None of the Song family could speak, nor did anyone know what to say at this moment.
His identity was simply too earth-shattering!
They had originally thought the other party was just an unknown nobody, nothing more. Later, when his subordinates displayed the might of numerous Dragon Elephants, their thoughts shifted. They realized the other party was not to be trifled with, hence the situation where rumors were rife but actions were minimal.
They wanted to preserve their family's dignity, yet they didn't truly want to arrest the person. After all, two individuals with the power of Dragon Elephants were not someone they could easily provoke.
"What do we do now? We still don't know why they tore down our plaque. That's the troublesome part. If we knew the reason, there might be room for negotiation. But as it stands..."
Song Boran, seated in the patriarch's position, lowered his gaze. He let them discuss, not interjecting, as the current debate was ultimately for their own benefit.
Yet, after much debate, no conclusion was reached. He could only sigh, "Since they haven't concealed their tracks, find out where they're staying and invite them to the Song family as guests. If there's been any offense, we will apologize and offer compensation, hoping they will spare our Song family."
If they had known such a presence existed, they would have warned everyone. But now, because of one of their in-laws, their entire Song family had to bear the consequences. They could not afford it!
The other party's identity was truly too astonishing. They dared not imagine what their fate would be if they became enemies with such a person.
A single word from that person could plunge them into the abyss!
"Patriarch, any condition?"
A member of the Song family inquired. If it truly came to this, the price their Song family would have to pay would surely be considerable.
Song Boran nodded, speaking with finality, "At any cost! We absolutely cannot afford to make an enemy of such a person. Moreover, do you think we have the right to be their enemy?"
After saying this, he himself let out a bitter smile.
Indeed, the Song family, with its current standing, was at most a local family in Jinlin, nothing more.
As for the other party, they were figures who could move with impunity in the capital, the center of power in the entire Great Xia. If they wanted to make an enemy of Ye Longlin, they would first have to consider if they even possessed the qualification.
Song Boran, this patriarch of the Song family, proved to be adaptable. Upon realizing the impossibility of resistance, he immediately conceded.
While this patriarch of the Song family might not be adept at building an empire, he was excellent at defending one. An old saying goes: building an empire is easy, defending it is hard.
Song Boran indeed possessed foresight and had accomplished much during his tenure, steadily increasing the Song family's prestige.
Now, this incident had occurred, something no one wished to see. But with so many members in the Song family, they couldn't control everyone's tongues.
"Patriarch, I believe any price is worth paying. After all, we've reached a bottleneck. If the other party could offer some assistance..."
Suddenly, a high-ranking member of the Song family spoke. As this voice fell, the Song family fell silent again, many nodding in agreement. If the other party could truly offer assistance, the Song family could certainly advance further.
"Let's not discuss this for now. The priority is to get them to quell their hostility."
For Ye Longlin, as long as the Song family didn't cause trouble, he didn't put them in his sights. Even their so-called "Three Sons of the Song Family" could be easily suppressed before him!
"When will you break through to the Dao realm?"
Ye Longlin asked Qing Long, walking along the path of the Confucius Temple, speaking slowly.
The Confucius Temple, one of the four great Confucian temples of the Great Xia, was the cultural hub of the ancient Jiangnan region.
Jinling, a city rich in historical and cultural heritage, was the center of education and culture during the Ming and Qing dynasties, as well as a prominent architectural complex in the southeast.
"I don't feel anything."
One spoke little, the other even less. The two walked on like this.
"After the revision of the Military God Ranking, if you still don't feel anything, I'll send you into the Dao realm."
Qing Long suddenly stopped, his brow furrowed deeply. "Boss, are you planning to retire?"
Qing Long was not eloquent, but he was not foolish. Hearing such a statement, he instantly understood something, and his expression slowly turned grim.
He was in his prime now, and retiring at this time was clearly not a good decision.
"The Dragon Pavilion's current situation is stable, and I want to take a break, to see the world's scenery. Who knows what the future holds? The future will be in your hands."
Ye Longlin rested his head on his hands, smiling as he looked at the street ahead, a hint of a smile appearing.
"One Jianbing, thank you."
Ye Longlin suddenly stopped, tightening his cloak. After receiving the Jianbing, Qing Long paid, and the two continued walking.
Yuan Gang was still entertaining the group from the Town Martial Division. They were currently discussing the Military God Ranking.
"If you leave, I will leave too."
After a long silence, Qing Long finally spoke.
For Qing Long, if it hadn't been for Ye Longlin, he would have retired long ago and wouldn't be in this position now.
Ye Longlin took a bite of the Jianbing; it tasted quite good. However, hearing his words, he didn't say anything more, and they fell into silence.
Just then, a figure appeared before them.
"General Ye, I am from the Song family. Our patriarch invites you to the Song family as a guest. You are welcome to visit anytime if you have the time."
A member of the Song family approached, respectfully handing an invitation to Qing Long, demonstrating great awareness of propriety and etiquette.
He didn't give it directly to Ye Longlin but instead to his subordinate, showcasing the other party's cultivation and perceptiveness.
"I will when I have the chance."
Ye Longlin nodded. He now adopted a playful, worldly attitude, feeling it was time for him to disappear into the vast sea of people.
"Would you like me to arrange a guide for you? The Song family has always been a scholarly lineage, and we have participated in the repair and maintenance of the Confucius Temple."
"No need."
"This ancient capital, where countless heroic souls are buried, I want to truly see its splendor before I step down!"
Legend has it that this ancient capital has a Dragon Ascension Terrace, standing by the Jinling River. He wondered if he could catch a glimpse of it.
"There are three days left until Sister-in-law's martial arts competition to find a spouse. Will you be defending the ring personally, or shall your subordinate do it for you?"
Qing Long suddenly asked. These matters shouldn't have been his to inquire about, but with Yuan Gang occupied with the Military God Ranking, some tasks could only be handled by him.
Ye Longlin narrowed his eyes, looking in the direction of the Murong royal family, and murmured, "If you are wise, this King will not mind lifting you up. If you are not wise..."