Within the Southdream Wu Clan's meeting hall, Wu Mao's gaze swept across the assembly of clan elders.
"Clan Elders, do any of you have objections to my decision?" If so, voice them now."
Before each of the eleven clan elders, a copy of the 'Jiang Continent Genius Rankings' was laid.
"Chieftain, you previously appointed Wu Yuan as a clan elder and rewarded him generously. That was the right move," one clan elder began, "But isn't it a bit hasty to change the main clan's family now?"
Seeing that someone had taken the initiative to speak, others started to chime in.
"Yes, Wu Yuan's achievement of topping the Genius Rankings is truly extraordinary and dazzling. But right now, he is only fourteen. It is difficult to predict whether he will reach adulthood," another elder added. "Perhaps we should wait another two years."
"Agreed. Replacing the main family is a matter of great significance for our Wu Clan. We should not be hasty." Most of the clan elders expressed their opposition.
Chieftain Wu Mao listened without uttering a word.
Finally, the voices began to settle.
"Are you all finished?" Wu Mao's voice carried a cold edge. "A bunch of short-sighted fellows. Do you not understand how exceptional Grandmaster Fang Xia was? He was only a step away from the Heavenly Rankings, someone capable of single-handedly leading the Cloudstride Sect to its peak."
"Wu Yuan has broken his record. Do you comprehend what that means?" As Wu Mao's cold gaze swept over the elders, each one lowered their heads. "Grandmaster! In the future, Wu Yuan has the potential to become a Grandmaster! Perhaps even a Great Grandmaster!" Only the top ten in the Land Rankings were qualified to be titled Great Grandmasters.
"I know what your concerns are. Wu Yuan is too young," Wu Mao continued, "But it is precisely because he is young and his abilities are not yet fully developed, that we still have a chance."
"If we wait some more? Wait for his abilities to improve, wait for him to become a first-rate Adept? A Savant expert?" Wu Mao snorted, "Will he still care about us then?"
"Main clan? Branch clan? Do you know that the Wu Clan of Li City has already begun migrating to Cloudhill Province?" Wu Mao suddenly let out a sigh. "This is the Southdream Wu Clan's greatest opportunity to rise."
"What main clan, what branch clan? All that matters is seizing this opportunity. In a hundred years, my Wu Clan will stand shoulder to shoulder alongside the Fang and Yun families of Cloudhill as a Grandmaster clan!"
"When that happens, there will only be the Wu Clan of Cloudhill." Wu Mao intoned softly, "If the clan elders assembly disagrees, then I hereby withdraw from the Southdream Wu Clan. I shall relocate my immediate family to Cloudhill Province." Wu Mao pronounced each word unequivocally.
Dead silence. The clan elders were dumbfounded, each one taken aback by Wu Mao's audacious proclamation. They never anticipated him to wager everything on this.
"Gentlemen." The grand elder, who had remained silent all this time, slowly broke the silence, "I concur. The Southdream Wu Clan should select its finest, and relocate them to the Cloudhill Province."
"Henceforth, we make no distinction between the branch and main families. The Wu Clan is to be led by Wu Yuan!"
A decisive strike of the gavel. With the chieftain and grand elder in agreement, the remaining clan elders had little room for dissent.
In Li City, Wu Qiming addressed the gathered Wu Clansmen in the hall. "Everyone, Wu Yuan's rise has exceeded our wildest expectations. I have received a letter from Sister Wanqin, stating that the sect has granted our clan a mansion, along with a generous gift of silver."
"I have come to a decision. The Li City Wu Clan is to immediately mobilize our personnel to head to Cloudhill Province, and lay the initial foundations for our clan’s future." Wu Qiming declared, "Dongyao, you shall take the lead."
"Understood!" Wu Dongyao's eyes gleamed with determination.
"Remember, do not act recklessly. Your main duty is to represent the Wu Clan, form alliances with those from various backgrounds, and make thorough preparations," Wu Qiming instructed. "Above all else, ensure the safety of Sister Wanqin and Yijun."
"This is merely the first step of the Wu Clan's rise. How far we go in the future will mostly rely on Wu Yuan. The day he graduates will be the day the Wu Clan establishes itself in the Cloudhill Province."
"If Wu Yuan becomes a Grandmaster one day, he may live beyond a century, ensuring the prosperity of the Wu Clan for a hundred years. However, our most pressing need at the moment is a lack of talented individuals."
