"Do you remember the 'Promoting Ancient Techniques' initiative led by the Five Elements Alliance a dozen years ago?" "I have a vague recollection..." Fu Xue furrowed her brow. "Did our family participate?" "Our family didn't participate, though we did contribute funds. At that time, the Five Elements Alliance had only been established for a few years, and the five major clans were still in a period of adjustment—relatively weak in strength and often subjected to punishments from the Celestial Judgment. They urgently sought to strengthen their capabilities, but upgrades for the spiritual cultivators couldn't be guaranteed. Thus, they turned their focus to equipment. Rare and precious tools were hard to produce even for scholarly families, and after extensive research, the Alliance ultimately settled on mechanical techniques." Fu Long recalled. "Back then, the continent wasn't as wealthy as it is today, and the Alliance's headquarters had limited funding. So they reached out to the Fu family for sponsorship. You were recently divorced and quite depressed—either drinking heavily or arguing with your daughter, surrounded by a group of younger, less experienced men." "This is all old news. What's the point of bringing this up now?" Fu Xue felt a bit embarrassed and quickly changed the subject. Fu Long's expression was stern as he nodded. "Recently, Fu Qingyang has obtained a secret treatise on mechanical engineering from an unknown source and plans to scale up production, aiming to become the mechanical weapon supplier for the Five-Element Alliance." Fu Xue listened intently, her heart stirred. "The prosperity of the spiritual realm families across the continent stems from their provision of life essence and equipment to the official institutions—yet these outputs are limited. Mechanical weapons, however, can be mass-produced. If a family becomes a supplier of such weapons, it can firmly establish itself on the continent." With graceful ease, she exhaled a stream of white vapor, her face filled with yearning. "It's no wonder the elders wish to join. Who wouldn't want to? I too would like to share in the benefits. Unfortunately, my nephew is naturally unkind—he has no interest in me, a grandmother now aging and less vibrant." "Your Chinese phrasing is off," Fu Long said firmly. "You shouldn't combine 'unkind' with 'a grandmother who is aging and less vibrant.' You've always struggled with your cultural studies since childhood." Fu Xue rolled her eyes. "You're a scholar, aren't you? What's so impressive Fu Long didn't respond, speaking seriously: "But Fu Qingyang has proposed a condition that the clan elders cannot accept—at least for the time being, they will not agree to let him succeed as head of the family." The succession of the headship in the Fu family occurs only under two circumstances: first, when the incumbent head dies during the spiritual realm stage, and the successor naturally ascends; second, when the head grows weary and voluntarily steps down, joining the council of elders. The Fu family, though composed of numerous factions, can be broadly categorized into just two: the council of elders and the head's own faction. Thus, the head's faction is capable of standing equal to the council of elders. By proposing this condition, Fu Qingyang is effectively forcing the council of elders to launch a coup, compelling the current head to step down. The current head will certainly resist, and as a result, the Fu family will suffer internal strife due to power struggles. Fu Xue gave a light laugh: "This is the backlash of the family's traditions—without these traditions, how could he have strained his relationship with his biological father?" "How so?" Fu Long furrowed his brows. "As for Fu Qingyang's childhood experiences, both of us are well aware. At first, whenever he faced bullying outside the family, he would cry and run straight to my brother for help. However, the Fu family adheres to a principle of strength prevailing—should a child be treated poorly within the family, they will certainly be considered a liability when they step into the outside world. Thus, they manage their younger members with a military-style discipline." "What issues do you have?" "None at all. My brother used to tell Fu Qingyang exactly the same thing—he said, 'In this world, strength is always valued. If you are strong, you must seek justice for yourself. If you are weak, even my compassion will not save you from being discarded.' Fu Xue remarked with a knowing smile, 'Fu Qingyang's pursuit of the position of family head is precisely an expression of this very principle—he is seeking retribution, just as he once did when he retaliated against those who had once bullied him. I remember your son was among them.' 'Yes, he was seriously injured—his legs were broken.' Fu Long nodded slowly. 'Now I see. It seems the elders will no longer be able to persuade him.' Fu Xue smoothed her smile and said, "Since Fu Qingyang is unwilling to have the family take a stake, then the funds from the company sale... will be invested on the mainland—something entirely unrelated to you." Fu Long spoke calmly. Fu Xue bit her lower lip, her teeth pressing firmly. "Brother Long, you know how my business has been struggling these years—difficult economic conditions, fierce industry competition. The companies I've been entrusted with by the family are all in declining, mature sectors. Even under these circumstances, the elders keep cutting me down—quite unbearable." Fu Long looked toward the door, his tone calm and composed. "You can go speak to them yourself." Fu Xue urgently said, "As the liaison between the elders and the family, if it's you who's involved... then..." Fu Long replied coldly, "What do I have to gain by helping you? Have you forgotten the family's rules? Those