The Arrival of the Ling Clan

The entire Zhou Clan's Mansion was startled as the voice echoed throughout the estate. In the sky, a few hundred miles away from the main entrance, three distinct figures stood on a floating boat. 

The group consisted of two males, one older and one young, and a young female.

The young male, Ling Ming, turned to the older male figures with impatience in his voice. "Father, is it truly necessary for us to show such respect to the Zhou Clan?" 

Ling Ming held a grudge against Zhou Yuan and believed that the Ling Clan, as one of the Five Great Clans, stood on equal footing with the Zhou Clan. He was displeased with his father's passive approach.

Ling Yan, looking at his son with a helpless expression, sighed and responded, 

"Ming'er, it is important to show respect and maintain good relations with other clans, especially the Zhou Clan. While we may be equals in status, they surpass us significantly in terms of strength." 

Ling Jia, who had remained silent until now, chimed in. 

"Father is right, Ming. We must approach this situation with respect. We are here today to dissolve the engagement between me and Zhou Yuan. That alone is enough reason for them to be hostile towards us. There is no need to escalate the situation."

Ling Ming, however, remained silent and discontented. He believed that with his sister's status in her sect, she should be able to dissolve the engagement easily without any complications.

Ling Yan felt a sense of disappointment at Ling Ming's arrogant attitude. 

He understood that Ling Ming, as the future patriarch by birthright, held certain expectations and beliefs about the clan's leadership. 

Ling Yan knew that, regardless of Ling Jia's immense talent, the traditional values of the clan would never allow a woman to assume the role of clan leader.

Suddenly, a distortion in the air caught their attention, and a powerful voice resonated through the surroundings. 

"Since the Patriarch of the Ling Clan has chosen to personally arrive, it must be of great importance. The Patriarch requests the three of you to enter the main hall." 

At that moment, an elderly figure materialized in the sky near them.

Ling Yan narrowed his eyes as he observed the elderly man, sensing a certain level of threat emanating from him. 

It was clear to Ling Yan that this individual possessed a cultivation level surpassing his own and should not be underestimated.

The presence of the elderly man instilled a sense of unease and respect within Ling Yan, causing him to briefly reconsider his decision. However, he quickly dispelled his hesitation, reminding himself of his daughter's immense potential.

Despite the considerable power and influence of the Zhou Clan, Ling Yan firmly believed in his daughter's potential for even greater achievements. 

As they followed the elderly individual into the Zhou Clan's Estate, they couldn't help but notice the numerous glances and whispers directed their way.

"Is that Young Master Zhou Yuan's fiancée?"

"Yes, it's her! Is she here to pay her respects?"

"Heh... How could that be? It's obvious that she's here to cancel the engagement."

"What?! Aren't they afraid of the retaliation of our Zhou Clan?"

"Miss Ling Jia is a direct disciple of an elder from the Luminous Dawn Sect. Of course, she isn't afraid. Besides, young master Zhou Yuan is basically a crippled, so how can she marry him…"

As they made their way through the estate, the murmurs and speculations grew louder. Ling Yan could feel the weight of the attention and judgment placed upon his daughter. 

It was evident that her connection to Zhou Yuan had sparked significant interest among the members of the Zhou Clan.

Ling Yan couldn't help but notice the subtle shifts in the atmosphere. 

The gazes they received ranged from curiosity to hostility, with some clan members openly displaying their disapproval and understanding. 

Despite this, Ling Yan remained steadfast in his belief in his daughter's abilities and potential.

Walking beside her father, Ling Jia maintained a calm and composed demeanor. She was aware of the attention they were receiving but chose to focus on the task at hand. Dissolving the engagement with Zhou Yuan was not an easy decision for her father, but she knew it was the right one for her.

As they entered the main hall, Ling Yan and his children laid eyes upon a dignified figure seated in the center. 

Though elderly in appearance, his muscular physique and sharp eyes caused the surrounding Spiritual Qi to visibly fluctuate. 

It was clear to them who this person was - Zhou Xuan, the Patriarch of the Zhou Clan.

Ling Yan and Ling Jia's pupils abruptly shrank. Ling Jia had recently broken through to the Spirit Foundation Realm and opened her Soul Sea, granting her access to her Divine Sense. 

She could sense the immense pressure emanating from Zhou Xuan, making her slightly uncomfortable. Ling Jia took a subtle deep breath to calm herself. 

As a direct disciple of a top elder in the Luminous Dawn Sect, she had interacted with many powerful figures. While Zhou Xuan's cultivation far surpassed her own, she would not show any weakness.

Approaching Zhou Xuan, Ling Jia felt the weight of his presence pressing down on her, causing her Divine Sense to tremble slightly. 

Standing behind him were six individuals, all esteemed elders of the Zhou Clan. Among them were Zhou Kai, Zhou Hao, and the elderly man from earlier. Accompanying them were a middle-aged man and woman, who also held the title of elders.

Zhou Xuan's sharp gaze fell upon Ling Jia, seemingly piercing through her soul. Ling Jia maintained her composure, but internally, she couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. 

She had heard stories of Zhou Xuan's formidable strength and his reputation as a ruthless patriarch.

Sensing his daughter's discomfort, Ling Yan stood tall and composed, projecting an air of confidence. He knew that he had to remain strong for his family, especially in the presence of such a powerful figure.

Zhou Xuan's voice resonated through the hall, its deep timbre commanding attention. "Patriarch Ling, I have been informed of your presence. Please state your purpose for coming to my Zhou Clan."

Standing before Zhou Xuan, whether it was Ling Jia or Ling Ming neither dared to move an inch. 

Ling Yan took a deep breath, his voice steady as he responded, "Patriarch Zhou Xuan, we have come here today to dissolve the engagement between Zhou Yuan and Ling Jia. We believe it is in the best interest of both parties to sever this bond."

Zhou Xuan's eyes narrowed slightly, his gaze shifting between Ling Yan and Ling Jia. 

Ling Yan continued, maintaining his composure under Zhou Xuan's scrutinizing gaze. "Our decision to dissolve the engagement is not made lightly, Patriarch Zhou Xuan. We have carefully considered the circumstances and believe it is the most suitable course of action for both our clans."

Zhou Xuan remained silent for a moment, his expression unreadable. The weight of his authority and the expectations placed upon him as the Zhou Clan's patriarch were evident in his demeanor.