Corpse Retriever.

Chapter 496

The Chen family has a level of familiarity with opportunities that is far beyond what ordinary people in the martial arts world would consider commonplace.

Chen Yueying had no idea what exactly happened in the ancestral home. She didn't even know that the painting she had picked up was the mastermind behind it all; she only thought it was a small henchman used to relay messages.

She knew that even the Dragon King's family could only suppress and prolong the life of her husband, not eradicate the blood poison in his body; seeking a solution outside was nothing short of wishful thinking. But as a wife, it was understandable that she instinctively wanted to find more hope and try some unconventional remedies.

But when this lowly henchman dared to make a request that crossed her bottom line, her reaction was equally decisive.

Neither her identity as a successor of the Dragon King's lineage nor her experience of lighting lamps and traversing rivers should have made her so easily deceived and forced into servitude.

Chen Xiyuan looked at Li Zhuiyuan.

Li Zhuiyuan slightly raised his chin and pointed forward.

Chen Xiyuan said, "Aunt, we want to go into the ancestral home."

Chen Yueying will expand the domain:

“Xi Yuan, you have your own things to do. Listen to your aunt and come back after things at home have calmed down.”

In Li Zhuiyuan's eyes, Chen Yueying's domain is more closely integrated with the surrounding environment, which means that she has reached a very high level of control over the various details of the domain.

In other words, this also shows that her potential has long been limited, and she can only develop horizontally. This is fundamentally different from Chen Xiyuan's vigorous transformation, where a single enlightenment can trigger a new round of qualitative change in the domain.

This is the difference in talent, but it is even more obvious and visible in the Chen family's tradition. Unless one completely changes their approach, it is difficult to overcome.

Li Zhuiyuan stepped forward and said, "Li Zhuiyuan, the head of the Qin and Liu families, has come to the birthday banquet at the invitation of the Chen family head."

Chen Yueying: "You really are..."

Upon seeing the figure of the young man behind Chen Xiyuan, Chen Yueying began to associate this young man with the recently famous head of the Twin Dragon Kings Clan in the martial arts world.

But she was still shocked even after Li Zhuiyuan revealed his identity.

Only Chen Pingdao and Jiang Xiuzhi knew about Chen Xiyuan's contact with Li Zhuiyuan. As for the things Chen Pingdao did later and the grudges between the two families that had actually broken out long ago, the Chen family was kept in the dark.

Chen Yueying solemnly performed the Chen family ceremony for Li Zhuiyuan:

"Yueying greets Senior."

Li Zhuiyuan: "Lead the way."

Chen Yueying took a deep breath, nodded, and raised her arm to point behind her:
"Senior, please."

Once one's identity is revealed, everything else is self-evident.

No matter what happens at home, having such a strong external support is ultimately a great thing.

Following Chen Yueying, everyone officially entered the Chen family's protective barrier.

Wang Lin was overwhelmed by the sheer number of things he saw.

Li Zhuiyuan looked at him and asked, "How is it?"

Wang Lin: "As expected of the Dragon King's family, every blade of grass and every tree is a manifestation of profound heritage, which is truly awe-inspiring."

Li Zhuiyuan: "What you learn from books is never enough?"

Wang Lin's lips twitched, and he quickly nodded awkwardly.

Zhao Yi's men are even replicating the experiences of Granny Liu that Tan Wenbin and others went through recently.

The Liang sisters admired the place while looking on with puzzled expressions. They had visited the Zhao family ancestral home in Jiujiang before, but it was nothing compared to the Chen family ancestral home. It was like comparing heaven and earth.

The problem is that the Chen family has only produced three Dragon Kings in its history, while the Zhao family has only produced one. How can the difference of three to one be so great?

Zhao Yi rested his hands behind his head, looking as relaxed as if he were strolling in a park. He had no doubts about this; he felt that this difference was only natural.

First of all, the Chen family of Qiongya was established very early. Chen Yunhai, who laid the foundation for the family's future rise to power, was a figure from the Northern and Southern Dynasties. This kind of historical continuity is something that the Zhao family of Jiujiang cannot match.

Furthermore, the Zhao family lineage of Jiujiang was established by Zhao Wuyang, the "Grassroots Dragon King," a classic case of peak at the very beginning, leaving only vast room for decline in the future.

Finally, all the elite elders and ancestors of the Zhao family went off to exploit the legacy of their ancestors and pursue immortality, which further accelerated the decline of the Zhao family, making it impossible for them to compare with the orthodox Dragon King family.

However, Zhao Yi deliberately nudged Lin Shuyou with his elbow.

"What, you've become picky after eating some good food?"

Lin Shuyou: "A little."

