“Brother Lin Xiao, we’ve heard about your deeds. Your strength truly puts us to shame, and we admire you greatly. In the group battle later, we hope you’ll lend us your support,” Zi Yi said to Lin Xiao in greeting.
Although Zi Huang had forbidden spreading the news of Lin Xiao and Jian Wuqu’s incident, there was no restriction within the clan, especially for direct-line descendants like Zi Yi.
Moreover, since they needed to coordinate with Lin Xiao in the group battle, he naturally had to be informed.
Zi Yi’s expression was calm, his attitude approachable and friendly.
But Zi Hui, standing nearby, looked displeased. Lin Xiao, at the fourth level of Martial Venerable and a fifth-grade intermediate spiritual controller, had defeated Jian Wuqu, while he couldn’t even last ten moves against him.
This meant that he, a direct-line descendant, was far inferior to Lin Xiao, which his proud heart struggled to accept.
Still, being outmatched, he didn’t dare say much.
“You’re too kind, Brother Zi Yi. I hope you and Brother Zi Hui will cooperate as well,” Lin Xiao replied courteously.
Since the other party was polite, he wouldn’t disrespect them.
“Brother Zi Huan is here!”
At that moment, a buzz of excitement arose. Lin Xiao turned to see a handsome young man in white robes walking toward them under the crowd’s gaze.
“Zi Huan’s aura is even stronger. He’s probably not far from breaking through to the second level of Martial Lord.”
“I feel it too. This battle will surely showcase Zi Huan’s brilliance!”
…
Praises rang out continuously, and Zi Huan’s face carried an air of lofty pride as he strode to the front row where Lin Xiao stood.
“Little Sister Zi Ling, it’s been a while,” Zi Huan said to Zi Ling as soon as he arrived.
“Brother Zi Huan, long time no see,” Zi Ling replied coolly, nodding with little warmth, clearly not fond of him.
Years ago, despite her natural beauty, she had faced exclusion from Zi Huan.
Now, knowing she possessed the Substitute Holy Spirit Vein, his change in attitude irked her.
After speaking, Zi Ling subtly leaned closer to Lin Xiao.
Seeing this, Zi Huan frowned, his cold eyes turning to Lin Xiao and Ling Hu with ill intent. “You’re Lin Xiao?” he asked.
“That’s me,” Lin Xiao replied curtly, matching Zi Huan’s tone.
“You dare challenge Jian Tianjiao with your skills?” Zi Huan questioned.
“Zi Huan, enough!” Before Lin Xiao could respond, Zi Jinchen nearby snapped in a low voice, “Defy the Clan Leader’s orders, and you know the consequences. This is a warning!”
Zi Huan’s brow twitched, and he snorted, “Stay away from Zi Ling!”
With that, he walked off to the side, saying no more.
Lin Xiao sighed inwardly. Zi Huang’s authority was immense, silencing even a direct-line prodigy.
“The Jin Clan is here!”
At that moment, a cry of surprise rang out, and all eyes turned forward.
Hundreds of figures swiftly approached, soon stopping about two thousand zhang away—a close distance for martial artists’ eyesight.
Lin Xiao could clearly see that most of the group were youths, with some middle-aged and elderly figures. The number of Martial Lords likely reached dozens.
Leading them was a gold-robed elder, over a hundred years old, his face lined with wrinkles. His aura was restrained but carried an undeniable authority.
Clearly, this was the Jin Clan’s Great Elder, a deeply formidable figure.
Beside him, Lin Xiao spotted a familiar face: the Jin Clan’s Third Elder, Jin Wuhuan.
Among the Jin Clan were other familiar figures like Jin Bihui and Jin Xiaoyue, their gazes filled with hostility toward him.
But these people were no longer his concern.
As the Jin Clan arrived, the youths of both clans locked eyes, sizing each other up with tension.
“Welcome to the Zi Clan’s headquarters!” Zi Gong’s gaze fixed on the Jin Clan’s Great Elder, his voice ringing out.
“Elder Zi Gong, you’re too kind. It’s been years, and the Zi Clan’s headquarters has grown even more magnificent,” the Jin Clan’s Great Elder, Jin Zhi, replied calmly.
He knew that at the Zi Clan’s headquarters, Zi Huang was likely watching, so they didn’t dare act arrogantly.
“Elder Jin Zhi, you flatter us,” Zi Gong said. “Through this round of arena exchanges, both our clans will surely improve. After the matches, if you don’t mind, please join us at the Zi Clan for a visit.”
Jin Zhi nodded noncommittally, saying, “Let’s discuss that after the battles.”
He then said lightly, “Jin Lin’er, go challenge the Zi Clan’s direct-line descendant.”
“Yes!”
A woman in red robes stepped out from the Jin Clan’s crowd, her vital energy forming wings as she flew to the front, standing in the void.
The Zi Clan’s eyes lit up. Jin Lin’er, in her early twenties like Zi Ling, was strikingly beautiful with a curvaceous figure that stirred the blood.
“Zi Ling, come fight me!” Jin Lin’er called out boldly toward the Zi Clan.
“As you wish!” Zi Ling rose from beside Lin Xiao, flying toward Jin Lin’er.
Both clans knew the rules: the arena was set, the void was the battlefield, and no further explanation was needed.
Soon, Zi Ling reached Jin Lin’er.
Her appearance caused the Jin Clan’s youths to widen their eyes.
Used to Jin Lin’er’s fiery beauty, they were struck by Zi Ling’s ethereal charm, a completely different kind of allure.
“Heh, Sister Zi Ling, my apologies. After challenging you, I broke through one realm, reaching the seventh level of Martial Venerable,” Jin Lin’er said with a smug smile, releasing a powerful seventh-level Martial Venerable aura.
The Zi Clan’s crowd frowned. With Jin Lin’er’s breakthrough, wouldn’t Zi Ling be at a disadvantage?
The Jin Clan, meanwhile, smirked with satisfaction.
Jin Lin’er’s expression carried a hint of mockery, expecting shock or frustration from Zi Ling.
But to her disappointment, Zi Ling showed no surprise or anger. Instead, her lips curved into a smile. “I’m also sorry to say that after your challenge, my spiritual power advanced one level. So, you might as well surrender now.”
“What?” Jin Lin’er’s smile froze, her heart trembling.
