Chapter 973

Upon hearing that a power possessing a Dou Saint expert had simply vanished from the Dou Qi Continent, Lin Feng felt a slight shock, and could only suspect the ancient clans as the culprits.

Translation: Hearing that a power possessing a Dou Saint expert had simply vanished from the Dou Qi Continent, Lin Feng felt slightly shocked, and could only suspect the ancient clans as the culprits.

Hearing that a power possessing a Dou Saint expert had simply vanished from the Dou Qi Continent, Lin Feng felt slightly shocked, and could only suspect the ancient clans as the culprits.

After all, besides them, Lin Feng couldn't think of anyone else who would have the motive and ability to destroy the Fu Family that Zhao Ran mentioned.

Translation: After all, besides them, Lin Feng couldn't think of anyone else who would have the motive and power to destroy the Fu Family that Zhao Ran mentioned.

the Fu Family that Zhao Ran mentioned

After all, Dou Saint experts are rarely seen among forces outside those ancient clans.

Note there is a period after the Chinese period? Actually line ends with a period. We'll translate: After all, Dou Saint experts are rarely seen among forces outside those ancient clans.

After all, Dou Saint experts are rarely seen among forces outside those ancient clans.

At this moment, Zhao Ran continued: "Back then, after the first tower master of the Flame Valley's Pill Tower successively fell, those Dou Emperor clans, for some unknown reason, suddenly began a period of internal strife; even in this turmoil, the Xiao Clan, the foremost power of the Dou Qi Continent, was directly wiped out. Following that, the non-bloodline Dou Saint experts on the Dou Qi Continent began to mysteriously disappear one after another."

Translation: At this time, Zhao Ran continued: "Back then, after the first tower master of the Fenyan Valley Pill Tower died in succession, those Dou Emperor families, for no known reason, suddenly began a period of internal strife; even in this turmoil, the Xiao Clan, the foremost power of the Dou Qi Continent, was directly wiped out. Immediately after, the non-bloodline Dou Saint experts on the Dou Qi Continent began to mysteriously disappear one after another."

Check punctuation: we need to keep the quotes. We'll keep the Chinese quotes? We'll use English quotes. Ensure we keep all info.

"The successive arrival of these major events left the unprepared Central Plains continent instantly plunged into chaos, with many forces falling into mutual suspicion."

Translation: "The successive arrival of these major events left the unprepared Zhongzhou Continent instantly in chaos, with many forces falling into mutual suspicion."

"Saying this, Zhao Ran's eyes unconsciously filled with gloom as she continued: 'However, this suspicion did not last long; soon the Fu Family suddenly stepped forward and announced the answer—the disappearance of the Central Plains' Dou Saint experts was precisely the work of the united ancient clans.'"

Translation: Saying this, Zhao Ran's eyes unconsciously filled with gloom as he continued: "However, this suspicion did not last long; the Fu Family suddenly stepped forward and announced the answer—the case of the missing Dou Saint experts on the Zhongzhou Continent was precisely the work of the united ancient clans."

"Their goal was to suppress the development of non-ancient-clan forces, keeping the Central Plains' highest combat power at a level that could not threaten the ancient clans, thereby allowing them to eternally dominate the Dou Qi Continent."

Translation: "Their purpose was to suppress the development of non-ancient-clan forces, keeping the Zhongzhou Continent's highest combat power at a level that could not threaten their ancient clans, thereby allowing them to continue to eternally dominate the Dou Qi Continent."

"What?!"

Translation: "What?!"

Even Lin Feng, who had read the original work, was instantly shocked upon hearing this.

Translation: Even Lin Feng, who had read the original work, was instantly shocked upon hearing this.

Immediately, various thoughts flashed through his mind.

Translation: Immediately, various thoughts flashed through his mind.

"If that's true, it would perfectly explain why non-bloodline Dou Saints are so rare on the Dou Qi Continent."

Translation: "That makes sense; if that's true, then it's very understandable why non-bloodline Dou Saints are so rare on the Dou Qi Continent."

After hearing the previous explanation, Lin Feng suddenly understood many things.

Translation: After hearing the previous explanation, Lin Feng suddenly understood many things.

At this moment, he finally understood why the non-bloodline Dou Saint experts on the Central Plains were so scarce.

Translation: At this moment, he finally understood why the non-bloodline Dou Saint experts on the Zhongzhou Continent were so scarce.

And why some forces on the Central Plains, even when they produce Dou Saint experts, must conceal them and remain very low-key.

Translation: And why some forces on the Zhongzhou Continent, even if they produce Dou Saint experts, must conceal themselves and remain very low-key.

Under these circumstances, who among the non-ancient-clan forces would dare to openly flaunt their Dou Saint experts?

