21: threaten!

Finally, Su Ming casually added a sentence.

“The future is promising.”

This action left everyone confused, as they didn't understand what he meant at all.

Lin Tao, however, read the underlying meaning.

The future is promising—but what if there is no future? Lin Tao offered a lukewarm pleasantry, a faint cold light flashing in his eyes,

“It was merely luck in the Lower Three Star Domain.”

“Su Family Head, you should just speak plainly.”

Su Ming nodded, agreeing deeply.

The show of force had achieved its desired effect.

“Then I will get straight to the point.”

“With an extra Family suddenly appearing in the Mengpo Star Domain, the resources must naturally be divided.”

“Although we already know that the Lin Family was appointed by the Zhuge Family.”

“But the rules...”

“Must be properly discussed.”

Second Elder Lin Dong frowned, “What rules? We have never heard of them.”

Su Ming nodded.

“Since this is your first time entering a Sixth-Rank Star Domain, it's normal that you haven't heard of them.”

“Within the Mengpo Star Domain, there are eight locations containing Spirit Stone mines and Spiritual Plant gardens. The Su Family takes half, and the other two Families take the other half.”

“Our three major Families have managed these Cultivation resources for a long time.”

“The effort and manpower invested are countless.”

“It would likely be improper for you to take a share the moment you arrive.”

As his voice fell.

The members of the Lin Family all frowned.

They had finally gotten to the main topic.

But Spirit Stone mines and such are naturally formed; unless they are mined completely at once,

they will naturally regenerate when the time comes.

Talking about investing manpower and resources was utter rubbish—just an excuse.

According to the rules of the Longevity Family,

resources should be equally distributed among the Families in the Star Domain.

Lin Tao patiently said, “That makes sense. We have just arrived here, and it is indeed improper to take things for free.”

He had just finished speaking when Eighth Elder couldn't help but interject.

“Big Brother!”

Lin Tao glared at him, then slowly continued.

“How about this?”

“For three years, we won't take a single share of the Spiritual Plants or Spirit Mines.”

“Furthermore, we will send people to manage them.”

“What do you say?”

Brother Tao offered three years of profit, hoping to conclude the matter there.

Su Ming smiled and nodded, “Lin Family Head is indeed sensible.”

Lin Tao waved his hand, “Mhm... it's what we should do...”

Suddenly,

Su Ming changed the subject.

“However, in my opinion, this matter is still improper.”

Lin Tao frowned, looking at the gentle middle-aged man before him.

“This is still improper?”

Su Ming held up one finger.

“A millennium.”

“For one thousand years, the Lin Family will not share in the profits.”

“After a millennium, the Lin Family will be the fourth great Family of the Mengpo Star Domain!”

—*Boom.*

As his voice fell.

The Elders could no longer sit still and rose from their chairs.

How precious were the resources of a Sixth-Rank Star Domain?

The Heaven And Earth Treasure and Spirit Stone produced annually were already astronomical figures.

Big Brother giving up three years of profit was already the limit.

Now, the entire Lin Family, including the Elders, needed to Breakthrough to the Martial Immortal Realm.

Youer was currently in his golden period of Cultivation.

If he didn't have resource support, he would fall behind the other Prodigies in less than ten years.

“Nonsense!”

“Are the rules of your Su Family greater than those of a Longevity Family?”

“Three years is the limit. A millennium? By then, my Lin Family will probably be worse than the lowest rank!”

Everyone was filled with righteous indignation.

Some even directly pulled out the Zhuge Family token.

“This is the decree of the Longevity Family.”

“The Zhuge Family sent us here. Do you dare to secretly obstruct us?”

Lin Tao waved his hand.

Signaling everyone to calm down.

Yet, the anger in his own eyes was hard to suppress.

“Su Family Head.”

“A millennium is perhaps a bit too long.”

Su Ming smiled and shook his head, then pointed to the members of the other two Families behind him.

“I am not targeting you specifically.”

“Anyone who comes here will Face the same situation.”

“If you don't believe me, ask them if they follow the rules of my Su Family.”

Standing behind Su Ming, the Family Heads of the Wei Family and Zhuo Family, who looked like servants, sneered.

“A millennium is already giving you Face!”

“Longevity Family?”

“Do you really think the Zhuge Family is so idle that they would bother with your affairs?”

“You want a decree? Our two Families have them too. Why don't you take them back and worship them?”

