85: You must give me back the Holy Father.

“No, Second Uncle’s decision is very correct; your nephew has nothing to say,” Chu Tian said calmly.

Chu Tian actually had many emotions about this Second Uncle, who enjoyed tending to flowers and plants and delving into unorthodox paths. This was because, in the original plot, after Chu Tian King was imprisoned, it was this Second Uncle who almost single-handedly propped up the Chu Family.

Chu Tianxing was a master strategist with extraordinary means, managing to delay the inevitable collapse of the Chu Family, which should have sunk immediately, for some time, showcasing his extremely high capabilities.

Unfortunately, by then, the Ye Family had gained an absolute upper hand, and suppressing the Chu Family had become a Sect consensus. The Chu Family was already reviled by both the Sect and the entire Continent, and it was no longer something that could be reversed by a single person's effort.

The news of Jian Kongzhu's death returned!

Chu Tian King died in prison!

After being stripped of the Deputy Sect Leader position, Chu Tianyun’s Hall Master of the Law Enforcement Hall position was also revoked. Although the Divine Medicine Hall and Divine Weapon Hall had immense resource benefits, they were not combat-oriented halls. Chu Tianxing was thoroughly stripped of all hope of turning the tables.

The Chu Family collapsed with a crash, all in a single night.

At the last moment, Chu Tianxing, this refined middle-aged man, burst forth with combat power akin to a Half-Step Emperor Venerable. Contrary to his usual demeanor, he led the Chu Family’s remaining few strong cultivators in a tenacious, desperate fight. Facing the encirclement of strong cultivators from across the Sect, the War Affairs Hall dispatched a hundred thousand strong cultivators, setting up an inescapable net. The Sect high-level had already promised that he could rebuild the Chu Family within the Saint Heaven Sect territory, but it would no longer be a founding great Family or a top-tier Family. Yet, Chu Tianxing still chose to fight to the death, preserving the last shred of dignity for the Chu Family.

In the end, he swore to never surrender, taking Holy Emperor Peak and the remaining direct descendants of the Chu Family to forever sink into the depths of the Hengtian Continent, choosing to end his own life rather than become a captive and cooperate with them in admitting the Chu Family’s sins.

After all, at that time, many people did not approve of a founding Family, which had contributed greatly to the Sect, suddenly being annihilated, even if the Chu Family was already universally reviled.

Ye Tianxiong and the Sect high-level also needed to set up a facade to tell everyone in the Sect that they were not taking advantage to wipe them out, but merely acting according to Sect regulations. However, Chu Tianxing swore to never surrender.

Chu Tian felt that Chu Tianxing possessed ability, had a strong overall perspective, and could distinguish between priorities. It was just a pity that this Second Uncle's Cultivation talent was ultimately a bit lacking; he never managed to Breakthrough to Emperor Venerable before his death. In this world where strong cultivators are revered, his influence was too diminished. Otherwise, he might not have been unable to take over the Chu Family and change its Heaven-Defying fate.

Therefore, he not only did not object to Chu Tian King handing over Family power to his Second Uncle, Chu Tianxing, but rather supported it with both hands. He would not think that Chu Tianxing was unsuitable just because he liked tending to flowers and plants and dabbling in unorthodox paths.

Chu Tian King fulfilling his responsibility as the stabilizing force, Second Uncle Chu Tianxing strategizing from the center, and Chu Tianyun being aggressive and straightforward—this was what Chu Tian believed to be the most reasonable configuration for the Chu Family.

Originally, Chu Tian King holding everything in his hands was extremely unhealthy. His emotional personality was not suited for handling these complex, interpersonal matters, and he was even less capable of decisive action. Chu Tianyun's aggressive approach made the Family's deterrent power almost zero, even allowing the Liu Family to secretly investigate the Chu Family's flaws and collect incriminating Materials.

Chu Tian King’s overall control had even restricted the strengths and advantages of Chu Tianxing and Chu Tianyun, failing to make the best use of their talents.

Chu Tianxing, now acting as the interim Family Head, has done very well in this regard.

“Father entrusting the Family’s power to you, Second Uncle, making you the acting Family Head and acting Deputy Sect Leader, is one of the few correct decisions he has made since taking office,” Chu Tian said to Chu Tianxing with a slight smile. “What Second Uncle just said further proves my judgment.”

“The Chu Family indeed needs to change its original approach going forward. Unjustified concessions and sacrificing Family interests are absolutely unacceptable; they will eventually push our Family to a dead end.”

“However, being consistently aggressive and inflexible is also not the way of a great Family in dealing with the world.”

“Third Uncle has a strong personality, so let Third Uncle be aggressive and forceful at tonight’s Elder Council, making the Ye Family bleed. Second Uncle, you control the overall situation from behind the scenes, and at the same time, you can send a softer signal to the outside world for the Family, showing that you are not someone who cannot be reasoned with or negotiated with.”

“The Yin and Yang complementing each other, and cultivating both kingly and overbearing Daos, is the best strategy and the long-term path to survival.”

Chu Tianxing was slightly stunned, then laughed heartily and shook his head, saying, “You little fellow, how can you speak and act like an old man who has experienced all sorts of struggles, seen through current affairs, and discerned the Origin of human nature?

Damn it, your Third Uncle was right; Big Brother really did have a good son, truly enviable.

Why didn't some Saintess go blind and fall for me, your Third Uncle? They all dislike me for not doing proper work and delving into unorthodox paths. Otherwise, I’d also have a good son.”

Chu Tianxing joked and complained for a few moments before continuing, “Little Tian, your insight is very accurate. Tonight’s Elder Council is very important, but the outcome is already predetermined. Whether I, your Second Uncle, go or not, it’s the same. Hiding behind the scenes is the best strategy.