Having visited the Qin family ancestral home first, my threshold was higher, so when I visited the Chen family ancestral home, my mindset was more normal.

Zhao Yi: "That's good. Our friend has seen the world."

Lin Shuyou: "You don't need to tell me that."

Zhao Yi: "I'm just reminding you that you can talk about this with your blind date next time, so that there won't be an awkward silence."

Lin Shuyou: "Alright, stop talking."

Zhao Yi: "You don't have to say it. You can write it down, write a love letter."

The golden mace behind Lin Shuyou trembled.

"Don't be angry, don't be angry, here, have a smoke."

Zhao Yi handed Lin Shuyou a cigarette.

Lin Shuyou paused for a moment, then took it and, imitating an adult, sniffed it under his nose.

It's a mint shaped like a cigarette.

Chen Yueying: "Please forgive me, senior. All the staff in our house have been placed outside recently. It is a breach of etiquette on the part of my Chen family."

Li Zhuiyuan: "It's alright, I have even fewer family members."

Upon hearing this, Chen Yueying lowered her head, her face solemn, as if she were paying silent tribute to the past circumstances of the Qin and Liu families.

Her reaction did not escape the boy's notice.

Chen Xiyuan was the safe anchor point for the young man to visit the Chen family's ancestral home. This is why, when he couldn't contact Chen Xiyuan, Li Zhuiyuan preferred to wait outside in the sea breeze rather than visit her without permission.

Chen Yueying is a typical pillar of the Chen family, and she personally represents the attitude of most Chen family members towards Qin Liu.

Li Zhuiyuan brought the evil spirits from his ancestral home here, prepared to perish together with them, but he didn't come here with the intention of dying together with them.

What he feared most was that the Chen family would go mad and, after he entered the ancestral home, smother him without a second thought.

At present, this possibility seems very low, but the last bit of doubt can only be dispelled after meeting the old lady of the Chen family.

Chen Yueying personally opened the gate of the ancestral home to welcome Li Zhuiyuan into the Chen family.

Guided by her, the boy walked straight through the ancestral home.

We walked for a long time without seeing anyone until we passed a cluster of courtyards in the core area, where we finally saw the first wave of people.

"Yueying, Xiyuan, who are these people?"

The other four branches of the Chen family, after receiving the warning, had all changed into their training clothes, held their equipment, and were ready.

They're not stupid. It's strange that the mother would use her connections outside the family just to hold a simple birthday banquet for the old man. But if you interpret this as an attempt to avoid disaster, it makes sense.

Even if the power of the ancestral home is gone, as the main branch, they will not leave. They will only choose to protect it and wait for this great calamity that can shake the Dragon King's family.

Chen Yueying: "This is the head of the Qin and Liu families, who have come to attend my father's birthday banquet."

Upon hearing this, everyone's faces lit up with joy, and they all bowed to Li Zhuiyuan in a respectful greeting.

In their view, this was their father's way of clearing the area in advance for the great calamity that would befall the Chen family, and he had even specially invited outside help.

Little did they know that their father's purpose in clearing the area was to prevent the family from being harmed when this person took action, and that the person they were paying respects to was the one who initially caused the great calamity for the Chen family.

Li Zhuiyuan nodded to them, his expression indifferent.

The grudges were still there, and he didn't want to be too friendly with the Chen family. Of course, given his current status, it was normal for him not to want to chat with these younger generation members who were already grandparents.

"Xi Tang, go and inform your grandmother. I will lead the senior there right away."

"Yes, mother."

Chen Xitang walked away quickly, while Li Zhuiyuan, led by Chen Yueying, entered the inner courtyard at a normal pace.

In a quaint and quiet courtyard, Jiang Xiuzhi, dressed in gorgeous clothes and with elegant makeup, slowly walked out.

In such a short time, it would definitely not be enough for her to quickly get ready, which means she was already prepared.

The old woman's actions showed that she was preparing to leave this world with dignity.

Jiang Xiuzhi's eyes fell on A Li.

For a moment, countless emotions seemed to surge into her heart, but she immediately forced herself to look away and said to Li Zhuiyuan:

"Master Li."

"The matriarch of the Chen family."

The old man and the young man addressed each other formally.

Jiang Xiuzhi: "Yueying, Xiyuan, please entertain the other distinguished guests. Patriarch Li, may I come inside for a chat?"

Li Zhuiyuan: "Of course, we should follow the host's lead. However, there are more guests than just those behind me this time. There are some others who haven't come in yet."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Xiuzhi's eyes first lit up with surprise, then turned to fear and apprehension, and finally she let out a difficult sigh:
"Should we entertain our guests outside to fulfill our duty as hosts?"

"No need, they will come when it's time to come in."

