Beastmaster of the Ages

The minor reges mundi ranking event had reached its middle phase. So far, most of the three-hundred-odd Lin Clan disciples were ranked on the minor, as well as the main rankings. Even though their spots on the main ranking were near the ninety millionth spot, they still counted. Around forty-five or more disciples had also been eliminated by having their Oldgod Rings destroyed. They returned to the Firmament earlier than the rest.

The remaining two hundred or so disciples were now the focus of the countless members of the Lin Clan, aside from two people: Lin Hongchen and Tianming. They hadn’t been eliminated yet, nor were their rankings fixed. However, their Oldgod Rings sent no feed at all. The spectators were all too aware of what that meant.

Most of them didn’t understand why they would risk their lives like that, but a small number of them figured that they must have had some kind of unique encounter, good or bad. As such, they became the main topics of conversation despite nobody being able to see what they were seeing, Tianming in particular.

”Let’s not worry blindly. He was easily able to retreat after his fight with Shuntian Bohan. Even if he’s no match for astral gods, who else can claim to have broken through four times in such a short period like he did?” While Tianming hadn’t been wearing his Oldgod Ring, others had seen him appear in a fight from Shuntian Bohan’s ring.

”We should be proud of the performance Lin Feng’s put on.”

”I dare say he’s obtained quite a lot of benefits from his time there.”

”Initially, everyone in the Infinitum Bodhimanda was waiting for him, Lin Mu’s son, to mess up. But now it’s clear that he isn’t as bad as we expected. Instead, he’s performed far above expectations. He truly is worthy of praise.” Every time Tianming fought or made a breakthrough, people in the clan put away more of the prejudices they held against him.

”If he manages to reach the Order stage and becomes an astral god, he’ll truly be able to change how people look at him.”

”It’s clear how hardworking he is.”

People began holding actual expectations for him, though that was still mainly limited to those in the second and sixth branches, near Grandsect Mountain. There were still many in the clan that remained skeptical. The Swordsoul Chamber, in particular, was filled with members of the third branch who were mainly paying attention to Lin Jianxing’s experiences. Many of them had burst out laughing when Lin Lele was defeated, a sure sign that the fractures in the clan had spread to the younger generation.

......

On one of the tall peaks of Grandsect Mountain sat two old people. One of them was huge and burly, but sat straight like a huge mountain. The other was thin and lanky with a crooked form, playing with his facial hair as he leaned his head against another hand.

”This Lin Feng child is brave and secretive. It’s no surprise that he’d remove his Oldgod Ring. But why would Ku’s grandson do the same? Any thoughts, Brother Tiger?” Lin Xiong asked. He had been watching the two black projections for a long time.

”No idea!” Lin Xiao looked like he was about to doze off and was forcing his eyes to stay open. ”I did notice that Lin Hongchen is quite reserved. His father, Lin Chongjing, on the other hand, has been causing quite a bit of commotion lately. Maybe he thinks his son’s rank at the twenty-ninth spot should bring him clout.”

”Lin Chongjing of the first branch! Lately, he’s been accepted into the council thanks to the reformists’ machinations. In terms of age, power, cultivation, and experience, he just barely qualifies. However, he lacks a bit of merit. Since Ku’s passing, a spot on the council has been left empty. His elder brother, the First Branch Master, is already a member of the council. It’s only a matter of time until he enters the council, but protocol dictates that one has to be on probation for ten years first, bearing the status of a council member without any actual power. However, the reformists and ebons can no longer wait....” Lin Xiong shook his head with frustration and disappointment.

”If Lin Chongjing joins the council, he’ll side against us and cause the first branch to fracture once more. If he does get actual power, then Lin Changkong’s opinions would no longer hold much weight,” Lin Xiao said.

”Ninth Branch Master Lin Changkong has met Chi Hun already, right?”

”That’s right. However, no decision’s been reached yet. Negotiations are dragging on, putting pressure on both sides. It seems that Lin Changkong is facing more and more pressure. If he caves, we’ll be in even more trouble.”

”Lin Changkong isn’t strictly on our side. He’s also willing to work with the ebons, but he wants to maintain some dignity and benefits for our clan.”

”It’s definitely better, but not by much.”

”Sigh... the situation hasn’t been looking good. The ebons are applying huge pressure on the Prime Infinitum Trade Union as a whole due to the stalemate. They have us choked when it comes to raw materials and territory. Our clan members are constantly on alert out there. If the pressure keeps mounting, we’ll lose all our allies.”

Initially, most large factions didn’t dare to remain close to the Lin Clan, thanks to Yi Daiyan. However, the ebons had begun leading some other factions to apply direct pressure on them in order to force them to submit. The ebons and reformists were working hand-in-hand to tie a noose around the clan, forcing its members into despair and submission. The few traditionalists wouldn’t be able to do much about it.

”These reformists would allow us to be isolated and even let us fight among ourselves to make us submit. They’re too radical and they use far too many underhanded methods. They lost the essence of what it means to be part of the Lin Clan when they put their hopes in others. We’ll have no future their way!”

”Talking to them won’t work! They’ll just stubbornly think that we’re doing this because we’re unable to get with the times. At the end of the day, they’re nothing but selfish people watching out for nothing but their own benefits. They want the clan to have a unified voice—theirs!” All those undercurrents were present in the backdrop of the minor reges mundi ranking event. Their sighs contained all the frustration and annoyance they felt.

”Lately, some informants said that the ebons have mobilized quite a lot of people in an attempt to take Mount Taia. They’ve been eyeing the Grandnorth Dongshen Clan for quite a while. Your wife’s from that clan, so remind her to be careful and not reveal any weaknesses to others that can exploit them,” Lin Xiong warned.

”They’re only after one thing in Mount Taia. Additionally, they can also put more pressure on us if they attack.” The Dongshen Clan would be made an example of! Lin Xiao furrowed his brows and took a deep breath. ”Don’t worry. She’s been guiding the girls in their cultivation. They’re showing greater and greater providence and she’s been feeling rather accomplished. With them around, our clan will have a future.”

”Will three girls be able to revitalize an entire clan?” Lin Xiong asked.