Chapter 622: The Dust Settles and the Young Patriarch
"From here on out, Branch Head Wu Chang, you should consider your vote very carefully…"
Lin Langtian's fingers tapped lightly on the table as he looked toward the red-robed beauty in the corner, his tone calm.
Hearing this, Wu Chang bit gently on her alluring red lips, a hint of hesitation appearing in her charming eyes.
Only after Lin Langtian's reminder did she recall that Wu Xiu was not the type to suffer losses. Within the Seven-Evil Black Gold Crow Clan, no one had ever truly taken advantage of him.
No matter how honeyed his words sounded now, once he truly became patriarch, whether he would honor his promise—or secretly harbor a grudge against the Moon Branch—was another matter entirely.
"Branch Head Wu Chang, don't listen to his nonsense. I, Wu Xiu, always keep my word. So long as you vote for me as the next clan leader, never mind Forest Abyss Mountain—half the resources of my Forest Branch will be gifted to your Moon Branch."
Wu Xiu's face was grim as he threw a cold glance at Lin Langtian, then hurriedly turned back to Wu Chang.
But when she heard him further "sweeten the deal," even offering half his branch's resources, Wu Chang's expression did not brighten; instead, it grew heavier.
Those resources would not be easily taken. In her eyes, this was a scorching hot potato—accepting them would only earn her the Forest Branch's jealousy and hatred. The Moon Branch would find it impossible to advance in the clan.
Clearly, Wu Xiu had never harbored good intentions; it was a classic case of trying to reap where he had not sown.
Still, she didn't reject him outright. Instead, she turned to Lin Langtian and Wu Xuan, smiling lightly.
"If I support the Wind Branch, what benefit would there be to the Moon Branch?"
At this, Wu Xuan frowned slightly. The Wind Branch had declined over the years; they possessed little worth offering. Compared to Forest Abyss Mountain, they had nothing on the same level to give, not even among their lesser resources.
He was just about to grit his teeth and offer whatever he could scrape together when Lin Langtian simply smiled and said:
"No benefit."
"What?"
Wu Chang stared at him, thinking she'd misheard. But within moments, her face darkened.
"Elder Lin, do you take my Moon Branch for beggars, that you'd dismiss us with a wave of your hand?"
She had no illusions about Wu Xiu, but Lin Langtian's ironclad stinginess, not even plucking a single hair, seemed even more infuriating.
Over by the Forest and Fire seats, Wu Xiu's grim expression brightened at once. He hadn't expected the Kunpeng Law Enforcement Elder to be so "tight-fisted."
Surely this would push the Moon Branch into his camp.
He sneered inwardly. Youths were still too naive—if nothing else, he could have at least lied first and reneged later.
Yet his delight was cut short when Lin Langtian continued:
"Branch Head Wu Chang, if you only seek immediate benefits, then I will disappoint you.
"But if you wish to see the Seven-Evil Black Gold Crow Clan regain its former glory, then this vote must go to Jinwu."
"Him?" Wu Chang's brows furrowed slightly as she glanced doubtfully at Jinwu.
"Yes. Jinwu bears the Nine-Evil Black Gold Crow bloodline. Surely, Branch Head Wu Chang understands what that means. If he can be allowed to grow, it won't be long before he might lead the Seven-Evil Black Gold Crow Clan back to the heights of antiquity—perhaps even reclaiming a place among the hegemons.
"When that time comes, will there still be a shortage of resources? I can promise you this much: Jinwu will not act as Branch Head Wu Xiu has, hoarding everything for one branch alone. Instead, he will maintain fairness and protect the interests of all branches.
"If that happens, then as long as the Moon Branch contributes, it will receive its share. Compared to such long-term gain, isn't a bit of short-lived profit rather… insignificant?"
Wu Chang fell silent, her gaze thoughtful.
If Jinwu truly could restore the clan to hegemon status while safeguarding the branches' interests, then this would be a boon not only to the entire Seven-Evil Black Gold Crow Clan but also to her Moon Branch.
