Three Clans of the Southern Region

Three Clans of the Southern Region . . .

Rong Xiao's gaze upon Qin Wentian underwent a noticeable shift. He hadn't expected Qin Wentian to be so renowned and powerful, securing the top spot in the City of Ancient Emperors' rankings.

Mo Xie and Zi Daoyang, being unfamiliar with these figures, remained uncertain about their strength. Still, being descendants of immortal emperors, it was clear they possessed significant power. Yet, it remained a mystery how they stacked up against the heaven's chosen individuals from the major powers in the Southern Region.

"Is he not from Southern Phoenix City?" People in the crowd began to inquire.

Nanfeng Yunxi intervened, taking it upon herself to clarify Qin Wentian's background. "Qin Wentian hails from the Thirteen Prefectures of Eastern Sage and is a member of the Thousand Transformations Immortal Sect, led by the Thousand Transformations Emperor Lord." Her announcement aimed to foster more respectful discourse when referring to Qin Wentian. After all, many present were from major powers in the Southern Region or were descendants of immortal emperors, and they held themselves in high regard.

"I see. So he's a heaven's chosen from the Eastern Region. It's fortuitous for us to encounter him here. Perhaps, if the opportunity arises, we can engage in some friendly sparring and learn from each other," one person said, their eyes gleaming with the prospect of a battle.

"True, he might have ranked first in the City of Ancient Emperors, but he's of the same generation as Holy Maiden Yunxi and has only recently reached the immortal foundation stage. His cultivation isn't quite on par yet," remarked a young man clad in distinctive armor-like attire. His voice carried an air of supreme confidence, and the aura he exuded marked him as an extraordinary and powerful individual. His deep-set eyes seemed to claim an unrivaled status.

This young man stood beside a supreme beauty, one of the most esteemed among the thirty-six holy maidens, Nanfeng Qingruo. He was a heaven's chosen guest she had invited—a peak-level genius among the younger generation. Hailing from an ancient and prestigious clan in the immortal realms, the Jiang Clan, he was an elite with an illustrious status even among the gathering of exceptional talents.

The Jiang Clan, much like the Southern Phoenix Clan, was an ancient and renowned clan with deep roots in the immortal realms, their existence spanning countless eras. Nanfeng Qingruo's ability to secure a descendant from the Jiang Clan for her invitation was no small feat.

Even rarer was the fact that this young man from the Jiang Clan was none other than Jiang Ziyu himself. He had gained fame among the younger generation of the Jiang Clan years ago, having previously held the top spot in the Immortal Ascension Rankings. Now at the second level of immortal foundation, he possessed formidable combat prowess.

In the Southern Region of the immortal realms, three ancient clans reigned supreme. While other immortal-emperor-ranked powers existed, none could rival these three clans in terms of their enduring foundations.

In the illustrious realm of the Southern Region's immortal realms, three ancient and formidable clans reigned supreme: the Southern Phoenix Clan of Southern Phoenix City, the Jiang Clan hailing from the Ancient Sky Metropolis, and the Ying Clan from Royal Emperor City.

Among these three mighty powers, the Southern Phoenix Clan was known for their aversion to conflict, rendering Southern Phoenix City an enclave of safety and tranquility. The Jiang Clan, on the other hand, shrouded themselves in an aura of mystery and chose to maintain the lowest of profiles; they boasted the fewest numbers among the three great powers. Meanwhile, the Ying Clan of Royal Emperor City harbored grand ambitions, founding the Ying Immortal Empire and establishing dominion that stretched far and wide, spanning vast expanses of the Southern Region's territory. Within the expanse of their immortal empire, those bearing the surname Ying were exalted as kings, ruling with undeniable authority and wielding considerable influence, unlike the Southern Phoenix Clan and the Jiang Clan, which had to negotiate with other major powers.

Qin Wentian cast a discerning gaze upon Jiang Ziyu, sensing an overwhelming and expansive aura emanating from this enigmatic figure. Subsequently, he received a voice transmission from Nanfeng Yunxi, who whispered, "Among the three ancient great clans of the Southern Region, that is Jiang Ziyu from the Jiang Clan. Many years ago, he too stood as the top-ranked individual in the City of Ancient Emperors."

Qin Wentian exchanged a knowing look with Nanfeng Yunxi, recognizing that she held Jiang Ziyu in high regard, given her purposeful voice transmission.

As the resonant voice of an unseen announcer reached their ears, the immortal banquet was officially underway. The attendees nodded in acknowledgment and found their designated seats, where they could savor the rich offerings of food and wine. Among them, Qin Wentian, Jun Mengchen, Purgatory, and Nanfeng Yunxi occupied seats together. Similar arrangements were made for other holy maidens and the friends they had invited.

The banquet was a grand affair, and the very essence of immortality seemed to permeate the sumptuous food. Jun Mengchen's curiosity was piqued as he eyed a sparkling fruit, which he promptly devoured. Moments later, a potent surge of heat coursed through his body, and the fruit's immortal energy seeped into his very bones, purifying his entire being.

"Remarkable!" Jun Mengcheng chuckled. "Senior Brother, it appears our culinary fortune here is truly exceptional. This Southern Phoenix Clan's immortal banquet is no ordinary affair."

Turning her attention to Nanfeng Yunxi, a beautiful middle-aged lady from the Southern Phoenix Clan spoke, "Yunxi, would you like to take the host's seat? You are the guest of honor at today's immortal banquet."

Nanfeng Yunxi gracefully declined, saying, "It's not necessary. Sitting here suits me just fine."

"Very well, then. You should enjoy your time with your friends," the serene middle-aged lady replied. A number of elders from the Southern Phoenix Clan stood nearby, overseeing the event with serene dignity.

