39- Elder Yu Chuan

Zhong Peng, unaware of the events unfolding within the Zhong clan, continued his journey aboard the Wind Roc toward the Zheng imperial clan to attend the Cloud Gathering.

As they drew nearer to their destination, Zhong Peng spotted several other flying Qi beasts making their way in the same direction as them.

Zhong Peng stood in awe as he surveyed the scene before him.

Scores of Qi beasts, each with their unique size and strength, were on display, revealing the fierce competition among the various clans and sects.

None of them wanted to be outdone by the others, and so they had brought out their most impressive talents and their finest flying Qi beasts.

It was a stunning display of power and skill, and Zhong Peng couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation as he took it all in.

As Zhong Peng was lost in thought, a massive flying Qi beast suddenly pulled up beside them, jolting him out of his thoughts.

The creature they beheld was none other than a Golden-Winged Roc, which appeared more majestic than the Wind Roc they were currently riding.

Despite both beasts possessing equal strength, the Golden-Winged Roc exuded a grand aura that slightly subdued that of the Wind Roc.

In the world of Qi beasts, the Golden Winged Roc was a creature of royal bloodline qi beast, inheriting the blood of ancient beasts that bestowed upon it immense power and strength.

The potency of their bloodline determined their might, as those possessing 60% or greater bloodline were able to dominate and command lesser Qi beasts lacking in ancient heritage.

These proud creatures were notoriously difficult to tame, and only the most skilled trainers could hope to win their loyalty.

"Yu Chuan, my old friend, it has been three long years since we last met. How have you fared since then?" Elder Duanmu asked, his face lighting up with a wide smile.

"Duanmu, it's good to see you again as well. I see you've brought the young ones for the competition," replied Yu Chuan with a nod of acknowledgment.

Zhong Peng was taken aback by the depth of friendship between the two elders.

Still reeling from the shock, Xiao Se suddenly appeared by his side and whispered, "That's Elder Yu Chuan, the First Elder of the Yu Clan. He has a very close relationship with Duan Jingtao's father - a strong, yet peculiar bond between them."

Zhong Peng was stunned by what he had just heard. He leaned in and asked in a low voice, "How is that even possible? I thought there was always the conflict between the clans and sects." Although he had not been in this world for very long, the memories he had gained from the Zhong Peng he had transmigrated led him to believe that there was constant warfare between the clans, each vying for power and treasures.

His curiosity was piqued, and he awaited Xiao Se's response.

"Indeed, there has been a long-standing conflict between the Duan Clan and the Yu Clan in the past. However, it was resolved about ten years ago," replied Xiao Se with a gentle smile.

Zhong Peng was surprised to hear this and couldn't help but ask, "How was the conflict resolved?"

"That", pointing towards the dashing man standing next to Elder Yu Chuan exuding an imposing aura and wearing a stoic expression, "is none other than Yu Zhou, the only son of the leader of the Yu clan. It was ten years ago during one of his outings that he fell in love with Duan Xue. Their marriage was arranged as a means to resolve a long-standing conflict between the two families. However, two years ago, Duan Xue, being true to her nature, chose to break off the engagement. "

Zhong Peng was taken aback by what he had just heard and found himself grappling with confusion.

He failed to see the connection between what he had heard and the profound bond between Elder Duanmu and Elder Yu Chuan, which had been discussed earlier.

Xiao Se, sensing the perplexity etched on Zhong Peng's countenance, proceeded to clarify, " Following Duan Xue's decision to terminate the engagement with the Yu clan, his father, being fond of him as his most cherished progeny, stood by his side. This enraged the members of the Yu clan and set the stage for a brewing conflict between the two families. In a bid to avert an impending enmity, a new solution had to be found. Thus, it was decided that Jingtao's sister would be betrothed to Elder Yu Chuan's son."

As the Wind Roc began to descend, the conversation between the two came to an end. They had finally arrived at their destination.

Zhong Peng was awestruck by the grandeur of his surroundings. 'The Zheng clan truly lives up to its name as the imperial clan,' he muttered under his breath. The sight before him was truly magnificent.