After all, a minor branch of a royal clan and a minor branch of a hegemon clan lived in two entirely different worlds.
"Branch Head Wu Chang, that Lin Jinwu is just a green kid. Do you truly believe he can lead us back to hegemon status? Even with that bloodline, the future is uncertain."
Wu Xiu's voice cut in coldly.
He hadn't expected Lin Langtian to be so quick-tongued. Worse, Wu Chang seemed to be wavering.
Lin Langtian, however, did not interrupt him and said nothing further. Instead, he watched Wu Chang quietly.
If she could become a branch head as a woman in such a rigid clan, she was surely no short-sighted fool.
Time ticked by—three long minutes of silence.
Then Wu Chang finally looked up. Her lips moved slightly as a glint of wisdom flickered in her eyes. Under the tense stares of everyone present, she spoke in her charming, delicate voice:
"The Moon Branch supports Lin Jinwu of the Wind Branch as the next patriarch."
"What?!"
Wu Xiu, Wu Yan, and the elites of the Forest and Fire branches paled. Wu Xiu's face twisted with barely suppressed fury.
"Wu Chang, it seems you truly intend to stand against my Forest Branch," Wu Xiu said with icy eyes.
Having failed to sway her, he now dropped all pretense and went straight for threats: compared to the formidable Forest Branch, the fledgling Moon Branch was negligible.
"Wu Xiu, are you trying to rebel? Since our clan's founding, every vote in the elders' council has been sacred and independent. Your coercion breaks the rules!"
Wu Xuan rose sharply, glaring at Wu Xiu. With the Moon Branch now their ally, he would not stand idle.
Wu Chang's eyes flashed dangerously. "Branch Head Wu Xiu, the Moon Branch may be small, but we are not to be bullied. Try to stomp us, and even if the Forest Branch is a tiger, this old lady will still break off one of your fangs."
Lin Langtian couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. He hadn't expected such a sultry woman to possess such fiery resolve.
When he turned to look at her, Wu Chang met his gaze and gave him a knowing smile.
In her mind, she had chosen Jinwu not only for his bloodline but also for Lin Langtian.
Back at the Branch Battle, Lin Langtian had stepped forth as the Wind Branch's reinforcement. His overwhelming strength and monstrous talent crushed both Wu Xiu and Wu Yan at once—a stunning display.
Now, after a simple trip to the Kunpeng Clan, he had returned as their Law Enforcement Elder, with pure, noble Kunpeng bloodline flowing within him.
Taken together, these facts told Wu Chang that Lin Langtian was anything but ordinary. As long as he did not fall, he would surely become one of Tianxuan Continent's peak powers.
Standing alongside Jinwu, Lin Langtian's presence weighed heavily on her mental scales. Combined with Jinwu's Nine-Evil Black Gold Crow bloodline, the choice was clear.
Across the hall, realization dawned on Wu Xiu and Wu Yan.
The Moon Branch had cast its lot with Jinwu. With fists clenched and rage like a volcano in his chest, Wu Xiu forced himself to stay calm.
He sneered. "Even with the Moon Branch's vote, your Wind Branch only has seven. We have seven as well. I propose we postpone the election."
"I agree," Wu Yan added immediately.
If a decision couldn't be made, then there would be no decision.
They had no doubt Lin Langtian would not stay in the clan forever. Once he left, Jinwu's advantage would vanish.
Wu Xuan's face darkened. He'd reached the same realization. Without Lin Langtian, the Wind Branch would struggle to keep the Forest and Fire branches in check.
Lin Langtian's eyes narrowed slightly in thought. He too could not remain in the Seven-Evil Black Gold Crow Clan forever—he had more pressing matters elsewhere.
If he didn't secure Jinwu's position now, the Forest and Fire branches might cause more trouble later.
Just then, a faint, elderly cough sounded through the hall.
Everyone turned to see Great Elder Wu Qian slowly open his age-clouded eyes.
"Great Elder…"
They were momentarily stunned. Then, as if suddenly remembering something, their faces grew tense.
