Thud!
Under the terrifying pressure, the Guan Family Patriarch couldn't help but kneel, sweating profusely. Even as a Saint Realm Powerhouse, he couldn't lift his head in front of Han Zixiao. Such power was truly terrifying, which is why he has been reluctant to come here for all these years.
"Divine Monarch, please temper justice with mercy!"
The Guan Family Patriarch gritted his teeth as he explained, "This boy's background is extremely complicated, with intricate ties to the Four Great Celestial Sects and the Court. Because of this, our Guan Family lost a Saint. I dared not make decisions on my own and thus had to send him into the Secret Realm for the Divine Monarch to handle."
"Our Guan Family is utterly loyal to the Divine Monarch. Whatever decision you make, we will fully comply."
"So, you're saying you had my best interest in mind?"
With a slight chuckle, Han Zixiao nonchalantly retorted.
"I wouldn't dare. I only ask the Divine Monarch to believe that the Guan Family has no intention of betraying you."
"Stand up!"
Nodding with satisfaction, Han Zixiao casually commanded.
She didn't care whether the Guan Family Patriarch's words were true or false; the attitude was what mattered.
With a flick of her sleeve, the White Jade Platform swiftly descended, and in no time, it was reduced to just a few meters tall.
Wang Junze leaped down from the White Jade Platform and stood before the Guan Family Patriarch.
"Come to think of it, I must thank Mr. Guan. If not for you, I wouldn't have had the chance to meet the Divine Monarch."
With a smile, Wang Junze spoke softly.
"Young Master Wang, you're too kind... It was an act of desperation. As long as you don't blame me."
The Guan Family Patriarch forced a smile, his mouth barely twitching imperceptibly.
"Enough with the pointless chatter."
With a cold snort, Han Zixiao pointed at Wang Junze and said, "From now on, I want you and the Guan Family to fully assist him. Any issues?"
"..."
Although he had vaguely suspected that Wang Junze somehow gained the favor of this Purple Sky Divine Monarch, he hadn't expected the other party to support Wang Junze so wholeheartedly. Damn it, could the Divine Monarch have taken him as a disciple?
For years, he had exhausted all efforts to have the Guan Family select a disciple to apprentice under the Divine Monarch, yet all he received was disdainful laughter.
For the Guan Family, the offerings of the Purple Sky Divine Monarch were merely gifts, not acknowledgments or legacies.
With this thought, the Guan Family Patriarch couldn't help but ask, "May I ask, Divine Monarch, is he your successor?"
"Is that a question you should be asking?"
With a cold glance at the Guan Family Patriarch, Han Zixiao curtly said, "What, are my words ineffective?"
"I wouldn't dare!"
The Guan Family Patriarch hurriedly explained, "I just wanted to confirm his relationship with the Divine Monarch... After all, he carries significant trouble with him. If the Guan Family gets involved, we might get dragged into peril."
"The Guan Family isn't afraid of death but... if anything happens to us, it might affect the Divine Monarch."
"Of course, if he's the Divine Monarch's disciple, the Guan Family will give its all to protect the Young Master, even if it means risking our annihilation."
Admittedly, the Guan Family Patriarch's words were perfectly articulated. Not only did they subtly remind Han Zixiao that if the Guan Family ceased to exist, she would lose a significant connection within the Secret Realm, but they also laid a trap for Wang Junze.
If Han Zixiao only admired Wang Junze, there was a chance her decision might change.
"Rest assured, Mr. Guan, I am not a disciple of the Divine Monarch."
With a smile, Wang Junze interjected before Han Zixiao could respond, "Moreover, I don't need the Guan Family to turn against the Court or the Four Great Celestial Sects for me."
"If I relied on the Guan Family's protection to survive, I wouldn't even have the qualifications to catch the Divine Monarch's eye."
"However, once I successfully return to the Nether Sea, I will need the Guan Family to follow my commands."
"..."
The Guan Family Patriarch offered no response but felt a raging tempest rise within his heart.
Does Wang Junze believe with certainty that the Purple Sky Divine Monarch will support him always?
Despite not being the other's disciple, why was Wang Junze so confident?!
The Guan Family Patriarch's mind felt ready to explode, unable to comprehend the relationship between Han Zixiao and Wang Junze.
However, regardless of his thoughts, since the words had reached this stage and the Purple Sky Divine Monarch hadn't denied it, he truly couldn't refuse any longer and reluctantly agreed, "We'll follow all the Divine Monarch's instructions."
"Is everything settled?"
With a sidelong glance at the two, Han Zixiao asked indifferently.
"Yes!"
In unison, Wang Junze and the Guan Family Patriarch answered.
"Then why are you still here? Waiting for me to invite you for dinner?"
"..."
Faced with Han Zixiao's unceremonious dismissal, both Wang Junze and the Guan Family Patriarch could only sheepishly choose to leave.
It wasn't until their figures disappeared that Han Zixiao sat back on her divine throne, her gaze carrying a hint of joy. To receive news of Ye Piaoling again, without a doubt, was the most delightful occurrence in these long years.
...
Emerging from the Secret Realm, the Guan Family Patriarch felt as if a massive mountain weighed upon his heart.
If he had known the outcome earlier, he would never have taken Wang Junze into the Secret Realm, but now... it was too late.
Previously, he had even contemplated letting the Guan Family members enter the Nether Sea to bypass Wang Junze, but now… they've truly become Wang Junze's subordinates. What a turn of events!
For all these years, the Guan Family never cared about any requests from Han Zixiao, simply because she couldn't leave the Secret Realm and never inquired into the Guan Family's matters. But now, with Wang Junze's appearance, everything had changed completely.
If that Purple Sky Divine Monarch continued to support Wang Junze like this, wouldn't the Guan Family become his vassals?
Countless thoughts flashed through the Guan Family Patriarch's mind.
"Mr. Guan, are you pondering how to kill me?"
With a smile, seemingly aware of the other's thoughts, Wang Junze softly spoke.
"Young Master Wang, you jest. I would never defy the Divine Monarch's orders."
Though Wang Junze saw through his mind, the Guan Family Patriarch maintained an unaffected facade, vehemently denying it.
"The Guan Family may not act, but they can borrow another's blade... for instance, the blade of the Four Symbols Sect!"
With a trace of mockery at the corner of his mouth, Wang Junze leisurely said, "However, do plan meticulously, Mr. Guan. Otherwise, if I catch any evidence and report it back, the Guan Family might not bear the consequences."
"...Young Master Wang misunderstood. I have no such intentions!"
"Not important!"
Waving his hand dismissively, Wang Junze smiled, "I said I was very grateful to Mr. Guan for giving me this opportunity to enter the Secret Realm... Let's go, back to the Guan Family to rest. It's about time I head back to the Nether Sea."
Without waiting for the Guan Family Patriarch to reply, Wang Junze immediately flew down towards the mountain.
