Clan Politics

Zhou Hai, the eldest son of the patriarch of the Zhou Clan's branch division, possessed an impressive talent for cultivation. At just 17 years old, he had already reached the 7th level of Qi Refinement Realm, a feat that would have been considered remarkable in any branch of the Zhou Clan. This achievement had garnered him both respect and attention within his branch, and it was a testament to his dedication and natural aptitude for cultivation.

Zhou Ling, despite being the favored son of First Elder Zhou Kai in the main branch, couldn't ignore Zhou Hai's accomplishments. His brows furrowed as he glanced at a scroll filled with cultivation techniques, the weight of competition heavy on his shoulders.

"Ling'er, don't be upset," the old voice of First Elder Zhou Kai resonated in his ear. Zhou Ling turned to find his grandfather, a tall and elderly figure, standing at the entrance of his courtyard. Relief washed over him, like a soothing balm for his anxiety.

Zhou Kai's words carried reassurance as he continued, "A lowly branch member should not be seen as a threat to you." His presence and wisdom were a source of comfort to Zhou Ling, reminding him of his place within the clan hierarchy and urging him not to be troubled by the accomplishments of someone from a lower branch. It was a reminder of the importance of his position as the favored grandson of the First Elder.

Zhou Kai, despite his formidable cultivation at the soul formation stage, had a unique appearance. His face, marked by the passage of time and numerous battles, displayed both wisdom and ambition. His eyes, sharp and penetrating like a pair of polished black gemstones, seemed to hold the secrets of generations within the Zhou Clan. His once dark hair had turned into a silver cascade that framed his stern countenance.

"Understood, Grandfather," Zhou Ling replied respectfully. Relief washed over him again, like a refreshing breeze on a hot day. He nodded and appreciated his grandson's acceptance of the situation. Then, he continued, "It appears that young Zhou Yuan has been making some intriguing moves recently." Zhou Ling narrowed his eyes and replied, a hint of mockery in his tone,

"What can that crippled do now? His cultivation has remained stagnant for three years, while I've surpassed him." A wry smile tugged at the corner of his lips, the thought of his rival's struggles offering a glimmer of satisfaction.

Zhou Ling's grandfather sighed deeply and said, "Ling'er, do not underestimate Zhou Yuan. Stagnation does not necessarily signify weakness in the world of cultivation. Sometimes, it is the calm before a powerful storm. Keep a vigilant eye on him." Concern etched lines on his face, emphasizing the gravity of his warning.

Zhou Ling pursed his lips in thought and replied, "I will heed your advice, Grandfather. I'll remain watchful, but I won't let my guard down."

"Zhou Yuan was once a rising dragon; he should not be underestimated," Zhou Kai added with a solemn tone in his voice. His gaze turned distant for a moment, memories of Zhou Yuan's past achievements casting a shadow over the conversation.

Zhou Ling could only nod at his grandfather's insistence, though he held the advice in high regard. He chose to quickly shift the topic and asked, "Grandfather, what about my request? When can I have Qing'er?" Zhou Ling's eyes lit up with a devious gleam as he considered his plans.

Zhou Kai looked at his grandson with a hint of disappointment but quickly composed himself. He replied, "Ling'er, that young woman is just a mere servant. Why are you so obsessed with her?" His tone carried a mix of curiosity and slight disapproval; after all, Qing'er's beauty alone shouldn't warrant such fixation.

Zhou Ling leaned in closer, his voice dripping with mischief, and responded, "I just want to see the look on Zhou Yuan's face when he finds out that his precious maid is serving me." A mischievous sparkle danced in his eyes, a glint of his cunning nature revealed.

Zhou Ling's resentment simmered beneath the surface, but he knew better than to openly defy his grandfather's decision. With a sigh of resignation, he nodded and replied, "I understand, Grandfather. If it's the patriarch's decision, then there's little more I can do for now." Disappointment weighed on his shoulders like a heavy burden, though he concealed it well.

First Elder Zhou Kai patted his grandson's shoulder, understanding the frustration that was gnawing at Zhou Ling. "Patience, my boy," he advised. "There will be other opportunities in the future. Focus on your cultivation and the bigger picture." His touch was reassuring, like a guiding hand through the labyrinthine politics of the clan.

Zhou Ling reluctantly nodded, his mind already churning with new schemes and strategies to further his ambitions. He understood that in the intricate web of clan politics, one had to bide their time and strike when the moment was right.

The conflicts within the Zhou Clan ran deeper than met the eye, hidden beneath the surface of polite conversations and familial bonds. The clan was divided into multiple branches, each vying for supremacy and recognition. These internal rivalries were fueled by ambition, jealousy, and the constant struggle for limited resources and opportunities.

Zhou Hai's rapid rise to power in his branch only served to exacerbate these tensions. Many within the clan questioned whether his achievements were purely a result of his talent or if there were hidden backers manipulating his success. This suspicion sowed seeds of distrust and resentment, not only between branches but also within them, as individuals maneuvered to gain favor and undermine their rivals.

Zhou Ling, as the favored grandson of First Elder Zhou Kai, bore the weight of high expectations. His every move was scrutinized, and any sign of weakness could be exploited by his ambitious peers. Even within his own faction, there were those who coveted his position and sought to discredit him, hoping to ascend the hierarchy themselves.