Realm of the Night God

Chapter 655: Guesthouse Conference

At the peak of the Zhang family slope, there are quite a few buildings constructed from logs of varying sizes. Although lacking the grandeur of tall structures, they exude a tranquil atmosphere akin to a secluded paradise.

Previously obscured by the protective barrier on the mountainside, these buildings were invisible to the naked eye. Now, atop the slope, Yang Haoran couldn't help but be impressed by the sight of these log structures.

Though not towering, these wooden buildings displayed exquisite craftsmanship, boasting both aesthetic appeal and diversity.

Among them were wooden cabins for residence, pavilions for tea drinking, a dining hall for meals, and several other structures with apparent alternative purposes.

From this perspective, Zhang family appeared more refined compared to the Ma Family. Despite being two major demon-hunting families in Ancheng, there were notable differences in detail.

Having learned from Chu Jiu that something significant had occurred within the Zhang family, and now confirmed by the middle-aged man, Yang Haoran had expected the Zhang family to be in ruins or at least showing signs of damage. However, the current scene contradicted his expectations. There seemed to be no evidence of a major battle having taken place here, not even remnants of combat.

Though puzzled, Yang Haoran refrained from asking too many questions. He sensed some dissatisfaction from the middle-aged man and his son, though they didn't overtly express it.

The reason for their discontent was apparent to Yang Haoran—he had forcibly brought Zhang Li up the mountain.

While the Zhang family had fewer members compared to the equally renowned Ma Family, it appeared more populous. As they ascended, they encountered various Zhang family members—men, women, young, and old.

As demon-hunting practitioners, they were not ordinary people; even the children had some skills, with power emanating from within.They were curious and puzzled by Yang Haoran's arrival, sensing Yin Qi and Yin spirit power emanating from him.

Having Xu Meijing and her group already visited the Zhang family slope, they wondered why another individual had arrived alone this time.

They didn't speculate much about Yang Haoran's identity, assuming him to be one of Xu Meijing's Night Watch underlings. Though Night Watch were considered semi-Underworld Envoys, they held no awe for them, being the lowest-ranking members of the Yin Division. Some Night Watch were even weaker than the Zhang family members, so there was no sense of reverence.

However, they didn't outright reject or confront Yang Haoran, as the Ancheng Yin Division was here to assist the Zhang family in resolving their troubles.

However, Zhang Li, who trailed behind Yang Haoran, didn't receive the same treatment. Everywhere he went, he was met with looks of disdain and indifference from Zhang family members, much like his adoptive father and brother.

Under these cold gazes, Zhang Li didn't show anger or resentment. He tried to avoid looking at the clan members, ignoring their sharp glances, but the desolation in his eyes had intensified.

Although Zhang Li remained silent, Yang Haoran could sense his inner turmoil. It was evident that Zhang Li was deeply distressed, beyond what words could describe.

However, in such circumstances, Yang Haoran refrained from offering consolation. Such experiences often led to profound personal insights and changes. It was better for Zhang Li to undergo these experiences firsthand rather than through hearsay, as direct experiences were more effective in bringing about change.

Whether Zhang Li's current ordeal would lead to positive or negative changes remained to be seen.

"Divine Envoy Yang, Father and several elders are currently discussing matters in the guesthouse. Divine Envoy Xu is also there. Allow me to lead the way," the middle-aged man suddenly spoke to Yang Haoran.

"Heh, alright, I appreciate your guidance," Yang Haoran nodded with a smile.

"Divine Envoy Yang, there's no need for courtesy. It's my duty," the middle-aged man responded with a smile.

Yang Haoran didn't respond but paused, turning to look at Zhang Li behind him.

"Would you like to come in with me?" Yang Haoran asked with a smile, not forcing Zhang Li but allowing him to make his own choice.

Zhang Li didn't hesitate and nodded towards Yang Haoran.

"I want to go in and see Grandpa."

The middle-aged man furrowed his brow slightly, showing some displeasure, but out of respect for Yang Haoran, he didn't say anything.

As for the young man beside him, he certainly wouldn't speak out of turn at this point, especially after being reprimanded earlier.

Yang Haoran nodded in understanding and then looked towards the middle-aged man.

Seeing Yang Haoran's gaze, the middle-aged man suppressed his displeasure and smiled again, though his smile seemed somewhat forced.

"Don't worry. After meeting your Old Man later, I'll explain to him. Even if your Old Man wants to blame someone, it'll be me, not you," Yang Haoran reassured the middle-aged man with a smile, ignoring his discomfort.

Although Yang Haoran's words were comforting, the middle-aged man knew that even if Yang Haoran took all the blame, his own father would still reprimand him. After all, he knew his father's personality too well.

Yang Haoran didn't know Zhang family's Old Man's personality, nor had he ever met the man. However, he could imagine that even if he took all the blame, the middle-aged man responsible for bringing Zhang Li up the mountain would still be held accountable.

Though he understood this, Yang Haoran wouldn't be foolish enough to say it aloud. Instead, he reassured the middle-aged man that everything would be fine.

Yang Haoran knew the middle-aged man wouldn't fully believe his reassurance, but that wasn't his intention. He simply wanted to convey that he intended to take Zhang Li with him.

Though the middle-aged man didn't believe Yang Haoran's words, he still had to thank him sincerely for the sake of their Zhang family's interests.

"Thank you, Yang Divine Envoy. Please communicate with my father more later. Otherwise, I'm afraid I'll be in big trouble," the middle-aged man said with a wry smile.

"Don't worry, I always keep my word. What I say is as good as done. You can rest assured, there's no need to worry about such trivial matters," Yang Haoran replied smoothly, though even he felt it sounded a bit insincere. But as a professional, he didn't blush.

After another insincere expression of gratitude from the middle-aged man, he led Yang Haoran and Zhang Li to a wooden building.

It was a two-story wooden building, closed off from the outside, so they couldn't see inside. Moreover, a restriction barrier had been placed around it, preventing Yang Haoran from sensing how many people were inside or what they were doing.

"This is our Zhang family's guest building, used to entertain guests and discuss important matters. At the moment, Father is discussing important matters with some elders inside. It's crucial, hence the restriction barrier," the middle-aged man explained to Yang Haoran.

Yang Haoran nodded in understanding as the middle-aged man waved his hand towards the building, revealing the barrier and creating an opening large enough for all four of them to enter side by side.

As the barrier opened, Yang Haoran immediately sensed fluctuations of power within the building. Although the strength varied, there were quite a few, including some Yin spirit power unique to their Yin Division.

Initially cautious and worried, Yang Haoran's concerns dissipated upon sensing these Yin spirit powers. It seemed that Xu Meijing hadn't encountered any danger for the time being.

With a smile on his face, Yang Haoran didn't waste any time and walked into the barrier. Seeing this, Zhang Li quickly followed suit.