บท 17: The Hung Family's Scheme [2]
[Flashbacks]
[Hung Family, Grand Hall]
The grand hall of the Hung family stretched wide, its high ceilings making the bright lanterns glow like stars. Rich tapestries hung on the walls, telling stories of the past. In the center, a long wooden table sat surrounded by ornate chairs, all dark and polished to a shine.
At one end of the hall, a large throne draped in red silk and gold accents loomed. Beautiful plants in ceramic pots lined the room, adding a touch of life.
In that throne, Hung Zhang, the patriarch of the Hung family, sat with a serious look etched on his smooth, wrinkle-free face. His long black hair cascaded down his back, and he wore a flowing black robe with golden accents that signified his high status.
"Ahem... Hung Zhi, state your reasons for this meeting," he said, his voice cold and sharp as he focused on the young man rising from his seat.
Hung Zhi, the patriarch's only son, stood tall and proud, his short black hair framing his calm, collected face. He wore a full white robe with dark red accents, and he looked around the room with steady confidence.
"I greet the patriarch and the elders and thank you all for coming at my invitation for this important meeting that is crucial for the future of the Hung family," he spoke in a neutral tone, bowing slightly to both parties in the grand hall.
"No need to mention it, young master," the first elder waved off the formality.
"Indeed, it's not usual that the young lord would call all of us without reason," the second elder added, stroking his long white beard as he gave off an air of power and wisdom.
"As you all must have heard, Long Tian, the young master of the Long family, has killed a 5th stage Nascent Soul minotaur demon," Hung Zhi continued, his voice steady.
"Indeed, it was truly amazing and shocking news for all who heard it."
"Indeed, and it can't be false... given that hundreds, if not thousands, witnessed it with their own eyes," the elders nodded, stroking their beards in unison, a habit most old cultivators picked up over the years for reasons unknown to anyone.
"Even though he used a primordial-grade treasure for that feat, it's still hard to believe that an 18-year-old could wield such power. One must be at least at the peak Golden Core stage to use a primordial-grade artifact," the third elder remarked, surprise evident in his voice.
"Hisss!"
"Patriarch! We must send people to cut off this newfound problem," the first elder urged, jealousy and concern tinging his tone.
"Indeed, for the first time, I agree with you," another elder chimed in.
"He's too much of a threat to be left unchecked."
"If we give him another decade, who knows what heights he might reach... most likely, he could surpass us."
"And if that happens, it won't bode well for us, considering our long rivalry with the Long family," the fourth elder added, his tone twisting with jealousy.
"Patriarch! That's not all—Long Tian has also discovered a spiritual mine of unknown grade," Hung Zhi declared, urgency seeping into his voice.
"Indeed! If those bastards have that mine, they'll become even more powerful," the first elder said, anger simmering beneath his words.
"This situation looks dire for us," Hung Zhang finally spoke, his gaze sweeping across the room as he absorbed the weight of the situation.
"It seems if we don't take action now, it'll be too late."
"Yes, patriarch! It's like giving your sworn enemy resources on a silver platter and waiting for them to grow strong enough to overpower us," Hung Zhi gritted his teeth in frustration.
"Alright, I've made my decision," the patriarch said, straightening his back and locking eyes with Hung Zhi.
"Hung Zhi, I command you to take three men at the peak Golden Core realm with you and steal the spiritual mine... or destroy it."
"And if you encounter Long Tian, finish him and eliminate the main threat."
"Yes, patriarch! I will act on your orders right away," Hung Zhi replied, bowing quickly before rushing out of the grand hall.
"Hahaha! With our genius young master going after the spiritual mine, I doubt he will fail," the first elder laughed heartily, followed by the other elders, their faith in the young master clear in their voices.
"Indeed."
###
[3rd Pov]
[Back to the Present]
[Near the cave of Xue Fei]
"Shh!" One of the three men in black robes raised a finger to his lips, signaling his teammates to stay quiet.
"What's he doing here?" the second man whispered, glancing nervously.
"Shut up! We don't want to fight him now... let's wait for him to leave. When our young master finishes gathering everything from the mine, we can ambush him!" the last man whispered back, eyes darting.
"I see, but wouldn't it be better to ambush him now and kill him?" A chilling voice replied from behind him.
"We would also get rewarded for our work." He continued.
"Ah, yes, that would be beneficial, but we're not sure about—" The second man froze as he realized his teammates were not beside him. A stranger stood there, eyeing them.
"Who are you—!" the second man shouted, abruptly turning to look behind him. But before he could react, the man behind him pierced through his heart.
"Argh! ...f...fuck!" He fell from the tree, his body hitting the ground with a thud, alerting the other two to the situation and causing them to retreat, scrambling for distance.
"Ah, I can't believe how fragile humans are... even if they're cultivators at the peak of the Golden Core stage," Long Tian muttered in a cold, chilling voice, his gaze fixed on his red, deadly spear.
Akhilleus, his trusty partner responded with enthusiasm, glowing crimson as it soaked in the blood of the young man he had pierced.
"Shit! Retreat right away!" one of the remaining survivors shouted urgently, sweat cascading down his forehead like a waterfall.
"We have to—" But before he could finish his sentence, an immense pressure descended upon them, forcing all three to the ground, kneeling beside their dead teammate's body.
###
I'm back to the city, so expect 1 - 2 chapter daily from today onwards ;)
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