Forest Clan’s Crisis (Five)

"We greet the Overlord," the cultivators present bowed in unison, clasping hands. 

"The Silver Clan greets the Overlord."

"The Sunflower Pavilion greets the Overlord."

"The White Clan greets the Overlord."

"Redwater's City Lord's Mansion greets the Overlord."

"The Cloud Clan greets the Overlord."

"Bluecloud's City Lord's Mansion greets the Overlord."

"The Forest Clan greets the Overlord," a chorus of greetings reverberated through the clearing as the young master of the Brave Clan and his entourage descended from their spirit beasts. Each faction, from the Silver Clan to the Cloud Clan, bowed in unison, their voices laced with varying degrees of respect, fear, and resentment.

The Brave Clan was renowned for its overbearing presence and ruthless tactics. Their influence extended far beyond their own territory, reaching into the Royal Family and even some of the great sects scattered across the continent. Few dared to oppose their will, knowing that defiance often resulted in swift and brutal retribution.

"This is not your domain," the young master declared, his voice cold and arrogant, his gaze fixed on Xiong Zhong, the City Lord of Bluecloud City, as if he were an insignificant insect. "Return to your city and leave matters of the Cloud Province to those who hold true authority."

Xiong Zhong, despite his own considerable power and status, shivered involuntarily at the young master's imperious command. The young man was only at the ninth layer of the Spirit Sea Realm, but his lineage and the backing of the Brave Clan made him a force to be reckoned with. Still, Xiong Zhong had not anticipated such blatant disrespect, such a disregard for his position and authority.

"Young Master," he began, his voice laced with a forced calm, "this matter originated within the Vagrant Woods, which lies within Bluecloud City's sphere of influence. I have already informed the Royal Family of the situation and intend to-"

The young master's eyes narrowed, cutting him off with a chilling glare. "Uncle," he barked, his voice laced with impatience.

A ferocious-looking expert standing beside him moved with the speed of lightning, his figure blurring as he channeled the energy of heaven and earth. Seven Spirit Gates manifested behind him, their power and majesty causing the very air to crackle with anticipation.

Before anyone could react, the expert was already standing before Xiong Zhong, his fist propelled forward with the combined might of his seven Spirit Gates. The City Lord, caught off guard, raised his arms in a desperate attempt to block the attack, but the force of the blow sent him hurtling backward, crashing through the wall of a nearby building.

Silence descended upon the clearing as dust and debris settled around the gaping hole left by Xiong Zhong's impact. He emerged from the rubble, coughing blood and clutching his chest, his once pristine blue robes stained crimson.

"Seven Spirit Gates... a late-stage expert!" Yun Jie exclaimed, his eyes narrowed in contemplation. Even the renowned City Lord of Bluecloud City, a formidable cultivator in his own right, had been felled with a single blow. The other leaders exchanged nervous glances, their earlier bravado replaced by a sense of apprehension and fear.

Lin Huangfu and the members of the Forest Clan watched with growing dread. The situation had escalated far beyond their control, and the arrival of the Brave Clan had tipped the scales decisively against them. They were trapped, surrounded by powerful enemies who seemed determined to crush them.

The ferocious-looking expert returned to the young master's side as if he had merely swatted away a pesky fly. Xiong Zhong, his body battered and his pride wounded, struggled to his feet.

"Still here?" the young master sneered, his voice devoid of emotion. "Uncle, if he remains within my sight after three breaths, kill him," the young master said emotionlessly.

Xiong Zhong bit his lip, his face flushed with shame and humiliation. He had never been treated with such contempt, such disregard for his authority and status. He offered a brief, apologetic bow towards the Forest Clan, his eyes filled with regret and helplessness, before vanishing from sight.

'Forgive me,' he thought, his mind racing as he fled. 'I can only hope to reach the First Prince in time and pray that he will intervene before it's too late.'

The young master turned his attention towards Yun Jie and Bai Wen, his gaze cold and dismissive. "Scram," he commanded, his voice laced with arrogance. "Before I decide to teach you a lesson in respect."

Unbending Bear's body trembled. He had come to Redwater Town seeking to claim the Forest Clan's secrets and demonstrate the White Clan's dominance. Instead, he had been humiliated and outmaneuvered, forced to endure the insults of a mere youngling.

But what choice did he have? He was no match for the power and influence of the Brave Clan, and further defiance would only lead to his own destruction. With a stiff bow, he gathered his remaining clan members and retreated from the battlefield, his head hung low in shame.

The young master surveyed the remaining factions, his gaze lingering on Peng Cai, the Silver Clan, and the Sunflower Pavilion. They were part of his camp, so he had no reason to tell them to get lost. 

He was about to focus his attention on the Forest Clan when he noticed Yun Jie still standing defiant, his presence a silent challenge to the Brave Clan's authority.

"Do you have a death wish, old man?" the young master questioned, his voice laced with a dangerous edge.

"I am Yun Jie, Patriarch of the Cloud Clan, Young Master," he replied calmly, his voice steady and unwavering. "I have come to offer my support to the Forest Clan, and I shall remain here as a witness."

