Within the main hall of the Wu Clan’s ancestral mansion.
“Haha, fantastic! Wonderful!” Many days had passed since the incident, and although Wu Qiming had yet to fully recover, his condition had notably improved, allowing him to leave his sickbed.
Upon receiving the news from Wu Yuan, Wu Qiming was beyond ecstatic, immediately gathering the clan’s higher-ups to share the momentous news.
“I knew you were making significant progress, but I dared only to hope for your admission into the Cloud Martial Hall next year, and that you’d become someone of importance in the sect in the future.” Wu Qiming, usually the epitome of calm, was now beside himself with joy, “Who could have expected that you’d receive a special recruitment invitation from the sect so quickly!”
“In truth, my abilities fall somewhat short of the typical special recruitment standards. It’s all because Senior Gao Yu favored me,” Wu Yuan responded modestly.
This was an excuse he had prepared well in advance. Although he didn’t fear assassination or abduction, Wu Yuan preferred to avoid any unnecessary trouble. He followed Gao Yu’s instructions to the letter, concealing the extent of his talent as much as possible. Special recruits varied in their qualifications, with some barely meeting the criteria, while others demonstrated exceptional talent.
“Haha, Gao Yu is a sect protectorate; his status is extremely high. Just the fact that he singled you out speaks volumes!” Wu Liuye, even more elated, raised his wine cup and declared, “Even if you only barely qualified for special recruitment, you’ve already surpassed many Cloud Martial Hall disciples.”
“Indeed!” The refined Wu Dongyao beamed and remarked, “It’s been over twenty years since someone from Li City received a special recruitment invitation!”
The Cloudstride Sect rarely extended invitations for special recruitment. On average, only two or three disciples received such invitations each year, translating to one special recruit every two or three decades from one county.
“Brother, you’re amazing!” Wu Yijun, his little sister, excitedly raised a large chicken leg at the dining table, “But this chicken leg tastes even better.”
“Hahaha!” Laughter filled the hall.
Even Wanqin, sitting quietly at the side, couldn’t help but smile. Despite being surrounded by the clan’s senior members, she carried herself with neither awkwardness nor inferiority. Instead, she felt a deep sense of pride. All of this was possible because she had given birth to a good son.
Husband, are you watching? Yuan’er has truly grown up. Wanqin watched affectionately as Wu Yuan, Wu Qiming, Wu Long, and the others enjoyed their meal amidst lively banter. All those years of raising him had culminated in the achievements of today.
Mother is very happy, as is the chieftain. Wu Yuan felt warmth in his heart, and a broad smile spread across his face.
After regaining consciousness and inheriting the memories of his body’s predecessor, Wu Yuan felt himself being increasingly integrated into this world as time went by, becoming a part of this family and this clan.
One could only persevere in their cultivation with a clear goal in mind.
I hope the smiles on the faces of my family and clan members will always remain as radiant as they are today.
“Chieftain.” Fang Bo, the steward, suddenly entered the hall in a hurry, “The headmaster of the county martial academy, Zhang Da, has come to visit!”
The hall fell silent as Wu Dongyao, Wu Long, Wu Liuye, and others turned their attention toward chieftain Wu Qiming.
The headmaster of the martial academy?
“Chieftain, we’ll take our leave first,” Wu Liuye took the initiative to speak. For the Wu Clan, the headmaster of the martial academy was someone of great importance.
“No need. Please continue with your meal, all of you, Wu Qiming dismissed the notion, “Fang Bo, guide Headmaster Zhang to the study. Wu Yuan, you’ll accompany me to meet the headmaster.”
“Mm,” Wu Yuan replied, rising from his seat.
In the study, Wu Yuan and Wu Qiming didn’t have to wait long before Zhang Da arrived. After the initial formalities, they sat down.
“Headmaster Zhang, your visit is somewhat unexpected. How may we assist you today?” Wu Qiming inquired with a friendly smile.
“Haha, Chieftain Wu, you’re too kind, Wu Yuan is an exceptionally gifted disciple of our academy. It’s a delightful occurrence that he has caught Protectorate Gao’s eye,” Zhang Da said while laughing, “As the headmaster, I must offer my congratulations.”
“Without your personal guidance, Headmaster, how could Wu Yuan have garnered Protectorate Gao’s recognition?” Wu Qiming asked with a knowing smile.
Zhang Da’s eyelids twitched. His words were laced with thorns!
“I admit that I failed to consider the situation previously,” Zhang Da admitted. “I was focused on Li City’s honor, neglecting the broader context of the sect, not to mention underestimating Wu Yuan’s martial talent.”
“Nevertheless, being a special recruit, Wu Yuan is now a source of pride for our county martial academy,” he continued.
“Today, all of the academy’s instructors have unanimously agreed to reward Wu Yuan with 5000 silver taels, in the hopes that he continues to excel after entering the Cloud Martial Hall,” Zhang Da explained while producing a stack of silver notes. Each hundred tael note was imprinted with the word ‘Starcom’.
“This?” Wu Qiming was initially taken aback but quickly comprehended Zhang Da’s intentions.
He felt the 5000 taels were sufficient and turned to Wu Yuan. Wu Qiming was keenly aware that he must respect Wu Yuan’s views and treat him as an equal, no longer as a junior.
“Headmaster.” Wu Yuan smiled, “Do you know who was the expert that obliterated the Vicious Tiger Gang?”
“I don’t. Currently, the sect is investigating it,” Zhang Da shook his head, puzzled as to why Wu Yuan brought up this matter.
