Chapter 4: A Tiger in the Plains Falls Prey to Dogs

“Our family has suffered such heavy losses. Those ambitious families, hungry like wolves, are probably already unable to hold back—they all want to devour the Jiang family in one bite!”

In the living room, Jiang Chen’s expression was calm, yet a chilling aura emanated from him. “Grandfather, I believe it’s time for our family… to withdraw from the Imperial Capital.”

“Once I’ve uncovered the mastermind behind this, I’ll lead the Jiang family back to the capital. By then… the Jiang family will still be among the top families, still the very soul of the nation.”

He worried that, once he left, those covetous powers would seize the opportunity, knowing the Jiang family was without a powerful protector, and try to wipe them out completely.

Therefore, only by leaving the capital could he safely go to the border, retrieve the ashes of the loyal Jiang warriors, establish his own power, and restore the Jiang family to its former glory.

“If your father could see you now, he would be gratified.”

Jiang Guofeng gazed at his grandson, pursed his lips, coughed softly, and said in a low voice, “But this matter runs deep. You must act with caution. Of the third generation of Jiang family, besides you, only a few children remain…”

His eyes reddened; only before his grandson would he allow himself this hint of weakness.

Jiang Chen nodded, reaching out to grasp his grandfather’s aged hand. “Don’t worry, Grandfather. The Jiang family will always be the Jiang family.”

Grandfather and grandson began discussing the plan to withdraw from the capital…

That very night, the order to leave was issued throughout the family, and the entire Jiang household sprang into action.

No one questioned or opposed the old man’s command; it was precisely this unity that had made the Jiang family one of the premier clans of the Dragon Nation.

Even the mourning women began preparations for the move. Yet, they often visited Jiang Chen’s home, just to see him and talk with him for a while.

Now, Jiang Chen was the only man shouldering responsibility, and in some unspoken way, he became the pillar they relied upon, carrying their hopes and expectations.

Three days later, the family began their migration, leaving the capital behind and heading for Jiangnan.

Meanwhile, all factions in the capital remained silent, as if the Jiang family had already ceased to exist in their eyes.

Of course, the resources and assets the Jiang family had accumulated over the years in the capital were instantly divided up by the other great families, as though the Jiang family had never been there at all.

“Chen’er, our family rose from Jiangnan, and for nearly a century we stood tall in the capital. I never imagined we’d one day return home in such disarray.”

Aboard the plane, the old patriarch sat across from Jiang Chen, gazing at the brilliant cityscape below with a trace of melancholy on his face. “When will you depart? Do you need me to send someone with you to the border?”

“Grandfather, it won’t be long before the Jiang family returns to the capital. By then, no force will dare defy us.”

Jiang Chen spoke softly, his eyes deep with thought. “Once I’ve accompanied you back to Jiangnan, I’ll set out on my own. But as for my mother, I’ll have to trouble you to comfort her.”

The Jiang family had lost all its generals and heroes, their former glory gone. He knew his mother did not wish him to leave; she feared he would vanish just as his father had, never to return.

“Your mother understands perfectly well—what need is there for an old man like me to comfort her? Hahaha!”

Jiang Guofeng laughed heartily, his eyes moistening. “She knows you bear the responsibility of reviving our clan. But promise me, for her sake, you’ll take care of yourself.”

Jiang Chen smiled, gazing out the window. “Grandfather, remain here in Jiangnan and listen to the news—watch how your grandson conquers all before him…”

—

Jiangnan, Canglan City, the provincial capital.

Word of the family’s return had already reached Jiangnan days before. The three leading families of the region couldn’t sit still—they gathered together to discuss what must be done.

“News from the capital arrived a few days ago. Today, the Jiang family returns, driven out in disgrace. Do they really think they can come back to Jiangnan and stir up trouble? Absolutely not!”

“Exactly. I hear most of their strongest members died on the battlefield. Only one direct grandson seems to have any ability—the others aren’t worth worrying about!”

“They can come back, but here in Jiangnan, they must follow our rules! Otherwise, they won’t be welcome even here!”

—

In Jiangnan Province, the four great families had held sway for decades. Their heads quickly reached consensus after a few words.

They prepared as if facing a great enemy; after all, even a dying camel is bigger than a horse. The Jiang family had once commanded wind and rain in the capital—who’s to say they wouldn’t try to dominate again upon their return?

How could that be allowed?

They’d grown used to being on top. Did the Jiang family really think they could just step over everyone after failing in the capital? They’d better not expect an easy life in Jiangnan!

Thus, the four families sent out a secret order, and the relevant airports were immediately sealed.

Their forces assembled at Jiangnan International Airport, waiting for the Jiang family’s private plane to land…

As dusk fell, a private jet from the capital slowly touched down at Jiangnan International Airport.

All around the airport, the four great families’ people were arrayed in force, weapons trained on the plane, murderous intent thick in the air.

—

“Heh, a tiger fallen to the plains is bullied by dogs. When did these local powers dare point their fingers at the Jiang family?”

Still, the cabin door did not open.

Inside the plane, the old patriarch glanced at the assembled forces outside and chuckled softly, his gaze falling on Jiang Chen. “Chen’er, this is your first challenge. Without relying on the Jiang family’s strength, you must make these four families bow their heads. Only then can I rest assured as you depart for the border.”

His manner was calm; clearly, he didn’t take the four families seriously.

After all, Jiangnan was the Jiang family’s birthplace. Their grip on this land was unimaginable.

Though many of their strongest had fallen, not just anyone was qualified to challenge the Jiang family.

Perhaps the old patriarch’s silence was a test—a way to see if his grandson truly had the ability to leave home and venture to the border.

If Jiang Chen couldn’t even handle the four great families, there was no point in leaving; he could stay in Jiangnan and, with the family’s foundation, still achieve great things.

“Grandfather, you underestimate me,”

Jiang Chen’s gaze pierced through the airplane window, falling on the sea of faces outside. He smiled lightly. “In the face of absolute power, all such posturing is nothing but clay chickens and straw dogs. Please rest for a while—I’ll take care of this.”

With that, Jiang Chen rose dispassionately and, alone, descended from the plane.

“The Jiang family’s direct heir?”

“The old patriarch doesn’t even come out to negotiate—just sends a greenhorn? What is this?”

At the front, four middle-aged men regarded Jiang Chen’s slow approach with grim expressions.

All around, the forces of the four families were on high alert, but seeing only one young man, they were somewhat at a loss.

Had the Jiang family really sent out a youth to die?