Chapter 555: Chapter 551: Star Taking

It took the addition of four more Martial Ancestor squads from the Mi Clan to finally restrict the mobility of Tang Sen, the top fighter from the Tang Clan. As a cage of verdant light filled the sky, Tang Sen’s speed was limited at last.

Having already thoroughly observed the Mi Clan’s defensive structures, Tang Sen showed no intention of engaging in a prolonged battle, and almost instantly activated the Xuanji Jade, disappearing into the sky over South Ridge.

The enraged Mi Clan Martial Ancestors immediately proposed to pay a visit to North Mountain, the territory of the Tang Clan, but were dissuaded by the Sect Head, Mi Hu.

With Mi Yang absent and Mi Hai injured, the Mi Clan’s Martial Ancestors and Allied Army needed more integration. Although the Mi Clan’s strength had already surpassed that of the Tang Clan on the surface, it was not yet time for another battle.

Mi Hu, the Head of the Sect, managed to calm down the Martial Ancestors, but frustration burned within him. If Mi Yang hadn’t stubbornly insisted on causing trouble for the Tang Clan system, with Mi Hu’s presence in the Wind Media Department, Tang Sen would have been unable to return!

Mi Hu, the Clan Head, was incandescent with anger over the capriciousness of his own people, despite their clear advantage, and he vented his frustration before the Clan Chief, Mi Jin.

Yet after Mi Jin learned the details of the situation, he was not only not angry, but rather, delighted: “This is a good thing!”

“What do you mean!?” The Sect Head, Mi Hu, frowned: “Do you mean to ignore right and wrong just because Mi Yang is a supreme elder?”

“You’ve misunderstood,” said Mi Jin, waving his hand: “When I say a ‘good thing’, I am referring to Tang Sen’s visit to South Ridge. This move will bring great benefits to our clan.”

“What do you mean?”

“Though the seven prominent families have married into our Mi Clan, everyone is still doing their own calculations. The Sect Head has mentioned more than once that the warriors of the seven families are not easy to tame and the process of integration is very slow. However, Tang Sen’s show of strength has made the Alliance Army feel the constant threat to their lives. Everyone knows the destructive force of the Jin Yan Battle Body. With all the family members of the Alliance Army living in the Naling Beast Valley, if Tang Sen were to break through the defense line, a hundred foot-tall Jin Yan Giant would appear in the Beast Valley, a thought that is enough to cause everyone anxiety.” A wise gleam sparkled in Mi Jin’s eyes: “You said that the martial ancestors were extremely angry. But as far as I know, the moment the sound of the explosion reverberated, the Fierce Realms of the seven prominent families had already joined the battlefield, closely observing the situation. Only after Tang Sen withdrew, did they leave angrily.”

“You mean…?”

“We cannot let this anger die out. The clowns who have been playing kings on the mountain for too long have become too bothersome. It is time to make a move towards the North. Rather than waiting for full integration before starting the war, we should use the defeat of those foolish tribes to build an invincible force for the Alliance Army!” Mi Jin propped his hands on the sand table and looked at the scattered powers to the South with tiger-like ferocity.

Those who only dared to take a stand because the main families didn’t have time to deal with them needed to be purged. It’s time to show the world who the real master of Xiling is.

…

October 27, noon

Zhuyun Peak, Xiansang Mansion

Tang Luo, dressed in his prime outfit, was walking up the mountain road to Tang Cunfu’s mansion. Everyone who saw him was surprised and whispered to each other.

“Wasn’t he always one to avoid social engagements? I can’t believe he actually came this time.”

“Who would have thought Representative Cunfu has such prestige.”

Most of the people walking up this mountain path were invited branch heads and even some family elders. Tang Luo could not help but overhear their secretive whispers.

He was not in a position to explain his peculiarity. He didn’t want to wear his prime outfit for the Star Acceptance Ceremony. He just realized that his house lacked a lady of the house – his past outfits were all made by his mother, Xu Shuhui, and the tailors. They were all comfortable and appropriate for various occasions.

After he started practicing the Undying Battle Body technique and his physique changed constantly, only his training suit woven from Wishful Cicada Silk still fit him. So, he did not have any other clothes made.

His father was not at home, and these days he was busy arranging martial arts for the students of the Marshal Star Pavilion. It wasn’t until the day of the banquet, when he was about to dress, that he realized none of the elaborate clothes in his cabinet fit him, and there was definitely not enough time to make new clothes.

So, he had no choice but to put on the prime outfit he wore for the crown ceremony. This led to everyone talking about how formal he was.

As for why he chose to walk up the mountain, he felt the need to mirror his host. Quite a few Martial Ancestors used their powers to travel through the air. However, considering the costs of the Immortal Wind Cloud Body Technique, Tang Luo decided it was best to simply walk.

This was his first time attending an event like the Star Acceptance Ceremony. When he arrived at the top of the mountain and saw the Xiansang Mansion, he realized what distinguished it from ordinary banquets.

Since the event was about accepting a concubine, there were no decorations or lights. Not only was the bride not allowed to wear bright red, even the maidens serving the guests were not allowed to, let alone red carpets or satin.

There was no big sedan chair for the bride, no dowry boxes, and guests were directed straight to their seats as they entered the mansion. There was seemingly no need to wait for any formal proceedings as the food and drinks were already prepared.

“It’s still a wedding, but it feels so devoid of ceremony,” muttered Tang Luo, who was slightly disappointed with the Star Acceptance Ceremony. “It’s simply like inviting guests to dinner as usual.”

Compared to his own crown ceremony, this was not even as formal as ordinary weddings. It was somewhat disappointing.

The maid led Tang Luo to his seat amidst surprised glances. As Tang Luo approached, he noticed that several familiar faces were already seated at the main table.

“Greetings Master, Chief Tang, Second Elder, Fifth Elder and Representative Tang Qi.” Tang Luo greeted everyone in turn, but his eyes constantly lingered on Elder Tang Hongtao.

This was the first time he had seen the elder since his crown ceremony, and he was surprised to see him here. Considering the Secret Arts Pavilion’s neutral stance, it was rather unexpected.

“I insisted that he come. He spends all his time either practicing martial arts or researching. He’s only in his seventies, but he’s fallen into old habits. It’s good for him to get out and experience something new.” The second elder, Tang Hongjun, said to Tang Luo, “Minister Tang, please take a seat.”

Seeing the bitter smile on his Master’s face, Tang Luo understood. He nodded and took his seat, joining everyone else to eat and drink.

The people around the table were all important figures of the Tang Clan. At that moment, however, they seemed to forget their status, acting like ordinary guests, chatting about various things. Even Chief Tang Zu, usually so solemn, was listening to the chat, showing understanding smiles from time to time.

Although sitting together, Tang Luo had no desire to join the conversation. Despite knowing that Tang Cunfu was marrying the most beautiful woman in Xiling twenty years ago, he was not at all curious.

Firstly, his purpose for coming was to repay a debt. Secondly, he couldn’t bring himself to discuss a forty-year-old woman’s figure with these elderly people on the table.

So, he listened quietly like Tang Qi, chiming in once in a while, pretending to be absorbed in the conversation while his attention was focused on the conversations at other tables.