Chapter 585: Grand Elder Wu Qian
"Wu Xuan, I never imagined you could be so audacious as to bring the child of a sinner back into the clan!"
At this very moment, a voice clearly filled with ill-intent suddenly echoed from a distance, causing Lin Langtian and the others to pause momentarily. Quickly, their expressions turned cold as they turned towards the source of the voice.
Not far away, several figures approached slowly.
Leading them was a middle-aged man dressed in grey-black robes. He had a scholarly and somewhat handsome appearance, but there was a strange effeminacy in his features. His thin lips curled slightly at the corners into a subtle yet discomforting sneer.
Lin Langtian fixed his gaze on this grey-clad figure, narrowing his eyes slightly. From the man's body, he could sense an immensely powerful aura, clearly indicating that this person was at the peak of the Samsara stage.
Lin Langtian glanced over at Wu Xuan, who now wore a somewhat gloomy expression, and then back towards the approaching man, silently considering the situation.
"Wu Sen, when did your Lin Branch begin interfering so blatantly with the internal affairs of my Wind Branch?" Wu Xuan snorted coldly.
"Lin Branch…" Hearing Wu Xuan's words, a look of understanding flashed across Lin Langtian's face.
According to Wu Xuan's earlier explanation, among the various factions within the Seven Malefic Black Golden Crow Clan, the Lin Branch and the Fire Branch were the most antagonistic towards the Wind Branch.
"Big Brother, this man's name is Wu Sen," Jin Wu whispered softly next to Lin Langtian. "He is the younger brother of the Lin Branch Chief and has always been strongly opposed to Shuang Wu and me returning to the clan. It's said that years ago, my father repeatedly defeated Wu Sen in battle, and since my father always acted carefree, treating Wu Sen dismissively as nothing but a defeated opponent, Wu Sen has harbored resentment ever since."
"Oh, an old grudge…" Lin Langtian nodded slightly. It seemed Jin Wu's father was indeed a remarkable figure in his youth—not only exceptionally talented but also very arrogant.
"Wu Xuan, stop feigning ignorance," Wu Sen said coldly, glancing at Jin Wu and Shuang Wu with disdain. "Wu Ju acted recklessly, bringing great disaster to our clan. He's still imprisoned deep within the clan's prison, and his offspring naturally bear his sins. How could you casually bring them back?"
"You're the one feigning ignorance, Wu Sen," Wu Xuan retorted sternly. "Don't forget that the Grand Elder himself decreed that Jin Wu and Shuang Wu, although not formally registered in the clan records, have the right to return and visit. If it weren't for your deliberate interference, they'd already be back in the clan. Also, a few days ago, Eagle Nest Mountain dared to attack Golden Crow Territory and attempted to kill my nephew Jin Wu. I doubt the Eagle Nest Elder would have such boldness without orders from within our clan. If the Grand Elder finds out, I doubt he will overlook this!"
Wu Xuan's expression grew increasingly grim as he spoke. Although the instigator behind Eagle Nest Mountain wasn't entirely clear, he was confident it was either the Lin or Fire Branch's doing.
"Wu Xuan, watch your tongue. My Lin Branch has nothing to do with Eagle Nest Mountain," Wu Sen hastily defended himself, his expression momentarily faltering.
Despite the Lin Branch's dominance within the Elder Council and their persistent interference to prevent Jin Wu's return, the true supreme authority still lay with the Grand Elder, Wu Qian.
Grand Elder Wu Qian held a favorable opinion of Jin Wu due to the boy's Nine Malefic Black Golden Crow bloodline. If not for fear of angering the Kunpeng Clan, Jin Wu and his sister would have long since been welcomed back. If the Grand Elder found out about the Lin Branch's interference, it would certainly cause him displeasure.
"Hmph, the truth will eventually come out, Wu Sen," Wu Xuan growled. "If I ever discover that your Lin Branch has harmed Jin Wu, our Wind Branch will fight you to the death, even if it means mutual destruction!"
Wu Sen's expression darkened further. Although the Wind Branch had declined significantly, it still possessed formidable strength. If they truly fought to the death, even if the Lin Branch won, the victory would be pyrrhic at best, giving other factions the opportunity to capitalize on their losses.
Realizing this, Wu Sen snorted coldly and chose to ignore Jin Wu and his sister, avoiding provoking Wu Xuan further.
However, Wu Sen's gaze soon shifted to Lin Langtian. With narrowed eyes, he asked coldly, "Leaving aside the sinner's children for now—who is this person? I don't recall any humans within the Wind Branch."
