Chapter 1251: Bloodshark Scion
Hong Yujiao felt gloomy after hearing her father.
Hong Tianzhu continued his explanation while feeling frustrated: "As for the ancestors from the Xu Clan, it is pretty easy to guess why they are in favor of this marriage. Among the younger generations, your bloodline is the most exceptional with the highest chance for atavism! If you stay at the lake, you will have a better chance than anyone else to inherit my mantle and become the next master of the lake…"
"… As you can imagine, if our Hong Clan were to stay in power, the other clans will not be happy. This is why they were able to reach an agreement about the marriage proposal so quickly!" He sighed after finishing his explanation.
She voiced her displeasure: "Our ancestors are too outrageous. I am not an object!"
Tianzhu continued with a hint of helplessness: "Despite being together, our clans have always sought power. It has been many years since we were last united. Young Noble Li was right about why others look down on us. Our clans are not doing a good job of operating the lake; everyone is only after their own interests and small gains."
"Perhaps this is the time for us to change. Otherwise, we will die from infighting before an enemy has the chance to destroy us." His eyes became determined after stating this.
She worriedly responded: "Father, I'm afraid the ancestors will not agree to reuniting our clans and obeying our past teachings. Even our own ancestors won't allow you to do so."
"I know." Tianzhu gently sighed: "But what else can we do? Do we keep on watching the internal struggle until our demise?"
He lowered his tone here: "As for the marriage, I will personally discuss it with them. Their actions were too unreasonable this time…"
Having said that, he contemplated quietly for a while.
A few days passed in the blink of an eye. Zhang Baitu had finally comprehended his own dao and was overjoyed by his success. Not even in his wildest dreams did he imagine that such a day would come.
He left his closed cultivation since the birthday celebration was swiftly approaching. Together with Li Qiye, he went to the Jian Clan along with Hong Tianzhu, Hong Yujiao, and some disciples from the lake.
At this time, Dragonwell City was quite lively. People crowded together along the streets. This was especially true for the Jian Mansion. Carriages were everywhere with people coming and going.
Guests from all over the seas came to wish happy birthday to the Jian Grandfather. Even imperial lineages created by sea gods and Immortal Emperors were no exceptions.
Before arriving at the mansion, Li Qiye's group met Feilong along the way. It seemed that he intended to walk together with them.
"Uncle, Sister." Feilong cupped his fists and greeted them while only giving a cold humph towards Li Qiye.
He didn't wish to provoke Li Qiye this time. It wasn't that he was afraid of Li Qiye even though Li Qiye was the disciple of the Peacock Tree. After all, his big sis was the genius of the Roaring Conch, so his backing was quite amazing as well.
This time, he was accompanied by another young man. This young man had a stout stature with a sharp pair of eyes. There seemed to be an ethereal bloody mist hovering around him.
Feilong introduced him: "Uncle, this is the Bloodshark Scion, you probably recognize him."
Hong Yujiao and the rest of the lake's disciples trembled a bit. The Bloodshark Village was very famous in the Heaven Spirit World. Moreover, it was right next to the Wyvern Country.
Most importantly, it was more powerful than Wyvern. Wyvern was relatively milder in their conduct while this village was notorious for its cruelty. They often attacked smaller factions.
Furthermore, one of its ancestors was the Bloodshark Sovereign, a very terrifying existence. Rumor has it that in his youth, he was once recognized by the Trident. However, for some unknown reason, the Trident abandoned him so he ultimately couldn't become a sea god.
Nevertheless, his status at the Dragon Demon Sea was still untouchable. Other great powers had no desire to provoke him.
"Sect Master Hong, nice to meet you. In the future, we will be in-laws. Your lake's problems will be my Bloodshark Village's problems." This scion was even more arrogant than Feilong as he cupped his fists and smiled.
"In-laws? Why do you say that?" Hong Tianzhu furrowed his brows. It seemed like many interesting events were happening all at once.
