121: Even those who are unwilling can take the bait.

The clash of Dao on the lake surface came quickly and ended just as fast.

In the brief moment Empress Feng Fuyao fell into shock and confusion, Jiang Yuan had already smoothed over all traces.

His performance was just right; he showcased the extraordinary nature of his Great Dao while simultaneously projecting the appearance of being "one move behind and heavily exhausted" in front of the Ancient Ancestor.

He gave her Face and substance, which filled Empress Feng Fuyao with so much doubt that she felt embarrassed to ask.

She could only attribute the experience that had shocked her, an Ancient Ancestor, to an unknown variable accidentally produced during the collision of two top-tier Great Daos.

Yet, that sensation—which made her Bloodline Origin rejoice and caused the shackles of her Dao path to tremble—was like the most lethal poison; once tasted, it could never be forgotten.

"Ancient Ancestor?" Jiang Yuan's voice roused her from her daze.

Empress Feng Fuyao regained her composure and gave him a deep look. Within those complex eyes, scrutiny, vigilance, curiosity, and shock were all intertwined, eventually dissolving into a profound calmness.

She withdrew all her Qi and returned to her graceful, aloof appearance, as if the shock from moments ago had never occurred.

"Your Great Dao of Creation is indeed extraordinary," she said indifferently, her voice devoid of joy or anger. "With time, your achievements may not be below those of your father."

This evaluation was absurdly high. If any other young Prodigy were to hear it, they would likely be overwhelmed with excitement.

Jiang Yuan, however, only smiled calmly: "Many thanks for the Ancient Ancestor's undeserved praise. Today, having witnessed the Ancient Ancestor's supreme Dao, this Junior has benefited immensely and learned that there is always someone better."

"The hour is late, so I will no longer disturb the Ancient Ancestor's cultivation. Regarding the matter of the Mountain Master, this Junior will discuss it with Senior Feng after meeting my father-in-law."

"If Senior Empress Feng Fuyao has any business with This Imperial Son, you are also very welcome to come to my Jiang Family; I will certainly sweep the couch to welcome you."

Having said this, he bowed to Empress Feng Fuyao once more and turned to walk towards the lakeside, decisive and clean, without the slightest hesitation.

Empress Feng Fuyao watched his departing back, her Phoenix eyes narrowing slightly, her red lips pressed tightly together. He was just leaving like this?

He had gone to such lengths to break into her Forbidden Ground, really just for a bit of guidance? No, that was absolutely impossible.

This little fox was even more cunning than she had imagined. He had not come to discuss the Dao; he had come to cast bait.

Was this boy trying to rope her and the Phoenix Clan into serving the Jiang Family? What a ruthless method! What deep schemes!

Empress Feng Fuyao stood in place for a long time, her mind constantly replaying the feeling of that power circulating within her body just moments ago.

She could clearly perceive that if she could continue to receive the baptism of that life Origin, perhaps she would have hope of transforming her emperor body into an Immortal body! Stepping into a brand new Realm!

"Ancient Ancestor..." Seeing that Jiang Yuan and the others had already gone far away, the Phoenix Ancestor dared to fly over cautiously, his Face full of worry. "That Jiang Family Imperial Son, he..."

Empress Feng Fuyao waved her hand, interrupting him. She turned around and looked back at the glazed Wutong Divine Tree, her voice distant and ethereal.

"Pass down the order: take a portion of the clan's top-tier Nirvana Divine Fire Origin and send it to the White Tiger Mountain Range. Say it is... a congratulatory gift from this Emperor to that child, Qingxue."

The Phoenix Ancestor was stunned, his Face full of confusion. That was one of the most precious Origins in the clan, not to be used lightly; how could she...

"Additionally," Empress Feng Fuyao did not explain, continuing, "tell the various clans of the Divine Mountain that the White Tiger Royal Clan is the master of the Divine Mountain, as decreed by fate. Those who do not submit shall be executed without mercy. Those who feign compliance shall have their entire clan exterminated."

Her voice was not loud, but it carried an unquestionable iron-bloodedness and killing intent. "Also... forget it, this Emperor has her own plans."

Whether or not to go to the Jiang Family to obtain that object which could allow her emperor body to advance further... that could wait until later. Leaving behind these words that left the Phoenix Ancestor completely baffled, Empress Feng Fuyao's figure slowly vanished into the Wutong Divine Tree.

When Jiang Yuan and his group returned to the Wutong Divine Hall, the atmosphere inside was suppressed to the extreme. All the representatives of the Royal Clans and imperial clans remained prostrate on the ground, not even daring to lift their heads.

Seeing Jiang Yuan return, the expressions on the Nine Nether Lion's nine heads instantly switched to the most fawning smiles, and he trotted over, carrying a plate of roasted meat.

"Lord Imperial Son! You've returned! Just now, while you were away, I took the liberty of turning that Golden Lion meat into roast meat. Would you like to try it? That Jin Changge was at the Quasi-Emperor Fifth Heaven; it melts in your mouth, is full of spiritual power, and is simply a Peerless Grade delicacy in the mortal world! It's just a little small in portion, please don't mind!"

As he spoke, he smacked his lips, looking as if it were a pity. This scene caused the stomachs of the Yao Race experts in the hall, who were already terrified out of their wits, to churn, and their gazes towards the Nine Nether Lion were filled with disdain and fear.

This guy was truly shameless! To lead the way in eating the Golden Lion Clan, who were also from a Forbidden Ground and of the same race, and to eat it with such relish? His fawning appearance wasted his title as a Forbidden Ground Master. Unlike them, if the Nine Nether Lion hadn't stopped them from eating, they would definitely have been the first to pounce and eat Jin Changge and the others.

The Physical Body of a Quasi-Emperor lion was a great tonic. It was worth thousands or even tens of thousands of years of bitter cultivation!

Jiang Yuan ignored this clown. His gaze swept across the hall, his voice calm yet carrying unquestionable majesty.

"From today on, the Primordial Divine Mountain shall honor the White Tiger Royal Clan as supreme." He paused, his gaze landing on the panting Phoenix Ancestor who had just rushed back: "The Phoenix Clan shall be an auxiliary royal clan, assisting Qingxue and Bai Tianxing in handling the affairs of the Divine Mountain."

The Phoenix Ancestor's body trembled, and he quickly bowed to accept the order: "This old one... obeys the Imperial Son's Imperial Decree."

His heart was filled with mixed feelings. Although they were an auxiliary royal clan, at least they had preserved the status of a royal clan. More importantly, Jiang Yuan's action was equivalent to completely binding the Phoenix Clan and the White Tiger Royal Clan together, which could be considered giving them a way out and a guarantee.

"As for the Golden Lion Clan and the God Race..." Jiang Yuan's tone became indifferent, "The Quasi-Emperor has been executed. Considering that you have also contributed to the Divine Mountain in the past, I will not exterminate your entire clans. From this day forward, you are demoted to Royal Clans. Fifty percent of all resources within your clans are to be handed over, to be allocated by the White Tiger Royal Clan."

"Do you have any objections?" As his words fell, there was a deathly silence in the hall.

A moment later, the few remaining Elders of the Golden Lion Clan and the God Race, as if granted amnesty, kowtowed desperately. "We... have no objections! Thank you, Imperial Son, for your grace in not killing us!" "We are willing to serve the White Tiger Royal Clan as our masters, and will never dare to have two hearts for eternity!"

The calamity of clan extermination had ended with only a demotion and the surrender of resources; this was simply a massive act of grace! How could they dare to have even half a word of complaint?

Thus, the landscape of the Primordial Divine Mountain, which had stood for millions of years, was completely overturned within a mere hour.