LIGHTNOVELONLINE
Chapter 147: Who is This?
"Father, are you spouting nonsense? Have you gone mad during your seclusion?"
Even though Jiang, the clan head, was approaching a thousand years old, he found himself being lifted up and interrogated like a little chick by his own father. He was utterly bewildered. Rebellion? What rebellion?
"Father, I don't mean to offend, but even if I, your son, harbored rebellious intentions, do you have the strength to back them up? Does our Jiang Family possess such strength?
"Right, I won't dwell on this for now. I have a matter of great importance that necessitates a personal audience with His Majesty. Once this matter is resolved, our Jiang Family will unquestionably be promoted to the ranks of first-rate clans and enjoy the privileges befitting such status!"
Clan Head Jiang shook off his father Jiang Ruohai's grip, straightened his attire, and prepared to set forth for the imperial palace. Not long ago, he had received precise intelligence from the third elder of his family. Jiang Du, while undergoing the Immortal Trial in the Eastern Domain, had chanced upon remnants of the fallen royal lineage from the previous dynasty!
This was colossal news!
Calculating the timing, the third elder and the others should be on their way back soon. Jiang Ruohai intended to report to the emperor ahead of their return and present the remnants when they came back. The Jiang Family was finally seeing a glimmer of hope!
"Come, step outside and see for yourself what you've done. Why have so many powerhouses gathered at our Jiang Family?"
Jiang Ruohai, astounded that his son still clung to the idea of an audience with the emperor, dragged him out indignantly, arriving at the central square. The clan patriarch looked up and froze.
"What...? Dad, you couldn't possibly have pilfered the imperial tomb, right? Why would even the esteemed royal uncle be making his way to our Jiang Family? And that massive golden dragon, what in the world is that? Holy crap!"
Jiang Ruhai stood frozen in his tracks, a touch of panic in his voice. The Jiang Family, in its early days, had thrived through tomb-raiding. His father, Jiang Ruohai, who had reached the Fusion Realm, had managed to break through to his current level thanks to a breakthrough elixir discovered within a tomb.
"...You reckless child, if you keep babbling nonsense, I'll gut you first…"
Jiang Ruohai was taken aback by his son's words. What? Accused of tomb-raiding? Could such a thing even be discussed?
He quickly covered his son's mouth, afraid that if he continued, the esteemed royal uncle Zhao Yizhen might hear, and that would be catastrophic beyond redemption. Jumping into the Yellow River wouldn't wash away such a stain!
At this point, most of the Jiang Family members had emerged from seclusion, gathering on the square in a state of disarray. Some were bewildered, not entirely grasping what was happening today. Among them, a figure hastily approached Jiang Ruhai, his expression tense.
"Patriarch, there's a grave problem!" Before the man could speak, the patriarch landed a resounding slap on his head, causing him to see stars.
"Your blathering! You think I can't tell it's a grave problem? Is your patriarch blind or something?"
The patriarch's face darkened considerably. He couldn't help but think that this junior was a bit deranged. With so many formidable experts suddenly converging on the Jiang Family, how could this possibly be a good sign?
At this moment, Zhao Yizhen finally arrived above the Jiang Family. Before any formalities, he had already greeted Jiang Ruohai and Jiang Ruhai with a respectful hand gesture.
"Ahaha, Old Jiang, it's been a while. Your physique is as robust as ever. That puts my mind at ease. The Jiang Family is the cornerstone of our Demon Dynasty. Old Jiang, do take care of yourself!
"By the way, a batch of Longevity Pills has recently been produced in the palace. Tomorrow, my brother will deliver one to you. Ah… the affairs of state have kept me too busy, and I've been negligent, my dear friend!"
With a hearty smile, Zhao Yizhen addressed Jiang Ruohai, going through the customary pleasantries.
