Meanwhile, in a quieter corner of the courtyard, members of the Wu Clan and their allies gathered, their expressions dark.
They had come today with the intent of completely crushing the Zhu Clan, but the events were unfolding in the exact opposite direction.
An elder from the He Clan slammed his hand on the table, his frustration palpable.
"Are we just going to sit here and let the Zhu Clan rise to prominence under the Feng Clan's wing? Their alliance has been practically solidified after that public show of generosity! If we don't act, the Zhu Clan will completely suppress us in Xianlong City."
Another ally, a rotund merchant named Lin Fu, nodded in agreement.
"With the Feng Clan openly supporting them, they've essentially claimed dominance over this city. If we don't act now, we'll be driven out!"