Amidst the festive ambiance of the immortal banquet, the beautiful middle-aged lady, a representative of the elder generation, raised her wine cup in a toast to the assembled guests. "All of you belong to the same generation, and we, from the elder generation, won't dwell on formalities. Enjoy this banquet to the fullest, engage in conversations, and let camaraderie flourish. The juniors of our Southern Phoenix Clan may require your assistance in the future." She offered a warm smile before taking a sip from her cup. "I'll take the lead in raising a toast. Remember, let loose and savor the moment."

"Senior, your kindness is much appreciated." In unison, the guests raised their wine cups, emptied them with cheerful swigs, and began mingling with one another, filling the atmosphere with lively chatter.

Beside her, Nanfeng Yunxi turned to Qin Wentian and began a more private conversation. "You must have guessed by now that I didn't invite you just to celebrate my breakthrough into the immortal foundation, right?" Qin Wentian nodded, acknowledging his inkling.

"Do you also understand the true reason behind my invitation?" Nanfeng Yunxi inquired further.

"I have a vague idea, but I don't have all the details," Qin Wentian admitted.

"I invited you here because I need your help," Nanfeng Yunxi stated frankly. "Among the holy maidens, only one Holy Successor is born every hundred years. They must endure numerous trials and venture into our Southern Phoenix Clan's inheritance ancestral lands, where the true Holy Successor will be determined."

"Inheritance Ancestral Lands?" Qin Wentian's interest was piqued by the revelation of this secret.

"Yes, precisely. These sacred grounds play a pivotal role in determining the next Holy Successor," Nanfeng Yunxi confirmed. She seemed willing to share this confidential information with him.

"The holy maidens require escorts and protectors of their choosing while traversing these ancestral lands. Only nine out of the thirty-six holy maidens will qualify for further trials. I invited you because I want you to assist me. I aim to secure the position of the Holy Successor," Nanfeng Yunxi explained candidly, her gaze unwaveringly fixed on Qin Wentian.

Without hesitation, Qin Wentian responded, "I will do my utmost to assist you." There was no need for prolonged deliberation, as he held a firm resolve to aid his friend.

"Thank you. But our adversaries are formidable. Each of them possesses great strength," Nanfeng Yunxi remarked, smiling. Her invitation to Qin Wentian rested on the understanding of his character—his unwavering loyalty and the value he placed on friendship.

"I understand. However, aren't you concerned that my cultivation level, having recently established my immortal foundation, might not be sufficient? I observe that the highest cultivators present are all fourth-level immortals, while I am merely at the first level. Are there no restrictions on the cultivation levels of those invited to assist?" Qin Wentian queried curiously.

"Your cultivation level isn't the sole determining factor," Nanfeng Yunxi replied with a smile. "You will come to understand that soon. For the initial trial, I believe we can succeed in entering the ancestral land. This can also serve as a valuable opportunity for you to strengthen yourself. However, be prepared, for the competition will intensify once we're inside."

Qin Wentian nodded thoughtfully. "I have another question. Why did you seek aid from outsiders instead of relying on individuals from your clan?"

Nanfeng Yunxi offered a straightforward explanation. "It's a matter of simplicity. After entering the ancestral lands and obtaining the inheritance, there will be a period when the holy maidens are in a vulnerable state. It would be perilous to venture alongside fellow members of the Southern Phoenix Clan. Not only would they be incapable of protecting the holy maidens, but they may also succumb to the allure of the inheritance itself."

As Qin Wentian contemplated her words, Nanfeng Yunxi provided reassurance. "However, don't dwell on it too much. Only those with the southern phoenix bloodline can lay claim to the inheritance."

Qin Wentian's eyes gleamed with intrigue as he contemplated the situation. "But would those individuals truly risk defying the traditions of the Southern Phoenix Clan just to claim the ancestral inheritance?"

Nanfeng Yunxi responded with a knowing smile, "History has shown us that betrayal is not uncommon. In the past, such betrayals occurred frequently, prompting the clan's leadership to abandon the idea of using our own members to safeguard the holy maidens during their journey into the ancestral lands. The pull of the ancestral land on our clan's descendants is overwhelmingly irresistible. The temptation is a force that can hardly be ignored."

Their candid conversation continued, mirroring the openness found among the other groups. The holy maidens had chosen their helpers and felt it necessary to provide them with a clear understanding of the situation. The details of this process were not shrouded in secrecy, as many present were curious about the ancestral land of the Southern Phoenix Clan and sought to broaden their horizons.

The middle-aged woman leading the proceedings spoke up once more, addressing all the heaven's chosen gathered. "Each of you should now comprehend the significance of this event. The selection of the Holy Successor is a momentous occasion. We will rely on all of you during this journey."

"I consider it a great honor to protect this generation's Holy Successor!" A voice resonated with unmistakable arrogance, belonging to none other than the Golden Heaven-Warring Condor, Zong Zhan. He exuded an unwavering self-confidence, firmly believing that with the formidable Nanfeng Aoxue by his side, they would effortlessly conquer the trials ahead.

Jiang Ziyu, standing nearby, couldn't help but remark coldly, "Arrogance." Then, in a hushed tone directed at Nanfeng Qingruo beside him, he added, "Qingruo, the position of Holy Successor is destined to be yours."

Nanfeng Qingruo, resolute and unwavering, responded, "Shengge, I won't let you down." Her protectors also expressed their unwavering confidence in her abilities.

The middle-aged woman, her eyes filled with amusement, couldn't help but laugh. "Such grandeur and lofty aspirations are displayed by all heaven's chosen. I wish each and every one of you the best of luck. It is through competition that you will grow stronger, transforming into true experts. These remarkable individuals are all born through such trials and tribulations!"