Divine Emperor of Death

"The Fire Phoenix Clan I founded was cemented under the same ideologies of the Fire Phoenix Clan in the Immortal World. No one can interfere with somebody's right to love someone, not even one's parents. I wouldn't have the authority to say anything to the fourth inheritor, much less the second and third, as they're capable of creating their own powers with their inheritances. However, we are also prideful beings and have a saying that we can't get along with ducks and pigs alike, which causes a problem to occur to like what you see now."

Great Ancestor Zenflame explained with a solemn expression on his face, causing Davis to chuckle.

"So, am I a duckling or a pig?"

"It would be the latter, a dirty one at that because you're a Divergent. We can't possibly have our chances ruined because of your nature to attract calamities. Other than that, we have no trouble with you but are willing to take a leap of faith in you as long as you give us the fourth inheritor for the Candidacy and Candidacy alone."

Great Ancestor Zenflame emphasized twice as he spoke in a diplomatic voice, looking sharp,  "As long as you do so, we will help you when you are in danger."

"..."

Davis stared at him for a few seconds before turning to look at Great Ancestor Rocksunder who also nodded his head.

"The Earth Dragon Clan looks at one's strength. As far as I know, I heard you're strong as us, so I have no objection to your relation with the fourth inheritor. However, we still need her aid in allowing us to win the Candidacy."

Davis returned his gaze to Great Ancestor Zenflame and lightly chuckled.

"That didn't seem to be the case with your Patriarch, though. He demanded that I return Shirley back and forget about her."

"..."

Great Ancestor Zenflame turned to look at Patriarch Killian Zenflame, who was by his side, his eyes turning cold. The latter merely looked away under that gaze, causing Great Ancestor Zenflame to heave a sigh as though he was disappointed before he returned his gaze to Davis.

"The Patriarch is young and naturally in a difficult position to prioritize the safety and prosperity of the clan rather than give importance to a single woman or a man no matter how their importance may be. I hope you can forgive him for his past senseless actions."

"Aha." Davis laughed lightly, looking like he heard the funniest thing again, "Your Patriarch gave me so many headaches and a stomach full of rage, but you want me to forgive him? For that to happen, it must take a miracle."

"You... Great Ancestor, look at him blatantly threatening me right in your presence. Isn't this an insult to our clan?"

Patriarch Killian Zenflame pointed at Davis, his finger shivering with rage.

Great Ancestor Zenflame closed his eyes once before opening them again.

"I was hoping to mediate between you two, but it seems like it isn't going to happen. Very well, on account of my face, leave the table, Patriarch."

"Great Ancestor...!?"

Patriarch Killian Zenflame turned to look at his Ancestor in shock. He couldn't believe his apex ancestor would choose that evil brat over him. However, the Great Ancestor didn't even turn to look at him, causing him to clench his teeth and leave.

Davis's gaze followed Patriarch Killian Zenflame, unable to tell if this was an act or truly happening right now, causing his gaze to return to Great Ancestor Zenflame, who stood up lightly and stretched his face towards him, his crimson eyes gleaming.

"Even if the Fire Phoenix Clan doesn't move to protect you, I'm willing to sign a Blood Soul Contract with you and carry the karmic burden by myself."

"I don't understand." Davis narrowed his brows, "Wouldn't that lower your chances of winning the Candidacy either way unless you got rid of me?"

Great Ancestor Zenflame's lips curled into a smile before he sat back down and proudly shrugged.

"What can I say? I like gambling."

"Ahaha! That's right." Great Ancestor Rocksunder also laughed heartily, "He even got the nickname called the Gambling Phoenix Ancestor as he had lost a few billion High-Level Immortal Crystals at the Dark Dragon Gambling Den."

"Hah! It's not like you didn't lose half a billion, so shut the hell up."

"At least I won more than I lost, unlike you."

Great Ancestor Rocksunder sneered, causing Great Ancestor Zenflame's expression to change.

"You damn lizard. You're courting death!"

"Go peck some rice from the ground with your non-existent beak, you chicken."

"..."

The two of them glared at each other while Davis went speechless over their sudden fight. It didn't seem faked too.

However, he saw that they really weren't offended by each other's words, which made him feel different.

From what he could sense, they really portrayed the charisma of being the first inheritors who built the clans that were prospering even till now. They possessed the daringness to take risks. In other words, gambling. Moreover, they also embodied what those powers actually stood for. Things like virtue, strength, and confidence seemed to be innate to them.

Although their mouths suddenly became dirty as they exchanged insults, he would be lying if he said that he wasn't impressed by their sincerity.

"What are the two of your ages?"

He suddenly asked, causing an end to their cat-and-mouse game.

"Me? I'm hundred and seventy-two." Great Ancestor Zenflame chuckled.

"Hundred and seventy-six." Great Ancestor Rocksunder simply gave a sigh and looked away, appearing wistful.

"..."

Davis couldn't help but blink. Age-wise, they were no different than youths, especially when he considered that they could be Immortal Emperors once. Otherwise, it didn't make sense for him to see their bloodlines continue on to this day with vigor.

But despite all their words filled with sincerity, Davis couldn't help but sigh.

"Unfortunately, I can't agree to these terms."

"..."

The two Great Ancestors narrowed their eyes together and opened their mouths at the same time.

"Why?"