Wu Zheng stood in front of the mirror, adjusting his robes. His outfit was of the finest silk, dark with silver embroideries in the shape of roaring dragons, symbols of power and status within the Wu clan. The fit was perfect, accentuating his tall, athletic frame, but Wu Zheng barely glanced at his reflection. His thoughts were elsewhere, focusing on the impending banquet—a rare event where both opportunities and dangers awaited him.
Walking out of his room, Wu Zheng made his way toward the banquet hall, his mind calm as ever. He knew the banquet would be the perfect stage for subtle displays of power and influence among his siblings. His own goal was simple: observe, stay under the radar, and assess his standing.
The banquet hall itself was located on the left side of the main hall, a grand structure with high ceilings and banners of the Wu family crest draped along the walls. The floors were polished marble, reflecting the light of countless floating lanterns that illuminated the space with a warm glow. Rows of tables were arranged, filled with delicacies and fine wines, but the seating hierarchy spoke volumes about the power dynamics within the clan.
At the highest platform sat the clan leader, Wu Cheng, on a slightly raised section with a lavish spread of food and drinks before him. To his right sat the elders, all dignified in their respective positions, their expressions calm but their eyes sharp. On the left side, the children of the clan leader sat at their own table, equally well-treated with food and drinks. Wu Chen, Wu Yan, and a few other prominent figures were present, but the absence of Wu Da, Wu Fu, and the Fifth Elder, who were currently away on clan duties, was notable.
Wu Zheng took his place among the other children, his gaze briefly flicking over to Wu Rui's empty seat, which was positioned closest to their father, a reminder of his status as today's most favored. For now, Wu Rui had not yet arrived, though the tension in the air indicated his arrival was imminent.
The hall began to fill with murmurs and quiet conversations as more clan members took their seats in the lower section, where the rest of the cultivators and lesser-ranking members sat with only minimal provisions. Servants moved quietly between the rows, serving food and wine with practiced grace, ensuring the event ran smoothly.
As Wu Zheng settled into his seat, his thoughts briefly wandered to the purpose of this gathering. Wu Rui's recent advancement to the Golden Core realm was a momentous occasion, one that warranted such a banquet. However, Wu Zheng understood that this event was more than just a celebration of one sibling's achievement—it was a political stage, an opportunity for Wu Rui to assert dominance, not only over Wu Zheng but over all the other potential competitors for clan leadership.
Just as Wu Zheng was contemplating this, the doors to the banquet hall swung open. Wu Rui strode in, his expression calm yet commanding, his aura unmistakably stronger than before. Conversations died down as all eyes turned to him, his presence immediately taking center stage. He moved toward his seat beside their father, acknowledging the subtle bows and nods of respect with a measured glance.
Wu Rui's eyes swept over the hall, briefly landing on Wu Zheng, but they moved on without lingering. It was a calculated move, one that reinforced what Wu Zheng already knew—Wu Rui was not only focused on him. The tension between them existed, but it was not yet at the point of open conflict. For now, Wu Rui was more interested in suppressing all of his rivals at once. Still, Wu Zheng knew his potential had not gone unnoticed.
Once Wu Rui had seated himself, Wu Cheng, their father, stood, raising his hand to signal the start of the banquet. His deep voice carried easily through the hall. "We gather today to celebrate an important milestone in the Wu family. My son, Wu Rui, has reached the Golden Core realm, a feat that brings great honor to our lineage."
A round of applause followed, though Wu Zheng could sense the underlying tension behind the polite clapping. This was more than just a family event—it was a statement of power. Wu Rui had positioned himself in the top cultivators of the clan, and this banquet was as much a declaration as it was a celebration.
As the banquet continued, Wu Zheng remained silent, observing. The evening was just beginning, and he knew it would reveal much about the shifting dynamics within the clan.