Xiao City. The Xiao Family.
The city's name itself was derived from the Xiao family, a testament to their unparalleled status within its walls. But today, the usually proud and arrogant Xiao family guards displayed an uncharacteristic air of humility. Their fine uniforms were neatly pressed, yet their demeanor betrayed an ingrained servility, as if trying to appease an unseen force.
The main gates of the Xiao family estate stood wide open, flanked by rows of beautiful maids, their postures flawless. Crimson lanterns hung under the eaves, casting a festive glow. The scene resembled the welcoming of a celestial dignitary.
In the Xiao family's grand hall, Xiao Lin, the eldest son, wore a haughty expression as he turned to his father, Xiao Wentian.
"Father, is this envoy from Falling Cloud Valley truly so untouchable? With the strength of our Xiao family, must we really grovel like this?" Xiao Lin scoffed, his tone dismissive. Over the years, as the eldest young master of the Xiao family, Xiao Lin had grown accustomed to reverence and submission from others, fostering his arrogance.
"Silence!" Xiao Wentian's face darkened as he barked the command, his sharp tone startling everyone present. His eyes darted about nervously, ensuring no one overheard before he exhaled a silent breath of relief. His expression remained grim as he scolded, "Hold your tongue! If you offend the envoy, you'll answer to me!"
Xiao Lin stiffened, stunned by his father's uncharacteristic fury. Though his pride was wounded, he wisely chose to remain silent.
"Good," Xiao Wentian said after a pause, addressing the gathered Xiao family members with a stern expression. "To avoid any mishaps that might provoke the envoy and bring disaster upon our family, I will explain a few things beforehand."
The heads of the various Xiao family branches exchanged serious glances, their expressions mirroring Xiao Wentian's gravity.
"Falling Cloud Valley is not a mundane faction as some of you might imagine," Xiao Wentian began. "If they were, our Xiao family would never need to treat them with such reverence. Falling Cloud Valley is a sect of cultivators—beings who possess powers beyond mortal comprehension. They can topple mountains, part rivers, and summon storms. Even one of their lowest disciples could annihilate our Xiao family without effort!"
Xiao Wentian's eyes gleamed with awe and trepidation as he recalled witnessing a cultivator's power firsthand. Years ago, he had seen a disciple from Falling Cloud Valley incinerate infamous martial artists with a single fireball, leaving no trace of their existence.
"Our ancestors were fortunate enough to establish a connection with Falling Cloud Valley, granting our family a chance every twenty years to send suitable youths for testing. Those who possess the aptitude for cultivation may join their ranks, ascending to immortality and becoming the legends we call 'immortals.'"
The hall erupted with murmurs of excitement.
"Immortals truly exist?"
"Are we here to be tested? Is this real?"
"I can't believe it! I might have a chance to become an immortal!"
"An immortal! This is my dream come true!"
The excitement among the Xiao family's youths was palpable, their faces alight with anticipation.
Xiao Wentian raised his voice, his tone sharp. "Remember this: when the envoy arrives, you must act with utmost respect and caution. If anyone dares to offend the envoy, bringing calamity upon our family, even a hundred deaths won't suffice to atone!"
"Yes, Clan Head!" the youths chorused, their enthusiasm tempered by a newfound fear.
Xiao Wentian nodded in satisfaction. He was being overly cautious, perhaps. The envoys were usually aloof and disdainful of mortals, paying no mind to their flattery. They rarely lingered, taking the chosen candidates and leaving without so much as sipping the tea offered. But better safe than sorry.
Just then, a servant in a blue robe rushed into the hall, his face uneasy. Kneeling respectfully, he reported, "Clan Head, there is a father and son outside claiming to be from a branch of the Xiao family. They say they've come to participate in the selection. They're strangers to me, but… their attire matches our family's formal robes, so I didn't dare turn them away without consulting you."
The servant spoke carefully, inwardly praying he hadn't made a grave mistake. If the two were impostors, he'd surely face punishment. But the elder man had an air of authority that didn't seem like that of a fraud.
Xiao Wentian's lips curled into a faint smirk. "I understand. Bring them in."
After the servant departed, one of the Xiao family elders frowned. "Eldest brother, all three main branches of the Xiao family are present today. Those two are clearly outsiders. Why let them in? If they offend the envoy, it could ruin everything!"
"You forget yourself, Fourth Brother," Xiao Wentian said with a mocking smile. "Technically, the Xiao family has three branches and nine households. Have you forgotten the younger brother who was exiled by our stepmother years ago?"
Recognition dawned on the elder's face. Xiao Wentian continued, "Yesterday, he groveled before me and our second and third brothers, begging for his son to participate in the selection. I pitied him and granted his request."
"Hah! So it's him," said the Fifth Elder, Xiao Wenbin, his tone dripping with disdain. "He swore never to set foot here again, yet now he's crawling back. I'll enjoy watching him squirm."
At that moment, two figures entered the hall. It was Xiao Chen and his father.
The hall erupted with scornful laughter and jeers.
"This man was once highly favored by the patriarch. But after attempting to embezzle the family fortune, he was cast out. And now he dares return!"
"Clearly, they heard about the selection and came begging. Eldest Brother is too soft-hearted. I would've thrown them out immediately!"
"That boy? Pale and frail—he dreams of becoming a cultivator? What a joke!"
Xiao Wentian's face held a cold smile as the mockery filled the air. Xiao Chen's father, however, gripped his son's arm tightly, forcing him to remain silent despite the humiliation.
After a moment, Xiao Wentian raised his hand, and the room fell silent. "I gave my word, and I do not go back on my promises. But hear me well—this is the last chance for you and your son. After today, you are dead to the Xiao family. Never return."
"Stand aside, and do not cause trouble when the envoy arrives!"
"Yes," Xiao Chen's father replied calmly, ignoring the sneers and contemptuous looks. He led Xiao Chen to a corner.
"Chen," he whispered, his voice trembling with emotion. "Don't ask why I've done all this. You must focus on one thing: if you're chosen, do everything in your power to stay in the sect!"
Xiao Chen nodded firmly, his eyes red but dry. His father's teachings echoed in his heart: A man sheds blood, not tears.