Chapter 4: A Man Should Strive for Self-Strengthening

"Xian Ge Er, I have heard that..."

Ling Xian's strong performance left them somewhat at a loss, unsure of what was right or wrong

Yes, let's go for it

... ...

One can imagine the possible retaliation from the Chen family after becoming adversaries, and some of the clan elders began to feel anxious. It is not that they are timid or weak, but rather that the Ling family has been silent for too long.

Dust swirled in the air, and they were utterly unconcerned about the injuries to their fists

In a moment, the crowd was filled with fervor and high morale

What he desires from the Ling family is certainly not like this

Ling Xian's expression was one of mixed emotions, unable to laugh or cry. In the days when the Ling family was prosperous, there was naturally no need for iron tokens or elixirs. At that time, the family members could walk with their heads held high, and no one dared to provoke them. However, after their decline and being looked down upon and despised by the royal family, no one would think of such things anymore

Ling Tianbao did not dare to be negligent and quickly summoned a few individuals to accompany him to the treasury

Although the members of the Ling family were still somewhat excited and nervous, the current prestige of Ling Xian was unparalleled, and no one raised any objections as they all retreated.

Indeed, at that time, the Ling family was in such splendor, who could have imagined that it would fall to such a state today

The deeds of the Ling family are stirring and unforgettable, well-known to the disciples present. However, usually, everyone can only think about them. Now, Ling Xian, however, has declared them verbally.

The logistics manager of every family is a lucrative position, but the Ling family is an exception. After their decline, the family became exceedingly poor, lacking not only resources but also having to meticulously budget every grain of rice and every inch of cloth; otherwise, the clan members would suffer from hunger

Ling Tianbao's excited voice reached my ears: "The clan leader speaks wisely. Although my Ling family has fallen into decline, the treasures of our ancestors are still preserved. In addition to the imperial sword, the iron token, and the alchemical books, we also have the robes and ceremonial regalia of the Heroic King."

Indeed, Xian Ge'er makes a very reasonable point

Raise the tiger skin to make a large banner, these items are sufficient to protect the Ling family through the current crisis

The two youths cupped their fists in salute to Ling Xian and said, "You few, follow me."

"Not only the Iron Token and the Dan Book, but also the Imperial Sword granted by the Founder." Ling Tianbao pondered as he spoke, yet he could not comprehend the usefulness of these items

Many of the Ling family members, upon hearing this, burst into tears, biting their lips tightly, allowing blood to flow down. Some even knelt on the ground, striking the earth with their fists.

We must not bring shame upon our ancestors

It is commendable that everyone has such ambition, but one must not engage in a head-on confrontation

Ling Tianxiong lay on the stretcher, tears welling up in his eyes. The Ling family not only faced decline, but also saw a gradual thinning of its members. The eldest branch had only Ling Xian left. Now that he had achieved success, Ling Tianxiong was genuinely happy from the bottom of his heart.

Endless submission cannot earn the other's compassion; respect is built on the foundation of strength. Without even the courage to resist, one is naturally subject to the whims of others

Yes, clan leader

Patriarch, please speak. What should be done

Ling Xian's gaze swept across, having already taken in the expressions of everyone present.

"Daniu, Lingfeng, gather a few clever disciples to go out and gather intelligence. Be sure not to alert the enemy. Return quickly to inform me of any news."

The patriarch's words clearly show that he does not regard the Chen family at all. Does he really have a way to overcome the crisis

As the head of a clan, one should possess a calm demeanor, taking responsibility for the troubles one has caused oneself. Moreover, throughout today, he does not feel that he has done anything wrong.

With these words, Ling Xian's prestige reached a new height. At this moment, he had gained recognition, and within the clan, regardless of gender or age, everyone regarded him as the backbone.

Indeed, Chief, we all listen to you

However, Ling Xian knows it is useful, after all, it was bestowed by the founding emperor. Even if the current royal family does not acknowledge it, how could a mere Chen family dare to disrespect the dignity of the founding emperor

Ling Xian now holds a very high prestige, and the clan elders have no objections to this decision, so a group of people quickly returned to the mansion

Upon seeing their figures, the clansmen began to stir; some were filled with fear, others with terror, yet there were also many young men who clenched their fists, their faces alight with excitement

"Third Uncle, if I remember correctly, my Ling family should still possess the iron scroll and elixir bestowed by Emperor Taizu." Seeing that he could rely on others, Ling Xian did not feel complacent, but instead spoke very calmly.

Yet Ling Xian's voice still echoed in my ears, but then the tone shifted, becoming heavy with sorrow: "But everyone, look at our Ling family, what is our current state? We are starving, having not tasted meat for three months, being bullied at will by a third-rate small family, our descendants are ashamed, bringing disgrace to our ancestors. If our forefathers were to know, even in the underworld, they would surely be enraged."

The principle is the same

Useful, how can it be useless

Boom

It is fine to die in battle, at worst we will die fighting, what is there to fear from the Chen family

Everyone is greatly astonished, for it is known that the Ling family has seen a decline in talent, with the strongest expert being the Grand Elder's third uncle, who is merely at the third level of body refinement. In contrast, although the Chen family is a third-rate family, they have several experts at the fourth level of body refinement, highlighting the significant disparity in strength between the two sides

In the comparison between the two sides, how can their emotions be calm?

Let's discuss it after returning

He ran towards the small path with several core disciples who were training in martial arts

Elder brother has descendants, elder brother has descendants!

