Chapter 4 of 10
Chapter 4
12 min read2,988 words
"Let's go back and talk about it later."
Ling Xian knew that this matter was far from over. The Chen family would soon launch a frenzied retaliation, and he had to prepare in advance. He wouldn't let a momentary impulse push the Ling family into a volcano.
Ling Xian now had extremely high prestige, and the elders had no objections to this decision. Thus, the group quickly returned to the large house.
...
The Ling Family Castle was as magnificent as ever, but the front gate was crowded with clan members, a sea of black heads, making it quite noticeable. The most prominent was Uncle Third, lying on a stretcher.
"The clan leader is back."
"Xian is back."
...
Seeing their figures, the clan members began to stir, some in fear, some in terror, but many young members clenched their fists, their faces filled with excitement.
Clearly, the news had already spread here. No wonder the clan members were anxious and uneasy. The Ling family hadn't been so proud and confident for many years. Anyone would have a sense of pride.
But thinking about the conflict with the Chen family and the possible retaliation, some of the elders began to waver. It wasn't that they were cowardly or weak, but the Ling family had been silent for too long.
They were used to yielding and retreating.
Ling Xian's strong stance made them feel at a loss, unsure if it was right or wrong.
Ling Xian's gaze swept over the crowd, taking in everyone's expressions.
He did not back down.
As the clan leader, he should have a steady demeanor. He would bear the consequences of his actions, and he didn't feel he was wrong from start to finish today.
Endless yielding wouldn't earn the other party's pity. Respect is built on strength. Without the courage to resist, one would naturally be bullied.
And the Ling family he wanted was definitely not like that.
"Uncle Third!"
"Xian, I heard..."
Ling Tianxiong struggled to prop himself up, the bandages on his chest stained with blood. The enemy's sneak attack was extremely vicious, and the wound was only an inch away from his heart.
"Yes, the Chen family's boy, I've already disciplined him, and I've avenged you, Uncle Third." Ling Xian said calmly.
Ling Xian helped Ling Tianxiong lie down. Although Uncle Third was a bit timid, he had worked hard for the family and was very caring towards him. He was a good elder.
He took a few steps forward, jumped onto a large stone at the entrance, turned his head, and immediately, all the clan members' eyes focused on him.
"Uncles, aunts, brothers, and sisters."
Ling Xian bowed to the crowd: "I have been entrusted with a critical mission and have taken over as clan leader. There are some things I shouldn't say, but I can't help it."
"Think of our Ling ancestors, how glorious they once were, second to none, with thousands of people below them. They were ennobled by the founding emperor as a hereditary prince, the title of侠王 (Xia Wang, the Prince of Heroes), revered by all in the martial world."
"At that time, our Ling family was known as the first noble family of the martial kingdom. At that time, our Ling family's disciples walked out, each one dressed in fine clothes, riding fine horses, and exuding pride and confidence..."
"At that time, our Ling family married countless princesses. The eighth-generation family head's wife was the eldest princess, and the other concubines were all noble daughters."
"At that time, even if a Ling family disciple couldn't practice martial arts, they were born into wealth and glory, and countless talented, heroic, and beautiful women wanted to marry into our family..."
"Our Ling family's women were as noble as princesses..."
Ling Xian's voice echoed in the crowd, and everyone's faces showed longing. Although the Ling family had long fallen, no one had forgotten the glory of their ancestors.
The Ling family's history was stirring, and the disciples present were well-versed in it. But usually, they could only imagine it, while now, Ling Xian was speaking it aloud.
Everyone's eyes became bright.
Yes, at that time, the Ling family was so glorious. Who would have thought it would fall to this state today?
It could only be said that the world was unpredictable!
And Ling Xian's voice continued to echo, but the tone suddenly changed, becoming sorrowful: "But look at our Ling family now. We can't even afford to eat, and we haven't tasted meat for three months. We are bullied by a third-rate family, and our descendants are ashamed, disgracing our ancestors. If our ancestors knew, they would be furious even in their graves."
"Disgracing our ancestors!"
Many Ling family disciples burst into tears, their lips tightly clenched, blood trickling down. Some knelt on the ground, punching the ground.
Boom!
Dust flew, and they didn't care about their injured fists.
Even the elders' faces showed excitement.
How could their hearts be calm with such a stark contrast?
"The clan leader is right. We cannot be weak anymore."
