The new Heir

The Meiying tower buzzed with activity, a hive of purposeful movement amidst the chaos of the ongoing crisis gripping the land. Despite the urgency of the situation, the focus within the tower seemed oddly diverted towards matters of profit and gain. This contradiction was not lost on the secretary-like figure gracefully traversing the halls. Each step she took was purposeful, her path leading her to the gleaming golden-plated elevator at the heart of the tower.

The rhythmic hum of the elevator provided a brief respite from the cacophony of voices echoing through the corridors. As she adjusted her glasses, her gaze lingered on the holographic display, the red digits counting down until they finally settled on their destination. The doors slid open, revealing a scene that never failed to awe her, despite her familiarity with it. And seated within the room was the deity herself, Meiying, the embodiment of beauty.

"Ah, Meimei," Meiying greeted, reclining in her seat as she cast a glance towards her personal secretary. "Eight minutes late today, I see."

"My apologies, Lord Meiying. The network was unusually sluggish," the secretary replied, approaching the goddess and handing over a blacked-out tablet. "Our operative within the Liu Clan has encountered a setback."

"Liu Xiaohui?" Meiying queried, her gaze flicking to the holographic screen as she accepted the tablet.

"Yes, my lord. It appears that Liu Tianlong's son has retained his abilities, thwarting our agent's plans to secure the family seat," the secretary explained, providing additional details on her interface. "Shall we launch an internal investigation?"

However, Meiying's response was one of disinterest. Though the Liu Clan had once been a target of interest, it now held little relevance to her. Sliding the tablet onto her desk, Meiying turned her attention back to the sprawling cityscape beyond her window.

"No need. If our agent failed despite my blessing, then she proves herself unworthy of further consideration. The Liu Clan can be removed from our agenda for now; we have more pressing matters at hand," Meiying declared, her tone dismissive.

"Understood, my lord," Meimei acknowledged, retrieving the tablet before exiting the room via the golden elevator.

Meanwhile, in the Liu Clan Manor...

"Liu Chen, eldest son of the Liu Clan, and victor over your opponent Liu Xiaohui, your position as my heir remains unchallenged," Liu Tianlong proclaimed, his gaze unwavering as it rested on his son.

Liu Chen accepted the declaration with quiet confidence, his demeanor reflecting the ease with which he had dispatched his siblings.

"I believe you understand your new duties as the heir now, don't you?" Liu Tianlong questioned, a subtle edge of expectation in his voice.

"To enroll in the prestigious Jade Dragon academy and uphold the honor of our clan, both among our peers and in the eyes of the divine," Liu Chen responded, meeting his father's gaze with determination.

A smile softened Liu Tianlong's stern countenance, pride evident in his eyes. "You understand your duty well, my son."

With a nod of dismissal, Liu Tianlong signaled the end of the audience. The half-siblings filed out of the room, leaving Liu Chen alone with his father.

"Speak your mind, son. I can sense there's more you wish to say," Liu Tianlong encouraged, stepping closer to his son, a glimmer of curiosity in his eyes.

Liu Chen's grin widened as he met his father's gaze. "I misspoke earlier. My intent is not merely to seek recognition from mortals or gods," he began, his voice carrying a newfound intensity.

Intrigued, Liu Tianlong stroked his beard thoughtfully. "And what exactly do you mean by this, son?" he inquired, his interest piqued by his son's cryptic words.

With a mysterious chuckle, Liu Chen turned towards the open doors. "Just wait and watch, father. Let your progeny chart the course to greatness that has never been seen," he replied enigmatically, leaving his father to ponder his son's cryptic words, the air heavy with anticipation.