The City’s Strongest Son-in-law Chapter 1247 - 1246: Wang Junyi’s Guilty Conscience

The Yuanqi Mountain Range is structured into three distinct zones: the outer region, the inner region, and the central region.

Under typical conditions, the majority of individuals explore the outer region, with only a fortunate few venturing into the inner region. As for the central area, it has been many years since anyone dared set foot there.

Ordinarily, ninety-nine percent of people remain within the outer reaches, while a mere one percent brave the middle zone. Concerning the core, it’s been ages since anyone dared to tread there.

For those truly formidable cultivators, the exotic beasts inhabiting the Yuanqi Mountain Range have lost their appeal; they find themselves more drawn to the Sourceless Forest.

As Wang Junyi, mounted on his horse, approached the passage leading to the inner circle of the Yuanqi Mountain Range, many onlookers watched with palpable envy.

"Wang Junyi has ascended two ranks; he must be making his way to the inner region."

"He is a fourth-rank expert, why would he squander his time in the outer region?"

"Should Wang Junyi truly achieve the status of a beast tamer, Tianshui City will undoubtedly fall under the dominion of the Wang Family."

"Indeed, and did Wang Junyi not once set his sights on the cherished daughter of the Shen Family? Alas, she spurned him and ultimately married a good-for-nothing. She must be filled with regret now."

Su Changfeng, overhearing these remarks, couldn't help but cast a glance at Shen Rushuang. Her expression remained impassive, as if she had foreseen such commentary from the crowd.

The passageway itself was a narrow trail snaking between two imposing mountains. As Wang Junyi proceeded inward, Shen Rushuang followed in his wake.

Witnessing this, Su Changfeng naturally opted to trail behind them.

Although Shen Rushuang harbored intentions to end his life, Su Changfeng felt assured that his demise was not imminent. He decided it would be prudent to seize this chance to observe some different exotic beasts.

"Shen Rushuang? What is the meaning of this? Does she intend to journey to the inner circle as well?"

"Shen Rushuang is merely a first-rank cultivator, is she not? Has she lost her mind? This is an outright act of suicide!"

"Hark, there is a man accompanying her. Could he be someone Shen Rushuang specifically brought along for assistance?"

The surrounding crowd began to buzz amongst themselves, their curiosity piqued regarding Su Changfeng's identity.

Entering the inner region poses significant peril for anyone whose cultivation is not at least fourth-rank. Consequently, in the eyes of the observers, if Shen Rushuang dared to enter, she must have been adequately prepared. However, her companion, Su Changfeng, was unrecognized, inevitably sparking conjecture.

Nevertheless, it wasn't long before someone managed to identify Su Changfeng. Previously, when Su Changfeng made an appearance at the teahouse, he had indeed caused a minor sensation.

"That fellow, isn't he Shen Rushuang's husband?"

"Impossible, could it truly be him?"

"But haven't we all been told that Shen Rushuang's husband is a complete waste? Could these whispers be unfounded?"

"No, I heard the same. That man is indeed a good-for-nothing. As for why Shen Rushuang would bring him into the inner region, I haven't the faintest idea."

"Could it be that they have both taken leave of their senses?"

For a moment, a flurry of speculation rippled through the onlookers. Some entertained the notion that the rumors might be false, suggesting Su Changfeng could be a hidden master. Others theorized that Shen Rushuang intended to lead Su Changfeng into the inner circle for a mutual demise.

Naturally, a few individuals with more discerning minds believed Shen Rushuang planned to dispose of her useless husband during the upcoming hunting expedition, hence her decision to venture into the inner region.

In reality, Wang Junyi also felt a degree of uncertainty. After all, he had never ventured into the inner region before and was unable to ascertain what manner of exotic beasts he might encounter. Should Fortune frown upon him and he faced a formidable opponent, his return might be precluded.

