The gentle words of the middle-aged man carried an air of undeniable certainty.
Upon hearing them, Chen Yi Hu felt a surge of shock. He hadn't expected his whispered instructions to be overheard, let alone for this person to suggest that he visit the Chen clan personally.
With countless thoughts racing through his mind, Chen Yi Hu dared not display any carelessness. He managed a smile and said, "Please follow me, sir."
Chen Xingzhen fell into deep thought upon hearing the servant's report.
Chaotic Burial Mountain had always been a remote, treacherous location. When the clan had migrated there, they had cleared a path through dense thickets, braved dangers, and fought off countless wild beasts. Ordinary travelers, lacking luck or strength, would have little chance of reaching this place.
If someone had come alone, as Chen Yi Hu described, they were either extraordinarily fortunate or possessed significant power.
Chen Xingzhen frowned, a trace of worry crossing his face. The clan had only recently established their foothold in Chaotic Burial Mountain and had barely begun to develop. He prayed nothing unexpected would occur.
Just then, another clan member approached and reported, "Clan leader, Chen Yi Hu is leading someone to the clan gate."
"I see. Notify..." Chen Xingzhen gave swift orders before setting out, flanked by two clan members.
If it's a blessing, it won't be a curse. If it's a curse, it cannot be avoided.
Though the Chen clan had gained some strength, they were not invincible. However, as the head of the clan, Chen Xingzhen could not afford to ignore this potential threat. He had to meet the stranger personally and assess the situation.
"Honored guest, this is the Chen clan."
Chen Yi Hu exhaled in relief as the clan gate came into view. The sight of Chen Xingzhen waiting there, flanked by several elders, eased his tension.
On the way, Chen Yi Hu had deliberately slowed his pace to give the clan time to prepare. He hoped this small measure would shield him from blame if things went awry.
The middle-aged man beside him seemed to notice the subtle shift in his demeanor but merely smiled faintly, offering no comment.
At the gate, Chen Xingzhen and Chen Tianyu stood waiting, their gazes steady. As the unknown figure came closer, Chen Xingzhen's eyes narrowed.
The stranger's luxurious clothing and composed bearing spoke of status and power. Suppressing his unease, Chen Xingzhen stepped forward, clasping his hands in greeting.
"I am Chen Xingzhen, head of the Chen clan. I regret any lack of hospitality in welcoming you."
The man raised his hand lightly. "Yunmeng City—Zhou clan, Zhou Huai'an."
Chen Xingzhen stiffened. While he had never heard of Yunmeng City or the Zhou clan, the mere mention of a city suggested their power far exceeded that of the Chen clan.
Around him, the clan members exchanged puzzled yet vigilant glances.
Before Chen Xingzhen could ask further, Zhou Huai'an spoke again, his tone steady. "I have heard your clan possesses a Divine Tree. I wish to see it. Do you mind, Clan Leader Chen?"
The crowd tensed at Zhou Huai'an's words.
The Divine Tree was the Chen clan’s totem, their most sacred symbol. For an outsider to demand a glimpse of it was audacious, bordering on insulting.
Hostility rippled through the gathering as many clan members clenched their fists, their anger evident in their fierce gazes. They awaited Chen Xingzhen’s decision, ready to act if necessary.
Chen Xingzhen’s expression tightened, matching the sentiments of his clan. The Divine Tree was the clan’s foundation—how could they allow a stranger to view it so casually?
Yet, as his gaze met Zhou Huai’an’s calm demeanor, Chen Xingzhen hesitated.
Despite the palpable tension, Zhou Huai'an remained composed, his expression serene. There was no arrogance in his bearing, only an air of absolute confidence—an unshakable poise that few could possess.
After a moment, Chen Xingzhen exhaled and spoke. "If our honored guest wishes to see it, we will oblige. Please follow me."
The clan members stared in disbelief but refrained from voicing their objections. Chen Xingzhen's authority was absolute.
Off to the side, Chen Tianyu slipped away quietly, his expression troubled.
As Zhou Huai’an followed, a faint smile played on his lips.
Chen Xingzhen’s decision was deliberate. He sought to maintain stability while keeping this stranger under watch. If Zhou Huai’an harbored ill intentions, the clan would call upon the Divine Tree's power to counter him.
Even so, a heavy unease settled over Chen Xingzhen. Zhou Huai'an exuded an aura of profound strength, far surpassing that of Chen Qingyu, the clan’s Innate Realm martial artist.
This man is not to be underestimated.
The group arrived at the Ancestral Hall, where the doors creaked open to reveal the Divine Tree.
Though it had grown slightly in recent months, the Divine Tree’s trunk was still modest in size, adorned with clusters of lush branches and leaves. The trunk's brown-and-black patterns gave it an eerie appearance, while its locust leaves were strikingly half green and half black.
To the clan, these details were of little consequence. To them, the Divine Tree symbolized hope and divine power.
Zhou Huai'an’s gaze lingered on the tree. A flicker of interest crossed his face, but his attention soon shifted to the crimson-stained ground near its base.
With a faint shake of his head, he remarked, "It’s peculiar, but ultimately, just an inferior totem."
His dismissive words struck a nerve.
The clan members’ fists tightened as anger flared among them. For someone to insult their sacred totem was unbearable.
Chen Xingzhen maintained his composure, though his voice held a hint of steel as he asked, "May I ask, sir, what defines an inferior totem?"
Zhou Huai’an chuckled. "Since I’m in a good mood, I’ll explain."
"Anything imbued with spiritual essence can serve as a clan totem. However, totems are divided into three grades: superior, intermediate, and inferior."
"An inferior totem feeds on blood—the blood of wild beasts.
"An intermediate totem feeds on qi—derived from incense and sacrifices.
"A superior totem feeds on spirit—the essence of heaven and earth."
Zhou Huai’an’s explanation left Chen Xingzhen deep in thought.
By this definition, the Divine Tree was indeed an inferior totem. The clan regularly offered the blood of wild animals as sacrifices.
Yet, no matter its grade, the Divine Tree remained their beacon of hope—their unshakable foundation.