Alright, **readers**, let's talk about birthdays.
For normal kids, birthdays mean **cake, gifts, and fun**.
For me?
It means **a parade of powerful families, endless formalities, and fake smiles.**
Oh, and let's not forget—**everyone is watching me.**
Some out of **respect**, some out of **curiosity**, and some out of **fear.**
Why?
Because of **my father—Luo Tian, the Tyrant of Shun County.**
---
### **The Arrival of the Great Families**
The Luo Family's grand estate was **overflowing** with guests.
Every major **power in Shun County** had arrived, either as **friends, allies, or cautious observers.**
Here's a breakdown of the **most important ones**:
#### **1. The Fang Family – Masters of the Swift Sword**
- The **Fang Patriarch** arrived with his **elders and top disciples**.
- Their warriors were known for their **blinding speed and sharp sword techniques.**
- **Gift:** A **box of Spirit Wind Herbs**, useful for refining qi and increasing agility.
#### **2. The Lei Clan – Thunder Lords**
- The **Lei Clan Leader** personally came, along with his **eldest son, Lei Ming**.
- Their family specialized in **lightning-based martial arts and formations.**
- **Gift:** A **Lightning Vein Pendant**, a rare artifact that boosts lightning element affinity.
#### **3. The Zhou Family – Unbreakable Defenders**
- The **Zhou Elder Council** sent their **top representatives.**
- Their techniques focused on **defensive formations and impenetrable body cultivation.**
- **Gift:** A **set of spirit armor**, designed to grow stronger with the user.
#### **4. The Bai Merchant Alliance – The Wealthy Lords**
- The **Bai Family**, one of the richest merchant clans, sent an envoy.
- Their power wasn't in martial arts, but in **money and influence.**
- **Gift:** A **storage ring filled with rare spirit stones.**
#### **5. Independent Experts & Rogue Masters**
- A few **wandering cultivators** and **small sect leaders** came out of sheer curiosity.
- Some just wanted to **see my father's heir in person.**
---
### **The Atmosphere: Respect & Fear**
Not everyone was here just because they liked the Luo Family.
Some were here because **ignoring an invitation from Luo Tian was a death sentence.**
- The **smaller families** were nervous.
- The **weaker clans** were too afraid to speak out of turn.
- But the **stronger families?** They were **watching me closely.**
They wanted to see if I was **truly a prodigy**… or just another young master living in his father's shadow.
Lucky for me, only the **elders and key members of the Luo Family knew my real power.**
To everyone else, I was just a **mysterious child with an unknown future.**
---
### **The Grand Entrance**
As the last of the guests arrived, my father—**Luo Tian, the Tyrant**—finally **stood up from his throne.**
The entire courtyard fell into **silence.**
His gaze swept over the crowd before he spoke.
"Today, we celebrate the fourth birthday of my ninth son, Luo Zin."
His voice **boomed like thunder**, filled with authority.
He gestured toward me, and **all eyes fell on me.**
I stepped forward, my expression **calm**.
The silence stretched.
Then, suddenly—
**"Happy birthday, Young Master Zin!"**
The guests **bowed in unison**, their voices echoing across the estate.
---
### **The Fake Praise Begins**
And just like that, the party **officially began.**
But let's be real—most of these people didn't actually **care** about me.
Their words were **polite, but empty.**
- **"Young Master Zin is truly blessed with great talent!"**
- **"He carries the dignity of the Luo Family already!"**
- **"At just four years old, his presence is commanding!"**
*Commanding?* **I'm literally a toddler.**
I smiled sweetly. "Thank you, esteemed guests! I am honored by your presence!"
**[You have successfully faked politeness. +0.001 Evil Points]**
*...I swear, this system is mocking me.*
---
### **The Gifts & Their Hidden Messages**
The gifts kept coming, but each one had a **hidden meaning**.
- The **Fang Family's Spirit Wind Herbs** – *"We acknowledge your talent. Let's see how you grow."*
- The **Lei Clan's Lightning Vein Pendant** – *"Prove your strength, and we might consider you an ally."*
- The **Zhou Family's Spirit Armor** – *"We respect your family, but we will not kneel."*
- The **Bai Merchant's Storage Ring** – *"Power needs wealth. Let's be on good terms."*
Everything was a **political game**, wrapped in the disguise of **gifts and celebrations.**
And I was **right in the middle of it.**
---
### **The Suspicious Eyes**
As the event continued, I felt the **intense stares** of certain figures.
- **Lei Ming,** the Lei Clan's heir, was watching me with a smirk—probably **thinking about challenging me.**
- **A Zhou Family elder** kept **glancing at me**, as if trying to sense my true strength.
- **Fang disciples whispered** among themselves, **gauging my movements.**
I could tell what they were thinking.
*Is he truly talented?*
*Or is he just a child benefiting from his father's reputation?*
I smiled to myself.
**They'll find out soon enough.**
---
### **Ending Hook**
The **birthday celebration** is in full swing, but tensions are **simmering beneath the surface.**
Rival families are **gathering information**, warriors are **testing boundaries**, and soon—**chaos will erupt.**
Luo Zin has already **set the pieces in motion.**
But how will he turn a simple party into **a battlefield… and emerge as its hero?**
Find out in **Chapter 13: The Tension Before the Storm!**