without capability should be phased out." Fu Xue suddenly paused, her eyes glistening with emotion. Fu Long's expression softened. "You're the only one who can facilitate the marriage alliance between Guan Ya and the Miller family. You've consistently worked toward this, but I hear you've recently changed your mind?" Hearing this, Fu Xue finally understood why it was her company that had been sold. The faction within the clan elders advocating for the marriage alliance was gaining momentum, and Fu Long himself was a strong supporter of the Guan Ya–Miller family union. "Guan Ya already has a boyfriend—the Yuan Shi Tian Zun. I'm quite satisfied with the young man, and the marriage alliance with the Miller family may not be the best choice." Fu Xue set aside her pitiful expression and adopted a strong-willed professional demeanor, as if her counterpart were no longer just her cousin, but a business rival. "The Yuan Shi Tian Zun has clashed with headquarters—shouldn't you know that?" "Xuan Xuan didn't clash with headquarters back then, either. After all, talent is naturally proud and rebellious." "Well, if you're truly satisfied with him, then why wait? Go to the mainland and join him." Fu Long said calmly. Fu Xue huffed, turned to leave, but at that moment, her phone in her bag rang. She pulled it out to see it was Fu Qingyang. "Let me answer it on the speaker," Fu Long said quickly. Fu Xue glanced at him and didn't hesitate to accept. She answered the call. "Mother-in-law, how have you been?" The voice on the line wasn't Fu Qingyang's—it was that of a young man who sounded refreshingly lively. Fu Xee was momentarily taken aback. "The Primordial Heavenly Sovereign?" Fu Long's eyes immediately sharpened, fixing himself intently on the phone screen. "It's me. I'd like to talk to you about something important. Is there no young, fresh-faced guy around?" the Primordial Heavenly Sovereign smiled. Fu Xue couldn't help but smile, and she scoffed. "No young guys here—just one old, well-seasoned piece of cured meat." "Hmm, didn't Guan Ya say you liked young, handsome types?" "Ah, this stubborn girl..." Fu Xue bit her lip, then said seriously, "You used Fu Qingyang's phone to call me—what's the "Fu Xue hesitated, saying, "What kind of business could you possibly have, you being just a young man who hasn't even graduated from university?" "Fu Qingyang has established a company specializing in organ technology research. I hold a 10% stake, and the company is currently short on funds. I'd like to transfer you a 5% stake. If your mother-in-law is interested, she can prepare the funds and come to the mainland to negotiate the contract." A thunderbolt from clear sky! A cascade of lightning strikes! Fu Xue instantly went rigid. Fu Long's composed face was filled with astonishment. After a few seconds, Fu Xue suddenly snapped back to herself. Her hands were trembling, and though she struggled to suppress her excitement, her voice still trembled: "You—you—don't you think this is a bit too good to be true? This kind of opportunity should surely be mine?" "After all, you're my mother-in-law, and I'm half your son—rounding it off, you're practically my mother," Zhang Yuanqing chuckled. Fu Xue was nearly overwhelmed by his sugar-coated barrage, hurrying out of the office and stepping outside the castle, where the fresh air and warm sunlight helped calm her agitated emotions. "Five percent equity—how much are you asking for in transfer fees?" Fu Xue said softly, "Mr. Yuanshi...?" Zhang Yuanqing smiled and interrupted, "Call him son." Fu Xue spat, "I'm telling you, Auntie, my savings are limited. If you set too high a price, I simply won't be able to afford it." "Five percent equity—fifteen billion federal coins." "Fifteen billion?" Fu Xue's face turned pale. "Are you suggesting I sell my kitchenware and even my body to make it happen?" "Mom, stop playing the part," Zhang Yuanqing said. "Fu Qingyang said you could raise it, so you will. Of course, I have another option," he added. "I'll take only ten billion federal coins for the equity transfer. In return, you'll lend the company ten billion federal coins interest-free. Once the company becomes profitable, it will repay the debt immediately." "Let me borrow the company ten billion federal coins..." Fu Xue quickly calculated in her mind. Ten billion federal coins to buy a 5% stake—she was definitely making a profit, a big one. But to lend the company another ten billion, she'd have to take a loan. If she had to sell off her assets to raise fifteen billion, it wouldn't be difficult—then she'd only need to borrow an additional five billion. Banks would be out of the question, since selling assets would leave nothing to secure the loan. The only viable options would be to seek help from her family or to borrow from close friends by pledging assets. Her first thought went straight to Chen Shu—her close friend, who was not only very wealthy but also had a strong relationship with her. Recently, Chen had asked for help, so borrowing five billion from her should be manageable. With that in mind, Fu Xue said, "Alright, I'll book my flight back to the mainland now. Let's meet for dinner tonight." She then hung up the phone and opened the car door. At that moment, Fu Long rushed out of the manor, pressed against the car door, and said in a steady voice: "The clan elders wish to see you, Fu Xue. Your opportunity has arrived. As long as you transfer a 5% stake to the family, they will treat you well—you'll gain three financially strong listed companies, and the elders will agree to increase your share of profits." Fu Xue turned to gaze at the old manor, then looked at Fu Long, lifted her hand gently to stroke her brother-in-law's chest, and smiled warmly. "I'm heading to the mainland to join my son-in-law. I'll come back to