Wu Chen knelt before Wu Cheng, the weight of his actions pressing heavily in the stillness of the room. After sharing his story, Wu Cheng's voice cut through the silence, laced with barely concealed anger. "So, you betrayed our clan by divulging information to the Jiang clan, gained their trust, and now you've returned to apologize and abandon them?"
"Yes, father," Wu Chen replied, his tone laced with guilt. "I know it was wrong. But when they promised me a cyan rank cultivation technique, I felt I had no choice. You know that…"
He hesitated, collecting his thoughts before pressing on. "You also know your cultivation is faltering. Soon, you will retreat into seclusion, leaving your position vulnerable. Third brother is favored among us siblings, with the highest cultivation and the strongest backing. But I want that position too. The Jiang clan offered me an opportunity by giving me this technique."
Wu Chen presented the technique book to Wu Cheng, his hands trembling slightly as he did so. "I planned this betrayal, hoping to secure my place as clan leader while helping you advance your own cultivation."
Wu Cheng took the book, his gaze piercing as he absorbed Wu Chen's words. The room fell silent, a heavy cloud of tension hanging between them.
" Did Wu yan knew about this?" Wu Cheng asked, breaking the stillness.
"yes, She knows what to do if things go awry," Wu Chen admitted, his voice steady.
Wu Cheng's expression hardened as he processed the implications. "So, the Jiang clan intends to undermine us during the coming century-long battle, with advantages like this technique and the Zahir family's backing."
"What do we do next?" Wu Chen asked, concern etching his features.
"Return," Wu Cheng commanded curtly.
---
As Wu Zheng made his way home, thoughts of the banquet swirled in his mind. Where had Wu Chen gone during the festivities? He replayed each duel in his head, analyzing his own decisions and the subtle tensions among the clan members.
___
Deep within the Wu Mountain, in an underground cave that felt alive with ancient energy, Wu Cheng descended a narrow staircase. The rhythmic tap of his footsteps echoed against the damp stone, mingling with the faint flicker of lantern light. Shadows danced across the walls, whispering secrets of the past.
At last, he reached the cave, the air thick with the scent of damp earth and something metallic. "The Jiang clan is moving against us," Wu Cheng announced into the dimness, his voice reverberating. "They aim to subdue our clan during this 100-year battle."
In the center of the cave sat a mysterious figure, his back turned. The figure was bulky, with skin that gleamed faintly in the candlelight, and curly blue hair cascading down his back. He wore only a simple cloth around his waist, his powerful presence palpable even without seeing his face.
At Wu Cheng's words, the figure remained still, exuding an air of impenetrable calm.
"Brother Lang," Wu Cheng pressed, trying to gauge the man's reaction. "The Zahir family has already aligned themselves with the Jiang clan."
Finally, the figure turned, revealing a muscular face framed by a short blue beard. His black eyes glinted with intensity, demanding explanation.
"Wu Chen was given a cyan rank cultivation technique for betraying our sect. From this, we can speculate that they likely possess techniques that surpass even cyan ranks," Wu Cheng continued, a smile creeping onto his lips. "Our initial thoughts may indeed hold weight. Tariq Zahir is a cultivation enthusiast; he could have easily been swayed by this."
The man, now identified as Lang, leaned forward, his eyes sparkling with intrigue. It was clear he was tempted by the prospect of obtaining such powerful techniques.
Wu Cheng, however, sighed, the weight of their situation pressing down on him. "No, we can't act recklessly. Not with Jiang clan current strength. Instead, I propose we consider surrendering and negotiating our position under the Jiang clan. Of course, we'll need at least a vice clan leader or vice sect master position to ensure we're not completely overshadowed."
"But we won't surrender without showing some performance to our clan and their clan," Lang replied, his voice a low rumble, the hint of a smile playing at the corners of his mouth.
Wu Cheng nodded, determination igniting within him. They had to play their cards wisely, or risk losing everything.