Breaking the Array

Inside the Council Hall of Xiao Manor, the atmosphere was so heavy it seemed almost tangible. The family head, Xiao Zhantian, sat in the seat of honor, his face so gloomy it looked as though water might drip from it. His eyes no longer held their former arrogance and conceit; instead, they were filled with deep worry and unwillingness to accept defeat. Around him, the core members of the Xiao Family sat in silence, every face marked by dejection and fear.

"We can consider the Xiao Family thoroughly ruined this time." After a long while, Xiao Zhantian finally broke the silence, his voice hoarse and heavy. His words fell like a huge boulder into everyone's hearts, making the already oppressive atmosphere even heavier.

"Family Head, that Li Yang is simply too powerful. What are we supposed to do?" one elder could not help speaking up, his voice trembling. His eyes were full of confusion. He had once stood high above others in the family, but now he was completely at a loss.

"What else can we do? Most of our Xiao Family's foundation has been destroyed by him. We can only lie low for now and wait for an opportunity." Another elder gave a bitter laugh, his eyes filled with helplessness. Once, they had acted recklessly across this land. Now, they could only hide in this deep compound like stray dogs, afraid to show their faces.

"Lie low? Easy for you to say. Those families we bullied in the past are probably laughing behind our backs right now. Once they learn how miserable the Xiao Family has become, won't they take the chance to kick us while we're down?" a young clansman complained bitterly. His face was filled with anger and unwillingness. His former arrogance and tyranny had been ground