The Ye Family is destined to bleed heavily, and the Sect’s future course of action will definitely change drastically; it’s impossible for Ye Tianxiong to remain supreme.

In such a short time, so many major incidents have occurred, with such negative impact, and without Big Brother’s support, for Ye Tianxiong to still sit in the Sect Master position, he must be relying on the powerful influence accumulated by the Ye Family over millions of years.

With the full support of our Chu Family, the position of Internal Affairs Hall Master will undoubtedly go to Duanmu Lei.

The position of War Affairs Hall Master should be chosen from among the Half-Step Emperor Venerable of the Su Family and Gu Family. Su Busheng and Gu Wudao have the greatest chance; it just depends on who can gain the support of our Chu Family. As long as they receive our Family’s support, it’s equivalent to simultaneously receiving the Duanmu Family’s support.”

Chu Tian calmly said, “Second Uncle, the positions of Hall Master for these two halls can be given to them, but the Deputy Hall Master and various important mid-level positions below, especially the five elite thousand-man battle guards of the War Affairs Hall and the military commanders of the reserve army, must all be ours.”

“Our Family’s hand can now reach into the Internal Affairs Hall and the War Affairs Hall.”

A flicker of surprise passed through Chu Tianxing’s eyes, and he exclaimed, “Little Tian, if I hadn’t watched you grow up with my own eyes, I, your Second Uncle, would really suspect if you are some ancient old monster who has experienced countless struggles and Reincarnated.”

“At such a young age, you understand these things so thoroughly.”

“Don’t worry, your Third Uncle understands these things. If I, your Second Uncle, am not mistaken, your Third Uncle should now be discussing the upcoming cleanup of the Internal Affairs Hall with that Duanmu Rong fellow. The old fellows from the Gu Family and Su Family have probably also prepared precious tea and are about to invite your Third Uncle to sit and discuss the Dao, to reminisce, and then conveniently exchange and allocate the important positions within the two great halls.”

“My personality, Second Uncle, is not suited for these things. Let your Third Uncle handle the busy work, and then just make the Ye Family bleed at the Elder Council tonight.”

Chu Tian’s expression was calm, and the corner of his mouth curved slightly as he said, “Your nephew, however, hopes the Ye Family goes mad and stubbornly refuses.”

Upon hearing this, Chu Tianxing pondered very seriously, then shook his head, believing it to be impossible, unless Ye Tianxiong had truly gone mad.

“Second Uncle, Little Brother, what are you talking about? Why don’t I understand a single word?” Chu Yunshang pouted, saying, “It sounds like a heavenly book, all hazy and confusing, what’s mad or not mad…”

Chu Tian and Chu Tianxing exchanged glances, both speechless, then burst out laughing.

“Little Tian, regarding the great dao pearl, the Family has decided, according to your suggestion, that the Family will provide resources to build a top-tier Secret Realm with the great dao pearl as its core.”

As soon as they returned to Holy Emperor Peak, Chu Tianxing said in a deep voice, “The great dao pearl is a supreme treasure you obtained, so the Family has decided that this Secret Realm will be built centered around your room, and you will decide who can enter it to comprehend the Dao Rime in the future.”

“The Family has unanimously agreed to this. This time, I, your Second Uncle, came back with you to personally build this top-tier Secret Realm for you.”

“You are a Prodigy that appears once every hundreds of thousands of years in our Chu Family. Such top-tier resources should all be tilted towards you, not to mention that the great dao pearl was originally obtained by you.”

Chu Tianxing smiled, “The unorthodox paths I, your Second Uncle, have studied can finally be put to use.”

Chu Tian’s expression was calm; he did not object. This should indeed be the style of a top-tier great Family with a Legacy of millions of years: unity, not encroaching upon or suppressing the interests of the younger generation, and fully supporting outstanding young talents.

Without these, it would be impossible for a founding great Family to have a continuous Legacy for millions of years.

At this moment, the three had just arrived at the peak.

In the distance, under the ancient tree of the Main Hall, Grandpa Tuo leaned against the tree trunk, grinning at them, his large yellow teeth, which were very noticeable due to the gaps, extremely eye-catching.

If not for seeing it with their own eyes, no one would have imagined that it was this hunched old man who had just unleashed the power of an Emperor Venerable, shaking the entire Sect and playing a huge role in the Chu Family’s great victory this time.

“Grandpa Tuo.” Chu Yunshang threw herself into Grandpa Tuo’s arms, giving him two loud kisses on both cheeks, her smile radiant: “Thank you, Grandpa, for standing up for Cloud Garment.”

“Old Tuo.”

Chu Tianxing also stepped forward to respectfully greet him.

Grandpa Tuo’s seniority was too high; it could be said that he watched Chu Tian King and his brothers grow up. Everyone in the Chu Family held this old man, who had guarded the Holy Emperor Peak Main Hall all his life, in great respect.

“This old servant greets Second Master, acting Family Head.” Grandpa Tuo rose, respectfully bowing to Chu Tianxing and Chu Tian, still without the slightest impropriety. “Greetings, Young Master.”

At this moment, a stunningly beautiful, ice-cold woman walked out from the Main Hall and came under the tree. Hui Mei obediently followed behind her, winking at Chu Tian, seemingly hinting at something.

“Chu Tian, I come on behalf of the Cihang Holy Sect’s Saint Master.”

Holy Maiden Hui Lian was like an ice sculpture, radiating coldness around her. There was no emotion on her exquisitely beautiful face, sculpted as if by a divine axe. “Since the Heavenly Dao Eye has recognized you as its master, our Saint Sect can bestow it upon you, but the ancestor’s emperor corpse and the great dao pearl, you must return to our Saint Sect.

Whatever conditions you have, or how you wish to exchange, feel free to propose them.”