Ling Xian, having taken over as the clan leader at a young age, initially faced challenges in gaining the support of others. However, at this moment, he has become the backbone for everyone.

Think of my ancestors of the Ling family, who once enjoyed such glory, standing above all others, second only to one. They were conferred the title of a prince of a different surname by the founding emperor, with hereditary rights unbroken. The name of the Heroic King, who in the martial world is not in awe of them

... ...

At this point, Ling Xian revealed a hint of disdainful smile on his face: "The insignificant Chen family is not even worthy to carry my Ling family's shoes; fighting them is beneath my dignity"

A hint of a smile appeared at the corner of Ling Xian's mouth, which was exactly what he desired

At that time, my Ling family married numerous royal princesses. As the eighth head of the Ling family, not only was my wife the Grand Princess, but each of my concubines was also of noble birth.

Yes, clan leader

The Ling family fortress stands grand as ever, yet the front is crowded with clan members, a dark mass that is quite striking. However, the most conspicuous sight is still the third uncle lying on the stretcher

It is ! ''

... ...

Ling Tianxiong was taken aback, and several clan elders also fell into deep thought

We all listen to you

Ling Tianbao had also practiced martial arts in his younger years; however, after taking charge of logistics, he devoted all his energy to the family. At just over 40 years old, his temples had already turned gray.

... ...

Descendants show disdain, bringing shame to their ancestors

Everyone's eyes became very bright

Ling Tianxiong struggled to prop himself up, the bandages on his chest stained with blood. The opponent's ambush was exceedingly vicious, and the wound was merely an inch away from his heart

He did not back down

The patriarch has returned

The immortal brother has returned

The Ling family was convicted and demoted. Although the title of nobility granted by the founding emperor was not revoked, their power had long since faded into oblivion. For a thousand years, these items have remained in the treasury. After all, having lost the trust of the royal family, are these items still of any use?

The prestige has reached an awe-inspiring level

At that time, any disciple of the Ling family, even if unable to practice martial arts, would be born into immense wealth and honor, with countless talented women, chivalrous ladies, and unparalleled beauties desiring to marry them

Ling Xian bowed to the crowd and said: "I, Ling, have been entrusted with the urgent task of taking over as the clan leader. There are some words that should not be spoken, but I cannot help but express them."

Ling Xian knew that this matter was far from over, and soon the Chen family would retaliate fiercely. He must prepare in advance; he would not allow a moment of impulse to push the Ling family into the volcano.

The decline of the Ling family is not solely due to the loss of military power, but also because of the absence of ambition. It is akin to a person whose aspirations have been worn down; can you still expect them to accomplish great things

After listening to Ling Xian's analysis, the clan members expressed their astonishment, each one enlightened, wondering why they had not thought of this approach themselves, and they admired Ling Xian even more.

He was once the most trusted person of Ling Xian's father

In an instant, everyone's gaze was once again focused on Ling Xian.

Great, take them all out. The more complete this score is displayed, the more it can intimidate the Chen family

Originally, after this round of encouragement, the morale within the clan was high, with everyone eager to take action, preparing to engage in a fierce battle with the Chen family, even if it meant dying in battle, it was better than living a cowardly and meaningless life

"Indeed, there is such a treasure." The speaker was not the third uncle, but a middle-aged man named Ling Tianbao, who was in charge of logistics and was also a clan uncle of Ling Xian.

The patriarch is right; we can no longer afford to be weak.

Dear uncles and aunts, dear brothers and sisters

... ...

Iron Token Dan Book

At that time, my Ling family was renowned as the foremost noble family in the martial world. At that time, every disciple of the Ling family who ventured out was dressed in fine clothes, riding spirited horses, and exuding an air of pride and confidence

Fight with them

The women of the Ling family are as noble as princesses

Well, I have already taught a lesson to the Chen family's boy and avenged your third uncle.

prostration in reverence

Therefore, he must first ignite the morale of the Ling family and restore their proud spirit

Ling Xian's voice echoed through the crowd, and everyone displayed a sense of longing on their faces. Although the Ling family had long since fallen from grace, no one would forget the glory of their ancestors

Third Uncle

Ling Xian would certainly not truly regard the Chen family as insignificant, maintaining a facade of ease while being internally vigilant; necessary preparations must still be made

One can only say that the affairs of the world are unpredictable

It is those clan elders, one by one, who also show excitement on their faces

Ling Xian helped Ling Tianxiong lie down. Although the third uncle was somewhat timid, he devoted himself to the family and took great care of himself, making him a good elder.

He took a few steps forward, jumped onto a large stone at the entrance, turned his head, and instantly, all the gazes of his clan members were focused on him

It is evident that the news has reached here, no wonder the clansmen are filled with anxiety and trepidation. The Ling family has not had such a chance to hold their heads high for many years; anyone would have a sense of pride.

The members of the Ling family possess a strong spirit and, relying on their youthful vigor, can fight to the death with the Chen family. However, when it comes to the outcome, there is fundamentally no suspense at all. Yet, the clan leader's tone shows that he does not regard the opponent at all. What clever plan does he truly have?

Patriarch, what should we do then

Everyone else has dispersed, go about your business, do not let the small Chen family underestimate my Ling family

Patriarch, if you have any ideas, please speak up. We will do it even if it costs us our lives

Accustomed to yielding, accustomed to retreating

At the same time, I secretly vowed to assist my nephew diligently, to revitalize the family, and to restore the glory of our ancestors

As expected of the clan leader, your insight is indeed unparalleled