The Imperial Envoy's chambers inside the governor's manor were modest by Qinghe standards, yet every corner radiated authority. Thick incense coiled from bronze burners shaped like coiling dragons, and a lone lantern illuminated the room with a pale, flickering glow.
Wen Wuxing stood calmly in the center, his hands clasped behind his back, a picture of regal restraint. Across from him, Envoy Liu Zhong, a man draped in imperial blue robes adorned with golden clouds, scrutinized him through narrow eyes.
"You've stirred quite the storm, Patriarch Wen," the envoy began, his tone smooth, yet laced with veiled condescension. "The Zhao Clan has lodged multiple complaints. They claim you've... destabilized Qinghe's peace."
Wuxing didn't flinch. "Peace built upon corruption and blood is no peace at all, Envoy Liu."
The envoy chuckled, tapping his fingers against the lacquered armrest. "Spoken like a true idealist... or a man with ambitions beyond his station. The imperial court frowns upon ambitious men, especially those rising too swiftly."
Wuxing met his gaze squarely. "Then let the court frown."
A pause filled the chamber. Then, Envoy Liu leaned forward, voice low.
"There are... elements within the Empire, factions that support reform. The Zhao Clan's time may be waning. Align yourself wisely, Patriarch Wen, and the court's gaze may become less severe."
Wuxing's mind moved quickly. Was this man fishing for allegiance? Or hinting at deeper machinations? He gave only a polite bow. "The Wen Clan serves the Empire."
"That remains to be seen," Liu murmured.
Back at Patriarch's Peak, Wuxing sat cross-legged within the Meditation Hall, the System interface shimmering in the air before him.
Ding! System Update: Veil of Shadows Pavilion Prestige increased. Tier 2 unlock available – World-Seer Divination Array. Activation cost: 500 merit points.
Effect: Allows deduction of regional secrets, detection of nascent conspiracies, and manipulation of public perception.
"Activate."
At once, a grand formation unfurled beneath the Pavilion, spiritual lines weaving a glowing lattice that pulsed with power. Operatives of the Veil bowed as the array took root, their loyalty unwavering.
Ding! World-Seer Divination Array activated. First deduction complete. Result: Hidden alliance forming between Zhao Clan and Southern Border Rebels. Risk Level: High. Countermeasures recommended.
Wuxing's eyes gleamed. "So, the Zhao dogs seek external support. Then let us sever their fangs before they strike."
Elsewhere in the Wen residence, Elder Wen Heng led a group of rising core members up Verdant Peak, one of the sub-peaks granted as rewards by the System for their recent victories. The peak, lush with spirit trees and medicinal herbs, was surrounded by a natural barrier of mist.
Each sub-peak within the Wen residence had been uniquely shaped by the System. Ironroot Peak housed weapon forges powered by spiritual fire veins. Azure Wind Peak became the training grounds for elite warriors, its winds sharpening the body and soul. And Verdant Peak, a hub for alchemists and physicians, was now fully operational.
As the clan developed, each peak's leader received missions from Wuxing. Completion yielded personal cultivation rewards, while Wuxing gained System merits, which he carefully reinvested.
Ding! Mission Complete: Establish peak governance. Reward: Clan Protection Array enhancement – Tier 2 Defensive Shield activated. Activation cost reduced by 20%.
The clan residence, with its many peaks and increasingly powerful formations, began to exude an aura of sacredness, attracting the attention of wandering cultivators and minor clans. Requests for alliances and marriages trickled in.
In the Veil of Shadows Pavilion, Wen Qian met with several high-ranking operatives.
"The Zhao Clan is moving troops under the guise of border defense," she reported. "But our surveillance confirms their route heads towards the southern hills—home to the Qiu Clan, loyal to us."
Wuxing's image flickered on the communication crystal embedded in the table.
"I want full interference. Leak false information, discredit their movements, and ensure the Qiu Clan fortifies their defenses. Prepare a counterstrike team under the guise of a mercenary band."
"Yes, Patriarch."
Ding! Side Mission Triggered: Protect Allied Clans – Qiu Clan Defense. Reward: Guardian Beast Egg (Unknown Rank), Merit +300.
Back in the nursery, Wuxing visited his daughter, Wen Xian'er, who had recently been born amidst great celebration. The moment of her birth had triggered a System event.
Ding! Descendant Born – Bloodline Resonance detected. Reward: Peak-grade Cultivation Pill, Clan Member Realm Boost (Random x3), System Enhancement: Patriarch's Insight (Cooldown reduced by 10%).
Holding his daughter, Wuxing felt a rare moment of peace.
"Your birth will mark the turning point for the Wen Clan. I will see to it that no enemy's shadow touches you."
From the side, Elder Heng entered with a bowed head.
"Patriarch, clan members Wen Rui, Wen Lin, and Wen Mei have also given birth this season."
Ding! Clan Birth Events – Cumulative Rewards: Spirit Stone Yield +10%, Peak Enhancement (Random), Minor Merit Points x50.
Wuxing smiled faintly. Every child born, whether his or of his clan, brought incremental growth. Family was power.
Night fell.
Wuxing stood on Patriarch's Peak, gazing at the Guardian Spirit, now fully active, patrolling the perimeter of the residence cloaked in tiered protection arrays.
A thought struck him.
"System, can I create a peak... for the elite? One above the others."
Ding! Yes. Mission Unlocked: Heaven's Crest Peak. Condition: Clan Reputation 1000+, Merit Points 1000, Tier 3 Victory in Imperial Tournament. Reward: Peak Unlock – Effects hidden.
A new path opened.