Chapter 21:
"Alright, let’s start with them then. Tell me." Lin Fan replied as he ate slowly, then thought to himself, I think I already know the greatest threats from the novel, but there’s no harm in confirming.
"The most threatening forces to us are already well-known—the imperial family and four of the seven great clans," Yu Kuan began explaining patiently before going into detail. "First and strongest among them, the Thunder Body Clan. They specialize in body refinement, making their members vastly superior to others at the same cultivation level. They have more than ten individuals at the Soul Transformation Realm, making them the second greatest threat to our clan’s ambition of ruling this empire!"
Our clan is planning a coup? But our strength is still far from the imperial family. Even among the seven great clans, we’re only ranked third, Yu Ming thought in shock and confusion, his hands pausing slightly as he massaged Lin Fan’s feet.
"Yu Ming, why did your hands stop? Huh?!" Lin Fan lifted his right foot and lightly pushed Yu Ming’s face with it, urging him to continue the massage.
"A-ah... Apologies, young master. I’ll continue now." Yu Ming stammered, his voice trembling as he apologized, waiting for Lin Fan to lower his foot before resuming the massage, a slight tremor in his fingers.
Looks like he was shocked because he thought we were talking about the Yu Clan. He doesn’t realize we’re actually talking about my Lin Clan. If he did, he’d be even more stunned. Lin Fan couldn’t help but smile at the thought, his appreciation for Yu Kuan growing as he saw how well he conveyed the idea without letting his son realize their true plans.
"Alright, continue, Yu Kuan." Lin Fan signaled Yu Kuan to resume his explanation while picking up a plate of delicious seafood.
Damn! He never forgets to enjoy humiliating others even while gathering the information he wants, Yu Kuan thought with exhaustion about the master he had acquired as he continued his explanation.
"Ahem. Second, the Emerald Sword Clan. They specialize in sword arts and have seven individuals at the Soul Transformation Realm."
If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.
"Third, the Heavenly Lust Clan. They specialize in seduction techniques and dual cultivation, with five individuals at the Soul Transformation Realm."
I must visit that clan. I remember their young prodigy from the novel—she was devilishly beautiful and explosively alluring, not to mention incredibly talented. She would be the most suitable official partner for me in this empire. Lin Fan licked his lips as he thought. Expanding his clan couldn't rely solely on subordinates; heirs were necessary too.
"Fourth and finally, the Frozen Blade Clan. They specialize in blade techniques. They weren’t much of a threat before, as they only had three individuals at the Soul Transformation Realm, making them the weakest of the seven great clans. However, their young master of this generation is ranked second among the Nine Prodigies, making them a potential future threat to our clan. But there’s no need to worry about them. Now, we have two prodigies in our clan, not just one," Yu Kuan concluded with a smile. Only the imperial family had two prodigies in their ranks, and soon their clan would be the same.
Lin Fan placed his hand on his chin, processing Yu Kuan’s words before asking, "Hmm, I see. Among the seven great clans, what is the exact rank and strength of the Yu Clan? And you still haven’t told me anything about the imperial family."
After questioning Yu Kuan, Lin Fan put down his plate, turned over, and lay on his chest, signaling Yu Ming to start massaging his back.
Damn! This bastard never gets tired! Yu Ming thought in frustration as he obediently started massaging Lin Fan’s back, carefully hiding any signs of annoyance or disgust.
"Our Yu Clan is ranked third in strength among the great clans, as we also have five individuals at the Soul Transformation Realm—the clan leader and the four ancestors. However, we surpass the Heavenly Lust Clan in the number of elders. But now, or rather, in the near future, with your addition to our clan, we could rise to second place, surpassing the Emerald Sword Clan!" Yu Kuan replied, no longer paying attention to what his son was doing.
Then, with a grave expression and a voice tinged with fear, he continued, "As for the imperial family, their power is vast and unfathomable. No one knows its exact extent. Their publicly known forces alone include more than twenty individuals at the Soul Transformation Realm, not to mention their hidden forces. The imperial family hasn’t acted with its full strength in 700 years—not since they crushed the rebellion of the Seven Allied Clans and asserted their dominance. Since then, no one knows the true depth of their power!"
Lin Fan paused for a moment, closing his eyes as he enjoyed the back massage, analyzing the information with deep contemplation. 'Twenty individuals at the Soul Transformation Realm, and that’s just what’s known? Not to mention the hidden forces that no one has seen for centuries... The novel never delved into the detailed strength of these clans because it focused on the original Lin Fan’s growth and used this empire as merely a starting point. But I... will rule it!'
Lin Fan clenched his fist lightly as he grasped the vast gap separating him from his first goal. Even with all the strength and future knowledge he had now, he was still just an ant before an entity like the imperial family.
'Even if I become the strongest prodigy of this generation, that means nothing in front of those ancient monsters. My strength allows me to dominate some weaker first- to third-rank clans, but it’s still far from enough to let me even dream of ruling a small empire like this!'
Lin Fan opened his eyes, the red glow within them turning colder. His expression showed no frustration—only determination and absolute confidence in himself. 'I still have three years before the Great Empires’ War begins. I’m not going anywhere until I establish my absolute dominance over this pathetic empire!'
A faint smile formed on Lin Fan’s lips before he spoke in a calm tone, "Alright, now tell me about the imperial family members. Who are the heirs?"