C36 Destroy the Qin Family

Qiao Mao wished he could eliminate Qiao Guang from their clan immediately, yet his current power fell short.

Nevertheless, with his rapid cultivation progress, he was certain to achieve another breakthrough within a fortnight.

"Zhang Yu, assign one of your men to keep an eye on these guards and contain the spread of information. The rest will accompany me back to the Zhang family," Qiao Mao commanded.

Qiao Guang must have anticipated Qiao Shen's demise today. By containing the news, they could keep the incident under wraps until tomorrow.

And Qiao Mao had pressing matters to attend to.

"Don't you want to execute these guards?" Zhang Yu inquired, his brow furrowed. Though not the masterminds, they were traitors to the Qiao family and aligned with the Qin family. Their unforgivable offenses warranted death.

"Indeed. They may prove useful to us later on," Qiao Mao affirmed with a nod.

Qiao Mao's preference was to dispatch the guards, not out of bloodlust, but from a strategic standpoint to prevent future complications.

With many of Martial Sun City's formidable figures fallen, the three major families were significantly weakened and unable to bolster their ranks swiftly. This vulnerability could spell disaster when the Nether Clan launched their invasion.

The guards, possessing at least Mortality Transcending Level Five Heaven abilities, represented a formidable force not to be underestimated. By detaining them now, Qiao Mao ensured they could be leveraged later.

Zhen Gui and Zhang Yu might not grasp Qiao Mao's rationale, having arrived after he had dispatched the three Nether Clan Martial Artists. However, Qiao Shen, having witnessed those fighters, clearly understood Qiao Mao's strategy.

"I have a secret chamber in my estate, stocked with essentials to sustain these guards for half a month. We'll secure them there, under the watch of my personnel. Moreover, I'll assume command of this group moving forward. Should they entertain thoughts of insurrection again, I'll deal with them decisively. You can be at ease," Qiao Shen proposed.

"Alright, since that's the case, I will spare their lives," Zhang Yu finally conceded.

He was unsure of Qiao Mao's intentions, yet he could sense Qiao Mao's concern—as if a significant problem loomed in the future.

After leaving one of the Zhang family elders to supervise the guards, Qiao Mao, Qiao Shen, Zhen Gui, Zhang Yu, and the others hurried back to the Zhang family estate. Zhang Tianbei had already been informed and stepped out to greet them.

"Qiao Mao, you truly are a talent! You're the top expert in Martial Sun City! You're really incredible!" Zhang Tianbei approached Qiao Mao with excitement.

Concerned for Qiao Mao and his son Zhang Yu, he had stationed several members of the Black Shadow Guard Team at Qiao Shen's Mansion for their protection. They had promptly relayed the news to him.

Zhang Tianbei was astounded when he learned that Qiao Hou and his forces had been annihilated. Once he verified the news, he was deeply impressed by Qiao Mao and felt fortunate to have formed an alliance with him.

"Patriarch Zhang, you're giving me too much credit," Qiao Mao said with a modest smile. He and Zhang Tianbei entered the Zhang family's main hall, where Qiao Mao inquired, "Patriarch Zhang, how is the task I entrusted to you progressing?"

"Every resource of the Zhang family, including the Black Shadow Guard, has been mobilized to the estate. But now it seems they might not be needed after all," Zhang Tianbei replied with a chuckle.

Qiao Mao had previously instructed Zhang Tianbei to assemble the guards, ready to strike at a moment's notice.

Zhang Tianbei, playing it safe, had rallied nearly all of the Zhang family's strength.

Should Qiao Mao have indeed waged war, Zhang Tianbei was ready to provide support. However, he hadn't anticipated receiving such unexpectedly good news.

With Qiao Mao having resolved the situation, Zhang Tianbei naturally assumed the forces he had amassed were now superfluous.

Qiao Mao, however, gestured dismissively and stated firmly, "I still need you. I intend to completely transform the dynamics of Martial Sun City before dawn tomorrow."

"Transform the dynamics of Martial Sun City?" The others were taken aback.

They were clueless about Qiao Mao's plans. Was he not content even after slaying four Martial Dao Great Masters and two Mortality Transcending Level Eight Heaven Martial Artists?

"Qiao Mao, changing the dynamics of Martial Sun City isn't a tall order. Just imagine the stir we'll cause by releasing the news of your victory over Qiao Hou and his cohorts. The city will be abuzz in an instant," Zhang Tianbei said with a chuckle.

"Indeed, Mao. Your recent exploits are bound to send shockwaves throughout Martial Sun City," Qiao Shen added, his smile betraying his growing pride in Qiao Mao.

Moreover, his elder brother, Qiao Dou, while being the city's top warrior, had never secured such a resounding triumph. This made Qiao Mao's victory unprecedented in the annals of Martial Sun City.

Zhen Gui remained silent, yet her face was adorned with a contented smile. She reveled in the remarkable transformation her son had undergone.

"Dad, Uncle, let's not get ahead of ourselves. We should hear Mao out," Zhang Yu interjected thoughtfully.

"Qiao Mao, feel free to share your thoughts. Rest assured, Qiao Shen and I will back you to the hilt," Zhang Tianbei encouraged.

"Absolutely. You have our unwavering support," Qiao Shen declared decisively. Qiao Mao had grown exponentially stronger and more composed, which gave Qiao Shen great confidence in him.

Qiao Mao let out a wry smile. He hadn't even spoken yet, and here they were, already pledging their unconditional support. They truly held him in high regard.

"Mao, please, what's on your mind?" Zhen Gui pressed, her concern evident. Qiao Mao had indeed grown much stronger and was fully capable of standing on his own, but as his mother, she believed his safety was paramount.

Acknowledging her, Qiao Mao rose from his chair, his demeanor settling into a calm yet formidable presence. He declared with conviction, "I intend to take down the Qin family."

Zhang Tianbei and Qiao Shen were taken aback by his bold statement. The idea of Qiao Mao setting his sights on the Qin family had not crossed their minds.

Exchanging a knowing glance, they both erupted into laughter.

"Excellent! Then let's proceed with the downfall of the Qin family!" Zhang Tianbei proclaimed robustly.

The Zhang family might have appeared unscathed, but they were actually in a precarious position. Had Qiao Mao not disrupted Qiao Guang and the Qin family's schemes, the Zhangs would have faced inevitable ruin.

"Though you can be somewhat reckless, I truly admire you!" Qiao Shen chuckled as he gave Qiao Mao a pat on the shoulder.

He had been suffering from a severe poisoning recently, harboring a great deal of pent-up rage. Now, he was ready to channel that fury into taking down the Qin family.