"Yes, it was indeed very exhausting, Brother Liang. We even encountered a few bandits along the way…"

While talking, Yi Chen made sure to glance towards the buildings around them from time to time in order to assess the situation of the clan better.

Although the architecture was majestic, signs of ageing were apparent on all the structures within the clan's premises if one looked closely.

'The clan is indeed declining,' he thought to himself while looking at the walls and buildings that were refurbished rather than being built once again.

"Brother Liang, on my way here, I heard of a tournament that's about to happen among clans, and the Feng Clan is taking some measures about it. What's it about?" Yi Chen asked.

"Ah, that…" A sigh escaped Brother Liang's mouth as he said, "It's the annual tournament held between all the clans in the capital city.

All the Meridian Refinement Stage Cultivators below the age of thirty take part in it and fight against each other.

It's on the basis of this tournament's results that the emperor gives titles to the prospective clans.

For the last fifteen years, we've been able to defend our position as a major clan, but our clan failed to produce talented sprouts year after year, and slowly, we have fallen to the twentieth rank.

Since it's the last rank, it's obvious we are going to be targeted by all the Minor clans in the city. Therefore, this time's tournament is going to be very cutthroat for us."

Brother Liang paused to take a breath. Gloominess was apparent on his face as he continued.

"To prevent this from happening, the clan had made a proposal to directly recognise all newly recruited external disciples as the clan's official members and grant them the clan's name.

The only condition is that they must be below the age of thirty years and should be at least a Fifth Level Meridian Refinement Cultivator."

"So, it's like this," Yi Chen nodded in understanding.

"Yes…it's a pity that I'm still at the Elementary Transformation Stage. If I were just at the First Level of Meridian Refinement stage, then even if I wouldn't be recognised as the clan's official member, I could have still participated in the tournament and fought for the clan!" Brother Liang said with fiery eyes.

'Impressive,' Yi Chen thought when he saw the passion laced in Brother Liang's words.

From what he had just heard, it was evident that the situation of the clan was dire, and there was a high chance that they were going to lose their title as a major clan.

To see Brother Liang still be so devoted to the clan even as an external disciple showed that they've been groomed well by the clan.

Soon Yi Chen noticed that they had arrived at a secluded area of the clan, and in front of him, a building surrounded by walls was present.

However, the state of this building was even worse than the refurbished buildings he had seen along the way.

The stone walls in some places were cracked, and various plants and weeds were coming out of those cracks.

"This is the Ninth Elder's Residence," Brother Liang said.

"This…?" Yi Chen muttered with a questioning expression.

"I know Brother Chen has a lot of doubts, but believe me. This is really the ninth Elder's residence. When I first saw it, I was just as confused as you.

The thing is that the Ninth Elder rarely comes out of his residence, and his relationship with other elders is also strained for reasons I'm not aware of. Therefore, his residence is in this state…"

Brother Liang explained.

"I see. Thanks for telling me, Brother Liang." Yi Chen appreciated his help.

"Haha, no worries, Brother Chen, I'll be going then. Just knock on the door and introduce yourself. Ninth Elder will be able to hear you."

With that said, Brother Liang rushed back to his post. He had left it empty for longer than he normally did, so he was a bit worried.

As for Yi Chen, he turned towards the mouldy door, which had an old wooden smell to it and knocked.

Knock! Knock…

Feeling that he might accidentally break the door, he lowered his intensity on the second knock and shouted.

"Greetings, Elder Lei. I'm Yi Chen, and I've come to meet you."

His voice echoed inside. He waited for a response to come, but no response came.

"…"

'Did I not shout loudly?' he began doubting his voice and was just about to call again when suddenly an authoritative sound came from inside.

"Come inside."

Getting the green signal, he carefully opened the door, not wanting to be the one to break it and finally entered inside.

The first thing that came into view was a large courtyard lined with stone tiles. Unlike the residence's external appearance, it was well-maintained inside.

In the middle of the courtyard, there was a giant banyan tree, and around its base, there was a cemented platform.

An aged man with long grey hair and beard was sitting on the platform with his legs crossed.

His light blue robes gently swayed by the wind along with his hair. However, there seemed to be no reaction on his expressionless face.

With his eyes closed, the man seemed to be in a state of deep focus.

The next second, Yi Chen's gaze fell on the status panel above the old man's head.

===================

Name: Feng Lei

Age: 77

Strength: 570

Cultivation: Ninth Level of [Qi Absorption Stage]

Qi Nature: Fire

Extra: A heart that longs for vengeance

=====================

When Yi Chen read the 'extra' info, he couldn't help but tense up.

It was also at that exact moment that Elder Lei opened his eyes and glanced towards Yi Chen.

Suddenly, Yi Chen felt a probing feeling all over his body, and he couldn't help but shiver.

A second later, Feng Lei said with no change in his expression.

"Your father-in-law told me that you were still in the Elementary Transformation Stage. However, it seems that you've advanced."

Next chapter will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.