C19 Recover!

Before Zhou Jibo had even approached the Zhou family's courtyard, a beaming servant hurried to greet him. "Young Master Zhou, hello!"

The servant then spun around, joyfully announcing, "Young Master Zhou has returned!"

Zhou Jibo's grip on the hilt of his Blood Stripe Sword tightened instinctively. Could this be an ambush?

It quickly dawned on him that there was no danger; his newfound fame from the auction had reached home, turning into a cause for celebration within the Zhou family.

Having recently dealt with Zhou Qian, Zheng Kang, and others, Zhou Jibo remained on guard. At first, he could only think of potential threats, but he soon realized the true reason for the excitement.

As expected, the members of the Zhou family emerged from the house, their faces alight with happiness, and made their way toward Zhou Jibo.

Zhou Kaile and Qian Jiajia wore expressions of joy and pride. Their son's reputation had sent ripples through Icefair, earning him respect from the Myriad Treasure Auction House and Soul Separation Stage masters alike. The punishment of the Zheng family paled in comparison to this triumph.

Zhou Shuang and Zhou Shu couldn't help but smile with satisfaction, pleased with their foresight.

Zhou Jibo's impressive display and potential affirmed their decision to shift their allegiance.

Other Zhou family members also appeared, signaling Zhou Jibo's growing influence and the dissolution of the widespread discontent with the family head.

Among them, the Third Elder, Zhou Zhenbo, and the Fourth Elder, Zhou Chaide, stood with mixed emotions.

Reluctant to make a public stance yet compelled by the presence of their own children who now followed Zhou Jibo, they had no choice but to come forward, lest they incur Zhou Qian's resentment.

Having won over their children, Zhou Jibo left them with little choice but to join the gathering, albeit reluctantly.

Under the watchful eyes of the family, the servant led Zhou Jibo forward, his long sword in hand.

He cut a dashing figure.

Qian Jiajia's eyes welled up with emotion as she watched him. "My son has grown into such a fine young man. It feels like just yesterday he was still a child!"

Zhou Kaile acknowledged that his fortunes had improved immensely, all thanks to his son.

Before he knew it, his son had blossomed into a promising young man.

"Young Master Zhou!" Servants and maids bowed respectfully as they greeted him.

Members of the Zhou family approached Zhou Jibo, offering their joy and praise.

Zhou Jibo acknowledged them with a nod, but his attention was quickly drawn to the steward, Kong Chuyang, who was conversing with the Third and Fourth Elders.

He raised his hand to silence the commendations from Zhou Shuang and Zhou Shu, announcing, "I have another matter to attend to today."

All eyes followed Zhou Jibo's gaze. The Third and Fourth Elders shifted uncomfortably, stepping back and leaving Kong Chuyang exposed under the scrutiny of the crowd.

Kong Chuyang's heart raced with anxiety, and he instinctively sought to retreat.

Zhou Jibo commanded, "Get back here and kneel!"

Kong Chuyang's knees buckled, and he collapsed to the ground, turning to prostrate himself before Zhou Jibo, too frightened to move or speak.

"What's the matter?" Zhou Kaile inquired in a hushed tone.

Zhou Jibo replied, "Father, I will explain later."

"Please summon the rest of the Zhou family. Today, all members must come together here!"

"Anyone absent today will no longer be considered part of the Zhou family."

Zhou Shuang and Zhou Shu were taken aback. Was Zhou Jibo intending to use his clout to forcefully assert control over the family? But with Zhou Qian's backing, who would heed the call?

Was he truly prepared to expel nearly half of the family?

Wouldn't that effectively split the Zhou family in two?

After a brief pause, they exchanged glances with Zhou Jibo, yet hesitated to act.

Zhou Jibo declared, "Zhou Qian is no more; proceed without concern."

What?

At his words, Zhou Shuang and Zhou Shu gasped in astonishment. The Third and Fourth Elders quickly stepped forward, while Zhou Kaile and Qian Jiajia urgently asked, "What do you mean? Zhou Qian is dead?"

Zhou Jibo confirmed with a nod, "Indeed, Zhou Qian has perished. He conspired with the Zheng family to target me. Moments ago, he and Elder Zheng Kang met their end at my hand."

Zhou Jibo raised his hand, pointing at Kong Chuyang sprawled on the ground, "I was right, wasn't I?"

"Young Master, please spare my life!" Kong Chuyang pleaded through his tears.

His reaction instantly confirmed the truth of Zhou Jibo's words.

"Big brother?"

The Third Elder exclaimed in shock, nearly fainting, while the Fourth Elder, ashen-faced, steadied him and looked on at Zhou Jibo with terror.

We've given him trouble before. He wouldn't kill us too, would he?

Not just them, but even Zhou Shu and Zhou Shuang hadn't anticipated the situation turning so dire. Zhou Qian had conspired with the Zheng family to take him out, only to be killed directly by Zhou Jibo. The Zhou family's internal conflict had escalated to a deadly level – this was a serious turn of events!

It made sense now why Zhou Jibo had decreed that absence would mean expulsion from the family. He was determined to assert his dominance and unify the Zhou family under his leadership.

Zhou Shuang was quick to respond, addressing Zhou Jibo, "We'll gather all the members of the Zhou family immediately!"

With that, he grabbed Zhou Shu and hurried towards the Zhou family compound to summon the clan.

The mood, once celebratory in welcoming Zhou Jibo, turned grave. Zhou Kaile sighed deeply and closed his eyes.

He was at a loss for words. After years of enmity with Zhou Qian, any familial affection had long since eroded, each wishing the other dead. Yet now that Zhou Qian was actually slain by Zhou Jibo, Zhou Kaile was struck by an inexplicable sense of melancholy.

Qian Jiajia, on the other hand, was less contemplative. She quickly approached Zhou Jibo, examining him anxiously, "Are you hurt?"

Once assured that Zhou Jibo was unharmed, Qian Jiajia breathed a sigh of relief. "I'm glad you're okay. Zhou Qian's alliance with the Zheng family to target you was unforgivable. They got what they deserved!"

Approaching with grim expressions, the Third and Fourth Elders faced Zhou Jibo. The Third Elder spoke up, "Zhou Jibo, you've killed our elder brother. This was your battle, not ours. We'll stay out of it."

"However, both the Fourth Elder and I are innocent. You were with their children today—where are they now?"

"They're shopping at the Glorious House and should return shortly," Zhou Jibo replied. "There's no need for concern. I have no desire to perpetuate our internal conflicts. Nonetheless, today marks the end of the Zhou family's turmoil. The Patriarch and the elders must fulfill their responsibilities. Everyone must strive for the family's welfare and not hinder its progress for personal gain."

Relieved to hear their children were unharmed, the Third and Fourth Elders visibly relaxed.

Approaching Zhou Kaile, they addressed him as "Patriarch," reaffirming their allegiance.

Zhou Kaile, regaining his composure, clasped their arms. "Let's put the past behind us. With Zhou Jibo's presence, our Zhou family is poised for a resurgence. I ask for your support—for me and for Zhou Jibo. Together, let's revitalize the Zhou family and command the respect we deserve!"

The Third and Fourth Elders exchanged glances and nodded in agreement.

With the Great Elder Zhou Qian gone, they had to move forward, and the current circumstances were more favorable than expected.

As Zhou family members, they were, of course, eager to witness its revival!