The clash of power ended in a stalemate, with both figures retreating five paces.
In the contest of soul force, however, the old patriarch of the Cao family nearly suffered a great loss.
Although he had not measured Zi Linling's soul force according to the standard of a peak Great God realm spiritualist, and had even tried to overestimate her abilities,
He had believed that no matter how monstrous Zi Linling was, her soul force would at most reach the Zenith realm.
Thus, only using eighty percent of his soul force, he had almost capsized in a ditch.
Had it not been for his swift reaction and the immediate deployment of the remaining twenty percent, he would have suffered severe damage to his soul, if not become a fool.
The old patriarch of the Cao family looked at Zi Linling in disbelief, "How is it possible! You are only at the peak of the Great God realm, how can you possess soul force of the Guiyuan realm?"
Zi Linling sneered, "I told you, anything is possible!"
The old patriarch's pupils contracted. He asked again, "Who exactly are you?"
Zi Linling smiled coldly, "It seems you're truly old, you don't even remember what I just said! Didn't I tell you? I am the master of everyone in the Cao family!"
Anger surged within the old patriarch of the Cao family once more.
The last vestiges of his reason turned to nothingness amidst this rising fury.
"Brat, since you refuse to reveal your identity, don't blame me for being merciless!"
He said, lunging forward.
He had no interest in matching Zi Linling in strength or soul force anymore. His only desire was to eliminate this endlessly potential monster with his own hands, to prevent future troubles.
"Old Patriarch, please, no! She is the Chosen One, killing her will incur divine retribution!"
Cao Shaoqing seized the opportunity and blurted out the words he had tried to say several times before.
"What? The Chosen One?"
The old patriarch of the Cao family was greatly alarmed and quickly withdrew his palm.
The Chosen One represented the Heavenly Dao, protected by it, and blessed with fortune. Anyone who opposed them faced certain death or severe injury.
Therefore, when Cao Shaoqing uttered the words "Chosen One," the old patriarch of the Cao family no longer dared to harbor any murderous intent.
Zi Linling had already prepared herself for the battle.
This time, she intended to defeat the old patriarch of the Cao family decisively, completely extinguish the hopes of the Cao family, and bring the Cao family entirely under her dominion.
Cao Shaoqing's exclamation had directly disrupted her plan.
Zi Linling glared fiercely at Cao Shaoqing, scolding him in annoyance, "You talk too much!"
Then, she turned to the old patriarch of the Cao family, her face cold, "What? Retreating already?"
The old patriarch of the Cao family replied awkwardly, "Miss Zi, I apologize! If you had told me earlier that you were the Chosen One, I would not have dared to offend you!"
Zi Linling retorted sarcastically, "I can't accept that. Didn't you say that even the Jade Emperor himself has no right to run amok in the Cao family? I am a person with self-awareness, and I consider myself inferior to the Jade Emperor. So, what difference does it make whether my identity is revealed or not?"
"This..."
The old patriarch of the Cao family was suddenly at a loss for words.
Therefore, he glared fiercely at Cao Shaoqing, "Shaoqing, why didn't you say so earlier!"
"I..."
Cao Shaoqing felt a surge of injustice that had nowhere to go. He grumbled in his heart, "I clearly intended to reveal my master's identity earlier, but didn't you tell me to shut up?"
Of course, he only grumbled in his heart and dared not reply to the old patriarch of the Cao family like this.
Cao Shaoqing also knew that the old patriarch of the Cao family wasn't truly blaming him, but rather trying to ease the awkwardness of his interaction with Zi Linling through this method.
Indeed, before Cao Shaoqing could reply, the old patriarch of the Cao family said to Zi Linling with a fawning smile, "Miss Zi, you jest! How can the Jade Emperor compare to your noble status? It's all this brat Shaoqing's fault. If he had revealed your identity earlier, I wouldn't have ended up fighting with you here."
His attitude was extremely humble, a complete contrast to his previous arrogance.
He was not stupid. The Jade Emperor was merely powerful but lacked backing and connections.
But Zi Linling was different.
As the Chosen One, she was a representative of the Heavenly Dao.
As cultivators, the greatest fear was offending the Heavenly Dao, as such transgressions would be settled during their lightning tribulations for advancement.
At the old patriarch's realm, his understanding of the Heavenly Dao was even more profound, and it was easier for the Heavenly Dao to detect his words and actions.
Therefore, he would rather offend the Jade Emperor than Zi Linling, the Chosen One.
Zi Linling's perception of the Cao family members was once again refreshed. To cultivate the skill of shamelessness to such a degree was truly impressive.
"Oh?"
A trace of mockery flashed in her eyes, "Do you mean you acknowledge my position as the master of everyone in the Cao family?"
The old patriarch of the Cao family quickly nodded, "Of course, it is a great honor for the Cao family to follow Miss Zi, the Chosen One!" SuDan Novel Network
"Oh, really?"
Zi Linling said calmly, "By that logic, you are also willing to follow me?"
The old patriarch of the Cao family hesitated for a moment, then smiled obsequiously, "Of course I am willing! However, I am currently comprehending higher realms and do not have the time to accompany Miss Zi in conquering the world. Therefore, let the other members of the Cao family handle it. If Miss Zi is willing, they can be the vanguards."
His fawning demeanor nearly made Cao Shaoqing's jaw drop.
He truly couldn't imagine that the old patriarch he remembered as incredibly dignified could also have such a subservient side.
Betraying his family, betraying his descendants and relatives, the old patriarch of the Cao family did not even bat an eye. He had even changed his self-address from "this seat" to "I," revealing the extent of his shamelessness.
In Cao Shaoqing's heart, the image of the old patriarch of the Cao family crumbled, filling him with disappointment.
Even Zi Linling had to admire the old patriarch of the Cao family. His level of thick skin was probably so great that a thousand miles of city walls would not be enough to make him dismount!
"Are you truly the old patriarch of the Cao family? I truly pity your relatives and friends!"
Zi Linling said mockingly, "To be honest, I don't dare to use someone like you. I fear that during the great tribulation of the Azure Star, you will sell me to those extraterrestrial invaders!"
"Therefore, I have thought of a way to make you wholeheartedly contribute to the coming world-ending tribulation!"
Hearing this, the old patriarch's heart sank. He said with a conciliatory smile, "Miss Zi is joking!"
Zi Linling's aura suddenly turned cold, "Who is joking with you? The great tribulation of the Azure Star is approaching. As a Divine Lord realm expert of the Azure Star, you should dedicate your life to the Azure Star!"
"Since you are unwilling to contribute voluntarily, I will have to make you obey passively!"
After speaking, she suddenly struck out with a palm towards the old patriarch of the Cao family.
The old patriarch of the Cao family had clearly not expected Zi Linling to attack so suddenly and was stunned.