The Long Clan’s ancestral grounds were nestled among the mountains.
It resembled a colossal dragon resting amidst the peaks.
In contrast, the Source of the Dragon Vein lay within a desert.
In this desert, fierce winds raged, a place of wild, swirling sand.
By all accounts, such a desert should harbour no other presence, and anything that existed would be destroyed by the ferocious sandstorms.
Yet, at the heart of this desert stood a mountain peak.
The peak rose straight and tall, seemingly forged from yellow earth, yet it was utterly indestructible.
Despite the relentless sweep of the sandstorms, it remained unscathed.
Its form was striking, resembling a giant bone thrust upside down into the desert, quite peculiar.
At present, this unique mountain glowed faintly.
This glow made the already extraordinary peak appear even more mystical.
This was the Source of the Dragon Vein of the Long Clan.
Legend had it that the Long Clan was established here because of it.
It was said that if this place were activated, the strength of the Long Clan members would surge dramatically.
However, activating it was a formidable challenge.
At that moment, Chu Feng stood amidst the yellow sand. Though his figure seemed insignificant before this place, he was observing it with his Heavenly Eye.
While he couldn’t discern how to activate it, he could sense that there was more to this structure than met the eye.
His abilities were limited, however, and he could glean little beyond this.
“It’s not difficult to activate it.”
Suddenly, the old Taoist with the ox-like nose spoke up.
His words caused the expressions of the Long Clan members to shift dramatically, a mix of shock and joy.
“Master, is what you say true?”
The Long Clan leader asked, his voice betraying his excitement.
Could this old Taoist truly have a way to activate the place that had stumped the Long Clan’s experts?
If it were truly activated, the Long Clan might reach new heights.
“It’s no problem at all. Though it’s somewhat troublesome, even dangerous, I can activate it,” the old Taoist said confidently.
“Master, we entrust this to you. Whatever you need, just say it. The entire Long Clan will fully cooperate.”
“As for compensation, we will certainly not shortchange you.”
As the Long Clan leader spoke, he began detailing the compensation they had prepared.
In truth, the Long Clan was not being insincere. The compensation they offered was indeed valuable, carrying significant weight.
Yet the old Taoist appeared utterly uninterested. Finally, unable to listen further, he interrupted before the clan leader could finish listing the rewards.
“Enough, stop talking. I’m not interested in the compensation you’ve prepared,” the old Taoist said.
“Not interested?”
His words caused all the Long Clan members present to freeze.
After all, the compensation they had prepared was extraordinarily valuable, especially for spiritists. These were treasures among treasures.
Any normal spiritist would find such rewards irresistible.
Yet this man claimed to have no interest?
“Master, what do you want?”
“Just tell us, and we will prepare it for you,” the Long Clan leader said.
“No need to prepare anything. Just allow my disciple and me to enter your Long Clan’s ancestral grounds once,” the old Taoist said.
“Enter the Long Clan’s ancestral grounds?”
His words caused the Long Clan members’ expressions to darken.
The ancestral grounds were the heart of the Long Clan, absolutely off-limits to outsiders.
“Master, could you choose another request? The ancestral grounds are restricted to Long Clan members only. This is a rule set by our ancestors, not because we don’t wish for you to enter,” Long Duan explained, as the clan leader remained silent.
“From what I know, it seems someone outside your Long Clan has entered the ancestral grounds.”
“Why is it that others can, but my disciple and I cannot?”
“Are we not qualified?” the old Taoist said with a cold smile.
“Impossible, Master. That’s absolutely impossible.”
“It’s a rumour. You’ve been deceived. Tell me, where did you hear this rumour?”
“This kind of rumour must not be spread carelessly. We must seek justice and give you an explanation.”
Though Long Duan didn’t speak, other Great Elders present responded angrily.
Their reactions not only denied the old Taoist’s claim but also suggested they would pursue the matter.
Yet, in response to their display, the old Taoist smiled faintly and said, “It seems the Long Clan lacks sincerity. In that case, I shall take my leave.”
“Maple, let’s go.”
With that, he waved his sleeve, preparing to depart.
Chu Feng quickly followed.
“Master, please wait.”
Seeing this, the Long Clan leader hurriedly spoke up.
He was visibly panicked.
Not only could they not afford to let the old Taoist leave now, but he also knew the old Taoist wasn’t lying. It wasn’t a rumour.
Indeed, someone had entered the Long Clan’s ancestral grounds before, a man named Zhuge Yuankong, once renowned in the Holy Light Galaxy.
But apart from Zhuge Yuankong, only the Long Clan’s higher-ups knew of this.
The matter was kept confidential from outsiders, so by rights, no one else should know.
Regardless, the news had somehow spread. Even if he pursued it, now was not the time.
“Master, the Long Clan’s ancestral grounds are of utmost importance to our clan. No outsider has ever entered before.”
“But given your extraordinary status and the special contribution you are about to make to our clan, it’s not entirely impossible for you to enter.”
“However, I would need to accompany you. Would that be acceptable?” the Long Clan leader said.
His words surprised the Long Clan elders, but they could accept it.
After all, compared to the ancestral grounds, activating the Source of the Dragon Vein was far more critical.
This was a matter concerning the Long Clan’s future.
“Very well,” the old Taoist said.
Seeing his agreement, the Long Clan members breathed a sigh of relief.
“Disciple, didn’t you say you wanted to visit a friend?”
“Go ahead. You’re not needed here for now,” the old Taoist suddenly said to Chu Feng.
“What?”
Chu Feng was taken aback by these words.
He was clearly needed to help at this moment, so he couldn’t understand why the old Taoist suddenly said this.
“What’s with the ‘what’? That… Long Xiaoxiao, isn’t she your friend?”
“Didn’t she save your life? Isn’t that why you came here, to thank her?” the old Taoist said again.
“Yes,” Chu Feng nodded.
He was currently fretting over how to help Long Xiaoxiao.
Yet at this moment, the old Taoist had given him an opportunity.
Though the old Taoist shouldn’t know about Long Xiaoxiao’s troubles, Chu Feng felt these words were deliberately meant to help him.
Could the old Taoist have overheard Long Nanxun’s private transmission to him?
Though it seemed unbelievable, with the old Taoist’s abilities, it wasn’t impossible.
“Xiaoxiao, she and this young friend have known each other for some time?” the Long Clan leader suddenly asked.
From his expression, it was clear his emotions were quite complex.
After all, Long Xiaoxiao and her mother were in a dire situation within the Long Clan, largely due to his actions.
If Chu Feng and Long Xiaoxiao were truly close, this news reaching the old Taoist and Chu Feng would undoubtedly tarnish his image.
Of course, in the past, as the Long Clan leader, he wouldn’t have cared about their opinions.
But the current situation was unique, and he had to care about how the old Taoist and Chu Feng viewed him.
Their opinions could very well affect the Long Clan’s future.