These words left Jiang Ruohai utterly bewildered. He stood frozen in place for a good while before he could even react. Not to mention his forced breakthrough to the Fusion Realm; in the presence of Zhao Yizhen, he was akin to a mere ornament.
Let's talk about status. Who was Zhao Yizhen? He was the royal uncle of the current dynasty, the sort of person whose word could determine life and death for a small Jiang Family.
Jiang Ruohai had lived for a thousand years and hadn't even had the chance for a proper exchange with Zhao Yizhen, let alone be on brotherly terms! Strange! Too strange!
"Dad, you… I understand, you're laying it all out on the table now! In fact, you and the esteemed royal uncle have had a significant connection in the past. Over these years, you've maintained a low profile, merely avoiding involvement in court affairs!
"Hiss... Dad, you've made lying to me seem so bitter. So, your son actually has such a grand background!"
While Jiang Ruohai was still in a daze, the clan head beside him lit up. He suddenly took a sharp breath, as if struck by a realization. He gazed at his old man with shock. Hearing his words, many Jiang Family disciples at the side widened their eyes, looking at the ancestral elder Jiang Ruohai in disbelief.
So, the Jiang Family had such a background? The ancestral elder actually had such a close relationship with the esteemed royal uncle? To the extent that even the Longevity Pills refined in the palace could be sent to him? This was no ordinary connection!
"I…" Feeling the gazes of the crowd, Jiang Ruohai stood there helplessly, unable to utter a complete sentence.
"From now on, I'll rely on Uncle Zhao for support!"
Seeing his father remain silent, the clan patriarch turned directly to Zhao Yizhen and offered a deep bow. Setting aside everything else, the most important thing was to establish a connection with the esteemed royal uncle. That was the priority!
"Ah, very well, very well!"
Zhao Yizhen, the esteemed royal uncle, chuckled as he stroked his beard. At the same time, he discreetly kept an eye on the senior figure behind him. If the senior harbored any discontent, he couldn't haphazardly acknowledge any relationship.
With such a powerful figure shielding the Jiang Family, Zhao Yizhen, if he dared to claim such a connection, could be seen as climbing high by associating with the Jiangs!
Fortunately, the senior figure behind him remained seated upon that peculiar throne, wearing a smile and watching with interest. Clearly, there were no objections.
"Uncle Zhao, your timing is impeccable! I have significant news to report, news I was planning to present to the emperor at the palace audience for his benevolent wisdom!"
Jiang Ruhai spoke up, his voice earnest. "Since Uncle Zhao has graced us with your presence, I shall entrust this news to you directly!"
Seeing this, the clan head quickly made up his mind. If he were to report the news directly to the emperor, the Jiang Family could claim all the credit. However, it was evident that Zhao Yizhen would be a better connection for the Jiangs. In that case, why not offer the Buddha a flower?
"Oh?"
Zhao Yizhen was somewhat surprised. Though curious, a faint frown crossed his face, sensing something amiss. Why hadn't the Jiang Family paid their respects to the powerful figure behind him by now? Wasn't this rather disrespectful? Yet, since neither the Jiangs nor the figure behind them had spoken, he felt it wasn't his place to comment.
"In the Eastern Domain, my Jiang Family has discovered remnants of the fallen royal lineage from the previous dynasty!" Jiang Ruhai's eyes gleamed with excitement, holding nothing back from Zhao Yizhen.
"Is that so!? This is a significant achievement! I assure you, His Majesty will undoubtedly elevate your Jiang Family to a first-rate status!"
Hearing this, Zhao Yizhen's eyes also brightened. The remnants of the fallen royal lineage from the previous dynasty were indeed major news!
"Ah, let's not dwell on that for now, Old Jiang. Don't just stand there like a fool. Take a look, who is this?"
However, for some reason, Zhao Yizhen still felt something was off. Thus, with a forced smile on his face, he turned to Jiang Ruohai, making way for the group of people behind him, including Chen Daoxuan, who was seated on the golden dragon.