"Lin Langtian is my sworn brother whom I met in the Eastern Xuan Region. He has never visited the U-Domain before, so it's understandable if Elder Wu Sen hasn't heard of him," Jin Wu replied with a faint smile.
"Lin Langtian? Sworn brother? As expected of a sinner's child—lowering himself enough to call a human his brother," Wu Sen sneered mockingly.
"Wu Sen," Wu Xuan interjected sharply, his voice turning harsh, "Lin Langtian is an honored guest of the Wind Branch. If you continue insulting him, don't blame me for becoming impolite."
"What arrogance," Wu Sen scoffed. "Wu Xuan, during the coming Inter-Branch War, your Wind Branch will lose its last seat and truly become nothing more than a minor faction. We'll see how arrogant you remain then!"
Wu Sen smirked coldly, casting another glance towards Lin Langtian, clearly dismissive, before turning away with his followers.
"Wu Sen is certainly arrogant…" Lin Langtian murmured quietly, watching the departing figure.
"Langtian," Wu Xuan whispered seriously to him, "Wu Sen is particularly hostile towards our Wind Branch. You'll need to be especially cautious during the Inter-Branch War."
"Rest assured, Uncle Wu," Lin Langtian smiled calmly. "If Wu Sen personally steps onto the stage, I'll give him a pleasant surprise."
Wu Xuan and the others from the Wind Branch exchanged puzzled glances, uncertain how Lin Langtian could be so confident against a Samsara Stage expert.
Shaking his head slightly, Wu Xuan said, "Follow me—the Wind Branch's quarters are just ahead."
Lin Langtian nodded and followed along with Jin Wu and Shuang Wu.
Meanwhile, on Wu Sen's side, one of his followers quietly asked, "Elder Wu Sen, that Lin Langtian—could he be the helper the Wind Branch invited?"
Wu Sen chuckled disdainfully. "A mere peak Death Profound Realm human? Even if he is their helper, the Wind Branch must truly be desperate."
…
In the following days, Lin Langtian, Jin Wu, and Shuang Wu stayed within their quarters without venturing out. The lively girl named Xiao Ling frequently visited Jin Wu, keeping them entertained.
As time passed, despite rarely venturing outside, Lin Langtian and his group could clearly sense the increasing excitement throughout the Seven Malefic Black Golden Crow Clan.
Powerful individuals continued arriving daily, among them numerous Samsara Stage experts. Lin Langtian couldn't help but marvel inwardly. Though not as dominant as the Four Great Overlord Clans, the Seven Malefic Black Golden Crow Clan still controlled vast territories and countless powerful vassals.
Finally, the clan officially announced the start of the Inter-Branch War three days later.
When the day arrived, a profound bell resounded throughout the clan's domain, echoing endlessly.
Swoosh! Swoosh!
The instant the bell sounded, countless figures soared into the sky, rushing towards the clan's central mountain ranges, the atmosphere turning boiling with excitement.
Lin Langtian stood quietly in the courtyard, observing the bustling skies with calm eyes. Behind him, Jin Wu and Shuang Wu appeared somewhat nervous. Yet, seeing Lin Langtian's composed demeanor, they quickly relaxed.
"It's about time. We should move," Lin Langtian said, stretching slightly.
"I'll lead the way," Xiao Ling eagerly volunteered, shooting a lingering glance at Jin Wu before soaring skyward. Lin Langtian and the others quickly followed behind.
After traversing the skies for a short time, they arrived at a towering main peak piercing the clouds. Numerous jade platforms adorned this majestic mountain, surrounded by countless seats filled rapidly by arriving guests.
As Lin Langtian's group landed on an inconspicuous peak with Xiao Ling's guidance, melodious bells reverberated continuously.
At the summit of the central peak, countless black lights suddenly bloomed. When the glow subsided, fourteen figures appeared atop the summit—thirteen respectful individuals standing behind a single elderly figure.
The elder had graying hair and an ordinary presence, yet every expert present showed deep reverence.
"Samsara Boundary…" Lin Langtian murmured, feeling his skin tingle from the elder's frightening presence.
All voices rose respectfully in unison: "Greetings, Grand Elder Wu Qian!"
Xiao Ling whispered to Lin Langtian reverently, "That's our clan's Grand Elder, Wu Qian."
Wu Qian's gaze swept across the vast assembly, and with a voice as ancient as the mountains themselves, he announced solemnly:
"The Inter-Branch War begins now. Display your skills to keep your positions—or yield them to more worthy contenders."
"Yes!"
The thirteen powerful figures responded loudly, each moving swiftly to their respective jade platforms. Instantly, immense Yuan Power surged forth, filling the heavens.
"The Inter-Branch War has officially begun!"
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