The moonlight bathed the tranquil lake in a silvery glow, its shimmering reflection adding a serene elegance to the night. In front of the lake, a grand banquet was underway. Tables laden with fine wine and exquisite dishes stretched out under the open sky. Laughter and chatter filled the air, creating a lively yet dignified atmosphere.
For the first time in years, Jin Taiyuan, the enigmatic leader of the Jin Clan, was present at a banquet. Typically immersed in seclusion to cultivate, his rare appearance tonight was both an honor and a statement. As he greeted, raising his cup in toasts to various guests, his commanding presence radiated the authority of a man who stood at the helm of one of the Seven Major Clans.
At the forefront of the banquet sat the representatives of the Four Major Sects, their elders accompanied by their most talented disciples.
At the central table, the elder of the Heaven Splitting Sword Sect, Elder Han Jiansheng, sat in conversation with the elder of the Heavenly Resonance Sect, Elder Mo Lanyin, Their disciples, five and four in number respectively, listened attentively, occasionally joining in discussions about sect affairs.
To the left, the delegation from the Emerald Sunset Palace exuded an air of tranquility. The elder, Elder Yu Meixia, and her five disciples displayed impeccable grace and calm, embodying the sect's refined reputation.
On the right, however, the Shadow Demon Sect made its presence felt. Their elder, Elder Hei Wuying, had brought the largest number of disciples, their sharp gazes sizing up the other factions. The air around them crackled with an undercurrent of tension, as if they were waiting for an opportunity to cause trouble. Yet the presence of Jin Taiyuan kept their aggression in check.
It was rare for sect elders to personally attend recruitment events, but this occasion was unique. Jin Yuehua and Jin Long, the daughter and son of the Jin Clan leader, as well as fourth elder Jin Chengfeng's grandson Jin Leihao, were being assessed. Recruiting these two promising talents meant not only gaining powerful disciples but also forging a valuable alliance with the Jin Clan.
The crowd's anticipation reached its peak when Jin Yuehua, accompanied by Jin Leihao, Jin Ronghua, and Jin Xiaoyu, entered the banquet. The four had spent hours deliberating their choice, and now all eyes turned to them. The purpose of the gathering had crystallized in this moment.
Yuehua led the group with poise, her steps confident and deliberate. Beside her was Leihao, while Ronghua and Xiaoyu flanked them on either side. Their arrangement subtly emphasized Yuehua's leadership and the group's internal hierarchy.
After taking their seats, Yuehua stood, holding a delicate cup of tea instead of the wine others were drinking. She took a deep breath, her composed demeanor drawing the attention of all present.
"Ladies and gentlemen," she began, her voice clear and steady, "we are deeply honored by your presence and your sincere efforts to recruit us. However, as you all know, we cannot join every faction here. A decision must be made."
She paused, letting her words sink in before continuing.
"This afternoon, the four of us sought counsel from my grandfather, the First Elder, Jin Zhenhai. While he did not impose his will upon us, he reminded us of a promise he made long ago to an elder of the Alchemist Association. He vowed that his grandchildren would one day become their disciples.
"After much consideration, we have chosen to honor the First Elder's word. We believe that keeping our commitments is vital to maintaining the Jin Clan's reputation. Thus, we have decided to join the Alchemist Association."
Yuehua's gaze swept across the room, her tone unwavering. "I understand that this decision may cause disappointment, but I hope you can respect our choice and the reasons behind it. We sincerely apologize for any offense caused."
With a graceful bow, she raised her cup in a toast. Leihao, Ronghua, and Xiaoyu followed suit, lifting their wine glasses in unison.
Reactions from Jin Zhenhai and Jin Mingyan
The announcement caused a ripple of murmurs across the banquet hall, and all eyes turned to the Jin Clan's elders seated nearby. Jin Zhenhai, the First Elder, sipped his wine slowly, his expression inscrutable. A small, approving smile curved his lips as he set the cup down. His sharp eyes glanced at Yuehua, a glint of pride momentarily flashing through them before he composed himself.
