No one expected the current lord of Crimson to be so young. One would think that he was only thirty years of age at most.
Feiyun looked over and became serious. The man’s cultivation couldn’t be read by him; it should be higher than Fourth Ancestor’s.
This lord managed to subdue both sides with words. They hurriedly recalled their weapons.
Sixth Ancestor appeared from the void while being shrouded in golden clouds. His gray hair was several meters long and fluttered in the air: “Greetings, Territory Lord. I, Liu Fumu, strongly oppose marrying a princess of our clan to a half-demon.”
Fourth Ancestor got off his divine deer and said: “Greetings, Territory Lord. Feng Feiyun is the current spiritual totem of the half-demons and they are in love. If we force them apart, we’ll incite animosity from all the half-demons.”
The lord waved his hand and said: “Ancestral Uncles, no need to dwell on this matter. Our branch is aware of this issue and I shall convene a meeting between all seven branches for a compromise.”
He spoke in a friendly manner but there was a faint sense of intimidation as if to say that he was telling them, not negotiating.
“We shall follow your lead.” Both ancestors bowed their head.
“Ring, ring…” Nine bells could be heard across the residence then they spread to all of Crimson Leaf, then the rest of the territory.
Old men from the Liu returned and ran towards Sky Palace.
“What is going on? Why is the sky bell ringing?”
“I think it’s because of a half-demon.”
“Did you know that Fourth and Sixth got into it?”
“It’s been a while since the last big event in our clan.”
Mighty beams crossed through the sky like meteors. This alarmed everyone in Crimson Leaf.
“Looks like there won’t be a fight since the territory lord got involved.” Liu Suhong smiled, looking a little amused.
Feiyun got on top of a peak and stared at a floating palace. This was the deliberation chamber of the Liu, Sky Palace, and also the most authoritative location in Crimson Leaf. A command from here must be heeded by the entire territory. Only paragons were eligible to enter.
“Your territory lord is quite strong.” Feiyun stroked his chin.
“His Excellency is more powerful than you can imagine. Though he has only cultivated for two thousand years, he is already a War God on the Myriad Race Battlefield, and is renowned across Sixth Central.” Liu Suhong said with respect.
“War God” is the highest title of the human race, requiring 100,000,000 contribution points.
“Which branch is he from?” Feiyun worried about this more.
Liu Suhong’s expression became serious as she glanced over at Liu Suzi: “He’s Suzi’s blood father.”
Feiyun’s expression changed as well: “Then why are you competing with her? That’s suicidal, I’m sure your territory lord is on Liu Suzi’s side. Looks like I’m dead. Let’s just run.”
Suhong glared at him and said: “The lord can’t interfere with the successor competition. Moreover, the ancestor assembly of the seven branches also has great influence.”
“Ancestor assembly?”
“It includes twenty-one members from all seven branches, chosen from three to eight thousand years old ancestors. They work together with the territory lord to rule our clan and Crimson. The members would change every thousand years through a competition.”
“So Fourth and Sixth Ancestor are both members?” Feiyun nodded.
“Yes, our branch has a total of eight members, don’t underestimate us.” Liu Suhong was still filled with confidence.
It seemed that the real old men from the clan have yet to show themselves. The power of an immemorial clan couldn’t be underestimated.
Feiyun’s headache became worse because escaping from here seemed to be difficult. Moreover, they were competing against someone whose father is the current clan leader.
He glanced over at Liu Suzi who was staring at Sky Palace. She gently bit her lower lip, seemingly ruminating something.
She felt his gaze and turned around to glare at him before sending a telepathic message: “I told you to scram but you didn’t heed my warning, no point in staring at me now, I can’t save you.”
Feiyun responded: “That damn Aquamoon Saintess screwed me, it wouldn’t be so problematic if she didn’t reveal the Grand Puppet Art.”
“Yiyi?”
“Yeah that parrot girl who can’t keep her mouth shut. Where is she now? I’m sure she is too ashamed to see me and is probably sitting in a corner regretting having a big mouth.”
“You think too highly of yourself. The likes of you can’t meet the saintess whenever you want.” She waved her fan dismissively.
He started thinking, feeling that though this place might be dangerous, it was actually safer than being outside.
Many experts saw him back in the ruins. If he were to leave this place, they would immediately scheme against him.
Moreover, his matter with Liu Suhong would pause him from having to go to Aquamoon Paradise as well.
Having thought to this point, maybe staying here wasn’t bad at all. He could treat them as an umbrella to shield him against external threats.
This prompted him to smirk.
“What are you two talking about?” Liu Suhong whispered. She could sense sonic ripples in the air.
“She told me that you’re an evil woman and I should stay away from you.” Feiyun smiled.
“She cares about you a lot.” Liu Suhong’s eyes narrowed with cold intent.
“We’re semi-friends.” He said, looking rather relaxed now. This was a stark contrast to the competitive atmosphere in Sky Palace.
Suddenly, a loud roar came from the entrance of the mansion: “Welcome, Emissary of the Sacred Court!”
This surprised everyone, even the old men inside Sky Palace. They came out to see this emissary.
“Why is the emissary here?”
“Something big must be happening.”
“The Sacred Court is weak now but still has ample influence due to its position as the highest authority of Sixth Central.”
The young ones all contemplated the reason for the emissary’s visit.
A flood-dragon carried flew closer, accompanied by cultivators wearing blue court uniforms. They had a regal air and decent cultivation.
The emissary stepped down from the carriage. He was a youth with fair skin and a relatively high-pitch voice: “The Crimson Lord, a great War God indeed. I saw the prosperity of Crimson along the journey, surging spirit veins and numerous talents.”
Crimson Territory Lord sat in the palace and didn’t come out to greet this emissary. He smiled and said: “It must have been a long trip. Prepare seats for our guests.”
The emissary happily bowed and entered the palace with his group.
Feiyun saw this and slightly frowned: “Your territory lord isn’t showing much respect.”
Back in Jin Dynasty, an emissary would be treated as if the emperor was here in person. The lords needed to get on their knees. This didn’t seem to be the case here.
“At the start of Sixth Central, the Sacred Court was supreme and all territory lords needed to obey. Now, the court only has authority in name, nothing more. The lords no longer give a damn.” Liu Suhong said with disdain: “They have their own army and powerful foundations. Not to mention an emissary, even the ruler of Sacred Court means nothing. Don’t be surprised.”
She went on: “I heard the current ruler is only a puppet, a dog groomed by Azure Lord. His beloved consort, Snow, was raped by a prince of this clan. He witnessed this with his own eyes and left in a hurry, not wanting to bother the prince. He drank for three days and three nights to get over it, only to become a joke in everyone’s eyes. Which lord would give such a ruler any face?”