"Excluding him, the Li City Wu Clan doesn't even have a single third-rate Adept. Our current focus must be on breeding and nurturing the next generation! People are the lifeblood of the clan."
Because of a ranking, the entire Jiang Continent was in uproar, with powers from all sides scheming and plotting in the shadows. Some wished to earn the favor of Wu Yuan.
Some aimed for assassination, to strangle this prodigy while he was a fledgling.
Yet, none of these had any effect on the Cloudstride Sect headquarters.
If a Savant expert dared to trespass into Cloudhill, it would be a one-way trip. Only Grandmasters stood any chance.
Of course, news of the Genius Rankings also reached the Cloud Martial Hall.
"He's ranked first right off the bat? Even Senior Brother Xu Hui was placed second? Isn't the Starcom Consortium favoring Wu Yuan too highly?"
"Too exaggerated." The disciples of the Cloud Martial Hall engaged in fervent debates. Some believed the ranking was warranted, while many argued that it was unjust towards Xu Hui.
Yes, Wu Yuan's performance was indeed unimaginable. But he had merely passed a single trial at the Skystride Pavilion, whereas Xu Hui had fought his way to the top of annual competitions and major tournaments, carving his reputation over the past eight years!
Within the Cloud Martial Hall, numerous disciples held great respect for Xu Hui. Many saw him as a benchmark, the goal they were striving for.
At the highest point of the Cloud Martial Hall, within Xu Hui's private courtyard house.
"Senior Brother, won't you consider discussing things with your fellow Junior Brothers?" Ge Feng couldn't help but speak up, "Many are upset on your behalf."
"Upset about what?" Balancing on a single finger in the center of the training courtyard, Xu Hui's voice remained steady.
"Everyone thinks the Starcom Consortium has gone too far." Ge Feng said passionately, "They feel Wu Yuan is too conceited..."
Whoosh! Xu Hui suddenly leaped and landed gracefully on the ground. He stared at Ge Feng with an odd look.
"Senior Brother..." Ge Feng felt a shiver crawl down his spine.
"Because of the Starcom Consortium's ranking, they think Wu Yuan is too conceited?" Xu Hui shook his head, "In my opinion, they need a reality check."
"Or maybe...Those junior brothers and sisters did not utter such statements; it is merely your attempt to sow discord between me and Wu Yuan, is it not?" Xu Hui shot Ge Feng a piercing glance.
"Senior Brother, how could I possibly..." Ge Feng protested.
"Ge Feng, go back. There's no need for you to come here anymore," Xu Hui frowned, "Wu Yuan's ranking is well-deserved. There's nothing more to be said."
"Senior Brother, are you dismissing me? I am your younger brother!" Ge Feng glared.
"Cousin!" Xu Hui replied nonchalantly.
"Still a brother," Ge Feng mumbled.
"Don’t worry, I am not casting you aside." Xu Hui spoke softly, "I am about to apply for graduation; I will no longer remain in the Cloud Martial Hall."
"Graduation?" Ge Feng was stunned, "Senior Brother, you are merely 24. You still have two more years to train, then..."
"It is pointless. During these eight years in the martial academy, I've learned all that needs to be learned. Master has taught everything he should," Xu Hui said calmly, "It's time to venture out into the world. The world is vast, and I've long wanted to have a look. Cloudhill is too small."
Ge Feng was struck speechless. Indeed, it was an established rule within the Cloud Martial Hall that any disciple who attained the status of a second-rate Adept could request to graduate.
However, the vast majority of disciples would not choose to leave early. After all, where else could one find a cultivation environment that could even come close to rivaling the Cloud Martial Hall? It was important to note that senior disciples were allowed to venture outside the hall for field trials, so they were not confined to its premises at all times.
"Senior Brother," Ge Feng suddenly spoke, a thought striking him. "I recall you once mentioning that you wouldn't graduate until you completed the third level of the Skystride Pavilion. Could it be...?"
"Hehe," Xu Hui chuckled. "As long as you understand."
Soon, he saw Ge Feng to the door.
The first on the Genius Rankings? Xu Hui looked down at the martial academy below, at each courtyard house, each martial grand hall. It's been eight years.
In this world of martial arts, there should be a place for me, Xu Hui.
Next year, on the Human Rankings, there should be my name.
With his sword in hand, Xu Hui ventured deeper into the Cloud Martial Hall, toward the Skystride Pavilion!