Chapter 1012: Reactions from All Sides
Ten Thousand Flames Sect, the main hall.
“Nephew pays respect to Uncle.”
Zhuang Lie saluted, and Dong Congyang, the Sect Leader of Ten Thousand Flames Sect, stood to one side of the hall.
At the topmost seat, Shan Hong looked at Zhuang Lie with a somewhat complicated expression. The timely arrival of Canglan Sect’s Yin Wushuang was due to the message his nephew sent to Canglan Sect three days ago.
There’s no point in pursuing the matter now.
“Uncle, I’m curious why you think Lin Chen’s emergence would lead to trouble?”
Compared to other concerns, Shan Hong was more interested in how his nephew foresaw that Lin Chen would encounter trouble upon emerging from the Holy Fire Realm, thus sending a message to Canglan Sect in advance.
At that time, Young Master Dongfang had not yet shown hostility toward Lin Chen, and no one in Ten Thousand Flames Sect was aware of the prior grievances between them.
“Nephew was unaware that Young Master Dongfang would target Lin Chen, but feared a powerful presence from Eight Desolates Sect might come, even if not acting within our Ten Thousand Flames Sect, possibly ambushing outside. So, I sent a message to Canglan Sect.”
Facing his uncle, Zhuang Lie did not conceal the truth, revealing the matter of detaining Eight Desolates Sect disciple. He had informed Canglan Sect mainly out of concern that Eight Desolates Sect might strike against Lin Chen. He never expected Yin Wushuang, the Supreme Elder, to personally arrive from Canglan Sect, nor anticipated the eventual confrontation against Lin Chen would come from Young Master Dongfang and the Royal Family.
“If my actions have brought trouble to the Sect, I’m willing to accept punishment.”
Upon hearing this, Shan Hong sighed softly: “You are not at fault; the mistake lies in my excessive caution.”
The recent appraisal by Yin Wushuang was also a wake-up call for Shan Hong. Ten Thousand Flames Sect cannot continue in this manner.
“Effective immediately, I will enter seclusion, and all matters of the Sect, both large and small, will be decided by you, Congyang.”
Dong Congyang, the Sect Leader of Ten Thousand Flames Sect, was taken aback, unexpected at his uncle’s resolution.
“Uncle, you mustn’t. I…”
“There’s no need to say more.”
Shan Hong interrupted Dong Congyang: “Over the years, I’ve felt that by handling Sect affairs myself, the Sect would avoid mistakes. Yet, among all Super Sects, where do we find a Supreme Elder involved in specific sect matters?”
“Congyang, from now on, all decisions regarding the Sect should be made between you and the elders, except for significant disputes, otherwise, there’s no need to inform me.”
Having made his decision, Shan Hong vanished from the spot before Dong Congyang could speak further.
…
“Sect Leader.”
Watching his uncle depart, Zhuang Lie looked at the Sect Leader, eyes gleaming.
In matters concerning the Sect, his views were aligned with the Sect Leader’s; the Sect cannot remain isolated, Sect disciples must venture forth, and beyond the few belonging to the Sect’s Foundation Technique, much research on Innate Fire could be open to martial artists from other domains.
Of course, neither held resentment towards their uncle. Their uncle had his difficulties, and their perspectives were not necessarily correct. Everything requires time for validation.
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…
Three days later!
The Flame Dynasty, across various domains and Super Sects, whether elders or steward disciples below, everyone was discussing a matter.
That is the two battles that occurred at the entrance of the Holy Fire Realm.
Canglan Sect’s Supreme Elder, Lin Chen of Canglan Sect, Third Prince of the Royal Family, Young Master Dongfang, Empress of the Moon Soul Race…
If the Flame Dynasty had trending topics, these figures would dominate the top spots, with “mysterious origins of Young Master Dongfang?” ranking second.
As for the elevated first place, it surely was the phrase uttered by Canglan Sect’s Supreme Elder.
“You bully Lin Chen for lacking a strong background, I bully you for lacking strength.”
Almost all martial artists who heard the full story were most struck by the words from Canglan Sect’s Supreme Elder.
Not only because of its boldness but also due to deep empathy it evoked.
Besides those at the very top, most martial artists—even disciples of Super Sects—frequently empathize with Lin Chen’s side.
Even a Celestial Pride like Lin Chen from a Super Sect could be arbitrarily bullied due to a weak background; what about them?
For these Sect genius disciples, Inner Sect disciples, and even ordinary disciples, would they not be even more vulnerable to life and death at others’ whims?
If it’s true for disciples of Super Sects, it’s even more so for martial artists from lower-tier Sects, including third-rate forces, who have often been oppressed due to a weak background.
Suddenly, whether the Royal Family or that Dongfang Clan, their reputation among numerous martial artists plummeted to a point of appearing tyrannical.
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Central State, Royal Family.
Yan Hui kneeled in the ancestral hall, face pale.
