The white-robed young man furrowed his brow. His name was
Though the Ling Yun Sect couldn't compare to powerhouses like the Divine Feather Sect, it was still fairly well-known in its own right, with a Martial Ancestor-level expert holding the fort.
The Ling Yun Sect counted as a vassal of the Divine Feather Sect, but that relationship had grown increasingly unstable over the years as the Divine Feather Sect declined. It wasn't that the Ling Yun Sect harbored any intent to betray — rather, with the Divine Feather Sect growing weaker, the Ling Yun Sect's territories kept getting encroached upon by the
Out of propriety, however, they had never brought it up with the Divine Feather Sect.
Ling Kong stared at the Divine Feather Sect's sealed mountain gate and couldn't help but sigh. The Ling Yun Sect had been in dire straits lately, and they had originally come seeking the Divine Feather Sect's aid. But from the looks of it, the Divine Feather Sect could barely look after itself now, which filled him with worry.
"
"Yes!" Yan San responded respectfully and walked toward the mountain gate, handing the calling card to a disciple standing guard.
The disciple glanced at Ling Kong and his group. "Wait here. I'll go inform our Sect Master right away."
"We haven't visited the Divine Feather Sect in half a year," Yan San said with a smile, probing for information. "How has Sect Master Situ been lately?"
"Oh, perhaps you haven't heard yet. Sect Master Situ has already passed the Sect Master position to our new Sect Master!" the disciple replied with a smile.
Hearing this, Ling Kong's heart skipped a beat. "Might I ask the name of this new Sect Master?"
"Our new Sect Master is Sect Master
"Oh." Ling Kong sighed inwardly. It seemed the Divine Feather Sect truly wasn't what it used to be. To let some unknown nobody become their Sect Master — their power must have deteriorated considerably. No wonder the gates were sealed tight.
"Wait here. I'll go report to the Sect Master right away," the disciple said, then hurried inside.
Yan San looked at Ling Kong and asked, "Young Master, what should we do now?"
Ling Kong pondered for a moment, a shrewd gleam flickering through his eyes. "When we meet the new Sect Master, don't mention we came seeking help. Instead, tell them we've come to propose a marriage alliance!"
"A marriage alliance?" Yan San was stunned.
"That's right — with
Yan San mulled it over for a moment, then his eyes lit up. "Brilliant thinking, Young Master! If you married Long Yuyin, it would be the same as forging an alliance with the Divine Feather Sect. We could still seek reinforcements elsewhere — it would be the perfect solution!"
"Mm." Ling Kong nodded. He gazed up at the towering mountain gate. Beyond this scheme, there was another important reason — that banquet. Ever since he had caught a single glimpse of Long Yuyin, she had haunted his thoughts. Her beautiful face surfaced in his mind again and again without warning.
Previously, given the strength of both the Divine Feather Sect and the Dragon Seal Family, such a thought would never have crossed his mind. But now that it had taken root, he couldn't make it stop.
A short while later, the Divine Feather Sect disciple returned, cupped his fists toward Ling Kong and his group, and said, "The Sect Master invites you in. Please, come through!"