"it is good."

Jiang Xiuzhi pushed open the door: "Master Li, please."

"please."

After the two entered the house, the door was closed.

The barrier activates automatically, making it impossible for outsiders to detect anything inside.

Chen Xiyuan: "Shall I show you around the house?"

Lin Shuyou: "Is now the time to take a look around?"

Chen Xiyuan: "I didn't know, this is the first time I've invited friends over to my house."

Zhao Yi: "Personally, I prefer appreciating famous paintings and masterpieces."

Chen Yueying: "Xi Yuan, please take the guests to my courtyard to sit and rest. Xi Tang, prepare tea. I will wait here for Mother and Patriarch Li."

Tan Wenbin: "When in Rome, do as the host does."

Tan Wenbin, along with Zhao Yi and Wang Lin, accepted the host's arrangements, while Runsheng was left behind to stand face to face with Chen Yueying in the courtyard.

This action finally made Chen Yueying realize that something was wrong.

This birthday visit was not as simple as it seemed on the surface, and the fact that the head of the Li family had just told his mother that there were other guests outside also seemed like a form of caution and threat.

She was a little confused. Her family should have no grudge against Qin Liu. Her mother was once a close friend of Old Madam Liu. Even they, as her children, knew perfectly well who the willow tree her father planted at the entrance of the ancestral hall was longing for.

When she was crossing the river, although she surrendered twice by lighting the lamp halfway through, she had actually received secret contact before that. She refused at the time, and it was only after the incident on the river that she learned what the ultimate purpose of that contact was.

Chen Yueying: "Aren't you going to get something to eat?"

Runsheng took out two thick incense sticks, lit them, took a bite, and then handed the other one to Chen Yueying.

Chen Yueying shook her head: "Do as you please."

inside the house.

Li Zhuiyuan took his seat under the guidance of Jiang Xiuzhi.

Jiang Xiuzhi then turned around and knelt down in front of Li Zhuiyuan.

The matriarch of the Chen family, except when kneeling to worship ancestors during sacrificial rites, usually had others bowing to her. However, her movements and expressions at this moment were very skillful, obviously she had rehearsed them countless times in her mind.

Li Zhuiyuan neither got up, nor offered any support, nor did he speak to stop him.

Because the old man wasn't kneeling to him, but to Grandma Liu.

Jiang Xiuzhi abandoned all formalities and formalities, revealing her true feelings in this private setting. Tears welled in her eyes as she said:
"I'm so sorry to my sister."

Li Zhuiyuan did not respond.

Jiang Xiuzhi: "My old man suddenly went mad. I only found out what he did afterward. Since then, I have lived in fear and anxiety day and night."

There was guilt towards Sister Liu, and also fear of Sister Liu, with the former being more prominent.

My family fell into poverty when I was young. Without Sister Liu's support and protection, I would have lost my former glory and experienced the coldness of human relationships much earlier. I would not have had the chance to get to know my old man.

When I got married, Sister Liu even prepared a dowry for me, which gave me face and confidence.

I don't understand, nor do I want to understand, the old man's mutterings about right and wrong. All I know is that my sister protected and helped me, but I made her experience the coldness of human relationships.

The idea that "one person does the work, one person takes the blame" is far too lenient on that old man.

"Master Li, today, all members of the Chen family within the Chen residence, from myself down, are at your disposal. Whether you kill or dismember them, you may choose. I will personally bind and seal them, and bring them before you."

Li Zhuiyuan stared intently into Jiang Xiuzhi's eyes.

He wanted to determine whether the old lady of the Chen family was acting.

However, actions speak louder than words.

The fact that Old Master Chen is "missing" while Old Madam Chen can still rely on external family resources is the most powerful indication of her attitude.

Jiang Xiuzhi continued, "Actually, after learning about the matter, I should have personally knelt down and begged for forgiveness in front of Sister Liu. I didn't go because the old man was so stubborn. It was only after you, Patriarch Li, did a series of things for the Ming family that he realized he couldn't continue to be stubborn."

He's a good-for-nothing, but he's had good talent since childhood and his life has been smooth sailing. Even now that he's old, his personality is still exactly the same as when he was young.

Living with him is wonderful, but don't expect him to be a pillar of strength. If he were that kind of person, he wouldn't have ended up in my hands in the first place.

Furthermore, Xi Yuan is still staying with you, and the girl is also anxiously working hard. I don't know if it's appropriate for me, as her grandmother, to go and get involved. I'm also afraid that if I actually go to Sister Liu's place and kneel down, it will only make Sister Liu feel more disgusted and uncomfortable.

You see, I'm actually just like my old man at home. Sure enough, you can't have two different kinds of people sleeping in the same bed.

