Battle reaches an end

"…are you really not feeling any aftereffects somehow?" Chen Wang finishes his sentence with an unmistakable tone of worry and an uncommon emotional weight for him. "It doesn't matter how small; even the slightest issue must be treated wholeheartedly now before it turns into a permanent issue for you!"

Chen Wei, pulled from his thoughts upon hearing this, turns to look at his grandfather. Unlike his usual calm and composed self, Chen Wang is now visibly distressed and deeply concerned, not even bothering to hide his emotions or thoughts.

Chen Wei brushes the dust in his hand from the Primeval Stones he was using to replenish his Primeval Essence and responds after a few moments.

"Yes, I truly feel fine... I don't sense any aftereffects, but it's better we check thoroughly once we return to the clan," Chen Wei says with a light sigh.

Though surprised to see his grandfather so openly emotional for the first time in a long while, Chen Wei completely understands why. Anyone familiar with Chen Wang would know that he is usually unemotional but can displays such strong emotions when it concerns the safety and well-being of his descendants.

It's only natural for Chen Wang to act this way, given that out of his three sons, two died, and one was gravely injured, leaving him unable to advance in cultivation. His eldest son was the first to die, ambushed by Clan Feng Zhi Gu Masters before reaching the age of twenty, back when Chen Wang had just become an elder himself.

His second son perished during an exceptionally fierce and massive wolf tide, sacrificing himself for the clan's benefit. According to what Chen Wei had heard, his body was never recovered due to the wild nature of the tide.

Finally, his youngest son—Chen Wei's father—he was one of the guards of the old clan leader when the assassination attempt occurred, and was a part of the ensuing battle claimed the lives of many guards. Even though Chen Wei's father survived, he gained permanent damage. His injuries halted his cultivation at Rank 2, unable to reach Rank 3 as had been expected of him in his youth.

More recently, Chen Ming, his eldest grandson, also lost his life during the Three Clans War. With this history, it's no surprise that the usually unshakable "Old Fox" Chen Wang now lets his emotions show when he sees his most talented and only remaining grandson narrowly escape death as well.

In truth, Chen Wang's resolve is quite remarkable. Many other Gu Masters or elders in his position would have confined their descendants to the clan grounds after such tragedies. But Chen Wang, who understands the importance of real-life experience and to face real dangers, would never take such a step.

"That's good, and now that the battle is essentially over, there are no more life-threatening risks to face!" Chen Wang says, nodding firmly as he exhales a relieved sigh.

Hearing this, Chen Wei turns to observe the battlefield, visible even through the water barrier surrounding them, as the crystal-clear liquid provides minimal visual obstruction.

He hadn't paid much attention to the battle over the past several minutes, as he was focused entirely on inspecting his physical condition and replenishing his Primeval Essence. But now, as he takes a closer look, he sees that the battle has almost entirely concluded.

All Clan Feng Zhi and Clan Xiong Mao Gu Masters who failed to retreat and are still within the lake—whether Rank 2 elites or elders—have been captured or killed by Clan He An's Gu Masters or are in the process of meeting one of these fates.

Even the once-proud and terrifying leader of Clan Feng Zhi is no exception. His limbs are tightly bound by countless thick water vines, his body covered in cruel, deep cuts. His once-pristine white garments are now soaked in crimson, with his blood spilling endlessly, even staining the clear water around him.

"With this, they've truly lost… Even those who escaped won't have a choice but to surrender entirely to our clan in the coming days," Chen Wei says with a deep gaze as his eyes sweep over the numerous lifeless bodies scattered haphazardly across the lake's surface.

"Hmph, that's true for the Gu Masters of Clan Feng Zhi, but those wild women of Clan Xiong Mao, with their leader still alive, will refuse to surrender until the coming wolf tide forces some sense into them," Chen Wang remarks with the tone of experience, his usual impassive calm returning now that Chen Wei is no longer on the brink of death.

