The Yan family patriarch knew the Xiahou clan was not to be trifled with. He knew they were ruthless beyond measure. What he had never expected, however, was that the Xiahou clan would become so brazen as this.
By all rights, even though the Yan family had fallen on hard times, it was still a first-tier power within the Eternal Sacred Lands. Such a power, even if it could no longer stand on equal footing with the ascendant Xiahou clan, should at least have had some backbone when facing them.
Yet the Xiahou clan appeared utterly fearless. They had actually sent a Grand Elder to the Yan family's doorstep and openly threatened the Yan patriarch.
They did all this as if it cost them not a shred of composure. The Yan patriarch was stunned — terrified, even.
The Xiahou clan had torn off all pretense of civility.
Did they really not fear that the Yan family would lodge a complaint with the
The Yan patriarch's mouth was thick with bitterness. When he recalled the threats made by Xiahou Zhen, a chill ran through his entire body, making his hair stand on end.
That Xiahou Zhen had investigated everything — how many sons the Yan patriarch had, how many grandsons — all laid out with perfect clarity. And judging by his manner, he could annihilate the Yan patriarch's entire bloodline at any moment.
Had the Yan family still been in its prime, the patriarch would have had nothing to worry about.
But the Yan family of today was no longer the Yan family of old.
Facing the Xiahou clan at the height of its power, the Yan family truly had no grounds for confidence.
What could be done?
"The Xiahou clan is this overbearing. If I do not comply with their wishes, the Yan family will likely face a devastating campaign of suppression."
The patriarch's heart was caught in an agonizing struggle.
He knew full well what Xiahou Zhen's ultimatum implied: either
Someone had to pay with their life.
Though the patriarch had always valued Yan Wanjun and recognized him as one of the few pillars the Yan family could still rely on — what did it matter now?
The Xiahou clan had already directed its hatred squarely at Yan Wanjun. As long as he remained alive, their fury would know no bounds.
In these circumstances, could Yan Wanjun possibly survive?
The patriarch's resolve began to waver. After a long bout of hesitation, he finally made his choice. His heart hardened: "Yan Wanjun, everything was fine. You simply had to protect your granddaughter. Now not only can you not protect her, you cannot even protect yourself. For the sake of the Yan family, as patriarch, I must think of the greater good!"
With that thought, whatever lingering attachment the patriarch had felt dissolved into cold resolution.
He had made his decision.
...
Yan Wanjun returned to his residence in a somewhat better mood. Though the council of elders had seen him attacked from all sides, at least a portion of the family still stood behind him.
The patriarch still trusted him, and had entrusted him with the affairs of Cloud Camel Mountain.
This made Yan Wanjun feel that he was still of use. He resolved to devote everything he had to the Cloud Camel Mountain matter and help the family hold this territory.
If he could establish an impressive record at Cloud Camel Mountain, the family would witness it firsthand. And when the time came to plead for his granddaughter, he would have that much more leverage.
With this plan in mind, Yan Wanjun's fighting spirit returned.
Early the next morning, he set out with his most trusted retainers, preparing to return to Cloud Camel Mountain and take charge of the situation there.
The journey back to the Cloud Camel Mountain garrison was smooth and uneventful.
A mere two days after his arrival, he received a secret letter — sent by his grandson, Yan Qingsang. When Yan Wanjun read it, his heart swelled with joy.
Not only was Yan Qingsang coming to Cloud Camel Mountain, but that young man Shao Yuan was coming as well.
However, Shao Yuan and Yan Qingsang intended to keep their journey entirely secret, avoiding any exposure. They stated in the letter that their trip would be conducted covertly, with their true identities concealed.
Yan Wanjun could well understand. After all, Shao Yuan's identity was no small matter — especially after his dazzling performance at the Mending Heaven Festival, countless eyes across the world were fixed upon this young genius.
The Xiahou clan in particular would surely regard Shao Yuan as a thorn in their side.
Staying low-key during their travels was absolutely the right call.
Yan Wanjun had no objections.
That same afternoon, Yan Qingsang and
Once inside the territory, Jiang Chen flew at high altitude, taking in the sweeping majesty of Cloud Camel Mountain's sprawling landscape. He marveled aloud, "Brother Yan, Cloud Camel Mountain is quite the sight. This place feels extraordinary."