Li Zhuiyuan: "I promised Chen Xiyuan that I would only settle this score with Chen Pingdao."

Whether driven by the will of Heaven or misled and manipulated, the lightning that struck Xiao Hei must be accounted for.

Chen Pingdao's only chance was to go to Grandma Liu immediately after the incident, explain everything, and bow his head to plead guilty and accept punishment.

However, he remained caught up in the internal struggle of "right and wrong" afterward and did not choose to do so.

Jiang Xiuzhi's assessment of her husband was very accurate: despite his advanced age, he was still the same as when he was young, as if he were still that young man with a strong sense of idealism.

Hesitant before the incident, unwilling to go all the way when doing things, and afraid to take responsibility afterward.

Jiang Xiuzhi opened her mouth, exhaled, smiled, wiped away her tears, and said:

“I have already prepared his funeral clothes, and he is very satisfied with them.”

Personal grudges can be set aside for now; let's get down to business.

Li Zhuiyuan: "Chen Pingdao, where is he?"

Jiang Xiuzhi: "I don't know. Xi Yuan searched every corner of the house and the places he often went outside, but he couldn't find any trace of the old man."

Li Zhuiyuan: "Have you consulted the spirit of the Dragon King in your household?"

Jiang Xiuzhi: "The ancestral hall is under a restriction. Xi Yuan has been inside, but she did not receive guidance from the ancestors."

After a pause, Jiang Xiuzhi continued, "The old man probably intends to do something, even if he still doesn't think he did anything wrong, he still wants to make amends."

Chen Xiyuan had already told Li Zhuiyuan about these things; the boy was simply confirming them with the old lady of the Chen family.

Logically speaking, a living person like Chen Pingdao could not suddenly disappear. Even if he did disappear, the Dragon King spirit of the Chen family should not have been completely unaware.

In Li Zhuiyuan's personal opinion, the Dragon King's spirit of the Chen family is more active than that of other families.

It's not that he didn't know, but rather that he didn't want to tell Chen Xiyuan.

Perhaps they were waiting for them.

Li Zhuiyuan: "Please get up."

Jiang Xiuzhi stood up.

Li Zhuiyuan stood up from his chair and said directly, "From now on, I will make all the decisions regarding everything within the Chen residence, is that alright?"

Jiang Xiuzhi:
"This is a great fortune for the Chen family; the Li family head repays evil with kindness."

……

Upon entering Chen Yueying's courtyard, Zhao Yi and Tan Wenbin did not linger and, led by Chen Xitang, went directly into the inner room.

Chen Xitang: "Please forgive me, but I cannot open this partition."

Zhao Yi: "Then I'll have to offend you. I'll try to pry it open. This was added later, so it shouldn't be connected to the Chen family's grand formation."

"No need for that, I'll do it."

Chu Qiufeng walked in, leaning on his cane, and with a wave of his hand, the partition opened.

He is a formation master, and he is responsible for all the small arrangements in his home, just like he would for ordinary people to repair furniture and change light bulbs.

Zhao Yi raised his hand, blocking Tan Wenbin's view, and Tan Wenbin immediately closed his eyes and backed away.

This scene left Chu Qiufeng and Chen Xitang quite puzzled.

After backing out of the inner room, Tan Wenbin stood at the doorway, and Lin Shuhao asked curiously:
"Brother Bin, how's the painting?"

"We can't watch it."

Zhao Yi walked inside alone, his gaze shifting from the altar to the painting of the goddess ascending to heaven.

When his eyes met the goddess's, he felt his inner desires begin to boil.

The gate between life and death on Zhao Yi's chest turned, suppressing his desires.

In the darkness, a voice entered his ears.

"leave here."

Zhao Yi: "Are you being so kind?"

"He is with you when you are down, he is with you when you are alive."

Zhao Yi: "Let's talk about something new."

"This matter is none of your concern."

You're wrong about that.

"I was right."

"Alright, so where are you hiding now?"

"You'll find out soon enough once you get out."

"Okay, you wait, I'll find you."

The next moment, the edges of the scroll turned black, flames erupted, and landed on the offering table, leaving only a small clump of black ash.

Zhao Yi frowned slightly.

Chen Xitang said, "This painting has the power to bewitch people. Every time we see it, Mother will give my brother and me a private session to purify our minds."

Zhao Yi nodded.

Chen Xitang: "Did it just say something to you?" Zhao Yi: "It said some nonsense."

Chen Xitang: "It underestimates Mother too much. How could Mother be controlled by it?"

Zhao Yi smiled but remained silent.

Although they weren't being manipulated, Chen Yueying's act of telling Chen Xiyuan not to come in at the door actually made it so that they had to come in, thus achieving her goal.