"Yuehua has grown into a fine young woman," he said softly, his voice low but carrying a weight that drew the attention of those nearby. "Her decision reflects wisdom and understanding of the bigger picture."
Beside him, the Fourth Elder, Jin Mingyan, raised an eyebrow as he observed the reactions of the sect elders. His lips quirked into a faint smirk, and he leaned closer to Zhenhai.
"She handled it well," Mingyan murmured, his tone carrying a hint of amusement. "But you knew she would, didn't you? The story about the promise—was that your idea or hers?"
Zhenhai chuckled under his breath. "It was hers. Yuehua has a sharp mind, much like her father. The promise may not have been entirely true, but it was a masterstroke. Even the most disgruntled among them cannot question the honor of fulfilling a word once given."
Mingyan nodded, his gaze shifting to the Shadow Demon Sect's elder, whose dark expression barely masked his displeasure. "Still, not everyone here will let this go. The seeds of resentment are sown."
"Let them stew," Zhenhai replied calmly. "The Alchemist Association is our strongest ally. This decision solidifies that bond. Any grudges tonight will pale in comparison to the security this ensures for our clan's future."
Conclusion of the Banquet
Though Yuehua's explanation was flawless, the truth lay elsewhere. This decision was a calculated move to avoid offending the other sects and to solidify the Jin Clan's relationship with the Alchemist Association, their ultimate backer. A failure to align with the Association would have been perceived as betrayal, potentially jeopardizing their status among the Seven Major Clans. By invoking the First Elder's promise, Yuehua gave the Jin Clan an unassailable reason for their decision, shielding them from unnecessary trouble.
The room remained silent for a moment before the guests reluctantly raised their cups in acknowledgment. Beneath the surface, emotions simmered—displeasure, humiliation, and grudges that some would carry long after the banquet ended.
As the night wore on, the banquet resumed its rhythm, though the festive mood was noticeably dimmed. Some guests masked their frustration with forced smiles, while others departed early, their dissatisfaction etched on their faces.
By the time the banquet concluded, the Jin Clan's decision had sent ripples through the gathered factions. While some grudges would fade with time, others would linger, promising that tonight's choice would shape future alliances—and conflicts.
As the last of the guests left the banquet venue, Jin Yuehua's expression dimmed. The smile on her face dissipated, leaving a trace of sadness. She quietly excused herself, heading toward a small courtyard.
The courtyard was quiet, dark, and empty—Jin Long's residence. Standing in front of his room, she sighed, already knowing where he might be. After his room, there was only one other place he frequented. Yet, instead of seeking him out, she turned back toward the banquet hall to speak with her grandfather.
Inside, Jin Zhenhai and Jin Mingyan were bidding farewell to the remaining guests. The clan leader, Jin Taiyuan, had left long before, seemingly unbothered by the earlier news: his daughter possessed a rare Rank 9 spiritual root, while his son had none. It wasn't surprising—he had never shown care for his children. Even when their mother passed away when they were only three years old, Jin Taiyuan offered neither comfort nor affection.
"Grandfather, Second Elder," Yuehua's soft voice broke through the room's lingering chatter, drawing the attention of Jin Zhenhai and Jin Mingyan.
"Yes, Yuehua?" Jin Zhenhai asked gently, noting the worry in her tone.
"I'm worried about Brother Jin Long," she said hesitantly.
Her words made Jin Zhenhai's expression stiffen, a flicker of sorrow crossing his face as though a buried memory had resurfaced. Jin Mingyan, however, quickly asked, "What happened?"
"Brother Jin Long didn't attend the banquet," she explained. "I haven't seen him since the assessment ceremony. I'm afraid he's upset about... his spiritual root." Her voice faltered as she spoke, her concern evident.
