The City’s Strongest Son-in-law Chapter 1240 - 1239: The Three Families’ Reactions

"Father, please stop probing me about this matter. I’ve already stated that I am unable to disclose it, and I must insist on my silence. If this trivial affair were to displease my master, the invaluable opportunity I’ve painstakingly acquired could be jeopardized by your persistence!" Wang Junyi implored.

Wang Chongxing hastily nodded, his curiosity suppressed by the realization that he dared not provoke a Primordial Master. After all, incurring the wrath of Xingluo might cost a life, whereas offending Primordial Essence carried repercussions far beyond the capacity of a mere City Lord to endure.

"Very well, very well, I shall cease my inquiries. However, is it permissible for you to reveal your current cultivation rank to others?" Wang Chongxing inquired further. He couldn't be faulted for his discretion; the City Lord Mansion found itself in a precarious predicament. The three prominent families were poised to strike, and if they were aware that Wang Junyi had already attained the status of a Fourth-rank Expert, they might exercise greater restraint, thus granting the mansion a much-needed reprieve.

Wang Junyi knitted his brows, contemplating the situation for a moment. Publicly announcing his rank could indeed elicit reactions similar to those his father feared, yet it would not directly impact Su Changfeng. Thus far, only Wang Chongxing was privy to this information. No one should harbor suspicions that his surge in power was linked to Su Changfeng.

Moreover, Wang Junyi fully grasped his father’s underlying intentions and, as a filial son, he was naturally inclined to alleviate his father's burdens as much as his capabilities allowed.

"It is feasible, but you must absolutely refrain from mentioning anything related to my master," Wang Junyi stipulated.

"Understood, understood. Rest assured, I shall not casually divulge such sensitive details; aside from your current rank, I promise to say nothing more!" Wang Chongxing replied with hasty reassurance.

...

"What did you say!" The Patriarch of the Wang Family stared, utterly stunned, at the servant before him, his eyes wide with astonishment.

Wang Junyi had actually ascended to the rank of a Fourth-rank Expert? He found this news utterly incredulous. It was crucial to remember that the three major families were on the verge of challenging the City Lord Mansion, and now, the mansion was bolstered by the presence of a Fourth-rank Expert. This development was decidedly unfavorable to their ambitions.

"Is this report accurate? How did Wang Junyi achieve Fourth Rank?" Concurrently, the Wu Family found themselves confronting a strikingly similar dilemma.

Patriarch Wu's chest heaved erratically. Upon hearing this sudden news, his initial reaction was outright disbelief, but since the City Lord Mansion had dared to broadcast such an announcement, it was unlikely to be an unsubstantiated boast.

"What precisely is transpiring? Was Wang Junyi not consistently a Second Rank cultivator? How could he have suddenly advanced to Fourth Rank?" Patriarch Wu struggled to come to terms with this revelation.

"Patriarch, Wang Junyi's Life-bound Magical Artifact did indeed emit four blue glows, validating the veracity of this matter. As for the mechanism behind his overnight advancement by two ranks, it remains shrouded in mystery," a servant reported.

Patriarch Wu exhaled deeply; if this news proved true, then any aspirations of overthrowing Wang Chongxing would be reduced to an empty fantasy.

Setting aside the question of whether their combined forces could contend with Wang Junyi, the mere consideration of Wang Junyi's current formidable strength presented a significant threat that demanded utmost caution. If Wang Junyi were to launch an assault against them, could they possibly withstand its might?

A constricting sensation gripped Patriarch Wu's chest at this thought, and he clenched his teeth, lamenting, "Have all our elaborate schemes culminated in this disheartening outcome?"

With that, he seemed to be completely drained of vitality, slumping back into his seat, utterly dejected.

Meanwhile, at the Shen Family enclave.

Shen Rushuang hastened to Shen Yunlong's chambers, knocked gently upon the door, and called out, "Brother, are you within?"

"Indeed," a terse, strained voice responded from the interior of the room.

Shen Rushuang entered, her gaze immediately falling upon Shen Yunlong's troubled expression, recognizing instantly that her brother, too, had received news of Wang Junyi's sudden ascent.

"Brother, you've heard as well?" Shen Rushuang inquired, her lower lip trembling slightly.

At this precise moment, Shen Yunlong's countenance was grim, and he radiated an aura of profound reluctance.

Upon careful reflection, his chagrin was entirely understandable. He had diligently sought a powerful mentor for years to augment his strength, yet his endeavors had consistently yielded no success. Now, Wang Junyi, inexplicably, had become a Fourth-rank Expert overnight. How could he possibly stomach such a turn of events?

"Why? How could the son of a City Lord, seemingly unremarkable, be blessed with such extraordinary fortune?"

"Wang Junyi must have stumbled upon some magnificent fortuitous encounter, perhaps meeting an immensely powerful master; otherwise, how could he alone have advanced two cultivation ranks with such remarkable speed?" Shen Yunlong surmised aloud.

Shen Rushuang shared a similar sentiment. Wang Junyi had languished at the Second Rank for years, a common bottleneck that few could surmount without the guidance of a discerning mentor.

Despite her own puzzlement, Shen Rushuang pondered whether such a profoundly capable individual would truly choose to reside within the unassuming confines of Tianshui City and lend their aid to Wang Junyi's dramatic dual-rank ascent.

"Brother, do you believe Wang Junyi's master is located right here in Tianshui City? Someone capable of elevating him two ranks overnight – what level of prowess might such a cultivator possess?" Shen Rushuang posed, her brow furrowed in contemplation.

Shen Yunlong took a deep breath. If such a powerful figure truly existed within Tianshui City, he would move heaven and earth to find them, but he was utterly incapable of discerning their cultivation rank.

"Rushuang, mobilize all our available experts immediately. Find them, no matter the cost!" Shen Yunlong commanded with urgency.

Shen Rushuang grasped her brother's fierce desire, yet recognized that a direct, aggressive approach was impossible. Faced with a hidden master of unknown strength, even mobilizing a massive force might prove insufficient.

Furthermore, a reckless search could potentially offend this individual, leading to catastrophic consequences far beyond their ability to manage.

"Brother, please compose yourself. We must discuss this matter more thoroughly," Shen Rushuang advised, her voice calm.

The news had driven Shen Yunlong to the brink of madness. He swept the teacups from the table, shattering them on the floor in his fury. "That Wang Junyi fellow has reached Fourth Rank, and I am still merely Second Rank! How can you expect me to remain calm!"

Witnessing her brother's overwhelming rage, Shen Rushuang felt a pang of distress. She yearned to assist him but knew this particular challenge was beyond her current capabilities.

"Brother, it is not insurmountable. You simply haven't encountered the right opportunity to meet such a master yet. In terms of innate talent, you far surpass Wang Junyi. If this master were aware of someone as gifted as you in Tianshui City, they would undoubtedly be willing to accept you as a disciple," Shen Rushuang offered in comfort.

Shen Yunlong found no fault with his sister's words. He certainly didn't believe himself inferior to Wang Junyi, yet his anxiety remained. "I am simply worried that the master might depart Tianshui City. Even if I possess greater talent, how will they perceive me then?"

"They will not leave!" Shen Rushuang declared with unwavering conviction.

"Why do you say that?" Shen Yunlong inquired, puzzled by her absolute certainty.

"The Hunting Tournament is on the verge of commencement. I believe since they have come to Tianshui City, their presence is undoubtedly connected to this event. Even if they intend to depart, it will likely be only after the tournament concludes!" Shen Rushuang explained, her reasoning sound.