Everyone was stunned.
They naturally wouldn't have thought of this level.
Every word Ling Feng spoke was somewhat earth-shattering, yet Ling Feng seemed to feel it wasn't enough to shock everyone.
He continued to say to everyone: "If the Ling family continues in its current state and touches upon our national interests, I will unhesitatingly abandon all of you! Even if the Ling family is destroyed! Because this would be the Ling family's failure, and you cannot blame anyone!"
Everyone in the Ling family trembled violently. Some people hated Ling Feng at this moment, feeling he was arrogant and too heartless.
However, some people truly took Ling Feng's words to heart and understood what he meant!
The Ling family had been a burden to Ling Feng.
The Ling family was too incompetent. Anyone with a shred of ambition would feel ashamed of themselves!
Ling Zhi Gao was even more so. He immediately bowed to Ling Feng and said, "It's all my incompetence!"
"The Ling family could have enjoyed better resources. If you wanted them, they would have been provided. We are also one of the Four Dragon Blood Families. Do you see how much other families have developed now? The Ling family of the past also went through trials by fire and blood. We should have been stronger. Was it because of my existence that you chose to keep your distance?"
After speaking, Ling Feng looked at Ling Zhi Gao with a scrutinizing gaze.
Ling Zhi Gao's mouth twitched, and he shook his head with a bitter smile, clearly denying Ling Feng's assertion!
"I believe all of you should be aware of your own weakness, which is why you feel unqualified to ask for more. Frankly, it's a matter of pride. And with this inferiority complex, you've raised your banners in Jiangbei, becoming local despots, and even feeling quite pleased with yourselves, haven't you? Don't you find this ridiculous?"
Ling Feng's words became increasingly piercing, leaving no room for anyone to save face!
Ling Zhi Gao remained silent.
But someone below couldn't help but speak, "Heavenly Venerate, it's not entirely our fault, is it? All the other Dragon Blood successors have entered the capital, but we weren't recruited. We could only..."
"Are you mute? You didn't speak up to request, so how do you know you're unqualified to enter the capital war zone, or that you're unqualified to receive more support? Back in Nanyun, didn't you send people there? What happened? Do you lack that much courage now?"
Ling Feng directly interrupted the man and then approached him step by step, questioning him word by word.
The man's face turned pale. Standing beside him was his cousin who had met Ling Feng in Nanyun. However, the cousin merely glanced at Ling Feng before quickly lowering his head.
Clearly, they were all somewhat mentally collapsed by Ling Feng's earlier words.
But they all knew that any rebuttal would be a mere excuse. They themselves were aware of their weakness, or perhaps from the beginning, they had maintained their pride, waiting for Ling Feng or those around him to provide them with more resources.
However, when their pride could no longer be maintained, they realized they had been left far behind. Compared to others, they naturally felt inferior.
From beginning to end, it was all about face, which was what Ling Feng found most deplorable about the Ling family!
"Brother, I know you yearn for a home, and this large family is the home you've known since childhood. Since that's the case, for the sake of this home, you must bear some responsibility. Even if some people within oppose you or even resort to certain tactics against you, they are merely tests. If you can overcome all difficulties and lead the Ling family to become stronger, only then can you prove your capabilities!"
Ling Feng then earnestly instructed Ling Yan.
Ling Yan's blood was already boiling. He nodded repeatedly to Ling Feng, "Okay, I understand. Xiao Feng, don't worry, I won't disappoint you, nor will I disappoint the ancestors of the Ling family!"
The group below was speechless. However, some with bowed heads were thinking that Ling Yan had only risen to power by Ling Feng's influence!
Although they had made the Ling family incompetent, after so many years, even without merit, they had contributed effort. All of this had already accumulated a certain foundation.
At this moment, Ling Yan's sudden arrival had taken all the fruits of their labor.
Naturally, they were unconvinced.
But Ling Feng's earlier words gave them some solace: they could use some tactics, and they had the ability to prove that Ling Yan was unqualified for the position of patriarch!
"Good. In that case, Ling Yan, you are the patriarch from now on. Heh heh, our Ling family has double happiness today. A new patriarch, plus Heavenly Venerate... Ling Feng's wedding. Heh heh, excellent!"
Ling Zhi Gao suddenly breathed a sigh of relief and quickly tried to ease the atmosphere.
He was not a person of great ambition and tended to muddle through many things. Facing such immense pressure from Ling Feng, stepping back at this moment was actually more comfortable!
"There's no need for any ceremony for the inauguration. Ling Feng's wedding is more important!"
Ling Yan shook his head with a wry smile.
Ling Feng, however, said in a deep voice, "No, let's invite some people tonight. Since Brother is willing to take on these responsibilities, I don't mind helping you build momentum. I will have people from the Jiangbei War Zone come over, and some people from the Martial Arts Hall will also be here!"
Hiss!
Upon hearing this, everyone around couldn't help but gasp.
The foreheads of those who opposed Ling Yan began to break out in a fine sheen of sweat.
Even if Ling Zhi Gao personally intervened, he might not be able to invite these people, yet Ling Feng seemed to be inviting them casually.
At this moment, these foolish individuals finally came to their senses.
With Ling Feng's support, it would be effortless for Ling Yan to control the entire Ling family. Moreover, only Ling Yan could lead the Ling family to become stronger, because the resources Ling Feng casually provided were something they could never obtain!
What they had previously called their hard work and contributions amounted to nothing in the face of true power!
Ling Yan's face also flushed slightly, feeling somewhat embarrassed. He had promised to earn everything himself, but now Ling Feng had directly provided him with everything.
In this way, the power of the entire Jiangbei Security Zone was gathered into the Ling family. With such a stable platform and a solid foundation of strength, it would be extremely difficult for Ling Yan not to make the Ling family stronger!
And just as everything was settled.
Dong Jinghua from the National Martial Arts Hall had also finished her meeting. Her assistant quickly ran over and whispered something into her ear.
Others looked over curiously.
Dong Jinghua frowned slightly and waved her hand, saying, "If there's something, why can't it be said openly? Just say it!"
The assistant paused, then gave an apologetic nod to the surrounding crowd with some awkwardness, and then said, "Director, we have just received an invitation. This is an invitation card. The Ling family is inaugurating a new patriarch and will be hosting guests tonight. I heard that several supervisors from the War Zone will be attending, all of them high-ranking generals!"