Chapter 1657: Tianya Yields the Throne

"Patriarch... is no match!"

After who knows how long, Luo Qianzhen's face was full of bitterness.

"Indeed, this Zhang Xuan is clearly saving face for the patriarch; otherwise, he would have lost within twenty moves!"

Luo Qingchen nodded.

"I concede..."

As his words fell, Luo Tianya on the stage was panting, his face full of dejection.

It seemed he himself could not believe this outcome.

"Brother Luo, don't mind it. Our strength is actually not far apart..." Approaching him, Zhang Xuan showed no joy of victory, but instead a sincere expression: "Let's call it a draw today, how about it?"

"A loss is a loss. If I, Luo Tianya, cannot even admit that, I might as well change my surname to Zhang..."

Luo Tianya shook his head: "However, my loss is not because the Luo family's Space Sealing True Solution is inferior to your Zhang family's, but because of my personal ability!"

"Brother Luo, you flatter me!"

Zhang Xuan said solemnly: "The Time and Space True Solutions are equally renowned, with no distinction of strength. I have no intention of slighting the Luo family; on the contrary, I hold great respect. The reason I managed to win by a narrow margin is mainly... because I used the Luo family's Sealing True Solution, and my understanding of it surpasses yours!"

"What do you mean?"

Luo Tianya looked up in confusion.

"Brother Luo must have noticed just now that what I displayed was the same as yours—the Space Sealing True Solution!" Zhang Xuan explained.

"This..." Luo Tianya was stunned, as if only then realizing, and frowned: "That's right, how do you know the Luo family's Sealing True Solution?"

"Although the Sealing True Solution was comprehended by the Luo family's ancestors, it actually originated from Qiuwu Ancient Sage! I have received the Ancient Sage's inheritance, so it's nothing strange that I can perform the Sealing True Solution!"

Zhang Xuan said.

"Qiuwu Ancient Sage?" Luo Tianya could not believe it.

"This is a relic left by the Ancient Sage!"

Zhang Xuan turned his wrist, and before Luo Tianya appeared a small crystal ball, its aura ethereal, giving a sense of folded space.

Luo Tianya lightly touched it with his palm, and after a moment, his whole body trembled, envy appearing in his eyes: "It truly was left by Qiuwu Ancient Sage... Brother Zhang's fortune is truly heaven-defying!"

"I obtained it by chance. The reason few in your Luo family understand the Space True Solution is not due to lack of talent, but because the inheritance you received is incomplete."

Zhang Xuan smiled lightly: "This Qiuwu Palace contains the complete version of the Derivation Space Scripture left by the Ancient Sage. Today, I give it to you, Brother Luo. I believe it will play a greater role in your hands and in the Luo family than in mine!"

Looking at the crystal ball in his palm, Luo Tianya was filled with shock and quickly shook his head: "How can I accept this..."

Who on the continent would not want an Ancient Sage's inheritance?

To give it away so casually—the debt of gratitude was immeasurable.

Luo Qianzhen and the many elders hiding nearby looked at each other in astonishment.

The Luo family's inheritance indeed came from Qiuwu Ancient Sage. If they could obtain the complete Derivation Space Scripture, the clan members would indeed progress rapidly, and even if they could not comprehend the Sealing True Solution, their strength would surely increase greatly.

But... the two families were at odds. They had come to humiliate him, yet he not only overlooked this but gave such a precious gift...

For a moment, everyone felt ashamed.

"Don't rush to refuse, Brother Luo. Let me finish!"

With hands behind his back, Zhang Xuan's expression turned grave: "The space around the Confucian Temple is turbulent and will soon emerge. Brother Luo must already know this!"

"Mm!"

Luo Tianya nodded.

"The Hundred Schools of Thought challenging our two families clearly aims to seize the World-Transmitting Talisman. They failed this time, but with the treasure of Master Confucius involved, they will not easily give up and will surely return. Moreover, from observations these past days, powerful members of the Alien Spirit Clan have already arrived on the continent, and even the Alien Spirit Emperor has infiltrated secretly!"

Raising his brows, Zhang Xuan said: "The continent is at a critical moment of survival. Once war fully breaks out, not only our two families but all humanity on the continent will face a great calamity... At this time, we should not fight but help each other and overcome the crisis together! Otherwise, allowing outsiders to invade will only sadden our kin and gladden our enemies!"

Luo Tianya was silent.

"The three great families have stood on the continent for tens of thousands of years by helping each other and fighting enemies together! Regarding the broken engagement last time, it was my fault, Zhang Xuan, but I did not do it intentionally. Matters of the heart cannot be forced into happiness."

"I had already pledged myself to Ruoxi. To rashly agree to marry the little princess would be to break faith and disregard integrity. If I were such a person, even if I married Qiqi, I would only make her sad, and that would be even more unfair to the Luo family. These days, whenever I think of this, I cannot sleep or eat peacefully... This Qiuwu Palace and the inherited Derivation Space Scripture are my apology. I hope Brother Luo will not refuse, or I will truly be ashamed..."

Zhang Xuan said.

"Brother Zhang is so righteous. Since that's the case, I will not be hypocritical!"

After a pause, Luo Tianya took the crystal ball and put it into his ring.

"He didn't do it on purpose..."

"Indeed, if he had forcibly married the little princess back then, he would have been heartless!"

"It seems he did not intend to damage our Luo family's reputation!"

"We only thought of face, but he thought of all humanity. His breadth of mind is beyond our reach!"

The hidden Luo family members fell silent again, their faces flushed.

They had only considered the Luo family, never putting themselves in his shoes. If he had truly broken faith, even if he married the little princess, could he give her happiness?

Probably not!

"Thank you, Brother Luo!"

Zhang Xuan bowed deeply.

"I will surely explain your intentions when I return!" With a grave expression, Luo Tianya pondered for a moment, as if making a decision, and gritted his teeth: "Brother Zhang, I actually have a favor to ask!"

"Brother Luo, please speak!"

Startled, Zhang Xuan looked over: "If it is within my power, I will not refuse!"

"I have an important matter unfinished. After I leave this time, it is very likely I will never return. Although I have been the Luo family patriarch for only a short time, I do not wish to see the family decline because of this..."

Luo Tianya said with a somber expression.

"Never return? Brother Luo, are you going to some relic or... to seek revenge? If you need my help, just say the word..." Zhang Xuan was taken aback and quickly cupped his hands.

"I appreciate your kindness, Brother Zhang, but this is my personal matter, inconvenient for outsiders to interfere. I have already resolved to die; even if I perish, I will do so willingly!"

Shaking his head, Luo Tianya's expression turned serious as he looked again: "What I ask of you is not this!"

Zhang Xuan was puzzled.

Taking a deep breath, Luo Tianya turned his wrist, and a token appeared in his palm, hovering quietly in the air—it was the Luo family's patriarch token.

"I hope... Brother Zhang, you can take over as the Luo family patriarch. That way, even if I die, I can rest assured!"

"Become patriarch?" Zhang Xuan's body trembled, and he waved his hands repeatedly: "This... how can this be!"