Beastmaster of the Ages

Inside the council hall, the incense continued burning. The only ones Tianming recognized among the people there were the one-armed Lin Jie and the tall and fat Lin Xiong. Lin Jie appeared solemn and respectful, while Lin Xiong’s expression was gloomy and his dark eyes contained explosive rage. His hands clenched hard as he burned the incense. The silence in the council hall gave the illusion of calm, but in fact, it was close to a boiling point. Emotions like disdain and anger were hidden in their hearts. Just as those emotions were about to erupt, they glanced at the entrance. An old man sat on a wooden chair with his head tilted, looking out at the endless sea of people in front of him. It looked like he had fallen asleep. The color of his skin resembled a withered tree and seemed as if it would melt into the loess at any moment. From where he was sitting, he could see everything in the council hall battlefield.

Exiting the hall, Lin Xiong walked up to the old man and stood beside him. When he looked down, he found that the old man seemed to have trouble keeping his eyes open. His eyes trembled, blurry and misty.

"The times… have changed." The old man sounded hoarse.

"Yes, the children have forgotten our enmity and have their opinions and ideas. Brother Hu lost to the changing of the times," Lin Xiong said.

"Lost…."

"I hope that he’ll still have his dignity today," Lin Xiong said.

Eighty percent of the second branch had agreed to hold the succession override. That in itself was humiliating.

Behind them, Lin Jie and a few others looked at the two, their lips curling in a cold sneer.

......

As soon as the family of six emerged from the mini ship, all of the Lin Clan disciples immediately made way, forming a path to the battlefield. At the sight of them, the battlefield that was buzzing with excitement and filled with spirited discussions fell into dead silence in an instant. On each side of the path, men, women, and children stood together, attentively staring at the family. Most of them were members of the second branch. They were allowed to witness the fight in person because it involved their branch. Aside from the important figures, those from the other branches could only watch from home through a projection of the battlefield. In fact, that would give them an even better view of the fight. Even those stationed in the Myriadsword Emporiums, including disciples and those separated from the clan, could watch the fight through the formation.

The second branch members were the only ones allowed to witness the end of the primary line that had lasted for tens of millions of years first hand. Countless deceased ancestors, including the Grandvoid Swordfiend, Lin Mo, had all served as second branch masters; they were all direct ancestors. And that would stop at Lin Xiao.

Members of the second branch felt a mix of emotions toward Lin Xiao. The middle-aged generation had all witnessed his glory days, so they couldn’t bring themselves to insult him or laugh in his face. However, their silent, sympathetic gazes were equally heartbreaking. Fortunately, the old man was already mentally prepared. At first, he hadn’t wanted to participate in the succession override because he wanted to avoid the eyes of all the members of his branch. But as long as he and his family showed up, it would mean that they weren’t going to forfeit. Regardless of the outcome, there would be a fight today!

Judging by the look in their eyes, it was clear many seniors had hoped that Lin Xiao wouldn\'t show up. He wouldn’t be humiliated, as long as he didn’t appear on the battlefield or in public ever again. It would be considered as retaining his last shred of dignity. But it would be hard to say if he came. It was already too late and, in fact, the worst was yet to come.

Eventually, some people couldn’t help but sigh, looking at the family with mixed feelings. That sigh of disappointment was the sharpest sword. It could pierce the heart deeper than any mockery.

"Grandpa." Tianming held his arm and smiled. "Don\'t worry. With my many years of experience in showing off, this is all just a foreshadowing of the slap in the face that’s about to come. Every disappointed sigh will turn into a gasp of surprise.”

Lin Xiao\'s face twitched a little at first, then he couldn\'t help but laugh out loud.

"You stupid old man, are you even half as composed as your grandson?" Dongshen Yue swore as she strutted through the crowd, her back straighter than ever amidst the countless sighs. If she had ever really cared about what others thought, she would have left Lin Xiao long ago.

"It’s because Grandpa really loves his family, relatives, and the second branch. Why else would he be so sad?" Tianming said.

Today, Lin Xiao may have disappointed them, but the second branch had also disappointed Tianming, which fueled his rebellious mind. Although he could still laugh, the fire in his heart was already brightly burning. Walking through the path filled with disappointed sighs, the family of six finally arrived at the council hall battlefield. In fact, it was just an ordinary section of the Infinitum Swordsea, but because it was sandwiched between the Myriadsword Mausoleum and the council hall, it was endowed with a solemn and dignified atmosphere.

"We’re here."

Lin Wuyi and Lin Xiaoyun were the hosts of the succession override. They stood just a short distance away, smiling.

"It’s been hard on you two," Lin Wuyi softly laughed. However, no one paid any attention to her.

On the battlefield, Tianming and his family waited for their opponents to arrive, while the spectators waited with bated breath. Lin Bao, his son Lin Huan, and Lin Xiaogui were hidden among the spectators, silently watching the scene playing out before them. As the head of the family, Lin Xiao stood in front. His black robe fluttered in the strong winds above the Infinitum Swordsea, his body so thin that it seemed like he would be blown away at any moment. Who wouldn\'t sigh at the sight of his frail body and family? Perhaps he was a hero past his prime. Any Tom, Dick, or Harry could come up and take a bite or sigh at him in disappointment. And all of it stoked the fire in Tianming’s heart.