Feilong was the one who answered: "Uncle, you haven't heard yet, but the Lin Clan has betrothed their golden daughter to him."
Hong Tianzhu's expression sank after hearing this. He was left in the dark despite being the sect master. It looked like the Lin Clan didn't want to let the other clans know about it.
He also understood that they did this in order to oppose the Hong Clan. If, say, his daughter was to actually marry Shangguan Feilong, then it wouldn't only be a marriage with Wyvern, they would also gain the favor of the Roaring Conch.
This marriage was a source of worry for the other clans at Dongting Lake. Because of this, the Lin Clan, a sect relatively close to the lake, was the first to have a marriage alliance with the Bloodshark Village.
He secretly lamented after realizing this. Many clans didn't even hesitate to cooperate with outsiders for power.
At this time, the scion's eyes fell upon a female disciple. Even though she couldn't be described as kingdom-toppling, she still grew up to be quite beautiful with a graceful bearing like an orchid in a valley.
His eyes lit up right away as he stared in an overbearing and rude manner.
"You must be Sister Lin. We shall be a great couple after getting married." The scion laughed and said: "You have a holy bloodline while I have a sea god's bloodline. Our marriage will be a perfect matrimony."
This scion was proving to be even more arrogant and overbearing than Shangguan Feilong.
For this trip, Hong Tianzhu brought along the most excellent disciples among the younger generation. He wanted them to get to know the youths from the Jian Clan.
This miss with the surname Lin was a brilliant disciple. At this time, the scion's stare caused her discomfort. She couldn't help but hide behind Hong Yujiao.
The scion's words were quite imposing. He spoke as if she was already his incubator, angering the other disciples. Alas, they didn't dare to speak up.
The scion ignored the glares from these disciples and remained haughty as he dismissively said: "This marriage is very beneficial to your Dongting Lake. This is the lake's honor."
Hong Tianzhu snorted at this comment, but he remained calm.
Meanwhile, Li Qiye who was watching indifferently on the sideline couldn't help but shake his head. These foolish ancestors from the clans back at Dongting Lake were incurable. They didn't mind working together with outsiders to grab power. This was the same as inviting wolves to their own home!
Such a hungry wolf was standing before them, evidenced by his invasive gaze at the young lady from the Lin Clan. The Bloodshark Scion smiled and said: "After the celebration, you should come with me to the Bloodshark Village. I'll take you to see our customs."
The young girl was still hiding behind Hong Yujiao while feeling disgusted by the scion's eyes that resembled those of a hungry wolf. She felt both angry and helpless because her own ancestors had betrothed her to the village!
At this time, Li Qiye began again with an insipid tone: "Bloodshark Village? Only a lowly race that enjoys feasting on rotten corpses. It took you forever to be able to come out of the water, yet you are here acting all pompous? Your lowly race is not qualified to marry one of my people! Scram to the side!"
Despite his initial stance of not caring for Dongting Lake, he couldn't bear to watch any longer. He had decided to personally rectify the problems those foolish ancestors had caused Dongting Lake!
His comment came to Miss Lin's rescue. Many disciples felt quite pleased to hear it because they couldn't speak out against the order of their ancestors.
The Bloodshark Scion became heated right away. He turned around and coldly exclaimed: "You are that brat, the disciple of the Peacock Tree? It isn't here right now, so don't think you cannot be offended! Anyone can kill you right now!"
A chilling glint flashed across his eyes after issuing the threat.
Li Qiye suddenly smiled back. This was a smile that made Hong Tianzhu's heart skip a beat. He suddenly felt an ominous foreboding because he had heard of the blood ceremony that Li Qiye and the treefather carried out.
"Let us go to the Jian Mansion." He quickly interjected in order to remind both the scion and Li Qiye.
Chapter 1252: Birthday Celebration
Shangguan Feilong also stopped the Bloodshark Scion from fighting and quickly added: "Scion, there's no need to bother with a scoundrel like this. It will only ruin the mood of the Grandfather's birthday, that wouldn't be good."
