As Imperial Aunt Feng Mei and Princess Feng Yue stepped across the threshold of the main hall, their presence seemed to compress the very air around them.
The spiritual pressure they emanated was not oppressive by design, yet its sheer magnitude caused ripples of tension throughout the assembled crowd.
Conversations died mid-sentence, and even the most confident representatives found themselves instinctively straightening their postures.
However, before the imperial guests could proceed further into the hall, movement from the inner compound's most restricted quarters drew every eye.
The sound of measured footsteps echoed through the corridors not hurried, but deliberate and commanding. These were not the steps of servants or even the main family members who had been hosting the evening's events.
The first to emerge was a tall, robust figure whose presence immediately shifted the spiritual dynamics of the entire space. Wei Tianlong, the Wei Clan's second generation patriarch and Wei Jian's father, carried himself with the bearing of a man who had faced death countless times and emerged victorious.
Wei Jian would be the third generation patriarch. His grey hair, worn long in the traditional style of military veterans, framed a face marked by decades of strategic thinking and battlefield command.
Despite his advanced years, his frame remained powerful, his shoulders broad with the kind of strength that spoke of a lifetime spent in cultivation and combat.
Most significantly, the spiritual aura that emanated from his body was vast and stable, like an ancient mountain that had weathered countless storms. The cultivation pressure of Peak Nascent Soul flowed from him with such controlled precision that even the imperial guests took notice.
This was not the desperate advancement of someone seeking power, but the refined strength of a master who had reached his current realm through decades of careful progression and genuine understanding.
Beside him walked a woman whose presence provided an elegant counterpoint to his martial bearing. Her slender figure was clothed in a traditional qipao of dark purple silk, the color chosen to demonstrate both wealth and grace.
The faint spiritual pressure that surrounded her marked her cultivation at Late Stage Nascent Soul.
Lady Wei Meihua, Wei Jian's mother and the clan's previous matriarch, moved with graceful confidence. Their bond had deepened over the years through shared trials and mutual respect. She had given him a great son.
But it was the third figure who truly commanded attention, even in the presence of such distinguished company. The sound that had preceded their emergence the rhythmic tap of a walking stick against stone had been felt as much as heard.
Each contact between the carved spiritual wood and the compound's floor sent subtle vibrations through the earth itself, vibrations that caused the hearts of those weaker than Golden Core to tremble involuntarily.
Wei Ancestor Tianshan moved with the careful deliberation of extreme age, his frame bent with years but his spirit undiminished.
His hunched back spoke of countless battles and the weight of decades, yet the walking stick in his gnarled hands was clearly no mere support.
The walking stick as a weapon was unusual, but it undoubtedly was one. This had been carved from Ironwood Phoenix Heart and was lined with inscriptions which used ground earthen materials of probably similar rank as the base for the ink.
This made the inscriptions stand out clearly on the staff. The Ironwood Phoenix Heart, a material so rare that its very presence in the hall caused several of the more knowledgeable cultivators to draw sharp breaths of recognition.
When he struck the walking stick against the floor in a formal gesture of greeting, the spiritual tremor that resulted was carefully controlled but unmistakably powerful.
Those present who possessed the sensitivity to truly perceive spiritual cultivation realized they were in the presence of someone who had transcended the normal boundaries of power.
"This old one greets the Imperial Envoy," Wei Tianshan declared, his voice carrying despite his hunched posture. With ceremonial precision, he lifted his walking stick and executed a formal bow that acknowledged imperial authority while maintaining the dignity appropriate to his own achievements.
The gesture was perfect in its balance respectful without being subservient, formal without suggesting fear.
Imperial Aunt Feng Mei's response demonstrated both her political sophistication and genuine recognition of the Wei Clan's significance.
Her calm and steady voice carried clearly through the hall as she addressed the eldest Wei directly.
"Imperial Heavenly Sword Envoy, it has been quite some time since I attended your teachings. The current Sword Envoy would be glad to see you up and about." Her words carried layers of meaning that the more politically astute guests immediately began analyzing.
"Seeing that you have broken through to the Soul Transformation realm, living for long afterwards would not be impossible."
The implications of her statement rippled through the assembled crowd like stones cast into still water.
Imperial Heavenly Sword Envoy a title that placed Wei Tianshan among the most elite military figures in the empire's history.
Those who held such positions were not merely powerful cultivators but strategic masters whose decisions had shaped the fate of nations.
