Urban Seduction: Housewives Club Chapter 2215 - 536: An Unexpected Visitor 1
Previously on Urban Seduction: Housewives Club...
"The Mystic Maiden Palace, though perhaps a bit demanding in their ways, boasts an impeccable reputation. They are widely recognized as a righteous and orthodox Sect. Moreover, it is a sanctuary exclusively for women. Since Mengchen was specifically chosen for her extraordinary talent, they have undoubtedly invested heavily in her cultivation. I am quite certain she has not faced any mistreatment there."
A sense of relief washed over Wang Yue, and his mind turned to the unseen guardians who had been secretly watching over Jinling.
He felt an even stronger conviction that these protectors were indeed sent by his second aunt.
If that was the case, her standing within the Mystic Maiden Palace must be quite significant, and concerns about her safety were no longer necessary.
Nevertheless, his determination to bring her back home remained unwavering. "Does the Patriarch know the whereabouts of the Mystic Maiden Palace?"
"Regarding that... I'm afraid I cannot offer any assistance," Yang Guang admitted, his head shaking.
"While the Ten Supreme Powers, including the Three Sects and Four Families, are generally discoverable, the 'One Palace and Two Halls' are shrouded in mystery. I've even consulted with associates from other Sacred Lands, yet not a soul knows the exact location of these three organizations."
"They are that elusive?"
Wang Yue expressed his surprise but was not deterred.
Given his strong suspicion that the secret protectors in Jinling were affiliated with the Palace, finding it seemed a simple matter of tracking them down and inquiring.
Despite their reclusive nature, the Yang family was eager to forge a connection with someone like Wang Yue.
Their shared history, coupled with the debt of gratitude for saving Yang Lin's life, and Wang Yue's immense power were all compelling reasons.
A young man under twenty, possessing the might of a peak-Transcendence master, was a rarity even for a Sacred Land like the Yangs; such an achievement was likely unique to the Ten Supreme Powers.
The fact that Wang Yue hailed from the secular world and had no prior ties to the Sacred Lands was, in itself, astonishing.
Yang Guang couldn't help but reflect with awe—Wang Yue was truly the son of the girl he had scouted years ago; his talent probably surpassed even his mother's.
With the intention of building a friendship, the Yangs extended unparalleled hospitality to Wang Yue, which he gladly accepted.
He harbored no lingering resentment towards them.
In fact, he felt a sense of thankfulness.
The past events were not Yang Guang's doing—they were solely the machinations of Su Yixuan. Furthermore, Yang Guang had never disclosed Su Mengyan's existence to the Mystic Maiden Palace.
When the first twin was taken, the Yangs received a substantial bounty of resources; had the second twin also been 'contributed' by the family, the rewards would have been even greater. If the Palace had claimed both sisters, Wang Yue would not exist today.
In a way, the Yang family had rendered him a significant service.
With both parties keen on strengthening their bond, the atmosphere was remarkably cordial. Yang Guang personally guided Wang Yue through a tour of the village.
While there were few notable sights, the excursion provided Yang Guang an opportunity to impart crucial information about the family's standing—essential knowledge for potential allies.
Wang Yue was once again struck by the formidable depth of the Yang family's heritage.
In addition to the three Transcendence masters he had already encountered, the family harbored over ten more hidden elders at that same realm, including three formidable experts at the seventh level of Transcendence or higher.
These elders, all well over a century old—the most venerable exceeding four hundred years—lived in secluded retirement, emerging only during moments of dire crisis.
Considering the Great Change occurred less than five centuries ago, the current accumulation of power was still in its nascent stages.
Another thousand years would likely see the strength of the Sacred Lands reach truly staggering proportions.
The exact lifespan of a Transcendence master remained unknown, but a millennium was a conservative estimate. With each passing generation, the number of powerhouses would inevitably increase.
In the mundane world, with rare exceptions like Xuan Ji, the strongest cultivators typically reached the Heaven Yuan Realm. Unless a catastrophic conflict decimated the Transcendence masters of the Sacred Lands, the disparity between the two realms would continue to widen over time.
As noon approached, Yang Village hosted a magnificent banquet, extending the highest level of welcome to Wang Yue.
Practically the entire village, from adults to children, was present, with the exception of the reclusive elders.
Upon learning that Wang Yue was Su Mengchen's biological nephew, the adults' warmth intensified.
It was evident how deeply the village cherished his aunt in her childhood; it was understandable, as his other aunt had described, with one sister possessing a lively spirit and the other a sweet, charming disposition.
A young woman as marvelous and gifted as Su Mengchen was a treasure that appeared only once in a millennium.
Yang Lin, his injuries significantly mended after resting throughout the morning, joined the gathering.
Wang Yue experienced a fleeting moment of unease when he faced Yang Lin, aware of their shared past. However, this discomfort disintegrated when his gaze fell upon the graceful, beautiful woman accompanying Yang Lin.
Although the pair did not exhibit any obvious signs of affection, Wang Yue possessed a keen perception for romantic entanglements. He smirked and proclaimed, "Brother Yang Lin, this must be my sister-in-law."
Given that Yang Lin evidently had another woman in his life, their previous betrothal was naturally rendered invalid. Wang Yue felt at ease addressing him as "Brother."
Yang Lin glanced at the woman by his side and offered a gentle smile. "Xiuyun is indeed the one my heart belongs to, but we are not yet married."
"Why is that? Are you perhaps still holding out for my aunt?" Wang Yue inquired.
Yang Lin let out a wry chuckle. "When Mengchen was brought here, I was merely ten years old. What did I understand of love then? I've always viewed her as a younger sister, and that sentiment remains unchanged."
"Then why haven't you taken a wife?"
This time, it was Yang Guang who let out a sigh.
"The betrothal agreement. When the Mystic Maiden Palace took her, they never formally rescinded the engagement. Should Yang Lin decide to marry Xiuyun, and the Palace were to later bring up the old pact, we would have no means to provide an explanation."
Wang Yue was left without words. The Palace, in all likelihood, had not bothered with annulling the engagement because they did not deem it worthy of their attention; the probability of them "bringing it up" was exceedingly small, less than one in ten thousand. The Yang family surely understood this, yet they still hesitated to court disaster. This, Wang Yue mused, was the unfortunate fate of the weak.
"But the Yang family is hardly weak," Wang Yue argued. "You boast three powerhouses at the late stage of Transcendence. Must you truly harbor such profound fear?"
Yang Guang dejectedly shook his head.
"Our strength is insignificant in comparison to theirs. Among the Ten Supreme Powers, each possesses a multitude of masters at the late and peak stages of Transcendence. Some even harbor individuals who have ascended beyond the Transcendence Realm."
"Beyond it?" Wang Yue's eyes widened in astonishment. He had always held the belief that Transcendence represented the zenith of martial prowess.
"Indeed. Above Transcendence lies the Void-Refining Realm.
At that level, one doesn't merely traverse short distances; they soar through the heavens with the ease of an immortal. However, the most significant disparity lies in their combat power.
It is whispered that a newly ascended 'Immortal' of the Void-Refining Realm can remain stationary and withstand assaults from peak-Transcendence masters without sustaining even a single scratch.
Conversely, a peak-Transcendence master would be obliterated by a solitary strike from them.
The Yang family may appear formidable, but a single Void-Refining Immortal possesses the might to annihilate us all."
"Void-Refining... Immortals?" Wang Yue breathed the words out. Rather than succumbing to despair, his heart ignited with a potent, newfound ambition.