Chapter 1268 - 897: A New Home

Although Mrs. Zhang uttered merely a single sentence, all the bitterness and helplessness were encompassed within.

Zhang Gaqi’s household was indeed splendid, with luxurious garments and sumptuous meals, but ultimately, it wasn’t their true home.

"Big brother, a home is wherever you are. Although this place is nice, we are merely guests here." Zhang Tuowei spoke crisply to Zhang Chen.

"Let’s go!" Zhang Chen flashed a faint smile, took the package from Mrs. Zhang’s hand, and slowly walked into the distance.

As they hadn’t walked far, Zhang Gaqi, having heard that Zhang Chen’s family was leaving, was already standing by an archway, waiting. He knew Zhang Chen might leave with the younger and older members of the Zhang Family, but never imagined Zhang Chen would be so decisive, leaving right after meeting.

"Uncle Zhang."

Seeing Zhang Gaqi blocking the palace gate, Mrs. Zhang called out.

"Sister-in-law, you’re leaving too hastily." Zhang Gaqi sighed helplessly, his voice full of disappointment.

"Chen’Er is the head of the family, we follow his decision. If he says to move, then we will move." Mrs. Zhang beamed a smile at Zhang Gaqi and bowed:

"Many thanks to Uncle Zhang for taking care of our family over these four years; we are deeply grateful and will surely return the favor. Moreover, even though we’re leaving the Zhang Family, our ties remain, and we should keep in touch often in the future."

Mrs. Zhang spoke articulately and logically, without the slightest hint of a simple rural woman’s ignorance. Her words were flawless, rendering Zhang Gaqi speechless despite having much to say.

Zhang Gaqi turned his gaze to Zhang Chen: "Your family in the Capital City is unfamiliar with both people and places; we are family, this is your home. You should stay here with peace of mind, why the hassle? The Zhong Family are outsiders; if you don’t stay in your own home but opt to stay with the Zhong Family, you will be laughed at by others."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Chen smiled: "Uncle, perhaps you’ve never heard the saying, ’Different paths cannot work together.’ You and I are on different paths; staying here might lead to major conflicts in the future, restraining and subjecting me to others. After all, accepting favors makes one hesitant, and I can’t afford to strike you. If you wished to plot against me, frame me, and slander me, I couldn’t defend myself, could I?"

After saying this, Zhang Chen continued walking outside carrying the package: "Let’s meet again in a few days."

Zhang Chen walked ahead carrying the package, the three little ones bowed to Zhang Gaqi and hastened to catch up with Zhang Chen’s pace.

Watching this scene, Zhang Gaqi was both amused and helpless. He knew Zhang Chen spoke intentionally, yet couldn’t help but admire the boy’s meticulousness. A conflict between Zhang Chen and certain members of the Zhang Family was inevitable; indeed, staying on Zhang Family territory was inappropriate, even if Zhang Gaqi was neutral, he remained an unstable factor for Zhang Chen. To achieve ultimate victory, he had to eliminate all unfavorable disadvantages in advance.

Zhang Gaqi was neutral, but ultimately a member of the Zhang Family, governed by Zhang Shenqi. If Zhang Gaqi were to suddenly defect in the future, it would be perilous for Zhang Chen, enough to embroil him in utter disaster.

"No wonder he could reverse the Northern Land’s situation, turning the Prince Pingbian’s Mansion upside down, causing Prince Pingbian, that old fellow, to fall from grace. Such delicate thoughts, such a calculated approach leaving no loopholes, he deserves success!" Zhang Gaqi sighed gently at the receding figures.

After all, his allegiance lay with family interests. Should Zhang Shenqi someday ask him to act in ways that protect the family without harming Zhang Chen, he would still follow through. His stance determined his approach.

Nonetheless, it’s astonishing how, despite Zhang Chen’s youth, he managed affairs so thoroughly.

"I had long anticipated this day would come, thus it’s why I thought to bring the three little ones from the Northern Land, nurturing them in advance to lay groundwork. In case Zhang Chen truly causes turbulence in the Zhang Family, there would be more room for maneuver, even potentially elevating Zhang Fei to a position. Yet, Zhang Chen gives me no opportunity!" Zhang Gaqi sighed deeply.

Of course, he could opt to delay and hide Zhang Tuowei and the others, denying Zhang Chen and the three little ones any chance to meet, thus nurturing Zhang Fei and pitting brothers against each other. Alas, the forces behind Zhang Chen are formidable, with the Inspection and Supervision Department, Academy, and even the contemporary Elder Grandmaster already siding with him. Coupling this with the tacit, ambiguous stance of the Human King, he wouldn’t dare play tricks.

Granted, he himself was neutral, having been close with Zhang Kecheng in the past, nearly raised by Zhang Kecheng personally; he could never lay such a cruel hand.

The reason he brought the three little ones back was merely to foster more ties between Zhang Chen and the Zhang Family. Even if someday relations truly broke, there would still be room for negotiation.

Regardless of his rationale, how could Zhang Chen not know?

Carrying the package and walking in the Zhang Family’s estate, countless thoughts surged in Zhang Chen’s mind. Why did he hastily take the three little ones away? He feared they might get implicated; if the Zhang Family had assimilated Zhang Fei over the years and brought him out to challenge him, it would indeed be a tough ordeal.

