Chapter 19: After five years of seclusion
*In the Domain of the Ancestral Hu Family*
The atmosphere was heavy, permeated by the imposing aura of the powerful cultivators who resided there. At the center of the Hall, five elders sat on their seats. At the top, on a throne slightly higher than the others, sat Hu Sijin, the family matriarch. Her posture was straight, her face impassive, almost cold, as if carved from jade. Her piercing gaze swept over the younger generation kneeling before her, silently assessing their potential.
The younger generation of the family knelt in a reverent posture, patiently awaiting the matriarch’s words. Among them was Hu Guowei, the first elder’s son, a man in his twenties with a powerful physique, his prominent musculature visible beneath his combat robe. His short, gleaming silver hair reflected the light of the spiritual lanterns, and a wide smile lit up his face. He was both talented and well-mannered, though his frank and direct temperament was often a disadvantage in a family where intrigue and manipulation were commonplace. His father, Hu Yaoting, had carefully guided him to maintain his esteemed position within the clan.
Beside him stood Hu Fei, a slender man with an almost gaunt frame. His piercing eyes and calculating expression betrayed a sharp intellect. He was the disciple and adopted son of the third elder, known for his cunning and caution, contrasting with Guowei’s more direct nature.
Slightly apart stood Hu Zhen, the second elder’s son. Unlike the others, he was of an older generation, having already lived over a century. He was of the same generation as Xuan Daiyu; logically, if there were no heirs, it would fall to him to lead them in the ruins. His expression was stoic, and though he showed no signs of impatience, his cold gaze revealed deep contemplation.
Beside him stood his younger sister, Hu Qinling. She was a captivating beauty with long silver hair cascading down to her waist and deep blue eyes. Unlike her brother, she had a more cheerful temperament, though she knew how to hide her emotions when the situation demanded it. Talented, she had reached the 2-star Nascent Soul level, a remarkable feat for her age.
Hu Sijin, the matriarch, cast her inscrutable gaze upon them, observing them with natural coldness.
"The Eternal Ruins are an unexpected opportunity for the younger generation. So, Matriarch, what are your orders?" asked the third elder, an old woman with white hair tied in a bun, in a raspy voice.
Hu Sijin remained silent for a moment, her long fingers lightly tapping the armrest of her seat.
"I suppose the Immortal Clan will use this opportunity to increase its power..." she murmured pensively.
Hu Yaoting, the first elder, nodded slightly before speaking.