The morning sun never reached the Lin Clan hall that day.
Heavy storm clouds covered the whole sky, turning the estate dark. The wind smelled like rain was coming any second. But the gloom tension hanging over the clan wasn't because of the weather.
Messengers bolted through the courtyards; elders argued in soft voices; servants cowered behind pillars, exchanging worried glances.
A clan known for its pride now resembled a dying beast — cornered and suffocating.
Inside the grand meeting hall, the tension was suffocating.
Dozens of elders sat in rigid silence. Every breath felt loud.
At the center, Great Elder Lin Wuji slammed his palm onto the long table.
Bang!
The echo sounded through the hall like thunder.
> "Lin Xian! Because of your arrogance, our clan is being strangled by the Zhao dogs!"
His voice quivered with fury and fear.
Lin Xian stood calmly in the center of the hall — unmoving, unbothered.
His long white hair drifted faintly with the stale indoor breeze, his expression unreadable, carved from marble.
By the wall, his father Lin Yuan sat stiffly, knuckles white against the armrest. His status did not allow him to defy the Great Elder, but every insult aimed at his son stabbed deeper than he dared show.
Lin Wuji jabbed a finger toward Lin Xian, voice rising like a storm.
> "You! You dared provoke the Zhao family as if they were pushovers! Now the Chamber has frozen our trade routes! The Bai Clan pulled out their supplies! Even the beggars and children in the streets mock us!"
"Enough, Great Elder," the First Elder Lin Zhaotian finally spoke.
His calm voice seemed to steady the air, but only barely.
"We have yet to investigate all the causes—jumping to—"
"Investigate?" Lin Wuji barked out a cold laugh and cut him off.
"The only thing unwise is letting this reckless brat drag the Lin Clan into ruin!"
He turned suddenly toward Lin Yuan.
> "If your son refuses to surrender himself to the Zhao Clan and kneel for forgiveness, I will strip you of your elder seat, Lin Yuan! And your daughter—she will be cast out!"
The entire hall froze.
Even the flickering torches seemed to hold their flames still.
From Lin Xian's shoulder, Xiao Jin let out a sharp, angry chirp — tiny claws digging into the fabric of Lin Xian's robe. His round eyes glared at Wuji with feral hostility, tail whipping like a drawn whip.
Lin Xian finally spoke.
His voice was soft, but cold enough to chill bone.
> "So this is what the Lin Clan has become? A house that survives by licking the boots of others?"
Gasps rippled through the hall.
Wuji's face darkened to a dangerous shade.
"You dare—!"
Lin Xian's words sliced through him like a quiet blade.
> "If I kneel today, the Lin Clan will never rise again. You solution is surrender —"
But "I call it suicide."
"You insolent child!" Wuji roared, veins bulging in his temples.
"Do you think you alone can defy the elders?"
Lin Xian met his glare without the slightest tremor.
> "If obedience means letting the Zhao dogs control our bloodline… then yes. I defy it."
The hall erupted into hushed chaos.
Some elders lowered their gazes in shame.
Others whispered in panic.
And a few—very few—looked at Lin Xian with admiration in their eyes…
First Elder sigh was soft.
But the faint curl at the corner of his lips showing a hidden pride.
"You—!" Lin Wuji sputtered, unable to form words.
Lin Xian didn't wait for him to finish it..
He turned, robes sweeping behind him as he strode toward the massive doors.
Xiao Jin gave Lin Wuji one last threatening hiss before hopping after his master.
Just before crossing the threshold, Lin Xian spoke without looking back.
> "Since the clan fears the Zhao's,then I will be the blade that ends them."
BOOM.
The doors slammed shut behind him, leaving only silence in his wake.
---
Scene 2 – The Zhao Clan's Celebration
In stark contrast, the Zhao estate burned with golden light and triumphant laughter.
Silk banners fluttered proudly across the courtyard. Musicians played soft tunes as servants poured expensive wines. Inside the marble hall, a banquet stretched across the length of the room.
At its head sat Patriarch Zhao Qingtian, tall and broad-shouldered, his cold metallic eyes sweeping over his satisfied clan.
"The Lin dogs are collapsing," an elder cackled. "Their trading lines halted, and the Chamber refuses to even see them!"
Zhao Qingtian lifted his cup lazily.
"Lin Wuji nearly expelled Lin Xian this morning," he remarked with amusement.
Roars of mocking laughter filled the hall.
> "That brat actually thought he could challenge our Zhao family?"
"A sheep daring to swallow a tiger! Ridiculous!"
"All thanks to our strategist, Zhao Feng!"
At the far end sat Zhao Feng, young, elegant, with razor-sharp eyes and a smirk that dripped arrogance.
"I merely pressed a few weak points," he said, swirling his wine.
"Pride, fear, greed — people crumble when you target the right one."
"Then what's our next move?" an elder asked eagerly.
Zhao Feng leaned back, expression brimming with confidence.
> "Next, we force the Lin Clan to kneel publicly. Their trade, their reputation… even their name will be crushed!. Azurecloud City will remember only one thing — the Zhao Clan reigns supreme."
The elders shouted in agreement.
Wine splashed. Laughter echoed.
Arrogance filled the air.
None of them noticed the faint ripple in the wind outside — a sign that the storm they were celebrating over… was already shifting.
---
Scene 3 – The Calm Before the Counterstrike
Night descended upon the Lin estate like a silent veil.
The corridors were empty, lit only by a few dim lanterns swaying in the wind. Servants whispered of fear. Elders stay behind locked doors.
But in one small courtyard…
there was only stillness.
Lin Xian sat in front of a single lantern. The flame lit up his face with a dim glow.. A cup of untouched tea reflected his cold eyes.
Xiao Jin paced beside him, tail flicking angrily.
He let out a frustrated chirp — a tiny sound, but filled with indignation for his master.
Lin Xian finally smiled, his expression calm.
> "Calm down, little one. Let them celebrate while they can."
Xiao Jin blinked up at him, confused but trusting.
Lin Xian exhaled slowly, eyes drifting to the moon
> "They laugh because they think the lion has been cornered."
He rose to his feet.
The wind shifted — carrying the scent of rain, and retribution.
Lin Xian clasped his hands behind his back, his white hair drifting with the wind
His eyes narrowed, cold and resolute.
> "But a lion cornered…"
> …is the most dangerous kind that rips your throat out before it dies."
The lantern flame flickered violently — then steadied.
Xiao Jin hopped onto his shoulder, eyes blazing with the same fighting spirit.
Lin Xian looked toward the direction of the Zhao estate, voice low and calm.
> "It's time."
"Let the counterattack begin."