"Why is there the sound of weapons clashing?!"

No sooner had he spoken than the others at the table exchanged puzzled glances, only to hear a scream.

"Clang!"

A group of soldiers clad in white armor burst in through the doors, wielding blades, their expressions solemn, as they filed in one after the other. Several clan members stood up in outrage, cursing:

"Who are you people, and do you know where you are? How dare you behave so recklessly here!"

These armored warriors, however, completely ignored them. A few clan members with cultivation levels attempted to resist but were quickly subdued by the leader of the soldiers. As Li Jiman watched each member of the clan being restrained, he stood there dumbfounded, unable to believe what he was witnessing:

"Jade Courtyard Guards?"

Only muffled grunts and desperate pleas for mercy remained in the hall. Li Jiman had only had time to ask a couple of questions before everyone was swept out like a whirlwind, leaving him stunned and suddenly without command.

Fortunately, the leader of the Jade Courtyard Guards was reasonably polite, as he gave a light bow and said:

"My apologies, young master."

"This is..."

Li Jiman suddenly found himself destitute, as if he had been stripped of everything while walking down the street, unable to react. It took him several moments before he could finally utter two words.

The man in front of him slowly bowed again, a clear light in his eyes, and with a wave of his hand to those behind him, the Jade Courtyard Guards all retreated, leaving only two. He then said:

"Young master, a full cartload of incriminating evidence has been submitted to the Clan Head Courtyard by the Tian Family, implicating all the Shanyue clans. We are here to make arrests by order."

"The Tian Family?!"

Li Jiman suddenly snapped to attention, realizing why his patrons had become so ruthless. His eyes reddened with emotion, and he said through clenched teeth:

"It seems the Tian Family has been plotting this for a long time, scheming for many years to kill all my followers and turn me into a mere puppet for stamping documents!"

"Now that the Tian Clan has a strong hold over Shanyue without the nobility's restraint... I fear a grave disaster is looming! The Family Head... this cannot be, Family Head!"

He clutched at his robe and hurried forward. The Jade Courtyard Guard, having heard his words, seemed to hesitate. The guard murmured:

"This affair has been handled ruthlessly. Brother, perhaps you should plead with the Family Head... I've heard that there was an intention to call back the Tian Family, but they have consistently refused, seduced by the rich spoils, which is why they've lingered in Shanyue."

"Ah! Thank you, brother!"

Li Jiman, hearing this news for the first time, was immediately overjoyed, his face flushing with excitement and his eyes filled with bloodshot fierceness as he said:

"Right, as long as the Tian Family withdraws from Shanyue and returns to the Towns, everything will be resolved! I must persuade the Family Head by any means necessary... to convince the Tian Family to leave Shanyue and return to the Twelve Towns!"

He had spent over a decade studying the art of governance at home, how could he be willing to be a puppet? Now resolute, he quickly put on his shoes and was about to rush out of the hall in haste.

The Jade Courtyard Guard seemed quite moved by his urgency and hesitated for a moment before he couldn't resist giving a tip:

"Brother! I've heard that the Family Head has been troubled for years by the output of spiritual objects in Shanyue. Our Jade Courtyard Guards have been sent to investigate several times. If you are earnest, you may start from here."

Li Jiman's eyes lit up at this timely information, and he was quite pleased. While nodding, he dashed out of the hall but then paused and turned:

"Brother, you've been of great help to me today. May I know your name before you leave?"

The Jade Courtyard Guard chuckled and answered:

"I am Chen Mufeng, just recently returned to the family from the market. I hope to receive your continued support in the future, young master."

"Chen Mufeng."

Li Jiman savored the name, mentally noting it, unable to linger for further words but merely expressed his thanks before hurriedly running out.