After a heated debate among the clansmen, Shi Chenghong lightly tapped the wooden armrest beside him.
“The clan’s vengeance must be fulfilled, no doubt. However, now that the Zhou family has sent people, it’s not the right time to act. Our clan doesn’t yet have the strength to contend with them. This matter will be set aside for now—we’ll make plans once the Zhou family leaves.”
Though many below were clearly displeased, they understood the vast gap in power between the two families. Among clans, strength was everything.
The Shi family still held a place in Yong’an City, but they didn’t have a single martial artist in the Qi Manifestation Realm. Possessing one was the dividing line between a small and a mid-tier clan.
…
Several days later, inside the ancestral hall, Chen Xingzhen finally allowed himself a quiet breath of relief. No enemies had appeared in recent days, which meant the clan’s Blood Rice was likely safe for now.
Once the Zhou family arrived to collect their share, the clan could trade the surplus for other cultivation resources. With that, two more Innate Realm martial artists would emerge, easing the pressure they faced.
Just as he was deep in thought, an urgent voice rang from outside. “Clan Leader! The Zhou family’s Wind-Chasing Falcon has arrived!”
“All right, I understand. Has the Blood Rice been prepared?”
“It’s ready.”
Chen Xingzhen straightened his robes and stepped out. The clan still relied on the Zhou family’s name, and as clan leader, he had to be meticulous.
Leading several members toward the square, he soon spotted a dark shape in the distance. The shadow grew larger, resolving into the form of the Zhou family’s Wind-Chasing Falcon. Several figures stood on its back. This time, there were more than before—a detail that made Chen Xingzhen wary.
Zhou Hong Lang had once told them the Zhou family’s power was shifting, with Zhou Huaian strongly favored to become the new clan leader. Yet his father had warned him that great clans were unpredictable; only what one saw with one’s own eyes could be trusted. If Zhou Huaian did not become the new clan leader, the Chen family’s position might change dramatically.
The clan had only just stabilized. Any sudden shift could be disastrous. Chen Xingzhen had already prepared for the worst, but for now, all he could do was take each step as it came.
When the Wind-Chasing Falcon descended over the square, he recognized Zhou Hong Lang among the visitors and felt a measure of relief. The man’s presence suggested that the earlier news was accurate.
“Young Master Zhou, it’s been a while.”
But Zhou Hong Lang didn’t answer. His gaze shifted to another Wind-Chasing Falcon approaching behind him.
Then a familiar voice called out, “Clan Leader Chen, how have you been lately?”
Startled, Chen Xingzhen turned toward the speaker—and his eyes widened. Stepping forward quickly, he bowed.
“Clan Leader Zhou, it is an honor to have you here. I failed to greet you from afar—please forgive me.”
“Hahaha, no need to be so formal. But I must say, Clan Leader Chen is well-informed,” Zhou Huaian replied with a hearty laugh.
Nearly a year had passed since his last visit, but the changes were obvious. He now wore a brocade robe embroidered with golden silk, a multicolored jade pendant at his waist. His bearing was more refined, his presence deeper and more commanding than before.
Two elderly men stood behind him, their faces unreadable. Their robes were pristine, their wrinkled features hiding a complete and formidable aura. They blended so well with their surroundings that one might overlook them without close attention.
Both were at least late-stage Innate Realm martial artists—stronger than the pair who had attacked the Chen clan during the night raid. Such an escort was far beyond what an ordinary clan elder would receive.
“I only happened upon the news by chance,” Chen Xingzhen said smoothly. “Clan Leader Zhou, why not come to the main hall for some tea?”
“That sounds good,” Zhou Huaian agreed without hesitation.
They walked toward the hall, Zhou Huaian speaking casually along the way. “It seems your clan has made decent progress.”
With his cultivation, he could easily sense the strength of the passing clansmen. Compared to his last visit, their improvement was clear.
“This is thanks to your blessings, Clan Leader Zhou. Without your support, our clan would never have reached this point.”
Zhou Huaian didn’t dispute it. As he had said before, the Chen family was fortunate to have encountered him.
Inside the main hall, his two escorts remained outside. Once seated, Chen Xingzhen gestured to a clansman. “Tianlu, bring the wine. Clan Leader Zhou, this is our newest batch of rice wine. Please taste it.”
Zhou Huaian’s lips curved in a faint, knowing smile. “Speaking of which, the wine you sent through Hong Lang last time was quite pleasant.”
“A few bottles of rice wine are nothing more than a small token of our gratitude.”
He didn’t comment further, instead lifting the cup before him. The crimson wine glowed faintly, the aroma of Blood Rice rising to his senses. He swirled the liquid gently—yet not a drop spilled.
Then, with a single motion, he drank. Closing his eyes, he savored the flavor before nodding with satisfaction. “Not bad. Crisp, pure Blood Rice, a hint of heat down the throat, lingering fragrance… better even than the last batch.”
Chen Xingzhen smiled at the praise. Zhou Huaian went on, “Our clan has been brewing some rice wine lately as well. I’ve tasted it, but for some reason, it’s still lacking compared to yours. It seems this is a drink best enjoyed here.”
“If you like, you can take some back with you. Our family may not have much, but we still have wine to spare,” Chen Xingzhen offered at once.
Zhou Huaian only smiled and continued drinking, neither accepting nor refusing. Chen Xingzhen didn’t press the matter, simply sharing drinks with him.
After three rounds, Chen Xingzhen set his cup down. “To congratulate Lord Zhou on succeeding to the position of clan leader, the Chen family would like to offer an additional ten percent of our Blood Rice. Please don’t refuse.”
“Oh? But I see your clan thriving, with more members than before. Surely that extra ten percent is even more important to you now?”
Chen Xingzhen chuckled awkwardly. “To be honest… I have a small, somewhat presumptuous request.”
Hello readers!
Read up to 12 advance chapters by joining us on Patreon! Support us and read ahead[Join Patreon]Enjoying the story? Help more readers discover it by leaving a rating and reviews on NovelUpdate!Every review counts.
[Rate on NovelUpdate]Thanks for your support and happy reading!