The old residence of the Guan family.
After returning from the Secret Realm, Wang Junze paid no heed to the Guan family patriarch's intentions, eating and drinking as if nothing had happened, appearing extremely relaxed.
However, the mood among the Guan family members was far from pleasant.
Currently, all true direct descendants of the Guan family were gathered in the patriarch's study.
"That's the situation... Though we don't know how he managed it, the Purple Sky Divine Monarch has indeed clearly stated that the Guan family must follow his orders."
Present were almost all those who had entered the Secret Realm and gained guidance directly or indirectly from Han Zixiao. The Guan patriarch had no need to conceal anything from them and straightforwardly explained the course of events.
He even included the words Wang Junze had spoken to him after leaving.
"Feel free to express your thoughts. After all, the Guan family will eventually be in your hands."
Looking at the few people gathered, the Guan patriarch slowly spoke.
"This person must not be allowed to live!"
A young man sitting below the Guan patriarch said in a deep voice. A closer look would reveal a maturity and shrewdness beneath his youthful appearance that did not match his age.
"Guan Qin, have you met with the people from the Four Symbols Sect?"
This young man was the Saint Realm Powerhouse whose physical body had been slain by Wang Junze, forcing him to seize the body of a collateral disciple, Guan Qin.
"I have. The Four Symbols Sect has resolved to kill. Jingchen, the long-inactive Supreme Elder, has personally come out, and each peak of the sect has sent a Dao Entrance Realm Elder. Jingchen will personally lead the Four Symbols Array; unless Qu Lishang himself comes, no one can save him!"
Guan Qin responded in a deep voice, "The Four Symbols Sect has promised that as long as the Guan family does not interfere, the sect will fully support the Guan family in taking control of the Nether Sea."
"Patriarch, if Wang Junze dies... will the Divine Monarch retaliate against us?"
Another middle-aged man asked in a deep voice.
This man was the current Patriarch of the Guan family. Though his strength was only at the Dao Entrance Realm, he was the eldest son of the Guan family patriarch and the father of the Empress. He possessed a stable and meticulous personality and handled all matters for the Guan family unless the patriarch made a decision.
"No, it won't happen!"
After a moment of thought, the Guan patriarch slowly replied, "Wang Junze himself promised that before returning to the Nether Sea, he would not require the Guan family's assistance, and the Divine Monarch has already tacitly agreed."
"Then what's the hesitation? Join forces with the Four Symbols Sect and kill him. Once he's dead, we can blame it on the Four Symbols Sect."
Guan Qin coldly stated, harboring the deepest hatred for Wang Junze due to having his physical body destroyed.
"Foolish!"
With a snort, the Guan family Patriarch immediately reprimanded, "Your physical body has already been slain, and your strength hasn't fully recovered. Do you want to be killed by him again?"
"Moreover, who can claim to lie before a power of the Divine Monarch's level and not be seen through?"
"..."
These words made the members of the Guan family shudder internally, as they all understood the terror of Han Zixiao.
"Just let someone else do the dirty work." With a hint of killing intent in his eyes, the Guan family Patriarch said in a deep voice, "We merely need to pass the information to the Four Symbols Sect... Regardless of success or failure, it won't fall on the Guan family."
"What if the Four Symbols Sect fails to kill him?"
Someone couldn't help but ask further.
"Didn't Guan Qin say it? The Four Symbols Sect has sent out their top powers, while Wang Junze is only at the Dao Entrance Realm. As long as the Guan family doesn't intervene, how can he withstand them?"
The Guan family Patriarch replied calmly, shaking his head.
"If he can survive even then... There's no harm in the Guan family bowing to him."
"Then it's settled! Guan Qin, contact the people from the Four Symbols Sect while the others keep an eye on Wang Junze... Don't let him slip away prematurely."
Nodding slightly, the Guan patriarch decisively concluded.
Wang Junze deliberately broke the issue yesterday, essentially warning him that he could use others to kill but must not act personally. Otherwise, as long as Wang Junze survives, it would be an unending feud with the Guan family.
Then... let it be as he wishes!
...
Early the next morning, the Guan family arranged a carriage, stating they would escort Wang Junze out of Longxi.
The words from the Guan patriarch were very diplomatic. Although they couldn't escort Wang Junze to the Nether Sea, they wouldn't allow anyone to harm him within the Nine Prefectures of Longxi.
Wang Junze naturally accepted, as due to Han Zixiao, he had no desire to oppose the Guan family. If handled well, the Guan family could become an ally.
Having already hammered down the point with the Guan patriarch yesterday, it was sufficient as long as the Guan family dared not act against him now.
The carriage traveled slowly, but Wang Junze was in no rush, stopping frequently. It took three days to leave Longxi.
"Young Master Wang, we have now left Longxi. Ahead lies the Wuding River. Following the river eastward for over a thousand li, you'll reach the borders of the Nether Sea. We cannot escort you any further; the carriage is yours to keep."
Guan Yunhua stepped down from the carriage, mildly clasping his fists toward Wang Junze as he spoke.
"You have done well. When the Guan family sends people to the Nether Sea, you may come along."
Without alighting the carriage, Wang Junze lifted the curtain, smiling at Guan Yunhua.
Previously, it was Guan Yunhua who had escorted Wang Junze to the Guan family's old residence, and now he was sending him out of the Nine Prefectures of Longxi, bringing things to a fitting close.
Wang Junze had a relatively good impression of Guan Yunhua, who, regardless of his status, always managed to maintain a humble yet composed demeanor towards him, making him an exceptional talent among the Guan family's current generation.
"Thank you for your approval, Young Master. I will!"
Smiling, Guan Yunhua accepted gracefully, bowing once more to bid farewell before boarding another carriage for the return journey.
Squinting slightly, Wang Junze gazed ahead, barely able to discern a large river. A hint of mockery appeared at the corner of his mouth. He then lowered the curtain, quietly instructing, "Let's go!"
The driver, naturally a member of the Guan family, was likely unaware of any of the circumstances, assigned merely to meet his demise.
Wang Junze didn't care, leisurely reclining back into the carriage.
The carriage continued forward, traveling less than half an hour before a sudden cry of a phoenix broke the air. In the next instant, several terrifying auras erupted, swiftly blocking the carriage.
"Wang Junze, come out and die!"
An angry shout shattered the carriage with a barrage of fearsome attacks.
The unfortunate driver was killed instantly, without even a scream.
Holding a wine jug, Wang Junze nonchalantly landed on the ground, as if fully anticipating this ambush. He did not spare a glance at the attackers, instead directing his gaze toward the distant river.
"The mighty river flowing east, it's the perfect burial place... Gentlemen, take a look, see where suits for your burial, and I shall fulfill that wish."