More significantly, her confirmation of his breakthrough to Soul Transformation realm marked him as one of perhaps a dozen individuals in the surrounding region.
Soul Transformation cultivators were figures of legend to most golden core and even more so to foundation establishment cultivators they were beings whose power could reshape landscapes and whose lifespans measured in millennia rather than centuries.
But what sent true shockwaves through the assembled guests was the deeper implication of her words. The title "Imperial Heavenly Sword Envoy" was not merely ceremonial it indicated that Wei Tianshan had once achieved the highest martial honor in the Sacred Beast Empire.
All seven noble houses of the empire would put forward their own house champions, who would then battle until the strongest emerged victorious.
That champion would be named the Imperial Heavenly Sword Envoy, a title appointed directly by the Emperor or Empress of the Sacred Beast Empire. Such figures were legendary warriors whose names were spoken with reverence across the Qilin Continent.
Wei Chen, still positioned where he could observe the proceedings while remaining appropriately in the background, felt his understanding of his family's true position undergo a seismic shift.
His great-grandfather had not simply been a skilled cultivator or even a military leader he had been the Imperial Heavenly Sword Envoy, the supreme martial champion who had defeated the champions of all seven noble houses to earn direct appointment by the Emperor himself.
Wei Chen caught only hints of the Sacred Beast Empire's deeper structure from the exchange.
The mention of the Imperial Heavenly Sword Envoy title and the battles between champions from all seven noble houses suggested layers of imperial politics that remained frustratingly opaque to him.
He would need to consult his great-grandfather later to understand the true significance of this supreme martial honor and how one survived such trials to earn appointment by the Emperor himself.
Princess Feng Yue, standing beside her aunt with the confident bearing of imperial youth, studied the Wei family elders with eyes that betrayed keen intelligence despite her apparent arrogance.
Her gaze lingered particularly on Wei Tianshan, clearly recognizing the significance of his cultivation level and his connection to the legendary House Sanguisv.
The political implications were staggering a Soul Transformation ancestor with direct ties to imperial nobility transformed the Wei Clan from a local overlord to a regional power.
Wei Tianshan's response carried the warmth of old acquaintance tempered by the respect due to imperial visitors. "Imperial Aunt Feng Mei honors this old man with her recognition. Indeed, the breakthrough came later in life than one might hope, but the heavens have been generous."
The mention of House Sanguisv sent ripples of recognition through the assembled guests. Those with sufficient knowledge of imperial history understood they were witnessing something extraordinary.
House Sanguisv's champions were not merely skilled warriors they were individuals who had developed legendary abilities. The direct members of House Sanguisv were known for their blood and vitality, fearsome warriors whose cultivated physiques made them troublesome opponents even to those of the same rank.
When your enemy could heal from most injuries inflicted upon them, dire confrontations became seemingly meaningless exercises in futility.
Their regenerative abilities, combined with their martial prowess, had earned them a reputation that transcended mere combat skill.
Wei Tianlong stepped forward with the practiced bearing of a military commander addressing superior officers, but now his movements carried additional weight. Knowing his father's true legacy, his own bearing seemed to reflect generations of service to the highest levels of power.
"Imperial Aunt, Princess, the Wei Clan is deeply honored by your presence at our humble celebration.
Your journey to attend our family gathering brings us tremendous face, and we are reminded of the bonds that tie our family to the Sacred Beast Empire's greatest traditions."
"The honor flows both ways, Patriarch Wei," Imperial Aunt Feng Mei replied diplomatically. "Reports of your clan's recent achievements have reached the capital, particularly regarding your grandson's remarkable recovery and your grand daughter's distinguished achievements in the borderlands.
The empire takes note when talented individuals emerge, especially from families with such distinguished histories as former Imperial Heavenly Sword Envoys."
The political subtext was unmistakable. This was not merely a social visit but an official evaluation with implications that reached to the very heart of imperial power.
The imperial presence transformed every interaction that would follow from casual diplomacy into matters of potential state significance.
Lady Wei Meihua gracefully performed the traditional hostess duties, her movements displaying the refined elegance expected of someone from her background. "Honored guests, please allow us to properly welcome you to our compound. Refreshments have been prepared, and private chambers await should you require rest after your journey."
"Your hospitality is appreciated," Princess Feng Yue spoke for the first time, her voice carrying the clear authority of youth combined with absolute confidence in her position.