Translation: Under these circumstances, who among non-ancient-clan forces would dare to openly flaunt their Dou Saint experts?

But shortly after, Lin Feng noticed a slight inconsistency in Zhao Ran's words and curiously asked: "Sister Zhao, why would the other forces of the Central Plains believe the Fu Family?"

Translation: But then Lin Feng noticed something off in Zhao Ran's words and curiously asked: "Zhao Sister, why would the other forces on the Zhongzhou Continent believe the Fu Family?"

"Because, it is said that at that time, the patriarch of the Fu Family, relying on his own peak eight-star Dou Saint strength, somehow captured a joint Dou Saint squad sent by the ancient clans—a team led by an initial six-star Dou Saint, with members from all seven ancient clans."

Translation: "Because, it is said that at that time, the clan chief of the Fu Family, relying on his own peak Eight-Star Dou Saint strength, somehow captured a joint Dou Saint squad sent by the ancient clans—a team led by an early-stage Six-Star Dou Saint, with members dispatched by the Seven Ancient Clans."

"In the end, the Fu Family directly beat those people half to death, then hung them at the city gate, announced the verdict, and beheaded them, aiming to awaken the fighting spirit of all non-bloodline people across the continent, urging them to unite against the ancient clans and defend their own dignity and interests."

Translation: "Finally, the Fu Family directly beat those people half to death, then hung them at the city gate, announced the verdict, and beheaded them—to awaken the martial spirit of all non-bloodline people on the continent, urging them to unite against the ancient clans and defend their dignity and interests."

In response to Lin Feng's question, Zhao Ran remained silent for a long time, then spoke astonishingly.

Translation: In response to Lin Feng's question, Zhao Ran remained silent for a long time, then spoke astonishingly.

"These... the Fu Family's people are indeed formidable!"

Translation: "This... the Fu Family's people are really formidable!"

At this moment, Lin Feng also didn't know what to say.

Translation: At this moment, Lin Feng also didn't know what to say.

But regarding the ambition of the Fu Family patriarch, he could only admire it.

Translation: But regarding the ambition of the Fu Family clan chief, he could only admire it.

Moreover, considering that Zhao Ran had said the Fu Family had already been wiped out, and seeing that there are currently no forces on the Dou Qi Continent resisting the ancient clans,

Translation: Moreover, considering that Zhao Ran had said the Fu Family had already been wiped out, and seeing that there is currently no force on the Dou Qi Continent resisting the ancient clans,

Lin Feng understood in his heart that they must have failed back then.

Translation: Lin Feng understood that they must have failed back then.

Thinking this through, Lin Feng first fell silent for a while, then spoke again: "Sister Zhao, what happened afterwards?"

Translation: Thinking this through, Lin Feng first fell silent for a while, then asked again: "Zhao Sister, what happened afterward?"

"Afterwards, following the Fu Family's execution of that squad, only a handful of forces on the Central Plains openly declared their support. As for the others, they were either fence-sitters, backing whoever was winning, caring nothing for their own dignity and only wanting to survive; still others, for profit, directly chose to surrender to the ancient clans, willing to become their lackeys."

Translation: "Afterward, after the Fu Family executed that squad, only a handful of forces on the Zhongzhou Continent openly declared their support. As for the others, they were either fence-sitters, backing whoever had the upper hand, caring nothing for their dignity, only wanting to survive; as for still others, for profit they directly chose to surrender to the ancient clans, willingly becoming their lackeys."

"Saying this, Zhao Ran's expression darkened slightly as she continued: 'But not long after, the ancient clans and their lackeys twisted the narrative, claiming that the Fu Family had merely attacked their patrol squad for petty gain; ultimately, under the siege of the major ancient clans, the alliance led by the Fu Family was swiftly destroyed.'"

Translation: Saying this, Zhao Ran's expression sank slightly as he continued: "But not long after, this incident was twisted by the ancient clans and their lackeys into the claim that the Fu Family, for a bit of profit, had ambushed an ancient clan patrol; ultimately, under the siege of the major ancient clans, the alliance led by the Fu Family was also quickly destroyed."

"These events, in fact, align with the nature of those ancient clans."

Translation: "These events, in fact, match the nature of those ancient clans."

After hearing those words, Lin Feng raised his eyebrows slightly, feeling no surprise.

Translation: After hearing the previous speaker's words, Lin Feng raised his eyebrows slightly, feeling no surprise.

After all, not to mention the non-bloodline individuals on the Dou Qi Continent, even the Xiao Clan, which is also an ancient clan,

Translation: After all, not to mention the non-bloodline people on the Dou Qi Continent, even the Xiao Clan, which is also an ancient clan,

Because back then, Xiao Yan's power was heaven-defying; when he was ambushed by the Soul Clan, the other major Dou Emperor families basically chose to stand by and watch.

