Shi Realm, Guest Hall.
Shi Mo's heavy sigh hung in the air, a sentint shared by Shi Lin and Shi Qing. His words were undeniable.
But if the Ling Clan who had rely been bystanders were forced to pay a tribute of 1,000 high grade dicinal ingredients, three Heavenly Flas, and their eternally guarded Tuoshe Ancient Emperor's Jade, what about the Shi Clan?
After all, the true culprit behind the Xiao Clan's failed operation to capture Hun Tiandi was Shi Zhongtian's reckless interference. The Shi Clan's accountability was undeniable, and the Xiao Clan would demand far more as compensation.
The fact that Shi Zhongtian had already been executed didn't absolve them; it only complicated matters. The Shi Clan wasn't powerful enough to contend with the Xiao Clan.
The three elders sat in contemplative silence for a long while before Shi Qing finally broke it.
"Elder Mo, Elder Lin, this situation won't end well. Xiao Tiance's blatant disregard for our Shi Clan's dignity shows he doesn't see us as equals."
Shi Mo sighed heavily. "The strong dictate the terms, Qing. We have no choice but to lower our heads. Preserving the Shi Clan's survival takes precedence over our pride."
Shi Lin's voice grew firm. "But the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor's Jade is of monuntal importance. For generations, our clan has protected it. If we give it up now, how could we face our ancestors?"
Shi Qing nodded in agreent. "Elder Mo, compensation in dicinal ingredients or Heavenly Flas is manageable, but the jade is different. How can we account for its loss to the clan?"
Shi Mo deliberated before responding: "Brothers, there's no point in speculating endlessly here. Let us et Xiao Tiance in person. Only then will we understand his demands and decide on a course of action."
Shi Qing and Shi Lin exchanged glances and nodded in unison. With their decision made, they entrusted the Shi Clan's imdiate affairs to the other elders and stepped into the void toward the Xiao Clan.
Ling Realm, Council Hall.
Returning to the Ling Realm, Ling Hua wasted no ti summoning the Ling Clan's Supre Elders and key leaders.
Within minutes, seven or eight Dou Saint level powerhouses gathered. Ling Hua, sighing heavily, rose and recounted the events leading to Shi Zhongtian's death. He then revealed Xiao Tiance's demands.
The hall erupted in uproar.
"Outrageous! Who does Xiao Tiance think he is to impose such demands on our Ling Clan?" snarled Ling Jingshan, the most powerful Supre Elder of the Ling Clan, standing at the peak of seven star Dou Saint and nearing the eighth.
"Exactly!" agreed Ling Yuansheng, a fiery tempered elder at the mid level of seven star Dou Saint. "To demand so much from our clan when we weren't even involved this is sheer arrogance! It's intolerable!"
The cacophony grew louder until Ling Chen, known for his calm deanor, interjected: **"Elders, let us hear the Clan Leader out.
"Xiao Tiance's strength is undeniable, as is the Xiao Clan's might. Even Hun Tiandi was nearly defeated by him. Can we truly afford to defy such a foe?
"If the Xiao Clan retaliates, do we have the power to repel their assault?"**
Ling Chen's words cast a sobering pall over the room.
After a pause, he turned to Ling Hua: "Clan Leader, aside from Xiao Tiance, does the Xiao Clan have other powerhouses?"
Ling Hua nodded gravely. **"I wish I could say otherwise, but the Xiao Clan's strength is overwhelming.
"Besides Xiao Tiance, there is a rising star, Xiao Qing, who is already a nine star Dou Saint.
"They also possess two nine star Dou Saint level Sky Demon Puppets.
"In addition, I personally sensed at least a dozen high level Dou Saints, with likely over fifty Dou Saint level powerhouses in total.
"And there may be even more that remain hidden."**
A collective gasp filled the hall. The Ling Clan had only around twenty Dou Saints in total, including their half saints. The disparity was staggering.
"The Xiao Clan is far more terrifying than I imagined," Ling Chen murmured, his voice tinged with fear.
The previously defiant Ling Jingshan and Ling Yuansheng fell silent, their earlier bravado extinguished.
Even if the Ling Clan allied with the Shi Clan, it would still be nearly impossible to contend with such power.
After a mont, Ling Jingshan broke the silence. **"Three Heavenly Flas and 1,000 high grade dicinal ingredients are acceptable, but the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor's Jade is non negotiable.
"This jade has been our clan's symbol and duty for millennia. Surrendering it would disgrace us, branding us as traitors to our ancestors!"**
Ling Yuansheng chid in: "Agreed. We can compromise on everything else, but not the jade. It is out of the question!"
Ling Hua, looking troubled, sighed. **"Elders, I understand your concerns, but have you considered our current state?
"Our Ling Clan has declined over the years. We barely have a handful of high level Dou Saints. Against soone like Xiao Qing, we'd struggle to mount any aningful resistance.
"And what about Xiao Tiance? You didn't witness his strength firsthand. He crushed Shi Zhongtian a peak eight star Dou Saint within a single second.
"Do you know what kind of power is needed to achieve that?"**
The room fell into a tense silence.
