The sun dipped below the horizon, its dying rays painting the sky with streaks of red and gold. Within the Zhen family estate, tensions simmered like a pot on the verge of boiling over. Rumors about Zhen Yang's transformation had begun to spread, whispered in hushed tones by servants and family members alike. Some spoke of his newfound power with awe, others with fear.
But Zhen Yang was far from concerned about the whispers.
Seated cross-legged in his secluded chamber, he focused on the swirling darkness within his core. The abyssal energy had grown stronger since he forged his pact, its presence an unyielding tide that threatened to overwhelm him. Yet, with each passing day, he wrested more control over it, bending it to his will. The faint hum of power reverberated through his veins, filling him with a sense of invincibility.
A sharp knock broke his concentration. He opened his eyes, crimson irises gleaming faintly in the dim light.
"Enter," he said, his voice cold and commanding.
The door creaked open, revealing Kaia. Her expression was grim, her usual confidence replaced by a hint of unease. She stepped inside and closed the door behind her, the soft click echoing in the silence.
"What is it?" Zhen Yang asked, rising to his feet.
Kaia hesitated, her eyes scanning his face as if searching for answers. "There's been movement within the estate. Elder Zhen Xuan has summoned a council meeting. He's rallying support to officially declare you a threat to the family."
A faint smirk tugged at Zhen Yang's lips. "A threat? That's putting it lightly. What does he plan to do?"
"He's pressuring the patriarch to strip you of your status and exile you. If that doesn't work, he'll… take more direct measures." Her voice faltered on the last words, but her meaning was clear.
Zhen Yang's smirk widened into a cold grin. "Let him try. It'll save me the trouble of seeking him out."
Kaia stepped closer, lowering her voice. "You're playing a dangerous game, Zhen Yang. The elders have resources and connections far beyond what you've faced so far. If they join forces, even you might be overwhelmed."
His gaze locked onto hers, unflinching. "Then I'll break them. One by one, until they learn that I am not someone to be trifled with."
Kaia sighed, her frustration evident. "You're impossible."
He chuckled, the sound low and menacing. "Perhaps. But I'm also unstoppable."
In the grand hall of the Zhen estate, the council meeting was already underway. Elder Zhen Xuan stood at the head of the room, his presence commanding as he addressed the gathered elders and influential members of the family.
"We cannot ignore the threat that Zhen Yang poses to our family," he declared, his voice ringing with authority. "His recent actions have shown a blatant disregard for tradition and discipline. He's become a danger to everyone around him."
"Elder Zhen Xuan is right," another elder chimed in. "The boy's powers are unnatural. If we allow him to remain within the estate, it's only a matter of time before he brings ruin upon us."
A murmur of agreement spread through the room. But not everyone was convinced.
"Is it wise to act so hastily?" a younger elder asked. "Zhen Yang may have changed, but his potential is undeniable. If we can guide him, his strength could become an asset to the family."
Zhen Xuan's eyes narrowed. "And what if he refuses to be guided? What if he turns that strength against us? Are you willing to gamble the future of the Zhen family on a child's whims?"
The younger elder fell silent, unable to counter Zhen Xuan's argument. The tension in the room was palpable as the council weighed their options.
Unbeknownst to the council, Zhen Yang had already anticipated their moves. From the shadows of a hidden passageway, he watched and listened, his expression unreadable. The abyssal energy within him pulsed in response to the rising tension, feeding off the conflict like a predator sensing prey.
"Fools," he muttered under his breath. "They think they can decide my fate? I'll show them who truly holds the power."
As the council's debate raged on, Zhen Yang retreated to his quarters, formulating a plan. The path forward was clear. If the Zhen family sought to cast him out, he would give them a reason to fear him. But first, he needed allies.
Late that night, Kaia found Zhen Yang in the courtyard, his figure illuminated by the pale moonlight. He stood with his back to her, gazing up at the sky as if lost in thought.
"You've been quiet," she said, approaching him cautiously. "That's never a good sign."
He turned to face her, his crimson eyes gleaming with determination. "I need your help, Kaia. The time has come to strike."
Her brows furrowed. "Strike? Against who?"
"The council. Zhen Xuan. Anyone who stands in my way." His voice was steady, but the underlying menace was unmistakable.
Kaia hesitated. "This will make you an enemy of the entire family. Are you prepared for that?"
He stepped closer, his gaze unwavering. "I've been an enemy to them since the day I returned. The only difference now is that I'll make it official."
Kaia studied him for a moment before nodding. "Alright. What's the plan?"
A faint smile played on Zhen Yang's lips. "We'll start by sowing discord among the elders. Divide their loyalties, and the council will collapse under its own weight. Then, we strike at the heart of their power."
Kaia's eyes gleamed with a mixture of determination and trepidation. "It's risky, but it just might work. Let's do it."
As the two of them plotted under the cover of darkness, the first seeds of rebellion were sown. The Zhen family's foundations would soon tremble, and the shadows would rise to claim their due.
And at the center of it all stood Zhen Yang, the Abyssal Sovereign, ready to unleash his fury upon the world.