"As they say, they're as stubborn as beasts, haha…" Chen Wei lightly jokes, finding the resistance of Clan Xiong Mao somewhat pointless.

After all, even under normal circumstances, a clan that has suffered as many casualties as Clan Xiong Mao, along with the loss of resources and territory, would struggle to survive for perhaps even a century without big external threats.

But a clan in such dire straits that shares a mountain with other clans would last no more than three years before being conquered, even if they fought to the last Gu Master, forcing the invaders into a drawn-out siege warfare on the walls and streets of their clan. on the walls and streets of their clan.

However, Clan Xiong Mao's situation is even worse. They'll have to face the wolf tide alone, followed by a direct assault from Clan He An, which makes Chen Wei certain that they'll either surrender now or later this year—after needlessly losing more Gu Masters—assuming they aren't entirely wiped out by the wolf tide before He An Clan can even conquer them.

Thinking this, a small smile tugs at Chen Wei's lips. Regardless of the outcome, He An Clan would benefit greatly—a reason for any elder of the clan, especially one aspiring to become its leader in the future, to celebrate.

'Wait…' Thinking about the clan leader, Chen Wei suddenly realizes he hasn't seen Wang Xi, so he quickly begins scanning the area for him but finds no trace.

"The clan leader, along with some elders, is likely pursuing the retreating members of Xiong Mao Clan," Chen Wang says solemnly, almost as if reading Chen Wei's mind by observing his actions. "And probably ensuring they won't stage a final suicidal assault on our clan."

Chen Wei nods, believing it's more about preventing a last-ditch attack. After all, the clan leader doesn't care much if they escape now or later, as they'll either surrender to Clan He An or die in the wolf tide soon enough. There's no need to risk the lives of elders to capture them at this moment.

As he and his grandfather begin to converse lightly about the aftermath of this battle and the integration of the enemy clan's Gu Masters, a powerful roar—one they had already heard four times before—echoes once again, sending the nerves of everyone on the lake into overdrive.

Fortunately, the tension proves unnecessary when, after the Water Dragon's roar, the various wild Gu that had been attacking the He An clan's Gu Masters ferociously, as if starving beasts, suddenly stop their frenzied movements. They return to acting like normal wild Gu, scattering and fleeing from the Rank 2 and 3 Gu Masters emitting strong auras.

Chen Wei watches this with a deep gaze. 'Thankfully, these Gu focused on the battlefield. If they had spread out, I could have died at their hands when I was thrown into the lake bor—'

He cuts off his thoughts as the Water Dragon now rushes toward him, roaring continuously. Its speed is so incredible that none of the Rank 3 elders could hope to keep up, and even the clan leader, at Rank 4, might struggle to match it.

So even with his nerves on edge, Chen Wei doesn't have time to think of a defense before the enormous Water Dragon is suddenly right in front of him. Without hesitation, it moves toward the water barrier created by Chen Wang as if it were nothing and, in a fluid motion, enters Chen Wei's aperture without any assistance.

"Chen Wei—!" Chen Wang turns immediately to his grandson, clear worry etched on his face. However, seeing Chen Wei raise his hand to indicate that he's fine, he halts his actions.

"That... the guardian of this inheritance... this Rank 5 Water Dragon Gu has recognized me as its heir," Chen Wei says, his voice slightly strained as he struggles to process the flood of information overwhelming his mind. "I don't fully understand yet because the details are still jumbled, but it seems that the last enemy Gu Master in the lake has surrendered. The battle for the inheritance is officially over now."

Saying this, he raises a hand to rub his temple while his grandfather nods. "And... and it seems that I was the one in our clan who fulfilled the most of the required conditions to become the heir. So, this is the result."

Chen Wang remains silent for a moment, absorbing Chen Wei's words, before quickly asking questions.

"Does this mean the Rank 5 Water Dragon Gu now belongs to you? Does the same apply to all the Gu in this lake? And what about the temple on the island—do you know if anything is there?" he asks, one question after another.

