Meanwhile, far from the secluded courtyard where Xiao Zhu had shut himself away, another storm was quietly beginning to brew.
The moment news spread throughout the Xiao Family that the Clan Master had entered closed-door cultivation, many regarded it as nothing more than another routine period of seclusion. Powerful cultivators frequently isolated themselves for weeks or even months in pursuit of breakthroughs, and no one found Xiao Zhu's actions particularly suspicious.
To Elder Ji, however, it represented something entirely different.
It represented opportunity.
Inside his private residence, Elder Ji stood with both hands clasped behind his back as he silently admired the carefully maintained courtyard outside his study. Ancient pine trees swayed gently beneath the afternoon breeze, while the soothing sound of flowing water echoed from a nearby ornamental stream. Despite the peaceful scenery, his expression remained anything but tranquil. His aged eyes, clouded by decades of experience and ambition, carried a calculating light as countless possibilities raced through his mind.
"The Clan Master has truly entered seclusion..."
A slow smile gradually spread across his weathered face.
"It seems Heaven itself is presenting me with an opportunity."
Just as those words escaped his lips, a series of respectful knocks sounded from outside the room.
"Elder Ji." an attendant spoke
"Enter." he responded
The heavy sandalwood doors slowly opened as one of his trusted attendants hurried inside before immediately lowering himself into a respectful bow.
"Elder Ji, everything has been arranged. The other party is waiting at the Tingfeng Pavilion."
The attendant never dared raise his head. Everyone serving under Elder Ji knew the elder's temperament. He despised incompetence, but he hated curiosity even more. Those who asked unnecessary questions rarely remained by his side for very long.
Elder Ji merely glanced toward him before giving a slight nod.
"I understand." With nothing more than a casual wave of his sleeve, he dismissed the attendant.
The young servant immediately bowed once more before quietly retreating from the room, carefully closing both doors behind him.
Only after the footsteps had completely disappeared did Elder Ji retrieve a dark travelling cloak hanging beside a nearby bookshelf. The cloak concealed not only his appearance but also the distinctive insignia embroidered upon the robes of every Xiao Family Elder.
Although Lu Jin City was under the Xiao Family's influence, Elder Ji had no intention of allowing others to know where he was going.
"There is no such thing as being too cautious." Muttering those words to himself, he disappeared into the bustling streets of Lu Jin City. By the time the afternoon sun had begun descending toward the western horizon, Elder Ji found himself standing before one of the city's most luxurious establishments.
The Tingfeng Pavilion.
The magnificent building towered over the surrounding streets, its seven elegant floors overlooking nearly half of the commercial district. Massive pillars carved from centuries-old Purple Sandalwood supported the entire structure, each one meticulously polished until it gleamed beneath the sunlight. Every beam, railing, and decorative carving had been coated with fragrant wax, giving the pavilion a refined scent that lingered throughout the surrounding streets.
Silken banners fluttered gracefully from each level of the building, while rows of crimson lanterns hung beneath the sweeping eaves despite the daylight. Wealthy merchants, influential clan leaders, wandering cultivators, and nobles constantly entered and exited through its enormous front gates, their luxurious robes and priceless jade ornaments immediately distinguishing them from ordinary citizens.
Above the entrance hung an enormous plaque engraved with two bold characters.
Tingfeng Pavilion.
Directly above it, another inscription had been painstakingly carved into polished blackwood.
Where The Lost Come To Dream Of A Destination.
It was an elegant phrase, one that perfectly reflected the Pavilion's reputation. To ordinary people, Tingfeng Pavilion was simply the most luxurious restaurant in Lu Jin City. To cultivators, however... It represented information.
Connections. Influence. And perhaps most importantly... Money.
Very few people knew that the Tingfeng Pavilion was merely one branch among countless businesses owned by the colossal superpower known as Luoyun Palace. Although Luoyun Palace rarely involved itself in local conflicts, even the strongest clans thought twice before offending one of its representatives.
After adjusting the hood covering his face, Elder Ji calmly stepped through the entrance. The attendants immediately recognized him.
