Full-time monk: I am the prophet of civilization!

These were far beyond Zhao Yuzheng's ability to cope.

All he could do was beg Lin Fan to show leniency.

Looking at Zhao Yuzheng's no longer upright and imposing figure, Lin Fan shook his head helplessly.

“Patriarch Zhao, you can just call me Lin Fan. Besides, you seem to have misunderstood.”

“I came to the Zhao family only to obtain funds; I have no interest in your family affairs.”

"If it weren't for the urgency of the situation, I would have preferred to tell you about this privately."

With his goal achieved, Lin Fan also revealed his original thoughts.

As long as the Zhao family can provide sufficient funds for the development of Donghuang, he doesn't care how Zhao Yuzheng and others handle their family affairs.

He could kill Zhao Youqian or imprison him like in the original timeline.

As for whether this will result in the loss of Zhao Youqian, a talented businessman?

To put it bluntly, the world lacks everything except business talent.

Even if Zhao Youqian is gone, there are still business geniuses like Mu Nuxin to take his place.

If you don't do it, there are plenty of others who will!

Upon hearing this, Zhao Yuzheng immediately breathed a sigh of relief.

At least, his family members, whom he cherishes, won't be implicated...

However, he quickly caught another keyword.

'Time is tight?'

Recalling the earlier mention of Zhao Jing using Zhao Manyan to probe for information about Lin Fan and the others...

'Could it be that...'

Zhao Yuzheng suddenly looked up and met Lin Fan's bright and cheerful smile.

"If you don't mind, you can come with me to see a good show."

Mind Control · Virtual Claw.

A silver spatial force swept across in an instant, loosening Zhao Manyan's bindings.

Then, Lin Fan turned and left with Lü Huan, Zhao Chenying, and Nan Jue, leaving Zhao Yuzheng and his two sons staring at each other.

Zhao Jing's courtyard.

"Halt! This is the residence of Elder Zhao Jing. Unauthorized personnel are not permitted to approach!"

Two high-ranking mages roared angrily, trying to drive Lin Fan and the others away like fierce demons.

"Tsk tsk, two high-level mages acting as watchdogs, truly befitting the wealthy and powerful Zhao family."

Looking at the two high-level mages who completely treated him like a dog, Lin Fan sneered at Zhao Yuzheng, who had followed behind.

With these resources to train watchdogs, if placed in the Weifang region, who knows how many commoner mages could have their lives changed?

'Indeed, the ideological awareness of aristocratic families still needs improvement.'

After being subtly pointed out by Lin Fan, Zhao Yuzheng was first startled, and then, looking at the two confidants of Zhao Jing, he was immediately furious.

He didn't believe that the two guards hadn't seen him following behind Lin Fan and the others.

Yet, seeing himself, the head of the Zhao family, still dared to be so arrogant...

Clearly, their master, Zhao Jing, has made no attempt to hide his wolfish ambitions.

And that is indeed the case.

Chapter 33 Zhao Jing and the Three Guest Elders

If the original timeline had continued, Zhao Yuzheng would have been poisoned by Zhao Yougan, and would have remained seriously ill for the next few years, losing all interest in his family business.

Naturally, they were unaware that Zhao Jing was gradually seizing power within the Zhao family.

As for Zhao Youqian?

He was just an ordinary businessman. In this world where strength reigns supreme, how could he possibly do anything to Zhao Jing?

The only chance of victory is to join forces with Zhao Manyan. The two brothers, one skilled in literature and the other in martial arts, can then contend with Zhao Jing.

This was also Zhao Yuzheng's best idea.

Unfortunately, things didn't go as planned.

Zhao Yuzheng could naturally have considered all of these possibilities, which was one of the reasons for his furious outburst.

He was terrified of the possibility of his wife leaving him, his children leaving him, and his family being destroyed; he was also angry at his inability to do anything about it.

Fortunately, there is still a chance to salvage the situation.

Zhao Yuzheng glanced cautiously at Lin Fan, who was watching the show, and a hint of relief flashed through his mind.

"As long as we seize the opportunity given by Lin Fan and Commander Lü, the Zhao family can certainly overcome this crisis and reach new heights!"

To be fair, Zhao Yuzheng and Lü Huan were surprisingly similar in their thinking when it came to seizing opportunities.

The thought of lying flat arises, and suddenly the world seems vast.

If we can't beat them, we might as well join them!

After joining, whether for the sake of the Zhao family or for his wife and children, he had to make a good impression...

In just a moment, Zhao Yuzheng had made up his mind.

He strode forward and loudly rebuked the two guards.

"How dare you stop my distinguished guest!"

"Clan leader, this is an order from Lord Zhao Jing. Please do not make things difficult for your subordinate..."

Seeing Zhao Yuzheng's furious expression, the two high-ranking monks frowned slightly but did not back down.

Clearly, they listen to Zhao Jing more than Zhao Yuzheng.