The scion glanced at the Jian Mansion not too far away and grunted to call it a day. Everyone had to be reserved at the Jian Mansion.
"Don't worry, his head is already claimed." Feilong grinned and told Li Qiye: "We won't bother with you for now, but don't be happy for long. Queen Gongsun has already claimed your head. She has released a message about taking your head to sacrifice to her maid!"
Hong Yujiao and the rest of the disciples from the lake were aghast. Even Hong Tianzhu was a little stirred. He naturally knew who Queen Gongsun was; as the concubine of the Profound God-Monarch, her backing was the monstrous Profound Dynasty.
"Who the hell is she?" Li Qiye didn't even bat an eye and simply didn't take it to heart.
The rest of his group had no comments. The guy was too domineering. Among the younger generation, who would dare to make such a remark about Gongsun Meiyu?
"Haha, ignorant fool. No one will be able to save you once the queen is here." Feilong smiled deviously.
In fact, it was him who told Meiyu about Li Qiye's presence at Dragonwell. If Meiyu wasn't preoccupied with meeting the big characters from the Jian Clan, she would have already tried to take his head as revenge for her maid, Gongsun Qianer.
"Gentlemen, we are here." Hong Tianzhu noticed the sparks in the air and quickly interrupted them when they made it to the entrance.
The Jian disciples were welcoming guests. These disciples were very knowledgeable and quickly greeted the group: "Master Hong, Bloodshark Scion, welcome to our humble abode…"
Hong Tianzhu returned the gesture. Even the Bloodshark Scion didn't dare to act presumptuously before the Jian Clan. He politely conversed with these disciples. As for Feilong, he had been here already to deliver his gift, so he was very familiar with these disciples.
While the others were talking with the Jian disciples, Miss Lin came next to Li Qiye and whispered: "Thank you for earlier."
Li Qiye took a look at this gentle girl and noticed her slightly embarrassed demeanor. He sighed in his mind.
In the past, these clans were completely united under one legion. Their battalions formed by their disciples once threatened the world with many great expeditions. Part of their prestige came from their integrity and open-mindedness which attracted many human experts to join them.
However, many years have passed and their descendants suffer from internal conflicts. They were now fish on the chopping block in the eyes of many!
While Li Qiye was recalling the past, the young lady reminded him: "Let's go inside."
The rest of the group that were talking to the Jian disciples earlier had already entered. The remaining disciples from the lake followed them inside as well.
Li Qiye and Miss Lin walked up the steps. While standing beneath the entrance, Li Qiye looked up to look at the plaque. It was a very simple wooden board with the word "Jian" written on it. It contained an extraordinary divinity.
That happy and outgoing smile with a hint of craftiness always accompanied her laughter. This laughter was too difficult to forget, always ringing in his ears when he looked at the plaque.
"Your Excellency, the ruler of the universe and adjudicator of the Heaven's Will, how about leaving behind a word to protect my Jian Clan's descendants?" The wily girl blinked with a pair of wise eyes that seemed like they could speak. She smiled and continued: "I won't ask for you to protect them, only that if one day, our descendants blindly maneuver against you, you will think about this character "Jian" and spare their lives."
The past seemed like it was just yesterday. Her unforgettable voice and posture still lingered in his heart. He gently sighed while looking at the word on the plaque and thought to himself: "Little girl, why did you have to try so hard back then? All of that just to scheme for little Hong Tian. If I wanted to obtain my body from the Immortal Demon Grotto, I would have done so long ago."
During his melancholic reminiscence, Hong Tianzhu had presented his gift. It was not a stunning present, but it also didn't throw away the lake's reputation. It was right around the middle of the pack.
The Bloodshark Scion also presented a treasure box with a blood pearl inside. He was very proud of his present and stated: "My ancestors can't personally come to wish Senior Jian a happy birthday, so they allowed me to bring this Bloodshark Divine Pearl as a gift instead. Please excuse us for the little gift that doesn't show our full sincerity."