It was originally just a casual move, used to urge things on.

Zhao Yi looked at Chu Qiufeng: "Senior?"

Chu Qiufeng: "Honorable guest, please feel free to ask."

Zhao Yi glanced at Chen Xitang, and Chu Qiufeng said, "Xitang, you can go out first."

"Yes, father."

After Chen Xitang left, only Zhao Yi and Chu Qiufeng remained in the inner room.

Zhao Yi: "Senior, I won't beat around the bush with you anymore. Did you play any role in all of this?"

Chu Qiufeng: "Is my guest doubting me?"

Zhao Yi: "The son-in-law who married into the family has decided to rise up in rebellion for the sake of dignity and ambition... The main problem is that there are only so many people in the family now. Senior, tell me, are you very suitable for the role of the mole?"

Chu Qiufeng: "Indeed."

Zhao Yi: "Senior, if you really are like that, then let's just lay it all out now. It's pointless to drag things out until we're exposed in the end. I'm not referring to me, but to you, senior."

Chu Qiufeng: "It wasn't me. Yueying and I have a very good relationship. I come from humble beginnings and was an orphan. I even chose this surname myself."

My father-in-law never intended for me to marry into his family. He even allowed Yueying and me to live away from our ancestral home, only needing to come back periodically for treatment to suppress the blood poisoning.

I refused myself; I felt it was unnecessary and too much trouble.

Of course, if you don't believe me, there's nothing I can do.

Zhao Yi approached and put his hand on Chu Qiufeng's shoulder: "I believe it, I believe it, it's just a formality, hehe."

Chu Qiufeng: "The mastermind behind this great calamity that could shake the Dragon King's clan must be incredibly powerful. Even if it wanted to use me as a pawn, I would doubt myself about whether I was worthy of it."

Zhao Yi: "That makes sense, please don't take offense, senior."

Chu Qiufeng: "I've lit lamps before, so I understand."

Zhao Yi: "I admire you, senior. You managed to marry the Dragon King's daughter. Could you share some of your experience?"

Chu Qiufeng: "Judging from your relationship with those two in the courtyard outside, do you still intend to continue...?"

Zhao Yi: "No, there are two that have already given me a headache, but this is my regret. I almost died because my family pursued the Dragon King's daughter for me."

Chu Qiufeng: "After laying the groundwork in the early stages, at the perfect moment, I will sacrifice myself to die in her place. If I am lucky enough to survive, I will have succeeded."

Zhao Yi: "Hahaha!"

Chu Qiufeng also smiled.

Zhao Yi could tell that Chu Qiufeng was suffering from a bone-attaching poison, yet he was still able to maintain his refined and humorous demeanor under such torment, which showed how strong his will was back then.

Chu Qiufeng: "If we can resolve this situation peacefully, I would like to have a few drinks with our distinguished guest."

Zhao Yi: "We should invite that guy surnamed Li, he's also... never mind, just the two of us, let's not invite that spoilsport, he's a freeloader."

At this moment, Chen Yueying walked into the courtyard, her gaze lingering on Zhao Yi, who was arm in arm with her husband, and said:

"Patriarch Li requests your presence. Xi Yuan, you will accompany him."

"Okay, Auntie."

Zhao Yi patted Chu Qiufeng on the shoulder, waved, and led the group away.

Chen Yueying walked up to her husband and asked, "You two seemed to be having a good chat?"

Chu Qiufeng: "Hmm, a very interesting person. He reminds me of my days on the river."

Chen Yueying: "We were just like them once."

Chu Qiufeng: "It's different, really different. He just ripped my heart to shreds. Although it was partly because I let him explore me without any precautions, it's still really frightening that he could do something like this."

Yet such a person could willingly serve as another's deputy. Yueying, the current Jiang River is far more turbulent than ours.

Chen Yueying: "If it weren't for saving me, you would have had a chance back then..."

Chu Qiufeng: "Luckily I saved you, otherwise I might have been bribed to go there and target that Qin family member, and then I would have been killed with a single punch."

Chen Yueying: "You are a formation master and you are far away, so you should be fine. At most, you will be paralyzed by the leaked fist energy."

Chu Qiufeng: "Sigh, if I were paralyzed there, I would have nothing left; now that I have a wife and children, it's more worthwhile to be paralyzed here."

Chen Yueying: "If you were involved in that incident, and then come to me again, not only will my father not agree to our marriage, but he will also secretly kill you."

Chu Qiufeng: "But this time, it was my father-in-law who did something foolish."

Chen Yueying: "Qiu Feng, what exactly do you know?"

