Starting with the titmouse, seventy-two transformations

Chapter 365 In-laws come to the door, coercing and deceiving.

In Yuntao Hall.

Five terrifying auras, seemingly tangible, rose and collided, making a "poof" sound.

The violent shockwave crushed and tore apart the jade-paved floor, and smashed the tables, chairs, coral trees, bronze incense burners, and other items inside the hall.

Du Xingheng's expression was cold and stern. His robes shone with spiritual light, forming a protective barrier around him.

The four people below sat upright in the guest seats, some indifferent, some frowning, some mocking, and some serious, their eyes flickering and their expressions varied.

They were four families of the Du clan, relatives by marriage, who had come together under the guise of paying homage to the Du clan's ancestor.

They are:
Wang Xi, the head of the Lelang Wang family, was around fifty years old. He wore a yellow robe, had a square face, thick eyebrows and a bushy beard, and bright, piercing eyes. He exuded an imposing presence even without anger.

His eldest son married Du Xingheng's third daughter, and they had always had a good relationship.

Chen Aiyang, the head of the Yuyang Chen family, wore a blue robe and had white hair. He had an innocent face and cold eyes, and never uttered a word from beginning to end.

His most beloved granddaughter married into the Du family seven years ago and had two sons and one daughter.

Guo Deshen, the youngest member of the Guo family in Changping, was about thirty years old. He was wearing a green robe and leaning back in his chair with a frivolous expression.

His younger sister married into the Du family two years ago and has a son.

The Beifeng clan is located in the northwest corner of Youzhou, bordering the Wumeng Kingdom, one of the three great powers of the grasslands. The clan leader, Tian Ying, is over fifty years old, but he is strong and fit, wearing exquisite leather armor and a curved sword at his waist, exuding a fierce aura.

He had known Du Xingheng for many years, and his second son had been married to Du's eldest daughter for ten years, with whom he had three sons and two daughters.

The two countries, one on land and one by sea, have always maintained a close relationship, exchanging goods and services with each other.

Unexpectedly, this time they also came to Bohai to force the emperor to resign, along with the Wang, Chen, and Guo families.

The naval battle at Lianjiang Town ended less than a day ago, and they came together, which clearly indicates that it was premeditated and not a spur-of-the-moment decision.

It seems they had already discussed this before the Du family patriarch even made his move.

However, after learning that the Du family patriarch had awakened and had easily killed the Su family patriarch, why did they still dare to come to their door? What gave them the confidence?
Could it be...

“Brother Xingheng, our five families are related by marriage and should be united and support each other. However, the rumors outside are getting worse and worse. If they are not quelled, there is a risk of disaster for our clans…”

Wang Xi spoke, each word deliberate and clear, his voice deep and resonant:
"Our Wang, Chen, Guo, and Tian families are willing to stand with the Du family through thick and thin, but..."

"A predestined connection with the immortals."

Guo Deshen took over the conversation, sat up straight, and an eager look appeared on his face:

"Since our five families are advancing and retreating together, we should naturally share the benefits as well. For example, the immortal destiny should be divided into five parts, with each of our five families receiving one."

Divided into five, each gets one, what a huge appetite!

Du Xingheng glanced at Guo Deshen, but remained silent, lost in thought.

A few years ago, the previous head of the Guo family suddenly fell ill and died within a few days. The eldest son, who had been designated as the successor, was also struck by a demon on his way home, and his fate is unknown.

Just as the Guo family was locked in a fierce struggle for the position of family head, the mediocre and dissolute Guo Deshen suddenly emerged, swiftly subduing several factions within the family and being unanimously elected as the head of the Guo family.

Outsiders say that this person's past actions were all about biding his time and concealing his abilities, but in fact he had been accumulating strength all along, and finally made a name for himself.

However, according to the intelligence obtained by Du, Guo Deshen's wife's family played a key role in his rise to power.

The Gongsun Clan of Youzhou!
The hereditary governorship of Youzhou was held by one of the most powerful and influential families in the land.