"We cannot let our ancestors be disgraced."
"Men should die on the battlefield, what's there to fear from the Chen family?"
"Let's fight them."
"Yes, let's fight."
...
For a moment, the crowd was agitated, and morale was high.
A smile appeared at the corner of Ling Xian's mouth. This was exactly what he wanted.
The reason the Ling family had fallen was not just the loss of martial strength but also the loss of spirit. Just like a person whose ambitions have been worn down, how could you expect them to achieve great things?
The principle was the same!
So he first needed to ignite the Ling family's morale and restore their pride.
"Clan leader, tell us what to do."
"We will follow your lead."
...
With these words, Ling Xian's prestige reached new heights. At this moment, he had gained recognition, and everyone in the clan, regardless of age or gender, saw him as the mainstay.
His prestige was awe-inspiring.
"Brother has an heir, brother has an heir!"
Ling Tianxiong, lying on the stretcher, tears streaming down his face. The Ling family had not only fallen but also had a dwindling population. The eldest branch had only Ling Xian. Seeing his success, Ling Tianxiong was genuinely happy.
At the same time, he secretly vowed to support his nephew and revitalize the family, restoring the glory of their ancestors.
"Clan leader, what do you plan to do? We will do it even if it means death."
"Right, clan leader, we will follow your lead."
"Uncle Third, if I remember correctly, our Ling family should still have the iron warrant and the red book granted by the founding emperor." Seeing that the people were ready to follow, Ling Xian remained calm and spoke.
"Iron warrant and red book?"
Ling Tianxiong was taken aback, and the other elders also fell into thought.
"Yes, we do have such a treasure." The speaker was not Uncle Third but a middle-aged man named Ling Tianbao, the logistics manager and Ling Xian's uncle.
In every family, the logistics manager was a lucrative position, but not in the Ling family. After the family's decline, they were too poor, with no surplus. Every grain of rice and every inch of cloth had to be carefully managed, or the clan members would go hungry.
Ling Tianbao had practiced martial arts in the past, but after taking charge of logistics, he devoted all his energy to the family. At just over forty, his temples were already gray.
He had been the most trusted person by Ling Xian's father.
"Not just the iron warrant and red book, but also the sword of authority granted by the founding emperor." Ling Tianbao deliberated, not understanding the use of these things.
The Ling family had been demoted, and although the titles and documents granted by the founding emperor had not been revoked, their power had long since vanished. For a thousand years, these things had lain in the treasure vault. Without the royal family's trust, were they still useful?
"Useful, of course, they are useful."
Ling Xian's expression was a mix of amusement and frustration. When the Ling family was at its peak, they didn't need the iron warrant and red book. At that time, no one dared to provoke the family's disciples. Later, after the family's decline and the royal family's disdain, no one thought about these things.
But Ling Xian knew they were useful. They were granted by the founding emperor. Even if the current royal family didn't recognize them, would a small family like the Chen dare to defy the dignity of the founding emperor?
Using the emperor's authority as a banner, these things were enough to protect the Ling family through the current crisis.
"Yes, Xian's words make sense."
"Truly worthy of being the clan leader, his insight is different."
...
Hearing Ling Xian's analysis, the clan members marveled, suddenly enlightened. They admired Ling Xian even more.
Prostrate in admiration!
Ling Tianbao's excited voice echoed: "The clan leader is right. Although our Ling family has declined, the things left by our ancestors are still preserved. Besides the sword of authority, the iron warrant, and the red book, we also have the Prince of Heroes' robe and regalia."
"Great, bring them out. The more grandly we display them, the more we can intimidate the Chen family."
"Yes, clan leader."
Ling Tianbao didn't dare to delay, quickly picking a few people to go to the treasure vault with him.
"Everyone, go back to your duties. Don't let a small family like the Chen family look down on our Ling family."
"Yes, clan leader."
Although the Ling family members were still excited and tense, Ling Xian's current prestige was unmatched, and no one objected, all retreating.
"Da Niu, Ling Feng, find a few clever disciples to gather intelligence. Remember not to alert the enemy. Report back to me as soon as you have any news."
Ling Xian, of course, wouldn't really ignore the Chen family. He needed to be outwardly relaxed but inwardly prepared.
"Yes!"
Two young men bowed to Ling Xian: "You few, come with me."
Leading a few core martial disciples, they ran down a small path.
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