Long Daoyun and Nalan Sheng became the heads of their respective families. To strengthen the bond between the two clans, they arranged a marriage between their children. Long Yan, the son of Long Daoyun, was wed to Nalan Yu'er, the daughter of Nalan Sheng.
In the years that followed, Long Yan displayed remarkable talent in cultivation. He achieved perfection in the Body Refining Realm at an early age and was on the verge of breaking into the Spirit Purification Realm by the age of eighteen. Impressed by his potential, the Nalan family was initially pleased with the union.
However, three years ago, disaster struck. For reasons unknown, Long Yan suddenly lost the ability to absorb spiritual energy. Any energy he took in vanished inexplicably. Deprived of nourishment, his vitality declined, and his cultivation began to regress.
Despite the Long family's tireless efforts to find a solution, nothing worked. As Long Yan's condition worsened, Long Daoyun relinquished his position as clan head and departed for the capital in search of a cure—a journey that has now stretched on for three years. Since then, no word has come from him, and Long Yan's cultivation has fallen below mortal levels. He is now considered completely crippled.
In sharp contrast, Nalan Yu'er soared in her cultivation, reaching the first level of the Spirit Purification Realm and gaining a position as an inner disciple of the Cloud Sect. She even formed a connection with Nu Qing, the sect leader's only son. As a result, Nalan Sheng no longer wished for his daughter to be tied to the now-disabled Long Yan. Nalan Yu'er herself publicly voiced her contempt for him.
A few days ago, Nalan Sheng informed the Long family that his daughter would officially break off the engagement to avoid complications between the families. This alone wouldn't have prompted Long Hongwen to seek aid from the main branch.
"What we discovered by chance," Long Hongwen said, his face filled with worry, "is that Nu Qing will be accompanying Nalan Yu'er during her visit. Nu Qing is known for his twisted character, narrow-mindedness, and vindictive nature. If something were to happen... I fear for the safety of our Long family in Xuancheng."
He had not intended to trouble the main family unless absolutely necessary. But the danger posed by Nu Qing was too great to ignore. He couldn't take the risk of his entire clan being wiped out.
Only the patriarch had the authority and strength to handle this threat. The Cloud Sect was a powerful force, and even though the main family possessed cultivators in the Inborn Realm, they might not be willing to challenge such a sect over a minor branch.
As Long Hongwen bowed his head in silence, Long Chen's expression grew odd. Where had he seen this scenario before? A broken engagement, a family named Nalan, a fallen genius suddenly unable to cultivate…
Wait a second—does this Long Yan have an old man living in a ring too?
His eyebrows lifted in amusement. He was genuinely intrigued. If the situation mirrored that classic tale, perhaps their family was about to gain another prodigious figure.
Looking at Long Hongwen, Long Chen spoke calmly, "Don't worry. Whether you're from the main branch or a side branch, you're all of the Long bloodline. As patriarch, how could I stand by and watch you face such a threat?"
"And the Cloud Sect? If they think they can destroy the Long family just like that, they're mistaken. They're not qualified."
Long Hongwen looked up, stunned. He hadn't expected the patriarch to agree so decisively, without any hesitation. He had prepared a dozen arguments to persuade him—but none were needed.
The decision came so swiftly, it almost felt like a dream. After a few moments, he steadied his emotions and asked in a trembling voice, "Patriarch... are you serious?"
Though he heard exactly what he hoped for, it still felt unreal. Long Chen's gaze turned distant, as if seeing through the walls toward the distant Cloud Sect. "Rest assured. I will handle this matter."
"Thank you, Patriarch!" Long Hongwen bowed deeply, tears shimmering in his eyes. He had seen the main family's strength with his own eyes on the way to Star City—surely, even someone like Nu Qing would have to back down.
"Stand up. When this matter is resolved, you may bring your clan and settle here in Star City."
Long Chen took Long Hongwen's hand and helped him up gently.
"Patriarch…" Long Hongwen was overwhelmed. Tears streamed freely down his face. He never imagined that seeking help would result in such an opportunity. Returning to the main family had been their greatest wish ever since the clan split a century ago. Many elders longed to be buried in their ancestral homeland.
"From this day forward," Long Chen said firmly, "our families will advance and retreat as one. No more separation."
Resolved, Long Chen made a silent vow. Once this crisis passed, he would take time to reintegrate all the scattered branches of the Long family. United, they would grow even stronger.
Standing to the side, the grand elder was both surprised and pleased by the patriarch's resolve. After all, the side branches shared the same blood. Letting them suffer outside was a disgrace. Better to reunite now and grow together.
And conveniently, the main family had lost much manpower over the years due to its conflicts with the Tang family. These side branches could help them recover faster than expected.