The morning sun rose, its divine light shining upon the land.
The entire Ling Clan sacred realm suddenly buzzed with activity. Countless powerful auras descended from the sky, landing before the central Holy Palace. Above Han Tian City, massive ships and great avian beasts docked one after another, preparing to ascend to the Ling Clan's sacred realm. The entire ancient city instantly fell into a state of jubilation.
Scarlet silks and brocades fluttered along both sides of the streets,. Countless cultivators, full of vigor, rushed along the streets spreading the news: "Young Master Ling Xiao is getting engaged! Young Master Ling Xiao is getting engaged! The heir of our Ling Clan is getting engaged!!" The entire world seemed to be celebrating.
Within just a few days, Ling Xiao's name had thoroughly resounded throughout the Sacred Province. Qin Feng, the direct disciple of the Myriad Demons Sect's Grand Elder, had been killed right before the elder's eyes! The Si family, head of the four great families of Han Tian City, had been annihilated overnight! Rumors said these were all deeds of Young Master Ling Xiao.
Furthermore, yesterday the Ling Clan had suddenly proclaimed to the world, solidifying Ling Xiao's position as the Clan heir. Although the Ling Clan had always been united, which of the nine branches didn't covet the Patriarch's seat? Ling Tianlin was powerful, but not so much that he could overshadow everyone single-handedly. Therefore, the fact that Ling Xiao could securely sit on the heir's position likely meant he had truly demonstrated extremely formidable talent!
Those prodigies and geniuses who had previously looked down on Ling Xiao in secret had also specially come to Han Tian City today, hoping to catch a glimpse of this Young Master. At the same time, they were very curious to know whether Ling Xiao's arrogance was just an empty reputation or backed by real strength. After all, the Myriad Sects Assembly was about to begin—a top-tier opportunity to establish one's name as a supreme prodigy. Who cultivated not for the sake of achieving unparalleled prestige? Especially these proud Sect Holy Sons and scions of Ancient Clans! They had no desire to be overshadowed by anyone.
Of course, some came for Ling Xiao, while others... came for Nian Qingyun. It was well-known that this Divine Maiden of the Dao Palace possessed heavenly beauty and was revered as a peerless beauty rarely seen in ten thousand years within the Sacred Province. There were even rumors that a young master of an Ancient Clan, after catching a distant glimpse of her, eventually died of lovesickness. What terrifying allure was that? Although seeing her came with the risk of dying, it didn't dampen everyone's enthusiasm to behold her celestial visage.
"Have you heard? That Divine Maiden Nian isn't too keen on marrying this Ling Clan heir."
"Nonsense!What status and beauty does Divine Maiden Nian possess? How could someone like Ling Xiao, that arrogant vulgarian, be worthy of her?"
"Shh!Keep your voice down! Do you want to die? This is Han Tian City. If the Ling Clan hears you, your life is over."
"Hmph,what's there to fear? Ling Xiao's notorious reputation is known throughout the Sacred Province. I just can't understand it—did the Ethereal Palace Master's brain turn to mush? Actually proposing marriage to the Ling Clan?"
"But he is truly powerful,you know. Didn't you hear that the Myriad Demons Sect's direct disciple Qin Feng was killed by Ling Xiao right in front of the Grand Elder a few days ago?"
"Pfft,you believe he has that kind of strength? They're both direct disciples; how much can their cultivation differ? Ling Xiao was probably on pills or used some supreme treasure from the Ling Clan."
"That might be true...But still, be careful. We're just here to see Divine Maiden Nian. Let's not lose our lives over this..."
Many young cultivators gathered together, discussing the recent rumors animatedly. Especially the matter of Ling Xiao killing Qin Feng, which had spread throughout the Eastern Territory's sects these past few days. But rumors were just rumors, and coupled with Ling Xiao's status, few truly believed his strength was sufficient to crush the Profound Clear Realm.
Heavenly Sword Immortal Sect
"Grand Elder, where did Master go in such a hurry early this morning?" Ye Qingchan, holding the Green Que ancient sword, practiced her sword forms atop the mountain peak.
