Chapter Sixty-Seven: Whirlpool

"This upheaval has far-reaching consequences. Our sect has suffered a tremendous blow—less than a third of our disciples survived. Yet, those who managed to escape such calamity are all elite among elites. Perhaps even a dark horse will emerge," someone spoke up. He was among the third group of prominent figures to arrive, clad in a long robe of blue and violet. Though he did not seem particularly old, within the Heaven-Ascendant Realm, lifespans had already surpassed a thousand years—who could say if he was not some ancient relic himself.

"You all do love to join the commotion," muttered the man who first appeared at Ji Yuansheng’s side, sneering inwardly. How could he not know the purpose of these people? They were here to scout for exceptional young talents to strengthen their own clans.

"And yet you, Gu Tianhua, are allowed to come?"

Radiant light shimmered, and another formidable figure stepped forth. Hands clasped behind his back, he exuded overwhelming dominance. His piercing, icy gaze sent chills through all present.

"Which one is Lin Fan?" he demanded, murderous intent surging outward. The very air grew cold, and those nearby felt their hair stand on end.

Such was the aura of a Heaven-Ascendant overlord. A mere flare of temper could spill the blood of millions, leaving corpses strewn for miles.

"Not good!"

Lin Fan’s heart jolted; he sensed something was amiss. He waited, wary, for the situation was not yet clear. He wanted to know which noble house this overlord hailed from.

At that moment, Cheng Wushuang stepped forward and bowed deeply. "Uncle, that is the one!"

Hatred burned in Cheng Wushuang’s eyes as he pointed directly at Lin Fan. Instantly, countless gazes converged upon him.

"So that’s how it is," Lin Fan frowned. So this overlord was from the Cheng family—and his purpose was now plain enough.

"Greetings, my lord. May I know what brings you here?" Lin Fan advanced, neither humble nor arrogant. Even before a Heaven-Ascendant overlord, he maintained his composure. Even his foes could not help but secretly admire his bearing.

"Well, you still dare ask? After killing a scion of my Cheng family, you have the audacity to show yourself here? Truly lawless. Today, your blood will stain this ground!"

The Cheng family overlord’s eyes were razor-sharp, his murderous intent no longer hidden.

"Is this about Cheng Yu? He tried to kill me, yet was defeated because he lacked the skill. Does the Cheng family, a noble house, stoop so low as to attack a mere junior over such matters?"

As his words fell, a collective gasp swept through the crowd. Lin Fan was unbelievably bold—speaking in veiled barbs, even daring to spar verbally with a Heaven-Ascendant overlord.

"Haha! Sharp-tongued boy. But do not think to provoke me with such tricks. If the Cheng family cannot protect its own blood, what right have we to stand as a noble house?"

Without shifting his gaze, the Cheng overlord flicked a finger, sending a dazzling beam of divine light shooting toward Lin Fan’s head.

Yet throughout the ordeal, Lin Fan remained unflinching, utterly calm. He was certain someone would intervene—and likely one of those present.

Sure enough, a figure dropped from above, shattering the divine light.

"In my view, Lin Fan is not at fault here. If our noble houses cannot even show this much magnanimity, what right have we to hold our place in Tiandu Gate?"

An old man appeared, frail and trembling with age, yet every Heaven-Ascendant overlord present fell silent. Even the Cheng family overlord, who had moments before been brimming with murderous intent, did not dare challenge him.

"Feng Taiji, you actually deigned to show yourself. But no matter who speaks, it’s useless now—the blood debt of the Cheng family can only be answered with blood."

Though somewhat wary of this elder, the Cheng overlord was no ordinary figure himself and so showed no fear.

"A blood debt for blood is only just. But I have never heard of Heaven-Ascendant overlords meddling in the disputes of juniors. Cheng Hai, you have shamed all eight noble houses."

Another voice rang out—it was the earliest-arrived overlord, Gu Tianhua. His manner was forceful, his intent clear: he meant to protect Lin Fan.

"Gu Tianhua, why don’t you stay in your own Huxia City? What business have you here, so derelict in your duties?"

Cheng Hai was unfazed, still gauging the situation. If no one else stood by him, the matter of executing Lin Fan might be left unsettled.

"The dignity of the noble houses brooks no violation," Ji Yuansheng finally spoke, siding with Cheng Hai.

Throughout, Lin Fan remained silent, having already pieced together the whole web of cause and effect.

Cheng Hai was clearly of the Cheng clan, while Ji Yuansheng was the overlord of the Ji family—both staunch supporters of the Divine Son. Feng Taiji and Gu Tianhua, without doubt, stood for the Feng and Gu families, and so were his own backers.

At this thought, Lin Fan could not help a wry smile. Who would have thought that a mere body-tempering junior like himself would find himself at the heart of the power struggle within Tiandu Gate’s two great factions? Was it a tragedy, or a strange kind of honor?

"To the Divine Son or the Gu family, I am no more than a pawn. Yet I must use these connections to break free from this deadlock. Before that, of course, I must forge alliances and play them off each other."

Lin Fan’s thoughts raced—his strategy was already set, and he had always abided by this principle.

"Indeed, the noble houses are the cornerstone of Tiandu Gate. We cannot allow anyone to challenge that prestige. I would say, the older you get, the less you remember. Tell me, who within Tiandu Gate dares defy us, and why? Without the threat of violence, there is no respect."

Another spoke, his words edged with menace. This was Jiang Yaorong, head of the Jiang clan. The Jiang family, however, were not supporters of the Divine Son—they were largely neutral. This time, he spoke up because of Jiang Yun.

"Hmph! As the people wish, the dignity of the noble houses cannot be infringed upon," Cheng Hai sneered. Of the six Heaven-Ascendant overlords present, three stood with him—already half.

"The noble houses have their dignity, but also their self-respect. Matters between juniors should be settled by juniors themselves. What does it look like for us to interfere? I trust the Cheng family has that confidence," the youthful overlord in the blue-violet robe finally spoke. Though the youngest present, he represented the might of the Zhuge family, and none dared take him lightly.

"There is nothing more to say. Lin Fan must die. Let me remind you—Cheng Yu was the beloved son of my eldest brother. If he learns of this, the whole of Tiandu Gate will be thrown into chaos. No noble house could stop him, and Tiandu Gate itself may face a reckoning. I doubt that is the outcome any of you desire."

Cheng Hai’s expression darkened and he let out a cold laugh, invoking Cheng Yu’s father—none other than the famed God of Slaughter, Cheng Beihan of Tiandu Gate.

At these words, all present fell silent. They knew better than anyone what sort of man Cheng Beihan was. Should he emerge from seclusion, not only Lin Fan, but even those Heaven-Ascendant overlords who now spoke in Lin Fan’s defense would have to face his fury.