Chapter 1000, Just a Servant

Translator: Silavin

 

The calibre of those who could command such a Sacred Ship was anything but insignificant. Clearly, those on board were not from some Minor Force.

 

The great banner flying from the vessel confirmed this conclusion beyond doubt. Upon its surface, a single character blazed large: ‘Zhou’ (周).

 

“The Zhou Family!?” Ye Wuxian’s surprise was evident, though after a moment’s consideration, standing as they were before the Situ Family Residence, the Zhou Family’s arrival was not unexpected.

 

Lu Fan possessed limited knowledge regarding the Forces of the Western Border.

 

Observing Ye Wuxian’s apparent familiarity with these new arrivals, he asked. “Is the Zhou Family strong?”

 

Before Ye Wuxian could respond, the servant nearby shot Lu Fan a contemptuous glance, his disdain intensifying. “Of course they’re strong! Not even knowing about the Zhou Family! Yet, you have the audacity to come to the Situ Family for a joint exploration?”

 

After a brief pause, with what he considered as a ‘well-meaning’ explanation, he continued. “The Zhou Family ranks among the top of the Western Border’s Ancient Noble Families. In fact, even among Supreme Tier Families, their strength ranks near the top, not the least bit inferior to our Situ Family. Moreover, the Zhou Family cultivates their connections. It’s said they maintain relationships with four other Supreme Tier Ancient Noble Families. Throughout the entire Western Border, aside from the Holy Lands, no one dares challenge the Zhou Family.”

 

“Now, take a good look. A Force like the Zhou Family, with its vast influence and numerous experts among Ancient Noble Families, ‘this’ represents the caliber of partners our Situ Family seeks. And yet you, from a mere Second Tier Ancient Noble Family, dare approach us? Don’t you understand your own position?”

 

“If you possess any self-awareness, leave quickly. Otherwise, people might think you’ve come deliberately to cause trouble, and you’ll be driven out. After all, you still represent an Ancient Family within the Western Border. Word spreading of such humiliation wouldn’t reflect well on you!”

 

Having finished, he hurried forward toward the Zhou Family’s Sacred Ship, directing its descent with an expression of fawning servility.

 

This behaviour immediately ignited Ye Wuxian’s displeasure.

 

“What kind of person behaves this way? How can such a dog-eyed servant exist even within Ancient Noble Families!?” Ye Wuxian released a cold snort. “If not for this Flaming Hell Dungeon Instance potentially containing clues about the Ancient Gods, who would willingly assist your Situ Family!?”

 

Lu Fan remained composed. After all, in his previous life on Blue Star, he had encountered countless brainless novels filled with such mindless antagonists. They were endless and unkillable, appearing everywhere. He had long since developed immunity to them.

 

He had always believed such brainless antagonists existed only within brainless novels. But upon entering society, he realized these people genuinely existed. They merely appeared less frequently than in fiction.

 

“Enough. Why waste energy on a mere servant?” Lu Fan patted Ye Wuxian’s head. “Worst case, we’ll go to the Flaming Hell Dungeon Instance ourselves. Then, I’ll take you through it and we’ll claim the First Clear Reward and watch the Situ Family rage.”

 

“Haha, that’s actually an excellent idea!” Ye Wuxian laughed at the suggestion.

 

At that moment, the Zhou Family’s Sacred Ship touched ground. Though its descent proved gradual and stable, its sheer size and weight were undeniable.

 

As it settled, the entire ground trembled in response.

 

Yet the paved stones showed no cracks from the impact. This was a testament to the exceptional quality of materials used for the residence’s construction.

 

Following the landing, several figures disembarked from the Sacred Ship. These individuals all wore equipment styled after what was worn during ancient Dragon Country. Their custom-tailored garments were all uniformly of Epic Grade.

 

A full set of mixed Epic Grade equipment already marked one as a supreme expert.

 

But complete Epic Grade Equipment Sets, personally crafted by Master Tailors, with design, style, and Attributes perfectly aligned… this remained virtually unimaginable in the outside world.

 

Any Tailor capable of creating Platinum Grade items would be revered by all nations.

 

As for Tailors who could craft Epic Grade equipment… it was virtually unheard of in the wider world.

 

Clearly, the Zhou Family retained precisely such a craftsman.

 

This single detail alone revealed the strength of a Supreme Tier Ancient Noble Family.

 

The Zhou Family group included both men and women of varying ages. Yet each carried themselves with unmistakable aristocratic bearing. Clearly, they were raised from childhood in ancient Dragon Country etiquette and refinement.

 

The servant who had previously rebuked Lu Fan now stood before these individuals with head bowed, utterly deferential, nodding and bowing repeatedly.

 

Shortly after, the Situ Family residence’s gates opened, several figures emerging. Obviously, the Situ Family’s direct Descendants had come out to personally welcome the Zhou Family representatives.

 

After exchanging pleasantries, the Situ Family members escorted their Zhou Family guests inside.

 

Simultaneously, a middle-aged Situ Family member waved dismissively at the servant, ordering him away from this location to avoid being an obstruction. Instead, he was to remain stationed to greet additional guests.

 

After being dismissed, the servant turned to discover Lu Fan and Ye Wuxian were still present.

 

His expression immediately transformed, returning to his previous arrogant demeanour as he approached. “Why haven’t you two left yet?”

 

Lu Fan released a mocking laugh. “Just now you were bowing and scraping like a lapdog. Why does your spine suddenly straighten again in our presence? You are just a servant. Yet you don’t understand how to ‘read the room.’ Is this how the Situ Family trains its dogs!?”

 

Throughout the earlier disrespect shown to himself and Ye Wuxian, Lu Fan had remained largely silent. But now, having decided against assisting the Situ Family, Lu Fan certainly would no longer indulge such behaviour.

 

What warranted scolding would be scolded.

 

And as expected, Lu Fan’s words infuriated the man thoroughly.

 

The servant erupted. “How dare you speak to me this way!? Those were members of the Zhou Family! Showing them respect is perfectly normal! And you!? You’re merely from a Second Tier Ancient Noble Family! Do you genuinely consider yourselves honoured guests? Get lost! Otherwise, based on what you just said alone, I’ll make you regret this!”

 

Lu Fan’s interest piqued. He deliberately remained stationary. “Oh? Then I’m genuinely curious how you’ll make me regret anything!”

 

“You!” The servant prepared to respond when suddenly a young woman’s voice called from nearby.

 

“Ah Fu, what’s happening? Why are you quarreling with our guests?!”

 

Lu Fan looked over to discover that his dispute with the servant had evidently grown loud enough to attract attention from a young woman who was about to enter the Situ Family Residence with the Zhou Family, specifically coming to investigate the commotion.

 

If Lu Fan recalled correctly, she was a genuine member of the Situ Family, likely a direct Descendant, given the courteous treatment they had for the Zhou Family.

 

This young lady appeared around eighteen or nineteen, similar in age to Jian Ying and Qin Qiu, wearing a pale yellow dress that conveyed considerable spirit and vivacity.