"Brother Chu, do you think Zeng Batian is truly reliable?"

Li Feng turned his head to look at Chu Sihai and asked.

Upon hearing Li Feng's question, Chu Sihai chuckled and said, "Brother Li, you might not really understand the way noble families operate in the Lower Three Rings."

"In the families of Ancestor Dragon City, there are three levels of relationships. The first layer is blood relations. A family genealogy is the foundation of a family. Any member of the family, while enjoying the resources and status the family provides, must also dedicate their life to the family. If the family requires you to sacrifice your life, you must do so willingly."

"Being expelled from the family genealogy is a significant matter. Although one who leaves the genealogy may not become a lost soul or a wandering ghost, they would become a rootless person, looked down upon by others. Of course, someone like Zeng Batian is slightly better off, but if you refuse to take him in, despite being a Golden Core Middle Stage cultivator, he would find no place to stand in this Ancestor Dragon City."

"So you needn't worry about him betraying you or not listening to you because now he has no choice but to rely on you."

"As for the second layer of relationship, it's the master-servant relationship. Here, master-servant is not like slavery in the Lower Three Rings, but a master-follower relationship. You are the master, and he is the follower, which can also be seen as a retainer relationship."

"His future, and even that of his descendants, will be tied to you. His entire family will rise and fall with yours. Therefore, he will wholeheartedly help to strengthen your family, because only when your master family is strong can his retainer family rise as well."

"A strong family needs retainers, and the reason the eight noble families can control the entire Ancestor Dragon City is not just because of their immense power, but also because the majority of the city's retainers belong to the eight noble families, almost half of Ancestor Dragon City's families."

"That's why they've stood firm for a millennium. However, not just anyone can be a retainer. Those with strength and capability often choose to establish their own branch. Even if they can't, they wouldn't easily become retainers since it involves their own future and that of their descendants."

"As the saying goes, a wise ruler selects good ministers, and good ministers also choose their rulers. Without a life-and-death bond or being completely impressed, few would make this choice. Hence, the master-retainer relationship is second only to blood ties."

"The third layer is the marital relationship. Families in Ancestor Dragon City have formed networks of interests through marriage. While not as steadfast as the other two relationships, its importance is undeniable."

"Now that you are establishing your household, you will definitely encounter these. People around you who are not familiar with it can ask...well, now he should be called Li Batian. He should be able to offer you candid advice."

Li Feng listened to Chu Sihai's explanation and nodded.

He hadn't expected there to be such reasons. In the outside world, as the economy develops, even blood relations aren't as stable, let alone marital alliances.

However, even though Ancestor Dragon City is a cultivation-based civilization, it still retains a strong feudal atmosphere, like the master-retainer and marital bonds, and its clan cohesion is unmatched outside. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺

In the outside world, the clan system is collapsing except for a few clinging to the remnants of the ancient martial families, the past dominance of the clan system is long gone.

"Family Head."

Li Feng, still discussing more with Chu Sihai, saw the renamed Li Batian appear before him. Li Feng slightly furrowed his brow, "What is it?"

"Reporting to the Family Head, the Fang Family mother and son are right outside wanting to visit you."

"Fang Family mother and son?"

Li Feng blinked, and Li Batian explained, "Family Head, this Fang Family comes from the Fifth Ring. The reason they are here is likely to seek assistance."

"Assistance?"

Li Feng looked puzzled, and Li Batian continued, "Yes, the Fang Family is considered a third-tier family, but they've recently faced internal turmoil. The previous Family Head went out with a group, suffering heavy losses, and the Family Head was killed."

"This led to a power struggle for the Family Head position within the Fang Family. The previous head left behind heirs, albeit young ones, each with a supportive familial background capable of contesting the position."

"Moreover, the deceased Family Head had two younger brothers who also got involved. They too held considerable power within the Fang Family. But now, with the Family Head position vacant and heirs in conflict, no one can persuade the others, leading to severe internal strife."

"The result is that the remaining strength of the Fang Family has been significantly depleted. Even half of their tributes have abandoned them. Despite eventually choosing a new Family Head, the internal damage is evident, and many families have taken notice. The Fang Family has become a prize that everyone wants."

"Previously, the Zeng Family had set their sights on the Fang Family. My older brother once tried to marry the current Fang Family head's mother to swallow the Fang Family and elevate the Zeng Family to a third-tier status."

"As planned, if today's events went smoothly, the Zeng Family would have directly moved against the Fang Family and struck while the iron was hot."

Li Feng, listening to this account, roughly understood the situation, "So, the Fang Family mother and son sense the impending crisis?"

"Yes, the Zeng Family, having lost half their assets, will surely want to compensate by annexing the Fang Family. It will be a matter of days before they act, as the Zeng Family can no longer afford delays. They had once held confidence and some promises, but that doesn't mean other families aren't eyeing them covetously."

"Now, in the Zeng Family's misfortune, if they hesitate, other families will likely make a move, as many covet the rich 'meat' that is the Fang Family," Li Batian said.

"The visit by the Fang Family mother and son offers you an opportunity, Family Head. Despite gaining half of the Zeng Family's assets from your battle, that doesn't compare to the foundation that the Fang Family offers."

"If the Family Head can take hold of the Fang Family, you will firmly establish your base," Li Feng noted Li Batian's efficient transition to advising him, as predicted by Chu Sihai.

Li Feng hadn't expected so many consecutive opportunities. The half of the Zeng Family's assets hadn't even settled before more gifts arrived, and from Li Batian's implication, the Fang Family was a lucrative 'feast.'

But although the meat is delicious, there might be plenty eyeing it.

"Brother Chu, what do you think...?"

Chu Sihai, quietly sipping tea on the side, saw Li Feng looking over and laughed lightly, "I've heard of the Fang Family issue, but there are bones in that meat—it's not easy to swallow."

"Of course, it's not my place to say. Brother Li, today, I'll take my leave. We'll find time to meet again later."

"I'll see you out."

Li Feng escorted Chu Sihai to the door. Though they were friends, the bond wasn't deep. Clearly, Chu Sihai wished to avoid involvement, yet Li Feng couldn't ignore the Fang Family mother and son seeking an audience.

"Lead the way."

No matter what, Li Feng decided to meet them first since their bold visit indicated they must have a request.