He slowly rose to his feet, stepped forward in quick strides, and personally helped Yang Wudi up. "Clan Leader Yang, everyone, please rise! Please rise!"
"From this day onward, we are one family. We will share honor and disgrace, fortune and misfortune alike!"
Yang Wudi rose with the motion, his posture respectful as he declared loudly, "Thank you, My Lord!"
A thunderous response rang out from outside the hall once more. "Thank you for Your grace, My Lord!"
"Hahaha!" Zhao Linchuan laughed heartily and firmly patted Yang Wudi's sturdy arm. His gaze swept across every member of the Breaking Clan present, his voice brimming with confidence and passion.
"Clan Leader Yang, clansmen! Just wait and see!"
"I, Zhao Linchuan, swear here and now that within ten years, I will restore the Breaking Clan's former glory—and make it greater than ever before!"
He paused, then made an exceedingly solemn promise. "If I, Zhao Linchuan, fail to fulfill my words today, all of you may leave freely. I will never stop you, and I will grant you a generous sum as repayment for the trust you have shown me today!"
"We swear to follow My Lord unto death!!" Yang Wudi and all the clansmen shouted in unison again, their voices filled with anticipation for the future.
Zhao Linchuan's effort to win over the Breaking Clan had been carried out flawlessly.
Through sharp exchanges of words, he analyzed the gains and losses; when their hearts wavered, he placed a heavy wager. In the end, without shedding a drop of blood, he had won over this clan renowned for its fierce spirit and Art of Alchemy.
That evening, the Breaking Clan's residence hosted its grandest banquet in many years. The lights blazed brightly, and the place buzzed with voices.
Zhao Linchuan drank and spoke