Chapter 1240: Chapter 1239: The Three Families’ Reactions

"Father, stop asking me about it. I’ve already told you I can’t say, so I can’t say. If this minor thing upsets my master, the opportunity I’ve struggled to obtain could be ruined because of you!" Wang Junyi said.

Wang Chongxing quickly nodded, despite his curiosity, he didn’t dare to offend a Primordial Master. After all, offending Xingluo might just cost a life, but offending Primordial Essence has consequences beyond what a mere City Lord could withstand.

"Alright, alright, I won’t ask anymore. But can you tell others about your current rank?" Wang Chongxing asked again. You can’t blame him for keeping things covert; the City Lord Mansion is in a difficult situation now. The three major families are eyeing them, and if they knew Wang Junyi is already a Fourth-rank Expert, they’d likely be more restrained, giving the mansion a respite.

Wang Junyi frowned and thought for a moment. Publicly announcing his rank might evoke similar reactions to his father’s, but it wouldn’t affect Su Changfeng. After all, until now, only Wang Chongxing knew about it. No one should suspect his power growth is connected to Su Changfeng.

Moreover, Wang Junyi understood his father’s intentions, and as his son, he naturally wanted to relieve his father’s burden as much as he could.

"It’s possible, but you absolutely can’t mention anything related to my master." Wang Junyi said.

"Alright, alright, rest assured, I certainly won’t casually spill such details; besides your current rank, I promise not to say anything else!" Wang Chongxing replied hurriedly.

...

"What did you say!" The Wang Family, Patriarch Wang stared, shocked, at the servant before him, his eyes filled with astonishment.

Wang Junyi actually became a Fourth-rank Expert? He simply couldn’t accept this news. You must know, the three major families were preparing to challenge the City Lord Mansion, but now the Mansion has gained a Fourth-rank Expert. This is by no means good news for them.

"Is the news true? How did Wang Junyi ascend to Fourth Rank?" Simultaneously, the Wu Family was facing a similar situation.

Patriarch Wu’s chest heaved continuously. Upon abruptly hearing this news, his first instinct was disbelief, but since the City Lord Mansion dared to release such news, it surely wasn’t just an empty claim.

"What exactly is going on? Wasn’t Wang Junyi always a Second Rank? How did he suddenly ascend to Fourth Rank?" Patriarch Wu found it hard to accept this news.

"Patriarch, Wang Junyi’s Life-bound Magical Artifact indeed emitted four blue glows, so this matter seems true. As for how he rose two ranks overnight, it’s still unclear." A servant said.

Patriarch Wu exhaled deeply; if this news were true, then hoping to overthrow Wang Chongxing would be an absolute pipe dream.

Not to mention whether their joint forces could contend with Wang Junyi; just considering Wang Junyi’s current strength made him a formidable threat they had to be wary of. If Wang Junyi struck against them, could they withstand it?

Patriarch Wu felt a tight sensation in his chest at this thought, and he gritted his teeth, "Have we schemed for so long, only to end up with this result?"

With that, he seemed drained of all strength, collapsing in his seat, dejected.

Meanwhile, at the Shen Family.

Shen Rushuang hurried to Shen Yunlong’s room, knocked on the door, and called into the room, "Brother, are you inside?"

"Yes." Shen Yunlong’s tense voice sounded from within the room.

Shen Rushuang entered, seeing Shen Yunlong’s expression, knowing her brother also heard about Wang Junyi.

"Brother, do you know too?" Shen Rushuang asked, biting her lip.

At this moment, Shen Yunlong’s face was dark, and he appeared extremely unwilling.

Thinking about it carefully, it wasn’t surprising. He had diligently sought for years just to find a great master to enhance his strength but had failed all along. Yet Wang Junyi suddenly became a Fourth-rank Expert overnight. How could he stomach this?

Why? How come the son of a City Lord, ostensibly unremarkable, can have such great fortune!

"Wang Junyi must’ve encountered some great opportunity, met an incredibly powerful master; otherwise, how could he alone rise two ranks so swiftly?" Shen Yunlong said.

Shen Rushuang felt similarly. Wang Junyi had been stuck at Second Rank for years, a common threshold none easily cross without a guiding mentor.

Though Shen Rushuang found it strange, would such a remarkable presence indeed reside in the small Tianshui City and aid Wang Junyi’s dual rank ascent?

"Brother, do you think Wang Junyi’s master is right here in Tianshui City? Someone who can raise him two ranks overnight, what might their prowess be?" Shen Rushuang asked with a frown.

Shen Yunlong inhaled deeply. If such a master were indeed still in Tianshui City, he’d have to unearth them even if it meant digging three feet under, yet Shen Yunlong couldn’t determine their rank at all.

"Rushuang, immediately gather all available experts, find him at any cost!" Shen Yunlong commanded.

Shen Rushuang understood her brother’s sentiment, but no rush approach could be made; considering the hidden master, even deploying countless personnel might not suffice.

On the other hand, finding the master might stir displeasure, turning the situation disastrous, beyond what they could bear.

"Brother, calm yourself, we need to discuss this further," Shen Rushuang advised.

Shen Yunlong was driven mad by the news, sweeping the teacups off the table onto the floor in anger: "That guy Wang Junyi is now Fourth Rank; I’m still a mere Second Rank. How am I supposed to calm down!"

Seeing her brother enraged, Shen Rushuang also felt upset, eager to help but knowing she couldn’t resolve such a matter.

"Brother, it’s nothing. You haven’t met such a master because your opportunity hasn’t arrived yet, but in terms of talent, you’re far superior to Wang Junyi. If that master knew there’s someone like you here in Tianshui City, they’d surely be willing to take you as a disciple." Shen Rushuang comforted.

Shen Yunlong didn’t find Shen Rushuang’s words problematic at all; naturally, he didn’t think himself inferior to Wang Junyi though his anxiety persisted: "I’m just worried that master might leave Tianshui City; even if I’m better, how would they see me then!"

"They won’t!" Shen Rushuang said with firm conviction.

"Why?" Shen Yunlong was puzzled, unsure how Shen Rushuang could be so certain.

"The Hunting Tournament is about to start; I think since he came to Tianshui City, he’s certainly connected to the tournament. Even if he leaves, it’ll probably be after it’s over!" Shen Rushuang explained.

...