“If you happen to discover the expert’s identity, Headmaster, kindly inform my Wu Clan. We would like to reward this expert generously,” Wu Yuan solemnly expressed, “He has done us a great service.”
“A great service?” Zhang Da’s eyes sparkled, “Are you suggesting that the Wu Clan has obtained leads regarding this expert’s identity?”
Wu Yuan continued, “The Vicious Tiger Gang first raised our Wu Clan’s tribute by 5000 taels this year, then razed our southern mansion, taking the lives of many clan members. They even captured our chieftain and imprisoned him in their stronghold! Fortunately, this mysterious expert wiped out the Vicious Tiger Gang, enabling our chieftain’s return!”
“The wounds on our chieftain were inflicted by the Vicious Tiger Gang. Headmaster, do you think the Wu Clan should express gratitude to this expert?” Wu Yuan gazed intently at Zhang Da.
Zhang Da shifted uncomfortably under Wu Yuan’s stare. Astute as he was, he promptly grasped Wu Yuan’s insinuation and sighed deeply for Xu Shouyi.
Wu Yuan’s sentiments were clear as crystal. Recalling the kindness of the enigmatic expert symbolized that he hadn’t forgotten the Xu faction’s mistreatment. If Zhang Da wished to resolve the grudges the Wu Clan had with him, add more money!
“The Wu Clan experienced such a dreadful ordeal? Certainly, you should express gratitude to that mysterious expert,” Zhang Da commented emotionally, “Achieving so much under such difficult conditions must have been quite challenging. The martial academy will, therefore, provide you with an additional 5000 silver taels!” He produced another stack of silver notes.
Wu Yuan and Wu Qiming exchanged glances, subtly nodding.
“Haha, in that case, we sincerely appreciate Headmaster Zhang’s generous support for Wu Yuan,” Wu Qiming took over the conversation, “Has your tea cooled? Would you like some more?”
Headmaster Zhang glanced at his piping hot tea. Adding more tea would cause it to overflow.
His words were a clear signal of dismissal.
“Haha, there’s no need for additional tea. I’ve just remembered that I have some pressing matters to attend to, so I’ll take my leave,” Zhang Da rose to his feet.
“I’m feeling unwell and unable to see you out, I hope Headmaster Zhang understands,” Wu Qiming wore an apologetic expression.
“Headmaster Zhang, allow me to see you out,” Fang Bo appeared at just the right time.
Wu Yuan and Wu Qiming watched as Zhang Da departed.
“Wu Yuan, 10,000 silver taels, isn’t it a bit too much?” Wu Qiming frowned, “He is the headmaster of the martial academy after all.”
“Chieftain, I know what I’m doing,” Wu Yuan assured with a smile.
Wu Qiming nodded subtly, still harboring some concerns but refraining from further comments.
“Wu Yuan, take these 10,000 silver taels,” Wu Qiming gestured toward the silver notes on the table.
“No need!” Wu Yuan shook his head, “Protectorate Gao has promised me that once I join the sect, I will receive a steady supply of various cultivation resources. I don’t currently require the silver. Conversely, once I depart, the clan will need the funds as I won’t be able to assist until I graduate.”
Did Cloud Martial Hall lack money? Wu Yuan was uncertain. But at the moment, he didn’t need these 10,000 silver taels.
“Alright, your special recruitment into the sect is akin to ascending to the heavens in one step. I won’t stand on ceremony then,” Wu Qiming gave a nod.
“Headmaster Zhang visited to address our grievances, fearing future reprisals from me”, Wu Yuan said softly, “The Xu faction will soon receive the news. Do you think they will also seek reconciliation?”
“They will not. Headmaster Zhang came to reconcile with us because our feud has not reached the point of becoming mortal enemies, and can be resolved with silver,” Wu Qiming shook his head, “The Xu Clan? Only if Xu Shouyi regards the entire Wu Clan as fools. Otherwise, they cannot possibly reconcile a blood feud.”
“If they’re only willing to offer meager compensation, they won’t risk trusting us even if we agree to reconcile, fearing that we’re merely biding our time for revenge.”
“To truly resolve our enmity, it would require something along the lines of Xu Yuanjie’s death. Is Xu Shouyi willing?” Wu Qiming sighed.
“To kill his son?” Wu Yuan gave a slight nod. A number of Wu clansmen had perished. Even the chieftain had narrowly escaped death. How deep did this hatred run? Was it something that silver could resolve? The Xu Clan had to atone with a life, and it had to be a high-ranking individual’s death, only then could it truly appease the Wu Clan’s anger.
“It doesn’t matter. Just exercise caution. These are turbulent times, Xu Shouyi is just a general of defense, not an almighty god, so I doubt he’ll risk outright murder,” Wu Qiming stated, “Once you join the sect, everything will be settled.”
Wu Yuan gave a slight nod. Revenge? He already had enough strength for it. But the Vicious Tiger Gang had just been eradicated. Acting again so soon would draw too much attention and the risk of exposure was high. For now, he could only let Xu Shouyi live a little longer.
……
“Damn it!”
“Damn it!” Within the Xu Manor, one of the chambers was in utter disarray. Fury blazed in Xu Shouyi’s eyes as he bellowed, “That blasted Zhang Da, how dare he decline my request for an audience?”
“What exactly happened in the martial academy today?”
“Gao Yu, that protectorate of the Finance Hall, why did he suddenly come to Li City? Why wasn’t I informed in advance?”
“Wu Yuan, he cannot be allowed to live any longer!” An intense chill blazed in the depths of Xu Shouyi’s eyes.