Faced with such a choice, the clan leaders present couldn't help but fall into deep thought. Some lowered their heads while thinking, some whispered to the people around them, and some exchanged private glances.
The different locations of each family, the various industries they ran, and the different clans they allied with—all influenced their decisions.
The white-bearded elder Chen Yan sat at the head seat, observing their expressions and understanding everything clearly.
The current seven great families had long since lost their former unity, and each now harbored their own small agendas—including the Chen family.
As time passed, the discussions and arguments gradually died down. Chen Yan tapped the table with his hand, drawing everyone's attention back to him.
"Alright, make your decisions. Those who agree to make a change, please raise your hands."
To everyone's surprise, Chen Yan raised his hand first. The most conservative among the seven families had agreed to change.
"Old Chen, you..."
Ignoring Mu Lantian, the head of the Mu family, Chen Yan swept his sharp gaze across all the clan leaders present.
"Everyone, choose."
Soster followed closely and raised his hand, not forgetting to glance proudly at Mu Lantian. However, he also wondered silently what the Chen family was truly planning.
The Li family agreed, while the Zhao and Qian family heads exchanged looks and chose to abstain. Mu Lantian sat silently for a long time and eventually did not raise his hand.
"Three to three. Duxing, you're the only one left."
The old woman seated at the end hadn't expected this outcome. Her family, involved in intelligence, knew more about the situation on the continent than any other clan leader.
The Douluo Continent now was like a powder keg. Any spark could ignite a major battle that would affect the entire continent.
Looking at Chen Yan, who sat at the head with a perpetual faint smile, Duxing's heart was filled with turmoil.
Even though she had spent a lifetime studying human nature and gathering information, she still couldn't read the thoughts of the only super Douluo among the seven great families.
"Chen Yan, may I ask you something?"
"Go ahead."
"If we seek change, how will the Spirit Hall respond? Should we still pay a 'protection fee'? If so, how much?
If we don't, how can we compete with them? Just a few of us aren't nearly enough."
As soon as Du Xing said this, everyone's expression changed—especially the Zhao, Qian, and Mu family heads. They realized that Du Xing intended to go through with the change.
This kind of meeting was held every year. In the past, only the Suo and Li families had expressed a desire to break away from the Spirit Hall and establish their own path.
They assumed this year's meeting was just a formality, and that they would continue to operate under the Spirit Hall's umbrella. Du Xing's question had not crossed their minds.
Unexpectedly, not only had Chen Yan made a move this time, but the Du family also appeared to have other plans.
Several family leaders turned their attention to Chen Yan, hoping he would offer some clarity. Even Soster was concerned about this issue.
Although he often advocated separating from the Spirit Hall's registry, he wouldn't dare do it alone without support from other families.
"Hehe, we still have to pay the 'protection fee' to the Spirit Hall, but they no longer get the final say in our affairs."
As he spoke, Chen Yan's body erupted with powerful energy, stunning everyone present. Even the frail old Du Xing broke into a cold sweat.
"Old Chen, when did you break through?"
Soster stood in shock. He had thought he was catching up to Chen Yan, but hadn't realized he had already advanced quietly to level 96.
One must understand—level 95 was a key turning point for Titled Douluo. A level 96 Titled Douluo was considered an elite even within the Spirit Hall.
Chen Yan ignored Mu Lantian's question. The gentle smile on his face disappeared as he looked toward Du Xing.
"This is my method. Are you satisfied?"
"Of course. The Du family agrees to the change. But I hope we continue paying the 'protection fee'—if only to maintain the status quo."
"Haha, that's no problem at all. The Chen family has no desire to oppose the Spirit Hall."
Chen Yan resumed his usual friendly smile, but this smile sent a chill down the spines of the other clan leaders.
Nonetheless, Chen Yan's ultimate goal was achieved. The seven great families were no longer at the mercy of the Spirit Hall.
"Four votes to three. We reject the Spirit Hall's request to increase the 'protection fee' and will keep it as it is. Each family should return and prepare the resources to be sent to the Spirit Hall this year.
Everyone, remember our promise—only if we advance and retreat together can we secure a foothold on this continent."
After the meeting, the clan leaders dispersed and returned to prepare for the follow-up matters, leaving Chen Yan alone, deep in thought.
Suddenly, the conference room door opened, and a middle-aged man in a spirit master robe trimmed with gold thread entered.
"Clan leader, everything has been arranged. This year, our total 'protection fee' to the Spirit Hall remains the same. The gold soul coins have increased significantly, and rare resources have been reduced by 20%."
"Good. In today's world, rare cultivation resources are the most precious.
Chaoran, I remember you once told me you had a deal with people from the Star Crown Sect?"
"Yes. We were in contact in Hanhai City. They exchanged long-range soul guides with Mu Ying and set sail for a full ten years."
"Do you know why they were gone so long?"
"According to rumors, when they returned, they rode even stronger navigation soul guides, and they likely discovered some ancient relics."
"I see. You may leave."
"Yes."
Chen Chaoran had contacted Mu Ying, the ruler of Hanhai City, and his status within the family rose quickly. He was then favored by Chen Yan and became the young patriarch of the Chen family.
After he left, Chen Yan remained in the conference room, deep in thought. He didn't come out until the candles had burned out.
Only the Spirit Hall knew the final outcome of the seven great families' meeting. Alongside the "protection fee" came the news that Chen Yan, the head of the Chen family, had broken through to level 96.
While Bibi Dong was away on a spirit hunt, Qian Daoliu, who was temporarily leading the Spirit Hall, sat grimly on his throne, reviewing the offerings from the seven great families submitted by his subordinates.
The Spirit Hall's situation had deteriorated to the point where even their once-loyal families had started to act on their own.
They not only rejected the Hall's demands but also replaced rare resources with near-worthless gold soul coins.
Qian Daoliu was furious—but there was nothing he could do. The clan lands of the seven families were hidden, and what the Spirit Hall knew were just empty shells.
He wanted to "kill the chicken to scare the monkeys," but even if he could locate them, eliminating these "money bags" would leave no one to replace them anytime soon.