In truth, things had unfolded exactly as people had expected. The
From once being a minor family that didn't even have half a Martial King among its ranks, they now boasted an ever-growing number of Martial Kings, and even the younger generation had gradually produced many Martial King-level figures. The Zi Family of today had not only become a flourishing major family, but had even surpassed some families that possessed inherited bloodlines.
From the perspective of outsiders, everything the Zi Family had achieved today was thanks to the Immortal Execution Archipelago. Compared to the Heavenly Bestowed Divine Body, which had remained unremarkable and accomplished nothing over all these years, what people truly envied was the fact that the Zi Family had managed to secure the Archipelago's backing.
But no one knew what the Immortal Execution Archipelago was secretly doing to
But what could not be denied was that the Zi Family was indeed flourishing — not only in strength, but most importantly in fame.
In particular, recent rumors held that Zi Ling was so beautiful she could be counted among the Three Great Beauties of the Eastern Sea. This had drawn a steady stream of visitors to the family, all hoping to catch a glimpse of her.
Although the Zi Family was selective about whom they received — entertaining only those of notable standing — they did not readily allow visitors to see Zi Ling.
At this moment,
"Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh."
Despite the Zi Family's tight security and their abundance of experts, infiltrating the compound was far from difficult for Chu Feng.
"Ugh!" Once inside, he selected a family member whose build was similar to his own, knocked him unconscious, then changed into the man's clothes and altered his face to match.
After disguising himself, Chu Feng quickly ascertained the location of the Zi Family's dungeon and, through a combination of skillful manipulation and lies, worked his way in.
"Ahhhhh!"
"Spare me, spare me — I've told you everything, truly! Ahh, stop!"
The Zi Family's dungeon was vast. All manner of people were locked away inside — some resting quietly as though they had been imprisoned for years, others undergoing interrogation, enduring the pain of flesh and blood.
But Chu Feng cared nothing for any of them. He opened his Heavenly Eye and extended his Mental Power, searching for any trace of Zi Ling.
He scoured the entire dungeon but could not find Zi Ling anywhere. Yet while he failed to locate her, he did spot a familiar figure.
In an elaborately sealed cell sat an elderly man. The old man's clothes were still intact, but his face was gaunt, weighted down by what appeared to be a considerable burden on his mind. He was none other than Zi Ling's grandfather —
There were no chains on Xuanyuan's body, and the cell that held him was distinctly different from the rest. Far from being dilapidated, it was remarkably refined — it had, in fact, been forcibly transformed into a luxurious chamber.
Within this room, there was not only an elegant bed and all manner of splendid furnishings, but also delicacies and cultivation resources laid out for his enjoyment.
At this moment, Zi Xuanyuan sat in a chair with his legs crossed, sipping tea. His cultivation had advanced somewhat — he had now stepped into the true peak of the Heaven Martial realm.
However, surrounding him were several young men. They appeared to be members of the Zi Family, most at the Heaven Martial realm, though one among them — a man in his early thirties — had already entered the Martial King realm. He was a first-rank Martial King.
"Old man, don't refuse a toast only to drink a forfeit. The family head told you to persuade Zi Ling, so just go and persuade her. Stop playing the dignified elder here. You know perfectly well what will happen if you don't cooperate."