Chapter 12: Academy
In a small cottage, a child was stopped by his parents as he prepared to leave. His mother hugged him tightly, her eyes filled with pride and worry.
"Zhen Wu, listen carefully," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "Study well at the academy. You are the only one in our clan with talent for cultivation. You are our pride. Don't make any mistakes that might anger the formation masters, okay?"
The child named Zhen Wu grinned confidently, his eyes sparkling with youthful ambition. "Yeah, yeah, Mother, don't worry! I will work hard. I'll make you both proud, and in the future, you'll have to call me 'Wang'!"
Hearing this, his parents laughed, their fears momentarily eased by their son's enthusiasm. The firelight flickered in the small, humble room, casting warm shadows on the walls as they shared a brief moment of family warmth before his departure.
Meanwhile, in the grand corridors of the Wang clan's main hall, the clan leader walked alongside the second elder, Wang Kai. Their footsteps echoed off the polished stone floors, a stark contrast to the warmth of the cottage.
"Elder Wang Kai," the clan leader said, his tone calm yet commanding, "you should prepare to depart. This year, we've produced a promising batch of disciples. This generation might even produce a future elder."
He stroked his beard, a habitual gesture whenever he was deep in thought. Wang Kai nodded, a glint of ambition flashing in his eyes.
"Leave this matter to me, Clan Leader," he replied. The two men shared a knowing glance before Wang Kai turned to leave.
As the elder's footsteps faded down the hallway, the clan leader turned to gaze out of a large window, his eyes fixed on the distant, mist-covered peaks. His thoughts drifted to a certain young disciple.
"Wang Ming," he whispered, his voice low and sharp. "My hopes are on you. Do not disappoint me, or..." His eyes narrowed, and a cold expression crossed his face. "...don't blame me for showing my second face. Since I have chosen to invest in you, you should remember to return the favor."
With a final glance at the horizon, the clan leader turned and walked back into the depths of the hall, his robes flowing behind him like the shadow of a mountain.