Chapter 102: General Dingyuan, Wang Jinfeng

Everything was ready, yet no matter how long they waited, the procession of the Wang family’s women never arrived.

General Dingyuan could no longer sit still; among those missing were not only his children but also his elderly mother.

So, he led his men, cautiously tracing the path along the pipeline.

But all along the way, there was no sign, no news, not a single exiled prisoner in sight.

General Dingyuan’s face darkened, his brows furrowed deeply. When he returned to camp empty-handed, he was met with even worse news: the Qianghu tribesmen had discovered their camp and wounded more than a dozen of their men. Anger and despair surged within him.

Could heaven truly be determined to destroy the Wang clan?

“Damn those barbarian bastards! If I ever meet those Hu savages again, I’ll tear them to shreds!” Wang Jinfeng, the fiery middle-aged general in his thirties, a lifelong warrior radiating fierce murderous intent, slammed his palm down, shattering a nearby wooden table, teeth gritted in fury.

“Brother, please calm down. Our Wang clan surely has a savior. Let me explain everything clearly,” Wang Shuyuan, the second uncle, stepped forward with a soothing tone.

“Now’s no time for beating around the bush. Speak up!” Wang Jinfeng’s temper flared; he had no patience for hesitation or stammering.

Wang Shuyuan hurriedly recounted the events of the past few days in detail.

In his telling, Wang Keyue and Xiao Hongyu appeared like enlightened sages from a painting, their magic profound and unfathomable.

This made the usually domineering Wang Jinfeng incredulous. If such immortals truly existed, why did ordinary people still suffer so terribly? Shouldn’t these celestial beings save the masses and bring peace to the land?

Unable to comprehend, Wang Jinfeng dismissed his brother’s words as exaggeration or deception.

“Brother, if you don’t believe me, those two immortals will arrive at our camp today. You can investigate for yourself. If they are truly as powerful as said, we can align ourselves with them to secure our future,” Wang Shuyuan said earnestly, though his words were smooth and calculated.

“Hmm, very well,” Wang Jinfeng agreed without hesitation after a moment’s thought.

With the whereabouts and fate of the Wang women unknown, the clan dared not openly search for them, lest their identities be exposed.

This was no long-term solution. Now, with the arrival of these masters, who had saved their kin, they could seize the opportunity to resolve their identity issues.

At this thought, the two brothers exchanged a knowing smile.

Unaware of this, Wang Keyue and Xiao Hongyu boarded their flying carriage and ascended directly above the old tribe.

Since their magical abilities had already been revealed, they saw no need to hide them; boldly displaying their powers would exert subtle pressure on others and facilitate future governance.

After all, the original owner’s father was a bona fide general. To reduce him to an ordinary commoner would surely breed discontent.

Perhaps they could leave this “adoptive father” in Wang Village, under the care of the venerable Lady Wang, which would put her at ease.

Meanwhile, he could continue to contribute to Wang Village, helping nurture future strength.

Indeed, this idea seemed excellent!

As a general, the adoptive father could easily train some household troops and guards. Perfect! Now all that remained was to persuade—or rather, escort—these people back to Wang Village.

Inside a thatched hut, Wang Jinfeng and his younger brother Wang Shuyuan were preparing for a ceremony when they heard loud commotion and even screams outside, their faces turning pale with fear.

Especially Wang Shuyuan, who was trembling, “It’s over, it’s over! Those barbarian savages must be exacting revenge!”

“Enough talk! Let them come! I’ll send them running with their tails between their legs!” Wang Jinfeng, true to his general’s spirit, drew his sword with a clang and stormed out of the hut.

Though hesitant, Wang Shuyuan followed his elder brother out.

Outside, they froze in place. Wang Jinfeng’s greatsword clattered to the ground.

Before them hovered a grotesque creature, emitting eerie wailing sounds.

Among the gathered people, some fled in terror, others were paralyzed with fright.

The flying carriage gently descended onto the camp’s clearing, stirring a light breeze. As the strange creature landed and remained motionless, everyone gripped their weapons tightly, nerves stretched to the breaking point. Were it not for the general standing firm, they might have already fled.

“What… what the hell is that?” Wang Jinfeng shouted, trying to mask his near panic and bolster the courage of his men.

With a swoosh, the carriage door opened and two figures emerged, dressed in splendid robes. Especially striking was the older man in white, with white hair and beard, holding a long black weapon. His aura was otherworldly, unlike any mortal.

The elder’s eyes narrowed slightly, his gaze piercing like a torch, fixed directly on Wang Jinfeng in the crowd.

Wang Jinfeng felt as if his soul was laid bare, a heavy mountain pressing upon his back. Cold sweat broke out all over him.

“Ah, ah… It’s the immortal benefactors! The immortal benefactors!” Wang Shuyuan recognized them instantly and cried out loudly, pushing past his towering brother to run forward and salute with respect.

“The arrival of the immortal lords! Forgive our poor welcome!” he said, then noticed his big brother still standing dumbfounded. Feeling uneasy, he tugged at Wang Jinfeng’s rear, twisting hard.

Pain jolted through him, and Wang Jinfeng quickly regained his composure.

“I am Wang Feng, leader of this Wang tribe. Greetings, benefactors! Please, enter,” Wang Jinfeng said bluntly—a straightforward man, lacking his brother’s scholarly finesse, his tone rough and direct.

Wang Shuyuan wiped sweat from his brow. His strong but simple-minded brother’s blunt speech might offend their celestial guests.

He hurriedly explained, “Immortal benefactors, this is my elder brother. He’s… a rough man and speaks bluntly. Please pardon his rudeness.”

Then, he clasped his fists and bowed apologetically to Wang Keyue and the others.

Wang Keyue raised her hand to stop him. “My eldest brother is straightforward and honest—a man of clear spirit. Let us go.”

Wang Jinfeng shot his brother a triumphant grin and strode ahead, leading Wang Keyue and the others into their thatched hut.

Le Wen