C48 There Is a Way

Is he still seeking vengeance against Zheng Xunqin?

Does that mean he's not planning to flee?

Zheng Linghan thought he had a glimmer of hope, but now it felt like he was resigned to his fate.

"Young Master Zhou, we're talking about the Star Sect here! Their Sect Master has reached the Soul Separation Stage! Each of the Seven Celestial Eagles is at the Innate Stage, and we don't have a single person at that level. How can we possibly stand against them?"

"We should make a quick getaway. Once they encircle the Zhou family, we won't stand a chance of escaping!"

"I have reached the Innate Stage," Zhou Jibo declared.

Zheng Linghan, taken aback, looked at Zhou Jibo and asked, "You've reached the Innate Stage?"

Zhou Jibo nodded. "Yes, I've attained the first layer of the Innate Stage, and I should reach the second layer soon."

"Your talent is truly exceptional. In another ten years, the Star Sect won't even be a concern for you. But now is not that time," Zheng Linghan said, weighing Zhou's potential. He clenched his teeth and continued, "Young Master Zhou, let's leave immediately. I pledge my loyalty to you and will never betray you."

"In ten years, we can return, take down the Star Sect and the Zheng family quietly, and have our revenge!"

Zhou Jibo chuckled at Zheng Linghan's declaration, "I'll feel secure entrusting the Zheng family to you in the future."

Zheng Fanshuang, who had been listening, was astonished to learn that Zhou Jibo had become an Innate Master. She then spoke up, urging caution.

The enemy was invincible; there was no need for Zhou Jibo to be impulsive.

While they were talking, Wang Sibo arrived, standing at the doorway. "Young Master Zhou, I'm at your service. What are your orders?"

Zhou Jibo recounted what Zheng Linghan had shared with him to Wang Sibo, who frowned upon hearing it.

"The Second Palace Holy Son from the Shrine of Astral Radiance may not have shown up, but the Star Sect's presence is a significant complication," he said.

"I'm not too familiar with the Star Sect's master. I could probably fight him to a standstill, but who's going to handle the Seven Celestial Eagles? Lang Shen is here as well."

"Once we engage, they'll come after you. Young Master Zhou, I fear I can't handle them all."

Zheng Linghan's eyes widened in surprise as he turned to Wang Sibo, "You're at the Soul Separation Stage?"

Wang Sibo confirmed, "Yes, I am a Soul Separation Stage Warrior. You might have heard of me; my name is Wang Sibo."

Zheng Linghan was flabbergasted. "The Forgemaster Wang Sibo?"

Wang Sibo gave a slight nod. "Indeed."

Zheng Linghan's hands fidgeted with excitement. "This is fantastic! Young Master Zhou, to have such an ace up your sleeve – we might just survive this day!"

He continued to Zhou Jibo, "Young Master Zhou, Master Wang and I share the same view – we're outmatched. We should withdraw. With Master Wang here, they're less likely to risk an all-out battle with us."

Zhou Jibo, however, stood firm in his decision. "I have a strategy for the Innate Stage Warriors. Wang Sibo, just keep the Soul Separation Stage Warrior at bay."

Wang Sibo hesitated, questioning the plan's viability.

But then, considering the forces backing Zhou Jibo, he let go of his doubts.

"As you wish, Young Master Zhou."

Zheng Linghan was dumbstruck once more: The Soul Separation Stage Forgemaster Wang Sibo was following Zhou Jibo's command. Had he so readily accepted Zhou Jibo's assurances?

Zhou Jibo was undoubtedly gifted, but having never ventured beyond Icefair, what could he possibly do?

Did Wang Sibo truly believe in him?

With no other recourse, Zheng Linghan steeled his resolve.

He had no other option but to stay and witness Zhou Jibo's plan unfold – a far better option than fleeing without purpose.

Zhou Jibo instructed Zheng Fanshuang, "Inform the Patriarch and the elders of the enemy's imminent arrival, and urge them to remain composed."

Zheng Fanshuang hurried off, and within a quarter of an hour, the Zhou family compound echoed with footsteps and calls.

Zhou Jibo, accompanied by Wang Sibo, Zheng Linghan, and Zheng Fanshuang, stepped out of the courtyard. Upon seeing Zhou Jibo, the Zhou family members instinctively slowed their pace.

With him there, we shouldn't expect any major trouble.

Upon reaching the front courtyard, Zhou Chaide and Zhou Chulang were rallying the Zhou family's guards. Zhou Jibo instructed, "Keep a close watch on the house. Don't let the enemy breach the courtyard. Everything else is secondary."

Zhou Chulang, sensing the gravity in Zhou Jibo's tone, felt a chill in his heart: The enemy was apparently much stronger than anticipated!

"What kind of enemy are we facing?" Zhou Kaile emerged from the hall, his face etched with concern. "Is even Master Wang uncertain?"

"Rest assured, they're not as formidable as you think," Zhou Jibo reassured them with a steady voice. "I'm confident I can handle them. Your task is to safeguard the family's elders and women to the best of your ability."

"But Zhou Jibo," Zhou Kaile protested, "we're all Acquired Stage Warriors. Surely we can be of some assistance. Don't confront the danger on your own."

With a smile, Zhou Jibo raised his voice and announced, "I've reached the Innate Stage!"

Zhou Kaile's eyes bulged, as if struck by a bolt from the blue.

Zhou Chaide, Zhou Chulang, and all the Zhou family guards were equally astounded.

From inside the hall, Zhou Shuang and Zhou Shu hurried out, exclaiming with excitement, "Is it really true?"

"Absolutely!" Zhou Jibo confirmed.

A wave of ecstatic cheers erupted from the Zhou family members, "Our family now boasts an Innate Stage master!"

Zheng Linghan, witnessing the jubilation, felt a wry smile tug at his lips. If only they knew that their adversary was a Soul Separation Stage Warrior along with eight Innate Stage Warriors, their joy would turn to terror, he mused.

Just then, the Zhou family's gates crashed down with a thunderous roar.

Through the settling dust, a towering nine-foot man stepped forward and stood at the threshold. He looked up and bellowed, "Every member of the Zhou family, kneel and await your fate!"