"I, as the Third Elder of the Zi family, agree..."
"I, as the Fourth Elder of the Zi family, agree..."
Seeing their eldest and second brothers express their stance, Zi Yangbei and Zi Yangqiu quickly stepped forward.
Thus, by the time Zi Linling regained her senses, her position as family head had been secured.
Of course, she had originally intended to present the Family Head Token and, under its deterrence, forcibly claim the position.
She had never expected that, due to Zi Jitian's appearance, she would directly gain the approval of the Elder Council.
This was also good. Elder Du had mentioned that the Zi family's Family Head Token was closely linked to a place called Zi Xu Tian.
Although Zi Linling did not know what Zi Xu Tian was, since Elder Du had mentioned it, it was surely not a simple place.
Therefore, it was better not to present the Family Head Token if it could be avoided, lest it bring her trouble.
She disliked trouble.
Although the turn of events was somewhat unexpected, it had led to the desired outcome.
Thus, she had accepted it in her heart, but outwardly, she remained poker-faced and said, "Family Head? Heh heh! Am I to clean up this mess?"
Zi Yangshang's old face turned red, feeling a bit guilty.
The Zi family had indeed become a huge mess after Zi Wenchang's rampage today.
The seven great aristocratic families and the Zi family had already developed ill feelings. Even if there were no overt displays, it was inevitable that they would resort to underhanded tactics.
Especially the Hua and Luo families.
The heads of these two families were inherently petty and calculating. Once they found an opportunity, they would not rest until they had thoroughly schemed against the Zi family.
Then there was the Hundred Flower Palace, whose two palace masters were killed by Zi Linling. If they retaliated, the Zi family would be in grave danger.
Coupled with the matters of the Imperial Zi family, the Tianqi Zi family had unintentionally been pushed to the forefront.
If the Zi family did not have a family head with sufficient authority at this moment, it could only await destruction.
Therefore, Zi Yangshang had agreed to Zi Jitian's proposal.
Because, from the current situation, only Zi Linling could shoulder the responsibility for the Zi family.
Who else had the support of the Underworld King's Mansion and the Medicine King Valley?
Furthermore, her own strength and cultivation were not to be underestimated.
After all, how could someone who could kill a late-stage Saint King expert effortlessly be an ordinary person?
One had to admit that Zi Yangshang, being an elder, was wise and experienced.
As the head of the Elder Council, his vision and insight were undoubtedly extraordinary.
As for the other three elders, they were much simpler.
Imagine, if you had a wise strategist by your side who considered matters thoroughly and possessed sharp insight, would you bother to analyze issues that he had already analyzed?
Likely not!
Because people tend to be dependent. Knowing that one plus one equals two, why bother verifying why?
Thus, Zi Yangchun, Zi Yangbei, and Zi Yangqiu were like this.
Therefore, when Zi Linling spoke those words, they were all stunned. They had merely habitually followed their eldest brother's decision without deep thought.
Especially Zi Yangchun, who not only did that but also harbored some personal feelings.
For some reason, the moment he saw Zi Linling, he felt that she was the perfect candidate for family head.
This was why he was willing to shield her from Xie Lianhua's attack, and why he had switched allegiance from Zi Wenchang before taking the stage.
Now, being questioned by Zi Linling, Zi Yangchun felt a hint of remorse.
He regretted that, despite his favor towards Zi Linling, he had not thought more for her.
Of course, this was also because he was unaware of Zi Linling's true thoughts; otherwise, he would have rejoiced in his actions.
And the most distressed was Zi Jitian.
He had originally thought that Zi Linling had suffered so much over the years simply because she lacked a respectable status.
Therefore, he had decided to put his granddaughter in that noble position as compensation for Zi Linling.
Although this compensation was not much, with the title of family head, even if others looked down on Zi Linling, the former trash, they would have to reconsider their attitudes, wouldn't they?
Moreover, judging from how his granddaughter had dealt with Zi Donglai and the other three, Zi Linling was undoubtedly the perfect candidate for family head.
That was why he had stepped out without hesitation and nominated Zi Linling as the ninth-generation family head.
But now, it seemed, his granddaughter was unwilling?
Zi Linling observed the expressions of everyone present and naturally guessed their thoughts with reasonable accuracy.
She sneered, "Naturally, as the seventh-generation family head of the Zi family, I nominate Zi Linling as the ninth-generation family head!"
Upon hearing this, Zi Jitian and the four elders, Shang, Chun, Bei, and Qiu, breathed a sigh of relief.
They only then belatedly realized that Zi Linling was not unwilling to succeed as family head, but rather wanted to demand some benefits.
They were not afraid of Zi Linling demanding things; they were afraid of her not being willing to take on the responsibility.
Zi Yangbei said, "Within the rights of the Zi family head, all resource allocation shall be decided by the family head."
Money! Who didn't love it?
Zi Yangchun said, "The family head possesses a veto right over the decisions of the Elder Council!"
Power! Who didn't desire it?
Zi Yangbei said, "If you can find the Family Head Token, you may..."
He paused there and then transmitted his voice, "You may enter the burial ground of the Zi family's past family heads—the ancestral Sumeru space of the Zi family!"
Zi Yangqiu, who was not one for many words, remained silent.
Temptation!
Barefaced temptation!
Although Zi Linling could withstand temptation, carrying out the tasks she intended to do would be much more convenient with the status of Zi family head.
She glanced at Ye Lingyuan, then nodded and said nonchalantly, "It sounds good, but it's not enough!"
"What else do you want?"
Zi Yangshang gritted his teeth and asked.
Zi Linling smiled and said, "I haven't quite decided yet. I'll let you know when I do."
Zi Jitian and the four elders were completely relieved.
Zi Linling's meaning was very clear.
It meant that she was willing to be the family head, and the price was a blank promise.
"Good! You can take over as family head now?"
Zi Yangshang was straightforward and did not delay. Moreover, he was afraid Zi Linling would go back on her word.
"Yes! But before that, I must handle some matters."
"Mm!"
The four elders exchanged glances and nodded in unison.
Zi Linling did not stand on ceremony.
She directly walked to Zi Wenchang's side and said, "Zi Wenchang attempted treason. Therefore, all members of his lineage shall be removed from the family registry and exiled to Luoyu Pavilion to fend for themselves!"
As the Ghost Hand Poison Doctor, she always exacted revenge, especially enjoying the principle of treating others as they treated her.
As for the word "magnanimity," what did it have to do with her?
"Of course, Uncle must also repent in the ancestral hall for three years! Before that, Uncle should first atone for his mistakes!"
At this moment, Zi Wenchang was in a daze, completely unable to comprehend what Zi Linling was saying.