They had all forgotten that the Great Elder still held a vote—two votes, in fact.
By clan tradition, the Great Elder held two votes in the elders' council, reflecting his weight in clan affairs.
"Great Elder, there are currently seven votes for Branch Head Wu Xiu and seven votes for Lin Jinwu—though one of those comes from Elder Lin, an outsider. With both sides tied, we ask that you make the final decision," Wu Yan said, his eyes narrowing.
His words held a subtle barb—they still questioned the legitimacy of Lin Langtian's vote.
Wu Qian nodded slightly. Instead of answering, he turned toward Lin Langtian and smiled.
"Young friend Langtian, congratulations on becoming the Kunpeng Law Enforcement Elder. To reach such heights at your age truly invites envy."
"Hehe, you flatter me, Great Elder," Lin Langtian said with a faint smile, still unsure of Wu Qian's stance.
"Young friend, while you hold high office among the Kunpeng, our Seven-Evil Black Gold Crow Clan has never allowed outsiders to vote in an elders' council. Therefore, your vote cannot be counted. I hope you can understand."
Lin Langtian stiffened for a moment as his expression shifted, but seeing the sincerity in Wu Qian's gaze, he could only smile wryly and nod.
"No problem. I was being presumptuous."
He knew that if he insisted on wielding his authority like a cudgel, even if he forced a decision in his favor, it would only incite resentment and hatred toward himself and Jinwu.
After a moment of thought, he agreed to withdraw his vote.
Wu Xiu and Wu Yan's faces brightened instantly. With Lin Langtian's vote struck, they held the lead again—and from the Great Elder's tone, it didn't sound like he favored the Wind Branch.
With all this combined, Wu Xiu's odds of seizing the patriarchal seat seemed very high.
But the words that followed from Wu Qian struck them like lightning.
"This old man supports Jinwu as the patriarch of the Seven-Evil Black Gold Crow Clan.
"However, given Jinwu's age and lack of prestige, I suggest that he first serve as Young Patriarch. Once he breaks through to the Rotary Realm, he will then formally assume the role of clan leader."
His aged voice echoed through the hall as his clouded eyes swept over everyone.
"What!?"
The Forest and Fire elders turned ashen. None had expected that, after nullifying Lin Langtian's vote, the first move from the Great Elder would be to make Jinwu the Young Patriarch.
Though the title was "young" clan leader, Jinwu was already at the peak of the Death Profound Realm, only a step from the Rotary Realm.
For most, that step was like a great chasm—but for someone with the Nine-Evil Black Gold Crow bloodline, it was far less daunting.
In other words, Jinwu would likely become the official patriarch in the near future.
Wu Xiu and Wu Yan both wanted to protest, but when they saw the Great Elder's lion-like gaze beneath his aged facade, the words died in their throats.
They knew his temper well: though age had mellowed his involvement in daily affairs, anyone daring to touch his reverse scale would face the wrath of a Samsara-level powerhouse.
Reluctantly, they swallowed their objections.
They had rejoiced when Lin Langtian's vote was voided—only for Wu Qian's two votes to push Jinwu ahead again, and this time as Young Patriarch.
With the Great Elder's decree, the situation was essentially decided.
Jinwu's ascension as Young Patriarch of the Seven-Evil Black Gold Crow Clan was, at last, set in stone…
(END CHAPTER)
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Chapter 623: Lin Dong Comes Seeking Help
With the conclusion of the Seven-Evil Black Gold Crow Clan elders' council, news of Jinwu becoming the clan's Young Patriarch quickly spread.
The news hit the clan like a boulder dropped into a still lake, instantly stirring up great waves.
Many clansmen had already faintly guessed that the elders' council would choose the next patriarch. After all, the seat had been vacant for years, and with Great Elder Wu Qian growing older, it was time to choose a new leader.
