Chapter 102: The Three Supreme Elders of the Shi Clan
Shi Realm, Shi Clan Guest Hall.
The air grew heavy after Ling Hua's solemn words: "Esteemed elders, I regret to inform you... Patriarch Shi Zhongtian has fallen."
The three supreme elders of the Shi Clan, Shi Mo, Shi Qing, and Shi Lin, felt an ominous chill settle over them. Their faces darkened, dread creeping into their hearts.
Before they could question further, a hurried figure burst into the hall a Dou Saint tasked with guarding the soul plaques. Panic marred his expression as he bowed deeply. "Elders, terrible news! The Patriarch... the Patriarch's soul plaque has shattered!"
Shi Mo, his voice cold and commanding, rebuked him: "What nonsense are you spouting? Compose yourself!"
"It's true," the Dou Saint stammered. "The Patriarch's soul plaque has shattered!"
The hall fell into an eerie silence, the weight of the words bearing down on everyone. Shattered soul plaques signified death there was no other explanation.
The three supreme elders, known as the Shi Clan's Three Supremes, rose in unison, their imposing auras flooding the hall. Shi Mo's voice boomed, anger and disbelief laced in his tone: "Say that again!"
"The Patriarch's soul plaque has shattered!" the Dou Saint repeated, trembling under the oppressive pressure.
For a moment, the elders struggled to suppress their emotions. Shi Mo's grief was evident as he turned to Ling Hua, his gaze sharp and accusatory: "Clan Leader Ling Hua, tell us where is Shi Zhongtian now?"
Facing the combined might of the Three Supremes, Ling Hua felt his heart tighten. Though he was the leader of the Ling Clan, their expertise lay in alchemy and spiritual techniques, not combat. Any one of these seven star peak Dou Saints could easily crush him if provoked.
Ling Hua bowed deeply, his tone heavy with regret: "Esteemed elders, I came here today to deliver the tragic news... Patriarch Shi Zhongtian was killed in action."
Shi Mo could no longer contain his fury. His grief boiled over into an intimidating display of power, the hall trembling under his aura. "Who is responsible for this?! Speak!"
Even as Ling Hua tried to calm them, Shi Mo's murderous aura remained palpable. Shi Qing, equally incensed, growled: "Out with it, Ling Hua! Who dared kill our clan leader? And why are you alive while he perished? If you cannot provide a satisfactory explanation, don't expect to leave here alive!"
Shi Lin, though silent, mirrored the same intent in his cold gaze.
Swallowing his fear, Ling Hua recounted the series of events leading to Shi Zhongtian's demise, emphasizing the immense power of Xiao Tiance and the unfortunate circumstances that forced his hand.
When Ling Hua finished, the Shi Clan elders exchanged grave looks. Shi Qing sighed heavily: "So, even Hun Tiandi fell to Xiao Tiance's schemes. This man is terrifying. His strength rivals the strongest figures of the ancient clans, and his methods are as ruthless as they are efficient. I fear for our clan's future."
Shi Mo's earlier rage gave way to a somber silence. Despite his deep desire for vengeance, he knew the harsh truth: they were powerless against someone like Xiao Tiance.
"Ling Hua merely accompanied Zhongtian on this trip and was extorted by Xiao Tiance," Shi Mo muttered. "But Zhongtian was the direct cause of the Xiao Clan's failure to eliminate Hun Tiandi. If even Ling Hua had to pay such a steep price, how much more will we owe to appease Xiao Tiance's wrath?"
The Shi Clan's long history had taught them the cruel truths of the Dou Qi Continent: strength commanded respect, and the weak had no choice but to submit. Xiao Tiance, with his overwhelming might and decisive actions, had proven himself a foe they could not afford to provoke.
"Ling Hua, are you certain you have told us everything?" Shi Lin's deep voice finally broke the silence.
Ling Hua nodded solemnly. "Every word is the truth. Should there be any falsehood, I am willing to face divine retribution."
Shi Qing sighed once more, the weight of reality pressing down on him. **"Clan Leader Ling, forgive our earlier hostility. If your account is true, then this matter does not lie at your feet.
The Shi and Ling Clans have always stood united. Let us ensure this bond remains unbroken despite today's tragedy."**
Ling Hua seized the opportunity to stabilize their alliance. Smiling faintly, he replied: "The Ling and Shi Clans shall forever stand together, through thick and thin."
As Ling Hua departed, Shi Qing turned to the others. "Elder Mo, Elder Lin how should we handle this situation? Xiao Tiance's actions leave us with little room to maneuver."
Shi Lin, after a moment's thought, spoke gravely: "First, we must pacify our clan. Losing Zhongtian will already unsettle the younger generation. We need to stabilize morale. Second, we must consider how to appease Xiao Tiance. Without a meaningful gesture, the Shi Clan may not survive his wrath."
Shi Mo clenched his fists, his voice bitter: "Zhongtian's rashness has cost us dearly. As his uncle, the responsibility ultimately falls on me. I will prepare to face whatever demands Xiao Tiance imposes, no matter how severe."
The elders exchanged heavy nods, the gravity of their predicament weighing on them all.
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