Chapter Twelve: Gathering Storms 2

  In the era of decline, that is, in modern society, both Taoism and Buddhism have withered away. The well-known Shaolin Wudang has long since declined, and even the unknown hidden factions are no longer prosperous, like a sunset at dusk. However, the two families of Buddhism and Taoism have their own reasons for existing over thousands of years. In today's society, there are still some places that unreservedly inherit everything from hundreds of years ago, whether it is family property or spirit, that is, the ancient clans.

  When it comes to families, the current Xuanxue world cannot help but mention the four major guardian families. The four families inherit the four great divine beasts of Qinglong, Baihu, Zhuque and Xuanwu to guard the ancient ruins. For hundreds of years, talents have emerged in large numbers, and masters from all sides have appeared one after another. In the declining years of Shaolin Wudang, they are undoubtedly the Tai Shan Bei Dou of the current Xuanxue world, making people from all sides wary.

  So when the left envoy of the Fire Worship Sect interrogated the two, it immediately caused a great shock among the crowd. After all, judging from tonight's situation, the two fat men are completely representative of the four major families. If their attitude is certain and the Guardian Family decides to intervene in this matter, then it will be a big deal. Who knows, it may even trigger a new round of war between the righteous and evil factions. At that time, the smoke will rise everywhere, which is not what ZF wants to see. Perhaps everyone present will suffer.

  "Lin Hao is our friend, and we have nothing to be ashamed of in taking action. And you've even moved against ordinary people - Kang Cheng is one, Li Mingxue is another. What you're doing is already a violation of the rules, so what's wrong with us taking action?" The fatty snorted coldly, although in reality they had already compromised, but verbally they couldn't admit defeat, or else these people would be like hitting a snake on the head.

  "Oh, so that means your four families are going to intervene in this matter?" He took a step closer to the fatty, his eyes fixed on him.

  "Hey, the four big families not interfering with Jianghu affairs is a family rule. Otherwise, do you think you could be standing here today? I'm also warning those who are thinking of making a move: the temptation of longevity is something no one can resist, but don't make it too obvious, especially those who want to mess with Lin Hua's family members. If that brings in the National Security Bureau, then that would be exciting. Apparently, there are people above who are not very satisfied with us." The fatty, now representing the four big families, is not afraid of leaning to the left, so he said some meaningful words to a few people.

  In today's occult world, it's normal for a few evil practitioners to kill several ordinary people. After all, they are highly mobile and can get away with murder as long as there is no evidence. However, if a case of mass murder or other heinous crime occurs, that's when you're in trouble. The government has a special organization dedicated to dealing with them, which is a department under the National Security Bureau. If you really catch their attention, it's either wait for death or flee quickly. There has never been an individual who can resist the existence of an entire country; machine guns and cannons will take care of everyone.

  "Hmph, don't use the government to pressure me, I've also done things that can be considered wrong. I'm asking you, what do you have to account for when it comes to taking action against me?" Zuo made a cold hum, and among those present, except for the ones on the left, who hadn't seen blood or killed people? Many were even wanted by the authorities for many years, but most governments turned a blind eye because they knew they didn't have enough manpower. Just dealing with paranormal events in various places was already a headache for them. As long as these people didn't go too far, the government wouldn't come after them."

  "You want to settle the score? What's there to settle? Are you going to take action against me? Declare war on the four major families? Fine, come on! Let's see what progress you've made in your years of practicing Bait Fire." Xiang Zuo stepped forward, his eyes cold. To be honest, he had suffered at his hands before, and the taste of being poisoned was not pleasant to recall.

  Pangzi's tone changed, and Jiyeh was also on the side to help, with a burst of internal force, the Xuanxin knife suddenly emitted three inches of knife light, directly pressing towards Zuo Shi, while Pangzi's hand holding the purple bell also had a surge of purple light, looking like it was about to engage in a fierce battle.

