Today's battle ended in Lin Xi's defeat. Yet, he had revealed few of his trump cards. Especially his soul power attainments—there were likely very few prodigies in the entire Sacred Province who could truly rival him in this aspect. After all, compared to Heaven and Earth Spiritual Fires, soul arts had long since faded into the annals of history. Had it not been for Spirit Elder's teachings, he would never have had access to them. The Soul Sword Art, according to Spirit Elder, was a legacy passed down from an ancient soul power mighty figure. This figure, calling himself the Heaven Soul Venerable, possessed soul techniques of a divine and unfathomable level, suppressed an entire era, and ultimately ascended to the Immortal Realm. By chance, Lin Xi had obtained a seemingly ordinary black stone. Unexpectedly, it contained the legacy of this Soul Venerable. Over the years, he had successively found three such stones, and the three forms of the Soul Sword Art were now his greatest trump card aside from the Scripture of Conflagration.
"Let's go. We'll head to Sunset City first, observe quietly for a couple of days. The day after tomorrow, that Dao Principle Spirit Fruit should ripen." Spirit Elder laughed with satisfaction; he was quite pleased with this disciple. At the very least, compared to the average Ancient Clan prodigy, Lin Xi's mindset and character were superior. Although his innate talent was somewhat ordinary, the less remarkable he seemed, the less likely he was to attract the attention of major powers. In these chaotic times, being too conspicuous easily bred jealousy. Isn't lying low better? Let them fight it out first; he could secretly pick up equipment and accumulate potions. When enough people had died, he would then erupt onto the scene, crushing his entire generation.
"Spirit Elder... should we fuse the Undying Heart Flame first? That would give us more assurance." What Lin Xi cared about wasn't really 'more assurance'. He was just worried that if they stole the spirit fruit and attracted the pursuit of the Flame Wolf, how would he have time to search for the Spiritual Fire? Anyway, the spirit fruit wasn't his to begin with; whether he got it or not was none of his business.
"No. The birth of a Spiritual Fire will inevitably trigger celestial phenomena. By then, countless powerful experts will descend upon the Sunset Divine Mountains, making seizing the spirit fruit very troublesome. If we take the Dao Principle Spirit Fruit first, and as long as I can fuse it, no matter how many people come, the Spiritual Fire will be ours for the taking." Spirit Elder's tone was resolute. Although a shadow crossed Lin Xi's eyes, he ultimately said nothing more. Fine, you're the boss for now.
Ling Clan Sacred Realm, Central Great Hall
The powerful figures from the holy sects and Ancient Clans bid farewell to Ling Tianlin and the others before departing. Magnificent pavilions soared into the sky; hundred-zhang giant ships crushed through space. One heart-palpitating, fierce aura after another streaked across the sky overhead. The Ling Clan, bustling for a full day, finally fell completely silent.
Ling Xiao stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Ling Tianlin, watching the countless figures vanishing through the skies, both their eyes holding a trace of indifference. Among the supreme orthodoxies present today, only a handful, like the Myriad Demons Sect, truly stood with the Ling Clan. The majority had likely come to probe Ling Xiao's true strength. Fortunately, Ling Xiao had been impressive enough, shattering the void with a single palm and establishing the might of a Thunder God. Thus, the Ling Clan's prestige once again reached its peak.
"Xiao'er, should we send someone to..." "No need, Father. I have my own plans." Ling Xiao naturally knew what Ling Tianlin was thinking. Although Lin Xi's talent wasn't as great as his, it was undoubtedly top-tier in the Sacred Province. Moreover, a Son of Destiny like him inevitably possessed many opportunities. Given time, he would inevitably grow strong. Killing him now would eliminate a potential future threat. Ling Tianlin didn't want Ling Xiao to make such a formidable enemy.
"But... Xiao'er, I sensed a very strange aura on him, one that could hide its presence from me. I'm afraid..." A cold glint flashed in Ling Tianlin's eyes, but Ling Xiao just smiled and nodded. It would be strange if there wasn't one. However, any remnant soul, regardless of its realm, was merely nourishment to him.
"Don't worry, Father. I know what to do. What about Tian-di? Do you really intend to entrust him to the Ten Thousand Swords Holy Master?"
"Our Ling Clan has no supreme expert in the Sword Dao.I've noticed Tian'er has always kept a sword close these past few years. Your mother and I... owe him too much. So... if he likes it, that's fine." Ling Tianlin sighed, looking weary. He had never blamed Ling Xiao for what happened; after all, back then, Ling Xiao had also been forced. It was just that Xuan Yuan Yue's methods were too cruel, unacceptable by any standard of morality.
"Father, you needn't blame yourself too much. Perhaps... this might be a good thing." Ling Xiao smiled faintly, looking up at the distant sky. The Yin-Yang Dantian was now like a chicken rib to him—of little value. Besides, he still had a Nine-Layered Dantian left behind by a Saint stored in his system. But if he acted too eagerly now, it would inevitably arouse Ling Tian's suspicion. Resolving this matter completely wouldn't be easy. Seven years of endurance, ten thousand draws of the sword? How much hatred must there be to foster such perseverance! Ling Xiao didn't doubt that, if things followed the normal trope, his final outcome would be no better than Si Cong's.
"Sigh..." Ling Tianlin said no more. Behind him, Nian Qingyun had arrived slowly.
"Qingyun, tired?" Ling Tianlin smiled warmly. Nian Qingyun quickly shook her head, somewhat flustered. Emperor Ling of the Ling Clan was one of the most terrifying existences in the Eastern Territory of the Sacred Province. There were even rumors that this current Ling Clan Patriarch's cultivation had faintly stepped beyond the Emperor Realm. Of course, rumors were rumors; given his status, few would dare to provoke him lightly.
"Not at all... Emperor Ling, I..."
"Still calling me Emperor Ling?It's time to change how you address me." Ling Tianlin shook his head with a smile, suddenly producing an object from his hand—two jade keys shimmering with a clear light.
"This pair of Dragon-Phoenix Jade Keys was given by my mother when I...and your Aunt Xuan Yuan became engaged. They aren't heavy treasures, but they can sense each other's presence. I give them to you now, hoping the two of you will have a harmonious union for a hundred years." Ling Tianlin handed the jade keys to Nian Qingyun and Ling Xiao. Just as he was about to turn away, Ling Xiao spoke disdainfully, "Father, you're too stingy! On my engagement day, instead of giving me a Dao Artifact or something, you give two jade pendants?"
"Thank you, Un... Uncle Ling..." But at that moment, Nian Qingyun suddenly bowed slightly and obediently hung the spiritual pendant at her waist.
"Huh, this woman is easy to please." Ling Xiao shook his head with a smile. He certainly understood his father's thoughtful intention. Moreover, he genuinely didn't have much need for spiritual treasures. But he hadn't expected this aloof Divine Maiden of the Dao Palace to accept such a symbolically significant gift.
"Alright, it's been a long day. You two go and rest." Ling Tianlin nodded, and his figure instantly vanished on the spot.
Ling Xiao then looked up at Nian Qingyun with a playful expression, a hint of mockery suddenly curling at the corner of his mouth. "Shall we go home, my wife?"
What Dao Palace Divine Maiden, what sower of chaos among all races?
Hehe.
Just do it!
"Young Master Ling Xiao, please mind your words. We are only engaged, not yet married. You..." Nian Qingyun's face turned icy again, but before she could finish, she saw the young man before her suddenly step forward and snatch the white veil from her face.