“In these three days, the Divine Seal has dissipated by a full ten percent, all because of you.”
In front of Yan Hui, a middle-aged man in a yellow robe looked livid.
“I merely thought it unwise to feud with Dongfang Canglang for now, hence had hoped by putting forth Lin Chen, Dongfang Canglang’s anger would be appeased.”
“You fool, still trying to argue here!”
The middle-aged man looked extremely disappointed: “Do you really think your little schemes are unknown to me? Lin Chen has connections with the Flower Race’s little princess and has already been appointed as the prince consort. When you learned of the Flower Race’s princess’s return, you claimed to be attending the Flower Race Great Elder’s birthday in order to suggest a marriage alliance, but you were rejected by the princess.”
Upon hearing his father’s words, Yan Hui suddenly lifted his head, eyes filled with disbelief. How did his father know?
He went to the Flower Race indeed with such intentions, especially after witnessing the princess’s beauty. However, he spoke very ambiguously, and when the Flower Race princess stated she already had a fiancé, he no longer mentioned it.
The Flower Race could not possibly have announced this, and his father is often in Central State…
“Are you curious about how I know?”
Yan Hui remained silent.
“Because just today, everything was informed by the Flower Race, including all the words you uttered there. Do you know the reason for the Flower Race’s actions?”
Yan Hui raised his head, a hint of confusion in his eyes. What is the Flower Race up to?
“The Flower Race wants an explanation for Lin Chen, which means they have entirely accepted Lin Chen as the prince consort. And because of you, our Royal Family not only lost its fate but also offended the Flower Race.”
“Father, I am willing to accept punishment for losing the fate, but the Flower Race is just one of the ancient Remnant Races. Even if their ancestors produced divine-level powerhouses, how could they dare threaten our Royal Family?”
Yan Hui was somewhat unconvinced. The Yan Family is the ruler of the Flame Dynasty, would the Flower Race dare come to the Royal Family just for Lin Chen?
“The Four Great Upper Races always advance and retreat together; the Flower Race represents not just themselves but also the other three families. Not to mention our Yan Family, even that Dongfang Clan would be wary.”
“Father, I am still unconvinced. If it were truly like this, how could Dongfang Canglang dare act against Lin Chen?”
“A dead Lin Chen is unimportant, but a living Lin Chen is troublesome!”
Yan Zun looked at his third son. Initially, he thought that among his four sons, Yan Hui had the best chance at inheriting the throne, but now it seems he was mistaken.
If Lin Chen were truly dead, the Flower Race would not ask for an explanation. But Lin Chen is still alive and can meet the Flower Race’s princess. If the Flower Race’s elders do not take a stand, it could repeat the issue with the Eldest Princess.
Failing to understand this point means he is unqualified to inherit the throne.
“You will continue to stay at the ancestral shrine for reflection and are not allowed to leave without permission.”
Yan Zun did not look at his third son again and turned to leave towards the door.
“Father, I wish to know how you plan to respond?”
As his father reached the door, Yan Hui couldn’t help but ask.
“I will offer compensation to Lin Chen.”
Hearing this answer, Yan Hui’s eyes widened, and his face showed disappointment. He hadn’t expected his father to choose to compromise.
The ancestral shrine door opened, Yan Zun stepped over the threshold, and just as the door was about to close, his voice drifted in.
“I will agree to the Sect War request from the Eight Desolates Sect.”
Yan Hui paused, then his face showed joy. He quickly looked towards the door, but the ancestral shrine’s doors had already closed completely.
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Eight Desolate Domain, Eight Desolates Sect.
At this moment, deep in the desolate mountains, several figures were conversing.
“That Yin Wushuang went to the Ten Thousand Flames Sect, could the rumors be false?”
“Impossible. If the rumors were incorrect, Yin Wushuang, even after leaving seclusion, with his nature would have already started attacking.”
“In my opinion, Yin Wushuang’s move seems more like a last struggle with limited lifespan; offending both the Royal Family and Dongfang Clan clearly indicates he no longer cares about the sect.”
“Since Yin Wushuang is so disrespectful to the Royal Family, surely the Royal Family will agree to the Sect Battle Order. Lin Chen from the Canglan Sect is growing rapidly; it’s wise to eliminate the Canglan Sect and Lin Chen as soon as possible.”
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Canglan Domain.
When Lin Chen saw the figure ahead, his face showed surprise, and he hurried to greet him: “Disciple greets Supreme Elder Ye.”
How could Supreme Elder Ye be waiting here?
This was already the heart of the Canglan Domain.
“Senior Brother!”
Ye Feiran looked at her senior brother with worry in her eyes, a trace of which Lin Chen quickly caught.
Instantly, Lin Chen understood many things, and he also turned his gaze to Yin Wushuang.
“Supreme Elder Yin…”
“No worries.”
Yin Wushuang waved his hand: “You are a disciple of the Canglan Sect; now that you are part of our sect, I have the responsibility to protect you.”