Dual Cultivator with a cultivation system Chapter 605: Ch-605: Patriachs of the 8 Great Families

Wang Ming's gaze swept the horizon, his eyes narrowing as he sensed multiple powerful auras converging and hurtling towards them. While initially cautious, his apprehension eased upon spotting Wu Junhao amidst the approaching figures.

"Wang Ming, these individuals are the patriarchs of the 8 Great Families," Min Li, standing beside Wang Ming, whispered, her attention fixed on the entourage behind the King.

"Oh?" Wang Ming's eyebrows lifted at Min Li's words. He observed that all of them were within the Golden Core Realm, with several even at its peak.

"Father?" Wu Jing's eyebrows quirked as she noticed her father positioning himself before them.

"Congratulations, Wang Ming, for mastering Sword Aura and awakening your Sword Phantom," Wu Junhao offered with a smile and a congratulatory tone.

"Thank you... and who might these esteemed individuals be?" Wang Ming inquired, his gaze sweeping over the patriarchs who were intensely scrutinizing him.

"These are the patriarchs of the 8 Great Families, and they expressed great eagerness to meet you," Wu Junhao explained, gesturing towards them.

"So, you're the young man who spirited away my daughter," a voice laced with displeasure boomed from behind Wu Junhao, causing his expression to cloud over. He considered reprimanding the speaker but then mused, 'Blast it, has this brat also entangled himself with young ladies from the other families… what a notorious womanizer.'

"And you are?" Wang Ming asked, raising an eyebrow. Perceiving no ill will from the speaker, he posed his question politely.

"This is my father, Min Kai," Min Li stated, a slight twitch gracing her lips.

"Huh? This is your father?" Wang Ming's eyes widened at this revelation. He then turned to the man and declared, "Greetings, Father-in-law." Simultaneously, he activated his soul eyes to assess the man before him.

[Name: Min Kai][Age: 201][Cultivation: 12th Stage of the Golden Core Realm][Occupation: Patriarch of the Min Family][Physiques: None][Bloodline: Impure Lightning Dijin Bloodline]

'Hmm, a Dijin Bloodline… appears to be a hereditary lineage,' Wang Ming contemplated, recalling Min Li's earlier use of lightning abilities.

Upon hearing Wang Ming's peculiar address, a vein throbbed on Min Kai's forehead as he retorted, "Who are you addressing as father-in-law?"

"Eh, do you have trouble hearing? Perhaps I should concoct a healing pill for you?" Wang Ming responded with feigned concern, as if Min Kai were an elderly gentleman whose hearing had deteriorated with age.

The other patriarchs stared at Wang Ming, their eyes wide with astonishment. They hadn't anticipated such audaciousness from him, and a few struggled to suppress their amusement.

"Pfft." Min Li let out a snort of laughter, her lips quivering. Witnessing his daughter's mirth directed at him, Min Kai felt as though he had been struck by invisible arrows.

"Dear, even if he is a bit advanced in years, you needn't state such truths to his face," Min Li remarked, amusement coloring her tone.

Cough.

Min Kai staggered back, nearly expelling a mouthful of blood. Noticing his colleagues observing him with evident amusement, he swiftly regained his composure and addressed Wang Ming with practiced dignity.

"Not bad, young man. You possess the audacity to retort to me—most individuals cannot even meet my gaze. When I first learned my precious daughter had been 'claimed,' my intention was to apprehend you and reclaim her," Min Kai declared. The more he examined Wang Ming, the more content he became; aside from his impertinent tongue, all other aspects of the young man were more than satisfactory.

"Eh, but I am stronger than you. How could you possibly defeat me?" Wang Ming challenged.

Min Kai clenched his fists tightly, taking several deep breaths to rein in his temper. 'I cannot strike him… I cannot strike him. He is destined to be my future son-in-law.'

"Ahem, allow me to introduce you to the patriarchs of the 8 Great Families," Wu Junhao interjected, then pointed towards the assembled figures who were observing him.

"As you are aware, the Zu, Nang, and Min Families are entrusted with the military affairs of the Black Bamboo Kingdom and command the largest contingent and most formidable cultivators among the 8 Great Clans, alongside the Royal Family."

"This is Zu Ming. He oversees the eastern frontiers of the kingdom," Wu Junhao stated, and the stern-faced man offered a curt nod in Wang Ming's direction.

"You've already met him—this is Min Kai, the general responsible for the northern borders of the kingdom," Wu Junhao continued. Min Kai cast a sideways glance at Wang Ming and emitted a dismissive snort.

"And this is Nang Lei. He serves as the general in charge of the southern borders of the realm," Wu Junhao announced, gesturing towards the handsome man standing nearby. The latter smiled affably and remarked, "Haha, Young Master Wang Ming, you should grace the Nang Family with a visit sometime. We would be honored to host a prodigy such as yourself."

"Next to be introduced is Jiang Feng, the esteemed patriarch of the Jiang Family. As you've previously experienced, they are the wealthiest family within our kingdom and preside over all auction halls," Wu Junhao explained. Jiang Feng's gaze fixed upon Wang Ming, his eyes gleaming with ambition. "Should you find yourself in need of funds, do not hesitate to approach me. I offer loans at exceptionally low interest rates."

"Following them is Mu Kong, the distinguished head of the Mu Family and renowned as the foremost array master. Beside him stands Xu Yang, recognized as the kingdom's preeminent blacksmith."

"If you require assistance in constructing array formations, I am at your service. I shall undertake this task without charge for the one who saved our capital," Mu Kong declared.

"My offer mirrors his—should you require any weaponry, I will forge it for you gratis," Xu Yang added with an easygoing smile.

"Finally, we have the heads of the two leading alchemic families, the Tang and Zhang families. Regrettably, their respective patriarchs could not attend due to personal matters," Wu Junhao stated plainly, his attention still on Wang Ming.