Chapter 24

C24 – The Reason for This Matter

The entire room snapped back to attention with Zhou Leng’s unequivocal surrender.

Once Zhou Jibo sheathed his sword, the warmth from outside began to chase away the hall’s lingering chill.

Zhou Tong, Zhou Youqing, Zhou Zheyan, and the youths brought by the Elder all held Zhou Jibo in high regard.

Zhou Jibo’s swordplay had been ethereal, like a gentle breeze under a bright moon, yet tinged with the bite of frost. It was a spectacle they had never witnessed before.

In all of Icefair City, only Zhou Jibo commanded such mastery of the blade.

The once haughty Zhou Leng had renounced his claim as a direct heir and his thirst for vengeance. His deference to Zhou Jibo as ‘Young Master’ was a testament to Zhou Jibo’s formidable strength.

Following the Elders’ expressions of astonishment, Zhou Tong, Zhou Youqing, and the other young members of the clan gathered around Zhou Jibo, showering him with congratulations.

Zhou Kaile, though delighted, couldn’t help but harbor a trace of doubt as he observed Zhou Jibo.

Despite possessing a low-grade Earth Spirit bone root and seemingly average skills in mental cultivation and martial arts, Zhou Jibo’s power had surged remarkably in such a short time. What level had his cultivation reached?

Pondering this enigma, Zhou Kaile watched as Zhou Jibo raised his hand, prompting Zhou Tong and the others to clear a space for him to speak.

Zhou Chulang and the rest turned their attention to him, anticipating his words.

Zhou Jibo began, “As of now, the Zhou family has at last come together in unity, poised to forge ahead. Patriarch, Elders, you are all diligently cultivating talent, striving to fortify our clan.”

“However, there is something crucial I must share with you all. I intend to alter our standard training regimen and the developmental trajectory of the Zhou family.”

Zhou Kaile, Zhou Chulang, and the others were taken aback. Given Zhou Jibo’s prowess, only the two Innate Stage experts—the Yu family Patriarch and Icefair’s Castellan, Lang Shen—were beyond his concern. Clearly, Zhou Jibo was broaching no trivial matter.

“What is it you’re referring to, Zhou Jibo?” inquired Zhou Kaile.

Zhou Jibo understood the crux of Zhou Chulang’s numerous inquiries. He responded, “Are you trying to find out if there’s any chance to de-escalate this situation? Are you wondering if it’s possible to avoid a confrontation with the Shrine of Astral Radiance?”

Zhou Chulang didn’t beat around the bush. He nodded earnestly and said, “Exactly. The Holy Land is a behemoth that could effortlessly crush us to smithereens. It’s in our best interest to avoid antagonizing it; otherwise, we’re facing a calamity.”

Zhou Jibo gave a reassuring shake of his head, “Rest assured. Even though I might end up in a contest with the Shrine of Astral Radiance, I won’t let the Zhou family fall to ruin because of it.”

What was really happening here? Zhou Chulang and the others gazed at Zhou Jibo, their minds racing with thoughts.

Aware of their growing impatience, Zhou Jibo started to clarify, “To begin with, we need to address the Zheng family’s ambitions. They’ve had ill intentions for quite some time. It’s not just about them regretting their marriage alliance after climbing the social ladder, as my parents believed. Even before they pledged allegiance to the Shrine of Astral Radiance, they were playing both sides—arranging a marriage with me while simultaneously planting spies within the Zhou family.”

“It’s clear that, had they not aligned with the Shrine of Astral Radiance, the Zheng family would have gradually devoured our internally weakened Zhou family, aiming to become an even more powerful clan.”

“The Zheng family is outrageously audacious!” The Third Elder exclaimed in fury.

Zhou Kaile felt a chill run down his spine, “The Zheng family is truly ruthless. We’ve always had amicable relations with them. How could they harbor such schemes?”

Zhou Chulang replied icily, “Isn’t it because you brothers stirred up internal conflicts and sapped the Zhou family’s vitality? That’s why we became an easy target for their schemes. Had Zhou Jibo not quelled the infighting, the Zhou family would have been torn apart by your discord!”

Zhou Kaile, the Third Elder, and the Fourth Elder all looked visibly embarrassed. Zhou Leng, still kneeling on the ground, felt his face burn with shame.

The Zhou family’s internal turmoil was partly their own doing.

“Next came the issue of the Zheng family’s allegiance to the Shrine of Astral Radiance,” Zhou Jibo explained. “Their loyalty was proven by extracting my bone root to be handed over to the Shrine’s Second Palace Holy Son for their use.”

“On that day, the Zhou family’s traitors lured Zheng Xunqin and the Second Palace Holy Son to my courtyard with the sole intent of carrying out this act.”

“What?”

For everyone present, including Zhou Kaile, this was startling news. They were taken aback by the Zheng family’s and Zheng Xunqin’s cold-bloodedness, and the Holy Land’s actions filled them with dread.

There was no chance for a reconciliation with the Zheng family; they were hell-bent on obtaining Zhou Jibo’s bone root by any means necessary. It wouldn’t be shocking if their ultimate goal was to completely annihilate Zhou Jibo and the entire Zhou family.