273: Yun Tiansheng, the captain of the Ninth Mountain Army, is here to receive the title! (asking for a monthly ticket)

Just as the two Heavenly Gates of the Yun Family were secretly deciding the Yun Family's future plans, on the other side, the Yun Family's council hall was filled with "distinguished guests."

Figures with subtle Auras, tall, short, fat, and thin, sat on both sides, and some figures stood behind the seats.

When the two Heavenly Gates of the Xia Family and the Xia Family Second Daughter entered, they saw many familiar faces.

The Sihai Sect, Murong Family, Liu Family, plus the Xia Family, the figures in the hall came from the seven forces of Jinguancheng.

Lines of sight fell on the Xia Family members, and upon seeing the two branches of the Xia Family, their eyes either flickered or they nodded in greeting.

No one spoke; everyone understood tacitly.

The atmosphere in the hall was heavy.

The Xia Family Second Master and Third Master nodded in return, flicked the hems of their long robes, and took their seats in turn, their expressions dark and uncertain. Xia Qing, the Xia Family Second Daughter, stood behind her two uncles, her beautiful eyes flickering.

One, two, three, exactly ten people were present, Heavenly Gate powerhouses from seven families, gathered at the Yun Residence.

This was no small amount of energy.

Let's see how the Yun Family would respond.

After all, the Yun Family was not the Ninth Mountain, and among the aristocratic families in the city, the rules of status and intermarriage created complex relationships.

For example, the third maternal great-aunt of the Zhang Family's youngest son's paternal cousin was the concubine of the Li Family's second branch's eldest grandson, and the biological maternal uncle's sister of the Zhao Family's third branch's youngest son.

They could always find some connection. With so many people coming to their door, they couldn't possibly burn all bridges. If they really did that, the Yun Family would have no place to stand among the aristocratic families in Jinguancheng in the future.

The Xia Family's Second Daughter of the main branch mused, thinking that under the invisible pressure from so many families, the Yun Family would most likely have no choice but to appear.

However, she was a proud person at heart, and her calculations all coming to naught ultimately made her uncomfortable.

Just then, a cold snort abruptly sounded in the hall.

"This tea has already grown cold, and your Yun Family Head still hasn't appeared. Heh, it seems we are useless."

"Not even any other members of the Yun Family have been seen. Is this how your Yun Family treats its guests?"

The Sect Master of the Sihai Sect spoke unhappily.

His grizzled hair and two upward-flying hawk-like eyebrows rose. His tone indicated a hint of impatience, but he still restrained his anger, letting out a cold snort and speaking to the Yun Family servant who came to refill the tea.

"Presumably, the Yun Family Head is hiding somewhere, watching us make fools of ourselves." Another person spoke, neither salty nor bland, but with a mocking tone.

So many Heavenly Gate powerhouses had subtly displeased expressions, and the implicitly released Divine Might made the Yun Family servants serving tea in the hall somewhat breathless.

"Please wait a moment, esteemed guests. I will immediately send someone to inform them."

As these words fell...

"Thump."

"Thump."

Footsteps like drumbeats came from the back hall, steady and powerful, carrying a unique rhythm.

At this, the chattering voices ceased, and the ten Heavenly Gates from the seven forces all looked towards the back hall.

Then, a figure was seen stepping in from the side corridor of the back hall.

He wore a silver-white Flying Fish Robe, black boots, and his figure was as sharp as a blade. His face was dark, with a fine granular texture, a high nose bridge, eyebrows that slanted up into his temples, and eyes like knife blades.

It was Cloud Skyborn!

Cloud Skyborn cupped his hands, his expression calm.

"Cloud Skyborn of the Yun Family greets all the uncles and Seniors!"

"I apologize for making you all wait."

Saying this, Cloud Skyborn actually took the main seat at the head.

The Heavenly Gates of the various forces were somewhat surprised to see the Yun Family Third Young Master appear instead of the Yun Family Head, Yun Fangting, or Yun Chuxiong.

