Chapter 41. The Function of the Lingyao Grass

Zuyang frowned as if he found it absurd.

"What kind of unnecessary worry is this?"

"It will also cost a considerable amount of effort on my part."

"Of course it will."

"Indeed, it's refreshing. Then I'll take care of the scale myself."

"Do as you please."

"Hehe, what should we name it?"

"How about 'Extermination Squad'?"

"Direct and good."

"Ah, and there's one more thing you need to pay attention to."

"More here?"

Man Bajia tilted his head.

"Until the Extermination of the Assassins, the assassins will be active, so we'll need someone to guard Fanhang until then. Let's call them the 'Skyguard Squad'."

"Skyguard Squad? Those who protect the Heavenly Flower Repository's Grand Prince?"

"Yes."

"Extermination Squad and Skyguard Squad. Got it."

"These matters are a secret to Fanhang."

"Eh? What did we talk about?"

Man Bajia feigned a look of confusion.

Zuyang burst out laughing at this.

"Haha, you're really something."

"Eh. Hahaha, I can even mimic you. This time, it was quite good."

"Hahaha!"

Everything went well.

Zuyang couldn't contain his joy.

Today, he was certain of death, but now it felt like he had gained a new life.

***

Zuyang and Man Bajia left after staying for four days.

Despite being urged to stay longer, they firmly declined, leaving many, including the family head, feeling disappointed.

Hugong was also puzzled.

He had the impression that the two were in a hurry. Of course, he secretly wished they would leave quickly, but they did so much sooner than expected.

'Did I give them too many hints?'

He couldn't count how many times he had looked at them with a disapproving gaze. Perhaps because they knew what they had done, they seemed to be on edge, fidgeting as if sitting on a bed of thorns.

After all, Man Bajia was a busy man.

He had to go out and find places where money could be made.

A rascally guy.

In any case, it was a good thing that the two left.

Hugong was eager to take the Lingyao Grass as soon as possible.

The estimated time was about twenty days, or a month at most.

First, he met with the family head to discuss the future schedule and the direction of the family.

After obtaining permission, he called his two younger brothers, Yun and Fumeng, via a letter.

"Brother is looking for you?"

"Yes."

Upon hearing Songhua's message, Yun and Fumeng's faces darkened.

What was to come, had come.

It was undoubtedly a beating.

Regardless of their intentions, they had almost killed their brother in this incident. They thought it might pass quietly, but their brother wasn't the type to forget.

If only they had just told the truth.

Regret always comes too late.

"Songhua, why do you think the eldest brother called you? How does he seem?"

Yun asked cautiously, wondering if it could be for another reason.

Songhua replied confidently.

"It's going to be a beating!"

"..."

All hope was cruelly crushed.

"Get ready quickly. This will only get worse."

"You seem excited."

"I know how sad I am."

Despite his words, Songhua burst into laughter, causing Yun and Fumeng's faces to contort in distress.

With Zuyang gone, they had nothing to do. The weather was also pleasant, perfect for a beating.

They quickly prepared and waited for Songhua, then hurriedly put on several thick layers of pants.

However, what they heard when they approached was not "Lie down."

"Yun, for the next month, you will take charge of the family's affairs. This includes discussions with the Northern Anhui Alliance, the selection of formations, and their implementation."

"Me? Me?"

Yun's eyes widened in surprise at the unexpected heavy responsibility.

"Yes. Grandfather is old, and Uncle is not yet ready to be active. Besides, I will start taking the Lingyao Grass today. To fully absorb its effects, I will need to isolate myself for a while."

"But, brother, how can I handle such a significant task...?"

"It's not because there's no one else. I believe you can do it."

"Brother..."

Yun's eyes welled up with tears.

To be recognized was such a feeling.

Especially by a brother who was called the greatest talent in the family's history, and who had subdued the Ximen family as if it were a mere meal after awakening. The recognition from such a genius was immensely gratifying.

'How could I have been thinking of such things without even knowing this?'

This is why they say there's no better younger brother than one's own.

Feeling ashamed for worrying only about getting a beating, he declared:

"I will do my best not to bring shame to the family."

"I know you will. You'll do well."

"If there are important decisions to be made, I would like to consult you, brother."

"Of course. If something significant happens, you can come to me. However, I expect nothing major will happen. The selection of the alliance representative will likely be the most contentious. If such a discussion arises, do not get involved or offer any opinions. It doesn't matter who is chosen. Just follow the result."

"Understood."

"Regarding formations, Fumeng's skills surpass yours, so seek his help. For any other major matters, come to me."

"Understood."

"Yes, eldest brother!"

Yun and Fumeng answered simultaneously.

Yun and Fumeng both smiled, feeling elated, and their bottoms involuntarily wiggled with joy.

"Alright, I've said what I needed to. Let's get to the main point."

"Eh?"

Yun and Fumeng blinked, confused.

Hadn't the main point just been covered...

As they looked at each other, puzzled, Hugong called out to Songhua.

"Songhua."

"Yes, Master!"

Songhua appeared instantly, handing over a cudgel.

Yun and Fumeng were terrified. There was Zuyang, cudgel in hand, sleeves rolled up.

"Ah, brother!"

"Eldest brother, please spare us!"

They fell to the ground, but it was in vain.

"You've done well, but you still need to be punished. Lie down. Make it easy for me!"

"Brother, I will never hide anything from you again. Please forgive me!"

"Eldest brother, me too!"

"You will, won't you? You're smart. Huh, I was going to let it go, but seeing you wear so many layers, I can't ignore your effort. It's spring, and you look like you have a cold!"

After a moment,

Smack!

Smack!

The two brothers screamed and groaned, stumbling back.

After sending them off, Hugong called Songhua and the four guards.

"The stench of the Lingyao Grass is as bad as the Hexagonal Net. To prevent the smell from leaking out, I will take the Lingyao Grass and stay inside the winter formation in my study. However, you are my guards and will be worried about me, so you will naturally want to enter the formation with me, right?"

"No, we won't!"

The four guards, including Songhua, answered loudly.

When Hugong raised an eyebrow, they shouted again.

"We have no worries at all!"

They had adapted to a certain extent and understood his intentions.

The Grand Prince was indirectly telling them not to come in. If necessary, he would give orders, not ask.

"Such... Your loyalty has weakened."

"Yes, it has."

Their response was quick and decisive.

The Grand Prince's gaze fell on Songhua, the only hope.

"Songhua, think carefully. Isn't your loyalty different?"

"Master, I never had any loyalty to begin with."

"Y-You didn't?"

"Yes!"

"Keh. I'm about to enter hell, you rascals."

The guards tried hard not to laugh at the Grand Prince's displeased attitude.

A change of heart.

Until recently, such a situation was unimaginable.

Leaving the master alone was akin to assisting in suicide or indirect murder.

But the current master was capable of decapitating assassins without hesitation, so the concern was not about his death but about who he