Chapter 21 BECOMING THE WIND.

  Quiet cries can be heard as villagers mourn the loss of their loved ones from the demon horde disaster.

  “I need a recovery pill, please!” A voice shouted.

  Frantic footsteps thundered through the town from apothecaries and alchemists, frantically tending to the wounded and poisoned.

  Servants worked tirelessly to bandage those deemed unworthy of the limited alchemic resources.

  While the townspeople work to stabilize the physical aftermath of the battle, the nobles move to control the political landscape ahead.

  Eastern Part of Iron Root Town.

  Chen Estate.

  Elders Hall.

  “Chen Kai!”

  “Do you have any idea what you’ve done!!” Chen Wei shouted.

  Chen Wei, sitting in the center seat in the hall, had a furious expression.

  “I know you’re talented, but arrogance prevents you from calculating the costs of your actions.”

  “If word spreads about the Chen Clan scheming to kill a child, our Clan's reputation will be ruined.”

  Chen Wei took a deep breath.

  “Haven’t the Chen Clan treated you well?“

  “Despite being the child of a whore, we gave you the Chen family name and provided you with cultivation resources.”

  Chen Wei’s anger grew as he spoke.

  “Unfilial!” He snorted, chugging a guard of wine to ease his nerves.

  Chen Kai stood there in the hall silently.

  The elders who disliked him took pleasure in the arrogant youth's miserable appearance.

  His hands were shackled in front of him, and bruises could be seen all over his face and body. One eye was completely swollen shut, and his once elegant, long, brown hair now resembled the mane of a wild horse.

  Chen Wei’s daughters, Chen Yue and Chen Lishi, both held a mildly surprised expression.

  This was the first time Chen Kai had been punished severely since his talent was discovered. Usually, Chen Kai's actions would be ignored by the clan in hopes of not straining the relationship with their future rising star.

  This shows how angry the clan was with Chen Kai’s actions, but they still showed restraint to not do any lasting damage to the youth that would hinder his future talent.

  Chen Zetian, the father of Chen Kai, nervously stepped into the center of the meeting hall and knelt before the patriarch.

  “Brother Wei, I know my sons' actions have harmed the clan, but I’m sure you all know the reason behind his actions deep down.”

  The elders all held a contemplative expression as the hall howled from the winds that night.

  “Zetian, your son is talented, we know that, but our actions aren’t from a lack of belief in Kai’s ability.”

  “We had to take those actions because there is too much on the line if Kai fails to receive the elite disciple spot during the Cloud-Seeking Sect recruitment.” Chen Wei said, glancing at his sickly daughter Lishi.

  “Fang Duan and the other clans haven’t raised the issue yet, likely due to them needing the Chen Clans' power during the demon beast horde, but surprisingly, there still hasn’t been any word from him.”

  An elder cupped his hands and said, “Maybe if the lord patriarch offers someone to blame for this incident, the Chen clan can reduce its scrutiny.”

  Chen Wei nodded. Not a bad suggestion, Elder Shi.

  “Even a tiger must leave food for the wolves.”

  There will be a town meeting tomorrow. Send Chen Kai to the Immortal Cave prison for now. Also, enforcement Elder Liang, prepare a potential sheep to provide to the angry wolves tomorrow.

  We will see how Fang Duan handles the situation tomorrow.

  ______________________________________

  The Next day.

  Dawn crept over Iron Root Town like a cautious healer, peeling back the ragged bandages of night by slow degrees. A temple bell tolled once, low and tired. Then came the soft, practical noises of survival, buckets lifted, shutters drawn back, straw brooms whispering over stone.

  The Brothers awoke early to start the day. Lady Chan-Chan and Steward Gu stayed the night to watch over the beast and brothers.

  Lady Chan Chan revitalized a small shack using her spiritual energy to lift tiles and stones to create a small, luxurious shack to spend the night in.

  Steward Gu, who sat cross-legged, eyes closed, and in a meditative state, noticed the boys awakening.

  The Void beast followed the brothers out of the shack like a curious puppy.

