Chapter 2: The Hunting Contest
The morning of the hunting contest had arrived, and the Ling Clan's headquarters was buzzing with activity.
The young cultivators were up early, eagerly making their way to the forest's edge, their weapons ready.
The atmosphere was electric, and the excitement was palpable.
Everyone was eager to get started, and the tension was rising by the minute.
Approaching the boundary of the Moonlit Forest, a breathtaking sight greeted their eyes.
The entire expanse lay veiled in a timeless shroud of glistening snow, transforming the forest into a realm of enchantment.
Every branch, delicately adorned with intricate ice crystals, sparkled like a celestial tapestry woven by winter's hand.
The air, frigid and invigorating, hung with an ethereal stillness as if the very breath of nature held its collective hush in reverence for the forest's allure.
The Moonlit Forest is a vast and ancient forest that stretches across the kingdom of Yueming.
It holds an ethereal secret within its depths, captivating all who venture into its realm.
Within its confines, a unique species of tree flourishes, known as the Moon Blossom tree.
As night falls and the moon graces the sky, the Moon Blossom trees come alive, their delicate petals unfurling to reveal a soft, silvery glow.
Bathed in the moonlight, the forest is transformed into a mesmerizing wonderland, as if countless stars have descended to grace the earth.
The interplay of the moon's radiance and the snow-covered landscape creates a breathtaking sight, casting a gentle luminescence upon the forest floor.
At the forest's boundary, the Martial Disciples Realm cultivators were already in position, their eyes scanning the trees for any signs of movement.
They were on high alert, knowing that the dangers of the Moonlit Forest were not to be taken lightly.
The beasts that lurked within were powerful, and some were even rumored to possess otherworldly abilities.
It was essential to stay vigilant, for even a moment's lapse in concentration could be fatal.
As the sun began to rise, the clan elders emerged from their quarters and also made their way to the forest, their faces stern and resolute.
They were the keepers of the Ling Clan's traditions and legacies, and they took their responsibilities seriously.
The hunting contest was more than just a hunt, It was a test of the young cultivators' skills and courage, but it was also an opportunity for the elders to identify the future leaders of the clan.
The elders scanned the crowd of cultivators, looking for those who showed promise, those who possessed the necessary skills and temperament to lead the clan into the future.
Amidst the flurry of activity, there was one notable absence that had gone unnoticed. Ling Tian, the young master of the clan, was nowhere to be seen.
Despite being the young master of the Ling Clan, Ling Tian's absence went unnoticed by the majority of the cultivators.
It was evident that they held little hope for him and did not see him as a significant figure in the clan.
The lack of interest in his participation in the hunting contest was a clear indication of his standing in the clan hierarchy.
Ling Tian's absence did not stir any curiosity or concern among his peers, and it was as though he had never existed at all.
But his absence did not go unnoticed by Ling Feng Yun, the grand elder of the Ling Clan.
Ling Feng Yun was a power-hungry man.
He had always coveted the clan head seat, and he saw Ling Chenyuan, as a weak and unambitious coward.
Ling Feng Yun was a tall and imposing man, with a sharp nose and a thin-lipped mouth.
His eyes were cold and calculating, and his expression was always one of disdain.
He was dressed in a long black robe, which was trimmed with gold thread.
Ling Feng Yun was always scheming, always looking for an opportunity to Weaken Ling Chenyuan's authority but never succeeded.
However, Ling Tian had chosen not to participate this year for an unknown reason, And now, with the absence of Ling Tian, the heir to the Ling Clan, he saw a chance to do just that.
Ling Tian was not a particularly talented cultivator, but he was the clan head's son and was expected to participate in the contest.
As the crowd gathered for the contest, Ling Feng Yun turned to Ling Chenyuan with a sneer on his face.
"Clan Head, don't tell me that the young master is not going to participate in the contest?" he said, his words dripping with mockery and disdain.
"Because I see that the young master is not here today," Ling Feng Yun said aloud deliberately, as he was expecting the crowd's reaction by attracting their attention, making the situation difficult for Ling Chenyuan.
And he was successful in grabbing their attention.
They were all at first surprised as they did not pay attention to such an important matter the young master of the clan is not present.
And when they looked around they really did not find him. which causes an uproar in the crowd.
"Where is the young master ?" one of the cultivators called out. "Is he not going to participate?"
Another cultivator laughed. "Maybe he's too scared to show his face."
A third person with a serious face said" You fools do you want our dear young master to kill himself" but his expression quickly change to one of mocking and disdain
"You all know he is too weak to kill even a chicken, and you are wishing for impossible"
The crowd erupted in laughter, and Ling Chenyuan felt his face flush with anger.
Ling Chenyuan gritted his teeth. He had known that this would happen when he asked Ling Tian not to participate in the contest.
He had seen this coming, but watching this unfold made him truly enraged at the old Geezer.
But the Old Geezer continues to add fuel, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
"So he really not going to participate, huh, Perhaps he is too afraid to face his rivals."
"Or maybe he's just a coward," another cultivator chimed in.
"Silence!" he shouted. "The young master has his reasons for not participating, and I will not tolerate any disrespect."
Ling Feng Yun's eyes narrowed at the clan head's words, but he did not back down.
"Perhaps if your son had shown more promise, he would be here today," he said, his tone dripping with sarcasm.
"But as it is, I fear that the Ling Clan will have to look to other, more worthy candidates for its future leadership."
With a deep breath, Ling Chenyuan forced himself to remain calm, even as the anger burned hot in his veins. He really wants to kill the old fool with a slap.
He spoke in a low, measured voice, his words carrying the weight of authority and wisdom and betraying his inner turmoil.