But then, seeing him directly take the main seat, their eyebrows twitched, and their expressions turned dark and uncertain.

A junior dared to sit directly above them, showing such disrespect.

Or was he trying to intimidate them? Such an insult!

However, thinking that this Yun San Gongzi served as a leading commandant in the Ninth Mountain, and presumably had a closer relationship with that Ninth Mountain Zhonglang General, they could only forcibly suppress their anger and displeasure, their gazes dark and their expressions uncertain.

However, while they endured, they were certainly not people to be trifled with.

"What a Yun San Gongzi!"

"A young talent, full of vigor. It seems we old folks are truly getting old."

The Sihai Sect Master's white hawk-like eyebrows twitched, a half-smile on his face.

As he spoke, he deliberately released his Aura, a powerful pressure from the Dao Soldier Realm of the Heavenly Gate, rolling towards the head seat.

The others' eyes flickered, and they all released their Divine Might in unison, pressing down on the head seat.

They thought to themselves that this young Yun Family member was arrogant. He shouldn't think he could act recklessly just because he had the Ninth Mountain backing him. They should teach him some manners. Seeing the Yun San Gongzi in a difficult situation, what would he say then? This was a good opportunity to suppress his arrogance, which would give them more leverage in negotiations later.

However, the Divine Might of the ten Heavenly Gates stirred up a whirlwind in the reception hall, pressing towards Cloud Skyborn.

In the hall, the eyes of the figures flickered, some with indignation, some with cold smiles.

At the head seat, Cloud Skyborn's expression remained unchanged, calm and composed. He pushed the teacup on the table forward.

The teacup spun out, then exploded directly three feet in front of him.

With a clang, tea splattered, and porcelain shards fell to the ground.

The whirlwind in front of him also abruptly stopped.

Below, the ten Heavenly Gates' expressions changed slightly as they stared intently at the Yun San Gongzi.

"Heavenly Gate!"

Someone exclaimed in a low voice.

And not just an ordinary Heavenly Gate.

Facing the combined pressure of ten Heavenly Gates, most of whom were in the Dao Soldier Realm, he remained unfazed and resolved the situation with a mere flick of his hand.

This young Yun Family member had actually opened the Fourth Heavenly Gate, becoming a standout among the younger generation in Jinguancheng.

At this, the expressions of the Heavenly Gate powerhouses from the various forces changed slightly.

Strength was the ultimate truth.

Before, they had treated this person as a junior, albeit one with a special status, but now that was no longer the case.

They began to take this Yun Family Third Young Master seriously, retracting their Auras and pondering how to speak.

Among the crowd, the Xia Family's Second Daughter of the main branch's beautiful eyes widened slightly, her pupils dilated. Two years ago, this Yun San Gongzi, who seemed quite unremarkable among the aristocratic family's Young Masters, had now actually Broken Through to the Heavenly Gate, forcing the masters of several forces to silently endure.

And this Yun San Gongzi, since his appearance, had not once looked at her.

Her hand, hidden in the flowing sleeve of her palace dress, clenched tightly. This Xia Family Er Niang felt a sense of imbalance in her heart.

But who cared?

At this moment, from the head seat, Cloud Skyborn saw through their thoughts clearly. His sharp eyebrows raised, and he spoke directly.

"I can probably guess the purpose of your visit, everyone."

"Actually, resolving this problem is very simple."

"I wonder if all the uncles are interested in hearing it?"

Cloud Skyborn spoke unhurriedly, his eyes shifting, his demeanor already quite like that of a general.

As one of the three most trusted leading commandants under Chen Yuan, he had followed Chen Yuan in his campaigns, and through constant exposure, he had been greatly influenced by Chen Yuan.

"Yun San Gongzi, please speak plainly. Currently, one of my Vice Sect Masters has been detained by Ninth Zhonglang, and I don't know his situation, nor how he offended that Senior."

