Chapter 69: The Hundred Clans Contend for Supremacy

"Ling Xiao! I curse you, may you die a terrible death! Even if I become a vengeful spirit, I will come back to find you!"

Ling Da's eyes were bloodshot as he stared fiercely at Ling Xiao, wishing he could flay him alive and tear him limb from limb.

Ling Xiao’s expression was cold and unmoved. He had already endured such despair before, so he felt neither guilt nor pity.

"Don’t worry, it’ll be quite some time before you can become a vengeful ghost," Ling Xiao replied, sending a chill through Ling Da’s heart.

"Ling Xiao, what do you mean?"

"Zhang Daochu, take him away, break his limbs, and assign someone to watch him closely. On the day I depart for Yan Capital, I’ll use his corpse to pave my way!"

"Yes, sir!"

Zhang Daochu gave a wave of his hand, and his subordinates immediately dragged Ling Da away.

Ling Da roared in fury. "Ling Xiao! If you have any guts, just kill me! Kill me!...”

His voice faded into the distance, and the crowd could not help but shiver. When they looked at the young man again, they instinctively lowered their heads.

Those who had not witnessed today’s events could hardly comprehend Ling Xiao’s aura.

At that moment, he was merely standing there, yet everyone found it difficult to breathe.

A Major General of the Dragon Squad—extraordinary indeed!

Official Sun laughed warmly and came forward.

"Ling Xiao, today is the Grand Elder's birthday. With all the rubbish cleared away, would you honor me, a humble scholar, by joining me for a drink later?"

Ling Xiao nodded.

"All those who came today to celebrate my grandfather’s birthday—I’ll remember your kindness. I have invited all the chefs from every five-star hotel in Jiangzhou to prepare a sumptuous banquet for everyone. Enjoy yourselves. What happened earlier has nothing to do with you, so rest easy!"

"Thank you, Young Master."

"Thank you, Ling Xiao!"

The crowd responded, and soon dozens of large trucks arrived from outside the village, carrying planks that occupied several acres of wheat fields.

Hundreds of chefs got to work, preparing a lavish luncheon.

Such a feat would cost at least twenty million—only Ling Xiao had the means to pull it off.

The Grand Elder was moved to tears.

His grandson, whom he had dreamed of day and night, had finally achieved something so remarkable, honoring the family and bringing him immense pride.

As for Third Uncle Ling’s family, they gained nothing.

Third Uncle Ling was dismissed directly, becoming an unemployed drifter.

Third Aunt Ling wept bitterly, overwhelmed with sorrow.

Ling Xue, the young girl, showed no emotion at all, as if she had already seen through everything.

In fact, when she witnessed Ling Xiao slay Su Hong with a single sword stroke, she had already guessed how things would turn out.

At that moment, her beautiful eyes rippled with shock.

"Ling Xiao, is this the power you possess?"

Third Uncle Ling’s family left quietly, their departure casting no shadow on the Grand Elder’s birthday.

The Grand Elder had long since lost hope in his two sons.

When the birthday banquet ended that afternoon, the wealthy of Jiangzhou gradually took their leave.

Official Sun and others also departed.

Ling Xiao and Mu Yiren remained behind.

They helped the drunk Grand Elder to his room to rest, then Ling Xiao took Mu Yiren with him by car to search for a burial site nearby.

"Young Master, the gifts from the Jiangzhou tycoons this time have reached over four billion. What shall we do with them?"

Xiu’er reported on the birthday tributes from the car.

Ling Xiao replied calmly, "Keep one hundred million to renovate Ling Family Village. Grandfather does not wish to leave, so I can only help improve his living conditions as much as possible."

"Understood!"

"The remaining billions, hand them all over to Yiren."

Mu Yiren quickly waved her hand in refusal.

"Ling Xiao, I can’t! There’s so much money, I wouldn’t even know how to use it!"

Ling Xiao gently tapped her nose.

"Silly girl."

"You’re my woman. Spend the money however you wish! Even if you squander it all away playing mahjong, so what? I’ll earn the money to support the family. You just need to be beautiful, and if you want, you can even waste a little!"

Warmth spread through Mu Yiren’s heart, sweet enough to melt her.

If not for Xiu’er and the driver in the car, she might have thrown herself into Ling Xiao’s arms and kissed him.

"Ling Xiao, don’t worry, I won’t spend recklessly. I’ll invest wisely and help you earn even more!"

Mu Yiren secretly vowed in her heart.

Xiu’er spoke again.

"Young Master, the Iron Fist Sect has sent word—they wish to reconcile with you!"

"Reconcile?"

Ling Xiao smiled indifferently.

"My words are clear! Either submit or die—reconciliation does not exist!"

"Young Master, the Hundred Families Tournament is approaching. The Iron Fist Sect might be a useful ally. I suggest you give them a chance!"

"If they want a chance, that’s the King of Hell’s business. My task is only to send them to meet him!"

Xiu’er slapped her forehead.

Trying to reason with Ling Xiao was clearly pointless!

Mu Yiren, meanwhile, furrowed her brows.

"What is the Hundred Sects Tournament?"

Xiu’er explained:

"The Hundred Sects Tournament originated in the Warring States era, a tradition set by the philosophers of ancient times!"

"China is vast, with countless sects from all corners, but ultimately, they all follow the path of the philosophers."

"Each one seeks to ascend to the pinnacle of China’s martial world and enjoy the highest honor!"

"But after centuries of war, the Hundred Schools not only failed to settle their differences, they caused countless deaths and suffering."

"Later, the First Emperor unified the land and stipulated that every hundred years, only one great battle would be allowed, to determine who would unite the martial world for the next century!"

"Whoever wins the Hundred Sects Tournament will have the right to command the martial sects of China three times! All others must comply!"

Mu Yiren’s mouth dropped open.

"That sounds amazing! Is it like the martial alliance leader in novels?"

Xiu’er smiled.

"It’s far more impressive than fiction! The Hundred Sects Tournament is incredibly bloody—every time, millions die or are wounded! For instance, a century ago, the tournament depleted China’s martial experts, allowing the barbarians to run rampant!"

"Oh my! Isn’t that dangerous?"

"Of course! The Hundred Sects Tournament is a bloodbath, and not to be taken lightly! Our Ghost Valley has always stayed out of worldly affairs, but this time, Young Master has decided to participate. It will be our first time ever! But Young Mistress, don’t worry—with our Young Master’s strength, entering the tournament might not be a bad thing!"

"Ling Xiao," Mu Yiren grasped Ling Xiao’s hand, her eyes full of worry.

Ling Xiao smiled calmly.

"Don’t worry, I never do anything I’m not sure of! We’ve arrived—let’s get out of the car."