I established the Eternal Immortal Clan by taming beasts.

Lin Che was somewhat surprised.

He had assumed that Wang Miaoxue's visit was either to test him on behalf of the City Lord's Mansion, or simply to deepen their personal relationship.

Unexpectedly, the conversation turned to "spirit beasts," a seemingly ordinary topic that held great significance for the Lin family.

"Senior Lin, have you ever wondered why, with such abundant monster resources in the Southern Region, making it a veritable paradise for beast taming, no truly large, top-tier force renowned for its beast taming has ever emerged over the millennia?"

Wang Miaoxue's question was like a pebble thrown into Lin Che's originally calm lake, stirring up ripples.

Lin Che's smile gradually faded, and he gently put down the teacup in his hand.

"I did have that thought," he readily admitted.

He was not entirely unaware of this.

Since leaving the Demon Palace of Rebellion, he had traveled to many places in the Southern Region, from the territory of the Xuan Kui Sect to Burning Bone City, and he did notice a strange phenomenon:

While resources related to spirit beasts are not scarce in the market, they are mostly managed by general merchant guilds. Specialized large-scale beast-taming sects or families are almost unheard of.

The Zhou family of beast taming in Chuyang City was the largest "professional" beast taming force he had encountered, but its size and influence were clearly far from enough to be called a "large force".

The Southern Region is home to the Ten Thousand Demon Mountains, which contain countless high-level demonic beasts, including many descendants of ancient exotic species.

With such uniquely favorable conditions, it should have given rise to a prosperous beast-taming civilization and produced several powerful beast-taming giants.

Why is reality quite the opposite?

In the past, due to limited strength, the Lin family had narrow intelligence channels. Although Lin Che felt something was amiss, he never investigated it in depth, simply assuming that the development path in this area was different.

But at this moment, looking at the solemnity and seriousness on Wang Miaoxue's face, Lin Che keenly realized that there was probably a major secret hidden there that was far beyond his imagination and could affect the future path of the Lin family!

He didn't interrupt, but simply nodded slightly, signaling Wang Miaoxue to continue, his expression now very serious.

Seeing that Lin Che was indeed unaware of this matter, Wang Miaoxue knew in her heart that her trip had not been in vain.

Without further suspense, he took a deep breath and explained in a low voice:

"To be honest, I was only slightly curious about this matter before. It was only when I returned to my clan this time that I had the opportunity to look through some ancient books that I accidentally discovered a long-forgotten, vague, yet chilling story."

Lin Che's heart stirred.

Wang Miaoxue came from the Fengxing Chamber of Commerce, which was backed by the Xuankui Sect, a Nascent Soul level giant. The historical records and secrets that the Fengxing Chamber of Commerce could access were far beyond what the Lin family could compare to.

The "truth" she spoke of carried immense weight.

"In a tattered ancient book that records the ancient customs and sect changes of the Southern Region, I saw a vague account."

Wang Miaoxue lowered her voice slightly.

"It is recorded that in a very distant past, this vast land of the Southern Region was actually entirely occupied by human cultivators."

"Moreover, at that time, eight or nine out of ten cultivators in the Southern Region regarded beast taming as their fundamental path! Among them, the leader was a behemoth called the 'Ten Thousand Beasts Sect'!"

The Sect of Ten Thousand Beasts!

These three words exploded in Lin Che's ears like a thunderclap!

His heart skipped a beat, but he forced himself to remain calm, though a hint of barely concealed shock flashed deep in his eyes.

Is there some unknown connection between the Myriad Beasts Sect and the Myriad Beasts Manual, the core foundation of the Lin family?

Is it merely a coincidence of names?

Lin Che rejected the idea almost instantly.

Wang Miaoxue did not notice Lin Che's sudden change in expression and continued:

"According to that ancient fragment, just how powerful was the Myriad Beasts Sect back then?"

"It not only ruled over the entire Southern Region, but its influence was so immense that it even extended to the Central Plains, the Northern Plains, the Western Desert, the Eastern Sea, and all other territories. It was a veritable behemoth in the cultivation world at that time, inspiring awe in all directions!"

