On the Xuanwu Continent, a powerful empire was once born.

The founder of the empire was someone who liked to attach himself to others.

He married a strong-willed woman and made use of her family’s influence.

He acknowledged a powerful brother and used him for protection.

Eventually, he succeeded and became the Emperor, unifying the Xuanwu Continent.

However, on the first day he ascended the throne, he was in the spotlight outside, but in reality, controlled by the strong-willed woman behind the scenes.

Like a puppet.

He couldn’t even protect the woman he loved. She was turned into a human swine and died miserably, and he had no way to help her.

His kingdom was devoured by that woman’s family, and he was powerless.

Until one of his descendants appeared, a true king, who didn’t rely on others, and in extremely difficult circumstances, defeated numerous competitors to ascend to the throne.

Only then did they finally reclaim their kingdom from that woman’s family.

Since that time, the empire truly belonged to them.

Heiye Wuxing was aware of this history, and from Ling Xiao, he saw the makings of a genuine overlord.

There was no cunning or shrewdness, no presumptuous smoothness.

Unwilling to cling to others.

Success for such a person is challenging.

But once successful, they become true overlords.

"Alright, I won’t say much more. Just follow your own heart."

Heiye Wuxing smiled slightly.

How could he not be pleased? His disciple is not a sycophantic opportunist.

To him, this was indeed comforting.

...

Ling Xiao, Lin Yang, and Qing Luan Hua finally left the Black Immortal Mountain, heading towards the higher parts of Eight Immortals Mountain.

That place is the true center of Eight Immortals Mountain—Upper Baxian Mountain.

It is home to the most powerful Eight Great Families of the mountain.

Every family there represents power and prestige.

The trio, on their way to the entrance of the Dark Clan, saw Heiye Wuguang.

Heiye Wuguang remained silent, evidently having received Ling Xiao’s response from Heiye Wuxing.

He would not recognize him as foster father.

This naturally displeased Heiye Wuguang to some extent.

So many wish to recognize him as father, and he hasn’t agreed, yet Ling Xiao dared to refuse?

He planned to retaliate against this brat.

The method of retaliation was to make him despair.

Ultimately, he would come begging to become his adoptive son.

Aside from the Clan Leader, he’s the most powerful in the Dark Clan, so it’s quite easy for him to do something.

Ling Xiao, of course, was unaware of Heiye Wuguang’s intentions.

He merely felt that Heiye Wuguang was in a bad mood.

But he didn’t pay much attention to it.

He came to the Dark Clan to practice martial arts, not to curry favor with anyone.

"The Eight Great Families, all have divisions between Inner Clan and Branch Family Members, those servants and slaves, they are from the Branch Family Members.

Inner Clan members are not required to work; they only need to focus on cultivation."

Perhaps to deliberately provoke Ling Xiao, as they passed the Dark Clan compound, Heiye Wuguang pointed out the busy Branch Family Members. 𝕗𝗿𝕖𝐞𝐰𝗲𝕓𝐧𝕠𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝐨𝚖

These Branch Family Members are also Disciples of Upper Eight Immortals Mountain.

In the eyes of Disciples of Lower Eight Immortals Mountain, they are practically seen as superior beings.

However, in reality, they serve as workhorses for the Inner Clan, which indeed is difficult.

Heiye Wuguang wanted to see a regretful expression on Ling Xiao’s face.

Unfortunately, he didn’t see it.

Ling Xiao’s expression remained calm.

To Ling Xiao, the so-called Inner Clan were merely those who lived in luxury every day, yet didn’t know grains from dirt, and didn’t exert themselves physically.

These people, despite having ample time for cultivation, mostly spent it on enjoyment and leisure.

The actual time they spent on cultivation might not be more than the Branch Family Members.

Moreover, if a person does not undergo refinement, how can they become talented?

Living in comfort every day will lead to downfall sooner or later.

He definitely didn’t want to become like them.

Inner Clan may be good, but Branch Family Members are not bad either.

Inner Clan can easily gain access to martial skills and resources.

But Branch Family Members can also obtain the same things through their own efforts, and that’s enough.

"Hmph, brat, you’ll regret this sooner or later."

Seeing Ling Xiao unmoved, Heiye Wuguang was left to feel disdain before continuing on with him.

First they arrived at the Inner Clan dwellings.

This place was beautiful, with clear mountains and waters, an excellent environment.

Each Inner Clan member had their own private courtyard, served by Branch Family Members.

Then they proceeded to the Branch Family Members’ dwellings.

Although not bad, each person had their own little house, but it was just a small house, vastly different from the courtyards, and without servants.

Heiye Wuguang continued, "Now you understand the conditions of Inner Clan are much better than Branch Family Members."

His words were, of course, meant for Ling Xiao.

Ling Xiao calmly replied, "Grand Elder, you’re not wrong, but we are here to cultivate, not to enjoy. Since the accommodations are arranged, let’s proceed with the ceremony?"

"Good lad, you truly have something special, not tempted by this?"

Heiye Wuguang began to respect Ling Xiao a little.

However, he naturally wouldn’t give up his "retaliation" plan.

He was determined to make Ling Xiao bow before him. It was a matter of self-respect as a Grand Elder and the second strongest of the Dark Clan.

"Kid, I heard you have some dealings with Lin Ruoxian? Better end it soon, or it won’t be good for you in the future."

Once the accommodations were settled, the next was the clan induction ceremony. Even as Branch Family Members, they belonged to the Dark Clan, and had to visit the Clan Leader and the Four Great Elders.

Heiye Wuguang was, of course, one of the Four Great Elders.

The other three were all experts.

At this moment, both the Clan Leader and the Four Great Elders were at the Dark Clan’s Sacrificial Altar.

Each new member of the clan would go through such a ceremony.

After all, there were only three disciples joining every eight-year cycle.

On the road, Heiye Wuguang suddenly spoke.

Ling Xiao, feeling somewhat puzzled, still replied, "Steward Ruo Xian is my benefactor, more importantly, he’s my friend, cutting ties with him is impossible."

Heiye Wuguang sneered, "If you were my adoptive son, saying that would be fine, whatever happens, I could stand in for you.

However, you refuse to recognize me as foster father, so it won’t work.

Truthfully, our Clan Leader’s son, An Feitian, is insanely fond of Lin Ruoxian.

Moreover, Lin Ruoxian is already chosen as one of the successors for She Clan’s next Clan Leader.

So Clan Leader An Yexing will strongly support this matter.

If you have ambiguous connections with Lin Ruoxian, you won’t just offend An Feitian, but also our Clan Leader An Yexing, consider it wisely."

"I stand by what I said, if people don’t provoke me, I won’t provoke them! If your Dark Clan has those who are ignorant, don’t blame me for being merciless!"

Ling Xiao coldly cast a glance at Heiye Wuguang and said, "I hope everyone can treat each other with respect and avoid harm, otherwise the Dark Clan won’t find peace."

"Good kid, aren’t you afraid of me crippling you on the spot?"

Heiye Wuguang said coldly.

"Criple me? You can go ahead now, but while your power is strong, it’s definitely not easy to kill me."