Peng Cai, Sunflower Spear, Lin Huangfu, and the others stared in stunned silence. The young master frowned, his brow furrowing in irritation. He turned to his uncle, his voice cold and demanding. "Uncle."

This time, however, the ferocious-looking expert did not move. He met the young master's gaze with a look of apprehension, his voice a low murmur transmitted through spiritual sense. 'Ancestor has explicitly forbidden any conflict with the Cloud Clan, Young Lord. That man is Yun Shufen's father. I dare not attack him without justification.'

The young master's frown deepened as he considered his options. The Cloud Clan, despite its decline, still held significant influence within the Royal Family and possessed a deep and formidable inheritance. The Brave Clan had long desired to eliminate them, to remove a potential threat to their dominance, but such a move would not be taken lightly as even to this day there were people in the Royal Family who would not look kindly upon their destruction. 

Furthermore, Yun Shufen, the Cloud Clan's most promising talent and Dreaming Star's prized disciple, remained unwed. The young master himself harbored aspirations of taking her as his wife, a union that would solidify his position and increase his clan's power. With this in mind, he reluctantly turned his attention away from Yun Jie and focused on the Forest Clan.

His gaze swept across their ranks, lingering on Lin Qiang, and a glint of desire appeared.

"City Lord, Elder Yin, Hall Master Sunflower," he addressed the leaders of the remaining factions, his voice dripping with authority. "I have reviewed the reports concerning the Forest Clan's activities within the Vagrant Woods. Their behavior, while commendable in some aspects, remains suspicious. Therefore, with the authority bestowed upon me by the Overlord, I demand a thorough investigation of all involved parties. They will be escorted back to the Brave Clan for questioning."

Lin Huangfu's body trembled as a wave of despair washed over him. "Young Master," he began, his voice a desperate plea, "if I could just-"

"You will have an opportunity to speak once you arrive at the Brave Clan," the young master interrupted, cutting him off with a dismissive wave of his hand. "Until then, silence. I trust there are no objections to my decree?" A cruel smile twisted his lips as he surveyed the assembled cultivators, the threat of violence hanging heavy in the air.

The expert beside him, sensing his master's displeasure, released a surge of killing intent, its oppressive weight pressing down upon Lin Huangfu and the Forest Clan members, silencing any potential protest.

There was no room for defiance. The Forest Clan had fought bravely, but their resistance was futile against the overwhelming might of the Brave Clan and their Spirit Gate expert.

"We shall comply with the Overlord's demands," Lin Huangfu conceded, his voice heavy with resignation. "However, I must insist that you guarantee the safety of my clan members."

"Patriarch!" Lin Dong, Lin Qiang, and the Second Elder cried out in unison, their voices filled with despair and defiance.

Peng Cai, Yin Niu, and Sunflower Spear exchanged uneasy glances. If the young master were to guarantee the Forest Clan's safety, then the Brave Clan would be the sole beneficiary of this conflict, leaving them with nothing but the animosity of the Forest Clan and the potential for future retribution.

"Of course," the young master replied with a dismissive smirk. "As long as I am present, no harm shall befall them."

Lin Huangfu frowned, recognizing the veiled threat in the young master's words. His guarantee of safety extended only as far as his own presence. 

He let out a defeated sigh, stepping forward to surrender himself to the Brave Clan's custody.

"You," the young master said, his voice languid and bored as he pointed towards Lin Qiang, "you will accompany us as well."

Lin Dong and the Second Elder clenched their fists, their bodies trembling with suppressed rage.

"Young Master, there is no need for such measures," Lin Huangfu pleaded. "I will willingly provide the Brave Clan with everything you desire."

The young master's expression darkened, his eyes flashing with irritation. "Do you dare to question my authority?" he snarled. "It seems I have been too lenient."

He shot a glance at his uncle, and a wave of oppressive energy enveloped Lin Huangfu, forcing him to his knees, his body wracked with pain.

"Argh!" he cried out, his voice hoarse with agony.

"Patriarch!" the Forest Clan members shouted in unison, their hearts filled with anguish and fury.

Lin Dong could bear it no longer. He would not stand idly by and watch as they took away not only the Patriarch but also Lin Qiang. With a surge of spiritual energy, he channeled the full power of his cultivation technique, the weaponized spine trembling in his hands as he unleashed a devastating attack. The force of his blow shattered the energy field imprisoning Lin Huangfu, freeing him.

The ferocious-looking expert stared at Lin Dong in surprise. Although he hadn't utilized any of his Spirit Gates, the fact that a mere Sixth Layer Spirit Sea cultivator could disperse his Qi was proof of man's strength.

"Impudent!" the young master roared, his face contorted with rage. "Uncle, kill him!"

Lin Qiang's anger boiled over, her fists clenched so tightly that her nails dug into her palms. Today, they would only take members of the Forest Clan over their dead bodies.

She thought of Ming Ren, a pang of sorrow striking her heart as she realized she might never see him again. In that moment of despair, a surge of ancient power awakened within her, Jana's bloodline responding to her call. The spiritual energy around her pulsed and throbbed, responding to the immense power coursing through her veins.