see the elders another time." "Get out of here!" she pushed Fu Long aside, sat into the red sports car, and accelerated, driving away from the manor. The sunlight was bright, the fields of green and yellow stretching all the way to the horizon, and the warm breeze brushing her face carried a lazy, intoxicating feeling. With one hand on the wheel, Fu Xue dialed Chen Shu's phone. "Chen Shu, I've been bullied by the old guard at the Fu family..." As soon as the phone rang, Fu Xue rushed in, eager to share her current situation with her close friend and business partner. Chen Shu listened quietly, her tone calm and composed. "Given your strong personality, you'd only grit your teeth and hold on, always insisting on dignity—how could you cry out in despair? Just tell me the twist." Chen Shu's tone shifted. The wind rushing past her ears made Fu Xue unaware of the subtle tension in her friend's voice, and she continued to smile warmly. "Master Yuan has shares in an R&D company—how thoughtful of him to show his devotion to me, my mother-in-law! He kept calling me 'mom' throughout the conversation, so warm and affectionate. Honestly, Guan Ya has a much sharper eye for men than I do. I can't help but admire that." ... The night fell over Tokyo. The Ginza, once hailed as capable of purchasing the entire Free Federation, now shimmered with dazzling, dreamlike neon lights. As night deepened, the enchanting nightlife of Ginza truly began—its streets bathed in a vibrant sea of colorful illumination. Bars and nightclubs revealed their unique charm, with groups of well-dressed, prosperous executives arriving and departing with laughter and warmth. Hayano Reiko stood before the vast floor-to-ceiling windows, gazing down at the magical night scene. The bubble of Ginza’s prosperity had burst; the Chinese people’s ambitions had turned to vapor, once again bowing to the might of their powerful adversaries—just as the Chiba Group had succumbed to the divine retribution. Tonight, the guests of the Divine Judgment were due. As a senior officer of the Chiba Group and the only female officer, she would join the other officers to welcome them. The group leader had specifically requested that she wear a refined makeup and a beautiful cherry blossom kimono. This was the first time Shina Reo had met the messengers of Tianfa. Previously, the leaders and elite members of Tianfa had been utterly out of reach to her. It was said that among the members present this time, there were outstanding figures at the Saint stage—world-class elites. She found herself wondering, how did they compare to Yuan Shi Jun? Her thoughts came unbidden. The soft sound of light footsteps interrupted her train of thought. A junior office staff member from the Chihaku Group entered the office, speaking softly, "Shina Director, the组长 has invited you. The guests have arrived at Oohara House." Shina Reo nodded and, wearing her wooden clogs, walked slowly toward Oohara House with a measured pace. She took the elevator to the floor where Oohara House was located, and, under the guidance of a server, proceeded to the private dining room. There, she heard the组长 speaking in a somewhat awkward English, "Your arrival, Sir Hunter, is a great honor to our country, and to the Chihaku Group." Yet, the guest remained indifferent. The Hunter of Monsters... Shina Ryō sifted through her memories, trying to recall, but unfortunately, she had never heard of this name. It was quite normal, given that the Heaven's Judgment Organization had so many first-level executives. As she thought about it, Shina Ryō reached the door of the private room, knocked gently, and said, "Director!" "Come in," responded Kōbu Ichirō. Shina Ryō pushed the door open and glanced around the room. A wine table was set on the tatami mat, with guests lounging lazily at the sides. At the head of the table sat a middle-aged man with short, golden hair, a high nose, bright eyes, and a few streaks of white at his temples, his well-groomed beard adding to his distinguished features—his facial features and demeanor bore a striking resemblance to the protagonist of the film *Dr. Strange*, one that Shina Ryō particularly admired. This must be the executive the director had mentioned—the Hunter of Monsters. Besides this central figure, there were three young foreigners in the room: one relaxed, one serious, and one light-hearted and somewhat aloof. The last one, when he looked at himself "Come here, sit by the Hunter-General's side," said Kuroda Ichiro with a smile. The dignified team leader now smiled humbly, bowing with respectful posture. Sayo Ryō stepped forward with a slightly uneven gait, straightened his back, and poured wine for the General. "Can you speak foreign languages?" the Hunter glanced at the beautiful young woman beside him and asked in Japanese. "Of course!" said Sayo Ryō, nodding. The Hunter then asked, "Our Department of Divine Justice has learned that you have a close relationship with the Primordial Sovereign, and that you are even a member of his faction." Sayo Ryō's face momentarily went still, and he quickly turned to look at the team leader. Kuroda Ichiro spoke firmly, "The General is asking you questions—just answer what you know." Divine Justice has established numerous informants within the Chiharu Group, and the fact that Sayo Ryō and the Primordial Sovereign have developed a strong connection is not a secret that the Chiharu Group has deliberately concealed. Divine Justice can easily uncover this information. Sayo Ryō nodded vigorously, "Yes, General." "The Hunter of Monsters said, 'We have received a report alleging that the Primordial Sovereign is a descendant of the Magus King, and that there is solid evidence to support this claim. We now wish to ask you a few questions, and we hope you will answer them truthfully.'"