Chapter 1230: Jinyang Huang

As Zhou Yuan, Yao Yao, and Tun Tun played, the various members of the Jinni clan in the area remained eerily silent, clearly overwhelmed by the scene unfolding before them.

Jin Ya, the woman who had previously intercepted Zhou Yuan, watched the scene with a pale face, her eyes filled with disbelief.

“How could this be…?” she muttered, biting her lip.

“The Little Ancestor is an Innately Sacred Beast, how could it…” She was cut off mid-sentence by the stern gaze of Great Elder Jin Jie from ahead.

Seeing this, Jin Ya bit her lip, feeling somewhat wronged.

Beside her, the blonde man named Jin Lan also watched the scene with deep-set eyes, but his composure was clearly far greater than Jin Ya’s, so he showed no emotion.

“The Little Ancestor’s mind is pure, and in its infancy, it might easily be deceived by others,” he whispered to Jin Ya. “However, when it truly grows up, the pride of an Innately Sacred Beast will likely no longer permit such a situation. At that time, these two will probably face serious consequences.”

Jin Ya nodded in agreement. Yes, it must be that these two used cunning methods to gain the Little Ancestor’s trust when it was young.

But they didn’t consider that an Innately Sacred Beast could truly be subjugated.

The thought of the two suffering a backlash in the future made Jin Ya sneer inwardly.

As they spoke in hushed tones, Second Elder Jin Jin had already stepped forward, his expression far more respectful, smiling, “I never expected Ancestor Taotie to be so close with you two. This is truly rare.”

Great Elder Jin Jie also followed, cupping his fist towards Yao Yao. “I apologize for our Jinni clan’s oversight in not recognizing such a distinguished figure. May I know your esteemed name?”

Yao Yao merely glanced at Jin Jin, but did not spare Jin Jie a single look.

“Where is your Patriarch?” she asked coolly.

Jin Jin and Jin Jie both froze. Did she believe their status wasn't high enough to speak with her directly?

Great Elder Jin Jie frowned. “Our clan’s Patriarch has been in seclusion for many years. All matters of the Jinni clan are currently handled by the two of us. If you have anything to say, you can speak directly to us.”

Although he couldn't discern Yao Yao's true depth, Jin Jie didn't sense the aura of a Saint from her. Thus, he felt her tone was rather arrogant. Their clan’s Patriarch was a venerable Saint; how could he be easily met?

“No need,” Yao Yao said, ignoring him. “He’s here.”

Jin Jie and Jin Jin were both startled.

However, before they could say anything more, they were awestruck to see the space before them gradually twist and distort. Then, a figure stepped out from within.

The figure was not tall; unlike the other burly members of the Jinni clan, he seemed somewhat short. He appeared youthful, with a fair complexion and golden hair that shone like the blazing sun.

As this person emerged, the ancestral land of the Jinni clan resonated and trembled. Amidst the shaking mountains, myriad beasts roared in unison, as if in welcome.

Jin Jie and Jin Jin stood dumbfounded.

For the golden-haired youth before them was none other than their Jinni clan’s Patriarch, Jin Yanghuang, who had been in seclusion for many years!

He had actually appeared?!

“Greetings, Patriarch!”

The next moment, the two great Elders hastily bowed.

Their actions caused the surrounding Jinni clan members to look on in astonishment. They too had not expected that today’s events would summon their Patriarch, who was usually nowhere to be seen.

Was it because of that mysterious girl?

At this moment, Jin Ya’s eyes filled with apprehension, and she no longer dared to entertain her previous thoughts. Jin Lan beside her also fell silent, his heart pounding.

By now, even the dullest person understood how terrifying this mysterious girl truly was. After all, in the past few centuries, no one had ever been able to make their reclusive Patriarch personally appear to greet them.

“Greetings, Patriarch!”

Numerous Jinni clan members bowed respectfully.

Facing the greetings of the crowd, the golden-haired youth merely waved his hand. His gaze had been fixed on Yao Yao from the start. Then, he offered a polite smile, saying, “Your presence in our Jinni clan truly brings us great honor.”

As a Saint of the all-heaven, Jin Yanghuang was also listed in the Heaven-Reverting Divine Palace, and naturally knew Yao Yao’s true identity.

However, as a Saint, he also possessed a certain demeanor. Even when facing the third sequence god of the world, he remained neither humble nor overbearing.

Yao Yao gazed at the golden-haired youth before her and nodded gently. “I must thank the Jinni clan for looking after Tun Tun for many years. It was troublesome for you.”

Jin Yanghuang shifted his gaze to Tun Tun, who was perched on Zhou Yuan’s head, and smiled. “The Ancestor Taotie lineage and our Jinni clan lineage have some ancient ties. Furthermore, Arch-Venerable Cang Yuan entrusted Tun Tun to us, so there’s no talk of trouble.”