"Fine! Fine! So that means my words don't carry as much weight as Zhao Jing's, right?"

"This……"

Although the two guards thought so, they ultimately did not dare to admit it in this Zhao clan territory.

Just as the two were in a dilemma, a strong voice came from inside the courtyard.

"What wind has blown the Zhao family head here today?"

Before seeing the person, one hears their voice.

As several footsteps approached, Zhao Jing finally appeared at the scene.

Behind him were three more people...

"Commander Baisong, Commander Lanzhu, Commander Qinglan..."

"What are you doing here?"

Upon seeing the three people's faces, Zhao Yuzheng's eyes widened slightly, once again realizing that the situation had exceeded his expectations.

As mentioned earlier, the Zhao family, being the wealthiest clan in Donghuang, naturally needed someone to protect their wealth.

The forbidden spellcaster, Lü Huan, was the biggest patron of the Zhao family.

But it's impossible to trouble Lü Huan with minor matters.

Therefore, the Zhao family recruited several top-tier experts as guest advisors.

The three people in front of them were the aristocratic retainers whom the Zhao family had hired at great expense...

However, judging from the current situation, these three guest advisors have clearly sided with Zhao Jing.

This is also why Lin Fan brought Zhao Yuzheng here.

What he wanted was a Zhao family under his complete control, not one that was outwardly compliant but inwardly divided, internally divided, and vying for power.

"Hehe, Patriarch Zhao, don't misunderstand. The three masters have just come to my place for tea and a chat."

Zhao Jing chuckled, his arrogant expression showing that he didn't take Zhao Yuzheng seriously at all.

It's no wonder, though, that he became a top-tier level three mage at around thirty years old.

With the forbidden spell in sight, barring any unforeseen circumstances, the Zhao family, without a forbidden spell master, truly has no way to deal with him.

Unfortunately……

"You're really not going to keep up with the times!"

Lin Fan patted Zhao Yuzheng on the shoulder and said softly.

Knowing that Lin Fan was going to take over the situation, Zhao Yuzheng also consciously stepped back to the back row.

"Who are you?"

Zhao Yuzheng's retreat made Zhao Jing quite wary of the young man Lin Fan.

Who I am is not important. What matters is that you are going to die here today.

Lin Fan spoke calmly, as if stating established facts.

"Die? You brat, how dare you say I'll die here?! Hahahaha!"

Zhao Jing was taken aback at first, then burst into laughter in anger.

“Even if you are the son of the Zhao family head, you still have to kowtow and apologize to me for saying such things.”

Upon hearing this, the first to react was not Lin Fan, but Zhao Yuzheng, who was watching the show from the back row.

No way, how could this have anything to do with me? Zhao Jing, if you're looking for trouble, don't drag me down with you...

Glancing at Lü Huan beside him, Zhao Yuzheng quickly pulled Zhao Manyan back a few steps to prevent Zhao Jing's blood from splashing on them.

Seeing that Lin Fan remained silent and Zhao Yuzheng acted extremely timidly, Zhao Jing's courage actually grew a little stronger.

"Commander Baisong, Commander Lanzhu, Commander Qinglan, I think today might be a good opportunity."

He actually wanted to join Bai Song and others in forcing the emperor to abdicate and seize power from the Zhao family ahead of schedule.

According to the timeline, Zhao Jing was more inclined to break the forbidden spell and seize power again.

But now Zhao Yuzheng has seen through his deception, and the emperor has no choice but to accept the situation.

Most importantly, Zhao Yuzheng's side only has one young high-level mage and two novice mage.

The rest are all ordinary people...

On his side, there were four super-level three experts: Commander Bai Song, Commander Lan Zhu, Commander Qing Lan, and himself.

The gap is so large that Zhao Jing can't even count on the two high-level mages; the advantage is directly in my hands!

Even those three division commanders felt that the dragons had started strong, how could they possibly lose?

"Hehe, Master Lü Huan, it seems you're not very well-known in the Zhao family."

Despite the unfriendly expressions on the faces of the group, Lin Fan remained calm and even had the inclination to tease Lü Huan.

"Hmph, I'm not like those shameless bastards who spend their days showing their faces to others as their dogs."

Lü Huan gave a disdainful snort.

As a forbidden spellcaster and the leader of the Eastern Army, he still maintained a certain level of sophistication.

Although they accepted the offerings from the Zhao family and received nominal protection.

However, they do not actively participate in the celebration banquets held by the Zhao family.

Apart from the head of the Zhao family, most of the other members of the Zhao family had only heard of him but had never actually met him.

Even Zhao Manyan, the second young master of the Zhao family, only saw Lü Huan once when he was very young and went to Lü Yi's house to play.

This is also why Zhao Manyan, Zhao Youqian, Zhao Jing, and others dared to speak so boldly.

They really don't know Lü Huan!

However, we do know each other now...

"Lü Huan? Could it be that you are the commander of the Eastern Guard, Lord Lü Huan?!"