  “Don’t you think it’s time you gave that little fellow a name?” Steward Gu said, eyes still closed.

  Kong Tian placed his hand on his chin, thinking.

  He looked into the eyes of the young black tiger cub.

  “How about we call Xu Yuan, meaning void abyss.” Kong Tian said, glancing at the black and silver tiger.

  The Void Beast lifted its head in pride, showing its approval for the name.

  Steward Gu stood up and used spiritual energy to remove any dust from his robes. The town meeting is starting soon, so we should head into town.

  He glanced at Xu Yuan.

  “Can you stay hidden here while we go into town? It won’t be safe keeping you around other people, and you might end up putting Tian in danger.” Steward Gu said with a concerned gaze.

  Xu Yuan nodded its head reluctantly, entered a void crack, and disappeared.

  Steward Gu's gaze shifted to Kong Ming, to be more precise, his injured legs. “You know I can heal your legs easily with a high-grade recovery pill.”

  Kong Ming shook his head. “Thank you, Senior Gu, for your kind intentions.”

  Kong Ming wanted to keep his legs in this state, along with the poison he consumed last night, he would be able to sell his brother’s desperation for support from the major families better.

  “The Chen Clan is a powerful clan that specializes in medicine and alchemy. My brother's submission to them out of desperation shouldn’t raise too many suspicions.” Kong Ming contemplated inwardly.

  Kong Tian looked at his brother’s pale countenance and was hit with a pang of guilt. “Ming is going this far because I couldn’t do a good enough job of protecting us.”

  “I wished I had followed Uncle Lao’s wishes to lie low and not draw too much attention, but my competitive nature took over.”

  Kong Tian aggressively rubbed his head in frustration.

  He sighed and looked at the others.

  “Let's go.” He said.

  The group nodded and made their way to town.

  _____________________

  Iron Root Town.

  As the group made its way into the town, the brothers felt a strange sensation.

  When walking by the shops of villagers and passersby, their eyes no longer carried feelings of disdain or mockery, like they had in the past, but were replaced with respect.

  Some young women were sending sword-like gazes of desire towards Kong Tian, causing him to feel a slight chill down his spine.

  “Little Brother Tian! A man in his twenties shouted and ran towards Kong Tian.

  Kong Tian turned his head in confusion.

  The young man cupped his hands and bowed. He took a deep breath.

  “Thank you for saving my eldest brother during the Beast Horde!” He shouted.

  “My brother told me how you valiantly saved him from the jaws of an eagle bear!”

  “You also rescued his entire squad from certain death. If he knew you were here, he’d want to show his gratitude in person.” The young man's eyes beamed with admiration.

  He then knelt on the ground. “I, Zhao Ye of the Zhao Clan, vow to repay this favor even if it costs me my life; I will have no complaints.”

  Kong Tian was caught off guard and wasn’t sure how to react. “Please stand. There’s no need for that.”

  Kong Tian said, helping Zhao Ye to stand.

  This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.

  The villagers who saw this also quickly ran up to Kong Tian to personally thank them for saving the lives of their brothers, fathers, and uncles who fought in the Beast Horde.

  Most of the women cultivators were assigned to evacuation duty; this culture valued the lives of future mothers more than those of men. This tradition originated in ancient times, when humans were on the brink of extinction from attacks by demon-beast hordes.

  It was more important that as many women were kept alive, since it didn't require many men to replenish the human population, as long as there were plenty of women around. Even though the human population has grown dramatically, the tradition of treating male lives as disposable during times of crisis persisted.

  Kong Ming's pale face wore a look of shock. The memories of being treated like trash by the members of this town are still fresh in his mind.

  “Can the hearts of people really change so quickly over the course of a few months?” Kong Ming felt unease when these thoughts entered his mind.

  “These townspeople are snakes and will stab us in the back the minute the weather shifts.” Kong Ming mumbled to himself.

  Kong Tian, unlike his younger brother, felt genuine warmth from the villagers' words.

