and Wang Clans. They say they are going to capture the criminal the Wolf King named!”

The elder leaped to his feet, gasping, “When did this happen?”

“Third Master kept it secret, and Master was busy with matters. I found a chance to come and report. Third Master has already left with his men.”

The elder’s face turned ashen, snarling, “Unbelievable! For the sake of the clan leader’s position, he disregards the safety of the Xue Clan. When he returns, I will settle this account with him!”

The servant asked, “Should we send someone to bring Third Master back?”

The elder slowly sat down, shaking his head, “It’s too late now. Even if we catch him, it won’t change anything. Third Master… he wants to split off!”

Xue Wu said, “I’ll go see.”

“You won’t be able to call Third Uncle back.”

“I just want to see if I can save his life.”

In Guanlan City, Qian Ye was strolling through a bustling commercial street. The street was lined with grand shops and merchants dealing in all kinds of goods, their collective strength surpassing that of Nanqing City.

Qian Ye browsed through each shop but found nothing that caught his eye. With his current discernment, the ordinary shops could not provide what he sought.

At that moment, the level-nine Burial Heart was stored in Anduia Space, and the sniper rifle Song Zining brought for Qian Ye, named Radiance, was a level-seven weapon, the highest standard issue of the Empire’s military. After being enhanced by the Primordial Wings, Radiance’s power reached the peak of level seven, almost reaching level eight. Such power was sufficient for battlefields below the Divine General rank.

As for weapons, Dongyue, of course, was unparalleled. Thus, the only things that could pique Qian Ye’s interest were specialized equipment for large floating ships, but such equipment was typically ordered from specific shipyards, rarely found in the city’s markets.

As Qian Ye left the commercial street, his ears picked up a familiar sound of footsteps. This person had followed him for two streets, skilled in tracking and concealment. In the bustling market, if not for Qian Ye’s sharp senses, he might have overlooked the persistent follower.

Discovering the tail, Qian Ye left the market, heading for a secluded area. Such places were ideal for the pursuer to strike, and Qian Ye wanted to see who was targeting him.

Moments later, Qian Ye entered a dilapidated and cramped district. The narrow streets were lined with haphazardly constructed shacks, and dirty water flowed freely, emitting a stench that made one gag.

From cracks in doors and windows, pairs of eyes watched Qian Ye, most with ill intent. A few men lounging at their doorsteps toyed with knives, brazenly sizing up Qian Ye, weighing the potential gains and risks of an attack.

Suddenly, a woman’s cry echoed, followed by slaps and curses. In a flash, a muscular man dragged a woman past Qian Ye, glaring and snarling, “What are you looking at? Never seen a woman being beaten? Look again, and I’ll gouge your eyes out!”

Before the curses ended, Qian Ye appeared before the man, delivering a swift kick.

The burly man shot like a cannonball, crashing through several shacks and landing in another alley, motionless and mangled, neither dead nor alive.

The malicious gazes vanished, and the knife-wielding men disappeared.

Qian Ye stepped over the fallen woman, continuing his path.

Once Qian Ye was gone, the woman scrambled to her feet, fleeing into a nearby house.

In the center of the slum was a small square, once a market for vegetables, chickens, and fish. Now, the vendors were nowhere to be seen, leaving behind empty stalls. The square lay silent and desolate, like a ghostly realm.

Qian Ye entered the square, standing with a cold smile.

“Good! You’ve got guts!” a rough voice boomed, and a middle-aged man in green armor strode forward, facing Qian Ye.

As the man appeared, countless guards emerged from the alleys, encircling the square, pointing their guns at Qian Ye.

Qian Ye stood calmly, remarking, “Quite a show.”

The man wielded an iron spear, slamming it into the ground, making the square tremble, and demanded, “Are you Qian Ye?”

“Indeed.”

“Good. You know what you’ve done. The Wolf King wants you. Come with us.”

Qian Ye replied, “And if I refuse?”

“Then don’t blame me for being unforgiving! Today, the Xue, Zhu, and Wang Clans are united. You won’t escape in Guanlan City!”

Qian Ye sneered, “So, the three clans are determined to be my enemies? Why do you, all humans, willingly serve as the Wolf King’s dogs?”

The man’s face flushed, then he growled, “What do you know? The Wolf King serves under Celestial King Zhang, who is the true leader of our human race. We serve Celestial King Zhang, not the Wolf King!”

Qian Ye chuckled, “If you dare say that in front of the Wolf King, I’d truly admire you.”

The man’s face turned red, unable to respond.

A voice chimed in, “Third Master Xue, why waste time? Just take him and deliver him to the Wolf King. We can all earn a great merit!”

Third Master Xue raised his hand, about to give the order, when Xue Wu’s voice rang out, “Stop!”

Xue Wu appeared on a rooftop, saying, “Uncle, Father wants you to return home immediately!”

Third Master Xue’s face darkened, “Your father is senile, and you’re not far behind. The Wolf King wants this man. If he escapes, what will the Xue Clan do? Xue Wu, if you’re here, help me. Otherwise, brace yourself for the Wolf King’s wrath!”

Xue Wu’s face showed deep conflict, uncertain of what to do.

Qian Ye finally spoke, “Xue Wu, if you become my enemy, I will uproot the Xue Clan. And, are you content to be the Wolf King’s dog?”

Xue Wu’s expression wavered, clearly torn.

Seeing the hesitation, Third Master Xue roared, “Attack!”

Instantly, gunfire erupted, bullets and origin power blasts raining on Qian Ye. After firing, the guards dropped their guns, drew swords, and lunged at Qian Ye. The experts from the three clans charged, their blades swinging at Qian Ye.