Li Feng stepped out of the front hall and saw the burly man standing in the courtyard. It was none other than Zeng Batian, whom he had previously defeated and trampled underfoot.

As a strong cultivator at the Golden Core Middle Stage, though Li Feng had used the Burning Technique to unleash the Vermilion Bird Bloodline to defeat him, a cornered beast still fights. Li Feng wanted to eliminate him, but it wouldn't be as easy as killing Zeng Yu and Zeng Fan, and a Golden Core can self-destruct.

When dealing with Qin Hu back then, Qin Hu detonated his newly acquired Golden Core, almost taking Li Feng down with him. The self-detonation of a Golden Core Middle Stage cultivator at close range, one could only imagine Li Feng's fate.

However, the appearance of Ji Wuyang was timely, so Li Feng didn't forcibly kill Zeng Batian.

After all, even if he killed one more, with the dozen or so Golden Core cultivators in the Zeng Family, it wouldn't eradicate them.

Li Feng said nothing. The other party came here probably because Ji Wuyang had told him to come here and serve as a servant.

But he hadn't expected Zeng Batian to actually come.

"Zeng Batian pays respects to the Family Head."

Upon seeing Li Feng, Zeng Batian immediately knelt on one knee, lowered his head, having thought it through on his way here. He had no other choice but to submit.

It wasn't just because Li Feng had defeated him. If it was simply being defeated, Zeng Batian would rather die than submit.

But being asked to serve as a servant was spoken by someone from the Ji Family, so he couldn't possibly refuse, or else he'd disgrace the Ji Family and bring disaster upon the Zeng Family.

Secondly, the Vermilion Bird Bloodline Li Feng had exhibited earlier. If Li Feng were just someone from the Lower Three Rings, Zeng Batian wouldn't be impressed, as his pride as a noble family member wouldn't allow him. Someone from the Lower Three Rings, a mere member of the Nine Streams, wouldn't have the qualifications to make him bow down.

But with the Vermilion Bird Bloodline, it was entirely different.

Even though he was skeptical about how Li Feng could have the Vermilion Bird Bloodline and what his relationship with the Sikong Family was.

However, with the Ji Family siding with Li Feng, it indirectly confirmed that Li Feng was far from simple as their investigations had shown.

Thinking about it this way, if Li Feng had the backing of the Sikong Family and the Ji Family, then his submission wasn't dishonorable, considering his position akin to that of a seventh-grade official in the court of a prime minister. The Zeng Family, despite its current strength, wasn't at that level yet.

Xiao Luobing looked at Zeng Batian, who was kneeling on one knee, and straightened her back: "You really dare to come here, huh? Li Feng killed your two nephews and crushed you underfoot. Who knows if you harbor resentment, we wouldn't dare keep you."

"Zeng Batian greets Lady. The Family Head killing my two nephews on the Duel Platform was a clan rivalry, not a personal grievance. Our Zeng Family lost simply because they lacked skill and power; I bear no resentment."

"As for being defeated by the Family Head, that's precisely why I've submitted. After all, following a strong person is my honor as Zeng Batian."

Zeng Batian spoke earnestly.

Xiao Luobing's face flushed red as she said, "Don't call me that. I'm not in that kind of relationship with him."

Li Feng ignored Xiao Luobing's girlish demeanor, focusing on Zeng Batian. Despite what he had said, did he truly bear no grudge?

People's hearts are unpredictable, and besides, Zeng Batian had Golden Core Middle Stage strength. Though Li Feng defeated him, if Zeng Batian truly harbored malicious intent, Li Feng would be defenseless.

Such a person, Li Feng truly didn't dare to keep by his side.

Zeng Batian seemed to notice Li Feng's hesitation and said again, "Family Head, are you worried about my loyalty to you?"

Li Feng hadn't expected Zeng Batian, who appeared rough, to have such keen insights, and nodded lightly: "As long as you understand."

"Family Head need not worry about this; I have been excised from the Zeng Family's genealogy. I now have no ties to the Zeng Family."

"If the Family Head does not despise me and grants me the Li Family surname, then from now on, there will no longer be a Zeng Batian, but only Li Batian. My descendants shall forever serve the Family Head's family and never betray."

"If this oath is broken, let heaven and earth cast me out."

Zeng Batian was straightforward. Once he made his decision, he naturally stuck to it. After all, as a Golden Core Middle Stage cultivator, if he truly submitted, he could still hold a decent position as the family began its rise.

Don't think serving as a servant is a disgraceful thing; many long to serve above those noble families.

In fact, a substantial portion of some current second-and third-rate families are actually affiliated with the Eight Families, their allegiance having originated from the servant clans established by those families.

Since he was excised from the Zeng Family, and the Li Family lacked strong foundations, his allegiance wouldn't end poorly.

Li Feng hadn't anticipated Zeng Batian to swear such an oath, surprising him, and Chu Sihai spoke beside him.

"Brother Li, considering he's been removed from the Zeng Family genealogy and now pledges loyalty, this is a master-servant contract. If he truly betrays you, the entire Ancestor Dragon City will cast him out."

Ran Yue also whispered, "Indeed, once the master-servant bond is established, his life and death are in your hands, and his fortunes are tied to ours, whether good or ill. You could even instruct him to fight the Zeng Family, and he must obey."

Oh.

Upon hearing this, Li Feng turned to Zeng Batian: "Zeng Batian, if one day there is another conflict with the Zeng Family, how would you respond?"

Zeng Batian took a deep breath: "If the Zeng Family is unreasonable, I will be the Family Head's vanguard. However, I ask for your understanding. If asked to attack the Zeng Family, my gratitude for their forty years of upbringing prevents me from striking."

Li Feng squinted at Zeng Batian. This answer wasn't satisfying or dissatisfying. If Zeng Batian had straightforwardly claimed he'd obey orders to destroy the Zeng Family, then Li Feng wouldn't dare use him.

After all, who would employ a cold-blooded, heartless individual? The Zeng Family may have excised him from their genealogy, but he still carries their bloodline.

His answer could be seen as a cautious one.

"Consider yourself passed. Stand up. I don't have many people here; find a room and settle in. Regarding future matters, we'll discuss them later," Li Feng addressed Zeng Batian.

Zeng Batian stood up, "Yes, Family Head. Regarding the Zeng Family's compensation, it may take two to three days to tally, but within three days it will be delivered. I'll oversee it personally, rest assured, the Zeng Family won't miss a single piece."

"Additionally, I have some family, including my wife and children, just outside the gate. I hope the Family Head can also take them in."

Zeng Batian saluted.

Li Feng looked at Zeng Batian in surprise, having thought he'd come alone, but unexpectedly he brought his entire family. It seemed he truly intended to offer himself to the Li Family.

"Zi Yan, Ran Yue, please make arrangements."

"Yes."

The two women obliged directly, then followed Zeng Batian and left the main courtyard. Once they departed, Chu Sihai said: "Zeng Batian seems rugged, but if he wasn't guided, then his mind is indeed shrewd, a clever man."

"Congratulations, Brother Li, on gaining a capable subordinate."

Chu Sihai congratulated.