Protect Our Clan Leader

A few moments later, Huangfu Jinhuan, smiling cheerfully, took the initiative to come forward: “I presume you are the Family Head of the Ping’an Wang Family, Wang Shouzhe? Just as the rumors say, you are indeed a luminary of our time.”

Wang Shouzhe also grinned and gave a courteous bow: “I have seen Huangfu preface before. You are too flattering, too flattering. I’m still young and I hope to take the opportunity to learn from you.”

Both family heads held hands, complimenting each other with manic smiles as if they were old friends reuniting.

The rest of the clans also stepped forward to exchange pleasantries with Huangfu Jinhuan. Everyone was so full of smiles that the atmosphere was truly harmonious.

Not long afterwards, the Lei family’s patriarch, belonging to the Heavenly Human Realm, arrived at the meeting place, further warming up the occasion.

The two prominent families coexisting in this city did not have marital alliances, and nobody believed they were as harmonious as they made it seem.

But, that’s how things work among the Profound Martial families. If there is no clear rift, in formal encounters they all maintain a facade of courtesy.

Thus, two seventh-rank Heavenly Human prominent families and eight eighth-rank prominent families were all gathered under one roof; a sight rarely seen throughout the history of Changning.

A moment later…

From outside, someone announced: “The City Lord has arrived.”

As soon as these words were spoken, all the family heads stopped talking and looked at the main entrance with solemnity and respect.

At the main entrance, a middle-aged man clad in black armor strode in, accompanied by several deputies. He had a stern face, a drawn beard, and a straight posture. He walked with assured strides, exuding the aura of a powerful beast. Even without deliberate intimidation, he instilled a sense of fear in others.

His fierce bearing was characteristic of veterans who’d survived numerous battles. As he entered, the entire hall fell silent.

This was one of the three Tianren of Changning — Xiahou Hongde.

He wasn’t born into a local powerful family, but into a military family that served under the Daqian Military System, thus his path to power wasn’t the same as that of local power magnates such as Wang Shouzhe.

As he swept his gaze over everyone, all the family heads bowed their heads slightly, showing a hint of reverence in their eyes.

Not only was he a Tianren Realm powerhouse, but he also represented the authority of Daqian, and was responsible for guarding the whole Changning.

In theory, he was the number one person in Changning.

However, to prevent city lords from turning cities into their own private domains, the City Lords that originate from the military system serve for a fixed duration.

Usually, a term lasts between twenty to thirty years for a city such as this.

Having served for over a decade, Xiahou Hongde, known for his fairness and integrity, had accumulated significant prestige in Changning, garnering the respect of all family heads.

Moving on from this side note…

After displaying his imposing aura, Xiahou Hongde, now radiated warmth, courteously inquiring about each Family Head.

Upon reaching Wang Shouzhe, his eyes paused, showing some peculiarities. His smile was more amiable than for others: “Master Shouzhe, in recent years, you have developed Ping’an Town at an amazing speed and many citizens have expressed their wish to migrate there. If I get a chance, I would surely visit and learn, and I hope that Master Shouzhe won’t be stingy with the experience about governance.”

“City Lord overpraises,” Wang Shouzhe replied with a respectful smile, “It would be our honour to have your presence in Ping’an Town. When that happens, we’ll need your guidance so that the development of Ping’an Town can reach a higher level.”

The two exchanged a bit more small talk, but Wang Shouzhe could sense, Xiahou Hongde indeed intended to foster closer ties.

Apparently, the City Lord, who usually kept himself out of public eye, was sharp and had his own information channels. He probably had some knowledge about what happened at the Town Academy.

Afterward, the City Lord began to show interest in other families, demonstrating his friendly charm to everyone.

At the same time…

Hundred Islands Wharf.

The history of this wharf was nearly the same as that of the Hundred Islands. The vermilion paint of the archway at the entrance was peeling off in places, the chrome on the plaque was fading, and the green bricks on the dock were showing signs of wear.

However, even today, it was as busy as ever.

The hustle and bustle of the crowd and the loud voices of merchants hawking their goods mingled with the rhythmic shouts of the dock workers, filling the entire harbor.

The towering sea vessels, loaded with cargo and freshly caught seafood, were moored in the harbour. Occasionally, rotten fish or shrimps were thrown back into the sea.

Under the piercing sunlight, in the moist sea breeze, the entire dock was filled with a damp salty smell.

This was the smell of the sea.

At the southeast corner of the dock, a large sea vessel bearing the flag of the Chen Clan of Donggang stood quietly in the deep-water dock, with a striking symbol on the flag.

Those in the know would recognize at a glance that this was a large cargo vessel from the Chen Clan of Donggang.

Wang Zongchang of the younger generation of the Wang family was directing two family heads and more than ten house servants, moving precious medicinal materials and some treasures and pearls from the sea onto the vessel.