The journey back to the clan's estate felt long, despite their hurried pace. Li Rong's mind was consumed by the scroll he had found in the assassin's inheritance. It held promises of power and new abilities—abilities that could alter the course of his destiny. But it also held secrets that he needed to keep hidden, at least for now. His thoughts were interrupted only by the occasional crunch of snow beneath their feet, as the rest of the group trailed silently behind him.
As they neared the Fang Council's main hall, Li Rong's thoughts turned inward. The assassin's techniques, with their focus on shadow manipulation and stealth, would be a powerful asset. But what intrigued him the most was the Silver Moon Wolf Right Arm—the spirit bone that lay hidden within the depths of the inheritance. It called to him, its energy subtle but unmistakable.
He would wait until his cultivation reached twenty soul power before he even considered absorbing it. The risk of absorbing a spirit bone prematurely was great—it could tear apart an unprepared body. But once he reached thirty, when his power was solidified, it would be the perfect moment to claim it. The Silver Moon Wolf Right Arm would be his, and with it, he would be even closer to achieving his true potential.
"Li Rong," Li Jian's voice broke through his thoughts as they approached the Fang Council's doors. The elder's sharp gaze studied him, as if sensing something was amiss. "You've been quiet since we left the forest. What's on your mind?"
Li Rong's expression remained neutral. "Nothing important," he replied, his voice steady. "Just thinking about the future."
Li Jian didn't seem convinced but didn't press further. With a curt nod, he gestured for the group to enter. The main hall of the Fang Council was vast, its stone walls adorned with banners of ancient warriors and clan symbols. The air was thick with the weight of authority, and a low murmur of voices greeted them as they entered.
"Lord Li Jian," a voice called from across the room. It was Elder Xuan, one of the more influential figures within the council. He was a tall, imposing man with sharp features and a long, white beard that contrasted his dark robes. "You've returned sooner than expected. I trust your trip was fruitful?"
Li Jian inclined his head. "Yes, Elder Xuan. We've returned with... new information. Li Rong has made progress."
Li Rong stood a step behind his father, his posture calm but alert. Elder Xuan's eyes flicked to him, and for a brief moment, their gazes locked. There was a knowing look in the elder's eyes, as if he could sense the changes in Li Rong, the things he was not yet ready to reveal. But Xuan didn't speak, instead turning his attention to Li Jian.
"I see," Elder Xuan said, a slight smile tugging at his lips. "We must discuss this in the council. There are matters of greater importance to attend to, matters that require your attention. And perhaps your son's as well."
Li Rong's curiosity piqued, but he said nothing. He had long known that politics ran deep within the Fang Council. Every word, every gesture was carefully calculated. The council was not just a group of leaders—it was a battlefield in its own right.
As they made their way to the council chamber, the weight of the upcoming discussions settled on Li Rong's shoulders. He could feel the shifting tides of power in the room. There was a subtle tension, an undercurrent of conflict just beneath the surface. It was always like this within the council, but now, it felt more pronounced.
As they entered the chamber, Li Rong's gaze swept over the room. The council was already in session, and several of the clan's elders were present. Among them were Elder Li Zhang, his father's closest ally, and Elder Wu Wei, a sharp-minded strategist with a knack for reading people. There were also others who, like Li Rong, kept to the shadows, waiting for their chance to strike.
The council room fell into a hushed silence as Li Jian and his group took their places at the head of the table. Li Rong seated himself beside his father, his expression unreadable. He could sense the eyes of the elders upon him, as if they were measuring him, trying to gauge the depth of his abilities and intentions.
Elder Xuan cleared his throat. "Let us begin. There are pressing matters we must address."
Li Rong's mind drifted briefly, but he forced his attention back to the meeting. It was then that he heard it—whispers of conflict within the clan. Rival factions were stirring, each vying for power, and some were seeking to undermine the current leadership. The situation was becoming more fragile by the day.
Li Jian's voice cut through the room. "We must strengthen our position. Our enemies are closing in, and we cannot afford to show any weakness. We need new alliances."
Li Rong's ears perked up at that. His father wasn't just speaking of external threats—there were internal factions within the clan as well. Li Rong had known about the factionalism, but he hadn't realized how deeply it had penetrated the council itself. His own rise would be tied to this conflict, whether he liked it or not.
Elder Wu Wei spoke next, his voice low and calculating. "But it isn't just about alliances. We also need to look inward. Li Rong's recent progress is impressive, but how can we be certain that his path aligns with the interests of the Fang Clan?"
Li Rong met Elder Wu Wei's gaze, his expression unchanged. "I am loyal to the clan," he said firmly. "But I will not ignore what is necessary for my own growth."
The tension in the room thickened as the elders exchanged glances. They knew that Li Rong was ambitious, but they weren't sure how far that ambition would go. What was he willing to do for power? For the clan?
Elder Li Zhang, ever the neutral voice, spoke next. "The situation has become more complicated than we anticipated. But it is also an opportunity. The true strength of the Fang Clan lies not only in our martial prowess but in our unity. If we allow these factions to tear us apart, we will lose everything."
Li Jian nodded slowly. "I agree. This is a time for consolidation. We must ensure that our power is not fractured."
Li Rong remained silent, though his mind was working at full capacity. This was the kind of political maneuvering he would need to navigate. The clan was teetering on the edge, and its future depended on the alliances and betrayals that were about to unfold.
As the meeting continued, Li Rong's thoughts turned inward. The shadows of the inheritance, the Silver Moon Wolf Right Arm, and the dark cultivation techniques—the path ahead was clear, yet fraught with danger. He would need to move carefully, ensuring that his rise to power was not only assured but that it would remain his own.
The Fang Clan's future, and his own, would be shaped by the shadows beneath the Fang Council.
And those shadows were just beginning to stir.