The Qingyun Sect's ultimatum was a ticking clock, but Lin Fei felt no urgency to flee. Instead, the looming threat sharpened his focus, distilling his priorities to their brutal essence. He had witnessed firsthand the transformative power of his Saint Demonic Dragon Body through the birth of his children. The continuous, steady flow of Feedback from his expanding lineage was a constant fuel, refining his body and pushing his cultivation.
His thoughts returned to the revelation about the quality of Feedback. While the explosion of power from his initial six wives had been phenomenal, he knew that truly exceptional mothers would yield even more profound results. Yet, such talents were scarce, hidden away in powerful sects or ancient clans. The vast majority of women, even those with good spiritual roots, would provide a more moderate, but still vital, stream of energy. He needed both.
He called Qingxue and Qingyu to his meditation chamber. "The Qingyun Sect believes they control this region," Lin Fei began, his white eyes cold. "They will arrive with numbers, seeking to crush us. We will show them the true meaning of an unstoppable force."
He laid out his immediate plan: "Qingyu, redouble efforts on defenses. Secure the Violet Cloud territory, absorb its resources and manpower. Anyone who resists is purged. Anyone who bows, accepts the Lin Clan's rule. Qingxue, you will continue to gather intelligence on the Qingyun Sect, but also expand your focus. Find women – talented cultivators, those with unique physiques, even exceptionally gifted mortals. We will offer them refuge, protection, and a place in the Lin Clan. Spread the word far and wide. The Lin Clan welcomes all who seek power and protection, and are willing to join our lineage."
Qingxue's brow furrowed slightly, then smoothed into understanding. She grasped the deeper implication: this wasn't just about manpower for defense, but about actively seeking out women to bear his children. It was a cold, pragmatic directive, but she had seen the power it granted him. "My Lord, the recruitment process will be... extensive. We can establish criteria, but the sheer numbers needed to create a significant impact from less talented individuals would be vast."
Lin Fei nodded. "Exactly. While we will prioritize finding those truly rare talents, we will also take in many others. A river is formed from countless streams. Their contribution, though individually smaller, will collectively be immense. This is the Dao of the Saint Demonic Dragon Body. Expansion. Proliferation. Power through legacy."
THE ABYSSAL DELEGATION ARRIVES
Just as Lin Fei was detailing these plans, a report came from the western borders of the newly claimed Violet Cloud territory. Three figures, cloaked in obsidian black, radiating a chilling, demonic energy, had arrived. At their head was a man whose eyes glinted like polished jade, his aura that of a Late Gold Core cultivator. They sought the "White Rakshasa."
Lin Fei rose, his form radiating an oppressive calm. "They are punctual. Qingyu, gather the main wives and a strong contingent of loyal cultivators. Qingxue, your intelligence on the Black Abyss Sect will be crucial now."
He met the delegation in his newly fortified main hall. His six principal wives, now strong pillars of his burgeoning clan, stood behind him, their gazes unwavering. A phalanx of heavily armed Foundation Establishment and Qi Condensation cultivators, culled from the most loyal of the former Violet Cloud disciples, formed an imposing display.
"Lin Clan Lord," the demonic emissary spoke, his voice a low purr. "We are emissaries from the Black Abyss Sect. Our Venerable Lord extends his regards, and an invitation."
"An invitation?" Lin Fei's voice was a soft rumble, laced with cold challenge.
The emissary smiled, a predatory gleam in his eye. "Indeed. Our Venerable Lord has observed your... recent endeavors. The efficiency, the ruthlessness, the sheer power. It aligns perfectly with the Dao of the Black Abyss. He proposes a mutually beneficial arrangement. He recognizes your immense potential, your unique path. He wishes for you to join us as an Elder of the Black Abyss Sect, specifically, the Elder of the Abyssal Peaks. You would govern a territory larger than the Violet Cloud Sect, command a legion of disciples, and have access to our vast resources, including demonic cultivation techniques and rare treasures. In return, we ask for your... cooperation, and perhaps, your unique insights into the path of true strength."
The air in the hall grew thick with tension. Lin Fei's wives exchanged glances, understanding the gravity of the offer. To join the Black Abyss Sect, the antithesis of the Righteous Path, was to fully embrace the demonic.
"And what if I refuse?" Lin Fei's voice remained even.
The emissary chuckled, a dry, raspy sound. "Refusal is always an option, Elder Lin. But consider the alternative. The Qingyun Sect approaches from the east, intent on your destruction. The Righteous Path, with its self-righteous hypocrisy, will never truly accept you. We, however, understand power. We understand ambition. We offer protection, resources, and the freedom to pursue your Dao without judgment. You would be one of us, not an enemy to be exterminated."
Lin Fei weighed the words. The Qingyun Sect saw him as a monster, an anomaly to be eradicated. The Black Abyss Sect saw him as a potential peer, a force to be integrated. The choice was clear.
"Tell your Venerable Lord," Lin Fei finally spoke, his voice cutting through the silence like a sharp blade. "I accept. But make no mistake. I join as an Elder, not a subordinate. The Lin Clan remains my own, and my Dao is my own. I will extend the protection of the Black Abyss to my lands, and in return, I will demonstrate the true meaning of the Abyssal Path."
The emissary's smile widened, revealing slightly elongated canine teeth. "Excellent. The Venerable Lord will be most pleased. Welcome to the Black Abyss, Elder Lin. Your first task, should you choose to accept it, might be to deal with the nuisance currently marching from the east."
Lin Fei's white eyes gleamed. "One more thing," he added, his voice low. "As an Elder of the Black Abyss, I will require access to the sect's intelligence networks. I seek not just resources, but information on talented individuals across the continent – especially women of unique spiritual roots, powerful physiques, or exceptional cultivation aptitude. The propagation of my Dao requires it."
The emissary paused, a flicker of surprise in his eyes. He had expected demands for territory or artifacts, not this. "Such information is guarded, Elder Lin, but as an Elder, you will have the authority. The Black Abyss will assist you in identifying these... resources for your lineage. Our network is vast." He bowed.
The three demonic emissaries, having secured their new Elder, departed in a swirl of black mist.
Lin Fei turned to his family, his white eyes gleaming with a fierce, cold light. The Qingyun Sect had demanded his surrender. Instead, he had raised his banner under the Black Abyss, transforming himself from a rogue into a sanctioned force within the demonic world, gaining a powerful new tool for his ultimate ambition. The showdown was no longer just about survival. It was about proving which path held true power, and establishing the Dragon's dominance across the land.