Vol. 1 - Ch. 115 - Tenfold Simulation
"Patriarch, does the clan really have to submit to the Zhou clan?"
In the clan hall, all the Blood Coagulation Realm martial artists of the clan gathered to discuss recent events. Especially after learning that the clan's blood rice would have to be tributed at fifty percent, many clan members found it difficult to accept.
Chen Tianlu and Chen Tianmo were visibly indignant, their faces filled with resentment. In contrast, Chen Tianyu and Chen Tianjing, who had witnessed the earlier confrontation, remained silent.
The gap in power was simply insurmountable. Even with the Divine Tree's assistance, the clan was helpless. Moreover, judging from Zhou Huai'an's calm demeanor after witnessing the Divine Tree, it seemed likely the Zhou clan possessed an even higher-quality totem. How could they resist such oppression?
After some heated discussion, the hall fell into a heavy silence.
Ultimately, the truth was undeniable—the clan's strength was lacking. They needed to grow stronger, but such progress could not happen overnight. Even if the clan were given several more years to develop, the result might not change significantly. At best, they could hope to reduce the tribute by a mere ten percent.
Understanding this, the clan members' faces reflected their helplessness.
At that moment, a messenger entered the hall and reported,
"Patriarch, someone appeared in our Chen clan market earlier. He left behind this."
The messenger presented a jade coin.
Chen Xingzhen took it and inspected the thin yet remarkably hard coin. Even with his late-stage Blood Coagulation Realm strength, he couldn't damage it. The other martial artists tried as well, but all attempts ended in failure.
A wave of powerlessness swept over the room. If they couldn't even break this jade coin, how could they face opponents of far greater strength?
"Enough. We’ll discuss this further tonight," Chen Xingzhen said, waving his hand. He retreated to his quarters, seeking rest.
Lying down, his thoughts grew restless. It wasn't evening yet, and his father and the elders were still secluded. Worry etched deeper lines into his face.
…
As night fell, the Chen clan's Ancestral Hall came alive. The seemingly ordinary leaves of the locust tree began to emit a faint glow, gradually intensifying under the moonlight.
In the sacred glow, Ji Yang activated his Eye of Insight to review recent events.
[Name: Zhou Huai'an]