His words sent a chill through the hearts of Evelyn Grant and David Warren. Previously, they had always lived under the protection of Ancestor Longyan, believing that the Liu and Zhao clans would never truly turn against them.

However, if the Charles Warren they pinned all their hopes on truly had a chance to break through to the Spirit Platform, would the Liu and Zhao clans really just stand by and do nothing?

“All right, earlier I deliberately hinted that the Ancestor doesn’t have much time left. I believe with Liu Shengye’s cunning, that old fox would never choose this moment to take the lead and clash with our Wang clan. So, I’ll have the family continue to spread rumors in secret, giving the Liu and Zhao clans a countdown of about five years.” Charles Warren snorted. “If anyone dares provoke us within these five years, we’ll fight them to the death—pick one family and beat them to the ground. At a critical moment, we can release… uh, invite Ancestor Longyan to hold the fort.”

In Charles Warren’s view, Ancestor Longyan was like a trump card. The greatest value of a trump card wasn’t when it was played, but the deterrent it provided before being played.

“Brilliant.” David Warren slapped his thigh. “Master, what a plan! Right now, we’re like a beast on the verge of death—they’re afraid we’ll lash out in desperation before we go. This way, not only will they not dare bully us, they’ll have to find ways to curry favor with us. No wonder that old fox Liu Shengye obediently offered thirty qianjin as compensation.”

“Not only that, now that our Wang clan has a clear ‘death date,’ with such a tempting piece of fat right in front of them, do you think the Liu and Zhao clans—who previously allied out of mutual enmity—won’t have other ideas while they wait in patience?” Charles Warren said with a smile. “You know, greed and dissatisfaction are the most basic human nature. The situation ahead is bound to get interesting. If we can secretly fan the flames a bit more—hehe.”

After listening to Charles Warren’s analysis, both Evelyn Grant and David Warren gasped, exchanging glances, feeling a bit of fear in their hearts. However, at the same time, a glimmer of hope arose—a hope that their clan might have a chance to turn things around!

“Aunt, Sixth Uncle, this is a matter of life and death for the Wang clan—a top secret.” Charles Warren said solemnly, cupping his hands. “First, I hope you can keep this secret. Second, I hope you can trust and support me unconditionally.”

This was Charles Warren’s true goal. His body was too young—even with the status of clan head, he was bound to be questioned. He could only throw out some shocking ideas to win over key figures and gain allies.

Evelyn Grant was his birth mother, and he was also Evelyn Grant’s future support, while Sixth Uncle David Warren had a straightforward and bold personality, making him easy to win over.

Both Evelyn Grant and David Warren took a deep breath and solemnly swore an oath.

As the three spoke, the medium-sized fishing boat, under the crew’s control, had already left the deep-water dock and entered the swift currents at the center of the Anjiang River.

The width of the Anjiang far exceeded Charles Warren’s imagination. As far as the eye could see, misty waves stretched endlessly, and the Dingpu ferry became smaller and smaller until it was barely visible.

As they ventured deeper into the Anjiang, the wind and waves grew stronger, and the boat rocked more violently. Even with Charles Warren’s peak sixth-level Qi Refining physique, he felt a bit nauseous.

Evelyn Grant, who was also used to a life of comfort, turned a bit pale and started to feel unwell.

“Haha, Fifth Sister-in-law, Shouzhe, fishing boats aren’t as stable as ferries. When the boat rocks, don’t try to resist the tilt with your body. Instead, go with the flow like a tumbler.” David Warren patiently taught the two how to handle the tossing of the waves.

Both Charles Warren and Evelyn Grant were Xuanwu practitioners, with strong bodies and Xuan energy. In no time, they had adapted to the rocking. Especially Charles Warren, who imitated David Warren by planting his feet on the deck like stakes, letting his body sway rhythmically with the waves, gradually appearing relaxed and at ease.

“Shouzhe, you really have talent. Sixth Uncle will show you how I usually fish.” David Warren said enthusiastically, ready to show off—few in the family liked to come out on the fishing boat to watch him fish.

“I’m sure your skills are excellent, Sixth Uncle, but let’s have the regular fishermen try first.” Charles Warren suggested.

David Warren was taken aback, but then laughed. “Shouzhe, you’re here to assess the fishing boat’s standards. All right, the fishermen on your Sixth Uncle’s flagship are all experts. Tommy Warren, come show the clan head how it’s done.”

“Yes, Master Hai.” A young man in his twenties leapt down from the mast, as agile as a monkey. He picked up a fishing net, tidied it up, twisted his waist, and with a flick, sent the net flying from the side of the boat, opening into a beautiful large circle in the air.

Splash!

The weighted net, like an upside-down giant bowl, crashed into the water and sank to the bottom within a few breaths.

“Nice!”

The surrounding fishermen all voiced their praise.

This was… casting a net, and the technique was excellent.

Charles Warren immediately recognized it. Before crossing over, he was just an ordinary office worker who occasionally went fishing with friends. So, when browsing video apps like Douyin or Kuaishan, the algorithm would recommend some fishing videos, including those of net-casting experts.

Although Charles Warren couldn’t do it himself, he could still judge whether a cast was good or not. He had to admit, this young man called Goudan was quite skilled.