Chapter 1428 - 418: Do You Prefer Sour or... Spicy?

Fourth Room Head—Shen Juefeng.

Upon hearing the word "kill," Shen Hanyi abruptly turned her head, eyes full of disbelief at this decision.

Shen Juefeng walked closer slowly, his figure somewhat swaying, yet not due to drunkenness, but long-weariness.

His calloused hand gently brushed over the spirit tablet, as if touching a fragile dream.

"Father has failed you both..." His Adam’s apple moved, voice hoarse and deep, "And failed you especially."

He slowly raised his head, his gaze sharp as a knife, staring directly at Shen Hanyi.

"All these years, I’ve pretended to be oblivious, I’ve yielded, I’ve considered the bonds of blood, even appearing indifferent to you siblings..."

"But what about them?" His voice suddenly turned cold and harsh, "They’re insatiable!"

"Since they care nothing for civility—" A cold smile tugged at his lips, eyes filled with a murderous chill, "Then, kill."

Shen Hanyi remained silent for a long while, ultimately nodding: "Alright."

Father and daughter faced each other without words, only the candle flames flickered.

"How’s that boy treating you?" Shen Juefeng suddenly asked.

"Wha...what?" Shen Hanyi’s heart skipped a beat.

Shen Juefeng snorted coldly: "Don’t forget your father has been through this."

He narrowed his eyes, his tone dangerous, "That brat dares... humph!"

Shen Hanyi’s ears instantly burned, her lips pressed tightly together beneath the veil.

...

Three days later, Zhou Qing proactively sought to meet with the three Family Heads of the Shen Family.

"Master, is there something urgent?" Shen Tianhong asked with a smile, his tone gentle.

Zhou Qing bowed politely and said, "Recently, while discussing the ways of Arrays with Miss Shen, I’ve gained much insight and had some revelations."

He paused for a moment, then continued, "To be honest, when I first arrived in Nanhuang State, I encountered an ancient Restriction. At that time, I was unable to crack it. With my cultivation now improved, I wish to try again."

Upon hearing this, Shen Tianhong laughed heartily: "I see. As it happens, I have nothing to attend to recently. I’ll accompany the Master for a visit."

The Second Room Head Shen Yunlan’s eyes flashed instantly as he stepped forward: "Brother, next month is the joint auction of the Shen, Liu, Lu, and Zhou families. Haven’t you already agreed to attend? Why not let me accompany the Master instead?"

Shen Tianhong frowned slightly: "It’s fine not to attend. Let Third Brother attend in my place."

He turned to the Third Room Head Shen Lieyang, "It’s just right for your sister-in-law to visit her maiden family."

Shen Lieyang was silent momentarily, then shook his head slowly: "Brother, I have private matters to attend to in the coming days. I’m afraid I can’t take on the task."

Seeing this, Zhou Qing quickly said: "Given the importance of the four-family event, it must not be delayed. I wouldn’t dare delay such important matters; perhaps the Second Family Head could accompany me."

Shen Tianhong gave Shen Yunlan a deep look, then laughed: "In that case, it will trouble Second Brother. Remember, you must ensure the Master’s safety."

"Brother, rest assured, with me there, nothing will go wrong." Shen Yunlan promised confidently, though there was a barely detectable different gleam in his eye.

That afternoon, in front of the Shen Family’s main gate.

A sky-blue Flying Ship rose into the air, carrying Zhou Qing and Second Elder through the clouds, soon disappearing into the vast sky.

On the Flying Ship, Zhou Qing stood with hands behind his back, his gaze deep as he stared at the Second Room Head’s back, then exchanged a glance with Second Elder, revealing an almost imperceptible curve at the corner of his mouth.

The game is finally about to begin.

...

The sky-blue Flying Ship continually changed position amidst the vast cloud layers, sometimes accelerating, sometimes slowing down, its trajectory enigmatic and unpredictable.

Shen Yunlan stood at the stern, his fingertips flicking lightly, a few almost imperceptible Spiritual Lights scattered out quietly, like swimming fish concealed in the clouds, apparently guarding against something.

Seeing this, Zhou Qing was full of doubt: "Second Family Head, this is...?"

Shen Yunlan turned back with a smile, his tone natural: "The Master has gathered thirty thousand Spirit Seals yet couldn’t break the Restriction; it must be extraordinary. I’m worried someone might covet and track us, so I’ve taken some precautions."

Zhou Qing inwardly sneered—

This isn’t guarding against outsiders; it’s clearly guarding against his elder brother and third brother!

Even more clever, his words seemed unintentional but carried hidden meaning.

Not only did he highlight the rarity of the Restriction, but subtly implied Shen Tianhong and Shen Lieyang might have ulterior motives with Zhou Qing.

Thus, he seemed straightforward, while leading Zhou Qing to be wary of the other two heads, naturally steering towards cooperation with the Second House.

What a retreating advance!

Yet Zhou Qing showed no sign, merely uttering an understated "Oh," nodding as if he understood or not.

Second Elder merely shook his head slightly, turning disdainfully towards the sea of clouds.

Shen Yunlan appeared to fear Zhou Qing’s suspicion and quickly added: "Rest assured, Master, I harbor no ill intentions and definitely won’t covet your chance. Should you need help at any time, just speak up."

"Thank you." Zhou Qing responded with a grateful smile.

Following that, the atmosphere turned silent for a while.

A moment later, Shen Yunlan suddenly spoke, his tone casual: "By the way, the pair of twins my wife sent—Morning Dew and Evening Frost, are they serving you well?"

Zhou Qing’s gaze flickered slightly, responded calmly: "Yes, they’re obedient."

"That’s good to hear." Shen Yunlan laughed, saying no more.

The Flying Ship suddenly accelerated, darting toward the direction Zhou Qing gestured, quickly vanishing into the depths of the cloud sea.

That afternoon, when Shen Hanyi returned to "Jingxin Hall" and learned that Zhou Qing had departed, her expression shifted slightly.

Just for a moment, she understood Zhou Qing and Second Elder’s intentions.

Afterward, she resumed her usual expression, turning and leaving.

In the evening, on the edge of the Shen Family’s restricted area.

A hidden Restriction quietly rippled, splitting like water waves into a seam barely enough for a person to pass through.

"Swish—"

Two dark figures swept out like phantoms, instantly tearing through space, disappearing into the vast night.

No one noticed.

Nor did anyone know—

...

Half a month later, everyone appeared in a vast mountain range.