The cloudy mist in the sky parted as the sun's radiant streaks shone through. From within that light, a lone figure galloped forth—its four hooves pounding in rhythm. It was an animal meant for the land, yet it soared through the air as if it belonged to the heavens. Behind it flew a carriage—simple, wooden, unadorned—bearing only a red banner. Upon that banner bloomed a rose, and behind the rose lay a rapier, its aura exuding both the allure and danger of a beautiful yet thorned flower.
Flanking the carriage was a row of soldiers flying in perfect formation. With every glide, their mounts released delicate blue petals into the wind, scattering elegance across the sky.
Inside the carriage, a small, raspy voice with the innocence of a child asked,
"Dad, where are we going?"
"We are going to visit the Chen Family, dear," an old, hoarse voice replied.
"The Chen Family? Are they powerful?" the child asked curiously.
"Powerful? They are beyond that… words cannot describe their strength," he answered.
"Are they more powerful than you?" the child pressed.
"Hahaha…" The man laughed softly, but as he turned his gaze toward the window, his smile faded. Outside, countless flying carriages surrounded them, each unique and emanating a powerful aura.
The man couldn't help but lament—many of these families were his equal, if not stronger. They were like moths drawn to the brightest flame, all headed toward the same goal: the Chen Family.
It wasn't long before all the carriages swooped downward, touching the road. As they approached the Chen Family's domain, they slowed their pace—none dared to appear disrespectful.
Like a wave breaking upon the shore, they descended in unison. Strangely, the surrounding land was nothing but a vast, glassy plain, without a single building in sight.
One by one, the passengers stepped out of their carriages. Though hostility simmered in the air—old rivalries, sworn enemies, grudges steeped in blood—all restrained themselves. For this moment, all enmity was set aside for the sake of the greater goal that awaited before them.
Once assembled, they cupped their hands in unison and called out,
"We are here to greet and congratulate the Chen Family on the arrival of their successor."
It was strange—before them was nothing but empty grassland—yet they waited patiently for a reply.
A voice finally resonated through the atmosphere.
"The Chen Family is currently busy. We apologize, but we cannot open the gates for you."
The air grew silent, until an old voice broke it.
"It is no trouble. We will wait until the Chen Family is free. We only wish to offer our sincerest gifts. Such small inconveniences are nothing. But… would you permit us to remain here in the meantime?"
The speaker was a hunched old man, his beard flowing like a silver waterfall swaying in the wind.
A single reply came.
"En."
The old man laughed, bowed with cupped hands, and said,
"The Chen Family is truly benevolent."
And so, they decided to stay and wait. These were families powerful enough to topple mountains and cleave the seas, revered across the world—yet none dared to take offense at being refused. For this was the ChenFamily.
When the formalities ended, the atmosphere shifted, growing heavy. All knew they had brought powerful, sacred artifacts from their clans, and greed was a predator that knew no bounds. Their eyes sharpened, but outwardly they acted as if nothing had changed, quietly preparing to camp for the day—aware that their lives now hung by a thread.
Finally, someone broke the silence.
"Hahaha! Isn't this the Zhou Family? Fancy meeting you here—especially you, Zhou Zhe," a mocking voice rang out, laced with hidden malice.
"Sun Chang, this is not the time," a gentle voice replied.
"What are you talking about? I was merely greeting my old friend," Sun Chang said, his smile widening as his aura burst forth. It roared like a typhoon, shaking heaven and earth.
"Sun Chang…" Zhou Zhe muttered.
"What's wrong? Are you scared? Hahahaha!" With each step Sun Chang took, his aura grew more oppressive—until someone intervened.
"Ehem, ehem. Folks, calm your steeds. We must respect another's territory," said the same hunched old man from before.
"What do you mean, Elder Lu? I'm merely greeting my old… friend. Isn't that right, Zhou Zhe?" Sun Chang said, eyes gleaming with ridicule.
"Alas, youngsters these days…" the old man murmured, shaking his head.
Zhou Zhe, forced into a corner, was just about to release his aura when suddenly—