When the elder looked at the two departing individuals, he noticed something unusual.
He was shocked to discover that Long Nian, who had previously been only at the fifth level of Body Tempering, had now advanced to the first level of the Spirit Cleansing Realm! After realizing this, he was deeply shaken and quickly turned his gaze toward the clan leader.
Could it be that Long Nian was cultivated personally by the clan leader? But how could that be possible? Advancing through five minor realms and even breaking through a major realm in such a short time—wasn't that something only found in ancient legends?
The elder was overwhelmed with astonishment. Then, his eyes fell on the sword in Long Nian's arms.
His expression froze as realization struck him—it was the clan leader's personal sword.
Indeed, Long Nian must be extraordinarily blessed. A pang of mixed emotion stirred in the elder's heart.
In the meeting hall
Long Chen entered with Long Nian. What caught their attention was a middle-aged man dressed in ornate robes, sitting casually and sipping tea as if he owned the place. His demeanor was dignified, even arrogant.
Using his Insightful Eye, Long Chen immediately discerned that the man's cultivation level was at the first level of the Innate Realm.
The man was Ji Xuan—the City Lord.
Sensing Long Chen's gaze, Ji Xuan calmly placed his teacup down and raised his head, smiling faintly.
"Chief Long, you seem more vigorous than ever. The years have certainly changed many things since we last met…"
Long Chen ignored the pleasantries and got straight to the point: "City Lord, I wonder why you've come to my Long family today? Is it to question us regarding the four families?"
Seeing how direct Long Chen was, Ji Xuan chuckled. "If this were just about the four families, it wouldn't be worth my personal visit. Besides, defending a fallen family like Feng, especially with a young Innate cultivator involved, is beneath me."
Long Chen walked to the host seat, sat down slowly, and gazed at Ji Xuan. "Then what brings the City Lord here?"
"Tell me, Chief Long—do you know the origin of the Feng family?"
Long Chen raised an eyebrow. "I'm listening."
Ji Xuan took another sip of tea and began, "After I took office, I found ancient documents indicating that the Feng family of Star City is a distant branch of the Feng family from the capital."
Long Chen's expression changed slightly. He knew the Feng family of the capital well—one of the Dragon Kingdom's top aristocratic clans, with a true expert in the Dharma Realm presiding over it. Such power ensured that even regional sects dared not provoke them.
Yet Star City's Feng family had a connection with them?
Ji Xuan noticed the doubt in Long Chen's eyes and continued:
"Legend says that Feng Ming, the founder of the Star City Feng family, was once a genius of the capital's Feng clan. But he had a rival—a direct descendant of the main family. That rival attempted to assassinate Feng Ming and succeeded in crippling his dantian. To cover up the disgrace, the family exiled Feng Ming and his line to Star City. Generations passed, and most forgot."
"Feng Ming still managed to cultivate to the Half-Step Innate Realm and establish dominance in Star City. But because of that betrayal, he refused to act under the Feng name."
"Now, that rival is still alive, having reached the peak of the Spirit Essence Realm—just one step away from the Dharma Realm. Once old age catches up to him, memories of the past may resurface. If he discovers what happened to the Feng family here, your Long family could be implicated."
Long Chen remained calm and said flatly, "And what does the City Lord want in return for this information? Surely, you didn't come just to tell me a story."
"Haha, I like talking to smart people," Ji Xuan said with a grin. "The Feng family's arrogance has long created resentment. If you're willing to cooperate, certain... influential people can intervene and make sure this issue disappears."
Hearing this, Long Chen's interest deepened. Influential people? Clearly, the City Lord wasn't acting alone—he had backing from a larger, possibly hidden force.
Just as Ji Xuan was about to elaborate, his expression shifted slightly.
"Seems we'll have to continue this later—someone is approaching."
Footsteps echoed.
A young member of the Long family entered hurriedly and bowed: "Patriarch! The leaders of the Sun, Gao, and Luo families have arrived with their people. They wish to meet with you."
Long Chen's eyes narrowed slightly. So they've come to me first? That saves me the trouble.
He nodded slightly and said, "Let them in."
Moments later, Patriarch Sun, Patriarch Gao, and Patriarch Luo entered the meeting hall, each followed by a group of men. The moment they saw Long Chen seated at the head of the room, they quickly bowed and clasped their fists respectfully.
"We greet Patriarch Long!"
Then, their eyes scanned the room and fell on Ji Xuan. All three patriarchs froze.
The City Lord was here?!
Catching themselves, they hurriedly bowed again.
"We greet the City Lord!"