By evening, Ma Yingjie brought Ma Hongyun along to attend a banquet at the Chang Family residence.
After the banquet concluded, Chang Biao held Ma Yingjie back for a private discussion in his study, leaving Ma Hongyun in Chang Li's personal care.
"I wonder what insights Patriarch Ma has regarding the Six-armed Heavenly Corpse King Killing Move?" After chatting for a while, Chang Biao steered the conversation toward the Killing Move.
Ma Yingjie had not tested the Killing Move. He said frankly, "I am a Slave Path Gu Master. Strength is not my domain. The eighty-ninth trial rewarded this Killing Move, and honestly, it disappointed me. I intend to sell it, which is why I haven't tested it. Why do you ask?"
Chang Biao was taken aback and exchanged a glance with Pan Ping beside him.
The two had not expected this response, though it was actually quite reasonable.
Ma Yingjie was different from both of them. He possessed a complete and comprehensive Slave Path inheritance. His master, Ma Zun, had used this inheritance to dominate the world and command a territory.
This inheritance included Killing Moves. In addition, Ma Yingjie possessed a powerful Killing Move obtained from an Immortal Gu Master of the Snow Mountain Blessed Land — Dragon Horse Spirit.
He could barely master all these Killing Moves as it was. Why would he cultivate Killing Moves from other paths?
He had cultivated the Slave Path since childhood. As long as he perfected it, he could dominate a region and restore his clan's glory. Cultivating other paths would only scatter his focus.
Since ancient times, Gu Masters have primarily cultivated a single path. Those who tried to cultivate multiple paths were rare. Scattered focus and divided loyalties led to accomplishing nothing.
Fang Yuan's ability to cultivate multiple paths was due to the accumulated experience of his previous life.
Ma Yingjie also had to manage clan affairs, leaving him even less energy to cultivate Strength Path Killing Moves.
"To be honest, Brother Pan and I have both tested this Killing Move. Its power is astonishing — truly jaw-dropping. Since Patriarch Ma is here, we might as well speak plainly." At this point, Chang Biao paused, carefully choosing his words, his expression showing some hesitation.
He looked at Ma Yingjie with a sincere gaze and said, somewhat sheepishly, "I must ask Patriarch Ma to keep this Killing Move a secret and not spread it. For the outside world, simply claim that the trial reward was something else."
Chang Biao was deliberately vague. Ma Yingjie was a sharp man — his eyes flickered, and he suddenly understood.
"So that's how it is! Chang Biao was formerly the Chang Family Patriarch. He now holds the position of Grand Elder — the Patriarch is his adopted son Chang Jiyou, but the real power behind the throne is the Wolf King, Chang Shanyin. Chang Biao obtained this Killing Move and wants to keep it secret. This is standard practice among Gu Masters. But there's a catch: if Chang Shanyin caught wind of it and demanded it, he would have no choice but to hand it over."
From the expressions and tone of Pan Ping and Chang Biao, Ma Yingjie could tell that the Six-armed Heavenly Corpse King Killing Move was no ordinary thing — it was truly extraordinary.
Everyone had their own selfish desires. Having obtained such a treasure, no one wanted to hand it over for nothing. Ma Yingjie understood this perfectly well.
Seeing the look in Ma Yingjie's eyes, Chang Biao added, "I've already spoken to everyone else. You can rest assured on that front, Patriarch Ma. For the upcoming trials, we'll still need your strength. Heh heh heh."
Ma Yingjie's expression turned serious. "Lord Chang Biao flatters me. My abilities are limited. I'm fortunate to have the opportunity to cooperate with such powerful individuals — it's a mutually beneficial arrangement. We'll do as Lord Chang Biao suggests. I have no objections."
Seeing Ma Yingjie agree, both Chang Biao and Pan Ping broke into smiles.
"Oh, drop the 'Lord' — just call me by my name, Patriarch Ma." Pan Ping seized the opportunity to close the distance between them.
Pan and Chang wanted to rope Ma Yingjie into their scheme. Ma Yingjie, seeking to develop his clan, also wanted to rely on the Chang and Hei families for support. All three were playing nice, and they immediately changed how they addressed one another, calling each other brothers.
The three of them talked in the study until deep into the night, enjoying themselves thoroughly.
Near the third watch, after settling the marriage arrangement between Ma Hongyun and Chang Li, the three finally parted ways.
"Brilliant plan, Brother Chang. With this marriage alliance, Ma Yingjie is now tied to you. When the time comes to deal with that Wolf King, do you think Ma Yingjie will hold back?" After closing the door, Pan Ping burst into laughter.
But Chang Biao shook his head slightly. "Ma Yingjie is not an easy man to fool. He's flexible — able to bend and adapt. In times of crisis, he'd have the resolve to cut his losses. It's not the right time to recruit him yet. But as long as we stay on good terms and let the world see our close relationship, invest a few resources, support that Ma Hongyun, and increase our control over the Ma Family — when we eventually declare war on Chang Shanyin, as long as the furious Wolf King sees the Ma Family as the enemy, Ma Yingjie will have no choice but to stay on our ship to protect his clan!"
In the night of the Royal Court Blessed Land, silver light poured down, brilliant and gentle.
Inside the carriage, Ma Yingjie and Ma Hongyun sat facing each other.
"Hongyun, you lucky brat — you've actually caught young Miss Chang Li's eye. Heh heh heh. I've already finalized it with Lord Chang Biao. The first day of next month will be your wedding day." Ma Yingjie said with a smile.
"Huh?" The news caught Ma Hongyun completely off guard, and he couldn't process it at first.
"I've seen your loyalty, and I'm very pleased. Consider this your reward." Ma Yingjie sighed with emotion, patting Ma Hongyun on the shoulder, and summoned three Red Iron She Li Gu from his Empty Orifice.
"This..." Ma Hongyun was stunned and numbly accepted the three Red Iron She Li Gu.
"Marrying young Miss Chang Li without sufficient strength and status would make the Ma Family look weak. Take these three Red Iron She Li Gu and use them — you'll be able to advance to the Peak of Second Transformation. With your aptitude, reaching the Third Transformation shouldn't be a problem. I'm now appointing you as Acting Elder to handle some of the clan's affairs." Ma Yingjie announced.
"What?" Ma Hongyun's eyes went wide as he stared blankly at Patriarch Ma before him.
For him, this surprise was far too heavy, far too sudden.
Ma Yingjie deliberately darkened his expression. "Aren't you going to kneel and thank me?"