Yet, Zhang Gaqi’s actions satisfied him; the anticipated situation hadn’t transpired. Zhang Gaqi still leaned toward him.

"Your fourth uncle is actually quite a good person, in the future you must spare his life," Mrs. Zhang suddenly remarked.

Zhang Chen was startled upon hearing this and turned his head to look at Mrs. Zhang in surprise: "My duel with the Zhang Family hasn’t even begun, how do you know I’ll win?"

"You’ve already defeated Prince Pingbian’s Mansion. Your tactics are undeniable. You’ve been gone for four years, and now that you’re appearing in Kyoto, it must mean you’re fully confident, so the Zhang Family is bound to lose." Mrs. Zhang’s words were filled with boundless trust in Zhang Chen.

"You really have faith in me, don’t worry, I’ll definitely spare his life in the future." Zhang Chen promised: "Fourth Uncle Zhang is indeed a good person."

At this point Zhang Chen looked at Mrs. Zhang: "You’re still young, haven’t you considered finding someone else?"

In these years of living a luxurious life, combined with diligent martial arts training, Mrs. Zhang’s temperament had greatly changed; her skin was delicate and fair, and coupled with the change brought by martial training in Essence, Qi, and Spirit, Mrs. Zhang indeed had the demeanor of a noblewoman, unlike her earlier years as a peasant girl from the mountain village.

Upon hearing Zhang Chen’s words, Mrs. Zhang glared at him annoyed: "What nonsense are you saying, be careful or I’ll slap you!"

Mrs. Zhang scolded Zhang Chen, and Zhang Chen chuckled at her words: "Second Lady, if you truly wish to remarry and start a new life, I definitely won’t stand in your way."

Mrs. Zhang lifted her foot to kick towards Zhang Chen, startling him into a quick run, causing the three little ones to laugh heartily.

Having left Zhang Gaqi’s residence, Zhang Chen arrived at the Zhong Family. He was merely staying temporarily at the Zhong Family, waiting to disrupt the Eight Great Clans before establishing a new home in Kyoto.

"For now, we’ll stay at the Zhong Family. Once I’ve dealt with the troublesome matters, we’ll buy our own courtyard." Zhang Chen explained the situation while walking within the Zhong Family residence, settling the three little ones and Mrs. Zhang at the Zhong Family.

Upon receiving the notice from the servants, Elder Zhong surprisingly came to visit, arranged for servants and maids, and added new bedding and toiletries, then said to Mrs. Zhang:

"From now on, treat this place as your home. Stay here, and if there’s anything you’re not comfortable with, just say so. You don’t need to start fires or cook separately; I’ve already ordered the steward to deliver meals to you three times a day."

Later, Zhong Wubai pulled Zhang Chen into chatting and playing chess. Once everything was settled, the next day Zhang Chen directly used the Escape Technique and appeared at the Inspection and Supervision Department.

Zhang Chen was now at the third turn of the Nine Revolutions Profound Skill, and whether it was the royal Dragon Qi or the power of protection from the Inspection and Supervision Department, it couldn’t block his Escape Technique. He flashed and appeared directly in Xie Lingyun’s room at the Inspection and Supervision Department.

Upon seeing Zhang Chen, Xie Lingyun was taken aback: "How did you use Divine Techniques to get in here? All techniques are forbidden in the capital, and there is strong suppressive power guarding within my department. How did you manage to enter without obstruction?"

Seeing Zhang Chen appear in the room, Xie Lingyun was somewhat doubting reality; could it be that the Dragon Qi in the royal city had failed? Has the suppressive power of the Inspection and Supervision Department failed too?

Even if she broke through to the Tenth Tier, she would merely be a martial arts expert in the royal city, unable to wield extraordinary powers.

Zhang Chen gave a peculiar smile: "I told you I practice Immortal Dao; my methods naturally differ from ordinary ones. Whether it’s Dragon Qi or the suppressive force of the Inspection and Supervision Department, to me, they’re no more than nothing."

Xie Lingyun fell silent upon hearing this, her eyes stared at Zhang Chen for a long, long time before she spoke: "What a terrifying ability, I finally believe you can cultivate immortality! Your methods are indeed different from any current techniques."

"Can you also directly use Divine Techniques to enter the Inner Imperial Palace?" Xie Lingyun asked again.

"As easily as walking on flat ground," Zhang Chen replied.

"Don’t ever let the Human King find out about this ability of yours; he might not even dare to sleep at night knowing it, he would go to any lengths to eliminate you." Xie Lingyun said, her voice full of shock.

Zhang Chen looked at the shocked Xie Lingyun and simply smiled without saying a word, thinking that this was just the beginning; his abilities in Divine Techniques were only the tip of the iceberg.

"Have you settled in?" Xie Lingyun changed the topic and asked.

"Everything has been arranged properly, but I still need to buy a place for myself in Kyoto. After all, when things with the Eight Great Clans are resolved, I plan to reside in Kyoto permanently; staying at the Zhong Family isn’t quite the thing." As Zhang Chen spoke, he took out a piece of gold weighing twenty pounds and placed it before Xie Lingyun’s table: "Help me find a house in Kyoto; don’t be frugal with money, I have plenty."