  "Hmph, just two juniors, so arrogant, aren't you afraid of losing face here?" He turned left and glanced around coldly. If he really started a fight, he wouldn't be afraid of the two fat men, or even the four big families behind them. But now that all the heroes were gathered together, if he fought with the fat men until they both suffered losses, wouldn't that just benefit others? There were many here who were just waiting to see the show.

  "Today I came to discuss the matter of reincarnation, let's talk about personal matters later. Please continue, young friends from the Tu and Lin families." After Xiang Zuo said this, his friends who were close to him immediately gave him an excuse to step down.

  "We have nothing to say, the four major families have decided to withdraw and not compete with you all. So please don't come looking for us in the future. The cycle of reincarnation is present, long life is out, there are countless secrets about immortality on the rivers and lakes, but who has really seen true immortality? We should focus on our cultivation and wait for the cycle of life and death." Fatso also stopped bothering Zuo Shi and stated the stance of the four major families.

  The fatty finished speaking and the group of people on the right immediately let out a sigh of relief. The four major families not coming out to help would reduce the power of the righteous path by quite a bit, which was beneficial to them. However, the people on the left had mixed expressions, some were happy while others were worried. Nowadays, it's hard for them to unite together since there aren't any life or death situations, and they also didn't want an ancient Daoist leader to come out and give orders. After all, there can only be one Wheel of Reincarnation, so in the end, they would still be competitors.

  "Haha, the four major families indeed live up to their ancient reputation. I admire that. As for Lin Hao's life, let's just see who comes out on top." Someone laughed loudly, with words of praise not being spared. After all, flattery is free.

  Everyone on the right was overjoyed after hearing this, making them feel like they had already won, but little did they know that the people on the left were watching them with a cold smile.

  "Ladies and gentlemen, let's say one last thing. Although the reincarnation eye is present in this world, there's no need to rush into it at once. Lin Hao being recognized by the reincarnation eye was also an unfortunate child. I've already sent him to Li Huaguang, the local overlord, who promised to protect his life for three days. Today is only the first day. If you're willing to give me face, how about waiting until after three days before taking action?" Fatso said loudly, hoping that these people wouldn't be too impatient.

  But Fatso finished speaking, and more than half of the people on the right still showed disdain. The Wheel of Reincarnation is crucial, and they don't want to waste a single moment, let alone three days. As for Lin Hao's bad luck, it's not within their consideration. What they need to pay attention to is Li Huaguang and his gang. After all, the local underworld boss isn't someone to be trifled with. With a lot of money and people, they can recruit all sorts of eccentric talents, but most importantly, they have strong connections. If they were to gather hundreds of thugs to attack you, what would you do? Kill them? Then wait for the Public Security Bureau to take action against you. Not killing them? Then he won't show any mercy either. This is their real concern.

  Considering this situation, almost no one on the right side stayed in their minds, and they left one after another. On the contrary, not a single person on the left side left.

  "Two young friends, the four major families are indeed not to be underestimated. I know that among your four families, there are many elderly seniors who are quite old. Are they all doing well?" The crowd exchanged a glance, and one of them asked. "Shu lao" is a term of respect on the Jianghu for those retired predecessors who have long since retreated from the world. Like the Shu lao of the four major families, they are all over 70 or 80 years old, and it's said that there are even centenarians among them. These people were once great figures with abilities and status, accustomed to living a life above others. The only thing they can't resist is decline, so they are the ones most concerned about the Wheel of Reincarnation."

  "Thanks to the relationships of all seniors, the four old houses are very good. The Guardian Family is only responsible for the Sacred Mountain Holy Land and never asks about anything else." Fatzi replied.

  "Oh, it seems that you haven't changed at all, but your legacy continues, I suppose you know a lot of secrets too. We are not talented, although we are also cultivators, but the secrets of this reincarnation cycle are really unknown. Searching through ancient books doesn't seem to have any records either, how did those evil cultivators find out?" someone asked, this was their biggest question.