"Grand Elder, your words are not befitting of a member of this clan. Remember that we are all here to support each other, and to work towards a common goal.
I will not tolerate any attempts to sow discord or to undermine the unity of the clan.
And as for my son's absence, there are reasons that you are not privy to. Rest assured, he will make his appearance when the time is right."
Ling Chenyuan's words were met with a hushed silence, the crowd hanging onto his every word.
Ling Feng Yun's mocking laughter dwindled into a calculating smirk as he raised a brow and retorted,
"Dear leader, forgive me if I speak out of line, but the clan rules state that any member capable of cultivation under the age of twenty-two is obliged to practice.
No exceptions, not even for your son." His words cut through the tense atmosphere like a sharp blade, his icy gaze fixed on Ling Chenyuan's face.
Ling Chenyuan's eyes narrowed, but he did not rise to the provocation. He knew that Ling Feng Yun was trying to provoke him, and he would not give him the satisfaction of it.
"Ling Feng Yun," he said calmly, "my son is on the brink of a crucial breakthrough to the level 4 body tampering realm.
And while it is true that our clan rules require all members under the age of 22 to practice cultivation, there is also a provision that allows for certain exceptions to be made.
And as the head of this clan, I have the authority to make those exceptions when I see fit."
Ling Feng Yun's eyes narrowed at Ling Chenyuan's words, but before he could respond, someone from the back of the crowd spoke up.
"I can attest to the validity of the Clan leader's words," said a tall, broad-shouldered man with a weathered face. "I was once in a similar situation to Ling Chenyuan's son, and the clan granted me an exception to the cultivation requirement.
It is not uncommon for special circumstances to be taken into account."
Ling Chenyuan turned toward the old man cupping his fist to show his gratitude "Thanks, Uncle Feng" It was someone from the older generation of the clan older than ling feng yun.
Ling Feng Yun watched this with his teeth greeted as he retorted sarcastically, "Forgive me, Clan Leader, for my ignorance.
I was not aware that your son possessed some special talents or unique circumstances that exempt him from the rules of the clan.
Are we to believe that he is truly at a crucial point in his cultivation and will soon break through to the 4 layer of body tampering realm?"
Ling Feng Yun's tone made it clear that he didn't believe Ling Chenyuan's words about his son's so-called exceptional circumstances.
Hearing this sound of laughter erupted from the crowd, indicating their agreement with Ling Feng Yun's words.
Ling Chenyuan's eyes narrowed, and a scowl etched across his face as he took a step forward, his aura becoming increasingly intimidating. He could not tolerate this anymore.
His gaze swept across the crowd, and the laughter subsided as the bystanders felt a chill run down their spines.
The once jovial atmosphere now turned icy, and the previously chuckling crowd now looked down in silence, their faces marked with cold sweat beads.
"Ling Feng Yun," Ling Chenyuan's voice was like a thunderclap, cutting through the silence like a knife. "I have warned you once before. Do not test my patience."
As he finished speaking, Ling Chenyuan released the pressure of his martial master cultivation. The crowd gasped as they felt the oppressive weight bearing down on them.
The young cultivators were forced to kneel, their bodies immobile. They could not even lift their heads, and their foreheads were dripping with cold beads of sweat.
They were terrified, and they knew that they were in the presence of a true master. They are nothing to him he can kill them whenever he wants, the disparity between them is too big.
They are just ants in front of him waiting to be trampled. this realization made them shudder violently with terror.
He again turned toward Ling feng yun and continued his voice domineering and cold. "You will not speak of my son in such a manner. And as for the rules of the clan, they apply to everyone equally. Including you. And here I am the rule"
the look he was giving ling feng yun was of someone at the top giving to his subordinate with disdain, he was looking down on ling feng yun.
Which made Ling Feng Yun's face twisted with rage, his whole body shaking.
Muahahahaha.....
Ling Feng Yun's sinister laugh echoed in the vicinity of the moonlit forest, His eyes burned with seething hatred, and his face was contorted with pure hatred.
His demeanor hardened as he addressed the Clan Leader, his words laced with venom.
"Ah, but you see, Clan Leader," he sneered, "I am not shackled by the rules of this clan. I am a free spirit, a lone wolf. I answer to no one but myself."
Unleashing his pent-up rage, Ling Feng Yun had reached the limits of his patience.
The thought of continuing to live under Ling Chenyuan's rule was unbearable.
The very thought of Ling Chenyuan's arrogantly looking down on him fueled his anger, and he was determined to make him pay dearly for this.
The crowd gasped, and Ling Chenyuan could feel his heart sinking. Despite his distaste for Ling Feng Yun, he couldn't deny that the man was one of the most powerful fighter in the clan.
In fact, besides himself, Ling Feng Yun was the only other 9th-level martial Master in the entire clan. If he were to leave, it would be a significant blow to the clan's overall power.
Truth be told, if Ling Feng Yun were to leave the clan, there was a very real possibility that the Ling clan would no longer be considered one of the four major clans of Chang'an City.
The balance between the clans was delicate, and any disruption could have severe consequences.
The Ling clan had close relations with the Zhus and Chens, but they also had a great animosity with the Songs.
If the balance were to be disrupted, the Songs would not sit still. They would be the first to attack, and if Ling Feng Yun were to join them, it could spell the end of the Ling clan.
Ling Chenyuan knew all too well what kind of man Ling Feng Yun was. He was a bastard through and through, and he would not hesitate to betray the clan if it suited his purposes.
And there would have been no compromise with him if not for the clan's safety.
If Ling Feng Yun were to join the Song clan and fight against the Ling clan, it would be a disaster.
Ling Chenyuan couldn't let that happen....*
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TheTurtleHermit
TheTurtleHermit "Together we stand, divided we fall."
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