  He always wanted to experience this feeling of community and acceptance.

  His younger brother doesn't remember their life at the Kong Clan, but he has never forgotten.

  Those warm memories of playing with members of his clan in the palace held a special place in his heart. That's why he always wanted to find his parents and restore his Clan deep within his heart.

  But first, he must take revenge on the Heaven Supremacy Clan that slaughtered his friends and family that night, causing his younger brother to lose control of his power and causing a 5-year coma.

  As the memories surfaced, Kong Tian’s dark, starry eyes gleamed with a cold light.

  “It’s Kong Tian, one of the Twin Dragons of the Golden Generation!” shouted someone in the street of the town.

  “Kong Tian blinked. ‘The twin what?’

  ‘The Twin Dragons who defended the Southern Wall,’ the young man whispered.

  “You are the Night-Scaled Dragon whose talent runs as deep as a moonless sky.”

  “And Young Master Chen Kai, the Amber-Gale Dragon who cuts down enemies like leaves in an autumn storm.”

  Kong Tian’s lips twitched into an awkward smile.

  Young Master Tian, is it true that you are at the Spirit Apprentice realm at only 13 years old?

  Kong Tian nodded and said, “Chen Kai is also in the spirit realm, and he is only 12 years old, still, I believe.”

  Gasps can be heard throughout the streets.

  “Hoho, as expected of the Golden Generation that was told, in the tales of old.” The old man added, stroking his long, pointed beard.

  The group made their way to the town hall for the meeting, encountering many more similar incidents along the way.

  “Master Tian is truly a dragon amongst men. This Bi was truly wise to become your first lackey.” Gu Bi’s nostrils flared, and chessed puffed out in pride.

  Kong Tian ruffled his hair. You’re not my lackey, you’re also a part of this family, little Gu.

  Gu Bi beamed a heartfelt smile. I will train hard to bring honor to our family!

  ___________

  Town Hall

  In the Grand Assembly Room, echoes of the constant chatter of high-ranking members of Iron Root Town can be heard. The faint spiritual pressure caused the air of the room to carry a silent but heavy weight on the shoulders of weaker cultivators. The Room had several long luxurious tables in rows on each side, separated by a luxurious central red carpet that led to an elevated area. The elevated area held three long tables, each for the representatives of the great families to be seated.

  The Table with the Orange Emblem sat high-ranking members of the Chen Clan. The Blue Table, adorned with the Fang Clan's insignia, sat Patriarch Fang Zhen and their respective elders, while the White and silver embroidered table held the Patriarch of the Bai Clan.

  The lesser nobles, such as the Yuan family, the Hu family, and the Nie family, sat at tables arranged in rows according to their power and influence.

  Peasants were relegated to standing along the edges of the walls, far from the area where the speaker would be presiding over the meeting, making it difficult to hear unless one was a cultivator.

  Kong Tian scanned the room. “I don’t see head instructor Fang anywhere.”

  Senior Gu scanned the entire building with his divine sense.

  Junior Fang is in a private chamber, and it appears he is having a conversation with Patriarch Chen of the Chen clan.

  Kong Ming’s eye sharpened in understanding; it appears our plan is already underway.

  The Bai clan’s Patriarch Bai Huang noticed Steward Gu as soon as he entered the Assembly Hall and personally came over.

  Senior Gu, thank you for coming to this humble town's meeting. I didn’t think you would trouble yourself with such small affairs.

  Senior Gu nodded indifferently and said I’m here to show support to my little friends here.

  Patriarch Bai followed Steward Gu’s gaze and landed on two young men, the Kong Brothers.

  “Hoho, I wasn’t aware Senior Gu was acquainted with this town's newest rising talent.” Bai Haung gave Kong Tian an amiable smile of approval.

  “Where is the Young Miss Chan-Chan?” Bai Haung said, noticing that the young lady wasn’t accompanying steward Gu as she usually did.

  “The Young Miss sent me to take care of our little friends because she had an important matter to attend to.” Steward Gu responded with his hands clasped behind his robes.

