Xiao Wuzi

The grand chamber was alive with tension, voices rising and falling like waves crashing against the shore. Seated at the head of the hall, Xiao Wuzi listened in silence, his fingers idly tapping against the armrest of his ornate chair.

Among the gathered elders and high-ranking members, one man finally stepped forward, his expression grim.

"Family head, we cannot ignore the growing pressure from the Hua family any longer," said Xiao Bo, his voice laced with urgency.

"They've been aggressively expanding their control over the alchemical market, undercutting our prices, driving out our merchants, and even seizing distribution routes that have belonged to the Xiao family for generations."

A murmur spread through the hall. Some nodded in agreement, others exchanged worried glances.

Xiao Bo continued, his face dark.