In this world, martial arts was almost everything, and some families that had stronger foundations in this aspect, founded their own empires. The reason for this, is simple, desire to have control.
But due to lack of infinite land and existance of other experts in sects, they didn't dare to go too far, and focused on gaining control over the population that is not practicing martial arts. This being the largest part, and with this, gained not just fame, but also power.
They even gave themselves the title, royal families, that is like heaven to ordinary people. Only stronger martial artists could stand side by side with them, or even disdain them. Strongest businesses in the world are also controlled by the strong, or have some relation with them.
Just to make it simple, the world it controlled using power, and those without can't take over anything, they can only be ruled over. The common people had to live under the royal family, and Li Xin had already seen through this world and did not think highly of the royal family.
So when, he saw the elders in his own faction spew so much nonscence about common good, and eliminating evil before him, it was clear who was pushing this befhint the scenes.
Even with the use of moral manipulation, he did not even flinch, and he didn't care enough about their schemes to even warn them. He knew they would behave after hearing of his reaction. He didn't reach where he was by being some benovelent person.
The Xuan Clan is not the only one that has the title of the royal family, but it seems that they are the ones to fight for power.
In the central region of the continent, where the royal clans resided, a place that Li Xin had no interest in occupying for many reasons, the situation seemed calm on the surface, but it seemed like a storm was brewing.
Xuan Clan, in the main hall, a young man, about 27, slightly younger than Li Xin by a year seemed to be sitting next to the patriarch of the clan.
"Xian Yu, how long before you can break through to the 7th stage of the Dragon Emperor Art?" one of the 7 elders in the room seemed to be more eager to ask this.
They already had someone that had reached the 7th stage but it was an old man and he was probably more concerned about his practice than conflicts.
Having another one, it would be able to allow them to move with some confidence in their agendas. They already heard of the outcome of the Mystic Pavillion and this was not what they wanted. But the young man sitting beside the patriarch looked around with some arrogance in his eyes.
"I will be able to break through to the 7th stage in less than a year. At that time even Li Xin will not be able to do anything to me. I think it would be easy to suppress him at that moment and we can step over the Mystic Pavilion for going against our plans."
The moment he said this, the elders were happy about the breakthrough in a year, but the rest of the information was overlooked by them. It was normal for the younger generation to be arrogant with their level of strength having reached this stage.
" Great! Great! Great!" the elder the had asked seemed to reply with an excited expression and the patriarch seemed to also feel proud.
But before the talk could continue, another voice felt with internal energy sounded in the room.
"What an arrogant brat. Do you think that it is easy to mess with that Mystic Pavilion kid? Hmph! After you reach the 7th stage you can talk again. Better not do anything useless, wait for some more plans to be made."
With that, the atmosphere in the hall seemed to have become chilling. No one wanted to continue talking anymore.
Even the elders seemed to have realized they had been a little too excited before Xuan Yu had made it to the 7th stage of Dragon Emperor Art.
The only exception was Xuan Yu as he felt that the old man had destroyed his parade. His father also seemed to withhold it, but deep down he was not happy as his prestige in the room had just been challenged and the elders would remember this moment.
Xuan Yu seemed to be cursing deep in his heart. "Damn old thing. Once I break through, let's see how I suppress you." He did not dare to speak it out loud.
He seemed too confident that he would make that breakthrough.
In the place that Xuan Xie was located, another man with his head covered seemed to be present." Aren't you being too harsh on that kid, you just ruined his parade."
The figure spoke, as he seemed to have concern, but his voice was indifferent as ever.
"You of all people know that what he said was too arrogant. He has not even entered the 7th stage of the family art, yet he is acting like he has reached the last stage and can push everything horizontally. You know that the thing that lacks that Mystic Pavillion master is an understanding of the technique he has practiced or he would have already taken that stage. But the same can't be said for the Demoness of the Black Lotus sect. She will probably succeed given a decade, and thus it would be best to stop him from thinking he can deal with them."
The figure did not argue, he knew that what the old man said was the truth, the mystic Pavilion master was not going to be much of a threat to them for the moment and they had to think about ways to handle other important issues from the central region.
" Put that matter aside, seeing that you are here it seems that you already have the next plan of action, just tell me what I should do and I will handle it," he spoke with a respectful attitude and the man in the mask seemed to be satisfied.
"You are indeed better at handling things than those other fools. The master will keep his promise when the time comes, do not worry." the man spoke before turning around and leaving with a letter falling on the man's table.
Opening the letter, Xuan Xie has some confusion. But he still threw it into the tea stove with burning charcoal beside him.
"The Kang Era Tomb exploration is a good thing for us. As long as we get most of those foolish martial artists to participate, we can use them. It seems that I have to make some movements myself. But this is not enough, we have to spread word that Demon Bi Yun ancient pill left! I doubt even that crafty Li Xian won't be tempted to enter our calculations."
Someone was making their own scheme, and even the thing being staked was something ancient and legendary claimed to have the ability to allow one to step into the Xiantian stage. How could people be tempted, it was far more appealing than any righteous rhetoric of killing devils, especially to the old monsters that had practiced martial arts longer.
The old man was making plans before his arrogant descendant, feeling good about his inteligence.
But he had yet to put them in motion, when he heard a call from the only person he was afraid of in the clan.
"Xuan Long. Come see me! Bring your little brat along." the voice seemed to enter the patriarch's ears and he had some panic but soon it was hidden and no one noticed it.
He dismissed everyone and headed towards the place where their ancestor was closed up with some concerns in his heart. He also had some fear and looking at his son, he sighed deep inside.
The fact that he had spoilt him seemed to be a bad thing, and he was concerned about their fate at this moment rather than the future. He didn't know why he was being called, but his hands were trembling.