  “I see.” Bai Huang Nodded.

  Would Senior Gu and the little friend like to have a seat at the Bai Clan’s table? Bai Haung said, gesturing towards the elevated table area.

  Before senior Gu could respond, a servant in orange robes appeared, cupping his hands. Excuse me, seniors, but patriarch Chen is requesting to speak with the young men beside you.

  Where do you think you are? Does the Chen clan believe they can summon people as they please in the assembly hall? Last I checked, these young men aren’t members of the Chen Clan. Bai Huang said, eyes narrowing.

  The servant began to sweat under the pressure exuded by Bai Huang, “I…I wouldn’t dare be so presumptuous.”

  The Chen Clan was simply making a request, not a command. “I’d appreciate it if the young masters would do this humble one the favor.”

  Kong Tian gave Bai Huang a grateful smile. It's alright, I don’t think the Chen Clan would dare do anything to us with so many witnesses present.

  Seniors, we will join you shortly after speaking with the Chen Clan. Kong Tian and Kong Ming cupped their hands, then followed the servant.

  “Gu Bi, stay with Steward Gu for now, Kong Tian said as he walked away.

  ____________

  Town Hall - Private Chamber.

  “Patriarch Chen, I have brought the Kong Brothers as you requested.”

  The servant said, cupping his hands nervously as the brothers entered the room.

  In the room, Patriarch Chen Wei and Head Instructor Fang Duan sat at opposite ends of the table.

  The Kong Brothers and Senior Fang gave each other a subtle glance in understanding before walking over and sitting next to Senior Fang.

  “The brats dare not pay their elders any respect when entering a room.” Chen Wei snorted inwardly. He dared not be too aggressive, knowing Fang Duans domineering nature.

  “It seems commoners haven’t been taught basic manners when meeting elders.” Chen Wei said in a cold tone.

  Kong Tian held back the urge to spit in his face and replied, “Is there a need for a greeting, since I’ve received Patriarch Chen’s kind intentions during the Demon Beast Hunt trial?”

  Silence.

  Absolute silence.

  Tension was so thick in the air that several blades would fail to cut it.

  “We’ve received a trustworthy witness stating your clan was responsible for sending spirit wolves into the forest to harm one of my students.” Fang Duan said, ending the silence.

  “We at the Chen have been informed of this and will do anything in our power to capture the villains responsible for such deplorable acts. Surely you won’t assume the Chen Clan would support the schemes of such bad actors? Right?” Chen Wei said, sneering.

  “This old bastard is trying to separate his clan from the rotten flesh, to prevent infection of the entire clan's reputation.” Kong Ming sneered inwardly.

  You Chen bastards dare shirk the responsibility of attempting to take my brother's life. Kong Ming shouted.

  Cough* Cough*, Kong Ming began to cough violently after his outburst. His face turned a deathly pale.

  Brother! Kong Tian ran over to support his younger brother.

  The young man's sudden outburst slightly shocked Chen Wei, he wasn’t expecting the cripple to have such a rash temperament.

  Chen Wei flashed a cunning smile.

  “It appears that the little friend doesn't look so good.”

  Fang Duan sighed; it appears Kong Ming is suffering from an unidentifiable poison. That's why I wanted to have this meeting.

  “Everyone knows the Chen Clan has the best alchemic resources in the town. If you can cure his little brother, we are willing to let the matter drop regarding the incident at the demon beast hunting trial.” Fang Duan's eyes stared sharply at the Chen Patriarch.

  “No, don’t let those Chen Clan bastards off.” Kong Ming Shouted

  I would rather die than prevent my brother from getting justice! Kong Ming's eyes shone with rage and resoluteness.

  Ming’er, you relax, it will only worsen your condition. Kong Tian responded in panic.

  Chen Wei’s eyes widened. “So that's how it is!” he thought inwardly.

  “We tried to offer honey before the stick and failed, but now I realized we used the wrong type of honey.” Chen Wei’s mind spun quickly as he formulated an idea.