The Sihai Sect Master rested his hands on the armrests of his chair, his fingers unnaturally kneading, his eyes glinting.

The others' gazes converged on Cloud Skyborn, their eyes shining with keen interest, waiting for him to speak.

Cloud Skyborn's eye twitched at this moment.

"My General will be stationed in Jinguancheng in the future and has no intention of disrupting the harmony among you all."

"It's very simple: as long as you obey, you will do whatever the General needs you to do."

The first half of the sentence was fine, but then the second half came out.

The ten Heavenly Gates below all turned angry, then stood up one after another.

The Murong Family Family's representative today was a middle-aged man with arched eyebrows and a scholarly demeanor, his eyebrows furrowed and his eyes sharp as swords.

"What a 'obey'!"

"This is asking us to be dogs."

"Cloud Skyborn, what is your status? You, a junior of the Yun Family, think that just because you've Broken Through to the Heavenly Gate, you can speak so arrogantly? Is your Yun Family no longer interested in establishing itself in Jinguancheng? Aren't you afraid of being scorned by all the aristocratic families?"

He continued angrily,

"Yun Fangting, and where is your father, Yun Chuxiong? This place is not for you, a junior of the Yun Family, to make decisions."

"Brother Murong Family is right. Yun San Gongzi, you cannot represent the Yun Family." The Xia Family Third Master also stood up, his eyebrows raised and his eyes wide, appearing quite angry.

However, Cloud Skyborn, facing the angry stares and surging Auras of the ten Heavenly Gates, slowly rose to his feet, took a step forward, his gaze sharp, and spoke each word distinctly.

"I think you all are mistaken!"

"My current identity is not Yun San Gongzi."

"But rather, Ninth Mountain, Leading Commandant, Cloud Skyborn!"

As these words came out, the Aura within them actually caused the ten Heavenly Gates in the hall to freeze, their eyes erupting with dark anger and frustration, wanting to react but unable to.

Just as the atmosphere became tense, suddenly, from outside the Yun Residence, the thunder of hooves could be heard from afar.

Soon, a loud shout echoed throughout the Yun Residence.

"Where is Cloud Skyborn?"

The shout reverberated throughout the Yun Residence, its echo growing louder and louder.

Inside the hall, everyone's expressions changed in surprise.

At the head seat, Cloud Skyborn, who had just begun to show his prowess, now tensed, his gaze suddenly sharp. He swayed, transforming into an afterimage, passing through the central hall, and rushing straight out of the Yun Residence.

In the hall, the others exchanged glances, then transformed into wisps of clear wind, following him.

At the same time, the Yun Family members, who had originally been hidden, hearing the commotion, swarmed out en masse.

At this moment, outside the main gate of the Yun Residence, two rows of Black Armored Soldiers, dozens of cavalry, stood grimly on both sides, led by a white-robed scholarly general.

It was none other than Recorder Gao Yu!

Figures appeared at the entrance, looking at all this with surprise.

A figure in a Flying Fish Robe stepped out from the middle, walked forward, and cupped his hands towards the Recorder.

"I am Cloud Skyborn!"

Gao Yu saw Cloud Skyborn and smiled, cupping his hands towards him, "Brother Yun, congratulations first."

Then, he took out a roll of exquisite silver embroidered scroll from his sleeve, unfurled it, and his expression quickly became serious. He said to Cloud Skyborn:

"Ninth Mountain Right Route Weiwei Leading Commandant, Cloud Skyborn, receive the decree!"

Cloud Skyborn's expression became solemn. His previous display of prowess, facing ten Heavenly Gates, now gave way to a respectful demeanor. He lifted the hem of his Flying Fish Robe, knelt on one knee, his hand clenched into a fist, propping himself on the ground, and lowered his head.

At this moment, on horseback, Gao Yu held the silver embroidered scroll, on which small silver characters emerged as he began to read aloud.

