"Elder Murong, what are you saying? I trust Sect Leader Ling Chen’s character; he’s definitely not the kind of person you’re portraying."
Elder Liu Xin, who had previously tested Ling Chen, spoke up in Ling Chen’s defense.
"Elder Liu Xin, there’s no need to be hasty. I was just speaking casually."
Murong Bo sneered, "Of course, I know Sect Leader Ling Chen isn’t the kind of villain to take advantage of soone in dire straits."
Faced with the two Black Market Elders arguing, Ling Chen remained silent. These two individuals’ attitudes likely represented the stances of their respective factions within the Black Market towards him.
"Elder Tianhong has arrived."
Suddenly, a Black Market Elder looked towards the entrance of the great hall. A white-robed elder was walking in. This elder lacked Liu Xin’s natural imposing aura and Murong Bo’s aggressive deanor; he appeared quite ordinary, like an average old man. However, the mont Elder Tianhong entered the Elder Hall, everyone fell silent.
"Elder Tianhong currently presides over the Elder Hall. The resistance forces within the Black Market are largely led by him," Lin Ya quietly inford Ling Chen through voice transmission.
Elder Tianhong walked to the front of the Elders’ table and swept his gaze from left to right. When his eyes passed over Ling Chen, he nodded slightly, a hint of kindness in them.
"Sect Leader Ling Chen, please take a seat."
Extending a hand, Elder Tianhong gestured for Ling Chen to sit.
Ling Chen, naturally, didn’t stand on ceremony and sat down in the first seat on the right-hand side.
"Now that everyone is here, let’s begin the eting!"
Elder Tianhong sat down and gestured with a wave of his hand.
"Sect Leader Ling Chen’s presence here indicates that an understanding has been reached."
Elder Tianhong then turned to Lin Ya and said calmly, "Ya’er, tell us about the agreent you reached with Sect Leader Ling Chen."
"Esteed Elders, Sect Leader Ling Chen has agreed to fully support us in dealing with Black Chonghou."
Lin Ya paused for a mont before continuing, "Sect Leader Ling Chen’s condition is that, as reciprocation for helping us against Black Chonghou, should war erupt between him and the Divine Intent Sect, the Black Market must unconditionally obey his commands and fully support the Cyan Robe Association until the war ends."
"What? Obey him? Wouldn’t that make us vassals and servants of the Cyan Robe Association?"
The mont Lin Ya finished speaking, Murong Bo retorted, his tone dripping with sarcasm.
"Exactly! Such an agreent is a humiliating loss of our autonomy and an utter disgrace. We absolutely cannot accept it!"
"To have us submit to the leadership of a re boy? Impossible!"
One by one, the Elders voiced their opposition.
They had initially presud Ling Chen to be incredibly strong, capable of controlling the Cyan Robe Association and unifying the Saint Witch Religion. Thus, they wouldn’t have minded submitting to him. However, upon discovering that Ling Chen was rely a junior with a cultivation of only the Great Master Seventh Realm, they all beca deeply dissatisfied.
"Elder Tianhong, what are your thoughts?"
Ling Chen was sowhat surprised by the vehent opposition. But after a mont’s thought, he guessed the reason: these people were likely underestimating him.
"This matter is of great importance. I believe the Elder Hall needs to discuss it thoroughly before making a decision," Elder Tianhong said, frowning slightly.
"Very well, I shall await good news then."
Ling Chen stood up, offered a cupped-fist salute towards them, and then walked out of the great hall.
Lin Ya hurriedly followed him.
"Hmph! This brat thinks he can get sothing for nothing? Coming here alone, offering just a few words without achieving anything of rit, and then he has the audacity to demand our submission? He’s completely delusional!"
Seeing Ling Chen leave the great hall, Murong Bo imdiately began to mock him.
"Murong Bo! Sect Leader Ling Chen ca all this way to help, yet you et him with such sarcasm. That’s hardly appropriate, is it?" Elder Liu Xin seed quite displeased with Murong Bo’s behavior.
"Why are you so protective of this Ling Chen, Elder Liu Xin?" Murong Bo sneered. "Could it be that you’ve already colluded with him and struck so sort of secret deal?"
"Utter nonsense! Murong Bo, how dare you slander !"
Liu Xin was enraged, his powerful aura flaring as he looked ready to strike.
"You think I’m afraid of you?"
Murong Bo was not one to be easily intimidated. Seeing Liu Xin ready for an open confrontation, he didn’t back down either, his own aura erupting in response. The two seed on the verge of coming to blows.
The atmosphere in the entire great hall grew toxic.
「 」
By this ti, Ling Chen and Lin Ya had already exited the Elder Hall.
"Ling Chen! Please don’t take what those Elders said to heart," Lin Ya said hastily, catching up to him.
"Don’t worry, I haven’t. However, given your Elders’ confidence, I see no reason for to stay any longer," Ling Chen replied calmly.
"The Elders are underestimating you. They will surely suffer a great loss for it soon."
Lin Ya gave a bitter smile. Although Murong Bo had instigated the opposition, it was clear the other Elders were also unwilling to accept Ling Chen’s conditions, at least not in the short term. These people underestimated Ling Chen far too much; they would regret it sooner or later.
"For my sake, please stay in Dark Sky City for a while. Observe the situation, and then decide on your next move."
"Alright, I’ll stay for your sake then."
Ling Chen offered a faint smile.
His objective was not yet achieved, so he couldn’t return empty-handed. However, the Elder Hall of this Black Market was too arrogant; now was not the optimal ti for cooperation. Staying in Dark Sky City for a while to gather intelligence on Black Chonghou wasn’t a bad idea either.
"Well, well, if it isn’t the distinguished guest who ca to et the Elders? Why are you out here? Did the eting end already, or were you perhaps kicked out?"
Just then, a grating voice suddenly reached their ears.
Ling Chen and Lin Ya both looked over and saw that the speaker was Yuan Gang, who was staring at Ling Chen with a mocking expression.
"This guy..."
Lin Ya’s expression darkened. For him to add fuel to the fire at a ti like this instantly made her impression of Yuan Gang plumt.
"Forget it. Why bother with an idiot?"
Seeing Lin Ya about to speak, Ling Chen reached out and stopped her.
"Coward! Who are you calling an idiot?"
Ling Chen might not care to argue, but that didn’t an Yuan Gang felt the sa. Hearing the word "idiot," his face instantly darkened, and he said in a grim voice, "You damn scoundrel! I’ve disliked the look of you from the start. Co out and fight ! If you can withstand three of my saber strikes, I’ll let you off. Otherwise, you’ll cut out your own tongue as penance. Do you dare?"
Yuan Gang glared fiercely at Ling Chen. This fraud with an undeserved reputation must have used so trick to charm Lin Ya into doting on him. Now, he would beat Ling Chen to a pulp on the spot and show Lin Ya who was truly worthy of her.
Hearing his words, Ling Chen could only spread his hands helplessly. "Is all this really necessary? Isn’t it good to be alive?"
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