In truth, this silver-haired elder, while appearing unharmed at this very moment, must have sustained considerable injuries. That world-shaking true energy of his was not so easily absorbed! Scarcely had this thought crossed his mind when half of the elder's garments on one side of his body were instantly reduced to dust, incinerated by the crimson flame force.

The other half was entirely frozen over. But it did not end there; the icy-flame spiral force continued to churn and transform within the man's body. The silver-haired elder could suppress it no longer, spitting a mouthful of bloody froth.

Yet, with that very expulsion of blood, he managed to eject all remaining residual vital energy. Zong Shou gave a cold laugh, dismissing the man entirely. His gaze, frigid and bleak, settled on the ground beneath his feet, and with a single thrust of his sword, he pierced the center of Shi Fatian's forehead, allowing a thin trickle of blood to immediately seep down.

“Did you truly believe I was negotiating with you? When I utter such words, they are commands. Even if your entire Snow Lion Clan were wiped out, you must execute my will.

Do you understand?” Shi Fatian felt utterly humiliated, struggling fiercely, but Zong Shou’s foot held him firmly pinned to the earth, leaving him unable to move an inch. “I am aware that beneath the Cloud Sea, you have always been accustomed to untamed freedom, proud and unruly, unfamiliar with discipline. However, this place is above the Cloud Sea, under the dominion of Qiantian Mountain!

I can forgive such transgressions once, but should there be a second time, I will assuredly annihilate your lineage!” As he spoke, Zong Shou traced the tip of his sword across Shi Fatian’s brow, carving fine lines of blood. Finally, he etched a crude character onto his forehead: ‘Slave.’ The silver-haired elder erupted in furious rage, yet dared not move an inch. Shi Dingyuan and several of his brethren also had their eyes bloodshot with fury, but they remained paralyzed under the sheer oppressive aura.

“Do you Snow Lions not worship the survival of the fittest? That the weak deserve death, is that not so? Then understand this now: Ruolan is stronger than all of you, solely because I stand beside her!

The only reason you are alive right now is because Ruolan does not wish you dead. The ground upon which you stand was gifted by me to Ruolan, not to any of you. Do you comprehend?” As the voice faded, the sword tip pressed inward another fraction, driving slivers of that world-shaking true energy to rampage through his interior.

Shi Fatian instantly felt every meridian in his body being shredded inch by inch, as if by countless steel blades. The clash between the ice and fire forces inside him was incessant. The agony made him long for immediate death to spread throughout him, twisting his facial muscles beyond recognition.

At last, a piercing shriek of pain tore from his throat. Zong Shou remained utterly unmoved; the smile flickering across his eyes was incomparably cruel. Just as he intended to inflict further exquisite torment to leave a deeper impression, his lapel was sharply tugged by Shi Ruolan.

He looked down to see the little girl’s face etched with profound pleading. Zong Shou sighed in exasperation, yet felt a surge of suffocating irritation. Having no choice, he released his hold on Shi Fatian.

But before lifting his foot, he stamped down heavily once more—Thump!—driving Shi Fatian’s body further into the ground. Then, without a backward glance, Zong Shou turned and walked away. He truly had nothing more to say to these people.

He had only walked a few paces when the old Shaman of the Snow Lion Clan spoke with utmost reverence: “My Lord, please wait! Might we request that Ruolan remain here? She bears the Mad Lion Snow Seal, the true, untainted bloodline of our Snow Lion Clan.

She is far too important to us. By the protection of our ancestors, our true direct descendant has reappeared amongst the tribe, and the fate of our entire clan rests upon her. We beg you, My Lord, allow me, Shi Bin, to care for her.” At these words, both Shi Fatian and Shi Dingyuan were slightly startled, turning to the silver-haired elder with looks seeking confirmation.

The latter, however, had a face ashen with fury and offered no comment. The surrounding Snow Lion tribesmen, who had been boiling with righteous indignation but utterly powerless to assist, now exchanged bewildered glances. Some looked towards Shi Ruolan with disbelief.

This little girl, who appeared frail even among the common lions, was the true scion of the Snow Lion Clan? How could that be? Yet, the old Shaman spoke with such conviction, and the anxiety on his face seemed genuine.

Zong Shou paused, looking down at Shi Ruolan held in his arms, and smiled. “Little girl, do you wish to come with me, or stay with the clan?” Shi Ruolan hesitated briefly, but moments later, the warmth radiating from Zong Shou’s embrace proved far more appealing. Conversely, the suffocating cold indifference within the clan filled her with dread.

She immediately shook her head, clutching Zong Shou tightly. She would rather follow this kind stranger who treated her well than remain in her familiar kin group. Zong Shou burst into loud laughter.

Though he had resolved to forcibly take her even if she had chosen to stay, hearing this answer brought him a measure of satisfaction. However, this Shi Bin seemed to be a man of reason. Zong Shou’s eyes narrowed slightly as he turned back with a smile.

“Regret it now? It is likely too late. Tell you what, don’t accuse me of not offering chances.

