"What about you, are you going to run away like a coward and not participate in the hunting contest?" Ling Feng Yun mocked.
When everyone heard this, they could not help but feel at a loss.
They had hoped earlier that the Grand Elder might change his decision, but now it seemed like their own wishful thinking as it seems like the grand elder still has not yet given up on the idea of forcing Ling Tian to participate.
Ling Chenyuan stepped forward, his face dark with anger. "That's enough, Ling Fengyun,"
Ling Chenyuan's voice became cold and threatening as he addressed the group, staring them down with his piercing gaze.
"As the clan leader, I hold the power to make decisions for our clan. I will always choose what is best for us, and no one can challenge my authority.
Ling Tian will not be participating in this competition, as it will only bring harm to our clan. He will join when the time is right."
As he spoke, Ling Chenyuan's voice shook with emotion.
"If Ling Tian fails to demonstrate any talent during our annual competition in December, I will resign as clan head, and he will not succeed me.
But to be honest, I don't care much about the position that my father left me. It doesn't matter to me at all."
The annual competition is an event held by the Ling clan every year in the last month. It is a competition for the young members of the clan, and it typically involves sparring and other tests of skill and strength.
The competition is an important tradition for the clan, and it serves as a way to identify the most talented and promising young members who may one day become leaders of the clan.
Ling Chenyuan's voice rose again, this time colder and more menacing than ever as he looked at everyone and spoke loudly,
"But if anyone dares to force my son to participate in this competition, then I will leave the clan with my son right now!"
The crowd was stunned into silence, trying to comprehend the severity of the situation. No one had anticipated such a strong reaction from the clan leader.
Ling Tian was taken aback by his father's words. He had never seen him so resolute and determined.
The love and support that his father had shown him were evident in his words, and Ling Tian was deeply moved.
He knew that his father had always believed in him, even when he had doubts about himself.
Ling Tian's eyes welled up with tears as he looked at his father. Ling Chenyuan's words touched him deeply, and he felt a mix of emotions - gratitude, sadness, and guilt.
He had always felt like a disappointment to his father, no matter how hard he tried.
Ling Tian knew that he was not as talented or skilled as the other members of the clan, and he had always felt like he was letting his father down.
But seeing the love and care in Ling Chenyuan's eyes, he realized that his father's love for him was unconditional.
Ling Tian had never doubted his father's love, but hearing him make such a bold statement in front of the entire clan was overwhelming.
Ling Tian felt grateful to have a father who would risk everything for him, but he also felt a deep sense of sadness and guilt.
He knew that his father was willing to sacrifice the clan's traditions and reputation for his sake, and he couldn't help but feel like he was the cause of all their problems.
Ling Tian wiped away his tears and made a silent promise to himself to work harder and become stronger, so he could make his father proud and prove himself to the clan.
As Ling Tian looked around at the stunned faces of the other clan members, he realized that his father's words had shaken them to the core.
One of the elders finally spoke up, his voice trembling slightly.
"Clan Head, we understand your concern for Ling Tian's safety, but perhaps we can send some of our best disciples to accompany him to the competition.
That way, we can ensure his safety while also demonstrating our strength."
Ling Chenyuan's expression grew even colder as he listened to the Elder's suggestion. "No, I will not risk my son's safety.
Sending others with him will only attract more attention and danger to him. Ling Tian will not participate, and that is final."
The Elder bowed his head, beads of sweat dripping from his forehead, realizing that he had overstepped his bounds. "My apologies, Clan Head. We will abide by your decision."
As Ling Chenyuan stood firm in his decision, a thunderous voice suddenly came from the distance, interrupting the conversation.
"Today, no one is going to leave the clan, and that is my final decision."
They turned to see a tall figure approaching at a brisk pace, causing the ground to tremble with each step.
They turned to see a tall figure approaching at a brisk pace, causing the ground to tremble with each step.
It was none other than the Supreme Elder, Ling Zhentian, the only martial master of the clan from the older generation (same generation as Ling Feng Yun) and the uncle of Ling Chenyuan.
