On the spacious platform, the atmosphere had grown a bit silent due to that sudden shout. Many Ling Family disciples glanced at each other, and then fell silent. They all knew that this was probably not just Ling Hai's opinion, but likely the thought of most Ling Family disciples present.

At this moment, most of the Ling Family's direct lineal descendants had a hint of doubt in their eyes. They were all born into the Ling Family's direct line, with high status, beyond reproach. Some of them, though not initially direct descendants, had no idea how much effort they put in to reach this position. Yet now, Ling Chen was just a newcomer.

Although Ling Chen had created a terrifying achievement earlier, it was obviously not enough to make them recognize him immediately.

In mid-air, Ling Tingfeng and Ling Lie glanced at Ling Hai, frowning slightly but without the slightest surprise in their eyes. Clearly, they had anticipated this scene.

"Ling Hai, do you have something to say?" Ling Tingfeng said slowly.

"Family Head, direct disciples are the core of the family, not only needing outstanding strength but also credentials that earn respect. This Ling Yu, a mere branch family disciple, has only been in the family for a short time and has not yet passed the family's test. Isn't this a bit too hasty?" Ling Hai said in a deep voice, cupping his fists toward Ling Tingfeng.

Ling Tingfeng frowned, saying, "Ling Hai, there must always be exceptions. If we follow convention and remain rigid, our Ling Family will sooner or later be left behind by the other eight major families!"

"Indeed, exceptions should be made." Ling Hai squinted slightly, looking at Ling Chen's back with a faint smile, saying, "But that should be for those with strength. I don't think this Ling Feather Clan disciple is qualified for such an exception."

With these words, many Ling Family disciples on the platform couldn't help but twitch their lips. Those words seemed a bit deliberately targeted.

Ling Xue and others had a trace of anger in their eyes due to Ling Hai's words. Unknowingly, they had already regarded Ling Chen as one of their third branch people, and now that Ling Chen was being belittled, they were naturally displeased.

Therefore, Ling Xue and the others turned their gaze to Ling Chen, whose slightly lowered face seemed to lift into a curve. Then, under the watchful eyes of many, he turned around, his gaze meeting Ling Hai and Ling Yuxuan's directly, with no trace of fear.

In response to Ling Chen's gaze, Ling Hai merely pursed his lips, crossing his arms, his imposing manner pressing toward the former. Although Ling Chen's talent was astonishing, his strength was enough for Ling Hai to stand proud.

"Brother Ling Hai, I wonder what level of qualification you believe is needed?" Ling Chen asked with a smile, staring at Ling Hai.

"First, you must be able to convince the crowd and have sufficient strength." Ling Hai said plainly.

"I've just arrived at the Ling Family, and perhaps many Ling Family members are not familiar with me, so when it comes to convincing, I indeed have no advantage. However, I can say here and now to all of you that in the next Heavenly Sword Conference, I will make it to the top three and win supreme glory for the Ling Family!" Ling Chen's gentle voice spread across the platform, but it left quite a few Ling Family disciples stunned.

Those words were quite arrogant. Among the Nine Great Families, each had geniuses as numerous as clouds. Although the Ling Family was not weak, aiming for a top-three position was undeniably difficult, given the participants of the Heavenly Sword Conference were all top-tier talents from the Nine Great Families, genius against genius; who could guarantee superiority?

Even Ling Yuxuan, the Ling Family's number one genius, barely made it into the top ten in the last Heavenly Sword Conference. Yet now Ling Chen claimed he would be in the top three! 𝕗𝗿𝕖𝐞𝐰𝗲𝕓𝐧𝕠𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝐨𝚖

The difficulty was enormous!

Considering Ling Yuxuan's prowess, this was the best result he could muster. Outpacing that would not be a simple task for Ling Chen.

Ling Chen knew this well. He realized that if he didn't put it all on the line, becoming a direct lineage disciple of the Ling Family would certainly be doomed.

The Heavenly Sword Conference is a grand event that all the Saint Families take very seriously. Achieving a dazzling result there would provide enough capital.

"What gives you the nerve to say such arrogant words?" Ling Hai's eyes were cold as he said contemptuously.

"Simply the Supreme Sword Saint Bloodline, the fact that I endured under the Sword Pool for nine days, and the Perfect Sword Spirit Physique I've cultivated." Ling Chen replied with a slight smile.

At his words, Ling Hai couldn't help but pause, flicking his sleeve with a cold laugh, "That doesn't prove anything. You're currently only at the Sky Apex Fourth Layer, where does your courage come from?"

"If Ling Yu truly has such ability and can make it into the top three at the Heavenly Sword Conference, we wouldn't mind making an exception for him to become a direct lineage disciple." Suddenly, a direct disciple with some reputation in the Ling Family spoke after pondering for a moment.

"Indeed, if you can do as you say, making an exception is no big deal."

"..."

Following the direct lineage disciple's words, some more direct descendants also voiced agreement. Although Ling Hai was sharp-tongued, they all understood what kind of potential enduring for nine days at the bottom of the Sword Pool represented. Ling Tianyu once relied on such potential to overwhelm his peers and seize the first place in the Heavenly Sword Conference, but that was the only time in nearly two hundred years for the Ling Family.

In this past century, no young member of the Ling Family had entered the top three, let alone first place.

If Ling Chen could indeed achieve what he claimed, replicating Ling Tianyu's past feat and entering the top three of the Heavenly Sword Conference, it would be a source of great pride for all Ling Family disciples.

By comparison, breaking the norm to make Ling Chen a direct descendant would not be objectionable.

After all, it could elevate the family's status, sparing them the embarrassment of being ridiculed as a fallen family upon meeting descendants of other Saint Families.

Seeing the shift in direction, Ling Hai was somewhat angry, shouting, "You all are too naive! How can a new branch family disciple, no matter how terrifying his talent, possibly contend with the top-tier geniuses from the other eight families, who have studied their family's top-secret arts to perfection?"

The Eight major families have their own secret arts that are kept in reserve, and those genius prodigies have generally honed these arts to an exquisite level.

"If Ling Yu can't do it, then can Brother Ling Hai? Or can Brother Ling Yuxuan?" A rebuttal voice sounded from the platform.

Hearing this, Ling Hai's face turned a bit grim. He had only learned three moves of the Ling Family's strongest Sky-breaking Sword Technique; how could he compete with the prodigies from other families?

Even something Ling Yuxuan couldn't achieve, how could he possibly do it?

He glanced at Ling Yuxuan, who now had a sharp glint in his eyes, his mouth curving into a cold smirk.

"Brother Ling Hai, at this point, the level of conviction should be enough, don't you think?" Ling Chen looked at Ling Hai and smiled.

Taking a deep breath, Ling Hai's eyes were filled with rage, "Heh, you have a knack for talking, but without strength, you won't convince our Elder Branch's people!"