"By order of the Ninth Mountain Zhonglang General, effective today, the former Ninth Mountain Right Route Weiwei Leading Commandant, Cloud Skyborn, is hereby enfeoffed as the Ninth Mountain Right Route Divine Might Piaoji General, with a stipend of one thousand shi, a reward of five thousand taels of silver, ten chests of spiritual materials, two thousand jin of Heavenly Gate Devil flesh and blood, and bestowed a Heavenly Gate mount, a Biexie!"

As the words fell, a streak of light in the sky grew larger and larger.

Then, a terrifying and ferocious roar, chilling to the bone, rang out.

A gigantic ape with red fur and green skin materialized, twenty zhang tall, with a green face and tusks, and blood-red pupils. A fierce Dao Soldier pressure emanated from it.

Around the Yun Residence, above and below, gasps of surprise erupted.

Immediately following, the Biexie opened its gaping maw, and black wooden chests flew out, shimmering with spiritual light.

They landed on the open ground in front of the Yun Residence, opening with a series of claps.

Chests of shimmering silver, spiritual materials radiating precious light, and Heavenly Gate Devil flesh and blood exuding an exotic fragrance were thus displayed.

Immediately after, the massive Biexie flashed with a burst of fire, shooting downwards, quickly shrinking to about ten feet in size, landing on the ground, and then, near Cloud Skyborn, it lay down on all fours, indicating submission.

At this moment, having finished reading, Recorder Gao Yu raised his eyes.

"Cavalry General Yun, why do you not accept the order!"

Saying this, he folded the silver embroidered scroll in his hand and tossed it.

"This subordinate thanks the General!"

A flicker of excitement flashed in Cloud Skyborn's pupils. He quickly took it with both hands, then raised it high, and slowly stood up.

At this moment, throughout the Yun Residence and its surroundings, figures who had rushed over watched all this, their eyes reflecting various emotions.

There was amazement, ecstasy, apprehension, envy, and even jealousy.

The Ninth Mountain Zhonglang General's generosity was immense.

Not only did he bestow thousands of jin of Heavenly Gate Devil flesh and blood upon Cloud Skyborn, but he also granted him a terrifying Dao Soldier Devil as a mount.

What favor!

Among the crowd behind Cloud Skyborn, the Heavenly Gate powerhouses from various forces, who had been furious just moments ago, saw this scene, their faces changing from green to red, a hint of fear flashing in their eyes.

This fellow, it seems, is a favorite of that Senior!

Among them, the Liu Family Second Daughter's pupils finally lost their calm, and even began to flicker with unwillingness.

But this wasn't all.

The Recorder Gao Yu took out a white scroll from his sleeve. By its appearance, it seemed rougher than the decree just used to bestow upon Cloud Skyborn.

There's more?

Outsiders gasped in unison at this sight.

Gao Yu unfurled the white scroll and announced loudly:

"Where are the Yun Family Head, Yun Fangting, and Yun Chuxiong?"

Two figures immediately appeared. It was those two, their expressions serious, who walked forward and bowed deeply.

"Here!"

"Ninth Zhonglang is deeply moved by the Yun Family and its disciples' valiant efforts and contributions in supporting the Ninth Mountain on the Devil front. Therefore, he specially bestows ten chests of spiritual materials, ten pieces of Geng Gold, twenty chests of basic Medicinal Pills, and three thousand jin of Heavenly Gate Devil flesh and blood as a reward."

"Receive the order!" Gao Yu finished reading and tossed the scroll in his hand.

The Yun Family Head, Yun Fangting, immediately raised both hands to catch it, his pupils trembling, his voice shaking with excitement.

"The Yun Family is grateful for Ninth Zhonglang's great kindness!"

"We will surely follow the Senior closely in the future."

The Yun Family received two consecutive awards, and the awards received were truly astonishing!

And everyone else's eyes turned green!