Both Li Qing and Kane went inside, and Kane said, "I know about the rivalry between the Zhang Clan and Lei Clan. In the past, you were the leading sect, more powerful than both of them, but one day you were overthrown in that power struggle, and now you're just a weak clan. Am I right?"
Kane's face remained calm, and Li Qing replied, "Yes, our clan was the leading clan of the Floating City of Den years ago, but now we're nothing." Li Qing's expression was solemn.
A moment of silence passed before Kane spoke again.
Kane looked at Li Qing, thinking, "Although this Li Qing is only thirty years old, he seems to have some ambition." Then, he said, "O Li Qing, O Li Qing, why do you look so sad? What if I told you that you can regain your former glory, but on one condition: your clan must merge with the Heaven Defying Sect?"
Li Qing's eyes widened in surprise, and he took a deep breath before responding.
Suddenly, Li Qing stood up and said, "No, absolutely not! We can't merge with some small-sized sect!"
But Kane's expression remained unchanged. "After the marriage between Zhao Min and Zhang Ping, your clan will be completely suppressed until it's destroyed."
The weight of Kane's words hung in the air, and Li Qing's face fell.
Kane's words were like sharp swords that pierced Li Qing's heart, and Li Qing sat down, thinking, "Fang Lin is correct; our clan can't survive without the help of other forces, now or later."
A pause followed before Li Qing spoke again.
Li Qing looked at Kane and said, "Fang Lin, you are correct; we can't survive without any help. After I consult with the elders, then only i can decide about merging with the Heaven Defying Sect."
But Kane stopped him, his voice firm. "I will only give you five hours."