The young man that had an intimidating aura that's befitting a minister was indeed Ben. He wore a white robe with wide-open sleeves that made him look even more like a minister that was of great wisdom and intelligence.
" Father, I know that you care about my older brother, but you know deep down that we have to ally ourselves with our neighboring second-grade clan and swallow it whole if we want to become a first-grade clan." Ben leaned forward a little as he whispered into his father's ears.
The father didn't bother to look at his son," I obviously know such a thing; I was planning on annexing their clan and surpassing them long ago. But I never expected that my son would be this intelligent to come up with such an easy yet perfect plan."
" It's all thanks to the scholars you brought home to teach us and the academy I'm attending. But then again, I believe you won't back down at the last second just cause you want to satisfy your eldest son, right? " Ben contributed the credit to his father and then smoothly tried to ensure things were going as planned.
The father thought about it for a second and gave a helpless yet determined look," This is fundamental for our future, and it will greatly benefit the whole clan; I know when to apply logic and prioritize everyone's interest over just one individual even if it's my eldest son, so don't worry Ben."
Ben pulled back from his father's ear, again strengthening his back as he stood right next to him, exactly behind his right shoulder, ' Normal world or a cultivation one, humans are still the same. I need to quickly raise this clan to a first-grade one so my safety and benefits are assured; this is my only chance if I wanna rise above all and make full use of the Mystical sword that I found by chance. "
Ben had a cold and indifferent face, fully ready to do anything he could so he could guarantee his safety as he cultivated and obtained more resources plus connections to fasten the process.
Not far away from where Neon and everyone else was waiting for their guest. A bald old man with a face full of wrinkles added up with red eyes could be seen making his way to their place.
A ten-meter or so ancient pavilion stood in the middle of the Fang Clan house territory; its size made it clear at first glance that it was the main house.
A man and a woman stood at the door. The guy's aura gave off the impression of a soldier that went through a lot of battles, calm and dangerous. While the woman next to him had no aura whatsoever shrouding her.
' Well, I guess I'm finally here. Walking with this old body is really tiring, I'll have to start cultivating after this chat with the patriarch.' Abaddon thought as he reached the door.
" Grandpa, father-in-law might be a little harsh, but please endure his words. Like that, you can start cultivating with the help of Bam and never leave me." Mia hurried over to Abaddon, grabbing his left sleeve after he walked to the entrance.
Abaddon only ran his gaze on both of them and gradually walked past them, not bothering to speak.
The guard that was ordered to bring him didn't stand in his way and let him enter. Mia and Bam soon followed after him, with the guard not far trailing behind them.
Bam knew that it was pointless for his father to have a conversation with Chester since he as well could offer nothing nor change Neon's mind about the marriage, but he would never give up on Mia; hence he would try a different yet bold method with his father.
Abaddon looked at the middle-aged man sitting in the coolest seat, all along not bothering to cast a glance at Ben, " You took so long to invite me over kid. Is this how you treat your guests that will soon become part of your clan!"
His voice echoed in the hall, yet even after a few seconds, no one reacted to what just happened.
" Grandpa, what are you saying? Quickly apologize to the head clan before he gets mad over your words. " Mia had a worried look on her face as she tried to save Abaddon from punishment.
Bam sighed with disappointment, ' I guess mortals are still mortals. So ignorant as to even judge a cultivator's age by their looks and even act arrogant in front of him.'
" What did you just say?" The guard was outraged as he released his aura in an attempt to pressure him mentally.
Mia felt her breathing become heavier as she retreated back behind Bam. Yet Abaddon firmly stood in his place and calmly replied, not bothered by the mental pressure the guard was putting on him.
" Is this how a Head of a second-grade clan treats his guests and soon to be connected by marriage? Truly interesting."
Or better say that he was indeed feeling the pressure caused by his mortal body and nonexistent cultivation base, but his will was unyielding after the countless experiences and hardships he went through.
Neon was amused and baffled as he stood there hearing the old man, not believing what he was saying, ' Is this old mortal that's a day away from joining the world of the dead stupid or what? '
As he was thinking of how to deal with him and reply to his words properly, Ben impatiently ordered the guard, " Are you watching a mere mortal insulting my father? Break his left leg for his insolence!"
' Humph, breaking your leg is but an appetizer; your four limbs and head are going to be next for wasting all this time that could have instead been invested in annexing the other clan.' Ben sneered inside.
The guard hesitated for a second as he shifted his gaze between Ben and Neon, but he soon did as he was ordered and closed in on Abaddon plainly going to execute the order.
" Stop. Go back to your spot and never move without my orders. " Neon roared as he stood from his seat.
He looked back, meeting his son's gaze, and berated, " This is our guest; make sure to show respect Ben."
" Father, he is but a mortal who will..."
" Say no more without my permission; that mortal is someone close to your eldest brother. Don't you have any shame?" Before Ben could finish his words, he was harshly cut off.
' Hoh! Interesting.' Abaddon mused inwardly as he peeked at Ben for a split second, murderous intent burning inside of him as he thought about the ways this fat ant would be tortured later.
By fat, he doesn't mean his body or anything along those lines; he is mainly thinking about the rewards that he will get after killing off this kid.
But yet, he was still greatly confused as to why this kid despised him so much. Like when they met, Ben behaved like Abaddon had killed his parents.
Even though he knew that it was related to the marriage and the fact that they were mortals without cultivation or background, his behavior was still out of place for someone who didn't want the marriage.
However, Ben's hatred for Abaddon was only icing on the cake cause even if he didn't act this way, he would still be treated the same by Abaddon and ruthlessly killed.
Ben grabbed his father's sleeves for a split second without anyone noticing his swift actions. Soon, his father kept on his same warm speech with Abaddon and gestured for him to take a seat next to him.
Bam and Mia were startled by this sight, he was the one that was humiliating the girl in these past days, but now Neon changed faces and shamelessly acted as if he was welcoming and approving of their marriage.
They both took a sit as they locked their eyes on Neon's figure, waiting for his next words. At the same time, Abaddon was enjoying the monkey performance that was occurring in front of him.