Author : Vasudeva_AY
Sitting on his bed, Li watched as sunbeams filtered through the window, casting a warm golden glow across the room. The brightness contrasted sharply with the heaviness in his heart.
"A fourth-grade talent!" The words escaped his lips almost as a whisper, but they echoed loudly in his mind. His brows furrowed in disbelief. "How can this be? With the basis of the supreme Orbis, his talent shouldn't be so lacking."
Miko's comforting hand came on his shoulder , which brought a brief moment of solace. "Don't worry," she said, her voice gentle and reassuring. "At least he achieved the rank of Yodha. Hard work can overcome any talent deficiencies."
Li turned to look at her, a pitiable smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Oh, my sweet Miko, your innocence blinds you. Talent is the impenetrable fortress every Yodha must breach, an insurmountable barrier," he thought, though he didn't voice his inner turmoil. Miko's innocence regarding the complexities of Yodha life made it difficult for him to express his doubts for she was born a low life .
"Hmm, but where is he?" Li's voice broke the silence.
Miko sighed softly, her gaze momentarily turning thoughtful. "He went out early this morning. Seemed like he needed some time alone. Maybe the awakening ceremony affected him more than he's letting on."
Li nodded in understanding, his mind still grappling with the reality of his son's talent. "Perhaps... but it's hard for me to comprehend. Zhen was always so exceptional, especially with the supreme Orbis. To think he ended up with a fourth-grade talent..."
Miko squeezed his shoulder gently. "People are more than just their talents, Li. Zhen has a long journey ahead. Let's give him some time to process everything."
Li leaned back, staring at the ceiling. "You're right, Miko. Maybe."
Beneath the soothing canopy of a peach blossom tree, its delicate leaves swaying like graceful dancers in the breeze, Zhen found solace. The air carried the enchanting scent of sweet florals and ripe fruits, a symphony of nature's finest fragrances. Leaning against the sturdy trunk, the rich brown bark a testament to the tree's resilience, Zhen's gaze wandered to the majestic peak of Xiao Mountain.
The mountain's summit, adorned with a pristine blanket of snow, stood as a silent guardian over the land below. Its middle adorned with silver-hued rocks and ancient stone walls, while the foothills basked in the warm embrace of the sun's golden rays. It was a scene of unparalleled beauty, a masterpiece of nature unrivaled by human hands.
"A fourth-grade talent is a dismal start indeed," Zhen thought as he surveyed the rugged edges of the mountain peak. "But it's not as though there isn't a way," he mused, his thoughts drifting towards the texts housed within the Li family.
The Li family stood as one of the foundational lineages within the Xiao Clan, tracing its roots back over five centuries. Across the span of its rich history, the family had amassed a wealth of knowledge, meticulously preserved within the archives of the main family branch. These records contained ancient texts and teachings that held the promise of accelerating the ascent of individuals with modest talents, such as third or fourth grade.
However, Zhen found himself relegated to the side family branch, distant from the corridors of power within the main lineage. Accessing these invaluable resources presented a formidable challenge, as the methods for obtaining them seemed elusive and out of reach for those outside the main family branch.
Elder Bi, with his shrewd nature and cunning demeanor, held the potential to offer assistance. Yet, the prospect of striking a beneficial deal with him seemed akin to bargaining with the devil himself.
"I have to get my hands on those records somehow," Zhen ruminated, his mind swirling with strategies. Yet, he couldn't ignore the stark reality: obtaining the guarded documents with his current standing was an insurmountable challenge. The records were secured with layers of protection and fortified within, the main family.
Trained by Leverage, Zhen was no stranger to the art of espionage and covert operations. Having lived within the family for 14 years, he had unraveled many of its secrets and acquired key insights into its inner workings. While blackmailing a main family member for the records seemed like a plausible option, the power dynamics within the family posed a formidable obstacle. Main family members wielded significant influence and held higher ranks, making them impervious to coercion from someone of Zhen's lowly status. Manipulation and blackmail were tools effective only against equals or the weaker, or in situations where one held leverage that the other couldn't afford to ignore. As it stood, attempting such a gambit would only lead to Zhen's demise, with no one in the family being any the wiser.
If bypassing the protection and fortification was the key, Zhen's training under Leverage in his past life might offer him a chance. However, the crux of the matter lay with Elder Zhang and Elder Wang, two formidable individuals who not only guarded the Inner Granthalaya of the main family but practically dwelled there permanently. Surpassing these two rank 4 guardians presented a daunting challenge, particularly considering Zhen's current rank 0 status.
As thoughts raced through his mind, a subtle smile tugged at Zhen's lips. Amidst the labyrinth of obstacles, a glimmer of solution began to emerge in his mind.
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Inside the sacred confines of the Elder Hall, its exterior resembling a temple kissed by the sun's golden rays, the scene was one of magnificence and authority.