Chu Qiufeng: "Have you forgotten? When Xi Yuan was little, she loved to open her domain and play in the courtyards of each household. Because her father-in-law doted on her, the other households dared not speak out against her. In the end, they had to ask me to set up some mirror arrays in each household, courtyard, and places she frequented, such as the martial arts arena, to prevent Xi Yuan from approaching silently."

When Xi Yuan returned last time, she was seriously injured in a sparring match with her father-in-law in the training ground. The next day, when I went to repair the formation, I overheard some conversations through the mirror.

My father-in-law, it seems, for some reason, did something to that person.

Chen Yueying: "Qiu Feng, why didn't you tell me about this?"

Chu Qiufeng: "My parents-in-law are deliberately keeping this matter under wraps. Even though I know about it, I can only pretend I don't. If it gets out, this personal grudge will turn into a family feud."

By the way, does that person have any instructions?

“Mother told us to gather together and wait for His instructions. In addition, His rejected Mother’s suggestion to bring back the external power of the gate.”

Chu Qiufeng: "Alright, bring me my array equipment. I'll go and follow your instructions. I've been raised by the Chen family for so many years and used up so many precious array materials. It's time for me to do my part for the Chen family."

outside.

Tan Wenbin looked at Zhao Yi: How is it?

Zhao Yi shook his head: No.

Immediately, Zhao Yi exclaimed, "I didn't understand the meaning of the word 'orthodox' before, but now I do."

Tan Wenbin: "If you compare the Ming family to the Zhao family back then, the Ming family would seem quite respectable."

Zhao Yi: "Ha, that's really something."

Jiang Xiuzhi gathered her family members together and awaited instructions.

Li Zhuiyuan, accompanied by Chen Xiyuan, led his men to the Chen Family Ancestral Hall.

Chen Xiyuan entered the courtyard of the ancestral hall first, then turned around, wondering why everyone was still outside, before realizing:

"Oh, I forgot the restriction was on."

She got in through favoritism, without breaking the restrictions.

A malevolent dragon appeared in Li Zhuiyuan's palm, flying forward with a specific rhythm, opening the gate and allowing everyone to enter amidst a thunderous roar.

This restriction is difficult to break, but it is not particularly complex. Its function is not defense or obstruction, but rather to trigger a disturbance when an outsider tries to enter.

But at this moment, it doesn't matter how loud the alarm goes.

In the courtyard, a willow tree was well-maintained and looked radiant.

The legendary "Watching the Sea and Listening to the Tide" stele stands at the other end, its brilliance restrained, its patterns mysterious, accumulating endless mystery.

Every member of the Chen family received their enlightenment under this monument.

Most of the Chen family members opened their domains under this monument, and their talents could be judged from the very beginning.

Every few years, Old Master Chen would invite renowned figures or elders of the martial arts world to the Chen family home for a banquet, where they would all come to view the stele.

The reason Chen Xiyuan once wanted to invite Li Zhuiyuan to her home was that she hoped Li Zhuiyuan could break through the bloodline barrier that only members of the Chen family could cultivate the Chen family's original technique, so that the inheritance could be further promoted and developed.

The moment Li Zhuiyuan entered, he roughly guessed the reason.

Because he feels very uncomfortable right now, like he's being watched.

Others who wanted to achieve this effect, such as when they were in Tingfeng Gorge a while ago, used a large number of purple talismans to cleanse the sky above their heads, and only then did they receive the gaze of the Heavenly Dao and plead guilty on their own.

And here, it's as if a ray of sunlight, naturally falling from the corner of the eye, has always been here.

There's no such thing as a free lunch; if something does fall from the sky, it'll definitely come with a price tag.

The Chen family is indeed blessed by heaven and earth, but this blessing is also a kind of shackle.

It's certainly not just me who sensed this; among Old Master Chen and the seasoned elders he invited, there must have been others who discovered the key to it.

Therefore, rather than saying that Old Master Chen wanted to break the shackles of bloodline inheritance, it would be more accurate to say that he wanted to find a new balance between the favor of heaven and the inheritance of the family.

This hesitation is quite in line with Mr. Chen's personality.

Li Zhuiyuan approached the stone tablet and placed his hand on it.

The stone tablet reacted, with alternating hot and cold sensations. In a daze, it felt as if your hand was touching a majestic mountain, towering into the clouds, with rolling seas of clouds, encompassing all kinds of phenomena.

Li Zhuiyuan: "Where is the location where your family suppresses the evil spirits of the Dragon King?"

Chen Xiyuan: "Ordinary evil spirits are in the dungeon, while the evil spirits suppressed by the Dragon King ancestor are all here, suppressed by the domain left by the Dragon King."

