The Zhou Clan

Heavenly Origin Realm, Central Continent. 

Xue Empire, Territory of the Zhou Clan. 

Situated in the Southeast Region of the Central Continent, lies the territory of the illustrious Zhou Clan. Bathed in the warm sunlight, the Zhou Clan Mansion stands as a beacon of opulence and prestige. 

Today, its grand hall was abuzz with excitement and anticipation, as countless individuals have gathered to partake in a momentous celebration.

Within the lavish surroundings of the Zhou Clan Mansion's courtyard, a grand festivity is in full swing, dedicated to honoring the extraordinary achievement of Zhou Ling, the grandson of the esteemed First Elder, Zhou Kai. 

At a mere sixteen years of age, Zhou Ling has accomplished a feat that sets him apart from the younger generation of the clan - he has reached the remarkable 9th level of Qi Gathering.

In the Heavenly Origin Realm, children as young as eight years old embark on a remarkable journey of cultivation. They tap into the abundant spiritual qi of heaven and earth, guiding it through their meridian paths to nourish their physical bodies and establish a strong foundation for their cultivation.

The cultivation process in the Qi Refinement Realm is divided into nine Ranks, with each Rank further divided into early, mid, and late stages. Typically, individuals possess eight meridian paths, and when they connect the first path to their dantian, it signifies the beginning of their cultivation journey.

As practitioners progress, each connected meridian path represents their advancement to the next Rank. The ultimate goal is to reach the 9th Rank, where practitioners in the Qi Refinement Realm refine the spiritual qi in their dantian until it achieves a state of perfect liquefaction.

The atmosphere was permeated with a palpable mix of pride, admiration, and a subtle tinge of envy emanating from those who yearned to match his extraordinary prowess.

In this realm, an individual's level of cultivation carries immense significance. Attaining the 9th level of Qi Gathering before turning 18 in the Xue Empire is regarded as a testament to exceptional talent and a mark of true genius.

Amidst the jubilant ambiance, a dissident voice emerged from the background. "I remain unconvinced," one of the attendees remarked, their words dripping with resentment. 

"What gives Zhou Ling the right? If it weren't for him exploiting the First Elder's name to intimidate us, the branch members, and plundering our resources, achieving even the 7th level of Qi Refinement would have been an arduous task for him by now."

This comment revealed a simmering tension within the Zhou Clan, hinting at the complex dynamics and rivalries that lay beneath the surface of this seemingly joyous occasion.

A hushed whisper rippled through the crowd as someone cautioned the dissenting voice, "Be quiet! Are you trying to get killed?" The fear and severity in their tone were unmistakable, suggesting that openly challenging Zhou Ling's ascension came with significant risks within the Zhou Clan hierarchy.

Zhou Hai, who had just voiced his opinion, found himself on the receiving end of a withering glare from Zhou Ling. The young prodigy, seated at a position of prominence within the courtyard, radiated an aura of authority that made it clear he wouldn't tolerate any challenge to his newfound status and achievements, the tension in the air grew palpable as all eyes turned to witness this unspoken confrontation.

Zhou Ling, seated at the center of the grand courtyard, exuded an aura of confidence and authority. His features were simple, with a strong jawline and a calm, collected expression. His eyes, as dark as the midnight sky, held a glint of ambition and deviousness that had led him to his extraordinary cultivation achievement at just sixteen years old. Dressed in elegant, traditional robes, he radiated an air of nobility and accomplishment that was befitting of the occasion.

On the other hand, Zhou Hai, who had dared to voice his dissent, also possessed the Clan's trademark features. His handsome visage, though slightly more rugged than Zhou Ling's, showcased the same strong family resemblance. 

His black hair, partially tousled in his frustration, framed his face, and his dark eyes gleamed with a mix of defiance and desperation. Despite the palpable fear that gripped him after his daring revelation, he stood his ground, determined to address the tensions that had long festered within the family.

Zhou Hai exclaimed, "If Young Master Zhou Yuan hadn't been poisoned and unable to be cured, how could Zhou Ling possibly assert herself as the top contender among the younger generation in our Clan!"

His words lingered in the atmosphere, disrupting the joyful atmosphere and exposing the underlying family conflicts. The members of the Zhou Clan exchanged uneasy looks, uncertain about the consequences of this revelation on their already strained relationships.

Zhou Yuan's name used to be celebrated throughout the vast Xue Empire. His exceptional abilities were evident when he achieved the remarkable milestone of reaching the 4th level of Qi Refinement at the young age of 7, leaving many in awe. Naturally, Zhou Hai was one of those individuals as well. 

As he continued to cultivate, Zhou Yuan's ascent seemed unstoppable, as he reached the 8th level of Qi Gathering by the time he turned 10. His meteoric rise was akin to a majestic dragon soaring gracefully above the Nine Heavens, captivating the hearts and minds of all who witnessed his prowess. However, his life took a tragic turn three years ago.