"Yes... theoretically. But I don't have all these countless Rank 1, 2, and a few Rank 3 Gu refined under my control. The Water Dragon Gu, however, is fully mine in every sense," Chen Wei replies, gesturing for his grandfather to undo the water barrier around them since the protection is no longer necessary. "In the temple, there are two Rank 4 Gu and three Rank 3 Gu that I can instantly refine if I wish…"

"Hmm. We should handle that after reporting our results to the elders as a whole," Chen Wang says in his usual calm and authoritative tone. "Then, we'll await the clan leader's return and decide officially what to do with the aftermath and our return to the clan."

Chen Wei nods lightly in agreement, acknowledging his grandfather's words.

---

Wang Mei could barely contain her nervousness and anxiety as she stood, noble and composed, beside her mother-in-law Ci Ling, her cute sister-in-law Chen Hua, and several of the Chen family's servants and attendants.

It had been a week since Chen Wei departed with the elite Gu Masters, elders, and her father, the clan leader, to battle against two enemy clans over an inheritance that had appeared. The higher ranks of the clan believed it to be one of the many left behind by an immortal Gu Master, which only made her more worried for everyone's safety—especially Chen Wei. Her concerns were heightened after the conversation they had the day before he left.

Fortunately, two days ago, news arrived that the battle had ended with the clan's victory. A personal letter from Chen Wei had reached her yesterday, reassuring her that he was well, only lightly injured, and that he, along with most of the clan members, would return today. This brought her great relief. However, now, mere moments before his arrival, an inexplicable nervousness was building steadily in her chest.

Seeing this, Ci Ling shook her head helplessly, a gentle and beautiful smile gracing her face.

"Dear, I know you're very worried about Wei'er, but you must remain calm and composed to uphold the Chen family's dignity in front of the other clan members. You must alsi greet him with a loving and gentle smile when he arrives," Ci Ling said softly, her maternal tone meant only for those close enough to hear. "Besides, we know that everyone is safe and healthy, right?"

Yet, despite her calm and gentle tone, Wang Mei could see the deep concern lingering in her mother-in-law's eyes.

"You're right..." Wang Mei sighed a few times, trying to calm herself down.

Chen Hua, who seemed even more anxious than her mother but was doing a better job of hiding it, spoke softly, "Grandpa, Father and Big Brother are really strong. They'll be fine…"

To Wang Mei, it was clear that the poor girl—who had once been so bright and lively—was even more worried than she was. Having recently lost her older brother in a similar situation, Chen Hua still hadn't fully recovered from her grief.

And so, the three of them, along with the various families—mostly wives and children, though husbands weren't uncommon—of the Gu Masters, waited for their return. They remained in different sections along the clan's main avenue, with Wang Mei positioned in one of the most prominent and prestigious spots. From there, she could see her brother and sisters alongside their noble and dignified mother, who occasionally cast sidelong glances toward her.

After what felt like an eternity, though it was only a little while longer, the clan's Gu Masters, led by her father, finally arrived. Their return was met with a roar of applause and celebratory cheers. Families quickly began searching for their loved ones, and before long, Wang Mei saw her father-in-law and, most importantly, Chen Wei heading directly toward her without hesitation.

"I was so worried!" She couldn't hold back. As soon as he was close enough, she ran lightly toward him and threw herself into his arm before kissing him with joy.

"I'm sorry to have worried you…" Chen Wei said softly, placing one hand gently on her belly. "I missed both of you."

A wave of warmth and happiness surged in her chest, but then she noticed something off. His other arm wasn't wrapped around her waist as it usually was. When her gaze shifted to it, filled with worry, her worst fears were confirmed.

"It's okay. I didn't mention it in the letter to avoid worrying you… We'll talk about it later," Chen Wei's voice reached her before she could say anything.

Even so, she wanted to ask what had happened, how he was feeling, and countless other anxious questions. But seeing his look—one that assured her everything was fine and that he didn't want to discuss it now—she simply buried her head in his chest, savoring the moment she had spent the last week longing for.