I name my son Xiao Tianlong!

Nightfall settled over the Xiao Clan, blanketing the sprawling estate in a veil of silence. The once-bustling courtyards were now shrouded in darkness as lanterns flickered dimly against the crisp night air. The entire clan retired early knowing that tomorrow would bring a storm of speculation and excitement not just for them, but for all of Floating Wind City.

Yet, in one secluded courtyard, rest remained elusive.

A lone figure paced back and forth, his steps slow yet heavy with thought. His sharp, sword-like brows, framed chiseled features that carried a natural air of nobility and his deep, contemplative eyes glowed faintly under the moonlight. Draped in dragon-embroidered silver robes, his status as a Xiao Clan elder was unmistakable.

Xiao Feng exhaled slowly, his fingers clenching behind his back.

"Xiao Zhen… Just what are you up to?"

That brief exchange earlier had unsettled him more than he cared to admit. He had long grown accustomed to the Second Elder's animosity, but tonight was different. There was something… off about Xiao Zhen's demeanor. His words had been casual, his tone measured, but beneath it all, there was something lurking... something calculating.

Xiao Feng knew the reason well.

Years ago, Xiao Zhen had been the most promising of the younger generation. His talent was undeniable; his cultivation soared at an astonishing rate, and many believed it was only a matter of time before he surpassed all others to take the seat of the Grand Elder. Even the Patriarch had taken notice, granting him many privileges and treating him with great favor.

He had been Floating Wind City's rising star.

Until Xiao Feng arrived.

Xiao Feng had been younger, but his talent was even more monstrous. His rise was swift, too swift. Before long, he had surpassed Xiao Zhen, stealing the admiration that had once been his. The Patriarch's favor shifted. The elders' praises quieted. The future that had seemed all but guaranteed for Xiao Zhen suddenly seemed… uncertain.

And then, there was the woman.

Lin Ruoyan.

Xiao Zhen had desired her more than anything. She was the most beautiful woman in the city, elegant and intelligent, with a quiet grace that drew admiration wherever she went. He had spent years coveting her, dreaming of the day she would stand beside him. But despite his efforts, she had never given him more than a fleeting glance.

And then, she met Xiao Feng.

What was meant to be his greatest victory turned into his most agonizing defeat. Lin Ruoyan, the woman he had almost gone mad for, fell in love with another. And not just anyone, Xiao Feng, the very man who had already taken everything else from him.

Xiao Zhen had watched, seething, as she married Xiao Feng without a moment's hesitation.

And from that moment on, Xiao Feng had not just been a rival. He had become an obsession. A thorn in his heart that festered with each passing year.

Xiao Zhen wanted him gone. He wanted him to suffer.

But Xiao Feng had grown too strong. Even now, though he was officially the Second Elder, he could not directly challenge Xiao Feng.

Xiao Feng exhaled again, his gaze turning toward the moon.

"Whatever you're planning, I won't let you succeed," he murmured.

Just then, the door behind him slid open. A soft rustling of silk followed, and a familiar warmth pressed gently against his back.

"Feng'er" Lin Ruoyan's voice was quiet, yet carried a gentle strength. "You're troubled."

Xiao Feng turned slightly, offering her a small, reassuring smile. "It's nothing. Just… thinking."

She stepped closer, resting her head against his shoulder. "It's about the Second Elder, isn't it?"

Xiao Feng didn't answer immediately, but his silence was confirmation enough.

Lin Ruoyan sighed. "You and I both know he will never let go of his hatred." She looked up at him, her delicate fingers brushing against his sleeve. "But he is not reckless. He wouldn't act unless he was certain he could win."

Xiao Feng nodded. That was what unsettled him the most. Xiao Zhen had been patient for years, waiting for an opportunity. Why did he feel as though that opportunity was approaching now?

His thoughts turned to his son, the child who had just been born yet already stirred waves throughout the clan.

His grip tightened.

"I won't let him harm our family."

Lin Ruoyan smiled faintly. "I never doubted that."

"Let's return, tomorrow is the day we proclaim our sons name to the world, we need to be sufficiently rested." Xiao Feng urged as he lead her into the house.

Morning arrived quickly, ushering in a new day.

The entire Xiao Clan was currently gathered in assembly at the clan's Martial training grounds as early as the forth hour of the day. The Patriarch stood at the front of the combat arena which was currently being used as a podium while the Xiao Clan Elders stood silently behind him, this time, there was one extra person who stood at the side of a particular elder, she held a baby in her hand and her expression was one of doting and love.

"Today," The Patriarch began, his voice resonant and dignified, "we welcome a member of the next generation of the Xiao Clan, a child born under the celestial blessings of the Azure Dragon himself!"