In most people's minds, the new patriarch would surely be selected from among the main branch heads. The strongest candidates were Forest Branch Head Wu Xiu and Fire Branch Head Wu Yan. As for the Wind Branch, although it had reclaimed two seats in the Branch Battle and returned to main-branch status…
Neither the under-prestigious Wu Xuan nor the recently freed Wu Ju seemed suited to become the next patriarch.
Thus, in most hearts, the top candidate for clan leader had been Wu Xiu.
So when the news that Jinwu had become Young Patriarch broke, it naturally shocked the entire clan.
No one had expected that Jinwu, still so young and recently returned to the clan, would surpass Wu Xiu and the others in one leap and become Young Patriarch.
Even if Jinwu was only named Young Patriarch for now, with the patriarchal seat being vacant for so long, his status needed no explanation.
The Wind Branch, naturally, rejoiced. Jinwu was one of them, with close ties to all in the branch.
Now that Jinwu had become Young Patriarch, the Wind Branch no longer had to fear suppression from the Forest and Fire branches. In fact, they could use this chance to regain their former glory.
In contrast, the Forest and Fire branches felt extremely heavy-hearted. After suppressing and ostracizing the Wind Branch for decades, they had not expected that the latter would now become the clan leader's direct line.
They had truly lost both the hen and the rice.
As for other clansmen, they mostly adopted a wait-and-see attitude. They knew little about Jinwu and were therefore skeptical about this Young Patriarch chosen by the elders.
Perhaps for that reason, to calm doubts about Jinwu, Great Elder Wu Qian publicly revealed that Jinwu carried the Nine-Evil Black Gold Crow bloodline.
Until then, aside from the clan's highest elders, this had been one of the clan's most tightly kept secrets.
Once this was revealed, the entire clan was stunned. The Nine-Evil Black Gold Crow bloodline was the ancestor's bloodline.
For hundreds upon hundreds of years, no Nine-Evil Black Gold Crow had appeared.
With this news, the voices of doubt and suspicion about Jinwu's status as Young Patriarch were greatly reduced. Regardless of anything else, the bloodline alone was enough to prove his worth.
Some even began to hope that under Jinwu's leadership, the clan might reclaim its ancient splendor.
Thus, no matter how the news spread, the Nine-Evil Black Gold Crow bloodline firmly cemented Jinwu's position as Young Patriarch.
…
While the Seven-Evil Black Gold Crow Clan bubbled over Jinwu's appointment, in the Wind Branch's compound, inside a great hall…
"Hehe, Jinwu becoming Young Patriarch is all thanks to young friend Langtian," Wu Ju said, standing up to thank Lin Langtian deeply.
Without Lin Langtian's solo suppression of the Forest and Fire branches and his success in winning the Moon Branch to their side, the patriarchal seat would never have fallen to Jinwu.
Jinwu owed much of his new title to Lin Langtian.
"Uncle Wu Ju is too polite. Jinwu is my brother; helping him is only right," Lin Langtian replied with a shake of his head, smiling at Jinwu.
Their shared experiences had long ago made them as close as brothers. Helping Jinwu become Young Patriarch was something Lin Langtian did without hesitation.
He paused slightly and added, "Still, Jinwu, you're young and still a bit weak. To truly become clan leader, you must break through to the Rotary Realm as soon as possible. Only then can you suppress the Forest and Fire branches."
Jinwu nodded solemnly. "Don't worry, big brother. I have a feeling that my breakthrough to Rotary Realm is not far off."
"That's good," Lin Langtian said with a smile.
If Jinwu could truly become clan leader, they would have a powerful force under their control. With the Seven-Evil Black Gold Crow Clan and Lin Langtian's Heavenly Palace, the destruction of Yuan Gate would be all but guaranteed.
As Lin Langtian mused over this, Frost Crow silently entered the hall, her beautiful eyes turning to him.
"What is it?" he asked.
"Lin Dong and a Heavenly Demon Marten expert are here to see you," Frost Crow said softly.
"Lin Dong, and a Heavenly Demon Marten expert?" Lin Langtian was startled, then seemed to realize something. After excusing himself to Wu Ju and the others, he quickly headed for the reception hall.
