Knowing When to Yield vs. the Foolish Little Ling

The middle-aged man's identity was revealed: he was the master of the War God Palace, the Ancestor of War.

This is just a wisp of magical power and divine thought, condensed within Zhan Tianyan's body. It is triggered when danger arises, solely to protect the life of this successor of the War God Palace.

The gaze of the Ancestor of War pierced through endless time and space, penetrating the Mythic Battlefield, and landed on Ling Xiao, his gaze so profound and majestic.

His words reflected this sentiment, asking Ling Xiao to give Zhan Tianyan a chance, and also to give himself a chance.

The meaning is quite clear: if Ling Xiao doesn't agree, he will also lose his life. It's a threat, just worded more politely.

As a top-tier power in the Thousand Autumn Realm, the Ancestor of War, possessing top-tier combat strength second only to the Realm Lord, and even hailed as someone who has touched upon the realm of the Great Dao, how could he be a pushover?

It is already a great favor that he spoke to a junior so politely.

"As expected of the Ancestor of War, he's stepping in to protect Zhan Tianyan."

"No wonder, Zhan Tianyan is a successor of the War God Palace, how could he not have life-saving measures?"

"This divine thought is the best guarantee. Under heaven, apart from the realm lord, who would dare to disrespect the Ancestor of War?"

"The Ancestor of War has already been very polite; it is truly rare for him to speak so kindly to a mere junior like an ant."

"Zhan Tianyan's life has been saved. After this defeat, he may be able to rise from the ashes. Otherwise, he may never recover. After all, a self-proclaimed extraordinary prodigy was trampled on in front of everyone. Not only could he not tolerate it, but even I could not tolerate it."

"Judging from Zhan Tianyan's will to live, he still really wants to survive, so he shouldn't be completely defeated."

The onlookers whispered amongst themselves, not surprised by the Ancestor of War's request, and even somewhat envious. This was one of the advantages of being an important figure in a powerful force; even in danger, one would have family members to rescue them.

If it were a lone cultivator without any sect or faction, they would be helpless in the face of danger, relying solely on themselves, and one misfortune would mean starting over.

There's simply no comparison.

At the same time, before Ling Xiao could reply to the words of the Ancestor of War, the system's voice sounded in his mind.

[The Ancestor of War been detected coercing the host to release Zhan Tianyan. Please make the following choice.]

[Option 1: Agree to the Ancestor of War's Zhan Tianyan, and you will be rewarded with the hidden title "The Pragmatist Little Ling." This title can subtly enhance the host's popularity, ultimately leading to the ultimate state of being a Four Seas loved and respected person...]

[Option Two: Refuse the Ancestor of War, slay Zhan Tianyan, and be rewarded with the hidden title "Ungrateful Little Ling." This title grants the Heaven-Battling Combat Art heaven and earth, and against all living beings, growing stronger with each battle, and possessing an invincible method to defeat countless enemies.]

"Hidden title, Little Ling who knows how to adapt to the times?" Ling Xiao was stunned, looking at the two choices with a wry smile.

Even hidden titles have appeared.

The key question is... what's with this "pragmatic" Xiao Ling?

Are you saying I'm a coward?

If he becomes the ultimate good guy, wouldn't he be an enhanced version of Hong Yun?

People who know how to be pragmatic are indeed popular; after all, they're easy to bully and talk to. They do whatever others ask, like an obedient and loyal dog. How could they not be considered brothers from all Four Seas?

"System, I'm being ungrateful!" Ling Xiao made his choice immediately after just one glance.

Even if the second option offers no reward, he still wouldn't choose the first one.

Moreover, the second reward option is exactly what I wanted.

Putting aside the title of being ungrateful, the accompanying methods are truly unique. After becoming ungrateful, he will fight anyone he can get his hands on, defying heaven, earth, and all living beings.

This technique, called Heaven-Battling Combat Art, is the essence of the art. It allows one to fight against many, becoming stronger with each battle. It is not afraid of strong opponents, but rather of few opponents, and is primarily designed for team battles.

This is somewhat similar to the legacy of the Ancestor of War, and Ling Xiao cannot be sure whether this thing is truly the Ancestor of War's ultimate technique.

However, that doesn't matter. Even if it's a realm master's ultimate technique that's offered to him, he'll still choose it; he absolutely has to choose it!

Just as Ling Xiao was making his choice, the Ancestor of War grew impatient. He saw that the young junior was motionless and unresponsive, as if he were in a daze.

Didn't you hear what he said?

"Junior, didn't you hear what I said? Release Zhan Tianyan, and I can pretend nothing happened. Otherwise, you will bear the consequences."

The discontented Daoist voice of the Ancestor of War resounded, like the morning bell and evening drum, shaking the heavens and earth.

Ling Xiao pulled himself together and saw that the middle-aged man in the picture was expressionless, solemn like a god of Destruction.

In fact, war is also a form of Destruction. It is an aura that has been nurtured over countless years, and ordinary beings will suffer damage to their Dao heart upon witnessing it.

However, facing the imposing scrutiny of the Ancestor of War, Ling Xiao seemed oblivious, looking completely relaxed. After all, the opponent's true form wasn't here, so what was there to fear?

"Ancestor of War, I have heard what you said."

Ling Xiao responded with a smile, his foot still planted on Zhan Tianyan, who struggled in vain, only able to rage helplessly.

"Ling Xiao, let me go right now, or the Ancestor will never let you off!"

He roared with all his might. The appearance of the Ancestor of War restored Zhan Tianyan's lost confidence. His eyes were fixed hatefully on Ling Xiao's... shoe soles.

"I can fail, because someone will cover for me. Even if I lose, I will be reborn one day!"

If the patriarch makes a move, Ling Xiao is doomed. Even if he manages to win by chance, what difference will it make? That's the difference between them.

"Shut up! What are you barking about?" Ling Xiao stomped his foot, and the Great Dao runes bloomed, with boundless power suppressing Zhan Tianyan, causing him to spit out a mouthful of blood.

"Children shouldn't interrupt when adults are speaking!"

He added, looking down contemptuously at his defeated opponent at his feet.

Upon hearing his words and seeing his disdainful look, Zhan Tianyan instantly flew into a rage, spitting out another mouthful of blood.

His eyes were filled with hatred, as if he wanted to devour Ling Xiao alive.

Since my debut, I have never suffered such humiliation.

"What kind of look is that? You're not happy?" Ling Xiao snorted coldly, raised his foot and stomped again, with a hint of disgust, as if he were stepping on a dead dog.

Zhan Tianyan was almost going crazy, looking at the Ancestor of War for help. At this moment, even without his plea, the Ancestor of War couldn't hold back anymore, and a furious roar pierced through time and space.

"Presumptuous!"

"Release him immediately, or I will kill you!"

The great being who controlled the war was utterly enraged. He spoke again and again, but to no avail. Ling Xiao continued to trample on his successor.

Doesn't the great Ancestor of War have any pride?

To humiliate Zhan Tianyan like this is tantamount to slapping him in the face!

However, faced with the coercion of the Ancestor of War, Ling Xiao merely shook his head casually and said indifferently:

I won't let go!