Longxing City, located in the north of the Star Luo Empire, is less than two hundred miles from the border between the two great empires, making it a true border city.
Longxing City itself is not directly under the jurisdiction of the Star Luo Imperial Family, but is a territory within a subordinate kingdom. Due to trade, this small city is extremely prosperous, with a constant stream of merchants coming and going.
Kingdoms and duchies, these forces that are nominally subordinate to the two great empires, have in fact long been independent of the empires and control many important economic centers, with the Spirit Hall secretly supporting them. They are rivals to the empires, although conflicts between them are not frequent.
However, as the imperial power has been gradually undermined, especially after the recent destruction of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect, the kingdoms and duchies have become increasingly arrogant. Some have even begun to openly expand their territories. Although the expansion is not large, it already speaks volumes.
Surprisingly, the two great empires ignored their restless advances, and everything remained calm. There was not even any sign of military mobilization. Perhaps the kingdoms and duchies themselves felt guilty, but the tacit silence of the two great empires frightened them, and for a time they dared not go too far.
Meanwhile, Yan and Jun Yi had already arrived in Longxing City. After paying two Gold Soul Coin, the two of them went directly into the city.
Longxing City was much smaller than Heaven Dou City, and the two quickly arrived at their destination.
They stopped outside a large mansion. The mansion looked very similar to the mansion of the Li clan, except that the plaque hanging on the gate tower had the word "imperial" in it.
"Yan, how's your recovery going?" Jun Yi asked.
"You've fully recovered, Brother Jun. Are we going to challenge all Four Single-Attribute Clans?" Yan asked curiously.
Jun Yi slowly shook his head and said, "No need for such trouble. I've received word that today is the day of the four major clans' gathering, held at the residence of the Defense Clan. The purpose is to discuss whether to join the Spirit Hall. The Strength Clan has long stated that they will never join the Spirit Hall. Let's see what the other three clan leaders think."
"Mm." Yan nodded and followed Jun Yi toward the mansion.
"This is the territory of our Defense Clan. Please stop here," the gatekeeper called out to the two.
Jun Yi remained silent, while Yan stepped forward directly, took out the Spirit Hall Elder Token, and gestured to the gatekeeper, saying, "I am Yan, a prospective elder of the Spirit Hall. I am here today to discuss important matters with the three major clans."
The gatekeeper took the token, carefully examined it, and after confirming it was correct, immediately returned it to Yan with a respectful expression. He then respectfully led the two into the mansion. Yan put away the token and followed Jun Yi further inside. Although the mansion of the Defense Clan looked similar to that of the Strength Clan Strength Clan, its defenses were far stronger. The entire interior of the mansion seemed to be constructed from a special material, making it exceptionally sturdy. The gatekeeper led the two to a guest room and said to them, "Please wait here, everyone. I will go and inform the patriarch of this matter."
After the guard left, Jun Yi tapped on the wall in the room, receiving a dull echo. "Brother Jun, the Defense Clan's residence is built of mountain stone, its sturdiness is no less than that of the Strength Clan's residence," Yan said. Jun Yi nodded and said, "The Defense Clan is skilled in building construction, they are considered Grandmaster in the architectural world, so this is to be expected." Just as they were talking, the guard returned, followed by an old man in a brocade robe. The old man had a ruddy complexion, his short, needle-like hair was already gray, his face was ruddy, his large, bright eyes were piercing, and his shoulders were extremely broad. Although the robe he wore was very loose, his incredibly strong physique was still evident in his movements.
He was none other than Niu Gao, the patriarch of the Defense Clan.
"Which one of you is Elder Yan from the Spirit Hall?" Niu Gao asked.
"It is I," Yan said, turning his head.
"Elder Yan has come in person, surely to win over our four clans?" Niu Gao got straight to the point, without beating around the bush.
"Indeed," Yan said frankly. "With the Star Luo Empire's power weakened and the control of the two great empires diminished, this is a good opportunity for various forces to expand. The Spirit Hall has always intended to win over the major clans to jointly promote the development of the Soul Master World. Unfortunately, the Strength Clan has long vowed never to join the Spirit Hall. Today, I'm here to see if your Defense Clan is willing to join us." Before Niu Gao could speak, the gatekeeper beside him couldn't help but say, "Elder Yan, although our Defense Clan is skilled in building construction, we are not good at combat. We cannot have the strong defensive capabilities of the Strength Clan. If we join the Spirit Hall, will it affect the safety of our clan?" Yan smiled slightly and said, "No, the existence of our Spirit Hall is to protect every member. As long as you are under the protection of our Spirit Hall, no clan will be attacked by the outside world. What we need is not only support in combat, but also your talent in architecture." A look of contemplation appeared in Niu Gao's eyes, obviously considering the pros and cons. "Well? Clan Chief Niu, is your Defense Clan willing to join our Spirit Hall?"
"We are currently discussing this matter. I wonder if Elder Yan would be willing to listen in?"
"Please, Chief Niu, introduce me to the other two chiefs," Yan said.
"Alright, Elder Yan, please follow me."
Niu Gao led the way, guiding Jun Yi and Yan through corridors until they arrived at a spacious council hall.
The elderly man sitting in the second seat was tall and slender, but appeared very well-proportioned. His long hair was draped behind him, but it was snow-white. He was Bai He, the patriarch of the Speed Clan.
The other old man sitting in the main seat was tall and thin, somewhat resembling the Bai He Bai He in build, but a head taller. His hair was not as white as the Bai He's, but rather jet black. His complexion was ruddy, but his expression was somewhat gloomy, and his sinister eyes gave people a chilling feeling.
He is Yang Wudi, the patriarch of the Breaking Clan.
"Old Niu, who are these two young men?" Bai He asked first.
Niu Gao pointed at Yan and said, "This is Yan, a prospective elder of the Spirit Hall."
"A prospective elder of the Spirit Hall? He doesn't look very old. Could he not be an imposter?" Yang Wudi asked doubtfully, his voice somewhat hoarse, which sounded a little unsettling.
"I don't think anyone would dare to impersonate the Spirit Hall, especially in front of the three clan leaders," Yan said with a calm smile.
"Who is that young man behind you? Is he also an elder of the Spirit Hall?"
Yang Wudi pointed to Jun Yi behind Yan, feeling something was strange. He couldn't sense any Soul Power fluctuations from Jun Yi. There were only two explanations for this: Jun Yi was just an ordinary person without Soul Power, or Jun Yi's strength far surpassed his own...
(End of this chapter)