However, upon observing Su Changfeng accompanying Shen Rushuang into the inner region, Wang Junyi felt a profound sense of relief. In his estimation, with Su Changfeng acting as a guardian, there would be no insurmountable obstacles, even if they ventured to the very heart of the Yuanqi Mountain Range.

After dismounting, Wang Junyi deliberately slackened his pace, intending to walk alongside Su Changfeng. Yet, Shen Rushuang showed no inclination to remain in Wang Junyi's company, as she harbored a plan to utilize this opportunity to gauge Su Changfeng's true capabilities. If he proved to be as inept as he appeared, she would eliminate him on the spot, though such a clandestine act naturally required the absence of witnesses.

"Wang Junyi, despite your current status as a fourth-rank expert, do you still intend to accompany us?" Shen Rushuang deliberately goaded Wang Junyi.

"Shen Rushuang, given your awareness of my fourth-rank cultivation, would it not be more prudent for me to offer you protection?" Wang Junyi replied with a confident smile.

"Your protection is unnecessary," Shen Rushuang stated coolly.

"How can that be?" Wang Junyi persisted. "I find pleasure in lively company, and furthermore, with increased power comes augmented responsibility. It is only fitting that I offer you some measure of protection."

Shen Rushuang couldn't help but furrow her brows, her meticulously crafted plans thrown into disarray by Wang Junyi's unexpected intrusion. Yet, with Wang Junyi adamant about staying together, she found herself with little recourse.

Su Changfeng found the situation quite amusing. He intimately understood that Wang Junyi's insistence stemmed purely from fear and an unwillingness to venture forth alone. It was, however, a surprising turn of events that a fourth-rank expert would exhibit such a deficiency in courage.

A seed of doubt was planted in Su Changfeng's mind: had he been too hasty in accepting a disciple with such a timid disposition? What measure of future success could truly be anticipated from him?

Upon crossing into the inner region, a palpable shift occurred in the demeanor of Shen Rushuang and Wang Junyi; their expressions grew noticeably more solemn. They were keenly aware that this was no longer the outer region, and a significantly heightened peril lay ahead. Without a fortunate turn of events, their very lives could be forfeit.

In contrast to Wang Junyi, Shen Rushuang exhibited a greater degree of apprehension. Wang Junyi, at the very least, possessed the knowledge that Su Changfeng held the capability to confront exotic beasts. Shen Rushuang, however, was completely unaware of any such prowess.

As Su Changfeng trailed behind, Wang Junyi deliberately, almost casually, reduced his own pace to match Su Changfeng's.

With Shen Rushuang's attention perpetually fixed on their surroundings, she remained oblivious to the hushed exchange occurring between Su Changfeng and Wang Junyi.

"Master, I shall be relying on you later. As my Master, your protection is paramount. I truly do not wish to perish here," Wang Junyi whispered, his voice barely audible.

"You are a fourth-rank expert, and we are not within the central region. What is the cause of your excessive fear?" Su Changfeng's lips twitched almost imperceptibly.

"Master, it is true that this is not the central region, yet formidable exotic beasts still roam these parts. After all, beasts from the central zone often venture here to seek sustenance," Wang Junyi provided as his explanation.

Su Changfeng offered a slight nod in acknowledgment. He conceded that if fortune did not favor them, even a fourth-rank expert might indeed find themselves utterly insignificant.

It was at this juncture that faint sounds of distant conflict reached their ears. Shen Rushuang came to an abrupt halt, while Wang Junyi swiftly increased the distance between himself and Su Changfeng, clearly intent on concealing their familial relationship.

"It appears an exotic beast lies ahead. Shall we investigate?" Shen Rushuang inquired of Wang Junyi, viewing him as a figure of authority and dismissing Su Changfeng as mere waste. In moments of critical importance, her hope for protection rested solely with Wang Junyi.

Wang Junyi cast a furtive glance at Su Changfeng, who responded with a subtle nod. Only then did Wang Junyi make his decision: "Most certainly. We may uncover some form of advantage."

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