However, only members of the Chen family who have opened their domains can enter. Those without a domain will be treated as evil spirits and suppressed and destroyed upon entry.

Li Zhuiyuan: "Did you go in and check?"

Chen Xiyuan: "I checked, everything inside is normal, but I couldn't find my grandfather."

Li Zhuiyuan: "Who is the most likely successor to the position of family head in your next generation?"

Chen Xiyuan: "My father."

Li Zhuiyuan: "Go and ask your father if there is any place in the Chen family that only the head of the family or someone holding a token representing the head of the family can enter."

Chen Xiyuan: "Okay, I'll go right away."

Li Zhuiyuan withdrew his hand.

Some of the deepest secrets of a family are passed down only among the heads of the family from generation to generation, and even Jiang Xiuzhi might not know them.

Li Zhuiyuan turned around and looked at Zhao Yi, who was standing beside him, intently studying the stone tablet.

Zhao Yi didn't stand on ceremony and asked, "Ancestor, I have a question for you."

Li Zhuiyuan: "Dream on."

Zhao Yi: "Sigh, that's true. If outsiders could learn it, you would have learned it long ago."

Li Zhuiyuan turned around and walked towards the Chen Family Ancestral Hall.

As the boy stepped one foot into the ancestral hall, the three lamps on the offering table, representing the spirit of the Dragon King, swayed violently.

After Li Zhuiyuan fully entered, they calmed down again.

"Boom."

As a bell rang, a solemn atmosphere instantly filled the ancestral hall.

Li Zhuiyuan approached the offering table and held incense.
Ah Li also held incense.

Zhao Yi hesitated for a moment, then went up to get the incense, but when he returned to his place, he stood behind Li Zhuiyuan and A Li.

The rest of the people followed suit and bowed with their hands empty.

"Li Zhuiyuan, the head of the Qin and Liu families, pays homage to the Dragon King of the Chen family." As his gaze shifted to the memorial tablet on the side altar, the young man added, "Paying homage to Senior Chen Yunhai."

Zhao Yi: "Descendants of Zhao Wuyang pay homage to the Dragon King of the Chen Family and to Senior Chen Yunhai."

Zhao Yi didn't know who Chen Yunhai was, but since the man surnamed Li had already done the ritual, he followed suit.

The ceremony is over.

The three lamps cast three beams of light, which fell on Li Zhuiyuan, A Li, and Zhao Yi respectively.

A warm feeling arose.

This was neither a gift nor a blessing, but more like the gentle and kind smile of an elder, like seeing a friend's child.

Li Zhuiyuan's calm expression meant that the three dragon king spirits of the Chen family were in good condition.

A gentle breeze blew, and the three lamps pointed in one direction.

Following that line of sight, there was a stone tablet in the courtyard.

Li Zhuiyuan led everyone out of the ancestral hall and back into the courtyard.

At this moment, Chen Xiyuan returned: "Little brother, my father said that there is a place in the dungeon under the stone tablet that requires the patriarch's token to enter. The remains of four ancestors are kept there. Three of them are the Dragon King, and the other is the Cloud Sea Ancestor."

When I was looking for my grandfather before, I didn't go there, so is it possible that my grandfather is there?

Li Zhuiyuan: "Whether it's possible or not, you'll know once you go in and take a look."

Chen Xiyuan: "But the family head's token is in my grandfather's hands, and I'm not very good at enchanting..."

Li Zhuiyuan: "I'll teach you."

A red thread wrapped around Chen Xiyuan.

Chen Xiyuan nodded vigorously. She really liked the feeling of being tied with a red thread by her little brother, which meant that he trusted her completely.

In fact, Li Zhuiyuan had long ago decided that he could tie the red thread to Chen Xiyuan. The reason he didn't tie it in the past was not because he was afraid of being attacked, but because he was afraid that Miss Chen would gossip in her heart.

Li Zhuiyuan sat cross-legged in front of the stone tablet, and Chen Xiyuan opened her domain and walked into the stone tablet again.

Zhao Yi: "Your Red Thread Secret Technique has actually developed to this extent?"

Li Zhuiyuan: "Do you remember where I first discovered this secret technique?"

Zhao Yi: "I remember, it's the Immortal Ascension Tower beneath the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Underground Palace."

Li Zhuiyuan: "You said something wrong in the tent. Because of my fame in the martial arts world, I do have quite a few enemies now, but before I was struck by that lightning..."

Zhao Yi: "Back then, you were kind to everyone and had very few enemies."

So, even before I told you that the painting in Chen Yueying's room was a depiction of a goddess ascending to heaven, you already had a rough idea of ​​who it might be, right?

Li Zhuiyuan: "Let me borrow your brain for a moment."