  “Young Man, your brother's condition doesn’t look good.” “Our Chen Clan does possess the ability to help your brother,” but he sighed, feigning helplessness.

  “Our Chen Clan’s resources aren’t unlimited, and we have to reserve such precious materials for essential members of the Chen Clan.” Chen Wei said, stroking his beard.

  Kong Tian stood from the table and swallowed his rage and bowed his head to the Chen Patriarch.

  Fang Duan, going along with the act, shouted. “Kong Tian, what are you doing!”

  “Please!”...Kong Tian hesitated.

  “Please cure my brother!”

  “If you can heal his legs and cure his poison, I will join the Chen Clan.”

  Kong Ming stood weakly in shock. “Brother Tian, you mustn’t.”

  “I don’t have proof, but the Chen Clan is clearly trying to take your life!”

  If you join them, you will surely be walking into a tiger's mouth! Kong Ming shouted in a weak voice, thick with desperation.

  Chen Wei's face reddened at the blatant slap to the face he felt from Kong Ming’s words.

  “Don’t be absurd!” Our Chen Family would never mistreat one of OUR geniuses.

  “In fact, if you join the Chen Clan, we would give you the same status of elite disciple, a status equal to that of our clan’s main branch, young geniuses.”

  Chen Wei rubbed his hands together in anticipation of recruiting the young genius.

  “If I can have both Chen Kai and Kong Tian under my thumb, the Chen Clans' top recruitment slot for the Cloud-Seeking Sect will be guaranteed, and I will be able to cure Lishi.” Chen Wei’s heart quickened in excitement.

  On the surface, he kept his cold, indifferent gaze, fitting his status as a patriarch.

  He calmly awaited the youths' response.

  Kong Tian remained silent, as if contemplating a world-ending decision.

  I will join the Chen Clan on three conditions.

  Chen Wei stroked his chin with scholarly, regal composure, awaiting Kong Tian's conditions.

  “1st. I want my brother cured of the poison within 3 months and protected by the Chen Clan from any external threats. If any harm comes to my brother, this deal will be broken.”

  “2nd.The Chen clan can’t restrain our movements or where we stay. If I desire it, I am allowed to stay at my courtyard instead of living at the Chen Clan estate.”

  “3rd. I will only serve the Chen Clan for 3 years.”

  “4rth. This contract will be void if we both agree to dissolve it, or if one of the signers or my brother dies.”

  “These are the conditions Ming’er told me to present to the Chen Clan. I hope things go according to plan.” Kong Tian worried inwardly.

  Chen Wei stayed silent as if contemplating the conditions Kong Tian stated.

  “You will serve the Chen Clan for 5 years, not 3.”

  “I can agree to the rest of those conditions, but I will have conditions of my own.”

  “The First condition is that you must report weekly to the Chen Clans' estate and carry the Golden Owl crest of the Chen Clan’s estate.”

  “This rule is only enforced when you are in Iron Root Town.”

  “Second, you will be assigned a personal attendant of the Chen clan who will serve you wherever you go and report to us.”

  “Third.” You will represent the Chen Clan when joining the Cloud Seeking Sect, and the rewards for sending a genius to the sect will belong to the Chen family.”

  And the Last rule is that you will follow the Chen Clan's estate rules like any other member of the Chen Clan, and never attack me or the clan elders in the future.

  “I can’t have our Chen Clan raising a baby tiger, for it to attack the village in the future.” He said, chuckling.

  Kong Ming's eyes narrowed. “As expected of the Chen Clans patriarch, he doesn’t let his greed blind him completely.”

  “Are you sure about this blackie?” Fang Duan said, reassuring him that he could back out if he wanted.

  Kong Ting glanced at Kong Ming's face to seek his opinion.

  Kong Ming then spoke up, saying that if your elders or anyone from the older Generation attacks Kong Tian first, he would have the right to retaliate and void the contract.

  “If you hire third party factions to harm us that will also dissovle the contract.”

  Chen Wei smiled. Of course, young man.