Without asking a single unnecessary question, they respectfully guided him toward one of the Pavilion's most secluded private rooms located on the highest floor.
The moment the heavy doors opened, a rich fragrance of spirit wine and expensive cuisine drifted toward him. The room itself was lavish beyond imagination.
An enormous circular table crafted entirely from violet jade occupied the center of the chamber, its surface overflowing with delicacies prepared from rare spirit beasts, millennium-old medicinal herbs, and ingredients that ordinary cultivators could only dream of tasting. Every dish radiated faint spiritual energy, while several unopened jars of aged spirit wine rested nearby.
At the head of the table sat a man who appeared to be no older than forty years of age.
His robes were woven from crimson silk embroidered with golden clouds, while several expensive jade ornaments rested casually upon his waist. His sharp facial features gave him the appearance of a refined scholar rather than a businessman, yet the calm confidence in his eyes suggested someone accustomed to holding immense authority.
Two breathtakingly beautiful women sat beside him, each gently pouring wine or peeling spiritual fruits before feeding them to him with graceful smiles.
Despite the indulgent scene before him, Elder Ji's expression became even more respectful.
He immediately clasped both fists together before lowering his upper body into a deep bow. "I greet Pavilion Master Lian." The middle-aged man slowly lifted his gaze from the wine cup in his hand. A faint smile appeared on his lips.
With nothing more than a casual wave of his fingers, the two women elegantly stood from their seats, bowed respectfully, and quietly exited the room without uttering a single word.
Only after the doors had completely closed behind them did Pavilion Master Lian finally speak.
"Elder Ji..."
His voice was gentle, refined, almost pleasant to listen to. Yet for some reason, it caused Elder Ji to feel an inexplicable pressure. "Time is of the essence."
"Please lay down what you have planned." Elder Ji's pupils contracted almost imperceptibly. He already knows I came with a purpose...
As expected of the man who manages the Tingfeng Pavilion. Suppressing the surprise in his heart, Elder Ji maintained his respectful posture before replying.
"The Pavilion Master is wise. This Ji had heard about the Ruins that were found near Lu Jin City and wanted to ask if Pavilion Master Lian is interested." Pavilion Master Lian leisurely swirled the spirit wine within his jade cup before taking a small sip. Only after savoring the wine did he answer.
"Surely... you know that we at the Pavilion don't go out much." The room fell silent. Neither man spoke. It was a contest of patience. Elder Ji understood that the first person to reveal desperation would immediately lose the initiative. After several moments, he slowly clasped his hands once more.
"The Xiao Family never forgets favors." A playful smile appeared on Pavilion Master Lian's face.
"Oh?" His eyes narrowed slightly. "Would I not then thank the Family Head for sending such a considerate envoy?" The smile remained. But Elder Ji's heartbeat skipped. Cold sweat quietly formed beneath his robes.
He knows...
He knows Xiao Zhu ordered the Xiao Family not to participate in the ruins.
He even knows I came here behind the Clan Master's back.
I originally intended to secretly persuade a few Xiao Family experts to cooperate with the Pavilion once the ruins opened... yet before I could even begin negotiating... this old fox has already cornered me.
Elder Ji suddenly realized the difference between himself and the man sitting before him. He had entered this room believing himself the hunter. Only now did he understand...
He had been prey from the very beginning.
Pavilion Master Lian gently placed his wine cup back upon the table before fixing Elder Ji with an amused smile. "If this favor does not belong to the Xiao Family..."
His voice remained calm, yet every word seemed to carry invisible weight. "...then tell me, Elder Ji."
"Who exactly would I be doing this favor for?" Elder Ji lowered his head once more, carefully concealing the wicked smile slowly spreading across his lips.
"The Xiao Family will greatly reward Pavilion Master Lian."
He bowed respectfully. But inwardly... He laughed.
Reward?
By the time this affair concludes... the Xiao Family will belong to me.
And when I become the next Clan Master... that reward will naturally come from my hands.