You State, the northernmost of the nine great states of Li Chu Country. Within the region, there are ten cities, seven of which are controlled by the Zhou Family. This control includes military deployments and various aspects of daily life, ensuring absolute dominance. In those cities, the Zhou Family rules as local emperors, their authority unparalleled.

Huanru City in You State, where the Zhou Family's headquarters resides. It's said the Zhou Family initially started developing from this city, with countless years of cultivation. The ancestral home and temple of the Zhou Family are located here, and most direct descendants and outstanding branches live in Huanru City.

Huanru City experiences distinct seasons. The climate in spring and autumn is pleasant, summer is hot, and winter is harsh. A massive moat, spanning several dozen meters, encircles the whole city.

Across the moat, there are nine suspension bridges, each more than thirty meters wide, using incredibly resilient thousand-strand grass to lace the dark green stone slabs, allowing for remarkable load capacity.

In case of a real battle, the floating bridge can be destroyed immediately to delay the opponent's advance, giving time to prepare.

The Zhou Family has fortified Huanru City into a fortress-like stronghold over a thousand years, with the entire city towering at a hundred meters high, constructed entirely of robust blue steel rocks. Approaching it brings a sense of solemnity and grandeur.

...

"Finally here!" Zhu Bufan sighed as he looked at the city gate a hundred meters away.

At this moment, it had been a month and a half since Zhu Bufan and his group left Nanli City. Initially, they traveled leisurely, but later feared delaying their arrival, so they hurried incessantly, yet still took a month and a half. They chose to overlook the incident at Panlong Ridge.

Though close to home, Zhu Bufan felt no such anxiety. Yesterday upon hearing about the impending arrival at Huanru City, his heart was somewhat chaotic, but now he felt unexpectedly calm.

Throughout these days, Zhu Bufan kept his demeanor as a rebellious and resentful youth in front of Zheng Changde, without arousing any suspicion.

During the day, he wandered around with Zhou Wei and the others, and at night, he slept soundly on top of the carriage. In reality, Zhu Bufan was mentally communicating with Elder Lan.

...

"Great Elder!" With a swish, a hundred-member guard team below the city gate simultaneously performed a standard military salute. Through the curtain of the carriage, Zhu Bufan saw the steadfast expressions on the guards' faces, showing no hint of servility due to Zheng Changde's status as Great Elder, demonstrating their rigorous military discipline.

"Let them pass!" The officer leading the team waved his hand, creating a clear passage, and even the masses spontaneously retreated to the sides without a trace of displeasure, as the flag ahead bore the scarlet character for Zhou.

Zhu Bufan noticed that in Huanru City, the Zhou Family's name was highly effective, as the convoy passed effortlessly like going through uninhabited territory amidst bustling streets.

"It's so prosperous!"

Zhu Bufan felt like an inexperienced country boy, astonished by the throngs of people on the street, the numerous shops, and the calls echoing around.

"Our Zhou Family has always been relatively open, allowing external forces to set up shops in Huanru City, though they must pay rent and taxes annually!" Zheng Changde explained with a smile upon seeing Zhu Bufan's amazement.

Zhu Bufan nodded and also smiled gently. Without this openness, such a massive city could not have been cultivated to this current level of prosperity, even with numerous Zhou Family members.

After moving along for the time equivalent to a single incense stick burning, they had distanced themselves from the hustle and bustle of the market, entering the northernmost part of Huanru City.

The further north they went, the fewer people there were, and a faint pressure pervaded the air, causing the previously noisy crowd to fall silent, focusing solemnly, even speaking in hushed tones.

"Get off!"

Zheng Changde lost his usual calm, his voice low and serious.

Miserably cramped, everyone leapt from the carriage.

"This... is the Zhou Family!"

Zheng Changde gestured towards the architectural complex not far away, speaking gravely.

The Zhou Family is located in the city's north, hidden within the undulating mountains. Only hints of red bricks and green tiles can be seen peeking through the snow and green trees, giving an impression of worldly detachment and ethereal mystery.

As the party approached, the group of buildings nestled in the mountains gradually unveiled its mysterious facade to them, completely occupying a hundred-acre area, extending deep into the mountains, grand and imposing, befitting the aura and reserves of a thousand-year-old noble family.

"Zhou Mansion..."

Two gilded characters hung high on the massive door plaque, proclaiming the owner of this architectural complex!

"Great Elder, is it necessary for you to come personally, just to bring a group of juniors?" A middle-aged man in a brown outfit emerged, appearing to have a steward's attire.

Like other noble families, the Zhou Family had many stewards, though many held nominal positions. This man was also nominal, primarily responsible for receiving guests.

Nonetheless, greeting guests was a lucrative duty, as visitors would often offer a token benefit to avoid trouble.

Of course, this job required flexibility and keen observation, because dealing with various persons meant that offending someone who shouldn't be offended could lead to dire consequences.

"Du Er, I'll leave these youngsters to you. You should know what to do!" Zheng Changde departed without the slightest change in expression, coldly leaving the words. "And take good care of Young Master Feng!" Zheng Changde pointed at Zhu Bufan, not waiting for a reply, nodded slightly towards Zhu Bufan, and swiftly entered through the gate, disappearing at the corner of the high wall courtyard.

"Young Master Feng?" The steward named Du Er looked at Zhu Bufan suspiciously, secretly marveling, "Who exactly is this boy? That he would be held in such high regard by Great Elder Zheng!"

Recognizing Zheng Changde's evident closeness, Du Er thought carefully, "Could this boy have been favored by Great Elder Zheng to be taken as a disciple? ... Anyway, as long as he doesn't cause offense, that's all that matters!"

Having made up his mind, Du Er's demeanor changed, becoming incredibly gentle, with a subtle flattery in his relaxed smile.

"Young Master Feng, distinguished young masters and ladies, please follow me!" Du Er warmly took Zhu Bufan's hand to lead the way.

His hand seized, Zhu Bufan's body stiffened, feeling quite uncomfortable. Slightly exerting force, Zhu Bufan failed to pull it away, causing a subtle change on his face, deciding not to exert more force, allowing Du Er to hold it.

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