They are far superior to prestigious clans like the Du family of Bohai, with numerous experts among their members, capable of rivaling even the most powerful martial arts centers.

To put it simply, the Gongsun family was the ruler of Youzhou.

The people of the state may not know who the emperor is, but they will certainly know the name of the head of the Gongsun family.

Behind the Guo family stood the colossal Gongsun family…

So, Guo Deshen actually came on behalf of the Gongsun family? No wonder he was able to persuade the other three families to disregard morality and come to force the abdication.

But the Gongsun family...

It was an invincible behemoth to all the forces in Youzhou.

For thousands of years, the power within the state has changed hands time and again, but the position of Governor of Youzhou has always been in the hands of the Gongsun family.

Even though their ancestor was once known as invincible across the six states, he still couldn't shake the Gongsun family's position.

It is said that when he was at the height of his power, he once visited the Gongsun family, but the outcome remains unknown. Both parties tacitly kept quiet, preventing outsiders from knowing the details.

Du Xingheng sighed inwardly, feeling powerless. Just as he was about to think of a way to decline, he heard his younger brother Du Xingluo's voice:
“Brother, I think Patriarch Guo is right. Hesitation will only lead to trouble. Our Du family alone cannot possibly be enemies of the whole world…”

Du Xingluo was around thirty years old, handsome and talented, and ranked thirteenth in his family. His wife, Guo, was Guo Deshen's younger sister.

At this moment, he stood up from his seat and earnestly made a suggestion to Du Xingheng.

After him, several other members of the Du family's direct lineage, whose generation name was "Xing," spoke up, openly or secretly echoing Du Xingluo.

It was clearly not a spur-of-the-moment decision.

"Those who know will understand that this is the territory of the Du family in Bohai; those who don't might think it's the territory of the Guo family in Changping..."

Just then, a muttering sound rang out in the hall, the volume just loud enough for everyone to hear, causing the previously lively atmosphere to suddenly freeze.

Everyone turned to look and saw Du Xingwu shaking his head and sighing, looking like he was experiencing a "misfortune for his family".

These words were practically a direct accusation, practically calling Du Xingluo and the others "traitors."

Du Xingluo's face turned red, and he stared at Du Xingwu with wide eyes, saying in a harsh voice:
"Fourth Brother, what do you mean by that? Are you saying I'm a traitor?"

"Don't wrong me, I didn't say that, don't take it personally."

"you……"

"No matter how absurd I, Du Xingwu, am, I still know that my surname is Du. Unlike some people, I am not a son who betrays my own people, colludes with outsiders, and is not worthy of being called a son!"

Du Xingwu unleashed a barrage of attacks, leaving Du Xinglu speechless and enraged.

Du Xingheng never expected that his fourth brother, who had always acted irrationally, would have such eloquence. He immediately decided to stand by and wait for the right moment.

He silently considered how to deal with today's situation.

If not handled properly, it could lead to the extermination of the entire clan.

Just then, footsteps sounded from outside the hall—

Liu Sheng and Du Bingyan walked side by side into Yuntao Hall.

The man and woman were both handsome and beautiful, their clothes fluttering in the breeze, and they had outstanding temperaments. They were a perfect match and a sight to behold.

"Oh no, why are they here?"

Du Xingheng was pondering his words when he suddenly saw Liu and Du enter. His expression changed drastically, and he knew something was wrong.

Just as they were about to speak, Du Xingwu noticed them as well, looking puzzled.
"Bingyan, what brings you here?"

"Father, didn't the head of the family ask Aunt Thirteen to bring us to Yuntao Hall?"

"When did the patriarch allow you to... Du Xingluo!"

Du Xingwu realized what was happening and suddenly turned to look at Du Xingluo, as if he wanted to devour him.

That son of a bitch actually tricked Bingyan into coming to Yuntao Hall!
At this moment, Du Bingyan also realized that something was wrong. She looked into the hall and met a pair of eager eyes.

not good!

(End of this chapter)