The Qiao family’s ancestral house was converted into a memorial room where they worshiped their ancestors.
However, hidden inside the ancestral house was actually a grave family secret.
This secret has been passed down for a hundred years, through at least four generations. The ancestor behind this secret left teachings that future Qiao family members had to abide by.
However, only the patriarchs of the Qiao family knew the specifics of this secret and for the past few generations, it had been passed on only by word of mouth. No one else but the reigning patriarch knew about it.
Of course, knowing the existence of a secret and knowing the secret itself were two different things. The Qiao family’s core members were aware that there was a secret contained in the ancestral house, but only their patriarch, Qiao Feigong knew the specifics of this secret.
The thief had come straight for their ancestral house but was fortunately spotted by a pet beast on patrol, rendering the thief’s attempt a failure.
However, that thief was brutal. Not only did he harm a number of their family members and pet beasts with spell attacks, but he also left a message before retreating.
“I know you wouldn’t dare report this to the authorities nor make this incident known. If you know what’s good for you, hand over what’s inside your ancestral house in five days or await the total annihilation of your clan.”
After that, he left.
His statement was phrased in such a way that the average person would have no idea what was going on.
But after slight consideration, Qiao Feigong broke out in a cold sweat.
The others didn’t understand what it meant, but he did.
Someone immediately suggested they report this to the authorities but Qiao Feigong stopped them.
Just as the thief declared in the letter, they couldn’t do it because there were other secrets involved. In the Jade Dragon Kingdom, city lords held great authority and their positions were hereditary, and the same went for Reed City.
Several decades ago, the Lord of Reed City somehow caught wind of rumors about the Qiao family possessing hidden treasures. He personally visited their abode, requesting to view said treasure. Back then, Qiao Feigong’s father had been the family’s patriarch and he somehow managed to fool the city lord, sending him away in the end. After that, rumors began to spread about the Qiao family possessing a hidden treasure. Because the Qiao family owned the biggest medicine hall business in Reed City, the rumors warped into the story that they actually possessed a miracle medicine that could bring those who were about to die back to life.
Such rumors should have eventually died down by now.
But then, something happened.
The legal wife of Reed City’s city lord suddenly came down with a terrible illness that no doctor could cure. Having heard of the rumors, the city lord paid the Qiao family a visit again.
Back then, the city lord begged them for the miracle medicine they allegedly had in possession.
Owning no such item, the Qiao family naturally denied his request.
However, perhaps the city lord was too caught up in his emotions. Refusing to believe them, he simply asked if the Qiao family had treasures hidden away.
At that time, to heed his ancestor’s teachings and knowing that the Qiao family’s treasure wasn’t medicine, Qiao Feigong’s father lied to the patriarch, denying that they had any such treasure.
The latter’s son then became the current city lord of Reed City. It was his mother who died of the illness back then, so the Qiao family couldn’t possibly report this incident to the authorities.
They were afraid of inviting trouble.
If that lie was exposed, would the current city lord forgive them easily?
The man had lost his mother after all.
Hence, Qiao Feigong was worried. He planned to resolve this issue in private and that was the only option too. So, for the past few days, he had been inviting able men from far and wide, worried that their family’s current strength wouldn’t be enough. If the thief were to show up again, they could at least put up a fight.
Still, Qiao Feigong remained flustered. He had a hunch that things wouldn’t be so simple and that was why he couldn’t cheer up.
Standing behind him was his son, Qiao Xing. Young and vigorous, at the sight of his father’s worried expression, the lad said, “Father, our Qiao family has been prosperous for five generations. What troubles have we not seen? Back then, my great grandfather even killed a group of more than thirty bandits alone. Everyone in Reed City knows about us and wouldn’t dare offend us. While I’m no accomplished fighter, if that thief shows up again, I will eliminate him. I’ll show him that our Qiao family is not to be messed with.”
The youngsters of the Qiao family seemed eager to take the bull by the horns. Though, they were better described as newborn calves who weren’t afraid of a tiger due to their lack of experience.
“It’s not that simple,” before Qiao Feigong could answer, his second uncle spoke up.
In regards to seniority, Qiao Xing should address him as Second Grandpa.
Qiao Feigong nodded in agreement. “Xing’er, your second grandpa is right. It’s not that simple. It’s already odd enough that he could easily pinpoint our ancestral house’s location. Also…”
Qiao Feigong didn’t continue because there were things no one else but he knew of.
For instance, that tiny conflict between his father and the previous city lord.
Being able to declare that the Qiao family wouldn’t have the guts to report the incident to authorities should be a sufficient explanation.
And that was what worried him.
The thief came prepared.
He was sure that the thief wouldn’t show up alone. Since he gave notice of five days, there would surely be reinforcements. As the patriarch of a prominent family, Qiao Feigong had at least that much experience and insight.
However, Qiao Feigong wasn’t a coward who feared conflict either. Despite his worries, he had no intention of surrendering.
What a joke. Just because of a petty letter, the thief expected their family to hand over their heirloom and hidden treasure? Nonsense! No matter how weak Qiao Feigong was, he wasn’t that unsightly.
In fact, he already had something else up his sleeve.
Although the Qiao family hadn’t been expanding over the years, they were remarkable in consolidating the territory and power already in their possession. Not only did they have many associates within Reed City that would show them respect, but they also had support elsewhere, outside the city.
The Qiao family even had a profound relationship with one of the royal officials in the imperial capital and would send this person some rare medicinal ingredients every year to maintain their friendship.
Though, to guard against a potential strong foe, the Qiao family had entrusted Reed City’s Ji’an Security Services to deliver the medicinal ingredients to the royal capital this time.
Ji’an Security Services was a well-established institution. Back in the day, Qiao Feigong’s father was quite close with the company so it went without saying that they were trustworthy allies.
At that moment, someone came reporting that Escort Zhang of Ji’an Security Services was requesting an audience.
“Huh?” Qiao Feigong was stunned.
Technically, Escort Zhang and his team should be heading to the royal capital right now. So how could he be here, requesting an audience?
“Did you get the right person?” Qiao Feigong frowned at the servant. The latter quickly responded, “My lord, that’s impossible. I’ve seen Escort Zhang many times so I definitely recognize him.”
“Let him in.” Qiao Feigong quickly led the others into the guest hall. Upon arrival, he found Escort Zhang already waiting for him. At the sight of Qiao Feigong, Escort Zhang stood up at once. “Greetings, Lord Qiao!”
“Escort Zhang, you… Why have you returned?” Qiao Feigong asked, feeling confused.
As he spoke, he noticed how Escort Zhang seemed to be glowing. The docked-tail mountain lion beside Escort Zhang seemed particularly overbearing too.
