Chapter 142 - 139: Various Factions Gather at the Ling Family

"The Ye Xiao Conglomerate has arrived!" the master of ceremonies announced.

The crowd watched as a procession of several dozen people made their way into the Martial Arts Arena. Leading them was none other than Ye Xiao.

Ever since his defeat at the Spirit Master banquet, Ye Xiao had been keeping a low profile. However, as a Second-Grade Spirit Master, he remained a sought-after genius among the various factions. Aside from the two Third-Grade Spirit Masters, a Second-Grade Spirit Master was the highest caliber of talent most major powers could hope to recruit. Rumor also had it that he possessed ties to Tai Xuan Academy and might have already agreed to join their ranks.

By now, the majority of the former Bai Xiu Conglomerate’s personnel had merged into the Ye Xiao Conglomerate following Bai Xiu’s death. Among his entourage were several Tongyou Realm cultivators, including an old man at the Fifth Level of the Tongyou Realm, and two First-Grade Spirit Masters. Excluding the three major families and the royal family, the Ye Xiao Conglomerate could now be considered a top-tier faction.

Beside Ye Xiao walked his lackey, Li Shangyuan, and the First-Grade Spirit Master, Zhang Yongjun. They were joined by Luo Wushuang and an old man at the Third Level of the Tongyou Realm—the same man who had initially been rejected by the Asura Conglomerate, joined the Bai Xiu Conglomerate, and ultimately defected to the Ye Xiao Conglomerate.

Essentially, the entire core of the Ye Xiao Conglomerate was present.

A fresh wave of murmurs rippled through the crowd. Ye Xiao clearly relished their admiring gazes.

"Asura isn’t here," Luo Wushuang remarked coldly, sweeping a glance over the Asura Conglomerate’s section.

"Good riddance," Ye Xiao scoffed, still harboring deep resentment toward Asura.

The members of the Ye Xiao Conglomerate shot malicious glares at the Asura Conglomerate camp. It was a classic case of enemies seeing red the moment they crossed paths. Naturally, there was one person in the Asura Conglomerate they didn’t dare provoke: Chu He! However, they didn’t truly consider Chu He a part of the Asura Conglomerate, even though he was standing with them.

"Mr. Ye, everyone, please come inside!" greeted an elderly man from the Ling Family. It was the Second Elder. Having someone of his status receive them clearly indicated the high standing of the Ye Xiao Conglomerate.

"The Pavilion Master of the Imperial City’s Ten Thousand Spirits Pavilion, and the Chief Spirit Master of the Ten Thousand Spirits Pavilion, Master Qiu, have arrived!"

Before long, the master of ceremonies’ sonorous voice rang out again. Immediately after, Wan Shouren and Qiu Fengliang strode into the Ling Family’s Martial Arts Arena, leading the entourage from the Ten Thousand Spirits Pavilion. Among them, the one who drew the most attention from the young men in the crowd was Wanya, the elegant beauty of the pavilion.

The youths immediately broke into animated chatter. Everyone realized that a true powerhouse had finally arrived.

"This is such a grand occasion!" Li Rong, standing beside Kong Mingcheng in the Ten Thousand Spirits Pavilion’s group, whispered in astonishment.

"Watch what you say," Kong Mingcheng scolded quietly.

The last time they were in Qingcheng, the two of them had nearly been killed by Mo Qianqian and her group. Fortunately, they had barely made it out alive and were brought back to the Imperial City by Kong Ren. At Kong Ren’s request, Kong Mingcheng, his father, and even Li Rong were allowed to attend this event. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have had the qualifications to be here. In a setting like this, they had zero influence; they were simply lucky to be allowed through the doors.

"Welcome, Pavilion Master Wan! Welcome, Master Qiu!"

A bright, welcoming voice echoed as a group of people emerged from the Ling Family’s main hall. It was Patriarch Ling, leading the primary elders and core disciples of the Ling Family. Even Lingyun Shan, who had been heavily injured over a month ago, was among them.