  “Here is a soul Contract with the stated terms. If any of the signers were to break the contract, their souls will be shattered, unable to enter the gates of samsara for reincarnation.”

  “You must sign using your blood.” Chen Wei handed Kong Tian the contract after writing the terms.

  He gave it to Kong Ming to inspect, assuring there were no flaws.

  This gesture didn’t escape Chen Wei’s notice, prompting him to take a closer look at the frail youth.

  Kong Ming made a few adjustments and returned it to his brother. “I made some changes regarding the personal attendant.”

  “They have too much authority over our privacy.”

  “I ensured that they follow our orders, provided they don’t conflict with their assigned core mission.” And must allow Kong Tian 100 meters of space when commanded.

  Chen Wei nodded, fine.

  Kong Tian then pricked his finger and stamped it on the soul contract.

  The contract glowed with a weird feeling, as if a light, imperceptible chain had been tethered to his soul.

  Kong Tian felt fait imperceptable weight on his soul tethering him, as they signed the contract a small noise of lightning can be heard from outside as the heavens bared witness to the agreement.

  Now that the matter is settled, you no longer have an issue regarding the events of the demon beast trial, I assume, Instructor Fang.

  Chen Wei said in a slightly triumphant tone.

  Just make sure nothing like this happens again, or else I will personally break the legs of the elders of the Chen Clan until they confess their crimes. Fang Duan’s Aura Spiked as he left the room.

  “Fourth Level Spirit Lord!” “When did he make a breakthrough?” Chen Wei shouted inwardly.

  Chen Wei’s face turned solemn, as expected of the genius from the Iron Generation. Chen Wei’s second-level Spirit Lord cultivation felt as if a mountain were pressing on him.

  “Of course, the Chen Clan wouldn’t dare interfere with matters of the young generation at the martial school.” Chen Wei's lips twitched slightly while he forced a smile.

  “Fang Duan’s cultivation has already reached the same level as our Grand Elder; he needs to be dealt with before he becomes a dangerous obstacle to handle!”

  Chen Wei’s eye shone with malice at Fang Duans' Departing figure.

  After Fang Duan left those parting words, Chen Wei let out a breath.

  “Little fellows, here is an interspatial ring with a glan rule book and a clan member insignia. Place them on your robes to symbolize that you are Chen Clan family members.”

  “Come with me to the Grand Assembly room, the meeting is about to start.”

  The brothers followed Patriarch Chen from behind as they approached the Grand Assembly room. At this point, everyone was present and ready to begin the meeting.

  As Chen Wei took the central seat at the Chen Family table, he gestured to the Kong Brothers, “You are now an honorary member of the Chen Clan, please take this seat next to me.”

  The Brothers were both shocked, they didn’t expect the patriarch to give them such elevated treatment.

  “Does he value my brother's talent that highly?” Kong Ming pondered to himself.

  Just as the brothers sat down next to Patriarch Chen, dozens of gazes instantly shifted to them.

  “Isn’t that the Kong Brothers?”

  “Why are they sitting with the Chen Clan?”

  Bai Yuyin, who sat at the edge of the Bai Clan’s table, was in complete shock. She had a slight understanding of Kong Tian's temperament and knew he was not the type to submit to one of their clans.

  “What could have happened for them to convince Kong Tian to join them?” She couldn’t fathom what methods the Chen Family used.

  Fang Zhen's eyes shone with a cold light.

  “First Chen Kai, now this dark horse!” The Chen Clan is becoming increasingly ambitious. The Fang family is still the strongest in Iron Root, and it's time we remind the Chen family of their place.” Fang Zhen fist tightened.

  Kong Ming secretly swallowed a pill to improve his condition slightly.

  As the Nine Moons Yin Lotus poison started to spread, causing him to feel dizzy.

  “The first step is complete, and the board is set for me to shine!” His silver eyes widened into focus.

  “It’s time for these people who made us bleed to start to shed some blood of their own…” Kong Ming’s pale eyes shined with a cold light

  To Be continued.