The System Arrives: Leading My Clan to Become the Strongest

89: Chapter 89: Upon first entering Jingyun Elegant Garden, I was shocked to encounter a royal provocation.”The Ruler of Yuan Kingdom... is surnamed Huangfu?”

Fifth Elder Jiang Beiyuan’s voice was slightly unsteady. He had lived most of his life knowing only that the Ruler of Yuan Kingdom held an unparalleled and noble status, but he had never imagined that the surname of this supreme sovereign would be of the same lineage as the City Lord of Tianfeng City.

Jiang Chen’s heart also stirred slightly, and his gaze toward Huangfu Shenghua held a hint more scrutiny.

No wonder this brat dared to be so arrogant in Tianfeng City; turns out he has such a profound background. The City Lord’s Mansion of Tianfeng City versus the Huangfu Ruler—the gap is quite significant.

”Why wouldn’t it be?”

Huangfu Shenghua scratched his head, looking completely unsurprised.

”My father is the Ruler’s immediate cousin. He just voluntarily went to Tianfeng City in his early years. This Royal Courtyard was originally private property bestowed upon my grandfather by my eldest uncle, so entertaining you all is naturally more than enough.”

As he spoke, he patted the carriage beside him. The Jade-Horned Colt sensed the movement, snorted, and its hooves lightly tapped the stone pavement, making a crisp sound.

”Who is your grandfather?”

Fifth Elder asked his question again.

”Huangfu Jinghong, one of the three Nascent Soul Ancestors of the Yuan Kingdom.”

Huangfu Shenghua said with an expression of reverence. Looking at Huangfu Shenghua’s appearance, Jiang Chen was momentarily speechless. Grandfather is Nascent Soul, Father is Golden Core, and he himself is Foundation Establishment! Wait, no, what exactly is wrong here? Jiang Chen’s thoughts collapsed.

”Everyone, please don’t be reserved. Although this courtyard bears the name ’Royal,’ few people usually come here. Aside from the strict security, it’s no different from an ordinary residence.”

Huangfu Shenghua grinned, jumped onto the foremost carriage first, pulled back the curtain, and waved at everyone.

”Hurry and come up! If we delay any longer, it’ll be dark. I was planning on taking you to try the most famous signature dishes at Zuixian Tower in the capital!”

Jiang Chen and the Fifth Elder exchanged glances, both seeing a hint of surprise in the other’s eyes before quickly concealing it.

No matter how astonishing the background of the Huangfu Clan was, the purpose of their trip would ultimately not change.

Jiang Chen nodded slightly and said in a deep voice, ”In that case, we apologize for the imposition.”

He took the lead, stepping forward and guiding the Clan disciples onto the carriages one by one.

The carriage interior was spacious and comfortable, padded with thick Cloud Brocade cushions. In the corner, sandalwood incense, which helped calm the mind and focus Qi, was burning. It was clearly meticulously arranged.

Once everyone was seated securely, the coachman cracked the whip and lightly shouted. The Jade-Horned Colt let out a long neigh, pulling the carriage slowly away from the Teleportation Hall and heading toward the depths of the capital.

On both sides of the street, ornately carved and painted buildings stood shoulder to shoulder. Pedestrians rubbed shoulders, including noble youths dressed in luxurious robes, Cultivators carrying treasured swords, and vendors whose cries rose and fell—a scene of great prosperity.

Before long, the carriage arrived at the Royal Courtyard.

The carriage slowly drove through a vermillion gate. Above the door hung a gilded plaque inscribed with the four large characters ”Jingyun Courtyard.” The guards at the entrance were all Cultivators clad in Black Armor with refined Qi, and upon seeing Huangfu Shenghua, they bowed in salute, yet not a single person made a sound.

Stepping into the Courtyard, the sight was one of scattered, well-arranged pavilions and towers. A winding corridor snaked deep into a lotus pond. Although the lotus leaves in the pond were half-withered, a few remaining stalks stood tall, exuding a sense of elegance.

The Spiritual Qi in the air was several times denser than outside the city, faintly carrying the essence of Qingyun Mountain. Clearly, a Spirit Gathering Array was likely set up beneath this courtyard.

”How about it? This place is pretty good, right?”

Huangfu Shenghua jumped off the carriage and proudly raised his chin toward Jiang Chen.

”There’s also a Spiritual Spring in the backyard. You must be tired from traveling, so you can soak in it to relieve your fatigue.”

