Chapter 67: Clan Rivalry, Xiao Ling'er’s Bloodline Rank!

"Fellow Daoist Tianling, I have a favor to ask of you..." Huang Yu did not beat around the bush; he directly told Lingtian what he wanted to do. He himself possessed a Heaven-rank bloodline, and since Xiao Ling’er’s bloodline was even higher, that meant hers was... In short, it was the perfect solution to the current predicament.

"Very well," Lingtian replied simply. He was already planning to bring Xiao Ling’er to see her mother. Helping the Red Flame clan with this matter was a significant favor; if they recognized what was at stake, they ought to allow the mother and daughter to meet. If not, Lingtian wouldn’t mind giving them a forceful reminder.

As for how Lingtian knew that Xiao Ling’er’s mother belonged to the Red Flame faction—had anyone ever seen a child born of two parents with no trace of Black Flame, yet the offspring bore the mark of the Red Flame? Clearly impossible. The logic was simple: Xiao Ling’er was of the Red Flame, so her mother must be from the Red Flame side.

Receiving Lingtian’s affirmative answer, Huang Yu breathed a silent sigh of relief. After this, he would surely be seen as a great contributor, and his words would carry more weight. That said, he now owed Lingtian a favor. Alas, debts of gratitude are the hardest to repay. Yet, in the current circumstances, there was no better way.

Phoenix Clan, Martial Arena.

"Your faction has occupied so many resources, yet you haven’t produced a single genius. Isn’t that telling enough? I think it’s time you handed over authority to us!" The leader of the Black Flame faction, Huang Quan, gazed at the Red Flame side with an aggressive sneer.

They had been working tirelessly for this moment. Now, at last, they were about to take over the resources and authority that the Red Flame faction had held for so long. They had long been dissatisfied. To say that the Black Flame was too destructive and went against the order of heaven—nonsense! What order? To have power is to improve oneself—that is the true path. Whether black or red, so long as one could defeat the other and maintain dominance, that was the true fire.

In the end, strength was the final word. Conversely, if they held power, they could just as easily claim the Red Flame went against the order of heaven and suppress them harshly.

"We spring from the same root; why must we harm each other so eagerly?" The chief of the Red Flame faction, who was also the clan leader of the Phoenix, a dignified middle-aged man, frowned and could not help but speak. He had not expected the Black Flame faction, working in secret, to produce such a prodigy. Huang Lei looked at the tall, black-clad youth in the arena and shook his head. He had thought the bloodline testing would end with no surprises, that neither side would produce an outstanding genius. Who could have foreseen such a youth emerging from the Black Flame side?

If it were only an ordinary Saint-rank bloodline, the Black Flame faction would not be so arrogant. After all, the Red Flame side still had many prodigies. But this youth—his bloodline seemed to hover between Saint and Emperor rank. In fact, if a Saint-rank bloodline could potentially reach the Great Emperor realm, then this youth’s bloodline was almost guaranteed to become one—a mid-tier Great Emperor, no less.

Indeed, not all Great Emperors were equal. Every three realms marked a grade; this youth had undoubtedly drawn the attention of the Phoenix clan’s Elders.

"Hmph, would you have spoken so magnanimously if not for Huang Chao?" Huang Quan snorted. If his faction had not produced such a prodigy, would the other even bother to look at him? Huang Lei forced a wry smile. Honestly, he had no such intentions; after all, they were one clan. As for the allocation of resources, it had always been based on the talent of the clan members. His side simply had more prodigies, hence the greater share—was that favoritism? Nonsense! As for authority, the clan chief’s power was indeed great, but it had been determined by the Elders long ago. If things were to change, he would have no complaint, though he feared the others in his faction would not be so sanguine.

"Good, you show great potential. Would you be willing to train under me?" An immortal-like figure appeared, causing an uproar among the crowd.

"It’s the Tenth Elder!"

"He’s too impatient to teach well! Why not train under me instead?" An old woman appeared, sparking another round of exclamations.

"It’s the Seventh Elder!"

"They’re both unsuitable. Why not learn the art of nurturing flame from me..."

"It’s the Fifth Elder!"

The Phoenix clan members were all astonished by this scene; it was rare to see even one Elder, and now five had emerged! Five Elders vying to take Huang Chao as their disciple—what an honor!

Compared to the excitement of the Black Flame side, those of the Red Flame side seemed deflated. It seemed the chief’s position was about to change hands—not because they were unwilling for the Black Flame to take over, but because their temperament was too violent, always attacking the neighboring demon clans. Such conduct was not ideal. Yet, given the current circumstances, there was little to be done.

"Thank you, revered Elders, for your regard. After much consideration, I have decided..."

Huang Chao looked up at the Elders overhead. Though waves surged in his heart, he maintained a calm and composed front. Yet before he could finish, a voice rang out:

"Clan Chief, there is still one among us who has not undergone the bloodline test. I hope I am not too late?"

The words drew everyone’s attention. Huang Yu, leading Lingtian and his party, approached Huang Lei unhurriedly. Huang Yu winked at Huang Lei, who, though unsure what the young man was up to, responded nonetheless:

"You are not late!"

The five Phoenix clan Elders fixed their gaze on Luo Changsheng. They had no fear he would act rashly; with so many of them present, he would have no chance. But why had a human been brought here?

Huang Yu, having received his answer, turned to Xiao Ling’er and smiled. "Don’t be afraid, I’ll accompany you for the test."

Xiao Ling’er clenched her hands and nodded, following him. Her emotions were a tumult; if she could prove her talent, perhaps she could help her father see her mother. At this thought, resolve filled her eyes.

The Black Flame faction looked at Huang Yu with scorn, convinced the girl behind him would amount to nothing—surely she could not possess any remarkable bloodline! They had barely seen her before; perhaps she was some illegitimate stray, maybe not even of true Phoenix descent.

Huang Chao looked at Xiao Ling’er with disdain, confident in his own talent. Xiao Ling’er stepped up to the testing stone, took a deep breath, and placed her hand upon it. At first, there was no reaction, prompting jeers from the Black Flame side.

But in the next instant, as if all were suddenly choked silent, no one could laugh. The testing stone shone with seven colors!

Huang Chao had only produced six; this meant her bloodline was...

A collective gasp swept through the crowd. Huang Chao clenched his fists so hard his nails drew blood, his face pale as he uttered a hoarse, unwilling cry:

"How... how is that possible?!"