Jin Zhenhai let out a slow breath and spoke calmly. "I understand your worries, Yuehua, but don't overthink it. This is an unprecedented case—no one in human history has ever been born without a spiritual root. But that doesn't mean it's hopeless." He paused, allowing her to process his words, then continued, "If we study his situation carefully, I am confident we can find a solution."
Yuehua's expression softened slightly, but her unease remained. "But if there's no precedent, how can we even begin? We have no clues about his condition."
Jin Mingyan interjected with a calm reassurance, "Yuehua, with the Jin Clan's influence, we'll find a way. If necessary, we'll seek help from the Alchemist Association. A case this unique is bound to attract their interest, and their leaders might be willing to assist."
Jin Zhenhai nodded in agreement. "Your Second Elder is right. We can appeal to the Alchemist Association for support. For now, focus on what you can do—spend time with your brother, encourage him, and learn from him while you're still here. Leave the rest to us."
Despite her lingering concern, Yuehua recognized the truth in their words. Bowing slightly, she replied, "I understand, Grandfather, Second Elder. I'll look after Brother Jin Long."
She left the hall, her mind still preoccupied with thoughts of her brother and his uncertain future.
...
The bamboo forest swayed gently in the cool night breeze, the leaves rustling in rhythm with nature's quiet song. Near a small, simple house nestled amidst the towering bamboo, a serene pond reflected the moonlight like a sheet of polished silver. Jin Long sat on a large rock by the water's edge, his calm presence blending seamlessly with the tranquil surroundings.
The pond, brimming with vibrant, shimmering fish, was a labor of love. He had cultivated it since his childhood, shaping this place into his personal haven. Jin Long's black hair fluttered lightly in the wind, while his golden eyes, glowing faintly in the moonlight, gave him an ethereal, otherworldly aura. His serene yet lost expression added to his enigmatic charm, making him appear like a heavenly being descended upon the earth. It was a scene of such rare beauty that anyone who witnessed it would feel a deep sense of awe.
The house behind him was humble but functional. Inside were two modestly sized rooms and one larger room that Jin Long had fashioned into a study-bedroom. The walls of this larger room were lined with towering bookshelves, packed with countless tomes. A desk in one corner was cluttered with open books, as though abandoned midway through an intense study session. This was Jin Long's sanctuary, a place where he delved into knowledge in search of answers.
As Jin Long scattered fish feed into the pond, his mind wandered, thoughts rising and falling like ripples in the water. His golden eyes flickered with determination and frustration.
"Even after poring through so many books, I still haven't found a single clue about my condition," he thought, his expression tightening for a moment.
Ever since the spiritual root assessment earlier that day, Jin Long had buried himself in his collection of ancient texts, desperate to understand his unprecedented situation. Not possessing a spiritual root was unheard of, an anomaly so bizarre that even the Jin Clan's vast resources yielded no answers.
"There must be some mistake in the results... or perhaps there's something more to this that even the clan elders don't know," he mused. His thoughts spiraled deeper. "How can something so strange exist without precedent? Could this really be an entirely unique condition, or am I simply missing a critical piece of the puzzle?"
Frustration welled up inside him. He clenched his fist momentarily but released it with a long sigh. His golden eyes softened as he turned his gaze back to the fish.
"No matter how much I dwell on it, nothing will change unless I continue searching. For now, I need to prepare for what lies ahead. Whether or not I have a spiritual root, my journey won't end here."
A faint smile crept onto his face, subtle but genuine. It was a smile not born of relief but of anticipation—a quiet excitement for the challenges awaiting him. Most people in his situation, especially someone so young, would likely fall into despair. But Jin Long was anything but ordinary.
His spirit was unyielding, his determination forged in fire. Though the world saw him as a boy without a future, Jin Long knew otherwise. His lack of a spiritual root might have closed certain paths, but it would open others—paths no one had yet imagined.
As the moon climbed higher into the sky, Jin Long sat still, feeding his fish and reflecting on the unknown road before him. The glow of his golden eyes seemed to brighten, mirroring his unwavering resolve.