The family head of the Zhu family was amused to the point of laughter.
He retorted, "Oh? What makes you say that!"
"Everyone knows the depth of the Xie family's capabilities."
"Look at the Xie family, they probably can't even produce a martial artist at the Houtian Dark Energy realm, can they?"
"If our Zhu family cooperates with the Xie family, the martial artists will definitely come from our side!"
"Isn't this just pushing the Zhu family's people to their deaths to fulfill the Xie family's ambitions!"
Zhu Changming declared boastfully.
These words echoed the true thoughts of everyone else present.
After all, numbers were cold.
But every martial artist in the Zhu family was cultivated through painstaking effort and time!
Now, for the Zhu family head to sacrifice them for other families, who could accept that?
"Idiot!"
The Zhu family head berated him, his face as dark as a pot's bottom. The accusing gaze in his eyes sent shivers down one's spine.
Actually, Zhu Changming had been a little apprehensive when he first arrived.
But as he spoke more, his confidence grew.
He had even begun to convince himself, almost believing his own words!
"Brother, this matter concerns every member of the Zhu family. You can't just suppress us with your authority!"
"If you don't give us an answer today, then believe it or not, not a single martial artist from the Zhu family will participate!"
Zhu Changming threatened.
His implication went beyond simply refusing to help the Xie family.
It was a direct power grab!
The Zhu family head had never imagined he would face such a situation.
Speechless, he glared at Zhu Changming, unable to utter a single word!
As the two remained at a stalemate.
Zhu Ling'er suddenly spoke.
"Third Uncle, who told you that the Xie family cannot produce a martial artist at the Houtian Dark Energy realm?"
Zhu Ling'er's words were met with a scoff from Zhu Changming.
He looked Zhu Ling'er up and down dismissively and said, "Otherwise? If they could, would they be cooperating with our Zhu family?"
"This is a sure loss-making deal!"
Zhu Ling'er smiled.
In the tense atmosphere, her laughter carried a hint of confidence and certainty.
This, in turn, made Zhu Changming’s heart pound.
Could it be that the Xie family actually had a martial artist at the Houtian Dark Energy realm?
That shouldn't be the case!
The feud between the Xie family and the Shi family had been the talk of Jiangnan City for quite some time.
Zhu Changming had done his homework.
He had thoroughly investigated, and the Xie family didn't even have one Dark Energy realm martial artist.
They barely had five martial artists at the Ming Energy realm.
Among those five, three had followed Old Master Xie in building their empire in the early days.
They were now advanced in age.
They were merely enjoying their retirement in the Xie family, rarely making an appearance!
With such combat power,
If they had indeed produced a Dark Energy realm martial artist, even if it was one of those three old monsters,
The Xie family would have publicized it far and wide.
Why would they keep it a secret?
With this thought, Zhu Changming's unease subsided.
He said to Zhu Ling'er, "This is an adult matter, you shouldn't meddle!"
"The Xie family simply cannot produce a Dark Energy realm martial artist and wants to leech off the Zhu family for survival!"
"In any case, I will absolutely not agree to cooperate with the Xie family!"
Zhu Changming's words immediately resonated with the other members of the Zhu family.
Their gazes towards the members of the Xie family were filled with disdain.
As if the Xie family members were truly leeches!
Even the well-bred family head of the Xie family couldn't help but frown, exuding a chill!
"Are you implying that you wish to make this decision in my stead?"
The Zhu family head's words came out of the blue.
It was evident that the Zhu family head was at the end of his rope, teetering on the brink of an outburst!
Zhu Changming's heart leaped with joy.
He had been hesitant to voice this himself.
Now that the Zhu family head had said it!
Regardless of whether it was a comment made in anger or otherwise, it provided Zhu Changming with an opening.
Zhu Changming shamelessly declared, "Brother is getting old, and without children, he grows more muddled with age."
"To be frank with everyone, if Brother is willing to abdicate, I can step up and lead the Zhu family in his place!"
His speech was delivered with such apparent sincerity.
As if he were truly considering the best interests of the Zhu family!
Bang!
The Zhu family head suddenly slammed his hand on the table, and the teapot and cups on it shattered upon hitting the ground.
"Good, very good!"
"It seems your intention here today is clear!"
The Zhu family head gritted his teeth, a cold glint appearing in his eyes.
Zhu Changming, not to be outdone, puffed out his chest. "I merely cannot bear to see the Zhu family destroyed in your hands!"
An almost palpable tension filled the air between them.
Everyone present fell silent.
The sound of racing hearts and steady breaths was exceptionally clear in the eerily quiet atmosphere.
Amidst this tense situation.
"Pfft..."
Zhu Ling'er let out a silver bell-like laugh!
Seeing Zhu Changming knit his brows, as if about to scold Zhu Ling'er for her lack of manners.
But Zhu Ling'er spoke first.
"Third Uncle, are you so certain that the Xie family has no Dark Energy realm martial artist?"
Zhu Changming nodded emphatically.
"Then shall we make a bet?"
"If the Xie family possesses a Dark Energy realm martial artist, then from this day forward, you will voluntarily withdraw from the Zhu family and cede all your shares!"
Zhu Ling'er said with keen interest.
"How dare you!" Zhu Changming's eyes glinted with malice!
At this point, he still wanted to maintain a semblance of seniority!
However, Zhu Ling'er was unfazed and pressed on, "What, Third Uncle, are you afraid to bet?"
"If the Xie family truly has no Dark Energy realm martial artist, then my father and I will automatically leave the Zhu family, how about that?"
Initially, Zhu Changming had intended to reprimand Zhu Ling'er.
However, the stakes Zhu Ling'er proposed were too enticing!
To seize control of the Zhu family without a fight would be far better than a forceful takeover.
It would avoid the entanglement of Zhu family head's old loyalists, making the transition cleaner.
Moreover, Zhu Changming was confident he had investigated the Xie family thoroughly.
He was certain they possessed no powerful individuals at the Houtian Dark Energy realm.
In other words, he was guaranteed to win this bet!
The only issue now was…
"Heh, your word isn't enough, we'll see if my good elder brother agrees!"
Zhu Changming was clearly tempted.
The Zhu family head, naturally, understood Zhu Changming's intention and cast a subtle glance at Zhu Ling'er.
The moment he saw Zhu Ling'er nod.
The Zhu family head's mind raced.
A father knows his daughter best.
Although Zhu Ling'er was sometimes mischievous and prone to unexpected actions,
She had never faltered when it came to significant matters!
Even though the Zhu family head's investigations also indicated the Xie family lacked any formidable martial artists,
This time…
Perhaps Zhu Ling'er knew something!
With this thought, the Zhu family head's gaze flickered.
"What, my good elder brother, you wouldn't be afraid to bet, would you?"
"Giving birth to such a sharp-tongued girl, yet you yourself are a coward!"
"Then again, having enjoyed the position of family head for so long, it's understandable if your courage has waned!"