  It's strange to say, but even the worst of these people can be said to have a rich family background and a deep foundation in learning. However, when it comes to the "Wheel of Reincarnation", they haven't really heard much about it. They came over now because their subordinates or family disciples reported that evil cultivators were gathering in Jiangbei City, so they came to investigate. After asking around, they found out that they were all here for something called the "Wheel of Reincarnation". It seems that even after searching through documents, there's no information about it, but with so many evil cultivators gathering, it can't be just a rumor. Knowing oneself and knowing others, the evil cultivators know them, but they don't know the evil cultivators... that feeling is really not pleasant.

  Fatso and Chicken Eye exchanged a glance, they didn't expect this situation either. They said: "The reincarnation eye, the long-lived exit is a phrase discovered in an ancient village on the southwestern border. You also understand what it means. Later, someone started to investigate the news about the reincarnation eye. Some people searched through the ancient tombs all over the world and finally collected the legend of the reincarnation eye. This matter involves the ancient times, but the earliest record only dates back to the Northern and Southern Dynasties period. After that, the reincarnation eye appears once every thousand years, each time it brings a bloody storm, but strangely, after each ending, there seems to be no record of this matter, as if everyone is unwilling to mention it.

  The two fat men have said almost everything they know, although they seem to be unaware of anything, but perhaps they know more and with their connections, finding this information is just a matter of time.

  "Oh, so that's the case. It seems that our Liu family is indeed weak after all. The secrets of a thousand years are scarce and few." Liu Tianxiong laughed loudly, then got up and walked away. The fewer people who know, the better. This way, they have a chance. Otherwise, their foundation really can't be compared to that of a thousand-year-old family.

  "I still have something to attend to, see you later, I'll go play there when I have time"

  "It's too late, go back to sleep"

  Soon, everyone left with various excuses, but the fat men believed that such people were the most dangerous. They would not take immediate action against Lin Hao after they returned. They were waiting for an opportunity and collecting materials. Before they fully understood the situation, they would not act rashly. This was their habit, both a strength and a weakness, but it couldn't be changed. After all, they had families to support, and if they weren't careful, disaster might befall them.

  "How's it going? Have you figured anything out?" Ji Ye said to Pangzi.

  "It's clear that there's a plot brewing, a group of old foxes, each one more cunning than the last. And today, not everyone is here yet, and there's also someone nicknamed 'Evil Path' who hasn't arrived, I don't know if they've made the first move or not." Fatso said with a serious tone, although it seems like everyone is getting along peacefully today, but once they step out, they'll be fighting for their lives. And it's fortunate that they said they wouldn't interfere, otherwise, they might all be taken down together tonight.

  "Alas, it's up to Lin Hao's fate now. Under the siege of a pack of wolves, survival is impossible. Let's think about how to protect our family instead," Ji Ye sighed, although they mentioned not touching his family members, their patience wouldn't last long enough, and if time dragged on, they would definitely make a move on Lin Hao's family.

  "Never mind, forget it, this is already beyond our control, go to sleep." Pangzi's mood wasn't great, after all, he had spent a day with me and had some emotional connection, so it wasn't pleasant for him to see me fall into their hands either.

  "Bang, bang, you're dead, you fat pig, you little chicken, you dare to lock me up, watch me kill you two, let me out, you two bastards!" Just as the two were about to go back to sleep, a loud noise of smashing and cursing suddenly came from upstairs.

  "I'm going, damn it, how did you do this, wasn't it said that we would wake up at dawn? This time I'm dead, I'll have to eat instant noodles for a month. Ah, chicken, I'm going to your second grandfather." Upon hearing the above voice, both of their faces changed color. Previously, they were afraid that Chenchen would come out and cause trouble, so they had Chicken Grandpa cast a spell to make Chenchen continue sleeping. Who knew she woke up now, and was even locked upstairs? This is a disaster.

  "Nonsense, hurry up and coax this ancestor!" Ji Ye glared at Pangzi with a white eye, suddenly jumped up and got on the floor, then hurriedly beckoned Pangzi to come up, coaxing girls was something he couldn't handle.