The hallway of the Zhang family house was dark, with a heavy, royal quality. Beautifully carved wooden beams stretched out high above them, creating long shadows on the flickering lanterns placed against the walls.
Zhang Tianyuan sat in the center of the room with an unreadable face, intently holding a small, rounded jade seal. Beside him sat Yongzhi, his younger brother, forward, with bright gleaming eyes full of curiosity. Zhang Ren sat opposite them, crossing his legs. He seemed almost calm but tense over the importance of the talk to be undertaken.
Tianyuan raised his voice, which was firm and calm. "Ren, the Eldenwood Academy exams are not just an opportunity-they are a battle where names go into history. To you, it is not about passing but winning."
Zhang Ren nodded, straining. "I understand, father," he said. "I will do my best."
Yongzhi sneered lightly as his voice dripped with disbelief. "Your best? That may not be enough, Ren. Not in the Academy. Not among these prodigies from every corner of the region, who may carry resources far wider than ours."
Tianyuan raised his hand to stop his brother. "That's precisely why we cannot afford to take any chances." He leaned forward, looking hard into Ren's eyes. "I've made preparations.
Before the exams, you'll receive a second-grade Spirit Ascension Pill."
Ren's eyes went round as he realized what his father meant: "A second-grade pill? But those are very rare—and not allowed in contests like this."
Yongzhi smiled darkly. "Rarity, yes. Illegal? Perhaps. Who will know? Such details are insignificant if the result serves our family."
Tianyuan smiled a little. "Ren, you have to realize this is not only for you. The reputation of Zhang's family power and survival are based on how we stand in this generation. You are our leader."
Ren paused. "But if someone finds out—"
"No one will," Tianyuan interrupted, his voice as cold as steel. "The pill will come from a discreet source. Even the delivery will be untraceable. You'll take it during your final preparations, away from prying eyes."
A United Family Hiding Together
Yongzhi relaxed, folding his arms and sporting a sly smile on his face. "Besides, Ren, when you make your breakthrough, even the toughest competitors will look weak next to you. Just think about how they will react when you stand over them, confident and strong."
Ren clenched both his fists in excitement and worry. "What about the others from the village? Those who are sitting for the exams?"
Tianyuan waved his hand aside. "They are nothing. Nothing. They have no resources, power, or vision. Let them scrounge over crumbs. You will be the only name that will come to mind."
Yongzhi spoke softly as if sharing a secret. "I've heard even Lord Zhang's children are making some noise at the exams. These are proud people, but they cannot touch you once you have taken the pill."
Ren winced. "Lord Zhang's son is strong. If he's as powerful as people say—
Tianyuan's expression changed, his stance low and menacing. "He is but a barrier. That's all.
You will deal with him if need be. This is not a battle for honor, Ren—it's a battle for power.
Win at all costs."
A servant bowed his head, quietly entering the room. He laid out a sealed scroll in front of Tianyuan. "The plans are done, Master.
The courier will deliver the item within a week,"
Tianyuan nodded curtly and waved his hand. He dismissed the servant and went back to looking at Ren. "Tomorrow you start hard training.
This pill can certainly strengthen your foundation but makes no difference if you don't know how to use it correctly. Be prepared for very severe practice," he said.
Ren's determination set, voice set. "I will not betray you, Father."
Tianyuan smiled once more, but something sad seemed to seep into the curves of her lips.
"Good. Remember, Ren, this family has been able to stand the worst times for centuries. Do not let us fail."
Yongzhi laughed, this time with malicious intent. "And if anyone tries to challenge us, let them feel the heat of a Zhang."
Ren stood up and bowed low to his father and uncle. "I will make you proud."
The Burden of Expectation
Ren felt nervous once he went out of the hall. The Spirit Ascension Pill would help much, but the pressure was massive. His father's words remained in his mind, reminding him about how important this was.
And so, going back into the hall, Yongzhi leaned forward and whispered to Tianyuan, "Do you think that's wise, putting so much on him? If it goes wrong—"
Tianyuan shushed him with a glance. "Nothing will go wrong," she told him. "Ren has the talent, and we can make sure that he's successful. This is our time, Brother.
The Zhang family won't just survive we'll prosper."
Yongzhi smiles, holding up his mug in a mock salute. "To victory, then."
Tianyuan did not speak. He stared at the flame dancing in the lantern on the table, already thinking about his next move in his web of plans.
Yet again, the Zhang family home was quiet as the plans cast a heavy weight over everything.
In the darkness, the wind would whisper through the trees sharing its secrets as it carried them into the unknown night.