"After we defeat the Elders and rule over the entire Cultivation Continent, he will come to our Ming Clan himself," Ming Tian declared, eyes burning with ambition.
He stood before his loyal followers, arms spread wide like a conqueror claiming his destiny. "Imagine it... the entire continent under the banner of the Ming Clan. And all of you — yes, every single one — will become Elders in my Clan."
Gasps of awe and excitement rippled through the crowd.
One man imagined himself seated on a golden throne, adorned in luxurious robes, with thousands kneeling before him. Another dreamed of leading armies, his every word followed without question. A third pictured beautiful women fanning him as he sipped spiritual wine. Each man wore a strange, eager smile.
Among them, a man named Nai Lan grinned wickedly. In his mind, he lived in a lavish villa where spirit coins overflowed from chests like rivers. Gold, jade, and priceless treasures sparkled in every corner.
"Ahh… this is the life," he muttered to himself, his mouth slightly open, saliva dripping from the corner.
He laughed under his breath. "Hehe… with all that money, I could finally spend more time with Bu Sian. Sleep with her every night… have my fill of her. Again and again."
But before he could finish his twisted fantasy, a cold, razor-edged voice cut through the air.
"What did you just say?"
Nai Lan turned around and found Xiao Long standing there, eyes sharp as blades, fists clenched.
"How dare you speak about Bu Sian like that?" Xiao Long growled. "She's mine — don't forget that."
Nai Lan's expression twisted with defiance. "Mind your tongue, Xiao Long. Bu Sian belongs to me."
"Tch… Haaah…" Xiao Long exhaled sharply, holding back his fury. "You looking for a beating?"
"I'm not scared of you," Nai Lan snapped. "If it's a fight you want, bring it."
The tension crackled like lightning, ready to erupt into chaos.
But then—
"What's going on here?"
The voice was deep, commanding, and filled with menace. Everyone froze.
It was Ming Tian.
Both Xiao Long and Nai Lan immediately went stiff. Their faces paled as the Clan Leader strode toward them, eyes glowing with dangerous curiosity.
Ming Tian placed a hand on each of their shoulders and leaned in. His voice dropped to a whisper that sent shivers down their spines.
"Now… tell me. What were you two fighting about?"
The weight of his grip, the chill in his tone — it was suffocating.
"N-no… nothing, Leader," Nai Lan stammered. "Just a… misunderstanding."
"Truly nothing?" Ming Tian's eyes narrowed, his smile predator-like.
"Y-yes… we weren't doing anything wrong," Xiao Long added quickly, trying to hold his trembling breath.
"Oh? Then why did I hear shouting? Hm? You two think I'm deaf?"
"Y-yes… it was us," Nai Lan admitted, his voice barely a whisper.
Ming Tian chuckled coldly. "Then tell me the truth… or I'll kill the both of you where you stand."
The threat wasn't empty. The others knew it. Silence fell, thick and suffocating.
Then, a hesitant voice spoke from the crowd. "Leader… I know what happened."
Ming Tian turned sharply. "You. Step forward."
The man shuffled forward nervously. Sweat dripped from his brow as he faced the Clan Leader. Ming Tian placed a firm hand on his shoulder.
"You say you know what happened. Speak."
The man swallowed hard and nodded. "They were… they were fighting over a woman. A courtesan named Bu Sian."
Ming Tian raised an eyebrow. "A woman? That caused this ruckus?"
"Yes, Leader. She works at the Fanghow Brothel. She's their most famous dancer — the most beautiful woman there."
"Ahh, I see…" Ming Tian smirked. "So this Bu Sian has the power to turn men against one another. Fascinating."
"She is truly stunning, Leader," the man said. "But… she doesn't spend the night with any man. Not for money, not for status. No one."
Ming Tian's eyes lit up with interest. "Oh? Then she must be a virgin. Even better. I like untouched women."
"But, Leader… if she rejects everyone—"
"Don't worry about that." Ming Tian's voice dropped to a low, sinister tone. "After we win this war and rise above everyone else, who will stop me? When you have absolute power, rules no longer apply."
The man smiled nervously. "Then… Leader, may I have a girl too?"
Ming Tian laughed and clapped him on the back. "Of course. Once the continent is ours, women, land, wealth — take whatever you want."
Their group broke into laughter as they walked toward the ceremonial grounds, dreams of domination filling their minds.
But behind them, Xiao Long clenched his fists tightly, lips pressed in fury. His heart pounded in his chest.
"They… they're planning to take her by force… just like that?"
He said nothing — but his silence was more dangerous than a scream. He followed them into the grounds, rage simmering beneath his calm façade.
As they arrived, their expressions shifted. Before them stood rows of armored warriors — the Holy Emperor Clan. Their imposing presence was unmistakable, forming a protective wall in front of the Elders.
Above, hidden from the crowd, Ming Tian's father watched from a pavilion balcony. His eyes narrowed with worry.
"So it's come to this…" he thought, exhaling deeply. "I warned him not to provoke the Elders. But now he's crossed paths with the Holy Emperor Clan — a first-class powerhouse. What was he thinking?"
He shook his head slowly. "We're just a third-class clan. We're nothing compared to them… And yet, he challenges them head-on."
As he looked down at his son, memories of simpler times flashed in his mind — Ming Tian as a child, clinging to his robes, full of laughter and questions.
"Maybe… he deserves a chance to prove himself."
With a heavy heart, he activated a voice transmission technique.
"Thomas. Can you hear me?"
The reply came almost instantly."Oh, it's you. I figured you'd reach out eventually. So… what's the situation?"
"You already know, don't you? Why I'm contacting you after all this time?"
"Hah. You think I'd joke at a time like this? Just tell me what's going on."
"My son… Ming Tian. He's about to attack you all elders"
A pause.
Then, in a sarcastic voice: "Oh nooo… we're doomed. Save us!"
"Thomas. Please. I'm serious."
"Alright, alright," Thomas replied, his tone sobering. "I sensed his killing intent a while ago. I've been watching. But now that you've finally reached out — what do you want from me?"