The young man in golden robes narrowed his eyes and said, “We’ve already stirred the snake from the grass, and those three families are now like startled birds, too scared to make a move against the Zi family. With those two spirit beasts, Zi Jinchen, and Zi Mo, even if we poured all our strength into it, capturing Zi Ling would be nearly impossible. Even if we succeeded by some fluke, our identities would surely be exposed, and when the Purple Emperor comes knocking, we’d only bring disaster upon ourselves.”
“Then, we can only let this opportunity slip away?” the golden-robed elder beside him said unwillingly.
“For the Holy Spirit Vein, it matures at twenty-five. Zi Ling is only twenty-two now, so we still have three years. We bide our time!” the young man in golden robes replied. Though furious, he was remarkably shrewd.
The grey-robed elder beside him paused, then nodded, “Three years. We’ll keep a close watch on Zi Ling and strike when the time is fully ripe. There may still be a chance.”
The young man in golden robes clenched his fist but said no more.
…
In Zi Family City No. 41, after the group returned, the Zi family held a celebratory banquet that very night. Everyone looked at Lin Xiao and his companions with newfound respect, even the Zi family elders showing great regard.
On the spot, Mei Tianmo demanded plenty of rewards, causing the Zi family elders some heartache.
After the banquet, Lin Xiao took Zi Ling and Ling Hu to speak privately with Zi Jinchen.
“Third Elder, we’d like to ask the Zi family for a few favours,” Lin Xiao said directly, cutting to the chase.
“You’ve done great service for the Zi family. Whatever help we can provide, the Zi family will not hold back,” Zi Jinchen nodded firmly. Even setting aside Lin Xiao’s contributions, his and Ling Hu’s talents alone were enough to warrant the Zi family’s efforts to win them over.
“Ling Hu, you go first,” Lin Xiao said, turning to Ling Hu.
“Alright!” Ling Hu nodded. “Third Elder, my father, Ling Xiao, was taken by the Jin family. Can the Zi family help find out any news about him?”
“I had a feeling you’d ask about this,” Zi Jinchen nodded. “Ling Xiao’s situation involves some secrets. The Zi family already has people looking into it. Once we return to the Zi family headquarters, I’ll have his information passed to you.”
“Secrets?” Ling Hu’s face flashed with worry, but since the Third Elder didn’t elaborate, he didn’t press further. When they reached the Zi family headquarters, the Zi family would share what they could.
“Thank you, Third Elder!” Ling Hu bowed to him.
“No need for such formality, Nephew Ling!” Zi Jinchen replied.
“Third Elder, I’m looking for someone connected to the Temple of Fate. Does the Zi family have any information about the Temple of Fate?” Lin Xiao asked.
“You know about the Temple of Fate?” Zi Jinchen was taken aback.
“I’ve crossed paths with someone from the Temple of Fate. A friend of mine is under their control, and I must rescue her,” Lin Xiao said simply. Apart from the Devouring Spirit Emperor, no one knew about the Fate God Insect, and even if he mentioned it, others likely wouldn’t believe him.
Given its significance, it was better left unsaid.
“Does the Third Elder know about the Temple of Fate?” Lin Xiao asked further.
Zi Jinchen nodded, “That faction is extremely mysterious and powerful, capable of threatening even Martial Emperor factions. I’ve only heard the Purple Emperor mention it. The Zi family has investigated this faction before but found no trace.”
Lin Xiao felt a pang of disappointment. Even the Zi family had no leads on the Temple of Fate?
That wasn’t surprising, though, given the Temple of Fate’s existence spanning countless ages.
“However, the Purple Emperor has been investigating the Temple of Fate. You might find some answers with him,” Zi Jinchen added.
“Can I meet the Purple Emperor?” Lin Xiao’s eyes lit up slightly.
“You defended five arenas and seized five cities for the Zi family, and your talent and strength are extraordinary. Meeting the Purple Emperor is no issue,” Zi Jinchen nodded, secretly eager for Lin Xiao to meet the Purple Emperor and be won over.
“Don’t worry, with me here, even without the arena victories, you’d still meet my great-grandfather,” Zi Ling chimed in. “Besides, you’ll represent the Zi family at the Southeastern Domain Youth Summit. The nomination period isn’t far off.”
Zi Jinchen interjected, “Exactly. After the final round of arenas between the Zi and Jin families, the nominations will officially begin. Each Zi family city gets one nomination slot, and city leaders will go all out to recruit talents, some even holding competitions to decide the slots. The Zi family’s higher-ups can also nominate candidates to the Purple Emperor.”
“Those nominated can join the Zi family and receive some of its resources for cultivation. A month after the nominations, a final competition determines who will attend the Southeastern Domain Youth Summit. Those who make it will receive the same resources as the Purple Emperor’s direct descendants.”
Zi Jinchen explained the nomination process again. Though it was about selecting candidates for the Southeastern Domain Youth Summit, it was also the Zi family’s way of recruiting talent.
His words carried an implicit hope that Lin Xiao would join the Zi family.
“The treatment of a Martial Emperor’s direct descendant isn’t something just anyone can enjoy. Across the entire Zi family, fewer than ten have it, and they can even receive Martial Emperor essence blood,” Zi Jinchen dangled a major temptation.
“Martial Emperor essence blood?” Lin Xiao was stunned, his eyes gleaming. No wonder so many fought tooth and nail to participate—the rewards were extraordinary.
Competing for a spot in the Southeastern Domain Youth Summit was indeed worthwhile. Lin Xiao was determined to secure one.
“When do we set off for the Zi family headquarters?” Lin Xiao asked, eager not only for the summit nomination but also for news about the Temple of Fate.
“The final round of arenas between the Zi and Jin families is special, with one arena being a group battle where we may need your help. The location isn’t a nearby city but alternates between the Zi and Jin family headquarters. This time, it’s at the Zi family headquarters. We can depart tomorrow,” Zi Jinchen replied.
“Group battle?” Lin Xiao was slightly puzzled. It seemed the Zi family, having won this round, was eager to take the stage again.
Zi Jinchen nodded and explained, “The first two arenas are flexible, involving middle-aged or elder fighters, so the younger generation doesn’t need to participate. These battles take place in nearby cities.”
“But the last three arenas are fixed. The third arena features one direct descendant youth from each side. The fourth and fifth arenas involve both families together. The fourth arena pits one Ninth-Tier Martial Lord elder from each side, while the fifth is a group battle of a hundred youths below the Martial Venerable realm.”
“Of course, the fifth round carries some danger, as it’s a fight to the death, though those who surrender can leave the arena,” Zi Jinchen added.
Lin Xiao was taken aback. The Zi and Jin families were truly going all out, with life-and-death battles involving middle-aged fighters, elders, even Ninth-Tier Martial Lords, and a final round with a hundred youths below the Martial Venerable realm. That last round was likely the most brutal.
Though surrender was allowed, if the strength gap was too wide, one might not even get the chance to concede. The competition between two Martial Emperor factions was indeed fierce.