Hearing this, Xu Jibo, standing beside her, smiled faintly with a detached expression. "Today is the auspicious day of the engagement between the Ling Clan heir, Young Master Ling Xiao, and the Ethereal Dao Palace's Divine Maiden, Nian Qingyun. All forces friendly with the Ling Clan have gone to offer their congratulations."
"What?!" Ye Qingchan's delicate frame trembled slightly, and the sword intent around her showed signs of dispersing. The Young Master... is getting engaged?
Although Ye Qingchan had known from the start that someone of Ling Xiao's status would never have only one woman by his side, hearing this news still made her... heart ache. But fortunately, it was only an engagement.
"Grand Elder, I wish to enter seclusion. Please inform Master for me when he returns." Ye Qingchan sheathed her immortal sword and walked towards a cave dwelling in the distant mountains. The Young Master said that as long as I become powerful enough, he will come to take me down the mountain.
"Hehehe, very well, very well. Go ahead, Qingchan." Xu Jibo nodded with a smile, a profound meaning gleaming in his aged eyes. Before departing, the Sect Master had specifically instructed him to tell the truth if Ye Qingchan asked. This way, she would naturally sever her attachment to Ling Xiao and focus her mind entirely on the Sword Dao. The Sect Master is truly a master strategist.
Little did Xu Jibo know what Ye Qingchan was actually thinking at that moment—if he had, he'd probably be so infuriated he'd vomit blood and collapse!
Meanwhile, in Qingqiu, Northern Territory
Bai Zhixi stared coldly at a young maidservant in green standing before her, her exquisite little face showing a trace of anger. "You're saying Ling Xiao is getting engaged today?"
"Yes, Ninth Princess. My cousin in the Eastern Territory says today is the day Ling Xiao gets engaged to the Ethereal Dao Palace's Divine Maiden. The entire Ling Clan sacred realm is very lively right now."
"Divine Maiden of the Dao Palace? Hmph! A seductress!!" Bai Zhixi snorted coldly, but after saying it, she herself was stunned. What did Ling Xiao's engagement have to do with her? Why was she so angry? Could it be... she had really fallen for him? But... humans and demons cannot love each other! That's the ancient teaching! What should I do? At this moment, Bai Zhixi felt a confusion she had never experienced before.
Dan Yuan Holy Land
Xuan Yuan Yue, clad in red robes, stood before the main hall, gazing into the distant sky. Behind her, the woman named A'Jiu stood respectfully with her eyes slightly lowered.
"Holy Master, will you... not go in person?"
"I have sworn never to set foot in Han Tian City again in this lifetime,"Xuan Yuan Yue shook her head, a trace of sorrow on her peerlessly beautiful face. It wasn't that she didn't want to attend Ling Xiao's engagement ceremony. But back then, she had dug out Ling Tian's dantian while he was alive?, defying universal condemnation, and had already crossed Ling Tianlin's bottom line. Although their engagement hadn't been formally broken off, their relationship was shattered. Her going to the Ling Clan was neither appropriate nor reasonable.
"Holy Master... so much time has passed. I think Emperor Ling..."
"Hmph!"Xuan Yuan Yue coldly snorted. The space vibrated, showing signs of shattering.
"Holy Master,please calm your anger."
"Take the congratulatory gifts to the Ling Clan.Also, tell Xiao'er that I will help him investigate the matter regarding Bai Zhirou."
"Yes!"
Ling Clan Sacred Realm, Central Holy Palace
Ling Tianlin, clad in golden robes, sat upright in the host's seat, flanked by the eight Clan Elders. On both sides of the hall below, numerous powerful figures with formidable auras sat cross-legged, their eyes looking at Ling Tianlin and the others with either awe or profound meaning.
The strength of the Ling Clan was witnessed by these sect leaders. And today, the Ling Clan was once again forming a marriage alliance with the Ethereal Dao Palace. With this, who in the entire Eastern Territory of the Sacred Province could be their match?
But... the representatives of the Ling Clan's nine branches had all arrived quite completely, so why hadn't the heir, Ling Xiao, shown his face yet?, the rumors were true. This Ling Xiao had no respect for elders, knew no propriety, was arrogant and conceited, and unfit for great responsibility. Even if the Ling Clan fell into his hands in the future, it would most likely decline.