The Jinni clan’s Patriarch regarded Tun Tun as an equal, for though Tun Tun was currently only at the Nascent Soul stage, it was destined to reach the Saint stage upon maturation, and its true power would likely surpass his own.

His initial agreement to Cang Yuan’s request also stemmed from a desire to forge a good relationship with this Innately Sacred Beast.

Jin Yanghuang’s gaze dropped, resting on Zhou Yuan’s face. “This must be young friend Zhou Yuan. Haha, in the battle of Ancient Origin Heaven, you truly won many benefits for our all-heaven.”

Facing a Saint, Zhou Yuan maintained a respectful demeanor. “That was a collective effort by all our comrades in the all-heaven; it had little to do with me personally.”

Jin Yanghuang smiled, not dwelling on the matter, but instead turned his gaze back to Yao Yao. “I understand the purpose of your visit.”

“The Dragon Spirit Grotto-Heaven is now open. This is a unique opportunity for our Myriad Beasts Heaven. Law Domain seeds are no ordinary things; obtaining this opportunity means one is halfway to reaching the Law Domain stage.”

Law Domain experts are already at the peak level in the all-heaven, second only to Saints. If a force can gain an additional Law Domain expert, it significantly enhances their overall strength.

Faced with such benefits, even great clans like the Jinni clan find it hard to relinquish them.

“Although Ancestor Taotie is participating under the Jinni clan’s name, it has also provided its Sacred Beast blood essence. Strictly speaking, it is not taking advantage of our Jinni clan, so it has the right to freely choose its partners.”

As Jin Yanghuang spoke, the surrounding Jinni clan members remained silent, save for Jin Lan, whose eyes flickered slightly as he stepped forward.

“Patriarch, it is unquestionable that the Little Ancestor has the right to choose its partners. However, this time, the Dragon Spirit Grotto-Heaven also holds opportunities that the Little Ancestor needs, and my strenuous effort to become its partner is not merely for my own benefit. What I truly desire is to help the Little Ancestor fulfill its aspirations.”

“I have also heard of Elder Zhou Yuan’s reputation; his achievements in the battle of Ancient Origin Heaven were astonishing. However, he has only recently entered the Nascent Soul stage. Entering the Dragon Spirit Grotto-Heaven with such strength is simply too risky.”

“Therefore, I believe I would be more suitable as the Little Ancestor’s partner than Elder Zhou Yuan.”

Jin Lan’s voice was calm, his face sincere. Even when facing the venerable Patriarch Jin Yanghuang, he showed no fear. Instead, his gaze was firm, seemingly filled with determination and confidence.

His demeanor drew silent praise from many Jinni clan members. Among beast-origin races, such courage is highly esteemed.

Thus, some clan members couldn't help but cast strange glances at Zhou Yuan. Although the latter was familiar with the Little Ancestor, he shouldn't use that to hinder the Little Ancestor’s prospects.

Great Elder Jin Jie quickly stepped forward. “Patriarch, Jin Lan is young and impetuous. Please do not blame him.”

However, despite his words, a hint of satisfied amusement flickered in the depths of his eyes. Jin Lan was quite shrewd; by stepping forward under pressure at this moment, he had undoubtedly placed himself on moral high ground. Conversely, Zhou Yuan now appeared to be a opportunist attempting to gain advantages through his close relationship.

Jin Yanghuang’s gaze rested on Jin Lan, and he smiled faintly. “Ah, young Jin Lan. It’s been some years; you’ve grown quite courageous. Truly worthy of being the Jinni clan’s top Nascent Soul stage cultivator.”

His words carried no hint of blame, but rather a touch of appreciation.

Jin Yanghuang turned his gaze to Yao Yao. “If Ancestor Taotie seizes the opportunity within the Dragon Spirit Grotto-Heaven, it should be able to advance a step. This is a rare chance. Should this matter be reconsidered?”

His words already leaned somewhat towards Jin Lan.

Zhou Yuan had been observing coldly. This Jinni clan Patriarch was no simple character; it was clear that he, too, desired the Dragon Spirit Grotto-Heaven’s opportunity to fall to the Jinni clan. After all, gaining a Law Domain expert would be a great boon for the Jinni clan.

Previously, he lacked sufficient justification, but now, Jin Lan’s righteous reasons provided him a foothold.

After all, their reasons were also for Tun Tun’s benefit.

His eyes flickered slightly, and he slowly spoke, “Patriarch Jin, although I haven’t been in the Nascent Soul stage for long, if time alone dictates everything, then would I have needed to fight Jiatu of the Saint race in Ancient Origin Heaven?”

Jin Yanghuang did not speak, but Jin Lan said indifferently, “That was a different time, and cannot be generalized.”

“If Elder Zhou Yuan is truly so confident…”

A sharp light flickered in his eyes, his voice paused, and he finally voiced what was in his deepest thoughts.

“Then, let’s have a try?”