*In the Domain of the Ancestral Hu Family*
The atmosphere was heavy, permeated by the imposing aura of the powerful cultivators who resided there. At the center of the Hall, five elders sat on their seats. At the top, on a throne slightly higher than the others, sat Hu Sijin, the family matriarch. Her posture was straight, her face impassive, almost cold, as if carved from jade. Her piercing gaze swept over the younger generation kneeling before her, silently assessing their potential.
The younger generation of the family knelt in a reverent posture, patiently awaiting the matriarch's words. Among them was Hu Guowei, the first elder's son, a man in his twenties with a powerful physique, his prominent musculature visible beneath his combat robe. His short, gleaming silver hair reflected the light of the spiritual lanterns, and a wide smile lit up his face. He was both talented and well-mannered, though his frank and direct temperament was often a disadvantage in a family where intrigue and manipulation were commonplace. His father, Hu Yaoting, had carefully guided him to maintain his esteemed position within the clan.
Beside him stood Hu Fei, a slender man with an almost gaunt frame. His piercing eyes and calculating expression betrayed a sharp intellect. He was the disciple and adopted son of the third elder, known for his cunning and caution, contrasting with Guowei's more direct nature.
Slightly apart stood Hu Zhen, the second elder's son. Unlike the others, he was of an older generation, having already lived over a century. He was of the same generation as Xuan Daiyu; logically, if there were no heirs, it would fall to him to lead them in the ruins. His expression was stoic, and though he showed no signs of impatience, his cold gaze revealed deep contemplation.
Beside him stood his younger sister, Hu Qinling. She was a captivating beauty with long silver hair cascading down to her waist and deep blue eyes. Unlike her brother, she had a more cheerful temperament, though she knew how to hide her emotions when the situation demanded it. Talented, she had reached the 2-star Nascent Soul level, a remarkable feat for her age.
Hu Sijin, the matriarch, cast her inscrutable gaze upon them, observing them with natural coldness.
"The Eternal Ruins are an unexpected opportunity for the younger generation. So, Matriarch, what are your orders?" asked the third elder, an old woman with white hair tied in a bun, in a raspy voice.
Hu Sijin remained silent for a moment, her long fingers lightly tapping the armrest of her seat.
"I suppose the Immortal Clan will use this opportunity to increase its power..." she murmured pensively.
Hu Yaoting, the first elder, nodded slightly before speaking.
"Matriarch, it's not just the Immortal Clan. The other ancestral clans are equally motivated. After all, these ruins are the ancient battlefield where the first Devourer was slain."
At these words, a palpable tension swept through the hall. Memories of the war against the Devourer were deeply rooted in the history of the great families. The blood of thousands of cultivators had been shed to prevent that abominable creature from devouring the world. Tang She, Nidhogg, Incarnation of Wuji, Personification of Nothingness, the Devourer, Flying Serpent—its names were as numerous as the great powers that had fallen by its hand. To defeat it, all continents and even the underground realm had united.
Hu Sijin slightly turned her gaze toward Guowei, still kneeling.
"Then, the younger generation can go or not. It doesn't concern me."
Her tone was calm, devoid of emotion, but this statement immediately raised a wave of concern among the elders.
The face of the second elder, Hu Qia, darkened. He opened his mouth slightly but hesitated before speaking. He knew that every misplaced word could have disastrous consequences.
"Without meaning to offend, Matriarch… the stakes are of utmost importance, and—"
Hu Sijin slowly turned her head toward him, her gaze piercing like a blade of ice.
"Speak clearly."
Hu Qia swallowed hard before continuing, weighing each word.
"This opening of the Eternal Ruins is different from previous ones. Signs indicate that something unusual is happening inside. Some reports mention energy disturbances other than Qi. We must prepare for all eventualities. And—"
Hu Sijin sighed, and Hu Qia fell silent instantly.
With a gesture of her hand, she pointed to Guowei.
"He will lead the ancestral family in the Eternal Ruins."
This statement, though calm, echoed in the hall like thunder.
Hu Yaoting, the first elder and Guowei's father, froze for a moment, his gaze trying to decipher the hidden intent behind these words. A slight smile stretched across his lips, but a glint of caution remained in his eyes. He knew Hu Sijin better than anyone.
She was a woman of ice, an implacable strategist who made no decision without reason. She would never place her son in a situation where he might fail. But if she had made this choice, it was because she already considered Guowei capable of facing all possible variables and that he had finally given up on that waste, BaiShe.
Yet, Yaoting did not intend to stop there. Caution was necessary—eliminate BaiShe without anyone pointing an accusing finger. In the ruins, where death was omnipresent, accidents happened frequently. No one could dispute if BaiShe disappeared. Even Hu Sijin could do nothing. Once BaiShe was out of the way, Guowei would become the inevitable heir of the family.
As he thought, his gaze was drawn to a figure advancing into the hall. His heart froze slightly.
"BaiShe..."
He had just made his appearance.
After five years of seclusion, he seemed to have changed. Gone was the usual sly smile, the poorly concealed nervousness, the uncertain glances. The man standing before them exuded a cold, indifferent aura, his face almost devoid of emotion, save for a slight hint of contempt in his half-closed eyes. He stood tall, his posture noble and rigid.
He did not approach them. He showed no interest in the scene that had just unfolded, not even a frown at his mother's order. Yet, Hu Qia knew he had heard.
The humiliation of being excluded from command and the imminent danger hanging over him. In the ruins, Guowei would have all the rights. He would be the leader of the expedition; the family's forces would obey him blindly. BaiShe would be alone, without allies, without support.
'Only his mother and his master had protected him until now, but inside the Eternal Ruins, only his own fists would decide his fate. That fool even turned the Xuan ancestral family, who supported him, against him,' Yaoting thought and couldn't help but smile slightly.
BaiShe paused briefly at the entrance of the hall, his gaze resting briefly on the assembly before meeting his mother's. In his eyes was only deep disinterest, an almost insolent detachment, accompanied by a hint of disdain.
Hu Sijin did not flinch.
"I believe that's all. Go prepare. I expect great things from you, Guowei."
Her words marked the end of the discussion. There was nothing more to add.
BaiShe simply turned away, moving with a slow but steady pace toward the exit. When he reached the main door of the hall, he gently rose into the air, then slowly disappeared into the clouds.
Guowei, meanwhile, rose energetically, a wide smile lighting up his face. He looked at his father, and without a word, the exchange between them was clear.
We succeeded.
Then, he burst into laughter.
"Hahaha, thank you, Matriarch! I won't let you down!"