Despite saying this, he had a complacent demeanor. After all, this was an exceedingly rare divine pearl. It was not easy to come up with such a treasure.
The guests were marveling at this priceless gift.
"One Bloodshark Divine Pearl." However, the old man receiving the presents had a relatively flat reaction and only recorded it on the list.
The Jian Clan was a wondrous existence with a deep foundation. The old man receiving presents had seen pretty much every kind of treasure. This was only one divine pearl, so of course his reaction was dull.
The gloating scion felt a bit lost after seeing the lack of reaction. He felt a bit of remorse as well because this pearl was still considered very precious for their village. But now, this old man from the Jian Clan was treating it like an ordinary piece of candy. This made him feel quite uncomfortable.
A disciple noticed that Li Qiye was standing by the door in a daze and quickly asked: "This is… Who might you be, Sir?"
"Heh, his name is Li Qiye from Peacock Land. Who knows if he was actually invited to the Jian Grandfather's birthday or not?" The Bloodshark Scion was annoyed, so he used this opportunity to intentionally lower Li Qiye's standing.
"So you are Young Noble Li from Peacock Land, I have heard of your great fame." The Jian disciple was not a frog at the bottom of a well, so he immediately cupped his fists to greet Li Qiye.
Li Qiye didn't bother to look at the scion who was trying to debase him and casually handed over the invitation given to him by Jian Xiaotie.
"Young Noble Li, please come inside." The disciple quickly led him to the main hall.
The scion who wanted to mock Li Qiye had to stop after seeing the invitation and could only snort instead.
After being taken to the reception area, Li Qiye didn't say much and only handed a wooden box to the old man.
This box was very ordinary looking, as if it was a random and inconspicuous container for a regular birthday present.
"Oh? This is your present?" The Bloodshark Scion sneered and commented with disdain: "I heard your Peacock Land has no disciples other than a hoodlum like you, so I guess it is understandable for such a weak lineage. Don't tell me you plucked a few leaves from the Peacock Tree and brought them here as a present for the Grandfather?"
"Brother Bloodshark, you shouldn't be so demanding. After the calamity, Peacock Land has been stricken with poverty. One must remember that sincerity is more important than gifts. Just a few leaves are more than enough." Shangguan Feilong smiled and added fuel to the fire.
These two had grievances towards Li Qiye, so they held nothing back in their remarks.
Li Qiye ignored the two and told the old man in a flat tone: "A ginseng root, decent for longevity replenishment."
The old man's face changed as he immediately opened the wooden box. A rich and incomparable ginseng fragrance dispersed. As people smelled this scent, their blood energies suddenly erupted. The older cultivators felt like they were dozens of years younger.
A ginseng root was placed in this ordinary box. The entire section was as red as blood with a flowing purple glow, making it resemble a piece of jade. It seemed that this particular root had its own life.
The old man couldn't help but exclaim in shock: "A Violet Blood Ginseng King! The root of an ancestor ginseng!" Despite his great experience, he was still shaken all the same. This was not something comparable to several million years old medicines. This was an immortal medicine!
Even just a small section had an unbelievable worth. For many cultivators, this little piece alone could prolong their life for a long time. Numerous older masters dreamed of such an item!
"An ancestor ginseng!" Some of the guests were astounded and quickly circled around to take a look.
"This is my first time seeing an immortal item like this." A great power's ancestor was shocked and had saliva dripping from the corners of his mouth.
"Immortal medicine, amazing. This is something that can only be obtained with great fortune, how many people have actually seen an immortal medicine in their lifetime?" Astonishment was the common reaction for these guests.
"This is an item exclusive to Godkings." No one dared to have any ill thoughts about it since only Godkings could use an item of this level.
Hong Tianzhu and the other disciples from the lake were aghast at this inconceivable gift.