Instantly,

the atmosphere in the hall became extremely tense.

Everyone knew.

That statement was completely true.

The Longevity Family only cared about your promotion; whether you could handle the subsequent issues,

had nothing to do with them.

The weak are prey to the strong; that's just how it is!

Lin Tao clenched his fists tightly and took a deep breath.

Currently, the other three Families.

Probably had more than one or two Martial Immortals within their clans.

There was a world of difference between Star Domain and Star Domain.

There was a massive gulf.

Not to mention the existence above the Martial Immortal, which was far beyond what the current Lin Family could handle.

This was why Family promotion was so difficult.

Before you could recuperate and catch up,

you would be devoured by the opposition!

The difference between the Lower Three and the Middle Three seemed to be only one rank.

But it was greater than the difference between a Seventh-Rank Family and a Ninth-Grade Family!

Between the Seventh-Rank and Ninth-Grade, the most powerful expert was only in the Profound Martial Arts Realm.

With the Longevity Family suppressing them, no one could Breakthrough to the Martial Immortal.

But between the Seventh-Rank and the Sixth-Rank,

there was a massive chasm!

The Longevity Family's restriction on the Middle Three.

Was only that they were not allowed to Breakthrough to the Longevity Realm!

Lin Tao knew this clearly, but giving up resources for a millennium out of thin air.

Was simply unacceptable for the entire Lin Family.

Moreover, Youer was currently at the stage where he desperately needed Cultivation resources!

“What if we don't agree?”

“Does the Su Family dare to forcibly eliminate the Lin Family?”

Su Ming smiled, his expression slightly chilling. He picked up his teacup and drank it all in one gulp.

“Fellow Daoist, what are you saying?”

“How could my Su Family act like that?”

“It’s just that...”

“If masked bandits, or people from other Star Domains, decide to attack one day.”

“I cannot guarantee your safety.”

Masked bandits... utter rubbish!

They were just changing their identity to attack, so that nothing could be pinned on them openly.

“A filthy bug that crawled up from a Ninth-Grade Star Domain.”

“An ant without even the Martial Immortal Realm who dares to bargain instead of being grateful for making it this far!?”

“And you dare to bargain!?”

The Wei Family Head sneered repeatedly.

The uncles of the Lin Family couldn't help but clench their fists, wishing they could fight the opponents to the death.

Lin You watched this, feeling very bitter inside.

But he understood Brother Tao's unwillingness.

Circumstances dictate action... there was truly no choice!

If they didn't agree today, they might be annihilated one day!

[Ding!]

[Mission Issued: Secure Lin Family's Foothold!]

[Mission Requirement: All members Breakthrough to the Martial Immortal Realm!]

[Mission Reward: Critical Hit Wheel x2]

[Critical Hit Duration: 3 days!]

[Mission Reward: Grotto-Heaven Blessed Land x1]

[Grotto-Heaven Blessed Land: Massive Spiritual Qi, time flow rate can be adjusted]

[Note: Host cannot enter!]

The moment he heard the System prompt.

Lin You immediately looked up. He stepped forward and pressed down on Brother Tao's clenched fist.

As long as everyone Breakthrough to the Martial Immortal Realm and obtained the Grotto-Heaven Blessed Land, who cared about mere Cultivation resources!

“Good.”

“A millennium it is.”

“My Lin Family agrees.”

As the words fell.

The Lin Family members were greatly shocked.

“Nonsense!”

“Youer, come back quickly! You don't need to get involved in this!”

“Exactly! We old guys will find a way to deal with the Cultivation resources for you!”

“You are only eighteen years old, you cannot be delayed!”

Lin Tao also looked up, a hint of relief flashing in his eyes, but he stubbornly shook his head.

He merely thought Lin You had seen the Lin Family's helplessness.

“Silly boy.”

“The Lin Family doesn't need you to sacrifice yourself yet!”

“I will resolve this.”

Lin You spread his hands, feeling rather helpless.

“Brother Tao.”

“That’s a meaningless thing to say.”

“We must be practical. It’s only a millennium; it’s normal to live for several thousand or tens of thousands of years if we truly survive.”

“I am also a member of the Lin Family. I have made the decision!”

Su Ming looked at Lin You with some surprise.

“You are quite sensible.”

“Young man, I am very optimistic about your future.”

“Good, a millennium it is!”