Double Eight!

Even Chen Xuan couldn’t help feeling a jolt of surprise when he heard that.

Qian Ink Jade was only just a hundred years old, right?

In the Tree-man Race’s long lifespan, that was about the same as two or three years old in the Human Race.

"How is it? Scared you, didn’t I?"

Cyan Abyss Forest saw he didn’t speak and thought he’d been scared silly, a hint of pride appearing on his face. He’d gone to a lot of trouble to get this piece of news.

Among the Tree-man Race, very few people actually knew Cyan Ink Jade’s strength.

If it weren’t for a maid serving Qingyu Xian who had some relations with him, with his status he’d never have been able to find out.

"It’s alright."

Chen Xuan said calmly.

He was surprised, of course, but as the Young Clan Leader of a race, he would naturally have the full power of the entire clan gathered on him. Thinking about it, it was reasonable.

If he hadn’t reached this level, that would have been the strange thing.

"Hehe!"

Cyan Abyss Forest chuckled lightly. How could he not know his own kind?

Nothing’s hard on him except that mouth!

All the way, it was basically Cyan Abyss Forest doing the talking, reminding him of various matters, while Chen Xuan mostly just nodded, rarely opening his mouth.

Half an hour later.

The ancestral tree appeared in their line of sight.

But this time they weren’t entering from below, instead coming directly to the mid‑trunk, around the "waist" of the ancestral tree.

The ancestral tree core was the most important place to the Tree-man Race, even above the Celestial Eye Forest, so the entrance was arranged in a different location, and there was even a large number of guards at the entrance.

Leading them were two Double Eight experts.

The two rows of guards were all, without exception, high‑level experts.

"Greetings, my lord!"

Cyan Abyss Forest’s expression was respectful as he cupped his fists in salute.

Here, it didn’t matter what status you had, you had to behave properly. Anyone who dared act presumptuous here would be killed on the spot.

As for Chen Xuan, though he didn’t like it, he still bent his body slightly, but he didn’t speak.

"Mm."

The middle‑aged man in the lead, a Double Eight expert, merely gave a faint grunt, then spoke to the person behind him, "Check them."

"Yes, sir!"

The young man behind him stepped forward and flicked out a green leaf toward Chen Xuan.

The green leaf floated above Chen Xuan’s head, then a beam of green light shot out.

A moment later!

The green shattered and turned into a rune, which began to flicker.

Chen Xuan lifted his head slightly.

These were precisely the characters of the Tree-man Race—Upper Grade!

"My lord, Upper Grade. No problem."

The young man replied respectfully.

"Mm, register him."

"Yes, sir!"

The young man then took out a green Crystal Stone, extended a strand of Spiritual Power, and in an instant recorded the information of the two of them into it.

He then tossed the Crystal Stone to Chen Xuan. "Only those holding a Crystal Stone may enter!"

"Ah..."

Cyan Abyss Forest was slightly stunned. Didn’t that mean he couldn’t go in?

This wasn’t how it worked before!

He hurriedly said, "Then I can’t go in?"

"Didn’t you hear me? Only those holding a Crystal Stone can enter."

The young man’s face showed impatience.

And the aura on his body suddenly pressed down.

Cyan Abyss Forest’s heart trembled.

In an instant, that aura vanished.

Just that split second was enough to make him break out in a cold sweat like rain, but he still forced a smile onto his face. "Yes, yes, my lord, please don’t be angry, I was talking too much."

"What a tyrant."

Chen Xuan thought to himself.

They were of the same clan, and Cyan Abyss Forest’s family status in the Tree-man Race was fairly decent, yet he was scolded like a grandson.

Wasn’t that a bit much?

"Hurry up and go in!"

Even after being reprimanded, Cyan Abyss Forest still wore a smiling face as he urged Chen Xuan.

"Mm."

Chen Xuan nodded. Just as he was about to step inside, a figure suddenly descended from the sky.

A youthful young man.

Dressed in white, with a cold face, and even a trace of sorrow in his eyes.

"Greetings, Young Clan Leader!"

The two Double Eight guards in the lead immediately went up and bowed.

As for the two rows of guards on either side, they dropped to one knee in unison. "Greetings, Young Clan Leader!"

Their voices were deafening.

"So that’s Cyan Ink Jade."

Chen Xuan looked over but didn’t move. That scared Cyan Abyss Forest beside him half to death; he hurriedly tugged on him to kneel.

Though he was unwilling in his heart, at this moment he could only force himself. Just as his knee was about to touch the ground—

"No need."

Cyan Ink Jade’s words made Chen Xuan halt at once.

Perfect timing.

"Many thanks, Young Clan Leader!"

Cyan Ink Jade gave a slight nod. The reason these people treated him with such respect all came from his father’s achievements.

Every one of these men had been personally cultivated by Qingyu Xian as his direct subordinates.

The ancestral tree core was such an important place—of course it had to be guarded by their own people.

"Please, Young Clan Leader!"

The head guard stepped aside respectfully.

"You’ve all worked hard."

Cyan Ink Jade glanced at the two men, then asked, "Any later descendants going in this time?"

"I’ve got one, a girl!"

The man with the burly appearance said with a grin.

"Mm."

Cyan Ink Jade nodded. "When the time comes, have her come to my side. There’ll be some benefits for her."

"Ah... many thanks, Young Clan Leader!"

The burly man was instantly overjoyed.

He naturally knew of Cyan Ink Jade’s talent. To stay close to a genius of this level, the benefits were obvious.

The man opposite him revealed an envious look, but there was nothing he could do. This time his own later descendants hadn’t managed to get in.

"I’ll pick one of your later descendants another time."

Cyan Ink Jade didn’t forget him either. The two of them were both Double Eight, and although they were utterly loyal to his father, it was his turn now, and he still had to hand out benefits when due.

Only this way could he win people over.

After Qingyu Xian left, he’d come to understand this much more clearly.

"I guess he’s grown up."

He sighed inwardly, then started walking inside.

"Young Clan Leader!"

Cyan Abyss Forest immediately stepped forward, face full of smiles, his body bent, extremely humble.