C17 Intercepting the Trap!

Upon hearing the news, Zhou Jibo was taken aback. "What's going on?"

Before Zhou Chulang could respond, Zhou Youqing eagerly recounted the recent events in rapid succession.

Zhou Jibo listened intently, his gaze sharpening. Zheng Hongyi of the Zheng family had stirred up trouble, attempting to ensnare me. Are the Zhengs really that eager to settle accounts with me?

Little did Zheng Hongyi know that I had indeed finalized a deal with the Myriad Treasure Auction House. He had inadvertently spilled the truth.

What Zheng Hongyi failed to anticipate was Yan Yuanlu of the Myriad Treasure Auction House's cordial treatment towards me. He had no desire to cross me.

Regarding the Zheng family, he wielded his influence decisively, ensuring that all the shops in Icefair City that sold Element Gathering Powder, weapons, mental cultivation methods, and martial skills ceased all sales to the Zhengs.

Clearly, Zheng Hongyi gained no advantage, only loss.

"Jibo, there's no need to be upset with him. The Myriad Treasure Auction House has already dealt with the Zheng family," Zhou Youqing said, noticing the change in Zhou Jibo's demeanor. Concerned he might be upset, she quickly tried to console him.

Zhou Jibo offered a reassuring smile. "Don't worry. I won't give the Zheng family a second thought. Let's head out."

Leading the way, Zhou Jibo and his companions made their way out of the Glorious House.

The auction had concluded, and the Glorious House had emptied of nearly all its patrons, though a significant number still lingered. Zhou Jibo navigated through the crowd to the entrance, pausing as he sensed something and looked up.

A figure was hastily making an exit—it was Kong Chuyang, the steward of Great Elder Zhou Qian.

Was he lying in wait for me to stumble into his trap?

With a smile, Zhou Jibo turned to Zhou Chulang. "Elder Zhou Chulang, I have a task for you. Zhou Tong, Zhou Zheyan, Zhou Xunshi, and Zhou Youqing, I'd like you four to join him in this endeavor."

"Please, instruct us," Zhou Chulang replied.

The others nodded in agreement.

"In addition to the items I acquired from my transaction with the Myriad Treasure Auction House, they still owe me thirty thousand silver taels. Elder Zhou Chulang, with your extensive experience, take Zhou Tong and the others to the Glorious House. Purchase some goods and bring them back for the Zhou family."

"First, to honor my parents with filial respect. Second, to purchase some essential cultivation items for our younger generation. And third, to scout for any items that might assist the Zhou family in advancing to the Innate Stage."

Zhou Chulang was taken aback.

Zhou Tong, puzzled, inquired, "Thirty thousand taels of silver?"

"Exactly, thirty thousand taels. Go ahead and make your selections," Zhou Jibo said, smiling.

It was then that Zhou Chulang snapped out of his daze. "Heavens, Zhou Jibo, what on earth did you trade with the Myriad Treasure Auction House? You managed to get two treasures and thirty thousand taels of silver?"

The entire collection of the Zhou family's mental cultivation methods and martial skills wouldn't fetch that sum.

It's no surprise Yan Yuanlu holds Zhou Jibo in such high regard. Having brokered such a significant deal, it's only natural he would go to great lengths to safeguard him.

Zhou Chulang sensibly refrained from delving deeper. The issue was beyond the scope of what he could further inquire about.

Still reeling from the shock of Zhou Jibo's windfall, Zhou Chulang, along with the equally astounded Zhou Tong and the rest, returned to the Glorious House to pick out their items.

Zhou Jibo had initially intended not to spend the thirty thousand taels of silver that day, but when he saw the steward, Kong Chuyang, hurrying to deliver a message, he realized the enemy was ready and could strike at any moment.

With that in mind, he decided to send Zhou Chulang, Zhou Tong, and the others away. While Zhou Jibo couldn't be certain of their unwavering loyalty, he needed to do everything in his power to protect them. Take Zhou Youqing, for instance, still just a child; Zhou Jibo couldn't stand by and watch her get caught in the crossfire.

Should the situation take a turn for the worse, they could hinder him or, worse, betray him. It was better to distance them early on and concentrate on facing the enemy by himself.

He strode through the bustling streets. Here and there, individuals would turn and slip away, quickly moving in a particular direction.

After noticing this several times, Zhou Jibo pinpointed the likely spot where Zhou Qian intended to strike.

It wasn't on the main street, nor close to the Zhou family compound. It was likely to be within the confines of a quiet, out-of-the-way alley.

His sole condition was to lure Zhou Jibo into the alley beforehand.

While pondering, Zhou Jibo couldn't help but flash a scornful grin.

Zhou Qian believed he was stronger than both the clan leader and Zhou Jibo. So why the need for such underhanded tactics against Zhou Jibo? Why not confront them openly, defeat Zhou Kaile and Zhou Jibo, and then claim the title of Patriarch?

This lack of grandeur was precisely why he was unfit to be the Patriarch.

He might seem cunning, but he lacked the true presence required of a Patriarch.

By now, their motives were clear, and the chance to play any hidden aces was gone.

Zhou Jibo was under no illusion that the trap he'd meticulously prepared would spare him any mercy.

Thus, Zhou Qian's own chances of survival were also gone.

Lost in thought as he walked, a voice suddenly called out from a nearby alley, "Young Master!"

Zhou Jibo halted. A group of muscular Warriors stealthily closed in behind him, blocking any escape.

The one calling him 'Young Master' was a heavily made-up young girl, not a stranger but the maidservant "Fangyin" from Zhou Jibo's past.

She was the one who had fled to the Zheng family with Zhou Jibo's bodyguard, Zhou Xiuyun.

So it wasn't just the Zhou and Zheng families after me, but the Yu family too?

The three major families have banded together against me. They must really value me.

Upon seeing Zhou Jibo stop, Fangyin hurriedly exclaimed, "Young Master, you've got it all wrong. I was taken by Zhou Xiuyun against my will, I never intended to betray you."

She finished her plea with a bowed head, tears streaming down as she sobbed.

Zhou Jibo chuckled dismissively and turned away.

Resting his hand on the hilt of the Blood Stripe Sword, he looked up and called out boldly, "Zhou Qian, members of the Yu and Pang families, show yourselves!"

"This alley is too dim for a proper meeting, so I'll stay out here. If you're intent on harming me, then come out and face me. You're all ready to strike; what's the fear in revealing yourselves now?"

Upon hearing this, Fangyin was startled and let out a loud cry.

The muscular Warriors standing behind Zhou Jibo were momentarily at a loss.

Two figures emerged from the alley. One was Zhou Qian, his face etched with murderous intent, and the other was Zheng Kang, an Elder of the Zheng family. Zheng Kang possessed the ninth layer of the Acquired Stage and was a cornerstone of the Zheng family.

Four men in black, armed with daggers, appeared atop the alley's eaves. At that moment, Fangyin also raised her hand, concealing a small crossbow in her sleeve.

Together with the Warriors behind him, they had the strength to take down any Acquired Warrior in Icefair City.

"Zhou Jibo, I had intended to make you a fool. But since you're so eager for clarity, you might as well just go ahead and die," Zhou Qian declared icily.

Zhou Jibo appraised him and responded with a grin, "What about the Yu family? Didn't they show up? After all, you've thrown in your lot with them."

At that, Zhou Qian retorted frostily, "They were intimidated by the renown of the Myriad Treasure Auction House and didn't dare to make a move against you. For all their status as Icefair City's premier family, that's the extent of their bravery."

"Once I take over as head of the Zhou family, I will certainly usurp them."