29 The Might of the Zhou Clan

The Ling Clan was known for their expertise in forging spiritual artifacts and faced a significant disparity in overall strength compared to the formidable Zhou Clan. 

Ling Yan, the patriarch of the Ling Clan, was only at the 5th Rank of the Spirit Ocean Realm, while the strongest elder had only reached the 7th Rank. 

The remaining two elders including Old Gu were at the 2nd Rank, highlighting the clan's limited power. 

In contrast, the Zhou Clan boasted multiple experts at the Spirit Ocean Realm, with Zhou Xuan himself being a Soul Origin Realm cultivator. 

Ling Yan held a deep sense of fear towards Zhou Xuan, in his younger days Zhou Xuan had a reputation as a formidable warrior who had slain numerous opponents at the same stage during a war over a century ago. 

Zhou Xuan managed to severely injure a 2nd Rank Soul Origin Realm cultivator while being at the 9th Rank of the Spirit Ocean Realm. This earned him the title of Saber Demon, solidifying the Zhou Clan's position as a leader among the Five Great Clans. While the rest of the five clans were merely cast into their shadow. 

The Ling Clan's reliance on spiritual artifacts could only compensate to a certain extent for their lack of powerful Spirit Ocean Realm cultivators. 

However, in the face of a powerful Soul Origin Realm cultivator like Zhou Xuan, their efforts would prove futile, and they would be vulnerable to annihilation.

As Ling Yan contemplated the dire situation, his heart weighed heavily with concern for the future of his clan. 

Ling Jia nodded her eyes filled with determination. "Dad, I understand the implications, but I cannot ignore my own feelings, I want to follow my own path," she replied, her voice steady. 

"I want to explore the world, cultivate my own talents, and find my own purpose. I believe that by doing so, I can contribute more to our clan even without marrying into the Zhou Clan."

An Ruolin placed a comforting hand on Ling Jia's shoulder, her eyes filled with maternal concern. "Child, we want nothing more than your happiness," she said, her voice filled with love. Ling Yan nodded, his expression a mix of worry and determination. 

Ling Jia took a deep breath, her resolve unwavering. "Mom, I understand the challenges ahead, and I am prepared to face them," she replied, her voice filled with conviction. "I believe that by being true to myself, I can find the right path. Even if you don't agree I plan to visit the Zhou Clan myself" Her words caused a slight fluctuation in her aura causing Ling Yan to see through her current cultivation. 

"Jia Jia, you broke through the Spirit Lake Realm!?" Ling Yan's eyes widened in astonishment as he witnessed the fluctuation in Ling Jia's aura. He had not noticed it earlier as his minds were preoccupied, both he and wife were shocked.

He knew that his daughter was talented but never thought she would achieve the Spirit Lake Realm at a young age. Even in the Central Continent such talent was rarely seen. 

"I broke through not long ago, all of it was thanks to my master." Ling Jia knew she would not be able to hide her breakthrough for long and simply acknowledged it. Ling Yan took a deep breath and made his decision. 

"Aright, I agreed to you dissolving the engagement. Three days later, I will personally go to the Zhou Clan with you to discuss this matter with Patriarch Zhou Xuan." 

Ling Yan's decision made Ling Jia extremely happy, however she was also slightly annoyed as she wanted to settle the matter as soon as possible. "Dad, why 3 days later?" 

Hearing this question made Ling Yan smile wearily, "Silly girl, of course we need time to prepare. This engagement was made willingly by both parties therefore we need to present proper compensation if we want to annul it." 

By taking three days to prepare, Ling Yan intended to present a proper compensation to the Zhou Clan. This gesture would demonstrate the Ling Clan's sincerity. 

"As talented as you are and as prestigious as the Luminous Dawn Sect may be, we cannot solely rely on their reputation." 

He continued, "The Seven Great Sects have strict regulations regarding their involvement in the mortal world, especially when it comes to powerhouses above Soul Origin Realm. We must not expect them to interfere on our behalf. Therefore, we need to handle this matter with diplomacy and present a proper compensation to the Zhou Clan." 

Ling Jia nodded as she listened to her father, "Dad, I understand. I will listen to you. Master had told me that I needed to settle this matter without her help." 

Ling Yan was content with his daughter's response. After their discussion, An Ruolin wished to spend some quality time with Ling Jia, leaving Ling Yan alone in his study as he gazed out of the window.

"Hopefully, there won't be any major issues."