Fifth Elder Jiang Beiyuan couldn’t help but click his tongue. Looking around, every plant and tree in the courtyard showed extraordinary quality. Even the lanterns hanging under the corridor used Moonstone cores, allowing them to emit light automatically at night. Such extravagance was truly worthy of the Huangfu Imperial Family.

Jiang Chen nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over the seemingly ordinary flowers and trees in the courtyard. He keenly sensed that every single plant carried faint Formation fluctuations—this courtyard was not just a residence, but a heavily guarded fortress.

”Oh, isn’t this Fifth Brother? Why aren’t you being the Young City Lord in your Tianfeng City? What are you doing back in the capital?”

A frivolous voice came from around the corner of the winding corridor, carrying a hint of playful mockery.

Everyone looked toward the sound, only to see a youth dressed in a moon-white brocade robe slowly approaching. His features bore some resemblance to Huangfu Shenghua, but he possessed an extra degree of arrogance born of being pampered. Hanging from his waist was a jade pendant carved with cloud patterns, instantly signaling his extraordinary status.

Huangfu Shenghua’s face darkened, and he frowned:

”Huangfu Mingxuan, since when is my business yours to manage?”

”I wouldn’t dare manage you.”

Huangfu Mingxuan chuckled softly, his gaze sweeping over Jiang Chen and his group, his eyes filled with undisguised scrutiny and his tone contemptuous.

”I’m just curious, are the people you brought back from the boondocks even worthy of staying in the Jingyun Courtyard? This is Grandfather’s private property, not a place where just any Tom, Dick, or Harry can tread.”

As soon as these words were spoken, the youths of the Jiang Family immediately showed anger, clenching their fists, but they were stopped by a single look from Jiang Chen.

Fifth Elder Jiang Beiyuan frowned deeply, about to retort, but saw Jiang Chen slightly raise his hand, his expression calm and unwavering.

Huangfu Shenghua was so angry he stamped his foot. He stepped forward to shield Jiang Chen, shouting furiously:

”Huangfu Mingxuan, watch your mouth! Brother Jiang is an honored guest I invited, and it’s not your place to criticize him here!”

”Honored guest?”

Huangfu Mingxuan sneered, looking Jiang Chen up and down.

”Someone who appeared out of nowhere, worthy of being an honored guest of the Huangfu Family? Fifth Brother, you’ve been in Tianfeng City too long, haven’t you forgotten what a true powerhouse looks like?”

Hearing this, Jiang Chen’s lips curved into an extremely faint arc. He did not speak, but merely raised his eyes slightly, and an intangible pressure quietly spread out.

This pressure was extremely faint, yet it landed precisely on Huangfu Mingxuan.

Huangfu Mingxuan was about to open his mouth to mock, but suddenly felt a chill shoot up his spine, as if he had been targeted by a Vicious Beast. The words in his throat were abruptly swallowed back, and his face instantly paled slightly.

”Third Young Master, this is Jingyun Courtyard. It was bestowed upon the Fifth Young Master by the Old Ancestor. You have no right to question the Fifth Young Master’s arrangements.”

Just then, an aged but robust voice sounded.

Steward Lin slowly stepped forward, bowing slightly to Huangfu Mingxuan, but his tone carried an undeniable authority.

”Young Master Shenghua is the master here. Of course, the honored guests he invites may stay.”

Startled back to his senses by the chill, and seeing Steward Lin speak, Huangfu Mingxuan’s face alternated between green and white.

He had always known that Steward Lin was an old retainer by his grandfather’s side and dared not easily offend him, so he could only sullenly let out a ’hmph.’

”They’re just a bunch of country bumpkin Cultivators, truly thinking they’re important figures.”

He spat out a harsh remark and glared fiercely at Huangfu Shenghua.

”Fifth Brother, look out for yourself, and don’t disgrace Grandfather!”

After speaking, he turned and flicked his sleeve, walking away with steps slightly faster than when he arrived, clearly intimidated by that mysterious pressure.

Huangfu Shenghua finally sighed in relief, turned to Jiang Chen, and apologized.

”Brother Jiang, please excuse the display. That guy is just spoiled rotten by the family, and his mouth is filthy.”

Jiang Chen gently shook his head, withdrew the faint Qi, and said calmly, ”It’s nothing, merely a war of words.”