Feeling the intense scrutiny from all sides, Qin Feng was under immense pressure. He knew the trouble he had caused was severe, so severe that even as the son of the head, his life could be in danger. The best outcome would be having his cultivation abolished.
Chu Lan stepped forward subtly, blocking half of the gazes directed at Qin Feng.
“Elder Brother, Feng’er has made a big mess this time around. I hope that regardless of the ancestors' decision, you won’t show favoritism,” a burly middle-aged man said calmly from a short distance away.
Everyone nodded in agreement. They were not targeting Qin Feng personally but were upholding the Immortal Qin Clan's rules. Unless the ancestors personally decided to pardon Qin Feng, failing to impose proper punishment for such a major mistake would undermine the family's rules, and future young members might follow his example.
The speaker was the head of the Immortal Qin Clan's second branch, whose cultivation was very high. Although not at the Enlightenment Realm, he had reached the peak of the Nascent Soul Realm, just one step away from the Middle Three Realms.
The heads of the various branches had similar levels of cultivation.
“Rest assured, Qin Feng is my son, but he has committed a grave mistake. Whatever punishment the ancestors decide, I will not show favoritism,” the head said softly.
The crowd nodded, though their true thoughts remained hidden.
The people around began to assess Fang Chen, their eyes revealing a hint of contemplation. Initially, they thought he was merely trying to take advantage of Chu Lan, but after the recent incident at the Immortal Origin District, their perception changed. To endure for such a long time under nearly a hundred protectors of the Nine Yang Dao Sect wasn’t something an ordinary Golden Core Realm cultivator could achieve.
“Your matter will be dealt with later,” the Immortal Qin Clan’s ancestor said casually.
He waved his sleeve, and a Heaven Profound Mirror flew into the air, expanding as it caught the wind.
The crowd instinctively looked at the Heaven Profound Mirror. After a few moments, an image appeared within it. It showed another grand hall, where dozens of elders were seated.
The figure at the head of the table had a solemn expression, and his gaze through the Heaven Profound Mirror fell upon the Immortal Qin Clan ancestor.
“Brother Qin, have you reached a decision?” he asked slowly.
The ancestor of the Langya Clan!
The Immortal Qin Clan members quickly realized that the elder appearing before them was undoubtedly the ancestor of the Langya Clan.
“The importance of that Three Solar Fruit to me is something Brother Langya should understand. Although it was foolishly stolen by one of my disciples, it was ultimately consumed by a mere Golden Core Realm cultivator of your Langya tribe,” the Immortal Qin Clan ancestor said with a smile. “We, the Immortal Qin Clan, need an explanation for this matter.”
“Brother Qin, rest assured that the Langya Clan will provide an explanation for this issue. We only hope that this matter will not lead to armed conflict between us,” the Langya ancestor said with a nod.
Both the Immortal Qin Clan and Langya sides were tense. Whether the Immortal Qin Clan and Langya Clan would go to war depended on whether today’s negotiations could reach a satisfactory resolution.
“I know you’ve asked the Prefect to mediate, and the Prefect’s son, Qi Fa, is also with our Immortal Qin Clan. However, I’ve already explained this matter to the Prefect personally. It is between you and me. Therefore, regardless of the decision I make, the Prefect has decided not to intervene. Do you understand, Brother Langya?” the Immortal Qin Clan ancestor asked.
The Langya ancestor remained composed. “Brother Qin, please stop beating around the bush and speak directly.”
“I demand the the Langya Ancient Scripture. Additionally, I want the Langya Clan to cede half of your territory to us. If you agree to these terms, we can resolve this matter without resorting to conflict,” the Immortal Qin Clan ancestor stated.
The Langya Clan ancestor was shocked when he heard this. In fact, many people from the Qin Clan’s side were confused and surprised as well.
How could the Langya Clan possibly agree to such terms? The Langya Ancient Scripture was the very foundation of their existence! If they were to hand it over so easily, how would they maintain their position in the Azure Dao Manor in the future?
Many people began to look thoughtful, fearing that a war between the Immortal Qin Clan and Langya Clan might be imminent. They had already started calculating their gains and losses in the coming battle.
The Langya Clan ancestor's eyes flashed with anger as he stared intently at the Immortal Qin Clan ancestor. "Brother Qin, are you saying that there is no room for negotiation? If I can somehow find another Three Solar Fruit for you, will that not be acceptable?"
The Langya ancestor fell silent. Indeed, it was impossible to find a Three Solar Fruit within three years. They might have been able to do it in thirty years, but even then, it would be a stretch. With a hundred years, there might be a slim chance.
However, the Immortal Qin Clan’s stance was clear. They would not wait.
"This matter… cannot be entirely blamed on us," the Langya ancestor suddenly said. "It was your own disciple who acted on his own and caused this incident. I only became aware of it after the fact. Moreover, I did not consume the Three Solar Fruit, and I never intended to oppose you intentionally."
His words drew the attention back to Qin Feng. The Immortal Qin Clan ancestor also looked at Qin Feng and said, "Therefore, today, not only do I require an explanation from you, but I also intend to clean house."