When he arrived at the front hall, he saw a black-robed youth with a firm expression seated beside a somewhat anxious middle-aged man.
The black-robed youth was clearly Lin Dong.
The moment Lin Langtian entered, Lin Dong noticed him, joy flickering across his face as he stepped forward.
"Brother Langtian, you really are here. On my way, I heard that Jinwu became Young Patriarch of the Seven-Evil Black Gold Crow Clan—that's truly great news."
"Mm. Jinwu was abandoned since childhood; it's good to see his suffering finally pay off."
Lin Langtian nodded, then glanced at the middle-aged man. "And this friend is from the Heavenly Demon Marten Clan?"
Lin Dong nodded and made introductions. "Right, Brother Langtian, this is Wu Zhong, a friend of Little Marten's."
Wu Zhong bowed slightly. "I am Wu Zhong of the Heavenly Demon Marten Clan. It is an honor to meet Brother Lin."
Deep in his eyes, though, flickered a hint of doubt.
He had come at Little Marten's request to seek Lin Dong's aid. Yet upon hearing of Little Marten's plight, Lin Dong had brought him all the way here, to find another young human named Lin Langtian.
The more he thought about it, the more confused he became. Could these two human youths really rescue Little Marten?
"An honor, Brother Wu," Lin Langtian said with a courteous bow of his own. His eyes narrowed slightly. "Little Marten is in trouble?"
Lin Dong blinked, surprised by how quickly Lin Langtian had pieced it together. Then his expression turned grave, and he nodded slowly.
"There's been some trouble in his clan. It's… not simple. I came to ask for your help, Brother Langtian."
"What's going on exactly?" Lin Langtian asked, though he already had some guesses.
Wu Zhong's gaze swept the hall, and seeing no outsiders present, he hesitated briefly before speaking.
"Over a hundred years ago, Little Marten was our clan's most outstanding talent and one of the leading candidates for Young Patriarch. Among them all, he was the strongest and had the greatest support.
"Barring accidents, when the old patriarch retired, he would have taken the seat smoothly.
"But then, a hundred years ago, he was ambushed during a journey outside the clan. He barely escaped, badly wounded, and then disappeared—for nearly a century.
"In his absence, some divisions emerged in the clan. No one knew whether he was alive or dead, and meanwhile, another candidate arose who posed the greatest threat to Little Marten."
"Though his talent wasn't much weaker than Little Marten's, he'd always stayed quiet and low-key, hiding his ambition. But as soon as Little Marten vanished, he suddenly burst forth, swiftly defeating all other rivals.
"His methods were formidable. Within a hundred years, he managed to draw many elders who had previously supported Little Marten into his own camp."
At this, Wu Zhong sighed helplessly. "Although Little Marten has returned now, that man's influence is already strong. His reputation in the clan even surpasses Little Marten's.
"Originally, the old patriarch was still a pillar for Little Marten—he is Little Marten's father, after all. With his support, Little Marten still had great hope.
"But after Little Marten's disappearance, the patriarch entered Heavenly Cave seclusion and has not emerged in a hundred years.
"Since then, clan affairs have been decided by the elders' council, and with the patriarch absent, they've decided to choose a candidate clan leader to help manage the clan."
"If that man, Hao Jiuyou, secures the candidate position, then with his methods, Little Marten's support will only erode further. By the time the patriarch emerges, it may already be too late."
"Hao Jiuyou…"
The familiar name made Lin Langtian's eyes flash as he murmured inwardly, "So it really is him…"
His gaze flickered for a moment, then he nodded slowly.
"When do we leave?"
"Right now!" Lin Dong and Wu Zhong answered in unison after exchanging a glance.
"Then let's go."
Lin Langtian did not hesitate. He turned to the worried Jinwu behind him and smiled.
"You're staying. You've just become Young Patriarch—you must not leave your post so soon. I'll handle things with Little Marten."