In the future, if your Snow Lion Clan truly desires Ruolan’s return, then bring sixty-four Sky Lions, and have these scoundrels come to Qiantian Mountain to invite her back with the Rites of Kneeling Welcome.” As his final words fell, Zong Shou wasted no more breath on them and ascended into the Cloud-Flipping Chariot. Behind him, Hu Zhongyuan, his heart aching slightly, cast aside the remaining furs draped over his body. In reality, he was not cold.

Having cultivated to the Profound Warrior realm, his vitality surged, making him impervious to both heat and cold. Even naked, he could ignore the severity of this deep winter. Wearing those furs had merely been for show.

They were from the first Tier Five Spirit Beast he had personally slain beneath the Cloud Sea—a possession of rare and profound significance. He spat out a contemptuous sound, glaring dismissively at the assembled Snow Lion tribesmen before following the others and departing swiftly. One Cloud-Flipping Chariot, along with a dozen or so Tier Four riding beasts, vanished past the dilapidated city gates within moments.

Just as Zong Shou’s Cloud-Flipping Chariot finally disappeared from view, one of Shi Fatian’s silver-haired daughters spoke up, brimming with righteous indignation: “The arrogance! What does he take our Snow Lion Clan for? Regret?

Who would ever want that cursed girl? It’s better that the jinx is gone with him!” Before the words were fully out, the silver-haired elder first let out a cold snort. A palm shot out, landing with a crisp smack—he had slapped the girl flying!

Shi Fatian’s face darkened, but he made no move to attend to her, instead asking in a heavy tone, “Brother, you claim Ruolan is of our Snow Lion Clan's direct lineage. Is this true? Is it as that Zong Shou claimed?” “You dare speak his name directly?” The silver-haired elder glared fiercely at Shi Fatian, his expression a mixture of hatred and disappointment.

“I heard this man recently achieved a victory of immense importance, resisting three nations with the might of five provinces. Not only did he reclaim all lost territory, but rumor has it his borders expanded. He is undefeated on the battlefield, and it is said there is no power on the Eastern Cloud Continent his equal.

The prosperity of his nation surpasses even that of our Lion Tribe at its zenith. A figure like that, even if truly as powerless in martial arts as rumored, deserves our reverence and is qualified to be a King among the Demon Races. Moreover, that man is presently and undeniably our sovereign ruler.

By what right do you address him so casually?” Shi Fatian’s expression remained gloomy, and he said nothing. However, after a moment, the silver-haired elder let out another cold laugh. “Rumors are just rumors!

Do you truly believe that the person who subdued the Bear, Tiger, and Wolf Tribes is utterly devoid of cultivation? It is true that our Lion Clan values strength above all, and that Demon King is not only stronger than you but beyond my capacity as well. Furthermore, with just a single word, he can plunge our Snow Lion Clan into eternal ruin.

What audacity possessed you to challenge him? Do you imagine you are still in the days when your word was law beneath the Cloud Sea? When one lives under another’s roof, is there any path but submission?

I think you need not remain Clan Chief any longer. From this day forward, I, Shi Luotian, shall assume the role of Clan Chief! Within a few years, I will find a way to bring Ruolan back…” Shi Fatian’s body trembled slightly.

He stared fixedly at the silver-haired elder. Though unwilling, he dared not defy him, only asking with a trace of terror, “So, Ruolan is indeed our Snow Lion direct lineage?” “Palm-held Snow Lion.” This time, the old Shaman responded, a bitter laugh escaping him. “I should have realized sooner.

This branch of ours inherits the blood of the Divine Beast—the Six-Spirit Snow Lion. Another name for it is the Lion in the Palm! No wonder Ruolan is so small and frail.

This girl is not just the direct lineage of our Snow Lion Clan; she is blessed by ancestors across generations. The Mad Lion Snow Seal… her future potential is far beyond anything we can imagine. I only know that the last person to possess the Mad Lion Snow Seal was an ancestor ten thousand years ago, who, using the Seal’s power and possessing a unique ability, ascended to the Saint Realm long ago…” Ling Fakong’s gaze immediately contracted, his hands gripping his robes tightly.

Endless regret began to gnaw at his heart. What the Demon King had said was actually true! This Shi Ruolan was truly the pure-blooded direct descendant of their Shi family!

Her blood purity was several times greater than that of his eldest or second son! Dimly realizing that he had likely forfeited something incalculable, Ling Fakong’s voice grew dry. “If that is so, then why did the two of you stand by and let her be taken?” “Stand by?

Do you think we could have stopped them with our strength? I believe that Demon King has not only mastered Sword Intent and the legendary Imperial Path Secret Arts, but his cultivation has clearly reached the Night Roaming realm. Moreover, those few young people were all extraordinary, especially the one wielding the spear—even you might not be a match for him!

Furthermore, that Demon King surprisingly bears Star Markings upon him as well…” The Shaman uttered these shocking revelations with a voice that was momentarily calm, before his tone darkened slightly. “However, Fatian, knowing the Demon King valued Ruolan, why did you dare treat her in such a manner?” Seeing Shi Fatian remain silent and unwilling to speak, Shi Bin’s gaze shifted to Shi Fatian’s children. In an instant, he understood, letting out a cold snort before sweeping away with his sleeves.

“In three days, send all of them to Qiantian Mountain. Let the Lord deal with them until his anger subsides. Those who bring disaster upon the clan are better off dead!”