She was about to unleash Jana's bloodline and summon a creature of unimaginable power when the energy abruptly dissipated, as if forcibly suppressed by an even greater force.

'There is no need to jeopardize your future by wielding power beyond your control,' a mysterious voice echoed within her mind. 'It would cripple you, leaving you vulnerable and unable to fulfill your destiny. Escape, and you can always seek vengeance another day.'

'I would rather be crippled than abandon my clan to their fate,' Lin Qiang responded defiantly, her determination unwavering. She did not know who this mysterious figure was or what their motives might be, but someone who used spiritual consciousness would at least be in the Spirit Gate Realm and much stronger than her. 'Senior, I beg of you, lend us your aid!'

Just as the ferocious expert prepared to strike down Lin Dong, his body froze, his instincts screaming at him to halt his attack. Beside Lin Qiang, two figures materialized out of thin air: a middle-aged man clad in coral robes and an old man with flowing amaranth robes.

The amaranth-robed old man raised his hand, and an invisible force gently lifted Lin Huangfu to his feet, his injuries seemingly fading away. It took a moment for the others to register the arrival of these newcomers, their presence radiating an aura of power and authority that surpassed anything they had ever encountered.

"Leave," the old man commanded, his voice calm yet carrying an undeniable weight that silenced the assembled cultivators. "This matter is concluded."

Lin Qiang's gaze met the eyes of the coral-robed man, who offered her a warm and reassuring smile. She bowed respectfully, her heart filled with a mix of gratitude and awe.

The ferocious expert, Deng Li, frowned, his pride wounded by the old man's dismissive tone. "I am Deng Li, an Elder of the Brave Clan," he declared, his voice laced with a hint of threat. "What business do you have interfering in the affairs of the Cloud Province?"

"I will not repeat myself," the old man replied, his gaze unwavering. "Leave. This matter is settled."

Deng Li hesitated, his mind racing. Few dared to disregard the Brave Clan within the Cloud Province, and these newcomers, with their enigmatic presence and unyielding authority, were clearly not from these lands. Even so, they didn't seem interested in showing their allegiance. How could he, an expert at the late-stage of the Spirit Gate, go back with just a few words from the other party?

Even if the opponents were also people at the Spirit Gate, he was from the Overlord. Even the Royal Family would give the Brave Clan face. His combat prowess was very high. He was also confident he would be able to leave if things didn't go his way. Yet he didn't act harshly. He only had one life, after all.

"Hmph. Not even the Royal Family would dare to order the Brave Clan to retreat," the young master scoffed, his voice dripping with arrogance and indignation. "Have you two old fools gone senile?"

A sudden chill descended upon the clearing as the amaranth-robed old man's eyes turned cold, his gaze fixed upon the young master with an intensity that promised swift and merciless retribution. He could have ignored the insult directed at him, but the young master had also disrespected his master, a transgression that would not go unpunished. In the whole world, how many would show him such disrespect? How many would dare to do so in front of him?

A wave of heat and oppressive pressure washed over the clearing as the old man raised his hand, his palm open and facing outward.

Deng Li, sensing the impending danger, stepped forward to shield the young master, his seven Spirit Gates roaring to life behind him, their power shaking the very foundations of the earth. The surrounding cultivators trembled in fear as they witnessed the manifestation of such immense power, a sight most had only heard whispers of in legends.

The seven Spirit Gates pulsed with energy, their combined might seemingly capable of shattering the heavens themselves.

Yet, the amaranth-robed old man remained unfazed. No Spirit Gates manifested behind him, no visible surge of power emanated from his frail-looking body. In an instant, a stream of amaranth-colored flames shot forth from his palm, moving with a speed that defied comprehension, its trajectory aimed directly at Deng Li.

The Brave Clan elder, fueled by the power of his Spirit Gates, unleashed a burst of Qi using the [Brave Clan Art - Brave Qi Burst], attempting to counter the oncoming attack. However, upon contact, his Qi burst dissipated instantly, as if it had never existed, while the amaranth flames continued unabated.

"N-no!!" Deng Li cried out in despair, his eyes wide with terror as he realized the futility of his resistance. He had underestimated the power of his opponent, the sheer intensity of the flames far surpassing anything he had ever encountered.

The flames pierced through his palm, leaving a smoldering hole, before continuing onward, searing through his chest and igniting his very core.

"No, wait! I am a son of the Brave Ancest-" the young master shrieked in terror as the flames engulfed his uncle, but his pleas for mercy went unanswered. The amaranth flames surged towards him, burning through his defenses as if they were mere paper.

Instead of continuing onwards, the flames engulfed both the young master and Deng Li, their bodies writhing in agony as they were consumed by the inferno. Their screams echoed through the clearing, their desperate attempts to extinguish the flames with their Qi proving futile.

In that moment, time seemed to stand still as everyone present watched in stunned silence. The air hung heavy with the smell of burnt flesh and the lingering echoes of their screams. The arrogant representatives of the Brave Clan, who had moments ago held the power of life and death over the Forest Clan, had been reduced to ashes in the blink of an eye.