Jinwu hesitated, then nodded. "Big brother, Brother Lin Dong—be careful."
Lin Langtian and Lin Dong nodded, then turned and strode out. Wu Zhong followed quickly behind.
…
The Heavenly Demon Marten Clan lay in the southwest of the beast domain, in a famous region known as the Heavenly Demon Domain.
By the time Lin Langtian and his companions arrived, two days had passed. They wasted no time heading straight to the deepest part of the Heavenly Demon Domain, the Heavenly Demon Mountain Range.
Half an hour later, vast ancient halls came into view atop the mountains, and Lin Langtian could sense powerful, domineering auras everywhere.
The clan's defenses had clearly been tightened recently. Even with Wu Zhong leading them, Lin Langtian and Lin Dong were strictly questioned before being allowed to pass.
"These people are becoming more and more insolent—daring to interrogate guests invited by Little Marten himself!"
Wu Zhong's face turned dark. In the past, no one would have dared.
Lin Langtian and Lin Dong exchanged a look. Though young, both were now seasoned veterans of such political undercurrents.
Hao Jiuyou's skill was clear—he'd managed to erode Little Marten's prestige in the clan to such a degree.
And Lin Langtian was certain that Hao Jiuyou was likely one of those demon race traitors who had thrown in with the Other Demons.
They pressed deeper into the mountains. After about ten minutes of flight, Wu Zhong descended beside a towering peak.
Lin Langtian and Lin Dong landed just behind him—only for Wu Zhong's figure to suddenly stiffen.
They looked up and saw several figures approaching from ahead.
In the lead was a man in gray-black robes, young in appearance and handsome of face, though with a hint of effeminate softness.
His thin lips curled in a faint smile that somehow felt unnervingly off.
Lin Langtian's eyes narrowed slightly as he took in the sight. He had a good idea who this was.
"Hehe, did Brother Wu Zhong have pressing business outside?" the man asked warmly as he approached, his smile seemingly sincere.
Wu Zhong forced a laugh and nodded. "Just bringing two friends into the clan, that's all. That shouldn't be an issue, should it, Young Patriarch Hao Jiuyou?"
Within the Heavenly Demon Marten Clan, any candidate for patriarch could be called Young Patriarch.
Hao Jiuyou.
The corner of Lin Langtian's mouth tilted up. So it was him after all.
Hao Jiuyou smiled, his unreadable gaze resting briefly on Lin Langtian and Lin Dong. In that instant, both caught a cold glint deep in his eyes.
"These must be Little Marten's friends, Lin Dong and Lin Langtian, correct?" Hao Jiuyou asked softly.
Wu Zhong's face twitched. He hadn't expected Hao Jiuyou to already know so much.
Lin Langtian and Lin Dong's expressions, however, remained unchanged. With the name they'd already made in the beast domain, it was no surprise if Hao Jiuyou knew something of them.
"Hehe, guests are guests. You two may roam freely in the clan. If you need anything, feel free to come find me," Hao Jiuyou said cheerfully, giving them both a once-over.
Lin Langtian and Lin Dong exchanged a brief glance and nodded coolly, their inner thoughts hidden from view.
Hao Jiuyou's eyes narrowed faintly. Clearly, he had not expected their aura to be so unshakable.
"Young Patriarch Jiuyou, we have matters to attend to, so we'll be going on ahead," Wu Zhong said, clearly uninterested in lingering.
He quickly led Lin Langtian and Lin Dong past Hao Jiuyou and his group, heading deeper into the mountains.
Hao Jiuyou merely smiled faintly at this breach of courtesy, then turned his head slightly to watch their retreating figures. The warmth faded from his lips, replaced by a hint of icy malice.
"Young Patriarch Jiuyou, those two—Lin Langtian and Lin Dong—they've come to the Heavenly Demon Marten Clan at quite the time…" one subordinate whispered.
Hao Jiuyou chuckled and began walking again, his voice low and cold.
"I've already driven Little Marten into such a state. What can two human youths possibly do?"
(END CHAPTER)
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