Chapter 8: Demon—cause starting of chaos(2)

Main Hall – Hao Family Residence, Feng City

At the head of the hall sat Hao Lan, patriarch of the Hao family. His eyes flickered with indecision as he stared at the man before him—Bai Xuan, cloaked in dark robes, with an aura so powerful it seemed to warp the air around him.

Hao Lan's fingers trembled lightly on the armrest of his chair. He had lived through war, betrayal, and countless power struggles, but never had he felt such pressure from a single man.

Bai Xuan stepped forward slowly, his gaze piercing.

> "If you accept my proposal," he said, his tone calm but firm, "then within two years, the Hao family will rise to become one of the Nine Great Clans. And in return, I only ask for four years of loyalty. Four short years. Such an opportunity does not come easily, Hao Lan."

The words echoed in the hall like the ringing of a war drum.

Hao Lan looked toward the circle of family elders seated to his left and right. For a moment, silence hung between them. Then, through brief glances and subtle nods, a silent agreement was formed.

> "Very well," Hao Lan finally said, bowing his head slightly. "From this day forth, the Hao family pledges itself to you. Tell us your demands."

A slow smile curved across Bai Xuan's lips.Bai Xuan imprint his soul mark on the leader and elders.

[A soul mark is enslaveing method by which a cultivator can enslave other soul.If enslaved person try to betraying then enslaver immediately know it and can kill him immediately if he want.But it required a condition to enslave a person.That is the person who will be enslave have to accept it.Morover,if enslaver soul is too strong and he have higher level Cultivation from the person whom he want to enslave than he can force fully enslave him.But Bai Xuan soul is already damaged so he can't enslave any one force fully through Devine sense.]

He stepped to the center of the hall, his voice steady and commanding:

> "First, you will organize a grand ceremony. One that will shake the foundation of Feng City. You will invite the leaders of the Shao family and Chen family—let them witness the rebirth of your clan."

He paused, letting the tension build before continuing.

> "In front of them, you will announce that I am your firstborn son, named Hao Xuan. You will tell them that I was sent away in secret to a sect in the Endless Sea Region to cultivate in isolation… and now, I have returned, having reached the Sixth Stage of Cultivation."

Gasps spread quietly among the elders. The sixth stage was already a level few in Feng City could rival.

> "From that moment," Bai Xuan continued, "I will become the new leader of the Hao family."

Hao Lan's expression stiffened, but he nodded slowly. "I understand. And what next?"

Bai Xuan's eyes gleamed coldly.

> "Then, I will challenge the leaders of the Shao and Chen families. In front of the entire city, I will defeat them. Once they kneel, I will offer them a choice: submit to the Hao family, or die."

The elders exchanged uneasy glances.

> "If they refuse…" Bai Xuan's voice turned to steel, "...I will slaughter them to the last, and we will seize all the cultivation resources their clans possess. That will be the beginning of your rise."

He paused again, then added with finality:

> "For now, your only task is to introduce me to the Hao clan as your true heir. Spread the word by tonight. From this moment forward, I am Hao Xuan—the son returned, destined to lead."

Hao Lan rose from his chair and bowed deeply. "As you command... my son."

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World Notes:

In Feng City, four families currently dominate:

Hao Family – Now aligned with Bai Xuan, aiming to become the top power.

Lang Family – Recently annihilated by Bai Xuan in secret.

Shao Family – Proud and heavily defensive, rumored to be backed by a small sect.

Chen Family – Known for their alchemy and poison arts.

Below them are several third-class clans, including the Gu family, who survive by aligning with stronger powers. The fall of one second-class family could shift the entire city's balance.

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Bai Xuan charged his face by a face mask.It is artifact which can be find in upper world.

Bai Xuan new look as Hao Xuan

He totally changed his look.He has long, flowing silver-gray hair that cascades past his shoulders, partially covering one eye in a graceful sweep. His visible eye is sharp yet calm, reflecting both wisdom and inner strength.

He wears an elaborate traditional robe, predominantly white with flowing red and gold accents. The fabric appears to be of high quality, adorned with delicate patterns and soft, ethereal light effects that give him a mystical appearance. The wide sleeves and layered design give the robe a regal and ceremonial feel, suggesting a high status or perhaps a spiritual or scholarly background.

A red sash tied at his waist adds contrast to the otherwise light palette of his attire. He holds one hand across his chest in a respectful or formal gesture, emphasizing his disciplined demeanor. On his back, he carries a large, rectangular object— a case for a weapon—hinting at hidden power.

He could easily be imagined as a powerful yet gentle martial artist, a wise immortal, or a reclusive sword master in a cultivation.It fully hide his demonic nature.

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Hao Family – Inner Courtyard, Evening

The golden rays of dusk were barely fading, yet the entire Hao estate was already a storm of whispers and speculation. Servants ran from one courtyard to another, elders gathered in hushed groups, and disciples exchanged nervous glances.

The reason? A single shocking revelation had spread through the Hao family like wildfire:

> "The Clan Leader has a secret son… and he has returned."

No one had ever heard of this son before—not in the records, not in any rumors, not even from those closest to the patriarch. Yet now, suddenly, he had appeared.

Some said he resembled the clan leader in his youth—tall, calm, and with a powerful presence. Others whispered more dangerously:

> "He's the true heir, raised in secret to protect him from enemies."

> "Maybe the clan leader had him with a woman from a forbidden sect…"

> "He must be special… or why hide him all these years?"

That night, under the glow of spirit lanterns and a full moon, the entire Hao clan gathered at the training ground, a massive open space lined with stone statues of ancestral warriors and cultivation totems. The air was heavy, not just with curiosity, but also with tension.

At the center stood Hao Lan, the clan leader—stern, proud, and with silver streaks in his black hair. His face was unreadable as he addressed the crowd. The elders stood behind him in formation, silent but clearly unsettled.

With a commanding voice that echoed across the courtyard, Hao Lan spoke:

> "Today, I bring before you the truth I have hidden for nearly two decades. My son, Hao Xuan, has returned from his secluded training. Born of my blood, chosen by fate."

Gasps rippled through the crowd.

> "Tomorrow, during the auspicious hour, a formal succession ceremony will take place. My son will become the next leader of the Hao clan."

Discussions broke out instantly—some in disbelief, others in protest. But none dared speak loudly against the patriarch.

Hao Lang raised his hand to silence them and continued:

> "The Chan and Shao families have been invited as witnesses and honored guests. This will not be a mere internal matter—this is the rebirth of our clan's destiny."

Suddenly, the pressure in the air thickened. Cultivators could feel the Qi in the atmosphere stir unnaturally.

One of the elders, Elder Hao Min, took a step forward, barely hiding his concern:

> "Patriarch… with all respect, the young master—no, your son—has yet to be seen by the clan. How can we entrust the leadership so quickly?"

Hao Lan's eyes turned cold.

> "He will speak for himself tomorrow. And if anyone dares to question the will of this clan's bloodline—they may challenge him in the ritual duel after the ceremony."

The words fell like thunder.

A ritual duel meant the heir would have to prove his worth—not just by name or blood, but with strength. The stakes were no longer just political. They were deadly.

As the crowd began to disperse, each member returned to their quarters with wild thoughts spinning in their heads. A secret heir… a sudden inheritance… and an open challenge for leadership?

The Hao clan, once proud and united, was now a storm waiting to break.

And somewhere in the shadows of the ancestral hall, a young man with silver hair and calm eyes watched it all unfold—his moment was almost here.

------------To be continued -------