Upon hearing this, Cao Tianchao and Xu Zilan exchanged a glance, seemingly communicating through their divine senses. Then, Cao Tianchao spoke, “We’ll respect the Zi family’s reputation, but we’ll only give him one month. After that, the Zi family must no longer interfere in our affairs.”
Zi Ling’s brows furrowed, but before she could respond, Lin Xiao’s resolute voice cut in, “After one month, you can make your move.” Zi Ling was slightly taken aback, glancing at Lin Xiao and noting his confident expression. She then turned to Cao Tianchao and Xu Zilan, saying, “Fine, after one month, we won’t protect him under the Zi family’s name. If we act, you’re free to respond. But if anyone dares to touch Lin Xiao within this month, treating our Zi family as nothing, we’ll make sure to assert our authority in this region!”
Her tone carried a sharp edge.
“Rest assured, the Cao family keeps its word!” Cao Tianchao replied in a deep voice, then glanced at Cao Ting. Understanding the cue, Cao Ting tossed the key to the iron chains toward Ling Zhongqian.
“Let’s go!” Cao Tianchao surveyed the Cao family members present, waved his sleeve, and let out a cold shout before turning to fly back toward the Cao family’s territory. Cao Ting and the others followed, their faces filled with resentment.
“If you’re not afraid of death, come to the Yuanling Pool Secret Realm!” Before departing, Cao Xueqing threw a threatening glare at Lin Xiao, her voice icy, before finally leaving.
“Let’s move!” Seeing the Cao family leave, Xu Zilan gave a cold command and swiftly led the Xu family’s experts out of Ling Family City.
The onlookers couldn’t help but sigh. No one had expected today’s events to conclude like this. The Cao family had arrived with such momentum, only to leave empty-handed.
At this moment, the Su and Guo families grew anxious. They had boldly entered Ling Family City’s square to spectate, banking on the Cao family’s strength. Now, with both the Cao and Xu families gone, if Lin Xiao, Ling Xiao, or the Zi family turned on them, the consequences would be dire.
“Su and Guo families, get out of Ling Family City!” Just as their anxiety peaked, Ling Xiao’s booming voice rang out.
The Su and Guo families felt as if they’d been granted amnesty.
“Go!” A ninth-stage Martial Venerable shouted, and the group hurriedly took flight on wings of elemental energy, rushing out of Ling Family City.
At the same time, both families were secretly shocked. They hadn’t expected Ling Xiao, their long-time rival, to let them go. Perhaps, at his level, he no longer considered the two families a threat?
Either way, both families had lost all confidence in opposing the Ling family. After this, they planned to apologise and seek peace with the Ling family.
“My apologies, everyone, I must leave!” After the Su and Guo families departed, Ling Xiao bowed to the Ling family members with a regretful expression.
“Family head, has something happened?” Ling Zhongqian asked with concern.
“Father, are you going to the Jin family?” Ling Hu added urgently.
Zi Ling’s brows furrowed slightly, and she quickly pieced things together. “You’re vassals of the Jin family, working for them?” she asked.
Ling Xiao shook his head, then nodded. “Sort of. There’s a good chance I’ll bring great trouble to the Zi family.”
Zi Ling and the ninth-stage Martial Monarch beside her frowned. After a pause, Zi Ling said, “You don’t have to work for the Jin family. You can join our Zi family. Our strength is no less than the Jin family’s, and Ling Hu is my friend. We’ll protect you fully.”
Ling Xiao shook his head. “It’s not that simple. Farewell, everyone!”
With that, he turned and flew swiftly out of Ling Family City. His booming voice echoed back, “When my son grows up, those people’s faces will be a sight to behold, haha…”
“Father!” Ling Hu’s expression darkened, his fists clenching tightly. He knew his father wouldn’t leave without a compelling reason.
Whatever that reason was, one day, he’d make them pay.
After Ling Xiao’s departure, the scene grew quiet.
“The person Zi Ling travelled tens of thousands of miles to find is indeed remarkable. A mere second-stage Martial Venerable daring to provoke two ninth-stage Martial Monarch forces,” said the black-haired elder beside Zi Ling, his gaze appraising Lin Xiao. “No wonder Zi Ling took notice. His courage alone surpasses our Zi family’s geniuses. And his ability to conceal his aura—even I can’t see through it. Zi Ling, you didn’t misjudge him!”
Zi Ling’s cheeks flushed slightly, and she huffed, “Elder Zi Mo, what do you mean ‘took notice’? He’s clearly someone Master An Miao chose.”
“Er…” The elder, Zi Mo, paused, chuckling. “Right, right, Master An Miao’s choice, not yours.”
Lin Xiao gave an awkward smile and shook his head. It seemed this ninth-stage Martial Monarch elder had misunderstood his relationship with Zi Ling. He then bowed to Zi Ling and Zi Mo, saying, “Senior Zi Mo, Zi Ling, thank you for today.”
“If you want to thank anyone, thank this girl. She spoke highly of you in front of the clan leader! Even an old man like me got dragged into this,” Zi Mo sighed.
“Elder Zi Mo, I asked Great-Grandfather to send you because you’re usually quiet. Why are you so talkative today?” Zi Ling glared, then turned to Lin Xiao. “Lin Xiao, with our relationship, let’s skip the formalities. We came here because we need your help with something. Given our bond, I trust you’ll lend a hand.”
“But you’re really a handful. You’ve barely been in the Southeast Region and already caused such a stir.”
“We didn’t expect the Cao family to make such a big move either,” Lin Xiao said with a helpless shrug. This had indeed caught him off guard.
“What’s the matter you need help with?” he asked, knowing that after Zi Ling and her group saved them today, he’d have to help even if he didn’t want to.
“It’s no small matter. Let’s find a place to talk,” Zi Ling said, scanning the square.
Lin Xiao nodded.
Soon, they left the Holy City Square with the Ling family members. The crowd dispersed amid heated discussions.
The Ling family had narrowly escaped danger, leaving everyone shaken. Though no one was injured, Ling Hu had burned a significant amount of essence blood and would need time to recover. Without a fortunate opportunity, restoring that lost essence would be difficult.
Back at the Ling family compound, the tension gradually eased. With the Martial Emperor’s decree, they didn’t have to worry about the Cao or Xu families attacking for a long time. The Ling family was safe for now.
Zi Mo, the Zi family powerhouse, was treated as an honoured guest by the Ling family.
Lin Xiao and Zi Ling settled into an elegant room with a table, two chairs, and a pot of tea—a rare moment of calm after the crisis. But Lin Xiao didn’t feel relaxed. Zi Ling had travelled tens of thousands of miles to ask for his help, and it likely wasn’t a simple matter.
“I didn’t expect you to be a Martial Emperor’s great-granddaughter. With your status and the Zi family’s strength, there can’t be many who’d dare threaten you. So, what could you need my help with?” Lin Xiao asked as soon as they sat down.