She paused, her tone tinged with a hint of regret and an inexplicable chill:

"However, the records vaguely mention that about a hundred years after the founding patriarch of the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect ascended to the Immortal Realm,

Because of the disappearance of the Southern Region, the most powerful force in the Central Plains at the time—the Great Qian Dynasty—united with various forces and launched a military campaign against the Southern Region!

A fierce war engulfing the entire southern region and lasting for countless years ensued.

"In the end... those once glorious Beast Taming sects in the Southern Region were destroyed one by one under the siege of all sides, their lineages were cut off, and their mountain gates were shattered."

Even the strongest sect, the Myriad Beasts Sect, crumbled under the overwhelming offensive and potential internal betrayals and divisions, ultimately disappearing completely into the dustbin of history, leaving only a few legends and relics.

Wang Miaoxue looked up at Lin Che, her speech slowing down and her words becoming clear:

"And those demon races that now occupy the Ten Thousand Demon Mountains, frequently stir up beast tides, and fight endlessly with human cultivators... According to ancient texts, a large part of them are very likely the descendants of the spirit beast races that those beast-taming sects painstakingly cultivated and domesticated back then!"

Having lost the restraint of their masters, they feralized, multiplied, and fought over the long years, ultimately shaping the current landscape of the Ten Thousand Demon Mountains.

"And this is why the Great Qian Dynasty, which later dominated the Southern Region, tacitly allowed and even supported the three Nascent Soul level forces—Qingyun Sword Sect, Baicao Valley, and Fang Family—to take root in the Southern Region and gave them considerable autonomy."

On one hand, it's for balance and checks and balances; on the other hand... it's also a way to use the power of these three factions to help them resist and weaken those powerful demonic beast forces that have 'old grudges' against humans!

Her voice involuntarily turned serious:

"From then on, over the course of thousands of years, an unwritten but tacitly understood and universally observed 'unwritten rule' gradually formed in the cultivation world of the Southern Region."

"That means the Southern Region must not allow another large-scale power centered on beast taming to emerge, one that could potentially recreate the glory of the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect!"

"Senior Lin," Wang Miaoxue said sincerely.

"This matter is of great importance. The Lin family has established itself through beast taming and is developing rapidly. A senior member has recently advanced to the Golden Core stage, and the family's prestige is at its peak..."

But the tallest tree in the forest will surely be felled by the wind.

"This junior dares to suggest that perhaps, senior... it's time to consider the future path of the Lin family and whether some adjustments and transformations are necessary."

This answer made Lin Che frown slightly.

He truly hadn't expected that the path of beast taming chosen by the Lin family would be entangled in such an ancient and bloody taboo, bearing the "original sin" that could lead to the collective hostility of the entire upper echelons of the Southern Region.

However, what truly sent a chill down Lin Che's spine was Wang Miaoxue's next words!

Then, as if remembering something, Wang Miaoxue's face showed a hint of wistfulness at the ancient legend, and she continued:

"As a master of beast taming, you are most aware of the power and potential of high-level spirit beasts."

The ancient text also mentions that, according to legend, the reason why the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect was able to dominate the Southern Region and even make the Great Qian Dynasty of the Central Plains wary was because their core cultivation technique was extremely profound and miraculous!

She paused, seemingly recalling descriptions from ancient texts, a look of amazement flashing in her eyes:

"It is said that the most heaven-defying aspect of that technique is that after the cultivator contracts with their natal spirit beast, they can directly share or even obtain one of the spirit beast's innate divine abilities!"

Senior Lin, you have already formed your core, so you must understand better than I do what a powerful divine ability means to a Golden Core cultivator.

That's a crucial factor that can determine the combat strength of opponents of the same level! And yet, the disciples of the Myriad Beasts Sect were able to acquire supernatural powers so 'easily'...

Even she herself found it hard to believe at this point, and couldn't help but chuckle and shake her head:

"Tell me, isn't this technique a bit... a bit too 'bullying'?"

