Peach Blossom Dual Cultivation

“Zhao Cang, it seems you’ve climbed up the social ladder. Congratulations.”

Shangguan Long, fully aware of Zhao Cang’s intentions, coldly said, “In the past, the Shangguan family helped your Zhao family a lot in the business world. It looks like from now on, you won’t need our help anymore.”

His words implied that, while the Zhao family might have gained Zhou Lang as an ally — a force strong enough to challenge the Shangguan family in terms of martial power — the Shangguan family could still destroy the Zhao family’s business interests with ease.

After Zhou Lang had effortlessly defeated the Wang brothers, Shangguan Long had ordered an investigation into him. He discovered that Zhou Lang had no involvement in business, which bolstered Shangguan Long’s confidence in their business dominance.

“Brother Shangguan, the Zhao family has never forgotten the help you’ve given us, nor will we. From now on, Zhou Lang will be managing our business affairs. He’s also close friends with General Qin. If you ever need help, just let me know. I, Zhao Cang, will not refuse.”

Zhao Cang spoke politely, but his words were a subtle reminder of Zhou Lang’s powerful connections. Even though the Shangguan family was a clan of cultivators, they were still cautious when dealing with someone like General Qin, a high-ranking military official. While most cultivators kept their distance from the government, the military had ties with certain cultivation sects. Only the most powerful sects would dare challenge the state or its military, especially given modern weaponry. Even skilled cultivators could find themselves overpowered.

“I can handle the Shangguan family’s affairs on my own. I don’t need your concern. I’m currently in seclusion and don’t have time to argue with you.”

With that, Shangguan Long paused and then hung up the phone. The fact that Zhou Lang had humiliated his son, Shangguan Yu, with a single move — nearly causing him to spit blood — was already infuriating. That Zhao Cang dared to make such a call was more than he could tolerate.

The Shangguan family estate was nestled halfway up a mountain on the outskirts of the provincial capital. This entire mountain, along with thousands of acres surrounding it, belonged to the Shangguan family, illustrating their immense wealth.

The estate was not easily accessible to outsiders. The mountain was protected by a large formation — an ancient protective barrier. If an intruder entered without permission, the formation would activate and kill them.

The formation had been left by a Shangguan elder centuries ago, but it had suffered damage over time, and no one in the family had the skill to repair it. Even so, it remained deadly. At its full strength, it could kill any cultivator below the peak of the Foundation Establishment stage. Now, it could still eliminate any Qi Refining stage cultivator, making it a formidable defense for the Shangguan family.

In Western Yunnan province, the Shangguan family was the sole cultivation family. Whether in politics, business, or the underworld, their influence was undeniable.

The Shangguan family had also branched out into business, forming the Shangguan Group, with Shangguan Yu as the general manager. With Shangguan Long’s power backing the group, they faced no serious competition. The Shangguan Group had grown into a massive conglomerate, its wealth surpassing even that of the Zhao family.

At the entrance of a stone cave deep within the Shangguan estate, two men stood: one middle-aged, the other young. Both bore a strong resemblance to each other. The middle-aged man was robust and muscular, while the younger was slim, though still graceful.

These men were Shangguan Long and Shangguan Yu.

Though Shangguan Long appeared vigorous and healthy, Shangguan Yu’s face was pale. He had been injured by Zhou Lang during their confrontation at the Zhao estate. While he had suppressed the urge to cough blood, his internal organs had been severely damaged.

“Father, that call must’ve been from Zhao Cang, begging for your forgiveness, right? Zhou Lang joined their family, and Zhao Cang must have allowed it. This time, we need to teach the Zhao family a lesson — show them the Shangguan family isn’t to be trifled with!”

As soon as Shangguan Long hung up the phone, Shangguan Yu spoke eagerly. As Zhao Cang had predicted, after his humiliating defeat, Shangguan Yu had returned home and interrupted his father’s secluded cultivation, demanding immediate retaliation.

“Hmph, you’ve been handling most of the family’s affairs, but not properly,” Shangguan Long snorted.

“Zhao Cang just called to threaten me.”

“Father, how could that be? The Zhao family has always feared us. Now that Zhou Lang has injured me, how could Zhao Cang dare provoke us? Isn’t he afraid I’ll ruin him in business? Doesn’t he fear your power?”

Shangguan Yu was incredulous. He had been confident that the Zhao family would fear them, which was why he had pressured Zhao Cang into considering a marriage between him and Zhao Xiaorou.

“That Zhou Lang has an extraordinary background. He’s the last disciple of a cultivation sect master and is close friends with General Qin. Do you think we can afford to provoke someone like that?”

Shangguan Long said angrily.

“General Qin? You mean that General Qin?”

Shangguan Yu’s eyes widened in shock.

“Who else but that military giant?” his father replied irritably.

“Father, if you break through, we won’t have to fear anyone. You could secretly eliminate General Qin,” Shangguan Yu suggested, audacious as ever.

“Or perhaps we could summon our ancestor.”

“I’m already on the verge of a breakthrough, but cultivation depends on fate. Without the right opportunity, nothing can be forced. As for the ancestor, he hasn’t appeared in nearly sixty years. We have no way of contacting him, though based on past patterns, he should return soon.”

Shangguan Long added, “But I won’t wait for the ancestor if I achieve my breakthrough. The Zhao family and Zhou Lang will pay for this. Their days will be numbered.”

“I’ve been waiting for that day,” Shangguan Yu said eagerly.

“Until I break through or the ancestor returns, don’t provoke the Zhao family or Zhou Lang,” Shangguan Long warned.

…

Zhou Lang returned to the Zhao family estate. Zhao Xiaorou had no suspicions about his interaction with Yuki Yamamoto. She merely inquired about the arrangements before going to sleep.

The night passed uneventfully.

The next morning, Zhou Lang performed acupuncture on Gu Xiuzhi, fully curing her of her cold and rheumatism. With summer vacation nearly over, he was preparing to return to Feiyun City to get ready for the new school term.

Though Zhao Xiaorou was reluctant to see him go, she had to assist her family with their business. Despite being only 18 or 19 years old, she had already graduated from university, skipping grades through both elementary and middle school.

That evening, while Zhao Cang was arranging for Zhou Lang’s return to Feiyun City, the beautiful owner of Lover’s Bar found herself on a blind date. Feeling the weight of age creeping in, she decided it was time to find a partner.

Little did she know, this blind date would end in chaos.