Chapter 9: The Gathering Storm

Xiao Lan stood over the unconscious assassins, his fists still clenched, the cool night air brushing against his skin.

Father really didn't hesitate, huh?

It was almost amusing.

His father had ruled with an iron grip, always expecting obedience, always crushing opposition before it could take root.

Now that Xiao Lan had shown his strength, the man's first instinct was to remove him.

But Xiao Ming had made one fatal mistake—

He had underestimated his own son.

Xiao Lan knelt beside one of the assassins, his fingers tightening around the man's collar. With a sharp slap, the assassin stirred, groaning as his eyes fluttered open.

"W-What…?" The man's voice was hoarse, filled with confusion.

Xiao Lan smiled coldly. "I think you and I need to have a little chat."

The assassin's eyes widened as he realized the situation. He struggled, trying to break free.

Xiao Lan's grip tightened.

"Tell me," he said, his voice calm but deadly, "who sent you?"

The assassin clamped his mouth shut.

Loyalty? Admirable.

But loyalty wouldn't save him tonight.

Xiao Lan leaned in, his aura pressing down like a mountain.

"You should know," he whispered, "I'm not the same weak fool you thought I was."

The assassin shuddered.

That unseen force, that pressure—it was terrifying.

This wasn't something a Silver Rank cultivator should have.

This was the presence of someone far stronger.

Finally, the assassin gritted his teeth and spoke.

"It was… the Clan Head."

Xiao Lan chuckled, his suspicion confirmed.

No hesitation. No doubt.

Xiao Ming had truly sent his own men to kill him.

"Good."

Without another word, he struck the man's pressure point, knocking him out cold.

Then, without looking back, he disappeared into the shadows.

It was time to make his next move.

Deep within the Xiao Clan's main hall, Xiao Ming sat behind an ornate desk, the glow of lanterns flickering across his sharp features.

Before him, Xiao Bai stood, his face still bruised from their last battle.

"Father, we need to act now!" Xiao Bai slammed his fist on the desk, his rage barely contained. "That bastard humiliated me in front of everyone! And now? Now he dares to live after defying you?!"

Xiao Ming's expression was unreadable.

The assassination had failed.

That was already enough to tell him one thing—

Xiao Lan wasn't just lucky.

He was strong.

Stronger than they had anticipated.

Xiao Ming tapped his fingers against the desk.

A child once deemed useless, suddenly displaying unbelievable growth?

This could mean only one thing.

There was someone guiding him.

"Xiao Bai," Xiao Ming said slowly, "there is something you must understand."

His son scowled. "What?"

Xiao Ming's gaze darkened.

"Power is not about strength alone. It is about timing."

Xiao Bai tensed, sensing his father's hidden meaning.

"We do not act until we understand everything," Xiao Ming continued. "If Xiao Lan truly has a hidden master, then killing him recklessly may bring consequences we cannot afford."

Xiao Bai gritted his teeth. "So we're just going to let him walk free?!"

Xiao Ming smirked.

"Of course not."

His fingers tightened into a fist.

"We just have to be… patient."

The next morning, Xiao Lan walked through the outer training grounds, his mind calm, but his senses sharp.

The failed assassination attempt meant two things:

His father had made his move.Xiao Lan now had to move faster.

If he wanted to survive, he needed allies.

And he had a particular candidate in mind.

As he entered the combat arena, his gaze locked onto a tall, muscular figure wielding a heavy battle-axe.

Xiao Wu.

Unlike most of the arrogant noble sons, Xiao Wu was different.

He was strong, but he had no desire for political power. He was a warrior, someone who respected strength over bloodline.

If Xiao Lan could win him over, he would gain a valuable ally in the upcoming storm.

Xiao Lan smirked.

Time to test the waters.

Xiao Wu finished his training routine, wiping the sweat from his brow when he noticed Xiao Lan approaching.

He raised an eyebrow.

"You need something, young master?"

Xiao Lan smiled. "A fight."

Xiao Wu froze, then laughed.

"You? Against me?"

Xiao Lan shrugged. "Unless you're scared?"

Xiao Wu's eyes gleamed with amusement.

"Fine," he said, gripping his battle-axe. "But don't blame me if you can't walk afterward."

The moment the fight began, Xiao Wu charged forward, swinging his axe with immense force.

But Xiao Lan?

He dodged effortlessly, his movements too precise, too smooth.

Xiao Wu's eyes widened.

This isn't the same Xiao Lan I remember.

He swung again, but Xiao Lan countered with a palm strike, sending shockwaves through the ground.

The moment of contact—

Xiao Wu felt it.

That unnatural power.

He staggered back, his expression now serious.

"Alright," he muttered, gripping his axe tightly. "Now I'm interested."

For the next several minutes, the two clashed fiercely, exchanging blows that shook the arena.

The onlookers watched in shock.

Wasn't Xiao Lan supposed to be a weakling?

But now—he was holding his own against Xiao Wu!

Finally, after a brutal exchange, Xiao Wu stepped back, panting.

He studied Xiao Lan for a moment, then grinned.

"You win."

The audience gasped.

Xiao Wu—the warrior known for his unmatched brute strength—had acknowledged Xiao Lan's skill.

Xiao Lan smirked. "I wasn't expecting you to give up so easily."

Xiao Wu chuckled. "I'm not stupid. If we kept going, I would have lost."

Then, his expression turned serious.

"I don't know where you got this strength from, but I respect it. From now on, if you ever need an ally…"

He held out his hand.

"…I'm your man."

Xiao Lan grasped his wrist, sealing their alliance.

One step forward.

But the storm brewing within the Xiao Clan…

Was far from over.