Jin Mo stood before the mirror, adjusting the robes his mother had insisted he wear. After one last glance, he stepped out of his room, the weight of the day's significance settling in his chest. He walked down the corridor of the ancestral home, the sound of his footsteps echoing through the vast halls. As he approached his mother's room, he saw her standing outside, talking to Kyra.
"Hi, Mom. You called for me?" Jin Mo asked, his voice laced with curiosity and a hint of excitement.
His mother smiled warmly at him, her eyes soft with affection. "Oh, you're ready! Let's go. The sect entrance is waiting for us. Your father is on his way, and everyone is gathering there to welcome him home."
Jin Mo nodded, a surge of anticipation rising within him. He had heard so much about this moment, the return of the patriarch, and now it was finally here. "Okay, Mom," he said, his voice steady.
The three of them—Jin Mo, his mother, and Kyra—left her room and began the short journey to the sect's entrance. The atmosphere outside was unmistakably festive, alive with energy. The Mo Clan had spared no expense for this grand occasion. The grounds were adorned with bright banners, floral arrangements, and hanging lanterns, creating a beautiful and celebratory atmosphere. Guards were stationed at every corner, their stern expressions contrasting with the cheerful bustle of the crowd. They stood as silent sentinels, ensuring the safety of the event, while the excitement of the gathered people seemed to pulse in the air.
Jin Mo noticed the vast number of faces around him, many of them unfamiliar. It was clear that this occasion had drawn not just clan members but visitors from distant lands as well. People whispered to one another, eagerly awaiting the arrival of his father, the patriarch. Jin Mo felt the anticipation build, as if the entire world was holding its breath for this moment.
As they made their way through the crowd, Jin Mo's eyes scanned the familiar faces of his cousins. They were all there, standing in groups and engaging in quiet conversations. Ethan Mo, the eldest and 1st candidate for the patriarchal seat, stood near the front, his face set in a serious expression, his eyes scanning the gathering with calculated precision. His posture was commanding, and he exuded an aura of authority. Beside him, Dorian Mo, the 2nd candidate, was deep in discussion with several of the elders. Dorian was always a calm presence, and today, it seemed, he was absorbing every word of advice offered to him.
Jin Mo saw Serena in the crowd. her face looked upset. He wondered why. Then he caught Serena's eye from across the crowd. She waved enthusiastically, a wide smile spreading across her face as she made her way toward him. Her bubbly personality was infectious, and despite the formality of the event, her warmth made the moment feel a bit more personal. He saw Alec, Vivian and the others were nearby, exchanging jokes and catching up, their laughter breaking through the otherwise solemn atmosphere. He didn't saw Maximus . The scene was a blend of joy and respect, a reflection of the Mo Clan's unity despite the weight of the occasion.
As he continued to scan the crowd, Jin Mo noticed The Vice-Patriarch and the six elders. These were the pillars of the Mo Clan, respected by all.
The Vice-Patriarch:
Darian Mo: The Vice-Patriarch of the Mo Clan also known as The Tiger claw. He is outwardly loyal to the Patriarch, but secretly desires power. If the Patriarch ever steps down, he will fight to take control.
The Six Elders:
Elder Tian Mo: The Iron Claw, stood with his arms crossed, his towering frame making him impossible to miss. His cold, calculating eyes swept over the crowd, always alert.
Elder Xuan Mo: The Silent Blade, stood just a little apart from the others, his presence understated but no less powerful. He was a man of few words, preferring to observe from the shadows, but his gaze was sharp, taking in every detail.
Elder Ren Mo: The Scholar of War, stood a little further back, his thoughtful expression never leaving the scene before him. He seemed to be weighing the significance of every interaction, as if drawing mental maps of alliances and tensions within the clan.
Elder Jia Mo: The Shadow Blade, blended into the crowd like a shadow, his movements so fluid and graceful that it was easy to forget he was even there.
Elder Liang Mo: The Alchemist Sage, was engaged in a deep conversation with several younger disciples, speaking passionately about the latest developments in alchemy and herbology.
Elder Han Mo: The Flame Tyrant, stood with a group of his followers, his fiery, imposing presence enough to command attention wherever he went.
Jin Mo's gaze shifted to the Three Guardians of the Mo Clan, whose very presence seemed to offer an aura of invincibility.
Three Guardians of the Mo Clan:
Bai Mo: The Unmoving Shield, stood with his arms folded, a pillar of strength and stability. His unyielding demeanor was a reflection of his role in the clan, and no one dared approach him without purpose.
Zhao Mo: The Phantom Blade, moved like a wisp of smoke through the crowd, his form almost imperceptible, and yet, there was a quiet tension in the air that spoke to his deadly capabilities.
Mei Mo: The Mystic Guardian, radiated an aura of calm and wisdom. Her eyes sparkled with an ancient knowledge, and her mere presence seemed to soothe the nervous energy that filled the air.
Among the crowd, Jin Mo noticed his father's other wives—Rina Mo, Selene Mo, and Shein Mo—engaged in quiet conversation. Their dignified presence added to the weight of the occasion, and Jin Mo felt a twinge of unease. He remembered Eira Mo, Serena's mother, and the bond they had shared. Eira had always been kind to him, and although he had heard of her ill health, he had not known how dire her condition truly was. Turning to his mother, he asked softly, "Mom, where's Madam Eira?"
His mother's face softened, and her expression became tinged with sadness. "Ah, Madam Eira is bedridden, Maximus is taking care of her." she explained quietly. "She has an incurable disease."
Jin Mo's heart sank at the news, and he frowned, the weight of her suffering suddenly feeling more real. He realised thats why Serena looked upset and he didn't saw Maximus. "Why didn't I know it was that serious?" he asked, a hint of confusion in his voice.
His mother sighed deeply. "It's a rare illness," she said, her tone heavy with sorrow. "Even the best doctors have struggled to treat it. She's been suffering for some time now, but it has only worsened recently. She's too weak to be here today."
Jin Mo nodded somberly, his thoughts drifting to Serena and her family. He had known that Eira's health had been declining, but this revelation made it all the more heartbreaking. The atmosphere around him, which had once felt light and festive, now seemed to carry an undercurrent of heaviness. His mind lingered on the image of Serena's mother, and for a moment, he wished there was more he could do.
As they neared the sect entrance, the grandeur of the preparations became even more evident. The entire area was bathed in the soft glow of lanterns, and a luxurious red carpet had been rolled out, stretching toward the grand entrance. The Mo Clan's symbol fluttered proudly in the breeze above, and Jin Mo could feel the weight of tradition in every detail. The moment felt monumental, as if everything in his life had led to this one point. His father's return was not just a family event—it was the fulfillment of an era, a defining moment for the entire clan.
The excitement in the air was palpable, and Jin Mo couldn't help but feel a swell of pride. Today was the day when everything would change, and as the crowd awaited the arrival of his father, Jin Mo realized that no matter what happened next, his path had already been set in motion.