Elders, seated upon majestic thrones reminiscent of ancient monarchs, directed their collective attention towards the clan leader, who occupied the grandest seat upon a throne adorned with precious jewels and intricate engravings. The throne, a masterpiece of craftsmanship, radiated an aura of power and prestige, its sumptuous blue cushion a symbol of authority.
Wooden chairs, their cushions a deep crimson, cradled the elders, each imbued with wisdom and experience, adding to the solemnity of the hall. Above, a resplendent chandelier hung like a celestial guardian, casting a luminous glow upon the assembly below. Below, a scarlet carpet unfurled like a crimson river, leading to an open space where pivotal decisions would be made.
The walls, adorned with opulent materials and exquisite designs, whispered tales of bygone eras, adding to the mystique of the Elder Hall. It was a setting fit for the most significant of gatherings, where destinies would be shaped and fates decided.
"Elder Bi," the clan leader's voice reverberated with authority, cutting through the tense atmosphere of the assembly hall. "The child of that low life possesses a talent far too feeble to sustain the supreme Orbis. Years ago, in accordance with the Original Family Law, I permitted you to harbor that son of a low life. However, given his lamentable deficiency, I trust you will have no objection to relinquishing the supreme Orbis from his possession."
Elder Bi stood among the council of elders, his fists clenched in silent fury. "That son of a low life, Zhen," he seethed inwardly. The realization that all the resources he had invested in the boy now seemed wasted gnawed at his resolve.
"Do you have anything to say, Elder, or shall we interpret your silence as consent?" The clan leader's words, delivered with stark simplicity, felt like thorns to Elder Bi's ears, a silent mockery underscoring his every syllable.
Elder Bi knew that expressing his desire for the supreme Orbis for his sons would only invite criticism from the other elders, who would accuse him of selfishness and short-sightedness.
With a heavy sigh, Elder Bi addressed the clan leader, his tone respectful yet tinged with reservation. "Your Authority, if it is for the good of the clan, this elder has no right to interject, leader. But..."
The clan leader's demeanor remained composed as he prompted, "But?"
"But, how will this supreme Orbis truly benefit the clan?" Elder Bi questioned, his words echoing through the chamber. "Even if I were to permit its extraction, there remains only one supreme Orbis. Whoever acquires it will undoubtedly strengthen their family's foundation, enhancing their power and influence." Elder Bi's words were deliberate, intended not only for the clan leader but also for the other major families represented in the hall. While not every family possessed the first-grade talent of figures like Hao Tian and his elder brother, many still boasted second-grade talent or better. In a world where power and control were prized above all else, the allure of such assets was undeniable.
"Even if it slips from my grasp, seizing it won't be as simple as you might assume," Elder Bi thought, a subtle smirk gracing his lips as he met the gaze of the clan leader.
As the elders began to discuss the implications of Elder Bi's words, the gravity of his statement resonated within the chamber. It was evident that if any family were to receive the supreme Orbis, their power would surge dramatically, potentially rivaling that of the original families.
Observing the hush that fell over the assembly and the unmistakable greed mingled with lust for power evident on the faces of the elders, the clan leader's brows furrowed. "This old hag always has something up his sleeve," he thought, his gaze piercing as it landed on Elder Bi.
Elder Chi rose to his feet, his presence commanded the attention of all those gathered. "Fellow Elders," he began, his voice resonating with authority and wisdom, "Our clan leader is wise and strong, as is his elder son. I propose that if the supreme Orbis is to be extracted and bestowed, it should rightfully go to the clan leader's elder son."
Elder Chi, patriarch of the Chi faction, was renowned throughout Xiao mountain as the epitome of honor. His unwavering love and respect for the clan ran deep, so much so that he would lay down his life in its defense. To him, the significance of the supreme Orbis lay not in the acquisition of power, but in the empowerment of the Xiao Clan. Strengthening the clan's might by arming its strongest members was paramount in his eyes.
Amidst Elder Chi's proposal, the clan leader remained composed, almost as if he had anticipated Elder Chi's words. Indeed, he had. This moment, this precise mention of the clan leader, was all that was required. Within the Xiao Clan, the clan leader stood as the pinnacle of strength and authority. Though many harbored aspirations for power, in the face of such a formidable figure, who would dare oppose him?
Within a matter of minutes, the majority of the Elder Hall had aligned with the notion of bestowing the supreme Orbis upon the clan leader's elder son.
Elder Bi remained silent, yet his visage spoke volumes, his countenance flushed like a ripe tomato, emitting an aura of simmering resentment that could scorch those who dared meet his gaze.
"I respect the decision of the elders, and thus, I accept it," proclaimed the clan leader, his voice steady and resolute. "Once the supreme Orbis manifests within Xiao Li Zhen, we shall proceed with its extraction. Until then, our affairs shall proceed as usual. The academy will resume its activities after the week of awakening," he declared, bringing the meeting to a close.
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