Translation: Because back then Xiao Xuan's power was heaven-defying; when he was ambushed by the Soul Clan, the other several Dou Emperor families basically chose to stand by and watch.

After all, no sane person would believe that the Soul Heavenly Emperor, while leading most of his clan's Dou Saint experts in besieging Xiao Yan, could withstand the entire ancient clan's reinforcements with merely an eight-star Dou Saint-level Void Swallowing Flame.

Translation: After all, unless one is a fool, it's impossible to believe that the Soul Heaven Emperor, leading the vast majority of his clan's Dou Saint experts, could withstand the entire Ancient Clan's reinforcements while besieging Xiao Xuan with merely an Eight-Star Dou Saint–level Wu Nie Tun Yan.

Moreover, among the opponents of the Void Swallowing Flame was Gu Yuan, a peak nine-star Dou Saint expert.

Translation: Moreover, among the opponents of Wu Nie Tun Yan was Gu Yuan, a peak Nine-Star Dou Saint expert.

As for the other ancient families besides the Gu clan, they basically just watched the whole spectacle, likely amused in their hearts.

Translation: As for the other ancient families besides the Ancient Clan, they basically just watched the whole show, probably feeling amused in their hearts.

The Soul Heavenly Emperor, such a fool, actually sacrificed his own clan's experts to solve a major problem for them.

Translation: That Soul Heaven Emperor, such a fool, actually sacrificed his own clan's experts to solve a major problem for them.

After all, if Xiao Yan had successfully broken through to Dou Emperor, the Dou Qi Continent would essentially have been his alone to dictate.

Translation: After all, if Xiao Xuan had successfully broken through to Dou Emperor, the Dou Qi Continent would essentially have been his alone to dictate.

At that point, even they would have to obediently yield their territory and external cultivation resources, becoming mere nobodies.

Translation: By then, even they would only be able to obediently yield their territory and external cultivation resources, becoming insignificant nobodies.

But shortly after, Lin Feng puzzledly said: "However, these events don't seem to have much to do with your Zhao family, right?"

Translation: But then Lin Feng, puzzled, said: "However, these seem to have little to do with your Zhao Family, right?"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Ran immediately shook her head and explained: "Since those events weren't that long ago, and my brother was older than you are now at that time, we still know some information."

Translation: Upon hearing this, Zhao Ran immediately shook his head and explained: "Since those events weren't that long ago, and moreover, my brother's age back then was greater than your current age, we still know some information."

"Back then, the Dou Qi Continent was far more prosperous than it is now—by dozens of times. Although the total number of non-bloodline Dou Saint experts was inferior to that of the ancient clans with Dou Emperor bloodlines, it was not utterly powerless to resist."

Translation: "Back then, the Dou Qi Continent was far more prosperous than now—by dozens of times at least. The total number of non-bloodline Dou Saint experts, while not matching those of the ancient clans with Dou Emperor bloodlines, was not utterly powerless to resist."

"Take my Zhao family as an example: back then, we were also a major clan on the Dou Qi Continent, with several branches, and the chief of each branch possessed strength ranging from Half-Saint to one-star Dou Saint."

Translation: "Take my Zhao Family as an example; back then we were also a major clan on the Dou Qi Continent, possessing several branches, and the chief of each branch had strength ranging from Half-Saint to One-Star Dou Saint."

"Furthermore, our main branch had a Six-Star Dou Saint-level elder overseeing it—my grandfather, who was the patriarch of the Zhao family's main line back then, and possessed peak two-star Dou Saint strength."

Translation: "Furthermore, our main branch had a Six-Star Dou Saint–level ancestor presiding—my grandfather, who was the clan chief of the Zhao Family's main line back then, and also possessed peak Two-Star Dou Saint strength."

After hearing the description, Lin Feng clicked his tongue in amazement: "Your Zhao family was indeed formidable back then; if such strength were placed today, even some ancient clans would have to retreat three leagues upon seeing it."

Translation: After hearing the description, Lin Feng clicked his tongue in amazement: "Your Zhao Family was indeed formidable back then; if such strength were placed today, some ancient clans would have to yield three li upon seeing it."

To be honest, Lin Feng was also quite surprised by the prosperity of the Dou Qi Continent a thousand years ago.

Translation: To be honest, Lin Feng also felt quite surprised by the prosperity of the Dou Qi Continent a thousand years ago.

After all, when he read the original work, there was hardly any depiction of the continent's condition a thousand years prior.

Translation: After all, when he read the original work, there wasn't much depiction of the continent's specific situation a thousand years prior.

These matters, he is learning about for the first time today.

