Sword Sovereign of the Celestial Emperor-Chapter 200, Lin Family

"What are the four major forces?"

Chu Ming asked slowly. While staying in Black Dragon City, although there was no need to fully understand all the forces, it was still better to make sense of the main ones.

"The first, of course, is the Governor’s Mansion! The Governor’s Mansion controls the Black Dragon City area, and the Prefect is the strongest person in Black Dragon City. Anyone who challenges this authority is suppressed and killed."

Upon hearing Lin An’s introduction, Chu Ming nodded. To a certain extent, the Governor’s Mansion represents the entire royal family of the Black Rock Empire. Being an enemy of the Governor’s Mansion is akin to being an enemy of the entire Black Rock Empire royalty, unless there is a Realm of Transcendence world-class powerhouse supporting them. Otherwise, the Black Rock Empire can make them disappear in minutes.

"The remaining three forces are the three families of Black Dragon City: the Zhao Family, the Wang Family, and the Zhang Family. These three families are considered powerful even within the entire Black Rock Empire. This is because each of the three families has a Guiyuan Realm peak powerhouse. Even the Prefect generally avoids provoking these families."

Lin An said faintly and then continued.

"These three families occupy the eastern, southern, and western directions of Black Dragon City, with the Governor’s Mansion in the center. Currently, only the North City remains chaotic, and the Lin Family is located in the north of Black Dragon City."

Chu Ming nodded slightly. On the way back, Chu Ming had already learned that the Lin Family also had an ancestor, but only a Guiyuan Realm Third Layer powerhouse. With the support of a Guiyuan Realm ancestor, the Lin Family could establish itself in the North City. Otherwise, it would have been swallowed by other families long ago.

Families like the Lin Family are close to a hundred in Black Dragon City. Without a Guiyuan Realm to rely on, they cannot be considered families but only a group of rabble.

"Besides, Black Dragon City also has four geniuses, known externally as the Four Heroes of the Black Dragon!"

Lin An paused slightly and looked at Chu Ming before continuing. Hearing this, Chu Ming listened carefully. He never considered himself the strongest genius. Although his comprehension was abnormal and he was faster in cultivating martial techniques than others, this continent was too vast, with countless geniuses, just like Lu Qianqian from the Great Yan Kingdom, whom Chu Ming couldn’t see through.

"They are respectively, the Prefect’s daughter, Zhu Hongxue, Zhao Family’s Zhao Tianlei, Wang Family’s Wang Hao, and Zhang Family’s Zhang Xu!"

Lin An introduced.

"How strong are they?"

Chu Ming sighed slightly. The four forces controlled all of Black Dragon City, and the resources were almost entirely divided among them, significantly reducing the chance of other families producing geniuses.

"I don’t know, but they are all under eighteen and have comprehended various Intent Realms, with records of defeating True Dao Eighth Layer martial artists."

Lin An said slightly enviously.

Chu Ming’s expression changed slightly. Without relying on the Soul Attack Secret Technique, his strength should currently be between an average True Dao Seventh Layer and Eighth Layer. The term "average" was used because some geniuses’ strength couldn’t be measured purely by cultivation, just like Xue Wuhai, who had only True Dao Third Layer strength but could defeat ordinary True Dao Sevenths by relying on "Blood Sea Burial Flower."

Here, it should be about combat power. A martial artist’s combat power depends on various aspects, just like Chu Ming. Although he was only at True Dao First Layer cultivation, his Profound Level Middle Tier cultivation technique "Fire Burning True Skill" was already cultivated to the Seventh Layer, and he had also cultivated a Body Refining Technique. His accomplishments in body refining were not inferior to his spiritual power cultivation, so his combat power far exceeded his cultivation.

Each genius must have their own unique features, which enable them to stand out among many talents.

As the two were talking, they arrived at the Lin Family’s mansion. Although the Lin Family was a small family in Black Dragon City, it had a Guiyuan Realm powerhouse, so the mansion was built luxuriously.

"Back!"

"Second Miss is back!"

The Lin Family’s trade team had just arrived at the door, and the guards on both sides of the mansion exclaimed to the inside, full of joy.

Lin An handed the reins to the guard. At this moment, many guards came out from the mansion, helping to unload goods from the carriage.

"Hahaha, Yue’er is back!"

A hearty laugh came from the mansion. Then, a middle-aged man with a dignified face, filled with masculine energy, and a faint purple glow under his skin, strode out, jubilantly.

"Dad!"

"Patriarch!"

"Patriarch!"

The guards all saluted respectfully, full of admiration. Lin Yue’Er, who had just alighted from the carriage, dashed into the embrace of the newcomer like a homing swallow. The Lin Family Patriarch lightly patted Lin Yue’Er’s back and said, "You’re already grown up; pay more attention to your image!"

"I’ll always be your little girl," Lin Yue’Er said with a mischievous smile. Returning to the Lin Family, she felt like she’d finally emerged from the shadow of the bandits; only home could give her a sense of security.

"Who is this?"

The Lin Family Patriarch, Lin Qingxuan, glanced past Lin Yue’Er and looked at Chu Ming, somewhat puzzled.

"Junior Chu Ming!"

Chu Ming slightly bowed and spoke calmly. At this moment, Lin An quickly stepped forward and whispered a few words in Lin Qingxuan’s ear. Lin Qingxuan nodded slightly, then burst into laughter, full of gratitude.

"Indeed, heroes come from the young. This time, we owe much thanks to Chu Xiaoxia. If you don’t mind, please call me Uncle Lin!"

"Uncle Lin."

Chu Ming nodded. Lin Yue’Er stood behind Lin Qingxuan, curiously looking at Chu Ming. Although they had traveled together, Lin Yue’Er had spent most of the time in the carriage, and they had hardly met, let alone exchanged words.

"Very well. Since you called me Uncle Lin, consider the Lin Family your home. Stay as long as you like."

Lin Qingxuan said with a smile, leading Chu Ming and Lin Yue’Er into the mansion’s main hall.

Along the way, Lin Qingxuan chattered about the interesting stories of Black Dragon City, all the while discreetly observing Chu Ming. Lin An had spoken highly of Chu Ming, which Lin Qingxuan was initially skeptical about. But through this brief encounter, he was convinced Lin An had slightly underestimated Chu Ming.

"I wonder what brings Chu Xiaoxia to Black Dragon City this time?"

Lin Qingxuan asked casually.

"To gain experience and prepare for the Celestial Travel Sect’s disciple recruitment ceremony seven months from now."

Chu Ming replied calmly. This was no secret and there was no need to hide it.