"As the challengers, Lin Bei’s line should’ve arrived first," someone pointed out.

"It isn’t their fault that Lin Lao’er’s family of six arrived early."

"A family of six.... What an irony. There’s 1,683 people listed under Lin Bei\'s lineage in the clan registry."

Just as the spectators began discussing amongst themselves once more, the other central characters of the succession override appeared. The members of the second branch vacated an even larger path for them. From a distance, a team of more than a thousand people approached on their swords. Majestic and mighty, they formed a sword formation. From the look in their eyes, it was clear that they were confident and took pride in their thriving family and flourishing numbers. No one would sigh at them; instead, the look in the spectators’ eyes added to their glory.

It really is time for new leadership. Those were the words hidden deep in the hearts of many people.

The large family headed by Lin Bei, Lin Lang, and Lin Weijian entered the battlefield in an orderly manner. Despite their great numbers, they weren’t overbearing and only appeared even more respectable.

"Second Patriarch!"

Under everyone’s watchful gaze, Lin Bei led more than a thousand people toward Lin Xiao.

"Kneel!"

Just as the spectators thought he was going to provoke Lin Xiao, Lin Bei and his entire line solemnly fell to their knees before Lin Xiao. They knelt in an organized manner, then everyone—including Lin Bei—kowtowed toward Lin Xiao.

"Greetings, Branch Master."

Of course, they were on the surface of the sea, so they didn\'t actually touch the ground with their foreheads; adopting the pose would be enough. Such a scene shocked and puzzled the spectators. All eyes were on Lin Bei.

Lin Bei, who was dressed in gray, kowtowed three times, keeping his head lowered as he loudly said, "Second Patriarch, please forgive us! The succession override doesn’t mean that we’re denying your achievements in any way. You and your direct ancestors have led the second branch through all these years and your contributions are immense. Second Patriarch, you dedicated your entire life to doing your utmost for the branch. Your efforts and dedication have moved all of us. For that, we’re extremely grateful and will never forget what you have done for us!"

At that point, he looked up at Lin Xiao with a sad expression. "However, the second branch is in a precarious situation, and we have all felt nothing but helpless. My family and I have been entrusted with a heavy responsibility by the council hall, five branches, and more than sixty million people from the second branch. Although the succession override has brought you shame, the trust of all these people, as well as the burden of responsibility placed upon us, is too heavy. As part of the second branch, we, too, are responsible for the rise and fall of our branch. We must conform to the will of the people. Please show my family, the second branch, and the Swordgod Lin Clan your understanding in this succession override. I believe that the second branch will remember your achievements and your love for us forever. My family will continue showing you the greatest respect. If we’re fortunate enough to be successful, we’ll carry your hopes forward and, with you as our goal, restore the second branch to its full glory!" Lin Bei spoke with passion, almost sounding tearful.

The disciples were moved after hearing his words and watching his family line kneel before the second patriarch. It was their character, spirit, and bearing that moved them. Those from the second branch turned and looked at one another, too excited to speak.

"Lin Bei, you\'ve got so much heart."

"He’s shown Lin Lao’er such respect."

"They’ve already knelt, what else can they do?"

"There’s still hope for the second branch with them around."

Tianming had expected to hear blather like that. He had to admit that his opponent’s methods were all too clever. What was the point of their kowtowing and devotion to righteousness? Of course it was to occupy the moral high ground, whitewash their schemes of usurping that position, appear humble, and win over the hearts of the people.

Lin Bei had already succeeded the moment the masses had been moved by his actions. At this time, Lin Xiao would appear despicable even if he accepted the challenge.

"Second Patriarch, please forgive us!" Lin Bei kowtowed once more.

"Second Patriarch, please forgive us!" Lin Bei’s entire line kowtowed in unison.

It was a magnificent sight. Influenced by the scene, the other members of the second branch began tearing up. At this moment, a discordant voice sounded.

"Kneeling disciples, have you finished kowtowing? If you’re done, then let’s get to it. I\'m in a hurry, you know."

It was so abrupt. These great heroes were furious. When they turned to look for the person speaking, they realized it was Tianming.

"I\'m going to count to three. After that, those that’re still kneeling can call me granddaddy." Tianming smiled. With his words, he took on all the pressure on Lin Xiao’s shoulders and would bear it on behalf of his grandfather. In an instant, a string of profanities were hurled at him. However, he didn\'t respond at all.

The succession override would begin with the least important event, which was the youth-level battle.

"Grandpa, Grandma, stand back."

Tianming replaced Lin Bei as the main character on the battlefield. With a wave of his hand, his wives appeared beside him. Then, pointing at Lin Bei and his entire line, who had just risen to their feet, he said, "Don’t just put on an act. Send out your strongest ten people and the rest of you can fuck off."