The Ying Clan's grounds weren't impressive. At least, to Yan Zaizen who grew up in the Yan Clan, the grounds were slightly worse than the Yan Clan's. It was vast and filled with people, businesses, houses, and pathways. The center was a magnificent structure that's likely the main palace of the clan. That had to be the most impressive aspect of the entire grounds.
Noticing his lackluster reaction towards this location, Ying Sumian couldn't help but chuckle. "It may seem ordinary in comparison to other forces, but if you look close, you may change your mind." Her words were cryptic, but Yan Zaizen listened. His spiritual sense expanded.
"What?!" He was startled. Inside the pathways, buildings and houses were incredibly discreet formations. They each seemed to have miraculous functions such as gathering loose essence in the air, condensing it together and releasing it outwards. This made the entire atmosphere near those areas to have a thick quality of essence. With that, one would feel more comfortable, and their cultivation would progress far smoother than normal.
There were other things as well, such as defensive formations that spanned the entire building. Unless someone was at about the mid-Essence Formation Realm, damaging any building, regardless of how small, would be incredibly difficult. This level could be considered an elder to third-tier forces and elites warriors of second-tier forces. Even the Yan Clan didn't have exquisite formations covering their buildings or roads.
Ying Sumian revealed a pleased expression, "Indeed. The Ying Clan specializes in developing formation masters. The majority of our standings is based deeply into this, and we're not mediocre."
Incredible!
The Yan Clan didn't have any particular focus, and even amongst second-tier forces, they weren't exactly the highest but were strong enough to maintain their position for nearly a thousand years. Jack of all trades, master of none. Those words earned stability.
They entered the grounds without a single person halting them. In fact, the people below looked at the skyship with hints of reverence and awe. It seemed this skyship was recognizable. Could it be that Ying Sumian had a lofty status within her clan? If so, wonderful! This would be considerably easier.
As they approached the gates, a group of people was standing outside of it. All of which were males. There was an auburn-haired, handsome youth about 17-18 years old that stood there with a hint of arrogance and superiority. Behind him were two old men with robust bodies and grey hair, but their bodies revealed a strong aura of vital energy.
Next to them was an elegant middle-aged man dressed in a silver robe with a few formations deeply etched within that gave him a serene feeling. His ebony hair had some greys on the side, indicating his age, and he had a slight smile as if the cruelty of the world cannot hinder his peaceful thoughts. Behind him were two young men that had a fair amount of resemblance to the middle-aged man. One had an indifferent expression, while the other had a glint of violence and dislike directed towards the arrogant youth.
However, the youth didn't seem to mind, as if it was beneath him to care.
Yan Zaizen was a little surprised. With his spiritual sense, he could tell that the three older men were all in the Qi Unification Realm while the three youths were in the Essence Formation. Their auras may be repressed, but they were exceptionally stable.
Ying Sumian landed the skyship just a few hundred meters away from them. She looked towards Yan Zaizen, but she had a slight hint of guilt in her eyes. Yan Zaizen's keen senses noticed this. What was this girl planning?
"Lord Zai, please." She motioned with her hand for him to exit. He simply nodded and walked out. When he did, he could feel the penetrating gazes of the six men. It wasn't uncomfortable, but it did feel invasive. Regardless, since he was here to help — if that was the case — he didn't mind them having doubts and only lightly frowned.
Ying Sumian walked in front of him, escorting him towards the palace gates where the six stood. When they approached, the youth with an aggressive air spoke first. "Cousin Su, do you have an explanation for your actions?" No one said anything to his words, as if they were all wondering the same thing.
"I apologize." Her voice was steady, as if this was in her calculations, "Clan Lord, I wish you can forgive me for my past transgressions." She directed her gaze towards the middle-aged man.
Clan Lord?!
Was this man the Ying Clan Lord?
Thinking about it, it made sense. His cultivation base, aura reminiscent of his grandfather, and attire all seemed to suggest the lord of a clan.
"Haha, it's fine. You're fine, and the skyship has returned undamaged. Therefore, we can turn this major matter into a minor one." His voice was calm and clear, even jubilant as his eyes gazed at the skyship from afar. However, it didn't seem like he was going to completely let her off with a few words.
Yan Zaizen, however, was thoroughly confused.
This skyship belongs to me after this is done, old man!
"Since father says it's fine, it's fine. However, you will suffer some punishments." The aggressive air youth spoke as if her future fate would be dictated by him. Ying Sumian didn't even flinch at this and instead looked towards the arrogant youth with the two old men. Witnessing this, the aggressive youth spoke, "This is He Shijing, a member of the He Clan." His tone was obviously unfriendly.
"Clan Lord designate of the He Clan." He Shijin snorted. His attitude also not friendly. "Shall we continue, Lord Ying?" The youth was incredibly impatient.
"Of course." Ying Fenmian, the Clan Lord, said. It seemed they were discussing something important.
"Wait!" Ying Sumian shouted, her expression calm. She grabbed everyone's attention almost instantly, even Yan Zaizen who was confused, was abruptly jolted by this shout. She continued neither slowly or quickly, her words clear, "Ying Yimian cannot be married." This caused everyone to be confused and startled, even Yan Zaizen was a little caught off-guard.
Who was Ying Yimian?
Why can't she be married?
"What is this nonsense?!" He Shijing flew into a rage over her statement, and it was as if he wanted to slap her into the ground. However, he restrained himself.
Ying Sumian showed not an ounce of fear on her expression as she stared at He Shijing. She stated, "Ying Yimian cannot be married, because she is in love with another. I, Ying Sumian, stole the skyship to find the one she dreams of day and night, her thoughts unstable and wanting for his figure." She turned to Yan Zaizen. The others also, eerily in unison, shifted their gazes towards him.
The shocked expression on his face could not be hidden. This entire development was out of his prediction. He, however, turned back to look at the skyship in curiosity. He was searching for this figure who stole this young girl's heart so harshly.
He wanted to see if he could receive some advice.
However, there was no one behind him.