"Halt!" The patrolling Ge Family Gu Master spotted the Yan Family entourage and shouted a command to stop.
The Yan Party reined in their wolf-camels, and an Elder stepped forward: "The one beside me is none other than the Yan Family Patriarch, Lord Yan Tianji. We have come specifically to pay a visit to the Ge Family Patriarch."
"The Yan Family?" The Ge Family Gu Master's expression shifted slightly.
"Indeed. Our main camp is stationed less than a hundred li from here."
"Esteemed lords, please wait a moment."
By the Northern Plains' reckoning, the Ge Family had only just arrived at the shore of Crescent Moon Lake, having been camped for barely a day. The Ge Family's main encampment was still being bustling constructed.
"My lord, the wolves' tracks all lead into the Ge Family camp," an Elder whispered to the Yan Family Patriarch, Yan Tianji.
Yan Tianji nodded, his gaze solemn: "I didn't expect this Slave Path Gu Master to actually be one of the Ge Family. It seems this trip was worthwhile — we may be able to recruit a powerful ally to deal with the Water Devil, Hao Jiliu."
"But the Ge Family might not be willing to help us," an Elder voiced his concerns.
Yan Tianji let out a cold laugh, carrying the air of someone who had the Ge Family in the palm of his hand: "Hmph. The Ge Family also needs to participate in the Heroes' Assembly. My daughter is Liu Wenwu's betrothed. If I invoke the Liu Family's name to request aid, how could I possibly worry about a mere Ge Family refusing to lend their strength?"
As they spoke, the crude camp gates swung open. The Ge Family's newly appointed patriarch, Ge Guang, personally led a group of Elders out to welcome them.
"Patriarch Yan graces us with his presence — it is a great honor for our Ge Family. Please, come into the King's Tent so we may talk," Ge Guang invited warmly.
"Just a Third Transformation Gu Master?" Upon sensing Ge Guang's cultivation level, the Yan Party immediately grew somewhat dismissive.
After inviting the Yan entourage into the camp for a feast and sharing a few cups of wine, the Yan Family Patriarch glanced at the Elder beside him.
The Elder then spoke: "To be frank, Patriarch Ge, we have come this time to request your aid."
"Aid?"
The Elder continued: "Indeed. Our young lady, Yan Cui'er, was ambushed and captured by Hao Jiliu. This Hao Jiliu is a despicable and shameless man. He hides within Crescent Moon Lake, extorting our family. He is a Water Path Gu Master, and his combat strength in the lake waters is formidable. Several rescue attempts by our clan have all failed. We've come to ask the Ge Family to lend us some support."
"Hao Jiliu? Could that be the one they call the Water Devil, Hao Jiliu?" The name rang a bell for Ge Guang, and his expression changed.
This man was a Fourth Transformation High Stage Gu Master who walked the Water Path. He had a notorious reputation throughout the Northern Plains — a cunning and treacherous demon.
Ge Guang's brow furrowed deeply. After a moment's thought, he refused: "Members of the Demonic Path — all under heaven have the right to slay them. As a righteous faction, the Ge Family should naturally do its part. But I'm afraid we simply lack the strength. My father fell in battle, and I was thrust into leadership in a time of crisis. The Ge Family has already suffered devastating losses. We have no capacity to send reinforcements to help your family eliminate the Water Devil."
"Oh? Patriarch Ge is unwilling, then?" At Ge Guang's words, the faces of the Yan Family Elders darkened.
One Elder sneered: "Patriarch Ge, you are indeed rather young and may not know certain things. Let me tell you then. Our young lady, Yan Cui'er, was betrothed to Liu Wenwu years ago. She is, by status, Liu Wenwu's future wife. If our young lady is not rescued, and the Liu Family holds you accountable in the future, your Ge Family will find it difficult to escape blame."
Ge Guang's face changed dramatically.
In the Northern Plains, there were several super-clans, among them the Hei Family and the Liu Family.
Liu Wenwu was the Liu Family's Third Young Master. True to his name, he was accomplished in both literature and martial arts, possessed extraordinary talent, and harbored grand ambitions. This time, he had led a retinue of retainers, separated from the main Liu Family, and established his own independent faction. He was one of the hottest contenders for the throne of the King's Court.
Liu Wenwu's power was considerable. Yan Cui'er was his betrothed. If the Ge Family refused to help, Liu Wenwu would certainly make things difficult for them at the Heroes' Assembly.
But the Ge Family was already exhausted. Their upper-tier combat strength had been severely depleted. If they took on the Water Devil as well, the bitter consequences would likely fall solely on the Ge Family's shoulders.
Ge Guang, mindful of his own family's interests, was unwilling to provoke the Water Devil without reason. Yet he feared that standing by and doing nothing would earn Liu Wenwu's enmity in the future.
Ge Guang was in a terrible bind.
Yan Tianji, standing to the side, noticed Ge Guang's hesitation. He smiled: "The Righteous Path has always been of one breath and one branch. I trust the Ge Family would never stand by and watch others perish. The Ge Family's strength is well known — there's no need to be so modest. On our way here, we noticed a great many wolf tracks. As long as the Ge Family dispatches a Slave Path Gu Master, our Yan Family is willing to pay three thousand Yuan Stones upfront."
Ge Guang seethed with suppressed anger.
Three thousand Yuan Stones? Was this how you sent off a beggar?
He held back his fury and forced a bitter smile: "There is something you may not know. This Slave Path Gu Master is not a member of my Ge Family, nor is he under my command. He is Lord Chang Shanyin."
"Chang Shanyin?" The Yan Family Patriarch was taken aback, finding the name somewhat familiar.
Ge Guang proceeded to explain everything he knew about Fang Yuan — his background, identity, and so on.
The Yan Party was overjoyed upon hearing this.
"Chang Shanyin — he's still alive!"
"I remember now. He's of my generation. Once famous throughout the Northern Plains — a Slave Path genius cultivator who drew the attention of tens of thousands!"
"Excellent! Heaven truly favors us. The Chang Family has already pledged allegiance to Young Master Liu Wenwu. We'll explain the situation to Chang Shanyin, and he'll surely lend his aid."
The Yan Family Patriarch was the most decisive: "Patriarch Ge, please arrange an introduction."
Ge Guang smiled bitterly: "If I could arrange an introduction, I would have done so long ago. Lord Chang Shanyin returned this morning and immediately announced he was entering seclusion to refine Gu. If we disturb his refining, I'm afraid..."
"What is there to fear?" Yan Tianji rose to his feet. "Chang Shanyin is of the same generation as I. I have long known of his reputation. The Chang Family and the Yan Family both serve under Young Master Liu Wenwu — we are one and the same. Liu Wenwu is Chang Shanyin's master. Furthermore, this matter is of great importance. Even if his refining is interrupted, it is no great consequence. Take me to him."
"Well..." Ge Guang hesitated.
Yan Tianji's face hardened: "Patriarch Ge, please do not delay. If the rescue comes too late and something happens to my daughter, and Young Master Liu Wenwu holds you accountable..."
Ge Guang had no choice but to grit his teeth and agree: "Very well. I will take you all there at once."