"However, we come on business as well as courtesy. Reports of exceptional talent within your family have prompted this visit, and the empire is particularly interested in bloodlines that might carry the legacy of House Sanguisv's champions."
The directness of her statement caught several guests off-guard, though the Wei family elders showed no surprise.
They had expected that their carefully crafted message would generate imperial interest, though perhaps not quite so rapidly or at such a high level.
"Let us not disturb the event. Some come, others stay," Wei Tianshan said in a low voice, his words carrying the weight of command despite their softness. The gesture was subtle but clear this was a family matter requiring privacy.
Wei Chen and his father Wei Jian immediately moved to follow, understanding the unspoken directive.
The imperial guests, recognizing the invitation for what it was, prepared to accompany them to the private chambers where such delicate matters could be discussed without the scrutiny of lesser clans.
As the small group departed toward the inner compound, the main hall remained in stunned silence for several heartbeats. Then, as if a dam had burst, conversations erupted throughout the gathering though now in hushed, urgent tones.
"Soul Transformation..." Elder Gu whispered to his closest aide, his weathered face pale with shock."
"The Crimson Phoenix House connection changes everything," the Zhao patriarch murmured to his son, his mind racing through the implications.
"Our marriage alliance discussions will need complete reconsideration. We're not negotiating with equals who needed of strength to weather the incoming storms we're petitioning a vastly superior power." Things have changed " he further commented.
Representative Lin from the merchant guilds found himself recalculating every trade agreement his organization had with the Wei Clan. "Imperial Heavenly Sword Envoy," he breathed. ". How many of those still draw breath in the empire?"
"Perhaps a dozen," replied Scholar Wang, who had remained silent throughout most of the evening but whose knowledge of imperial history was renowned. "And each one is a strategic asset worth entire armies. The Wei Clan isn't just a regional power they're connected to the very foundations of the empire."
Near the refreshment tables, several younger clan members who had been treating the evening as a social gathering now found themselves completely out of their depth.
But it was Wei Ling, Wei Chen's sister, who experienced perhaps the most profound shock.
She had been standing near her mother throughout the formal greetings, playing her role as the accomplished young lady of the clan. Now, as the implications of what had been revealed began to sink in, she felt the ground beneath her feet shift fundamentally.
Moving closer to Lady Wei Meihua, who had remained behind to continue hosting duties, Wei Ling kept her voice barely above a whisper. "Mother, was this still part of the plan? The imperial visit, the recognition did you know about great-grandfather's connection to House Sanguisv?"
Lady Wei Meihua's elegant composure flickered for just a moment, revealing surprise that matched her daughter's own.
"No, dear child. The imperial visit was expected, but the Crimson Phoenix connection..." She paused, her eyes distant with thought. "It appears my in-laws possessed knowledge that even as their daughter in law I was not privy to. Your great-grandfather's past runs deeper than any of us realized."
Wei Ling felt a chill run through her as she processed this revelation. "So grandfather knew and kept it even from you ? But how is that possible? You're his daughter-in-law, you've been part of this family for decades."
"Some secrets," Lady Wei Meihua replied softly, her gaze following the path her husband and son had taken, "are kept even from family until the moment they become necessary. Your great-grandfather has lived through more than any of us can imagine. It seems tonight was the moment those old loyalties finally came due."
The conversation between mother and daughter was interrupted by the approach of Elder Gu, who had worked up the courage to address the Wei family's remaining representative he had a connection too.
"Lady Wei," he began, his formal tone carrying new layers of respect, "I believe many of us here tonight find ourselves... reassessing our previous understanding Might I inquire if the Wei Clan's position going forward in regards to the previous alliance ?"
Lady Wei Meihua's " every thing will continue as is all the promises made to you and your force are still the same . Your support for my husband and the can over the years is noted , the benefits will only deepen with time " she reassured.
The other forces pervious Alliance calculations that had seemed important when discussed among peers now required complete reconsideration in light of the Wei Clan's revealed connections to the highest levels of imperial power. After all with such connection what are the thing in their hands , support can it be as through as the imperial house hold
As conversations continued in hushed tones throughout the hall, one theme emerged consistently: the recognition that they had all drastically underestimated the Wei Clan's true position within the empire's hierarchy. The implications would ripple through regional politics for years to come.
Meanwhile, in the private chambers, the real negotiations were about to begin.