Yun Xi nearly exploded with rage at these words.
She was not only Yun Shan’s daughter and the holy maiden of the Qingyun Sword Sect, but also a peerless fairy ranked highly on the Heavenly Immortal List.
To think that the Chen family ancestor would claim her marrying into the Chen family was climbing high.
Outrageous.
Yun Xi said coldly, “Great Elder, since you believe I lack even the qualification to be Chen Tianming’s concubine, why bother discussing this with my father?”
“Moreover, have I ever said I wish to marry Chen Tianming?”
“Your Chen family is beyond my reach, Yun Xi. You had best select another dao companion for Chen Tianming.”
The Chen family ancestor replied grimly, “It seems you still harbour thoughts of that boy Ye Changsheng.”
“Do you believe me incapable of seeking out Ye Changsheng right now and slaying him?”
Yun Xi’s beautiful countenance paled slightly, yet her attitude remained resolute. “In this lifetime, I recognise only Ye Changsheng.”
“As long as Ye Changsheng lives, I shall be his wife.”
“If Ye Changsheng dies, then I shall remain widowed for him.”
“In any case, I will never cross the threshold of your Chen family.”
The Chen family ancestor flew into a towering rage. A terrifying pressure erupted from him, causing Yun Xi’s face to turn white. She nearly spat blood from the shock.
Yun Shan hurriedly stepped in front of Yun Xi. “Great Elder, as an elder, why quarrel with a junior?”
“Xi’er, quickly apologise to the Great Elder.”
Yun Xi replied icily, “I have done no wrong, so I will not apologise.”
At that moment, the Chen family ancestor said, “Marriage is a matter for parents to decide. Yun Xi, as long as your father agrees to this union, you will marry whether you wish to or not.”
“Yun Shan, on this matter I shall disregard Yun Xi’s attitude.”
“I ask only you. Do you consent or not?”
Yun Xi’s expression changed. She looked anxiously at Yun Shan, fearing he might agree.
Yun Shan was silent for a moment before replying, “Great Elder, though I am Yun Xi’s father, in matters of marriage I respect her choice.”
“You…” The Chen family ancestor was considerably angered. He had not expected Yun Shan to refuse.
In his view, Yun Shan had endured silently for years. By rights he should not refuse, yet now he stood so firm.
“Yun Shan, do you realise what you are saying?”
The Chen family ancestor said gravely, “If you marry Yun Xi into our Chen family, henceforth I shall assist you. The sect will unite as one to face the alliance of the five factions.”
“But if you do not give Yun Xi to Tianming, how much longer you retain the sect leader’s seat is uncertain.”
Cold light appeared in Yun Shan’s eyes. He met the Chen family ancestor’s gaze and said frigidly, “Great Elder, is this a threat to this seat?”
“Threat?” The Chen family ancestor smiled. “I am merely offering the Sect Leader a kindly reminder.”
“Sect Leader, consider this. If I withhold my support, do you possess the ability to fully control the Qingyun Sword Sect?”
“Do you have the strength to contend with the alliance of the five factions?”
Yun Shan replied, “This matter is for me to decide. The Great Elder need not concern himself.”
“Since we cannot reach agreement, I shall take my leave.” The Chen family ancestor rose and strode towards the door.
Yun Shan stared at his retreating back, his gaze icy.
Just as he was about to step through the doors, the Chen family ancestor turned his head and said to Yun Shan, “Sect Leader, regarding the marriage between Tianming and Yun Xi, you had best consider carefully.”
“I hope that when Tianming returns from the Burial Dragon Nest, you will give me a satisfactory answer.”
“Otherwise, do not blame me for showing you no face when the time comes.”
“Hmph.”
The Chen family ancestor gave a heavy cold snort and departed arrogantly.
Once he left, Yun Shan’s face darkened like the bottom of a pot. His fists clenched tightly. As leader of the Eastern Wasteland’s foremost great faction, to be reduced to this was truly stifling.
The Wine Sword Immortal advised, “Sect Leader, do not be angry. One day, everyone will understand your painstaking efforts.”
“I fear we may not last until that day,” Yun Shan said with deep concern. “The Great Elder harbours great ambition. He is currently the Qingyun Sword Sect’s only Saint King. If the Supreme Elder does not emerge from seclusion soon, even before the five factions attack, disorder will arise within our own ranks.”
“I simply did not expect that after breaking through to Saint King, the Great Elder would become so overbearing.”
“It seems coveting the sect leader position has been on his mind for no short time.”
The Wine Sword Immortal glanced at Yun Xi and said, “Sect Leader, regarding Holy Maiden Yun Xi’s marriage…”
Before he could finish,
Yun Xi declared, “I would rather die than marry Chen Tianming.”
The Wine Sword Immortal’s face showed worry. “Holy Maiden, I understand your feelings, but I fear that when Chen Tianming returns from the Burial Dragon Nest, the Great Elder will press the Sect Leader again.”
“The Great Elder is presently our sect’s strongest cultivator. He has won over many followers. Now numerous people look to him alone.”
“If you refuse this marriage then, the Great Elder may very well rally them to force you from the palace.”
Yun Xi said, “Father…”
Yun Shan raised a hand, interrupting her. “My daughter’s marriage shall be decided by my daughter herself.”
“These years, I have endured provocation from the five factions and the Great Elder’s domineering ways. I have done so only to prevent rivers of blood from flowing in the Qingyun Sword Sect.”
“But if anyone dares to force my daughter, I will not be polite.”
“Does he truly believe being a Saint King makes him invincible? At worst, we perish together.”
Hearing these words, Yun Xi was moved nearly to tears.
She knew that as sect leader, her father had borne immense pressure these years. For the stability of the Qingyun Sword Sect, he had continually yielded and sought completeness.
The Wine Sword Immortal advised, “Sect Leader, do not think this way. Matters have not yet reached the worst point. Perhaps there will still be a turn for the better.”
“Who knows, perhaps the Supreme Elder will emerge from seclusion by then.”
Yun Shan gave a long sigh. “I truly hope the Supreme Elder emerges soon. Then I need no longer suffer such humiliation.”
“Hmph. The Great Elder has the nerve to accuse you of disrespecting superiors. He is the one who truly holds this sect leader in no regard.”
“Let him strut for now. When the Supreme Elder emerges, he will be dealt with.”
“Moreover, whether that Chen Tianming he places such hope in can return alive from the Burial Dragon Nest remains uncertain.”
The Wine Sword Immortal started. “Sect Leader, what do you mean by this?”
Yun Shan’s gaze was profound. “This time the five factions have sent numerous divine sons and holy sons, every one arrogant to the extreme. Chen Tianming also considers himself extraordinary. Once they meet, they will surely vie for supremacy.”
“Especially Qi Tian of the Yin-Yang Sect, hailed as their once-in-a-millennium peerless genius. I dare assert that he and Chen Tianming will surely clash.”
“If Chen Tianming loses, naturally death awaits him.”
“But even if Chen Tianming wins, the five factions will unite to eliminate him.”
“First, to provoke our Qingyun Sword Sect.”
“Second, to eradicate a future great enemy.”
“A genius like Chen Tianming, once fully grown, would be terrifying.”
The Wine Sword Immortal said, “By this reasoning, Chen Tianming’s journey to the Burial Dragon Nest is certain death?”
