This was far too characteristic of the younger generation from the other three clans; their intention was likely to showcase the strength of their own young prodigies to the Shen Family.

The hall was eerily quiet; everyone remained silent.

Among the younger generation, only Shen Qingyao and Shen Qingshuang were present. Shen Qingshuang had been lost in thought ever since she finished her report on Zhou Xu’s murder.

Shen Qingyao, meanwhile, gazed up at the ceiling of the main hall, her thoughts unreadable. She was a rare sight in an embroidered silk skirt, the very picture of a maiden.

"Speak. The Jiang, Qin, and Wang Families all wish to form a marriage alliance with the Shen Family. What are your thoughts?" Shen Zhaoyi said, his gaze sweeping over the assembled members.

The three clans had proposed these marriage alliances long ago, and the Shen Family had discussed the matter several times. Among Shen Zhaoyi’s descendants, some were for it and some against, but the dissenters were the vast majority, with only one or two in favor.

After all, once the clan’s most exceptional disciples married out, the Shen Family’s reduction to a vassal clan would be all but a foregone conclusion.

The main line, led by Patriarch Shen Mingyuan, might still manage due to its connection to Shen Qingyao and Shen Qingshuang. The lives of the other branches, however, would likely become very difficult.

The brothers exchanged glances, and in the end, they pushed Shen Mingyuan forward to speak.

Shen Mingyuan looked to his son, Shen Zhiyuan, signaling for him to voice his opinion. After all, the future of the Shen Family would most likely be in Shen Zhiyuan’s hands.

Shen Zhiyuan, with his cultivation only at Bone Forging Realm Perfection, lacked confidence. He was at a loss for what to do. After a long moment of hesitation, his gaze fell upon his two precious daughters, Shen Qingyao and Shen Qingshuang.

In his view, regardless of any marriage alliance, the future of the Shen Family rested on the shoulders of these two daughters.

"Sigh..." Seeing his descendants act this way, Shen Zhaoyi couldn’t help but frown and let out a long sigh. "Never mind. Qingyao, Qingshuang, you two speak." 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝒆𝒘𝙚𝓫𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

Shen Qingyao and Shen Qingshuang were sisters, born of the same mother. Shen Qingyao, being born first, was the elder of the two.

Their talent in the Martial Dao was comparable, both at a genius level, and they were also exceedingly clever. Shen Qingshuang had gained experience early on in the City Guard Department and was very responsible.

As for Shen Qingyao, though she had been kept secluded by the Shen Family to focus on cultivating the Martial Dao, she often discussed the clan’s various policies with the elders and was a keen strategist.

In Shen Zhaoyi’s eyes, both of his great-granddaughters were heaven-sent prodigies. Had they not been born female, the Shen Family would surely be in a state of unprecedented prosperity.

Of course, even as women, they could still shoulder the great responsibility of revitalizing the Shen Family.

One could say that Shen Qingyao and Shen Qingshuang’s status within the Shen Family was second only to the Patriarch, Shen Mingyuan, and even higher than that of their own father, Shen Zhiyuan.

Normally, Shen Qingyao and Shen Qingshuang were locked in a subtle rivalry, with neither willing to admit the other was more outstanding. When issues arose, they were prone to bickering.

However, on the matter of the marriage alliances, the two were in rare agreement.

"Ancestor, I oppose the marriage alliance," said Shen Qingyao.

Shen Qingshuang’s expression was resolute. "I also oppose the marriage alliance. If I, Shen Qingshuang, am to marry, I will be the one to choose my husband. Forcing me to accept a grievance for the sake of compromise is absolutely impossible."

"Yes, yes, that’s right! I will also choose my own husband," Shen Qingyao added hastily, afraid her stance had seemed too weak. "In all of Linji City, there isn’t a single man worthy of my, Shen Qingyao’s, attention.

As for those young masters from the Jiang, Qin, and Wang Families, they are all beneath my notice.

Even that Jiang Lang, the so-called number one martial artist of Linji City’s younger generation, is nothing special. Give me some time, and my Martial Arts Power will surely far surpass his.

The Jiang Family may be powerful now, it’s true, but so what? As for who will be stronger in the future, that remains to be seen."

"Good! Good! Good! As expected of the children of my Shen Family!" Shen Zhaoyi repeated the word three times before his expression turned stern. "The Shen Family has always acted with integrity and has never done anything to trouble our conscience. We will absolutely not suffer such a grievance.

Even if I, Shen Zhaoyi, have to put my old life on the line, I can still protect the Shen Family for another ten years. If the Jiang, Qin, and Wang clans want to make a move on the Shen Family, we’ll see if they have what it takes!"

With the clan’s Ancestor having set the tone, everyone breathed a collective sigh of relief, and the atmosphere in the hall instantly became livelier.

The Clan Elders all began to speak up.

"Exactly! The Shen Family will not suffer the slightest grievance!"

"It’s more than just a simple grievance. If we become a vassal clan, our Shen Family’s standing would probably be lower than even their collateral branch members. We could never hold our heads high again."

"As one of the Four Great Clans of the Inner City, if there’s to be an alliance, it should be the Shen Family recruiting a son-in-law to marry in!"

"That’s not a good idea. We can’t take a son-in-law from the other three clans, either. We must guard against their rapacious ambitions."

"You’re right. I spoke rashly and didn’t think it through."

"And that Jiang Lang fellow, spreading rumors that he wants to marry our Shen Family’s peerless beauties—what a pipe dream! I say in a few years, Qingyao and Qingshuang will be able to beat him to a pulp!"

...

"Alright now, look at you all. What’s there to be so triumphant about? The crisis has only just begun. We must make preparations."

Shen Zhaoyi raised a hand to silence the clamor. He then looked to Shen Mingyuan and said, "Mingyuan, I need to enter seclusion to comprehend the Second Layer of the Frost Snow Realm. You must be cautious. Arrange the clan’s affairs properly and see to it that no trouble arises."

Shen Mingyuan replied, "Father, please enter your seclusion without worry. My brothers and I are here; we can manage the Shen Family’s affairs."

"Mm, very good." Shen Zhaoyi nodded slightly. "If there is nothing else, you are all dismissed."

Just then, Shen Qingyao spoke up, "Ancestor, I want to join the Demon Suppression Department to gain experience."

"The Demon Suppression Department?" Shen Zhaoyi seemed somewhat surprised. After a moment of thought, he nodded slightly. "You have already reached Small Success in Bone Forging Realm and have long since consolidated your cultivation. Gaining some experience in the Demon Suppression Department would be good for you."

With that, he turned to Shen Mingyuan. "Mingyuan, you will see to the arrangements."