Sure, here’s the translation of the novel excerpt:

The strength of Nan’an Yong is astonishing.

Precognition ability, power so strong it’s terrifying, and a combat rhythm so adept and nimble that there’s not a single excessive movement.

From the current perspective.

Nan’an Yong hardly shows any weakness or shortcoming.

However, he hasn’t used any Spirit Technique yet, and it is unknown how proficient he is with it; even if he doesn’t know Spirit Technique, such strength is already fearsome enough.

Within the Eclipse Moon Realm.

He must have already reached the Moon Devouring Level, or perhaps even higher.

Each generation of patriarchs in the Nan’an Clan will only teach one disciple; if their strength isn’t formidable enough, this clan would have long perished in the flow of history.

As a swordsman.

The blade is life.

Liu Jingming’s blade shattered, which also implies that he’s powerless to continue fighting, indicating the significant disparity in strength between the two sides. He simply couldn’t contend.

"I concede."

Liu Jingming raised his hand, admitting with conviction: "The strength of the elder from Nan’an is not something I can defeat."

"The second contestant from the Ghost Blade Clan has retreated in defeat. Does the Ghost Blade Clan wish to continue the contest?"

"Withdraw, we forfeit."

The patriarch of the Ghost Blade Clan said in a solemn voice.

Though called the Ghost Blade Clan, it is actually an amalgamation of several forces. At this moment, having repeatedly lost two generals without even touching the enemy’s hem, it’s clearly impossible to continue battling.

Such meaningless sacrifice would only lead to intense infighting within the clan.

"This year’s contest has successfully concluded."

At this point.

The patriarch of the Laine Clan stood up, his voice grand and authoritative, echoing throughout the entire main hall: "Is there anyone who wishes to challenge the seven major seats?"

No one responded.

Clearly.

The prestige of the Seven major families is deeply ingrained in people’s hearts. The other peripheral families deeply understand the vast disparity between them and the Seven major families, hence no one is reckless enough to challenge.

Even though challenging and failing would not cost the peripheral seat, nor would it provoke the Forgotten Association.

However.

Based on past records, those who challenged the Seven major families haven’t survived.

So, over time.

Without absolute certainty, no one dares to challenge the Seven major families.

"Now I shall announce the names of the Seven major families and the forty-nine peripheral families.

From here on.

You are part of the Forgotten Association."

The Laine patriarch clapped his hands, and then from the ceiling, a giant display screen descended and hovered.

On it, the names of the Seven major families were listed.

As well as the names of forty-nine peripheral families.

Now, Baiyu finally understood the structure of the Forgotten Association; the forty-nine peripheral families of the Forgotten Association are not actually considered part of the core of the Forgotten Association.

They enjoy certain conveniences from the Forgotten Association, but naturally, they must also contribute.

Moreover.

The changes each year are quite substantial.

Even strong peripheral families in the Forgotten Association could unpredictably lose their seat one day.

Such families.

Cannot be counted as part of the core component of the Forgotten Association.

...

At night.

A grand banquet was held in the banquet hall of the Laine Clan.

Baiyu chatted and acquainted himself with several patriarchs, then moved aside, and at that moment, Elise suddenly approached from behind.

"Geman!!"

Elise held a cup of pale blue drink: "Congratulations on obtaining a peripheral family seat."

"Congratulations to you too."

Baiyu raised his glass with a smile and finished his drink with her, then promptly asked: "Elise, since your grandfather is so powerful, why did you seek allies earlier?"

Elise sighed: "My grandfather intends to hone me! But, I’ve gained much; at least I’ve met a friend like you."

Baiyu smiled and continued to casually chat with her.

The Nan’an Clan isn’t located on Chaos Mother Star.

However, they aren’t too far from Chaos Mother Star, approximately separated by hundreds of planets, requiring several uses of the Teleportation Gate.

As for traveling via interstellar trains, it generally takes several months.

The Nan’an Clan’s name is derived from the South Shore Star they inhabit, which is also how most Forgotten Association families are named.

This way they can simply and clearly indicate their family’s strength.

Usually, families named after a planet are the most powerful forces on that planet.

"You’re on Chaos Mother Star, right? My grandfather said it’s been quite chaotic there recently, you must be cautious.

If you have time, come visit me on South Shore Star."

Elise said, her eyes sparkling. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

Baiyu nodded with a smile: "Okay, if I have time, I’ll definitely come."

...

The grand banquet lasted until midnight before concluding.

Baiyu stretched lazily.

Returned to the courtyard.

He didn’t find Harley but instead encountered the butler of the Laine Clan.

"Mr. Geman, our patriarch wishes to meet with you."

The blonde butler said in a low voice.

Baiyu furrowed his brow: "Laine patriarch? Why does he want to meet me?"

"You were the first in recent years to receive a granted seat and successfully inherit it, and moreover, as an individual.

Thus, our patriarch wants to meet you.

Our patriarch usually enjoys making the acquaintance of talents like yourself."

The butler said.

Baiyu did not ask further; the other party clearly wouldn’t divulge any truly useful information. After all, at the Laine Clan’s territory, he couldn’t escape.

Besides.

In the rules of the Forgotten Association, families within the association cannot harm each other.

Even if the Laine patriarch intends to do something, he cannot overtly act against him.

Otherwise.

The Forgotten Association would likely instantly crumble.

The other six families would not spare the Laine Clan.

Soon.

Baiyu, led by the butler, traversed through the Laine Clan’s splendid architectural complex and arrived at the guest reception hall.

This was a peculiar garden.

Layers of crisp bamboo thickets formed a winding path that gave a sense of a hidden path leading to a secluded spot.

The Laine patriarch sat inside a bamboo house within the woods, reading an old bound book. For a moment, Baiyu felt he had stepped into a world of immortals.

Were it not for the Laine patriarch’s somewhat modern robe and that slightly incongruous blond hair, it really seemed indistinguishable.

"Here?"

Seeing Baiyu approach, the Laine patriarch pointed at the seat opposite him with his book: "Sit."

Baiyu sat down and directly asked: "Laine patriarch, what matters do you wish to discuss with me? I feel that I, as someone with a peripheral seat, don’t have much value for a personal meeting with the Laine patriarch."

"Haha. Geman brother, you’re joking."

The Laine patriarch laughed heartily, saying: "You are the Favored of the Divine Spirit; you cannot be compared to others."

Baiyu said solemnly: "What does the Laine patriarch wish to say?"

Since he used the Black Moon Divine Power at the Forgotten Association, he hadn’t planned to conceal this identity.

To be recognized by the Laine patriarch was within his expectations.

"Our Laine Clan has generations of faith, and we serve the lion."

The Laine patriarch said solemnly: "You should also know that within the Blade Realm, besides the Lion Craftsman, there is also a Scar.

The two divine spirits are opposed.

Their battle never ends."