He was a man of formidable stature, with broad shoulders and a muscular build that spoke of his immense power. He still looked spirited and vigorous.
His black hair, tied in a topknot, had only a few streaks of gray, and his chiseled face was devoid of any wrinkles.
He exuded a youthful vitality that was difficult to ignore, despite his age. His speed was so great that he appeared to be gliding over the ground.
His arrival was accompanied by a low rumbling sound, like that of distant thunder.
As he approached the group, his expression was grave, and his eyes fixed on Ling Chenyuan.
"Ling Chenyuan, I understand why you do not want Ling Tian to participate in the hunting competition," he said, his voice firm and authoritative.
"but the Ling clan's traditions must be upheld. This competition is a crucial event for our clan and has been held for generations. We cannot simply let one individual opt-out."
Ling Chenyuan's eyes narrowed as he glared at his uncle.
"Uncle, I have already made my decision," he replied, his voice laced with steel. "Ling Tian will not participate, and I am not going to change my mind."
The crowd of clan members watched in shock as Ling Zhentian continued to try and convince Ling Chenyuan, who appeared like an angry and spoiled child.
But Ling Chenyuan remained resolute, his expression unchanging. The Supreme Elder seemed to understand the father's position.
Undeterred, Ling Zhentian turned his attention to Ling Tian, his voice softening as he addressed the young man.
"However," he added, "It is important that we must consider little Tian's wishes. What do you want, young man? If you decide not to participate, then I promise you no one here will force you.
You don't need to worry your granduncle is with you."
The forest became silent once again as all eyes turned towards Ling Tian, waiting for his response.
Ling Tian took a deep breath and looked up at his granduncle. "I want to participate," he said, his voice firm and determined.
"I know that I am not as talented as the other young masters, but I am willing to work hard and prove myself. I want to show everyone that I am not a coward."
Ling Zhentian smiled at Ling Tian, his eyes filled with pride. "Good, good," he said, patting Ling Tian on the shoulder. "I have faith in you, young man."
At first, Ling Tian's decision shocked everyone, but eventually, they came to understand that the youth they had been trying to force still cared for the clan and his father.
However, two people were not surprised - Ling Zhentian and Ling Tian's father, Ling Chenyuan.
As he looked at his son, Ling Chenyuan heaved a deep sigh filled with sorrow. "Tian-er, you don't have to do this. Father is here. No one can force you."
Ling Tian's eyes showed a strong determination as he replied, "Father, some things are inevitable.
If I hide at home to practice, father will always be sheltering me. How would I be able to grow and become a strong martial arts warrior?"
Ling Chenyuan nodded his head and said, "Since you insist on participating, I will not stop you. However, you have to pay attention to your own safety."
As Ling Tian walked away to prepare for the competition, the crowd heaved a sigh of relief.
Even though they did not like Ling Tian due to his poor talent and as the young master of the clan, they were thankful to him deep down for his decision.
Once the atmosphere had quieted down, Ling Zhentian turned towards Ling Feng Yun, his eyes dangerously cold as he directed his aura over Ling Feng Yun, who collapsed to his knees.
"And you, Ling Feng Yun, as a Grand Elder, how could you be so selfish to willingly leave the clan just for your lust for power?" the Supreme Elder thundered.
Ling Feng Yun tried to reply hurriedly, "Supreme Elder, I-"
But, Before Ling Feng Yun could even speak, the Supreme Elder increased the pressure directed towards him, causing him to cough up blood.
Everyone present, from elders to youngsters, was shocked.
A Grand Elder who was a 9th-level martial Master was on his knees with just the Supreme Elder's aura, and he even coughed up blood.
The elders quickly realized that the difference in power between realms increased exponentially with each advancement.
The sudden increase in pressure from the Supreme Elder causes Ling Feng Yun to cough up blood. This shows just how powerful the Supreme Elder is and how vulnerable Ling Feng Yun is in comparison.
The Supreme Elder's voice thundered once more. "If you want to leave, you can. But only if you think you can survive on your own.
The decision is yours to make, but don't forget, you need the clan more than the clan needs you."