Even the proudest among them realized the truth: Xiao Tiance's demands might be harsh, but outright defiance could lead to annihilation.
"We currently have three paths we can take," Ling Hua said after a long pause, his tone solemn.
**"First, outright rejection of the Xiao Clan's demands, which ans seeking external aid.
But among the great clans, the only one who might rival Xiao Tiance is Gu Yuan.
Yet the Gu and Xiao Clans are closely tied by a friendship that spans generations, and their relationship remains strong to this day.
Even if we sohow persuaded the Gu Clan to assist, what price would we need to pay? Furthermore, given Gu Yuan's character, it's unlikely he'd risk the Gu Clan's safety for our sake.
The Yao Clan's strength is comparable to ours; their aid would make little difference. As for the Lei and Yan Clans, while powerful, they're opportunists who wouldn't risk provoking the Xiao Clan without clear benefit.
Second, we can accept Xiao Tiance's conditions. Offering what he demands might secure an alliance, but it would place us beneath the Xiao Clan.
The benefit would be the Xiao Clan's protection, ensuring the Ling Clan's safety for generations to co.
Third, we refuse Xiao Tiance's demands and resist with all our might. Though this would uphold the Ling Clan's dignity, it would almost certainly lead to our destruction. This path is the riskiest and must be considered with utmost caution."**
Ling Hua's three options fell heavy on the ears of those gathered. Though Ling Hua wasn't the most powerful in the Ling Clan, his ascension as clan leader was due to his ability to weigh situations carefully.
The room fell silent as everyone mulled over his words. Ling Chen, one of the more analytical elders, stood up and spoke:
**"If what the Clan Leader says is true, the second option might not be viable either.
Though the great clans maintain a façade of harmony, they seize any chance to undermine one another.
Gu Yuan is formidable, but as the Clan Leader ntioned, his ties to the Xiao Clan and his cautious personality an he won't intervene unless the Gu Clan is directly threatened.
Resistance, the third option, is equally unrealistic. The Xiao Clan's strength, especially Xiao Tiance's mysterious formations that almost entrapped Hun Tiandi, is far beyond what we can handle.
The only realistic option is to et his demands. If this grants us a stronger bond with the Xiao Clan, the Ling Clan would no longer need to fear any future threats."**
Ling Chen's words drew mixed reactions, but he pressed on:
**"We all care deeply about the Ling Clan's future. Whether we rise or fall rests on the decisions we make today.
As a Supre Elder, I loathe the idea of submission, but the reality is clear: survival must co first.
Every word I've spoken is for the good of the Ling Clan."**
A heavy silence blanketed the room. No one wanted to admit the Xiao Clan's dominance, but Ling Chen's reasoning was irrefutable.
Ling Hua keenly observed the expressions of those present. Though many stayed silent, their resigned faces revealed their thoughts.
Ling Hua spoke:
**"I agree with Elder Ling Chen. While this situation is undoubtedly a crisis, it is also an opportunity.
Let's be honest our Ling Clan is already at the bottom of the eight great clans.
Even the Yao Clan, which, like us, is not combat oriented, has more Dou Saint level powerhouses than we do.
This crisis forces us to make a choice: cling to outdated pride, or secure the Ling Clan's future through an alliance with the Xiao Clan.
Imagine if we had as many powerhouses as the Xiao Clan. Would they dare make such demands of us?"**
Ling Jingshan coldly interjected:
"But what if the Xiao Clan seeks to make us their vassals?"
Ling Hua and Ling Chen exchanged a glance before responding in unison:
"And if they do?"
Ling Hua continued:
**"As long as we have the protection of a stronger ally, the Ling Clan can thrive.
The Xiao Clan would never treat us like true vassals not with the weight of history and the balance among the great clans.
And let's face it: the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor's Jade is already as good as lost. Even if we risk destruction to protect it, we still wouldn't be able to keep it.
If the Xiao Clan discovers the jade's secrets in the future, wouldn't we be better off as allies, with a chance to share in its benefits?
Rules can be bent, but lives are irreplaceable. Sacrificing the Ling Clan's future for a relic we've guarded for millennia without understanding is foolish."**
Ling Hua's tone grew impassioned:
"I know this situation is partly my fault. Once this crisis is resolved, I will step down as Clan Leader."
His declaration stunned the room. While the Ling Clan's leader didn't wield absolute power, the position ca with imnse influence and opportunities to secure resources for their lineage.
Ling Yuansheng asked gravely:
"Clan Leader, do you truly an this?"
"Yes," Ling Hua affird without hesitation.
Privately, however, he was confident the Xiao Clan's support would solidify his position. Once the alliance was ford, he could wield Xiao Tiance's favor to consolidate power.
Ling Yuansheng nodded. "In that case, I support forming an alliance with the Xiao Clan."
Ling Jingshan, though initially opposed, saw an opportunity for his own ambitions. He stood and said:
"If so, I too agree. Let's not only et the Xiao Clan's demands but exceed them. If they want three Heavenly Flas, let's give them five. If they want 1,000 dicinal ingredients, let's send them 10,000. Such goodwill will ensure our place as valuable allies."
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