"The reason I've become so conservative, making the Zhou family appear as if it doesn't want to offend anyone, do you know why?" Zhou Changcun asked.

Zhou An felt uneasy in his heart, but no one present dared to reply. As the Patriarch of the Jing'an Zhou Family, he had to make a statement.

With apprehension, he said, "Is it because you want to lie low and develop in secret?"

"Yes, but not entirely."

Zhou Changcun said aloud, "The world changes unpredictably, capable and strong individuals come and go mysteriously. Today, a family's power might be overwhelming, but tomorrow it might decline, and the cause of its decline might just be because it offended an insignificant person.

I lead the Zhou family, seeking not to make gains but to avoid losses. Many people say I'm overly conservative, but I know I'm absolutely right. I have strictly ordered all members of the Zhou family to cultivate diligently without slacking. Although we do not seek external expansion, we are progressing internally. True strength comes from our own power, but!"

Zhou Changcun's voice suddenly turned icy, he said, "What happened last night made me very unhappy! It made me extremely uneasy! Don't think I don't know who was behind it; it was Zhou Yang from your Jing'an Zhou Family, collaborating with Williams in Myanmar to create this mess. Am I right?!"

Instantly, Zhou An panicked. He knew about this incident; when he first learned about it, not only did he not stop it, but he also felt his son Zhou An was right, since anything that could disgust Xu Hao, he wouldn't mind doing more of.

But now, with Zhou Changcun suddenly holding him accountable, he realized that this matter seemed quite improper in Zhou Changcun's eyes.

He had no choice but to nod. The crime of deceiving the Family Head was far beyond what he could bear.

Zhou Changcun said coldly, "I have repeatedly emphasized not to provoke Xu Hao, yet you still wouldn't listen! This matter may seem trivial, not causing any substantial harm to Xu Hao, but seeing he directly killed fourteen people, he was clearly very displeased with this. He surely thought these people were challenging his authority!

You know what he said last night, don't you? Was his remark solely directed at those foreigners? Of course not! He was simultaneously warning those who want to play tricks behind the scenes. He's not afraid of any provocation; as long as one dares to provoke him, he dares to kill—kill to the end!

Today, I announce that all members of your Jing'an Zhou Family must immediately move out of the Zhou family's mansion and leave Huadu! Our small temple cannot accommodate your grand deities."

Hearing Zhou Changcun's somewhat ruthless words, Zhou An and the Jing'an Zhou Family members felt completely devastated.

From the moment they entered the mansion until now, all their unease confirmed that they were indeed going to be expelled from Huadu.

Nearly a hundred years ago, their ancestors were expelled by the Hua Du Zhou Family, and now, upon returning, they were being expelled again.

This was simply a great humiliation!

However, they dared not rebel.

This place belonged to the Hua Du Zhou Family, and Zhou Changcun's words were as authoritative as an imperial decree!

After issuing the final ultimatum, Zhou Changcun rose and left the mansion, returning indoors. Content sourced from * – My Virtual Library Empire.

He simply didn't bother waiting for Zhou An and the others' response; his words were already spoken. Whether they left or not, they had to leave!

Zhou An clenched his fists tightly, gritted his teeth, and felt immensely angry.

Once again, his Jing'an Zhou Family was expelled from Huadu.

History seemed to be repeating itself.

Tears glistened at the corners of his eyes as he raised his face and swore silently in his heart—if this revenge is not avenged, I swear not to be human! Xu Hao, wait for me!

"Let's go!"

With Zhou An's order, everyone went back to pack their things and prepare to leave Huadu.

...

In the villa.

After reading the newspaper in his hand, Xu Hao smiled and said, "This Zhou Changcun is quite interesting, with a farsighted vision, it seems taking a walk through Ghost Gate has thoroughly awakened him."

Qin Yao lightly squeezed Xu Hao's leg, massaging as she smiled and said, "I think he is truly afraid of you. Last time at Yunlan Mountain, he showed goodwill towards you, and this time he directly expelled the Jing'an Zhou Family out of Huadu. This all shows he sincerely doesn't want to be your enemy."

Xu Hao nodded slightly and said, "If he's not opposing me out of gratitude, then he's truly a good man worth befriending. When his Zhou family falls into crisis, I will definitely help him because he knows gratitude;

but if he chose not to oppose me because he discovered something, then I have no reason to specifically help him. After all, no one knows if he will betray me in the future due to encountering someone stronger."

"Hmm, what you said makes sense. But I think a proper show of goodwill is still possible." Qin Yao supplemented.

"As expected of my little advisor, you make a good point." Xu Hao patted Qin Yao's face gently and smiled, "How is Zhao Yanhong's cultivation last night, why hasn't she come out yet?"