Free Web NovelChapter 509: Chapter 279: Courting Death (Part 2)
’From now on, this place will belong to another family. Even if I can come back to visit, it will only ever be as a guest.’
Catching a glimpse of Cen Xuyi standing beside Ling Changqing out of the corner of his eye, Cen Wen Zhong felt a little better. ’As long as my daughter is favored, the Cen Family’s future prospects won’t be too bad after all.’
Fifteen minutes later, the fleet of Tianzhou Skyboats arrived at the clan headquarters, slowly descending onto the massive plaza.
The Cen Family had already arranged a grand welcoming procession. Tens of thousands of clan disciples, dressed in brand-new brocade robes, were lined up to greet the guests. There were also tens of thousands of female clan members in colorful dresses. The plaza was shrouded in rosy mist and auspicious light, presenting the image of a blessed immortal land.
Patriarch Cen Deyang personally led a group of high-ranking Elders in waiting. Upon seeing the Ling Family Cultivators led by Ling Changqing, he immediately went forward to greet them.
Ling Changqing looked up and saw that this Patriarch was a dignified-looking, middle-aged man with a long black beard. His current Cultivation Realm was Middle stage Nascent Soul, but his potential was already exhausted.
Moreover, with Ling Changqing’s keen perception, it wasn’t difficult to tell that the man’s life force was dim; he was long past his peak state.
Barring a miracle, this Patriarch probably had about thirty to forty years left to live.
Ling Changqing reached this conclusion with a moment’s thought, feeling utterly unfazed.
Cen Deyang, in turn, was intently studying the approaching Ling Family Patriarch. ’This handsome youth in black, with his red lips, white teeth, and cold eyes, is actually already a Nascent Soul True Monarch?’
’It’s not hard to see that the Ling Family’s de facto leader is very young. His Spirit Root Talent must be exceptionally outstanding for him to have achieved the Nascent Soul True Monarch Dao Fruit at such an age.’
’And those two Female Cultivators beside him, hooded and wrapped in heavy green robes... are their auras also at the Nascent Soul True Monarch level?’
’How is that possible?!’
Cen Deyang’s expression froze for an instant before blossoming into an even more fervent smile. He strode forward, his expression eager as he offered his greetings.
In fact, Cen Wen Zhong had already explained the situation to him via a Communication Jade Talisman. He had been skeptical, but after seeing it with his own eyes, the last vestiges of doubt in his heart vanished.
Beside him, the other clan Elders were also deeply shocked. ’Three Nascent Soul True Monarchs here at once? Is the Ling Family’s strategic power really this abundant?’
’The Ling Family couldn’t have sent all of their top combatants. Back at their main base on the Li Long Continent, there must be at least two more Nascent Soul True Monarchs standing guard, right?’
’So, the true strength of this family is plain to see. What can the Cen Family possibly do now?’
Some of the more quick-witted clan Elders had already begun their calculations. Since the Ling Family was about to become the new master of the Linsha Sea Region, it was better to be direct, pledge their loyalty, and find a way to secure a position under the Ling Family in the future.
Otherwise, the Cen Family’s drastically reduced territory and interests could no longer guarantee that this large clan could continue living their previously extravagant lifestyle.
After the routine pleasantries, Cen Deyang invited Ling Changqing into the Clan Assembly Hall to sit and talk.
Representing his clan, Cen Deyang began by giving an overview of the entire Linsha Sea Region.
Although Cen Wen Zhong had already told Ling Changqing everything without holding back on their journey, Cen Deyang still reiterated the most important points.
This was a gesture of special significance, indicating that from this day forward, the Cen Family was renouncing its former independence and formally becoming a subordinate of the Ling Family.
Finally, Ling Changqing, satisfied, made a promise on behalf of his clan: the Cen Family’s ownership of the Broken Star Continent and their status within the Ling Family would not be affected. Henceforth, the Cen Family was a part of the Ling Family.
As a Nascent Soul True Monarch, Cen Deyang was qualified to enter the Ling Family’s highest decision-making body, occupying a position as a Core Elder. He would have the right to express his opinions in high-level meetings and possess voting rights on certain important matters.
However, most of the Ling Family’s key affairs were currently decided by Ling Qiyue and Ling Changqing, so meetings were rarely necessary.
Moreover, since most of the Core Elder seats were held by his Dao Companions, Ling Changqing wielded nearly absolute authority within the clan.
In the future, as long as the Cen Family did not court disaster by willingly crossing into forbidden territory, Ling Changqing could guarantee their peace and safety.
After the agreement of allegiance was signed, Cen Deyang instructed an Elder to prepare a banquet to host Ling Changqing and his entourage.
After the banquet, the Cen Family Elders would begin the process of handing over the territory to Ling Changqing. The contingent of Ling Family Cultivators, guided by Cen Family Cultivators, would gradually take over the defenses of all key areas.
"Patriarch, this way, please!"
Cen Deyang bowed slightly as he spoke gently. With the roles of lord and vassal now set, he had already adjusted his mindset to his new station.
Ling Changqing nodded, rose to his feet, and followed him toward the nearby banquet hall. The leading figures of both the Ling and Cen Families followed suit.
At that very moment, a faint CRACK sounded from the hall’s dome. Several Sword Auras, like bolts of white silk, suddenly materialized. They tore through space, striking at Ling Changqing from an incredibly cunning angle. The killing intent was so tangible it made his scalp prickle.
Cen Deyang’s expression changed dramatically. The attack was too sudden, and since his Cultivation was not at its Peak, he had no time to intervene.
"Heh. So there really is a fool who doesn’t know what’s good for them?"
A shadow flashed as Fu Yin Xue moved from behind Ling Changqing to shield him. A terrifying pressure erupted from her as the Gilded Coiling Dragon Staff in her hand let out a heart-stopping shriek, blooming into a thousand afterimages that completely intercepted the sneak attack.
