Chapter 35: The Elder's Plan

In the eastern portion of Crescent Moon City, situated among beautiful gardens and quiet streams, stood the stately house of the Zhou clan. The estate extended across a huge region, surrounded by luxurious pavilions and exquisite courtyards, each more spectacular than the previous. The Zhou clan's house was a testimony to their riches and power, a symbol of their domination in the city. 

The great entrance to the estate was distinguished by towering gates embellished with exquisite sculptures of legendary animals, signifying protection and wealth. Beyond the gates, a stone road lined with old trees led to the main pavilion, where the elders of the clan dwelt. The roadway was bordered by smaller pavilions, each housing members of the clan and their retainers. 

The pavilions themselves were architectural wonders, their roofs decorated with golden tiles that shimmered in the sunlight. The walls were covered with paintings representing historical events and heroic battles, displaying the Zhou clan's rich legacy. 

Lofty carriages, each more sumptuous than the last, could be seen entering and departing the home, carrying the arrogant figures of the city's finest tradesmen and merchants. The air was filled with the quiet hum of voices and the occasional laughter of the affluent and powerful. 

In one of the courtyards of the large estate, an old man sat beneath the modest shade of a cherry blossom tree, practicing calligraphy. The tree's lovely pink blooms gave just enough shelter to prevent the powerful sunshine from beaming straight upon the pale elder. The sight was gorgeous, with the elder's placid demeanor contributing to the tranquility of the courtyard. 

The old guy wore blue robes that mirrored the morning sky, their delicate hues contrasted with the vivid vegetation around him. His clothes, however basic, projected an aura of elegance and refinement. Despite his elderly age, the man's authoritative personality was evident. His presence alone merited respect and authority, a tribute to his standing within the Zhou clan. 

With an exceptionally careful eye and a steady hand, the elder effortlessly moved his ink brush across the white canvas. Each stroke was intentional and precise, the ink flowing smoothly to form characters of tremendous beauty and importance. The elder's handwriting left a tremendous effect on anybody who noticed it, each character a monument to his mastery of the craft. 

"What's this…" As the man continued to write, he was frightened by the abrupt vibration of his communication token. A distinct scowl developed on his face, plainly displeased by the abrupt commotion. Reluctantly, he laid down his brush and pulled out the token from his robes, investing his qi within to listen to the message being broadcast. 

The courtyard was shrouded in total quiet as the elder listened closely to every word said over the communication token. His demeanor remained neutral at first, but as the message proceeded, a nasty frown began to emerge on his presumably senile face. By the time the token darkened, signifying the end of the broadcast, the elder's dissatisfaction was evident. 

"I see…" His sole nephew, Zhou Tian, had communicated the tale of the public humiliation he had experienced at the hands of a young upstart called Li Wei. The elder's gaze furrowed, and his hold on the token tightened. He had always known Zhou Tian to be arrogant and ambitious, attributes that he had cultivated with care. To learn that his nephew had been so completely degraded was an outrage that could not be ignored. "A young deer does not fear tigers…" 

The elder's thoughts raced as he evaluated his next moves. The Zhou clan could not afford to exhibit weakness, not while their reputation and power were at stake. This Li Wei, whatever he was, would have to be dealt with immediately and decisively. "I Zhou Xu shall deal with this nuisance personally…" 

With a deep breath, the elder stood from his seat, his dominating presence more visible than ever. He slipped the communication token back into his robes and headed confidently towards the main pavilion. His attitude was one of steely resolve, and all who saw him understood that danger was building. 

An attendant placed immediately outside Elder Xu's courtyard was studiously taking note of any news of value to the Zhou clan. His keen eyes examined the information scrolls, painstakingly chronicling any events that may influence the clan's status. As he carefully toiled, he caught sight of Elder Xu exiting the courtyard out of the corner of his eye.

The attendant, a young guy called Liu Shan, had a thin physique and wore the usual gray robes of a clan servant. His visage, normally calm and attentive, now revealed a spark of surprise and alarm. The enormity of the situation came on him instantaneously. For an elder of Elder Xu's rank to make a move, it could only imply something exceptional was afoot. 

Liu Shan's mind raced as he immediately grabbed his notes and hastened to follow at a polite distance. 'Elder Xu seldom leaves his courtyard. This must be serious,' he thought, his heart racing with expectation and terror. 

As Elder Xu entered the main hall, the magnificence of the Zhou clan's most prized sight became obvious. The main hall was a wonder of construction, with towering pillars carved from jade and walls decorated with gold leaf. Intricate tapestries illustrating the clan's historic past hung from the walls, and the floor was inlaid with precious stones that shimmered beneath the warm light of lanterns. 

Seated comfortably in one of the center chairs was a guy eagerly perusing some writings. 

This man radiated an aura of calm dominance, his presence commanding the room despite his ostensibly passive occupation. He wore a modest gray robe, humble and simple, which contrasted dramatically with the richness of his surroundings. His aura, however, was anything but simple—it gave spectators the sensation of clouds, distant and awe-inspiring. 

This was the Grand Elder of the Zhou clan, Zhou Mu. His long, silver hair fell freely over his shoulders, and his eyes, though warm and friendly, carried a depth of wisdom and strength that commanded respect. The tiniest grin flashed on his lips as he read, his expression tranquil and introspective. 

As Elder Xu entered the hall and recognized the Grand Elder, he instantly paid his respects, bowing deeply. "Grand Elder Zhou Mu," he welcomed, his voice overflowing with awe. 

Zhou Mu looked up from his writings, his gaze catching Elder Xu's. Before Elder Xu could say anything further, Zhou Mu raised a hand to halt him. 

"I am already aware of the situation, Elder Xu," he remarked, his voice calm and measured. "I have a plan in motion." 

Elder Xu's eyes opened slightly in astonishment, but he soon collected himself. "I see, Grand Elder. What would you have me do?" 

Zhou Mu's stare grew distant, as if seeing through the very walls of the hall and into the future. "Patience, Elder Xu. All will be disclosed in due time. For now, believe in the precautions I have made. Li Wei and his allies will understand the true might of the Zhou clan." 

With those remarks, the Grand Elder returned his focus to the texts before him, leaving Elder Xu standing there, a mix of resolve and reverence on his face. The message was clear: the Zhou clan would not be humiliated, and anyone who dared confront them would soon pay the repercussions. 

As Elder Xu exited the hall, Liu Shan, who had been waiting outside, moved forward. "Elder Xu, is everything alright?" he questioned hesitantly. 

Elder Xu offered a quick nod. "The Grand Elder has assured me that everything is under control. We must be ready for whatever happens next."