Chapter 2016: The Shangguan Clan
Starfall City was a major city among the sacred lands of the province, with a long history, a population of over ten million, and immense prosperity.
The Shangguan Clan was located within Starfall City, built upon a sacred mountain as its foundation, occupying a territory spanning a thousand miles.
In Starfall City, the Shangguan Clan was an absolute noble family. Even members of the imperial clan had to show them respect.
As a medieval aristocratic clan, the Shangguan Clan’s foundation was naturally not lacking.
The Shangguan Clan’s ancestral mansion, also known as the Que Sheng Prince Manor, was as grand and majestic as an imperial palace. Within it, palaces stood in clusters, arranged in an orderly fashion. Occasionally, rare birds and exotic beasts could be seen flying and playing in the courtyards.
“What a fine Que Sheng Prince Manor. It seems Shangguan Que has been living quite comfortably all these years.”
Standing outside the Que Sheng Prince Manor, Mingjiang Wang could not help but let out a cold snort.
Since they were here to investigate the eight-hundred-year-old matter at the Shangguan Clan, Zhang Ruochen had specifically summoned Mingjiang Wang. Of course, Mu Lingxi was also indispensable.
After the great battle at Peacock Manor, although Zhang Ruochen had been busy in seclusion healing his injuries, he had not forgotten the Sacred Bright subjects he had stored in the Space Spirit Orb.
Sacred Bright City was already half-destroyed and no longer suitable for habitation. Moreover, since Zhang Ruochen had completely severed ties with the Heavenly Realm Faction this time, leaving the Sacred Bright subjects in Kunlun Realm would undoubtedly be very dangerous.
Thus, Zhang Ruochen decided to settle all Sacred Bright subjects in the Qiankun Realm. After all, when he rebuilt Sacred Bright in the future, it would also be within the Qiankun Realm.
Of course, he would not restrict the freedom of the Sacred Bright subjects. They could leave the Qiankun Realm at any time.
“Que Sheng Wang has not seen outsiders for several hundred years. I wonder if he will see us this time.” A hint of worry appeared in Mu Lingxi’s eyes.
Earlier, Mu Lingxi had consumed a large amount of her own Phoenix blood to heal the Sacred Bright remnants whose sacred souls had been injured, causing her vitality to be severely damaged.
When Zhang Ruochen discovered this, he could not help but feel deeply distressed and quickly had her take many spiritual pills and medicines.
After all, after killing many powerful figures from the Heavenly Realm Faction, Zhang Ruochen had gained a huge harvest. Even ten-thousand-year-old ancient sacred medicines, he had obtained over ten plants. It could be said that he had whatever treasures he wanted.
With the help of many spiritual pills and medicines, Mu Lingxi not only fully recovered the Phoenix blood she had expended but also broke through to the Dao Domain Realm in one go. She became unprecedentedly powerful, showing no signs of weakness.
“If I had known we were coming to the Shangguan Clan, I should not have let Shoushu return to Wuding Mountain first. With Shoushu around, we could have sneaked into the Shangguan Clan first to scout their situation.” Mu Lingxi said regretfully.
Zhang Ruochen revealed a faint smile and said, “Don’t worry. My teacher may not see others, but he will definitely see me.”
With that, Zhang Ruochen strode toward the gate of the Que Sheng Prince Manor.
At the gate of the Que Sheng Prince Manor stood two golden-armored guards. Both were tall and mighty, exuding extremely powerful auras. They were actually two high-level Half-Saints.
Using Half-Saints as gate guards—in Starfall City, only the Que Sheng Prince Manor could afford such extravagance.
Zhang Ruochen did not force his way in. He said calmly, “Please report to Que Sheng Wang that Zhang Ruochen seeks an audience.”
After all, Shangguan Que had once been his teacher. As a student, how could he neglect propriety?
Upon hearing the name “Zhang Ruochen,” both golden-armored guards’ expressions changed drastically, and they stood frozen in place.