Standing beside Patriarch Ling was the groom, Ling Lang, dressed in joyous crimson robes, along with Ling Qingxue, who was also wearing a red ceremonial dress. With her ethereal, nation-toppling beauty, Ling Qingxue captivated the entire crowd, even though she wasn’t today’s bride.

"Patriarch Ling, congratulations!" the Pavilion Master of the Imperial City’s Ten Thousand Spirits Pavilion said with a smiling salute.

The Imperial City’s Ten Thousand Spirits Pavilion was the headquarters for the entire Great Xia Dynasty’s pavilion network. The Pavilion Master also shared the surname Wan, named Wan Shouren. With their immense wealth, resources, and background, neither the major families of the Great Xia Dynasty nor the royal family itself dared to underestimate the Ten Thousand Spirits Pavilion. They strictly engaged in commerce and never participated in factional disputes. Yet, their status remained exalted, as many factions—including the Ling Family—relied on trading with them.

"Congratulations, Patriarch Ling," Qiu Fengliang added politely.

"Thank you both. Everyone, please come inside!" Patriarch Ling gestured courteously, ushering the Ten Thousand Spirits Pavilion’s entourage and Qiu Fengliang’s group toward the VIP seating area.

"The Yu Wen Family Head has arrived!"

A short while later, the master of ceremonies announced another arrival. Dozens of members of the Yuwen Family, guided by a maidservant, marched grandly into the Ling Family’s Martial Arts Arena. This massive procession included the Yu Wen Family Head, the Grand Elder, other key elders, and top-tier genius disciples like Yu Wenshuo and Yu Wenjingfeng.

"Patriarch Ling, congratulations. I never expected the Ling Family to align itself with Tai Xuan Academy," the Yu Wen Family Head remarked with a cryptic tone as he strode forward.

"Two young people fell in love. What could our Ling Family do?" Patriarch Ling chuckled. "As elders, we must prioritize the happiness and broader futures of our youths."

There was a clear subtext to Patriarch Ling’s words.

"Well said, Patriarch Ling. However, one must be careful not to take a wrong step and plummet into a bottomless abyss!" the Yu Wen Family Head sighed, his tone equally loaded.

"Whether it’s a bottomless abyss or a carp leaping over the dragon’s gate to soar to new heights, it all hinges on a single decision. But someone has to take the plunge, and the Ling Family is willing to take that step." Patriarch Ling smiled confidently. "However, whether the ones trailing behind this trailblazer will fall into the abyss or ascend to glory also hinges on a single decision. I hope the Yu Wen Family Master will consider this carefully."

"Thank you for the reminder, Patriarch Ling. The Yuwen Family will naturally carefully consider our choices," the Yu Wen Family Head replied, his exact stance remaining ambiguous.

Promptly, under the guidance of the Ling Family’s master of ceremonies, the Yuwen Family’s entourage proceeded to the VIP seating.

"Patriarch Lie has arrived!"

The master of ceremonies’ voice boomed once more as another massive group entered. It was the Lie Family, bringing dozens of members. Their key elders and top geniuses, including Lie Yao and Lieqi, were all present.

However, unlike the Yuwen and Ling families, the Lie Family no longer had a Grand Elder. He had perished in the Black Demon Ridge over a month ago.

"Congratulations to Patriarch Ling on gaining such a stellar daughter-in-law!" Patriarch Lie laughed heartily as he strode forward.

"Thank you for gracing us with your presence, Patriarch Lie. Please, come inside!" Patriarch Ling gestured. His reception of Patriarch Lie was noticeably much warmer than his greeting to the Yu Wen Family Head.

"Master Chu Yiming has arrived!"

As this clear voice echoed, the crowd watched two figures slowly walk into the Martial Arts Arena. They were Chu Yiming and Xian Ling’Er.

Chu Yiming wore a white robe, his flowing white hair matching his elegant gait, though a hint of fatigue lingered in his steps. Xian Ling’Er was also dressed in white, her long silk ribbons fluttering gracefully around her. Her delicate face was so pristine she seemed untainted by the mortal world, and she stepped as lightly as a blooming lotus. She looked exactly like a young fairy descending to the mortal realm, immediately capturing the gazes of countless onlookers.