Chapter 458 156: Tantai Qing, Omen of the Demon Calamity, Solving the Problem

Whether it was the young disciples of her own clan or the Celestial Prides of the other two great families, none could withstand a single blow from her.

The Elders of the Tantai Family all agreed that she would one day surpass their ancestors and lead the Tantai Family to even greater glory.

"Qing'Er greets you, Father, and all the Elders..."

"This trip overseas to investigate the celestial phenomenon has indeed yielded some unexpected gains. My cultivation has improved considerably."

Tantai Qing maintained a proper, gentle smile. She greeted each person in turn, even offering a pleasant smile to the other young clan members.

"Qing'Er, there's no need for such formalities. If we had known you had another fortunate encounter overseas, we wouldn't have been in such a hurry to summon you back."

"But since you've returned, we must discuss this matter with you. After all, this was a joint decision by the Elder Pavilion, and we have no authority to interfere," one of the Elders said, waving his hand.

"What is this matter? Please tell me, Elder." A puzzled expression appeared on Tantai Qing's face.

"You must have noticed it when you were investigating the celestial phenomenon overseas. The Fierce Beasts in some of the deep-sea regions are far more irritable and bloodthirsty than before," one of the Elders said.

Tantai Qing nodded. "That's true. On the way back to Immortal Ascension Island, many Fierce Beasts that don't normally appear in the coastal areas were attacking merchant ships."

"I suspect something may have appeared on the seabed..."

Another Elder spoke up, "Exactly. The Elder Pavilion used a Secret Treasure to investigate and found what appears to be Demonic Qi leaking from the seabed. It is this leaking Demonic Qi that has tainted and corrupted those Fierce Beasts, making them more savage and bloodthirsty than ever."

"This is not a good sign."

Although they had anticipated it, hearing these words now made the expressions of the young clan members in the hall turn grave.

As members of the Guardian Families, they had been taught since childhood just how savage and bloodthirsty the Demon Race was, and how terrifying Demonic Qi could be.

Even the slightest touch could cause a living creature's temperament to change drastically.

If rivers, lakes, lands, and mountains were corrupted by Demonic Qi and turned into Demon Land, they would lose their spiritual nature. Instead, they would birth ferocious and terrifying creatures that would slaughter everything in their path and bring chaos to the world.

Back then, to stop the Demon Calamity, the Nine Provinces Land had paid an unknown, terrible price. The number of lives lost alone was in the countless billions.

"The Elder Pavilion suspects the seal beneath the Demon Abyss shows signs of weakening or damage. They have been trying to find a way to repair it these past few days. That is why they decided to recall the young members of the great families to form patrol teams. These teams will patrol the area around the Demon Abyss so that any leaking Demonic Qi can be discovered immediately..."

"Qing'Er, your strength is in a league of its own among the younger generation of the three great families. No one can compare to you. Therefore, the Elder Pavilion is paying close attention to you and wants you to set an example and lead the others."

As he spoke, all the Elders turned their gazes to Tantai Qing.

Hearing this, Tantai Qing nodded solemnly. "Qing'Er understands. I will certainly not disappoint the high hopes and trust the Elders have placed in me. I will handle this matter well."

The Elders all revealed looks of gratification, while the young clan members in the hall wore expressions of admiration and reverence.

"If there is nothing else, then Qing'Er will take her leave. I will head to the Demon Abyss tomorrow to discuss this matter with the other disciples," said Tantai Qing.

"Qing'Er, you've rushed back from overseas and must be exhausted from your long journey. You should go and get some rest."

The Elders nodded and did not keep her any longer.

Tantai Qing clasped her hands in a salute, then turned and withdrew.

Not long after she left the main hall, the other young clan members also departed, and the smiles vanished from the Elders' faces.

One of them snorted coldly in displeasure. "I knew the Helian Clan was up to no good! If they hadn't suddenly proposed that Qing'Er set an example, why would the Elder Pavilion let her take such a risk?"

"If Demonic Qi is truly leaking, what can a group of juniors like them possibly do? This is clearly just them taking advantage of Qing'Er's reasonable nature, knowing she wouldn't ignore this matter, to force her to take the lead. They want to put her in a dangerous situation."

"The Helian Clan... as despicable as ever. They're trying everything they can to destroy Qing'Er."

"That's just how people are. Back in the day, the Helian Clan and our Tantai Family often intermarried. Our relationship was so harmonious. But ever since that incident with Helian Wen, the Helian Clan has been festering with dark jealousy, wishing for Qing'Er to be destroyed too..."

"Don't talk about that. It's been so many years. Back then, Helian Wen of the Helian Clan was a Celestial Pride on par with Qing'Er. They were childhood sweethearts, betrothed, and deeply in love. If Helian Wen hadn't courted death by trying to steal the Holy Object from the Elder Pavilion's restricted area, how could he have ended up falling into the Demon Abyss, his body and soul obliterated?"

"Hmph! The Helian Family is just jealous, seeing Qing'Er become more and more outstanding with the potential to surpass her ancestors. To this day, they still refuse to admit that Helian Wen stole the Holy Object. They even tried to argue their way out of it, despite the Elders of the Elder Pavilion witnessing it with their own eyes."

"Helian Wen deserved to die. He wasn't worth the heartbreak Qing'Er went through for him back then."

...

'As expected of someone who could contend with Emperor Xia for the throne of the Emperor. Their destiny is truly astonishing. In just a few short months, they've built such a force, not only recruiting numerous experts but also establishing the Heaven and Earth Alliance under Shang Mingyu's Mingyu Trading Company.'

'It seems they intend to challenge the Naxian Alliance founded by Emperor Xia. But this Shang Mingyu is truly skilled. With their political maneuvering, they've even managed to get people from Xiling Province involved.'