Translation: These matters, he is learning about them for the first time today.

"It's a pity that all of this had already disappeared before I was born."

Translation: "It's a pity that these things had already disappeared before I was born."

Zhao Ran then gave a bitter smile and continued: "Over a thousand years ago, after the successive deaths of the Flame Valley's old ancestor and the Pill Tower's tower master, the Central Plains lost any capacity to resist the ancient clans. Thereafter, many Dou Saint experts began to disappear one after another. Even our Zhao family's ancestor perished after being ambushed on some occasion."

Translation: Zhao Ran then gave a bitter smile and continued: "More than a thousand years ago, after the Fenyan Valley ancestor and the Pill Tower master died in succession, the Zhongzhou Continent lost any capacity to resist the ancient clans. Thereafter, some Dou Saint experts began to disappear one after another. Even our Zhao Family's ancestor was ambushed at some point and then perished."

"'My grandfather, though he survived the ancient clans' purge by luck, was later slain by the Hall of Souls' master, Hun Mie Sheng.'"

Translation: "My grandfather, although he survived the ancient clans' purge by luck, was later killed by the Hall Master of the Soul Hall, Hun Miesheng."

Upon hearing this, Lin Feng instantly recalled the original work's content, frowned slightly, and said: "I had previously heard that the Hall of Souls' master, Hun Mie Sheng, when the Hall was first established, slaughtered dozens of Central Plains forces in one go to establish his prestige, and among them were five peak two-star experts."

Translation: Upon hearing this, Lin Feng's mind instantly recalled the original work's content, then he frowned slightly and said: "I had previously heard that the Hall Master of the Soul Hall, Hun Miesheng, when the Soul Hall was just established, slaughtered a dozen or so Zhongzhou forces in one go to establish his prestige, and this included five peak Two-Star Dou Saint experts."

"Thus, it appears that your grandfather also perished in that display of power by Hun Mie Sheng."

Translation: "Thus, it appears your grandfather also perished in that prestige‑establishing act of Hun Miesheng."

Saying this, Lin Feng's tone also carried a hint of regret.

Translation: Speaking of this, Lin Feng's tone also gained a hint of regret.

"Yes, if the ancestor had still been alive back then, he naturally wouldn't have feared Hun Mie Sheng, but it's a pity."

Translation: "Yes, if the ancestor had still been alive back then, he naturally would not have feared Hun Miesheng, but it's a pity."

Upon hearing the previous words, Zhao Ran first nodded, then gave a wry smile and said: "But it's also fortunate that you know these things."

Translation: Upon hearing the previous words, Zhao Ran first nodded, then gave a wry smile: "But it's also thanks to you that you know these things."

Upon hearing this, Lin Feng naturally would not say he was a transmigrator, so knowing these things, he simply spread his hands and said: "I just happened to hear others mention them."

Translation: Upon hearing this, Lin Feng naturally would not say he was a transmigrator, so knowing these things, he merely spread his hands and said: "I just happened to hear others mention them."

Moreover, Zhao Ran did not continue to dwell on this; after composing herself, she went on: "When the Hall of Souls' master led a massacre, my Zhao family—whether the main branch or other branches—lost over ninety percent of its members to this disaster. Even my parents, only after my grandfather's desperate resistance, managed to escape with serious injuries, bringing my two brothers along."

Translation: Zhao Ran then did not continue to dwell on this; after calming his emotions, he went on: "When the Soul Hall's master led people in a massacre, over ninety percent of the members of my Zhao Family, whether in the main branch or other branch houses, could not escape this disaster. Even my parents, only after my grandfather's desperate resistance, managed to flee with serious wounds, bringing my two brothers out."

"Afterward, my parents gathered in the Central Region some Zhao clan descendants who had fortuitously escaped the Hall of Souls for various reasons, and finally formed the present Zhao family."

Translation: "Afterward, my parents, in the Central Region, gathered some Zhao clan descendants who had fortuitously escaped the Soul Hall for various other reasons, and finally formed the present Zhao Family."

"However, since I was only born over seven hundred years later, I learned of these matters from my brothers' accounts and the family's historical records."

Translation: "However, since I was only born over seven hundred years later, I learned these matters from my brothers' descriptions and the family's historical records."

While speaking, Zhao Ran also pretended to be nonchalant by waving her hand.

Translation: While speaking, Zhao Ran also made a nonchalant wave of his hand.

Alas, the vicissitudes of life!

Hearing this, Lin Feng also let out a heavy sigh, feeling moved.

Before the great purge of the ancient clans took place, who could have imagined that the Zhao clan, so large a family, would be wiped out just like that? ——

Note: A branch is a branch of the clan, and the head of a branch is the head of that branch.