He turned to Xiao Feng, who stepped forward with a measured pride. In a voice that carried both pride and hope, Xiao Feng announced, "I name my son Xiao Tianlong."

The name—meaning "Heavenly Dragon"—rang out like thunder, a declaration that encapsulated the miraculous birth: the dancing dragons, the coiling Azure Dragon, and the mysterious tattoo left upon his arm. It was a name that promised dominion and greatness, destined to be etched into the future of the clan.

Cheers and murmurs of awe rippled through the gathered crowd, yet in the midst of the celebration, one elder's gaze remained cool and unreadable. Seated among his peers, Xiao Zhen observed silently, his face an impassive mask. Beneath that calm exterior, however, a storm was gathering, a resolve that the favor shown to Xiao Feng and the portentous destiny of Xiao Tianlong could not go unchallenged forever.

At this moment...

"Patriarch Li Zifeng of the Li Clan has arrived."

A shout came from the Xiao Clan entrance causing everyone's attention to shift to the figure that came strolling their way in an unhurried manner. That was the Patriarch of the Li Clan being escorted by a few of its elders, in Floating Cloud City, the Li Clan lords over all! The only power capable of forcing them into submission was the City Lord's Estate.

"Father..." Li Ruoyan who always stood quietly suddenly looked up at this moment with mixed emotions in her eyes at the figure who strolled her way. He was tall and stood upright, looking to be in his sixties however there were no signs of wrinkles or old age on his face, similar to the Xiao Clan Patriarch, in fact they looked alike!

"Hohoho, Brother Yuan long time no see." Li Zifeng gave a hearty laugh, his latter words were obviously directed at The Xiao Clan Patriarch, Xiao Yuan.

Xiao Yuan chuckled heartily in response, stepping forward to clasp Li Zifeng's arm in a display of camaraderie.

"Brother Zifeng, it has indeed been too long. Come, you honor my clan with your presence today."

Looking at this sworn brother of his, Xiao Yuan was filled with nothing but pride, originally, the Xiao Clan was the top of the crop, second to only the City Lord's Estate, the Li Clan was next and Li Zifeng, the Patriarch of the Li Clan and Xiao Yuan, the. Patriarch of the Xiao Clan, had a great affinity and coupled with the fact that they looked alike, they became sworn brothers, after the fall of the Xiao Clan however his biggest supporter was still this sworn brother of his which allowed the Xiao Clan to solidify it's position as the fourth top power of Floating Wind City.

Li Zifeng gave a knowing smile before his gaze softened upon seeing his daughter. His steps slowed, and for the briefest moment, an emotion resembling regret flickered across his face.

"Ruoyan," he said, his voice carrying the weight of unspoken words.

Li Ruoyan lowered her head respectfully. "Father."

A heavy silence settled between them, but before it could stretch too long, another voice broke through the tension.

"The esteemed Li Clan Patriarch is not the only guest today."

Heads turned as a group of figures stepped through the Xiao Clan gates, their robes embroidered with an intricate phoenix motif—undeniably the mark of the Wu Clan. Leading them was a refined, middle-aged man with sharp eyes and an air of authority.

"Patriarch Wu Jian of the Wu Clan has arrived!"

The Wu Clan was the third-ranked power in Floating Wind City, but unlike the Xiao Clan's declining fortunes, their influence had only grown over the past decade. The rivalry between the Xiao and Wu clans had been fierce for generations, and now, with the Xiao Clan's diminished status, it was no secret that the Wu Clan sought to replace them altogether.

Behind Wu Jian walked a younger man, Wu Liang, his son and heir. His lips curled into a faint smirk as his gaze landed on Xiao Feng.

"So, this is the great Third Elder of the Xiao Clan?" Wu Liang's voice carried a mocking edge. "And the child born under such miraculous circumstances… I must say, I'm eager to see if reality matches the legends."

Xiao Feng met his gaze without flinching, his expression remaining unreadable.

Before any further words could be exchanged, another announcement rang out.

"The City Lord's envoy has arrived!"

This declaration sent a ripple through the crowd. Unlike the Xiao, Li, and Wu Clans, who were all great families, the City Lord's Estate was an entity above them all. Their envoy's presence meant that the highest authority in Floating Wind City had taken an interest in today's proceedings.

A tall, imposing man clad in black and silver armor strode forward, his steps steady and unhurried. His aura alone demanded respect, and the moment he arrived, the murmurs ceased.

"I am Zhao Shen, here on behalf of the City Lord. He extends his greetings and congratulations to the Xiao Clan."

Xiao Yuan inclined his head. "The Xiao Clan is honored."