Chapter 719: Approaching Storm

Suddenly, another surge of vast might swept across the grand hall like a gentle breeze, effortlessly dispersing the oppressive aura exuded by the Clan Leader.

Elder Futu Xuan had stepped forward to mediate. He first sharply reprimanded Xuan Guang and Mo Tong.

"Silence! The Clan Leader's health is not something you are qualified to comment on. And such a disgraceful matter—how could you even consider informing the Ancient Maha Clan?"

Then, he interceded on their behalf. After all, the two were both Heavenly Sovereigns of the Immortal Grade—core pillars of the Ancient Buddha Clan and the heads of the Xuan and Mo Lineages, respectively.

In truth, Futu Xuan himself was the very shield behind these two lineages. Otherwise, the Xuan and Mo branches would never have dared to bypass the Clan Leader's authority and directly approve the marriage alliance with the Ancient Maha Clan.

To him, the benefit of the Buddha Clan outweighed everything. Using the yet-to-breakthrough Qing Yanjing in exchange for friendship with the Maha Clan was, in Futu Xuan's eyes, an entirely reasonable trade.

"Clan Leader," he said calmly, "what they said is not without merit. Qing Lian's failure to return the Saintess—who can say what intentions lie in his heart?"

"If the Futu bloodline has truly been defiled, this old man shall see to it that the one who dared stain our sacred lineage is cut down without mercy!"

"Still, word of this must not spread. We must keep the impact to our clan at an absolute minimum. I will personally move to capture the man and bring the Saintess back unharmed."

"As for Xuan Guang and Mo Tong, they will accompany me—face this Qing Lian directly and uncover the truth. Consider it a chance to atone for their offenses."

Futu Xuan finished his speech in one breath.

Xuan Guang and Mo Tong exchanged hidden glances of joy. As long as Futu Xuan was willing to act, they had room to maneuver—an opportunity to twist events to their own benefit.

A gentleman may be deceived by propriety—Futu Xuan, though not exactly a gentleman, understood the principle.

His argument was solid and well-reasoned, leaving the Clan Leader with little to refute. Leaning back in his chair, the Clan Leader waved his hand lightly.

"Do as you see fit, Great Elder. But you must bring my daughter… back in one piece."

"I understand," said Futu Xuan, nodding slowly. Qing Yanjing's breakthrough into the Heavenly Sovereign Realm proved her potential; she must be returned intact.

Seeing the Clan Leader's approval, Xuan Guang and Mo Tong were inwardly elated. With Futu Xuan personally leading the expedition, how could a mere Qing Lian—a mere Immortal Grade Heavenly Sovereign—hope to resist a Saint-Grade expert?

The two bowed deeply. "We will fully assist the Great Elder, uncover the truth, and bring the Saintess home safely. Please rest assured, Clan Leader."

When their eyes met again, both men's gazes flickered with a sinister gleam. In their hearts, the same thought emerged—Qing Yanjing must never return to the clan alive.

They would quietly inform Maha Tian.

That very day, the Ancient Buddha Clan mobilized.

Under the leadership of the Saint-Grade Heavenly Sovereign Futu Xuan, accompanied by Xuan Guang and Mo Tong, plus four Spiritual-Grade Heavenly Sovereigns, a total of seven Heavenly Sovereigns set out.

Seven Heavenly Sovereigns—half the clan's strength—departed in secrecy. The matter was shameful; they dared not make it public.

Even so, such power demonstrated the gravity with which the Buddha Clan viewed Qing Lian.

After all, this was the man who had slain three Abyss Demon Emperors and two Profound Demon Emperors on the Burning Heaven Continent—and even driven away a Heavenly Demon Emperor from the Great Thousand World.

At the same time, the Ancient Maha Clan also began to move—yet unlike the Buddha Clan's quiet approach, the Maha mobilization was thunderous.

Two of their Saint-Grade Heavenly Sovereigns—one personally accompanying Maha Tian—were joined by two Immortal-Grades and five Spiritual-Grades, for a total of nine Heavenly Sovereigns.

Such a display was beyond extravagant. No wonder the Buddha Clan had once sought an alliance through marriage.

Additionally, hundreds of Earth Sovereigns and over a thousand Sovereigns followed behind, escorted by three colossal assault-class Spirit Ships.

A savage, blood-soaked aura rolled from the vessels—ships that had clearly drunk deeply of living beings' blood to emanate such murderous intent.

Each ship radiated terrifying power, and among them one carried a presence like the will of heaven itself—a Saint-Grade's divine might.

Where the Buddha Clan sought concealment, the Maha Clan instead gloried in revelation, seemingly eager to announce their vengeance to the entire Great Thousand World.

Even Xuan Guang and Mo Tong would never have imagined the depth of Maha Tian's hatred toward Qing Lian.

Maha Tian intended not only to reclaim his lost dignity but to erase every shred of humiliation in one decisive strike.

At the bow of the leading Spirit Ship stood Maha Tian—tall, handsome, and commanding. Yet the savage fury twisting his expression ruined all his noble bearing.

"Qing Lian… Qing Yanjing…" he growled, grinding the names between his teeth.

He had never imagined that the two people he had hunted for years had been together all along.

Qing Lian had once pinned him to the ground, crushing his pride before all—humiliating not only him, but the entire Ancient Maha Clan.

And Qing Yanjing… she had fled rather than marry him.

For the proud Maha Tian, that was the cruelest mockery imaginable.

Since then, his cultivation had stagnated, his heart riddled with rage. Without a resolute mind, there could be no breakthrough into the Saint Grade.

Learning from Xuan Guang and Mo Tong that Qing Yanjing had been taken by Qing Lian had nearly driven him mad.

Four years together—the thought alone set his blood ablaze with fury.

"I'll tear you both apart… Qing Lian, Qing Yanjing…"

A calm, aged voice echoed behind him.

"Clan Leader, why let anger cloud your mind? A mere woman—hardly worth losing your composure over. In this Great Thousand World, only strength is the true foundation of all."

A white-robed elder leaned upon his cane and approached. His eyes gleamed with unyielding arrogance.

"With power, all of this will become nothing but a fleeting shadow. As you are now, you are still far from enough. Once you reach the Saint Grade, who will dare speak against you?"

Maha Tian inclined his head respectfully. "Second Elder, I understand. But this rage… it festers in my chest. I can't suppress it—and so my strength stagnates."

The old man chuckled softly. "Then let me handle it. That boy Qing Lian is indeed a genius. Once we capture him, we'll silence every rumor and leave his fate to you."

"As for Qing Yanjing—she'll be brought back as well. Let her officially marry into the Maha Clan and appease the Buddha Clan's face. After that, she'll be yours to dispose of as you please."

"Only once your anger is quenched can your heart be clear again. Then, perhaps, your path to the Saint Grade will open."

"…Understood."

Maha Tian smiled coldly, eyes flashing with murderous glee.

"I understand perfectly."

(End of Chapter)

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