"Not only will their cultivation speed be far superior to other cultivators due to the nurturing effect of spirit beasts, but they will also be able to acquire precious supernatural abilities more easily than other cultivators, and have powerful natal spirit beasts to assist them in battle at any time..."

How could other cultivators who didn't follow the path of beast taming compete with them? How could the Great Qian Dynasty not have been wary of them back then, and be determined to eliminate them as quickly as possible?

She seemed to be getting into the conversation, her tone carrying a hint of teasing:

"Therefore, the Southern Region cannot allow a powerful beast-taming force to emerge again. This is not just an explicit prohibition."

Rather, it is a tacitly understood and tacitly maintained "unspoken rule" among all the upper echelons who know that history!

Anyone who touches upon this may incur invisible suppression or even hostility from various parties.

As soon as she finished speaking, Wang Miaoxue immediately realized that her tone and demeanor were somewhat too casual or even "presumptuous" in front of a Golden Core cultivator.

He quickly suppressed his smile, adopting a respectful and cautious expression, and said as if to salvage the situation:

"Of course, Senior Lin doesn't need to worry too much."

It is not uncommon for elders or disciples in the major powers of the Southern Region, including the Qingyun Sword Sect, Baicao Valley, and even my Fengxing Merchant Guild, to have contracted spirit beasts as assistance.

As long as the Lin family gradually diversifies its development in the future, and spirit beasts are only used as one of the auxiliary means, rather than as the core of the family's tradition and its sole symbol, presumably... there shouldn't be too much of a problem.

Upon hearing this, Lin Che's face regained its gentle and calm smile, as if his previous solemnity was merely a reflection on ancient history.

He nodded, his tone relaxed:

"I see. I didn't expect that there was such a lost history and hidden rules in the Southern Region. Thank you for clearing up my doubts, Fellow Daoist Wang."

This incident has indeed served as a wake-up call for the Lin family, and Mr. Lin has taken it to heart.

"I appreciate your kindness today, fellow Daoist. If you ever need my help in the future, please don't hesitate to ask."

Seeing that Lin Che seemed to have heeded her advice and that his attitude remained kind, Wang Miaoxue realized that her goal had been achieved and quickly stood up to bow.

"Senior Lin, you are too kind. It is my honor to be able to do my part for you. Now that the gift and message have been delivered, I will not disturb your peace and clan affairs any longer. I will take my leave now."

"Of course, Fellow Daoist Wang, please take care. Come visit me anytime you have time."

Lin Che's smile remained unchanged as he personally escorted Wang Miaoxue to the entrance of the reception room and watched her leave under the guidance of a guest of the Lin family.

Only when Wang Miaoxue's figure completely disappeared at the end of the corridor did the gentle smile on Lin Che's face recede as quickly as the tide.

Instead, there was a frozen stillness, with only a turbulent storm surging in the depths of those deep eyes!

He turned around, walked back to the quiet room with seemingly steady steps, closed the door, and activated the isolation array.

"call--"

Lin Che exhaled a long, silent breath, leaned against the cold wall, and slowly closed his eyes.

no doubt!

The Lin family's inherited "Ten Thousand Beasts Paying Homage to the Ancestor" technique has a very high probability that it is the core inheritance of the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect, which once dominated the Southern Region and has long been lost to history!

Share the magical powers of spirit beasts, accelerate cultivation...

These characteristics are remarkably similar to the effects of the "Ten Thousand Beasts Technique" before its advancement!

What does this mean?

This means that the Lin family, without realizing it, has inherited the "Dao lineage" of that behemoth that once made the entire cultivation world wary and was ultimately destroyed by a joint effort!

This means that the path chosen by the Lin family, from the very beginning, stands in opposition to almost all the upper-class forces in the Southern Region!

This means that once the Lin family truly grows strong and displays overly prominent beast-taming characteristics and extraordinary potential, it is very likely to touch the sensitive nerves of those ancient forces.

This attracted unpredictable attention, suspicion, investigations, and even... a silent but deadly suppression and annihilation, just like the one against the Myriad Beasts Sect back then!

This is no longer just a matter of "the tree standing out in the forest".

This could be making enemies of the entire world!