Ling Tian Sword God

He lost. As expected. Leng Jue wasn’t surprised by Dugu Xie’s defeat at all.

He had seen Ling Chen’s power firsthand. The extraordinary demeanor Ling Chen displayed at Nine Dragons Lake was still fresh in his memory. The title of the world’s foremost master was already his.

”Amazing. Dugu Xie’s strength recently reached the Half-step Heavenly Extreme Realm, yet he seemed so inadequate before Ling Chen,” the Lord of Bright Moon Tower couldn’t help but exclaim.

CLAP, CLAP, CLAP!

Applause broke out. Elder Liu Xin and another Black Market Elder had appeared in their line of sight at some point.

”Greetings to the two Elders!”

Dugu Xie, the Lord of Bright Moon Tower, and the others hurriedly bowed. The Black Market had only a dozen or so Elders, each a formidable Top Sky Apex Strong expert.

”Sect Leader Ling Chen is outstandingly strong. Dugu Xie, you should restrain your reckless behavior,” Elder Liu Xin said sternly.

”Yes.” Dugu Xie nodded. This time, he truly had no complaints. If Ling Chen had only narrowly defeated him, he might still feel indignant. However, he had suffered a complete defeat, suppressed by Ling Chen from start to finish.

”You may all leave. We have matters to discuss with Sect Leader Ling Chen,” another Black Market Elder said to the crowd.

Ling Chen recognized the man from the Elder Hall. His name was Zhuge Liuyun.

Everyone acknowledged and then dispersed.

”What urgent matter brings the two Elders here?” Ling Chen already had a guess about their intentions but asked anyway.

”We have always been friends of Sect Leader Ling Chen. The outcome of today’s discussion was quite unexpected,” Elder Liu Xin and Zhuge Liuyun said, their smiles bitter.

Prompting Lin Ya to ask Ling Chen for help had been their idea, one approved by the Elder Hall. They hadn’t expected things to go so poorly upon Ling Chen’s arrival, with many voices rising in opposition. These people simply distrusted Ling Chen’s strength.

”Since you haven’t reached a clear decision, I shouldn’t interfere in Black Market affairs. I’ll take my leave first thing tomorrow morning,” Ling Chen said lightly.

”Absolutely not!” Elder Liu Xin and Zhuge Liuyun were shocked. They had gone to great lengths to invite Ling Chen. If he left now, all their previous efforts would be wasted.

”We’ve heard some things from Lin Ya. Black Chonghou is backed by Shentu Yan, the Divine Intent Sect Master. And you, Sect Leader Ling Chen, are Shentu Yan’s mortal enemy. I believe you definitely don’t want to see the Black Market controlled by Shentu Yan.”

”And how does that concern me? If the Elder Hall doesn’t accept the terms I proposed, then who controls the Black Market is no concern of mine.” Ling Chen wasn’t interested in a losing deal. He wouldn’t lift a finger without any benefit. Indeed, Ling Chen was quite curious to see how those arrogant Black Market Elders would look as defeated dogs.

”This...” The two Elders furrowed their brows, not expecting Ling Chen to be so uncompromising.

”However, I’m not completely unwilling to help,” Ling Chen suddenly changed his tone. ”After all, the Black Market falling into Shentu Yan’s hands would be disadvantageous for me.”

Elder Liu Xin and Zhuge Liuyun narrowed their eyes.

”Elder Tianhong is indecisive and incapable of achieving great things. Elder Liu Xin, are you interested in replacing him and becoming the Chief Elder?” Ling Chen looked at Liu Xin, a faint smile on his face.

”Replace Elder Tianhong?” Elder Liu Xin was shocked, finally understanding Ling Chen’s intent. Since Elder Tianhong refused to accept the terms, Ling Chen would simply replace him, making Liu Xin the leader of the Black Market’s resistance, subservient to him. This man is indeed a major player. Such tactics don’t seem like the work of a young man.

”Elder Tianhong, however, is an expert of the Sky Apex Fourth Realm and has many supporters. Overthrowing him won’t be easy,” Elder Liu Xin fretted.

Every member of the Elder Hall coveted the position of Chief Elder; they merely lacked the necessary strength or prestige. Elder Liu Xin was no exception. Now that Ling Chen intended for him to take the position, he naturally became interested.

”As long as you’re willing, I naturally have ways to help you ascend,” Ling Chen said lightly.

”Elder Liu Xin, what’s there to hesitate about? The Black Market currently faces both internal and external crises. Siding with Sect Leader Ling Chen would be a prudent move,” Zhuge Liuyun, who had been standing nearby, interjected.

”Don’t worry,” Ling Chen said. ”After we eliminate Black Chonghou, the Black Market will remain as it was. However, I already have a candidate for the position of Black Market Master.”

”Who?”

”Lin Ya.” Ling Chen raised an eyebrow.

”Lin Ya?” Elder Liu Xin pondered. Ling Chen’s choice greatly satisfied him. Lin Ya was one of the Black Market’s Young Masters, so her inheriting the position of Black Market Master was logical and justifiable. Moreover, Liu Xin was on good terms with her. If Lin Ya became the Black Market Master, his own position as Chief Elder would be even more secure.

”Alright!” After a moment’s hesitation, Elder Liu Xin finally nodded. ”I, Liu Xin, am willing to cooperate with Your Excellency.”

”That’s good.” A smile finally appeared on Ling Chen’s face. He couldn’t control such a vast Black Market by himself. It was necessary to use the Black Market’s own people to govern, which would significantly reduce resistance. Once he controlled the Black Market, he would possess immense resources and financial power, allowing him to continuously cultivate experts. Shentu Yan likely had the same plan.

”These matters can be discussed later.” Elder Liu Xin’s expression suddenly changed. ”There is an extremely urgent matter right now that concerns the safety of all of Dark Sky City and must be resolved immediately.”

”What matter?” Ling Chen looked up.

”Black Chonghou’s main force, an army of about fifty thousand warriors, has been advancing unstoppably. They’ve broken through over ten checkpoints, traveling day and night, and are now three hundred miles from Dark Sky City. At this rate, they could reach the city gates within three days,” Liu Xin said, his voice heavy with worry.

Black Chonghou had many experts under his command. With each victory, more Black Market forces flocked to his banner. Once Black Chonghou captured Dark Sky City, it would mean the utter collapse of the resistance. Even if these Elders survived, the tide would have turned, and they wouldn’t be able to salvage the situation.

”Rest assured,” Ling Chen said confidently, a carefree smile playing on his lips. ”The Cyan Robe Association’s army will arrive within two days and will undoubtedly resolve Dark Sky City’s crisis.”

”Oh? How many troops does the Cyan Robe Association have?” The eyes of Elder Liu Xin and Zhuge Liuyun lit up. No wonder Ling Chen is The Master of the Cyan Robe Association, they thought. He doesn’t even take Black Chonghou’s army of fifty thousand warriors seriously.

”One thousand,” Ling Chen replied with a faint smile.