6kv Chapter 1441: The Xiang Family’s Foundations
Chapter 1441: The Xiang Family’s Foundations
Originally, with Dongfang Chi’s talent, he would have been a top expert among experts in the normal world, but in the eyes of those in the Netherworld Hall, he was still far from being seen.
And it was precisely because of his decent appearance that Ji Bu exceptionally took a fancy to him and accepted him as his adoptive son.
Of course, in private, he was merely a tool for Ji Bu to indulge his personal desires!
The Lin Family could never have imagined that the first tributor they revered and heavily relied upon was, to put it bluntly, just the kept man and sex slave of a senior official in the Netherworld Hall.
Yet, Dongfang Chi himself didn’t see this as shameful; he took great pride in it!
Each night he slept with Ji Bu, gaining Ji Bu’s guidance, sometimes receiving one or two secret martial arts manuals from Ji Bu, both parties getting what they needed, mutually exploiting each other.
Given time, through the secret martial arts manual from Ji Bu, he would hone his skills, perform excellently in higher organizational selections, and potentially become a genuine member of the Eighteen Hells.
By then, wouldn’t he break free from Ji Bu’s enslavement and evil clutches?
Unfortunately, Dongfang Chi’s plans were promising, but he carelessly met his demise at the hands of Jiang Feng in Binhai when he left Netherworld Hall to handle affairs for the Lin Family in the Capital City, turning all plans into nothing but mere illusions!
"Old Ji, you were right, I do covet your cheap son!"
Hu Jinquan unabashedly revealed his intentions, laughing, "I’ve long grown tired of playing with my five sons. If you like, I can let them all night come serve you! But as for your son, don’t be so stingy like a golden nugget, share him with me, won’t you? I promise I won’t ruin him!"
"In your dreams!"
Ji Bu said coldly, "Any son received depends on one’s skill. Over the years, with your convenient position, you’ve often been able to go out and bring back some fresh young people, but I guard the Book Pavilion; when have I ever gone out?! When others have sons to enjoy, why hasn’t anyone thought of me?"
"Now, I’ve finally got a son of my own, and you want to share the feast, where in the world is there such a good deal?"
"Hahaha, Old Ji! To say your martial arts aren’t the strongest among us, senior officials, but your temper is the most foul! Look at your petty nature, your son isn’t a flower vase that can’t endure a little play; if you’re upset, complain to the elders and Hall Master, what good does it do complaining to me?"
Hu Jinquan laughed heartily, "How about this, Old Ji, I won’t take advantage of you freely, if your son doesn’t return today, he’s suspected of escaping, I’ll send my two sons to find him, as long as they do, we’ll split the gain fifty-fifty, okay? I promise just one time, then I won’t compete with you anymore!"
"Aren’t you worried your own sons might run away?"
Ji Bu retorted sarcastically.
However, despite his tough words, he also worried whether Dongfang Chi might really escape, which would be a significant loss for him!
"My sons are far more obediently trained than yours!"
Hu Jinquan grinned, "So you’re agreed? Then it’s decided, I’ll arrange for my two sons to head out, you better hope your son hasn’t betrayed you, otherwise—"
Hu Jinquan left his sentence unfinished, yet his excitement was palpable as he laughed loudly and left.
Leaving Ji Bu alone sitting on the rocking chair, his expression gloomy, not saying a word!
...
Meanwhile.
In the Capital City, within the Four Rings, inside a luxurious mansion surrounded by high walls.
In terms of size, this mansion rivals the Lin Mansion, even surpassing it in certain aspects!
The entire estate is modeled after ancient architecture, with red bricks and glazed tiles, upward curved eaves, and intricate brackets, with pavilions and gazebos, winding paths leading to quiet corners inside.
This is the known Xiang Mansion!
At this moment, Xiang Tiandong, the young generation’s most promising member of the Xiang Family, arrived at the mansion led by his father Xiang Lun and mother Gui Jinhua, driving straight into the inner quarters.
The Xiang Family differs from the Lin Family most significantly in the admiration of martial arts within every member, owing to the family’s old master having served as an Imperial Guard, creating a martial arts culture within the family where even servants tasked with garden upkeep are deeply skilled.
"Xiang Lun, today’s not a family audience day, why have you come all together as a family of three?"
A housekeeper responsible for safeguarding the mansion questioned in curiosity upon seeing Xiang Tiandong’s family group arrive.
The Xiang household is vast, with a plentiful offspring, and the Xiang family master is a martial arts fanatic who dislikes being disturbed by the younger generation, making a rule that only on audience days can the family visit the mansion; today’s visit by Xiang Lun’s family is an exception.
"Uncle Jie, I heard Father is emerging from seclusion today, so I came to see him, there’s an important matter to discuss." Xiang Lun replied respectfully to the elder.
"Important matter?"
Uncle Jie glanced instinctively at Xiang Tiandong, nodded, and said, "Alright, the Old Master is in a good mood today; his retreat brought extraordinary gains, it seems you’ve come at the right time, follow me!"
With those words, Uncle Jie led the way, guiding the family of three further into the mansion.
Xiang Lun hesitated for a moment, suddenly quickening his pace, showing excitement as he asked, "Uncle Jie, has Father broken through to that realm? If true, it would be a great joy for the Xiang family, practically worthy of universal celebration!"
Uncle Jie chuckled, "Well, you’ll soon be able to ask the Old Master yourself, but you know his temperament; whether he’s made the breakthrough or not, he doesn’t like to boast; with the lurking dragons and crouching tigers in the Capital, excessive publicity isn’t wise."
Xiang Lun’s heart trembled slightly, immediately apologizing with a smile, "You’re right, Uncle Jie; I’ve gotten a bit carried away, mainly because I share Father’s joy."
Uncle Jie smiled silently, soon leading the four to the mansion’s innermost tranquil courtyard.
The courtyard features artificial hills and ponds, surrounded by ancient trees; a robust old man sits by the pond, holding a fishing pole, motionless like a sculpture.
Xiang Lun, arriving at the courtyard gate, immediately halted with his wife and son beside him, daring not step closer without permission!
Yes, even though the person inside is his biological father, reverence and admiration precede familial feelings!
"I’ll go inform him."
Uncle Jie smiled as he spoke before striding into the courtyard, approaching the old man respectfully, and quietly reported, "Old Master, your eldest son and his family are here to see you; they say it’s an important matter, are you willing to see them?"