<h4>Chapter 1357: Chapter 1665: Power Seizure?</h4>


    "Ling Chen, don’t forget that everything you have today is thanks to the help of the Northern Ling Family. If it weren’t for the Northern Ling Family backing you, do you think you could have built such arge enterprise? So, this base, including everything you own, belongs to the Northern Ling Family’s assets. Over the years, many people have tried to harm you, but we’ve blocked them to ensure your steady development. Once the Northern Ling Family faces changes, you are our capital to rise again."


    After listening to Ling Tao’s words, Ling Chen touched his nose and said with a half-smile, "Uncle Ling, hearing you say that, I suddenly feel like all my hard work and effort over the years have been in vain."


    Ling Tao said, "Why in vain? You’ve done very well, building such arge foundation in just a few years, enough topare with the Northern Ling Family at its peak. Ling Chen, believe me, as long as we rescue the Family Head and defeat the Southern Ling Family, the whole world will be ours in the future."


    "The whole world? Uncle Ling, everything I do is for self-preservation, so my friends and family can live their lives in peace. I’ve never thought of the whole world, nor do I have such great ambitions. If you insist on imposing the ambitions of the Northern Ling Family on us, I’m sorry, I won’t and can’t do it. I only want to live my own life, as simple as that."


    "Ling Chen, do you know what you’re saying?" Ling Tao said with a stern face, "As a member of the Northern Ling Family, how can you have no ambition at all?"


    Ling Chen smiled faintly, "Our ancestors never stipted that people of the Ling Family must have grand ambitions. Besides, even our ancestor didn’t have great ambitions: his only ambition was to charm every beautiful woman in the world. But to be honest, our ancestor’s great ambition is more challenging than yours."


    "Insolence!" Ling Tao scolded lightly, "How dare you nder your ancestor at will?"


    "I’m not ndering; I’m just telling the truth. Even if Ling Gengqiu were here, he would agree with what I said."


    "Enough! Ling Chen, if you still consider yourself part of the Northern Ling Family, then listen to me and let this fat man leave."


    "Uncle Ling, I’m very sorry, but I can’t fulfill your request. Moreover, this base was built single-handedly by Hu Fei; I’m just the hands-off manager. He’s the true owner of this base, so you have no right to make him leave. On the contrary, you should be grateful to him for letting you stay here."


    Upon hearing this, Ling Tao’s expression changed, and he pointed at Ling Chen, "You..."


    "Uncle Ling, ask everyone here why they stay. I’m sure they have countless reasons, but not one of them is for the Northern Ling Family. I admit, the Northern Ling Family has helped me a lot. But I want you to remember, Ling Kun is my father, and I am his only son. If he doesn’t help me, who will? So, the Ling Family helping me is only natural. Uncle Ling, if you have nothing else, please go back to your room and rest. We don’t need you to worry about us anymore."


    "Fine, fine." Ling Tao took a deep breath, tried to calm his anger, and nodded, "I’ll go find your father and see what he has to say."


    Watching Ling Tao storm out of the control room, Ling Chen shook his head helplessly. He had been loyal to the Northern Ling Family, but Ling Tao’s actions instantly made him lose goodwill towards the Northern Ling Family, not to mention that sense of belonging.


    All along, Ling Chen thought the Northern Ling Family was different from others, but now it seems, what’s the difference between the Northern Ling Family and the Southern Ling Family? They’re both the same, driven by ambition and desire.


    "Fatty, your judgment is still spot on." Ling Chen patted Hu Fei’s shoulder and said.


    A few days ago, he was nning to send all the information obtained from the ancient tomb to Ling Tao, but Hu Fei withheld some important information. Initially, he felt bad about it, but now he didn’t feel guilty at all; instead, he felt grateful to Hu Fei. If not for Hu Fei’s caution, he would have suffered a big loss.


    Not only that, he was also nning to tell Ling Tao about Ling Gengqiu’s situation, but now, he no longer has that intention.


    "Ling Chen, don’t me me for not reminding you; you’d better be careful. Who knows what they might do." Hu Fei said.


    "Don’t worry, I know. Alright, go on with your work, and don’t let such matters disturb your mood." With that, Ling Chen walked straight out of the control room.


    At the doorway, Ling Chen hesitated for a moment, then turned to head toward Ling Kun’s room. At the door, he knocked, and the door was quickly opened.


    Seeing Ling Chen at the door, Ling Kun smiled and said, "I knew you’de,e in."


    "Did Uncle Linge by earlier?"


    Ling Kun nodded, "He threw a fit and then left."


    "Dad, you can’t me me for this; he just doesn’t know when to quit. Why should everything I’ve worked so hard to build be the property of the Northern Ling Family? Would you agree if it were you?"


    "I understand how you feel. This kind of thing... sigh!" Ling Kun sighed and said, "I am from the Northern Ling Family, and you are my son, so naturally, you are one of us. Back then, watching you grow step by step, the Family Head and I discussed and decided to let you slowly develop in the rear. We would be at the front, blocking the onught from the Southern Ling Family, giving you ample time to grow strong yourself. Once you be strong, you could join forces with the Northern Ling Family to annihte the Southern Ling Family. Unfortunately, things didn’t go as nned; who would have thought the Northern Ling Family would suffer such a great blow? I’ve estimated that after this incident, the Northern Ling Family’s power has decreased by at least eighty percent. That’s why Ling Tao is in such a hurry to take over your forces to rebuild the Northern Ling Family."


    "Dad, if you put it that way, it seems it really is my fault." Ling Chen scratched his head and said.


    "I just told Ling Tao that you would fully assist us in revitalizing the Northern Ling Family, so no matter what, you need to show some effort."


    "Dad, since you’ve spoken, I’ll naturally give it my all. However, I don’t want anyone stepping in and pointing fingers. If Uncle Ling insists on taking over himself, that’s fine—I will hand over this base and all the resources I control to him. But whether anyone is willing to listen to him by then, I can’t guarantee."


    Ling Kun chuckled bitterly and said, "You kid... this would really put him in a tough spot. Don’t worry; I’ll exin to him. Just do things as you see fit. You’re my son, and no matter what happens, I’ll stand by your side."


    "By the way!" Ling Chen suddenly thought of something and asked, "Dad, is there a traitor in the Northern Ling Family?"


    "A traitor?"


    "I got a map from the Southern Ling Family, marking over a dozen secret strongholds. At first, I thought they belong to the Southern Ling Family, butter I realized I was wrong. The Southern Ling Family could have only obtained such urate information if there was a traitor among you."