Shen He’s expression was solemn as he muttered a few words under his breath. Under the gaze of the three, the hairpin in his hand began to move. A few moments later, the delicate ornament transformed into a lifelike bird, brimming with vitality.
This was the unique spirit attachment technique of the Shen family’s totem, capable of turning the mundane into the extraordinary and forging a connection between two entities. However, the technique required a medium, and most importantly, the divine power bestowed by the family totem.
Not everyone in the family had the privilege of using it. Shen He had earned this hairpin as a reward for significant contributions to his clan. Using it here felt somewhat wasteful, as the bird was far more than just a simple scout.
Yet, uncovering the Chen family's situation took precedence over personal concerns. The mission was more important. Once he returned, he could always obtain a better one.
Shen He waved his hand lightly, and the bird soared into the sky, surveying the scene below. As it watched from above, he felt their connection strengthen. Through the bird’s eyes, he could perceive the surging blood energy of countless figures below, granting him an entirely different perspective. He could clearly discern the number of Chen family members as well as their cultivation levels.
With the bird flying high, there was little concern about attacks from martial artists. Ordinary strikes couldn’t reach such altitudes, and for one to fly, they would need to be at least at the Qi Control Realm. The Chen family obviously lacked such experts; otherwise, Shen He and his group wouldn’t have made it to their doorstep unnoticed.
Just as he was feeling pleased with himself, the bird suddenly stopped mid-flight as if seized by an invisible force. Before he could react, it was crushed in midair, disintegrating into dust.
A pained cry escaped Shen He’s lips as blood-tears seeped from his eyes. The hairpin-turned-bird had been intimately connected to his mind, and its destruction caused him intense backlash.
The two men beside him dared not linger any longer. Without even considering protecting Shen He, they turned and fled at full speed.
Watching them vanish in the blink of an eye, Shen He burned with anger, but he knew this was no place to remain. Gritting his teeth, he forced himself to follow.
Above the Chen clan’s residence, a faint layer of armor surfaced on Chen Changming’s arm. The shattered bird in his palm reverted to a hairpin, now broken and stripped of its original spiritual aura, reduced to nothing more than dead wood.
Seeing the intruders retreat, Chen Changming wasted no more time and descended toward the ancestral hall.
"Brother Shen, are you all right?"
"I just had to pee and ran a little fast! You wouldn’t mind, would you, Brother Shen?"
The three regrouped after fleeing a considerable distance. Shi Potian and Gan Yu smiled as they offered an explanation, while Shen He’s face remained dark with rage.
These two had bolted like scared dogs the moment danger appeared, completely forgetting the promises they had made earlier. But he also understood why they had stopped now.
Sure enough, Shi Potian immediately asked, "Brother Shen, what did you see just now?"
"Yes, we risked our lives protecting you! Please, tell us what you discovered."
Shen He’s anger flared at their shamelessness, but he knew his current state left him in no position to argue. He remained silent.
"Come on, Brother Shen, don’t be upset. We didn’t intend for things to turn out this way. How about this? To make up for your loss, I’m willing to offer you a Tian Nan Star in exchange for the information."
"I’ll offer one as well."
Hearing this, Shen He’s expression eased slightly. After a brief silence, he said, "It happened too fast—I didn’t get a clear look at how my bird was destroyed."
Seeing his serious expression, the two fell into deep thought.
In truth, neither of them had reacted in time either. They hadn’t seen any trace of an attack, which was precisely why they had fled so quickly. The unknown was always the most terrifying—especially in enemy territory.
They had survived this long and risen to the top of their families' scouting ranks precisely because of their keen instincts and exceptional escape speed.
"Brother Shen, how many martial artists does the Chen family have, and how strong are they?" Shi Potian asked again, while Gan Yu also looked over expectantly.
Shen He shook his head. "My bird was destroyed too quickly. I couldn’t make out much."
The two frowned but did not press further. Instead, they turned and started heading back the way they had come.
They had already been out long enough. It was time to return and report.
As for the Chen family, the waters here seemed deeper than expected. It would be best to have their clans send more people. Given what they had observed earlier, however, the Chen family's strength didn’t seem overwhelming—dealing with them shouldn’t be difficult.
"Wait, what about my Tian Nan Star?" Shen He suddenly asked as the two were leaving.
"Ah, Brother Shen, I don’t have it on me right now. Once we return, I’ll have someone deliver it to you."
Shen He’s face darkened, though he wasn’t surprised.
Of course, he knew they wouldn’t pay up. But then again, he had no intention of sharing the full extent of what he had discovered either.
Inside the ancestral hall, Chen Xingzhen gazed at the broken hairpin in his hand, his expression grave.
Such techniques… truly remarkable.
It seemed that the four great families were not only strong but also possessed complete and functioning family totems.
Since the revival of the clan’s Divine Tree, Chen Xingzhen had become even more aware of the importance of family totems. Unfortunately, his clan had lost its edge. The other families had their own totems, and given the longer duration of their sacrifices, theirs were undoubtedly powerful.
This was not like dealing with dormant totems of the past.
Establishing a foothold in Yong’an City would not be easy.
Still, tonight’s attempted probe had been largely thwarted. Without a clear grasp of the Chen family's true strength, the four great families would not act rashly.
Once the clan revealed the Zhou family's token, the situation would improve further.
But there was a reason he hadn't shown it this time.
A trump card was never revealed all at once. Striking at the right moment—catching the enemy off guard—was far more valuable, buying the clan precious time.
He only wondered how effective the Zhou family’s token would prove to be.
Pushing the thought aside, he turned to the Divine Tree, offering a silent bow before slowly leaving the ancestral hall.
Yet, as he stepped outside, a nagging feeling tugged at his mind.
Had he forgotten something?
No rush—he’d figure it out in his dreams.
After Chen Xingzhen left, Ji Yang slowly withdrew his scattered awareness.
It seemed that those intruders had indeed retreated.
But how long would this peace last?
Perhaps he should take further precautions.