The two elders were Zhou Yan's grandfather and his personal guard. Both had reached the seventh level of the Spirit Sovereign realm, making them among the most powerful figures in the Zhou family. Their combat prowess was astonishing; they were capable of defeating even ordinary ninth-level Spirit Sovereigns.
As Zhou Yan entered, his father, Zhou Wenhai, rose and approached him, ruffling his hair. "Yan'er, you've worked hard," he said.
"It was no trouble, Father," Zhou Yan replied, shaking his head.
"Yan'er, I've summoned you here today to discuss something important," Zhou Wenhai stated with a serious expression.
"Father, please just tell me directly. I'm listening," Zhou Yan said promptly.
Zhou Wenhai pondered for a moment before continuing, "Yan'er, the truth is, I've been investigating you recently."
"Investigating? Father, why would you investigate me?"
"Yan'er, I've noticed you've been associating with a mysterious figure in black robes. They seem to be young, and your relationship with them is very close. It's even possible these individuals are secret guards you've cultivated," Zhou Wenhai revealed.
Upon hearing this, Zhou Yan's expression shifted. He didn't know how this information had been leaked, but he knew that if it came to light, his life could be in danger, and the entire Zhou family might suffer disgrace.
"Father, what nonsense are you speaking?" Zhou Yan quickly retorted. "How could I possibly know such formidable individuals?"
Zhou Wenhai sighed at Zhou Yan's denial. "Yan'er, regardless of whether this is rumor or not, you are forbidden to leave the family grounds for the time being."
"But Father, I came to the capital on an important mission that requires my execution."
Zhou Wenhai frowned. "Yan'er, your mission is to cultivate diligently within the family. I will handle these matters!"
Zhou Yan's expression grew solemn. "Father, this matter concerns the honor of our Zhou family. I beg your pardon, but I cannot agree to this."
"Yan'er, when you returned, I knew this mission was no trivial matter. Moreover, I don't want you to face such great risks. Therefore, I do not wish for you to be involved this time," Zhou Wenhai stated firmly.
Zhou Yan fell silent. He understood that the mission must be exceptionally perilous. If he didn't participate, Zhou Wenhai would likely shift all blame onto him. Furthermore, it was a task that demanded immense resources and considerable capability. Without sufficient strength, he wouldn't dare to accept it.
"Very well. Since Father insists, I will not participate in the mission," Zhou Yan conceded with a sense of helplessness.
"Yan'er, rest assured, I will tell you everything after the mission concludes," Zhou Wenhai promised.
"Yes, alright, Father," Zhou Yan nodded.
"Also, Yan'er, stay at home during this period. Do not go anywhere. Await my news; I will inform you when we are to depart for the mission's location together," Zhou Wenhai instructed.
"Understood, Father," Zhou Yan replied.
Hearing his son's affirmation, Zhou Wenhai smiled. "Alright, you may attend to your business."
"Mm," Zhou Yan responded, then turned and left the main hall.
...
After leaving the hall, Zhou Yan headed directly to Zhou Wenhai's study.
"Bang."
Upon reaching the study door, he pushed it open and entered, announcing, "Father, have you summoned me again for another important matter?"
"Yan'er, please sit down and have some tea," Zhou Wenhai said.
Without ceremony, Zhou Yan sat in a chair, took a sip of tea from the table, and then asked, "Father, please speak your mind directly, without beating around the bush."
"Heh heh..." Zhou Wenhai looked at Zhou Yan and smiled. "You're always so impatient, my boy." He then produced a letter and handed it to Zhou Yan. "This is the latest information. Read it first."
"Alright." Zhou Yan nodded, took the letter from his father, and began to read carefully. The letter was from an organization called Yunlong Pavilion and contained a simple piece of information: Zhou Yan's birth date and time.
After reading, his expression became clouded. He handed the letter back to Zhou Wenhai. "Father, do we have a young man in the Zhou family surnamed Zhao?"
"Yes, that's correct. You know about the Zhao family?" Zhou Wenhai asked, surprised.
"Mm."
"The Zhao family is closely related to your mother," Zhou Wenhai added.
"The Zhao family is my mother's maiden family's business. When Mother married, I met some of her elder brothers, but I never met that particular child from the Zhao family," Zhou Yan explained.
"That Zhao family child was taken by them at the age of three. He's nearly twenty now, I suppose," Zhou Wenhai mused. "Your mother was such a beautiful girl back then..." He spoke with a tender gaze, his eyes filled with warmth as he recalled Zhou Yan's mother.
However, upon hearing his father's words, Zhou Yan's body trembled! The Zhao family were his relatives! No wonder they were causing trouble for him.
"Father, why are they causing trouble for me?" Zhou Yan couldn't help but ask.
"The Zhao family was annihilated five or six years ago," Zhou Wenhai stated.
Hearing his father's words, Zhou Yan was utterly stunned. The Zhao family had been wiped out five or six years ago! Zhou Yan didn't doubt his father’s words. His father was not only the head of the Zhou family but also their guardian, possessing immense power.
"Yan'er, you've been out experiencing the world all these years and haven't seen anyone from the Zhao family, so you wouldn't know," Zhou Wenhai said patiently, seeing Zhou Yan's shock, and began to recount the Zhao family's story.
"In its prime, the Zhao family was one of the overlords of Nanyang Town."
"However, five or six years ago, the Zhao family was suddenly attacked by a group of mysterious individuals. Everyone in the Zhao family perished, and their patriarch was reportedly killed in that disaster."
"Initially, our Zhou family suffered heavy losses in that conflict. But fortunately, due to our Zhou family's ancestral teachings, we are absolutely forbidden to engage in combat with the Zhao family. Therefore, that massacre was directed only at the common members of the Zhao family."
"As a result, our Zhou family's losses were not significant."