After all, they were Half-Saints serving in the Que Sheng Prince Manor, so they were well-informed. How could they not have heard of Zhang Ruochen’s fame? Or rather, his fearsome reputation.
A moment later, the two golden-armored guards snapped back to reality, and their gazes toward Zhang Ruochen became filled with awe.
One of the golden-armored guards quickly said respectfully, “Please wait a moment, Lord Ruochen. This humble one will report immediately.”
Zhang Ruochen and the others were in no hurry, waiting quietly at the gate.
The remaining golden-armored guard, however, felt very uneasy. He stood to the side, bowing, not daring to breathe too loudly.
There was no helping it. The seven people before him were too terrifying. Even though they had restrained their auras, he still felt immense pressure.
After a short wait, a very refined middle-aged man walked out from within the Que Sheng Prince Manor.
This man was slightly plump, dressed in very traditional Confucian attire, exuding a strong aura of scholarly elegance. Yet, he also carried an imposing authority, which came naturally from holding a high position for a long time—the so-called authority without anger.
From this man, there was no trace of sacred qi fluctuation. However, the spiritual power fluctuation he emitted was extremely terrifying. He was a Spiritual Power Saint King, with a spiritual power level of at least fifty-seventh rank.
In the entire Shangguan Clan, aside from the ancestor Shangguan Que, the one with such powerful spiritual power should be the current clan leader of the Shangguan Clan—Shangguan Yong.
“Shangguan Yong pays respects to the Crown Prince.”
The middle-aged man stepped forward, slightly bowing, and saluted Zhang Ruochen.
Zhang Ruochen said, “Clan Leader Shangguan is too polite. May we see Que Sheng Wang now?”
“The ancestor has long instructed that if the Crown Prince comes, he is to be brought directly to see him. Please, Crown Prince.”
Shangguan Yong stepped aside, making a gesture of invitation.
Given Shangguan Yong’s status, there were not many people who could make him treat them so courteously.
But Zhang Ruochen was someone he had to treat with respect, not only because Zhang Ruochen was the Sacred Bright Crown Prince but also because Zhang Ruochen himself possessed terrifying strength.
Half a month ago, the two battles at Sacred Bright City and Peacock Manor had already spread throughout Kunlun Realm. How could Shangguan Yong not know?
So many top-tier experts from the Heavenly Realm Faction had died at Zhang Ruochen’s hands—just thinking about it was frightening.
Coupled with the Sword Grave Battle and the Immortal Machine Mountain Battle, Zhang Ruochen’s fearsome reputation was entirely earned through strength.
Zhang Ruochen nodded slightly and naturally stepped forward into the Que Sheng Prince Manor.
Mu Lingxi and the others did not hesitate and quickly followed.
The heaven and earth sacred qi within the Que Sheng Prince Manor was extremely rich. Although it could not compare to those awakened sacred lands, it was not far off. This showed that the sacred mountain at the center of the Que Sheng Prince Manor was far from ordinary.
As soon as Zhang Ruochen and his group entered the Que Sheng Prince Manor, they immediately attracted the attention of many Shangguan Clan disciples.
“That person seems to be Zhang Ruochen. Why is he here at our Shangguan Clan?”
“It really is Zhang Ruochen. Could he be here to cause trouble for our Shangguan Clan?”
“Zhang Ruochen is too terrifying. He even dares to kill those divine sons and divine disciples of the Heavenly Realm Faction. There’s probably nothing he wouldn’t dare to do.”
“Even the clan leader has been alarmed and is personally receiving him. I hope nothing happens.”
…………
Zhang Ruochen’s fearsome reputation was well-known, so these Shangguan Clan disciples were very worried, almost regarding Zhang Ruochen as a flood of beasts.
In particular, many knew that the Shangguan Clan had once been part of the Sacred Bright remnants. Yet, during the two previous great battles, the Shangguan Clan had not intervened.
Half a month later, Zhang Ruochen personally visited the Shangguan Clan. It was hard not to suspect that Zhang Ruochen had come to demand an explanation.
If that were the case, their Shangguan Clan would undoubtedly be in great trouble.