Cultivating for a hundred lifetimes to ascension

"Rise!"

When Zhao Sheng saw the scene unfolding before him, a glint flashed in his eyes, and with a wave of his sleeve, he summoned a vast and mighty surge of Golden Core True Essence that helped Zhao Luochi up from the ground.

Just then, Zhao Daoming suddenly shouted furiously, "Great Elder, you've gone too far. Such a significant matter hasn't been properly discussed by the family, and yet you dare to make decisions on your own."

Zhao Luochi sneered, assuming an elder's authority, "The clan's return to the main branch is a joyous event of immense importance. I truly don't understand why you all persistently object."

Having said this, he bowed deeply to the head of the family, speaking with utmost reverence, "Ancestor, please understand, the hearts of the Dome Turtle Zhao Family yearn for unity, yet a small group of stubborn fools fail to grasp the inevitable tide of public will. I, the humble Zhao Luochi, represent the millions of our Zhao clan in beseeching you to intervene and right the wrongs!"

No sooner had his words ended than at least half of those present knelt on the ground and cried out in unison, "Please, Ancestor, rectify the chaos for us!"

Zhao Daoming, furious to the point of bursting, rebuked, "You... You despicable lot, how dare you...

Ancestor, please do not be deceived by their nonsense. They are the ones colluding with the Demon Path, a bunch of unfaithful and unfilial scoundrels."

Zhao Daojing, who was beside him, also knelt down and pleaded with Zhao Sheng, "Ancestor, our family has internal disagreements that have now escalated before you, causing you amusement. I can swear on my dedication to the Dao that although the Dome Turtle Zhao Family has its squabbles, there are reasons for everything. With your Divine Eye, you will undoubtedly discern right from wrong."

Zhao Sheng furrowed his brow, feeling quite fed up inside.

A simple meeting had ended up being thrown into disarray by two groups of power-hungry individuals.

This matter, if described as complicated, was indeed extraordinarily so, but also quite simple at its core.

It was nothing more than the traditional power struggles and internal strife of a clan vying for influence and scheming against one another.

Zhao Sheng had grown weary of such conflicts of interests and power several lifetimes ago.

As it is said, a large tree attracts the wind, and where there are people, there will be the Martial World.

Conflicts and contradictions were inevitable even among the Xinglong Zhao Family's Eight Branches, but under the control of the Golden Core Ancestor, all clashes of interests were kept within certain limits,

never boiling over as they had within the Dome Turtle Zhao Family, where the internal conflict had reached a fever pitch, the two factions almost tearing at each other's throats, ready for a life-and-death struggle.

In that instant, Zhao Sheng somewhat sobered up to the reality of his urgency, lest the future of the Dome Turtle Zhao Family become worrisome.

"Enough!"

A sharp command echoed all around, as an overwhelming aura swiftly filled the entire hall.

Zhao Sheng's demeanor was majestic and solemn, waves of golden light spreading from his body, immobilizing everyone present in an instant.

"I am most displeased! Does anyone here remember the ancestral teachings?"

The others exchanged looks, none daring to speak. There were many teachings left by the Ancestor, and none knew which one the True Immortal was referring to.

To get it right might be to their benefit, but to get it wrong... it was better not to be the one to stand out.

At this moment, Zhao Daojing answered, "Could the Ancestor be referring to the teaching, 'With united hearts and efforts, success can break through even the toughest metal?'"

"Hmph, at least someone remembers these eight words. Have you all forgotten why your ancestors moved to the Shattered Star Sea?" Zhao Sheng scolded sharply.

"Ancestor, please calm your anger. We realize our mistakes, we understand them!" As they spoke, Zhao Daoming and Zhao Luochi, both sweating profusely, were the first to kneel, with those behind them quickly following suit.

Zhao Sheng paused, but this time he did not tell them to get up.

"I hope you bear in mind the teachings of our ancestors and avoid repeating past mistakes. As for whether you will be allowed to return to the main branch, that is something I need to discuss with the Ancestor upon my return to Xinglong Origin before I can give you an answer. As for other issues, your family shall resolve them on its own. I prefer not to interfere."

With that, Zhao Sheng withdrew his aura, freeing everyone else, and continued sternly, "I don't care what irreconcilable differences you may have, but don't let them interfere with significant matters. Otherwise... hmm!"

Zhao Daoming's forehead beaded with cold sweat at these words, and he quickly guaranteed with a pat on his chest, "Rest assured, Ancestor! Your instructions are our family's top priority, and we will ensure that they are carried out flawlessly."

Zhao Sheng's expression cleared somewhat, "Those who handle this matter diligently and to my satisfaction will not find me stingy with rewards."

Zhao Luochi, unwilling to appear weaker, immediately asserted, "I stake my life as a guarantee. If anyone is negligent and hinders progress, I will personally enact the discipline of the Precepts Hall and show no mercy in punishment!"

Zhao Sheng nodded without comment, his expression finally softening, "I am a bit tired, you may all retreat. Daojing, you stay."

After a group of disheartened individuals left, Zhao Daojing stood up, hands at her sides, and silently bowed.

She had thought the Ancestor would inquire about some family matters.

Little did she know, Zhao Sheng did not mention anything about the recent incident, merely bestowed upon her a Jade Bottle containing Primordial Heavy Water and after instructing her on some minor matters, sent her away.

No sooner had Zhao Daojing left the cave mansion than she saw the Family Head and the Great Elder approach stairside.

"Jing'er, did the Ancestor say anything?"

"Sister Jing, did the Ancestor have any instructions for us?"

Both had expressions of tension and eagerness, almost speaking in unison.

Zhao Daojing felt endlessly speechless inside, thinking, if not for their struggle for power, the situation would not have escalated to this point.

"Although the Ancestor did not say it explicitly, I suspect he is greatly dissatisfied with both of you. It's not out of the question that he is considering ousting you," she said, deliberately frightening them.

...

In fact, Zhao Daojing was entirely mistaken.

Zhao Sheng had no such thought.

In his view, the conflicts and contradictions between the two factions of the Dome Turtle Zhao Family's head and Great Elder were not entirely irreconcilable.

The root of the friction between the two factions lay in the division of interests.