CHAPTER 1043: CHAPTER 449: TO ALLY WITH JIN OR NOT, ZHAO YUAN AND WANG DENG (2)

All current major strategies of the Hou Clan are formulated by Hou Yuxiao and Hou Yuduan. Therefore, in the absence of Hou Yuxiao, he can only ask Old Fifth. He understands in his heart that his strengths do not lie in these matters; even though he is the elder brother, many things still need to be discussed collaboratively. This is the teaching of Hou Yuxiao to them and also the biggest reason why the Hou Clan has flourished to its current state.

Hou Yuduan’s expression was always somewhat somber, as if he were contemplating something. When Hou Yucheng asked him such a question, his expression did not change in the slightest; he merely kept a composed face and remained silent for a long time before he gently spoke:

"Cooperating with Great Jin was personally decided by the elder brother before he left. Before his return, unless absolutely necessary, it cannot be altered!"

His voice was very soft, but his tone was quite firm. Hearing this, the faces of Hou Yucheng and the others showed a slight hesitation, but soon they all nodded in unison, their expressions becoming gradually clearer.

Especially Hou Yucheng, who shook his head and chuckled lightly: "I was being foolish. Elder brother always predicts the enemy’s moves and has never let us suffer a loss. Before entering the treasure vault, he must have already anticipated the current situation. Whether to ally with Jin or other allies, he surely had plans long ago. We just need to wait patiently.

Currently, all the leaders of the major Holy Lands are inside the treasure vault. Whether it’s Great Jin, the allies, or the New Moon Cult, none will make any major moves. Our army stationed in Jianye Prefecture will not face any major issues, and when elder brother returns, he will make the decision!"

Hou Yuling and Hou Yujie both nodded heavily.

Over the years, the trust in their elder brother Hou Yuxiao has deeply penetrated into their bones. The Hou Clan’s growth from an insignificant family in Zhaoyang County into a giant entity that can rival Holy Lands today is almost entirely due to Hou Yuxiao’s decisive role.

From the very start with the Zhaoyang Disturbance, the demons of Tongling, to the mid-period’s chaos in the two states, and now the current quest to conquer The World, in countless life-and-death crises faced by the family, Hou Yuxiao has always played the absolute backbone role. The Hou Clan’s strength today is a testament to Hou Yuxiao’s wisdom and strategy, so their trust and reverence for their elder brother Hou Yuxiao are unconditional.

Thinking of this, the four could not help but have some concern for Hou Yuxiao in the treasure vault. This treasure vault journey gathered nearly all the Holy Land leaders in the world, as well as numerous Martial Dao Saints and over a hundred Sub-Saints of Martial Dao. The danger level far exceeded previous experiences. Although the elder brother’s power and methods are no less than others, still...

"Young Master, it’s too early to speak..."

Suddenly, a voice came from outside the hall, causing the four inside the hall to furrow their brows. They raised their heads to look outside the hall, and instantly their expressions froze in surprise.

"Uncle Zhao, Uncle Wang."

Hou Yucheng’s brows slightly furrowed, and he was the first to speak. The ones who walked in from outside were not strangers but rather Zhao Si and Wang Wu, two elders who had served the Hou Clan for over thirty years.

The Hou Clan of Zhaoyang has not been around for long. Zhao Si and Wang Wu have been with the family since the time of their father, Hou Tong, witnessing the growth of the five siblings. The five hold a fair amount of respect for these two elders in their hearts.

In earlier years, when the two elders were still at the Six Levels of Body Unsealing in cultivation, they greatly aided the family. However, as the Hou Clan grew stronger, even with the resources of the clan aiding them, although they reached the Grandmaster Realm in cultivation, their role in the family was not significant. Therefore, they are now seldom used, but their treatment remains generous, and they hold a decent status in the clan.

Why would these two suddenly come over?

Wait, what was Zhao Si’s form of address just now?

Hou Yucheng suddenly realized that Zhao Si previously addressed him as Young Master, his brows furrowing instantly. Thinking Zhao Si merely misspoke, he paid no attention, asking: "Uncle Zhao, Uncle Wang, do you have matters to discuss?"

Apart from his confused expression, Hou Yujie and Hou Yuling were no different, but only Hou Yuduan, standing at the side, showed a suddenly complex expression upon seeing the two enter.

Zhao Sirlang laughed and said: "The Young Master said earlier that collaborating with Great Jin to oppose the New Moon Cult is unwise. In subordinate’s view, indeed it is so. Today, Great Jin is powerful, possessing nearly half the territory of Shenzhou. If it is allowed to destroy the New Moon Cult, this world will truly become Great Jin’s. Thus, subordinate believes that our Hou Clan should collaborate with the New Moon Cult, catching Great Jin by surprise, eliminating the Youye Emperor’s army, and seizing Hexi to have a chance at conquering The World!"

...

Hou Yucheng’s face already showed a bit of displeasure. As clan elders, it was only right he respected Zhao Si and Wang Wu, but concerning such major decisions about the clan’s direction, it was inappropriate for two Grandmaster-level clansmen to speak rashly here.

But thinking back to how Zhao Si even addressed him incorrectly, Hou Yucheng’s face showed a hint of helplessness. It seemed these two elders had become confused.

"Uncle Zhao, Uncle Wang, do not speak recklessly in the future. These matters do not concern you. Go back and rest, and also, I am not the Young Master, I am Yucheng.

Someone, take Uncle Zhao and Uncle Wang away!"

Hou Yucheng was presently troubled and had no thought of pursuing why the two were acting like this. He simply waved a hand and directly ordered someone to take the two away.

However, before the people outside could enter, in the grand hall, the aura on Zhao Si and Wang Wu suddenly began to change.

Two gusts of fierce wind erupted from their bodies, and the violent aura instantly filled the grand hall. The aura of these two elders, originally at the Grandmaster Realm, rapidly soared.