Free Web NovelChapter 505: Chapter 278: Receiving the Linsha Sea Region
The Linsha Sea Region was about the same size as the Chixue Sea Region, but its Spiritual Qi Environment was somewhat better.
The main island, Linsha Continent, spanned over three million li. The island had more than ten Third Grade Spirit Veins and three complete, large Grade Four Spirit Veins. Furthermore, the quality of one of these Spirit Veins had reached the Rank Four High Grade level.
A thousand years ago, no single power could claim such a prime location for itself. Thus, it was jointly controlled by several factions. They schemed against one another, forming and breaking alliances, with no one able to gain the upper hand.
Within the Linsha Sea Region, there were several other large islands with Grade Three and Grade Four Spirit Veins, and each island represented a Golden Core power.
The Cen Family was originally just one of the veteran Golden Core powers in the region. However, several hundred years ago, the Patriarch, Cen Deyang, had a stroke of luck. He came upon a fortuitous encounter and managed to break through to become a Nascent Soul True Monarch.
As a result, the family’s power and influence soared. The Cen Family absorbed the other Golden Core powers one after another, eventually unifying the entire Linsha Sea Region.
Although Cen Deyang was skilled in the Secret Method of Celestial Secret Calculation, he was not particularly adept at combat. But even the most mediocre Nascent Soul True Monarch was far stronger than any Golden Core Master, so those Golden Core powers were utterly powerless to resist the Cen Family’s expansion.
However, after several centuries of prosperity, the Cen Family failed to produce a second Nascent Soul True Monarch. The younger generation proved to be lacking in talent; the best among them could only reach the Golden Core Level before hitting their limit.
Cen Deyang’s Lifespan was nearing its end, and he had already exhausted every life-extending method he could find. Once he passed away, the Cen Family would be unable to defend its current territories and interests.
Certain powers in the surrounding sea regions were well aware of this fact. Even though Cen Deyang still had several decades of life remaining, they were already beginning to stir restlessly.
The moment news of his death spread, these vultures would eagerly band together to carve up the juicy prize that was the Cen Family.
After long and careful consideration, Cen Deyang finally made his decision. He would voluntarily pledge allegiance to the Ling Family—who already controlled two sea regions—and surrender the majority of his family’s territory and interests in exchange for the protection of this rising Nascent Soul power.
After all, the Ling Family, with at least three Nascent Soul True Monarchs in its ranks, was more than capable of providing such protection. Even if all of the Cen Family’s old rivals joined forces, they would be no match for the Ling Family.
"...As long as the Patriarch is willing to honor her promise, the Linsha Sea Region will belong to the Ling Family. The Cen Family asks only to retain control of Broken Star Continent. All other territories and interests, we will hand over willingly!"
Cen Wen Zhong concluded.
Behind him, the silent, red-robed Female Cultivator stepped forward and activated a Magical Projection Light Mirror, displaying a complete map of the Linsha Sea Region.
The main island, Linsha Continent, was situated in the heart of the region. Broken Star Continent, located in the northwest, was the second-largest island, spanning over eight hundred thousand li. It was home to two Grade Four Spirit Veins and several Third Grade Spirit Veins.
A foundation like this was enough to guarantee the Cen Family could maintain its status as a veteran Golden Core power. As long as future generations weren’t reckless, they could remain stable for hundreds, if not thousands, of years.
’If the family’s descendants are promising enough, perhaps a new Nascent Soul True Monarch will emerge in a few hundred years, and we can restore our former glory?’
’It seems the Cen Family has adopted a very humble stance, and their terms show considerable sincerity. From the Ling Family’s perspective, is there any reason to refuse?’
Ling Qiyue fell into a brief contemplation, then looked to Ling Changqing at her side, indicating that he should be the one to decide.
Ling Changqing activated his Celestial Secret Technique to perform a brief divination. The feedback he received showed no abnormalities; at the very least, Cen Deyang had no intention of playing any tricks.
"Fellow Daoist Cen, has your family reached a consensus on this matter?"
Ling Changqing asked, his eyes fixed on him.
Cen Wen Zhong seemed taken aback for a moment before replying, "There are indeed a few branch families who are dissatisfied, but our Patriarch is more than capable of suppressing them. Your family can simply send people to take over the territories."
As he finished speaking, a jolt went through the old man, as if he had only just realized who was speaking to him.
With a look of shock and uncertainty, Cen Wen Zhong raised his head to look at the handsome, black-robed youth with fair features and a chilling gaze, seated beside the Female Patriarch.
"So... Fellow Daoist Ling Changxing has also reached the Nascent Soul True Monarch Realm?"
Cen Wen Zhong’s tone was hoarse. To the outside world, this Elder Ling Changxing of the Ling Family was a mysterious figure who rarely dealt with outsiders and was rumored to have an intimate relationship with the Female Patriarch.
’There are rumors that Ling Changxing is the true decision-maker of the Ling Family,’ he thought. ’Looking at things now, perhaps those rumors weren’t so baseless after all?’
Ling Changqing, however, paid no mind to the old man’s thoughts and said bluntly:
"If certain individuals are unwilling to relinquish their interests and conspire with outsiders to cause trouble, what do you believe should be done?"
There is never a shortage of short-sighted, greedy, and foolish people who still think highly of themselves, and the Cen Family was certainly no exception.
Ling Changqing didn’t expect the process of taking over the Cen Family’s assets to be entirely smooth sailing. If some people were determined to court death, he certainly wasn’t going to stop them.
Cen Wen Zhong’s expression grew solemn. He hesitated for a moment before speaking:
"If they dare to defy our Patriarch’s command, they are traitors. Patriarch Ling may deal with them as you see fit. We will have no objections!"
’Faced with the Ling Family, which now has four Nascent Soul True Monarchs, what else can I say? Even if Patriarch Cen Deyang himself were here, he would likely be unable to defy their will, would he?’
Ling Changqing considered this for a moment before finally saying, "Why don’t the three Envoys go and rest for now? This is a matter of great importance, and we need to hold an internal meeting to discuss it."
"Then I shall await your good news."
Cen Wen Zhong nodded. A Maid then came to lead them away to their designated lodgings.
