The sun had barely risen over the Wen Clan's territory, but the entire region pulsed with an unspoken energy. From Skyfire Peak to the towering Patriarch's Peak, disciples moved with purpose, their steps synchronized, their gazes resolute. The aftermath of the Black Viper Sect's defeat had not only strengthened their morale but signaled to the surrounding factions that the Wen Clan was no longer dormant—it was rising, swiftly and with force.
Wen Wuxing stood alone atop the Observation Pavilion, overlooking the vast Valley of Trials, where disciples trained from dawn until dusk. The newly installed Clan Protection Array, a shimmering dome of spiritual force, glimmered faintly in the morning haze.
Ding! Clan Protection Array (Tier 1) activated. Defensive capability: +25%. Scope: Wen Residence.
Next upgrade available upon completion of 3 Clan Missions. Reward: Tier 2 Enhancement and Auto-Healing Effect.
A thin smile crept across Wuxing's face. Progress. Everything was moving as the System's long-hidden potential began unfolding. But today, his gaze wasn't on cultivation drills or array formation.
His attention was focused on the Grand Assembly of Clans, scheduled in the Capital of Qinghe Prefecture—an event that drew the elite of every powerful clan and sect within a hundred-thousand-mile radius.
It was also the perfect venue for his Wen Clan to debut, to announce their return not in whispers or rumors, but with undeniable dominance.
In the Grand Hall, the Council of Elders had assembled.
Wen Heng stepped forward. "Patriarch, the clans of Donghai, Liang, and Zhao have confirmed their presence at the Assembly. There are rumors that the Royal Court Envoy will also attend."
A rare glint flashed in Wuxing's eyes. "The Royal Court? Then this Assembly is more than political posturing."
"Indeed," another elder added. "They are seeking candidates for the upcoming Heavenly Mandate Tournament. Winners are granted access to Imperial Secret Realms—resources that could catapult even mid-tier clans into prominence."
Wuxing clasped his hands behind his back, cloak billowing slightly from the residual spiritual pressure that never seemed to fade.
"The Wen Clan will not merely attend. We will compete. And we will win."
Ding! Quest Unlocked: Win at Heavenly Mandate Tournament.
Clan Reward: Access to Imperial Secret Realm, System Enhancement Core.
Optional Reward: Title of Regional Lord.
He turned to Wen Lei and Wen Qian, the newly appointed commanders of the Wen Clan Elite Guard and Intelligence Division, respectively.
"Prepare our representatives. Four Core Formation cultivators and two Nascent Soul elders. We make our entrance not as beggars, but as sovereigns."
Wen Qian bowed. "And the Pavilion, Patriarch?"
Wuxing's gaze turned sharp. "The Veil of Shadows Pavilion will operate in the background. Through it, we shall acquire intelligence, manipulate outcomes, and sow seeds of doubt in our enemies. Make sure no one suspects the Pavilion's loyalty to the Wen Clan."
Ding! Veil of Shadows Pavilion Expansion Initiated. Branch established in Qinghe Prefecture. New Intelligence Operatives Generated (100% Loyalty).
Income Projection: High. Risk: Minimal.
Clan Reputation increases by +15 if successful.
Wuxing turned to the holographic map displaying the inter-clan territories.
"Our enemies are watching, waiting for a misstep. Zhao Wei's influence still lingers, and he controls half the Prefecture's markets through puppet clans. His shadow runs deep. We must burn it away, slowly… methodically."
Days later, Wuxing and his retinue arrived at Qinghe Prefecture, a city of towering spires, flying ships, and cultivation sects sprawled across floating platforms. The air thrummed with the energy of tens of thousands of cultivators gathered for the Assembly.
The Wen Clan's procession moved through the city, their formation crisp, armor gleaming under sunlight, banners rippling with the Wen sigil—a sword piercing through a swirling cloud, symbolizing clarity and dominance.
They arrived at the Assembly Grounds, a vast amphitheater carved into the heart of the capital, flanked by sect banners and the imposing Royal Envoy's Pavilion.
Gasps echoed as the Wen Clan entered.
"Wen Clan? Weren't they crippled years ago?"
"Who is that man in front… his aura is terrifying."
"That's Wen Wuxing… the Patriarch who returned from the dead."
Whispers turned to silence as Wuxing's Nascent Soul pressure blanketed the arena. But he suppressed it almost immediately—an unspoken signal of mastery and confidence.
A representative from the Zhao Clan approached, a smug smile on his face.
"Wen Wuxing… I see the rumors were true. You do live."
Wuxing's eyes narrowed. "Zhao Jian, son of Zhao Wei. Tell your father I am coming for everything he took."
Zhao Jian sneered. "Bold words. But words are wind, Wen dog."
In response, Wuxing smiled—cold and promising. "And fire devours wind."
Ding! Hostility detected. Mission updated: Humiliate Zhao Clan in the Assembly Tournament.
Bonus Reward: Reputation +25, System Store Unlock (Special Artifacts).
The Royal Envoy arrived, his golden robes flowing, eyes glinting with curiosity. He scanned the attendees, his gaze lingering on Wuxing.
"Let the tournament begin," he announced. "May strength decide status."
In the first round, Wen disciples faced off against warriors from minor clans. They moved like shadows, wielding sigil-enhanced blades, easily overwhelming their opponents.
Cheers erupted from the audience.
In the second round, they fought Zhao Clan disciples. The battle was brutal, with Wen Lei's protégé, Wen Zhen, emerging as the star. His Blade of Clarity split the Zhao's top Core Formation cultivator's weapon in half, before defeating him with a single palm strike.
The crowd was stunned.
"Impossible! The Wen were supposed to be in decline!"
"Zhao Clan is losing! What is going on?"
Zhao Jian's face twisted in fury.
At the end of the day, Wen Clan stood undefeated, their banners raised high.
Back in the Wen camp, Wuxing received reports from the Veil of Shadows Pavilion.
"Patriarch, intelligence indicates Zhao Wei has deployed assassins. They will strike tonight, during the clan feast."
Wuxing's eyes narrowed. "Let them come. Let them see what awaits those who challenge the Wen."
That night, as shadows crept across Qinghe Prefecture, Wuxing sat in his quarters, sipping tea. The room was silent, the air thick.
Then, the assassins struck.
But the Wen Protection Arrays, activated through the System, flared to life, trapping them mid-step. Before they could blink, Veil Operatives descended from the shadows, cutting them down with silent precision.
Wuxing didn't move. He simply whispered, "The darkness is ours now."
Ding! Assassination Averted. System Reward: Tier 2 Guardian Array Fragment. Veil Reputation +20.
New Title Gained: Shadow Sovereign (Hidden).