Zhao Yi: "No, you can't even hold on anymore?"

Li Zhuiyuan: "I'll save some money."

Zhao Yi glanced at A Li standing beside him, and could only try to salvage his dignity by placing his hand on Li Zhuiyuan's head:

"Right? We're more compatible as partners, aren't we?"

Li Zhuiyuan closed his eyes, and Chen Xiyuan's perspective and feelings were all synchronized into Li Zhuiyuan's mind.

After Chen Xiyuan reached a certain position, Li Zhuiyuan began to form hand seals.

Chen Xiyuan followed suit and tied the knot.

Li Zhuiyuan moved incredibly fast, and Chen Xiyuan struggled to keep up.

Then, without realizing it, I thought to myself, "The little brother is too fast, I can't keep up, oh no, oh no, will the little brother think I'm stupid...?"

Li Zhuiyuan's voice echoed in Chen Xiyuan's mind: "You don't need to imitate it now. I'm deducing the restriction."

Chen Xiyuan blushed and said, "Oh."

"Now you can imitate it."

Li Zhuiyuan slowed down the speed of forming hand seals.

Chen Xiyuan caught up.

After the last seal was applied, Chen Xiyuan pushed it out. The area in front of her, which had been empty, rippled, and from there, Chen Xiyuan saw a total of five dark figures.

She was certain that one of the dishes was her grandfather.

Chen Xiyuan tried to step forward, but was still blocked.

Outside the stone tablet, Li Zhuiyuan opened his eyes.

He was certain that his methods could open the deepest barrier. Chen Xiyuan was indeed unfamiliar with barriers, but her talent and intelligence were undeniable. Even if she simply copied the method, she wouldn't only be able to open a mirror image without being able to enter.

Unless, someone inside reinforced the barrier, deliberately preventing him from seeing his true face.

Faceless Man: "Time's up."

"Hoo! Hoo! Hoo!"

The evil spirits roared in unison, and the emerald hue quickly covered the four Dragon King Domains. This time, the commotion was so great that even outside the stone tablet, no, throughout the entire Chen family ancestral home, the terrifying agitation of the evil spirits could be felt.

Just then, the old man Chen, who was on the verge of death, suddenly opened his eyes. His domain began to crack, turning into fragments that flew towards the four Dragon King domains. This was a way of dismantling his own domain to fill the gap, which forcibly stabilized the precarious situation.

Faceless Man: "Chen Ping said, you actually had a trick up your sleeve."

Chen Ping said, "Xi Yuan, order my Chen family disciples to form a blood sacrifice array to secure the domain of my ancestors!"

"Grandpa, grandpa!"

Chen Xiyuan continued to shout from outside.

Chen Pingdao only heard the sound, but saw his granddaughter make no move.

The faceless man said, "Chen Ping, your voice cannot be heard from here. Also, have you forgotten? You ordered the birthday banquet to be simplified long ago. Now, in the Chen family ancestral home, the only person with Chen family blood is your branch."

I think even if you were to completely shatter your own domain, how long could you hold out?

Why don't you hope that the person you originally wanted to kill can, during your last moments of support, successfully integrate the Chen family's protective formation, turning this ancestral home into a prison, and perhaps temporarily suppressing the chaos of evil spirits to prevent it from overflowing?

Outside the barrier, Chen Xiyuan started smashing things with her flute, but she had to stop after only one hit. This restricted area was the boundary of the four Dragon King Domains. The patriarch's token and her younger brother's method of breaking the barrier had the same effect: opening the door with a key. But now someone inside had sealed the door, so the key couldn't open it at all. Forcibly smashing the door under these circumstances was tantamount to helping the other side destroy the already crumbling four Dragon King Domains.

Outside the stone tablet.

Li Zhuiyuan said, "It wants to incite an uprising of evil spirits that the Chen family is suppressing."

Zhao Yi: "Hey Li, you don't need to tell us, we've already felt it."

Li Zhuiyuan: "Why didn't it act sooner?"

Zhao Yi: "We were afraid that if we made a move outside the ancestral home, it wouldn't be safe enough. We were also afraid that we wouldn't be dead enough and could escape."

Li Zhuiyuan: "But we've been inside for so long, why did it only start moving when I finally found its location?"

Zhao Yi: "I suspect that it was Old Master Chen who forcibly stepped in at the last minute."

Li Zhuiyuan: "You think Chen Pingdao is too clever. If he can use Chen Pingdao once, why can't he use Chen Pingdao a second time?"

Zhao Yi:

"You, surnamed Li, are you implying that besides trying to smother you, it has another motive this time?"

---

There will be one more chapter during the day.

(End of this chapter)