Son of Calamity

Below the stage, the elders and clansmen of the Zhang Family all bowed in unison:

"Greetings, Clan Leader!"

The sound spread outwards from the platform.

The long white jade steps lead straight down to the mountainside and the foot of the mountain.

Thousands of the Zhang Clan family members bowed down simultaneously.

Zhang Detian stood holding the seal, his robes fluttering in the mountain wind.

Zhang Chongxian watched this scene with a smile of satisfaction on his face.

One generation guards the flame, another adds fuel, and yet another carries the light further afield—this is how a Lineage should be.

I will strive to cultivate myself so that I may continue to protect and guide future generations.

After Zhang Detian ascended the throne, guests from all sides rose to offer their congratulations!

Congratulations to Clan Leader Zhang on his ascension to the throne!

May the Xuanxiao Zhang Clan enjoy lasting prosperity, and may Clan Leader Zhang's Dao Path be smooth and his grand ambitions realized!

Zhang Detian returned the greeting by bowing to all four directions.

Thus, the succession ceremony was completed.

Zhang Xuanchen stepped down from his position as Clan Leader, and the Zhang Family officially welcomed its seventh generation leader.

As Zhang Guangyao announced the start of the banquet, Skyward Peak instantly became lively.

From the mountaintop Dao Platform to the pavilions halfway up the mountain, and then to the plaza at the foot of the mountain, the banquet tables that had been set up on both sides of the long white jade steps were gradually filled with guests.

The Spirit Meal was delivered in a heat-preserving Law Artifact, with wine poured from a jade pot and a plate full of exotic fruits.

Fueled by the alcohol, the group discussed their cultivation experiences and explored business collaborations.

Some people took out their treasured spiritual items and discussed exchanging them with the cultivators at the next table.

The solemnity of the previous ceremony gradually transformed into laughter and conversation at the banquet.

On the main banquet Dao Platform, Zhang Detian sat in the Clan Leader's seat.

Wen Qingya sat beside him, her demeanor dignified. She responded appropriately to the congratulations from the guests, showing no stage fright whatsoever.

A little further away, at the Wen Family's seats.

Wen Shaohua held his wine glass, but didn't drink for a long time.

The gaze was fixed on the direction of the main seat.

Zhang Detian, dressed in a purple-gold robe, conversed with the Nascent Soul of Nascent Soul and Golden Core Factions.

Wen Qingya was also able to discuss cooperation with Nascent Soul Cultivator and Half-step Nascent Soul Cultivator.

Moreover, the Nascent Soul Cultivator not only did not show the slightest negligence, but listened attentively and nodded repeatedly.

Wen Shaohua could clearly see that solemn attitude.

In the past, Wen Qingya held a seemingly prestigious position in the Wen Family, but in reality, she had no real say.

Especially after he was diagnosed with Dual Spirit Root.

Now, however, she can converse calmly with the leaders of these Nascent Soul and Golden Core Faction.

If only back then...

The moment the thought crossed Wen Shaohua's mind, a bitter expression appeared on his face.

If only I had cared more about Wen Qingya back then, and had stood up for her when those cold words were spoken.

Even if it's just offering a little kindness during her most embarrassing moment.

Today, the siblings wouldn't be so estranged.

He didn't even need to say a word. As long as their relationship remained, how could Wen Qingya, as his older sister, stand by and watch him run around for Cultivation Resources?

What a pity, what a pity.

Back then, being pampered by my elders, I never thought these little things were worth caring about.

Wen Shaohua lowered his head and drank the Spirit Wine in his cup. The wine went down his throat, but he still couldn't suppress the bitterness, resentment, and deep regret in his heart.

His gaze inadvertently fell on another seat.

At this moment, Zhang Deling was talking to the person next to him.

Her features were delicate and beautiful, her clothes flowed like clouds, and when she smiled, she was like a fairy who had stepped out of a painting.

Wen Shaohua glanced at it only once before quickly looking away.

Nearly twenty years have passed, and he is no longer the arrogant and haughty young man he once was.

Some distances in this world won't shorten on their own just because you look at them a few more times or harbor any illusions.

This beloved daughter of the Xuanxiao Zhang Clan was far beyond his reach.

"Well..."

Wen Shaohua's absent-mindedness was noticed by Wen Yanran, who was standing to the side.

She reached out and gently patted the back of his hand.

She slowly shook her head at him.

The meaning couldn't be clearer.

Give up!

Wen Shaohua was silent for a moment, then nodded slightly, placed the wine glass back on the table, and said:

"Mother, don't worry."

I'm no longer the impetuous young man I once was.

They have self-awareness.

It's already a blessing that the Zhang Family and the Clan Leader's Wife haven't targeted my Wen Family; I won't do anything foolish.

Don't worry.

Hearing this, Wen Yanran withdrew her hand. "I'm very pleased that you think this way."

As she spoke, she looked at Wen Qingya standing next to Zhang Detian.

Watching her daughter handle the guests with composure, she felt both gratified and bittersweet.

My daughter is finally living a good life.

Some people respect her, some are willing to listen to her, and some protect her. She no longer needs to rely on forbearance to gain a moment of peace.

This is a good thing.

But the more this was the case, the more Wen Yanran recalled her unspoken protection of her family back then, and the silence she chose time and time again for the sake of so-called family stability.

She had thought that if she let her daughter be more patient, things would pass.

Only now do I understand that even though the event is over, the scars may not disappear.

An elder from the Wen Family nearby remarked with emotion:

"Qingya... she's definitely different now."

"She was never bad before, we just wouldn't look at it properly."

A brief silence followed.

An elderly clansman put down his chopsticks and sighed.

"Back then, when she tried to secure some Cultivation Resources for herself, I scolded her, saying she didn't know what was important and didn't understand how to be considerate of the Lineage."

Looking back now, all she wanted was what she deserved.

But it's too late to say all this now.

The wounds have been inflicted and cannot be healed.

From now on, just be loyal to the Zhang Family.

The elders nodded.

They said the same hurtful things back then, and even more so.

If only I had known she would end up like this...

"If only I had known?"

The elder clansman looked up at him and spoke in a low voice.

"There's no such thing as 'if only' in this world. We should be grateful. If it were any other power, my Wen Family might have already regressed to the Foundation Establishment stage."

Don't expect the Zhang Family's support in the future; just do what you're supposed to do.

The man opened his mouth, but ultimately did not offer any explanation.

After a moment, he whispered:

"It was my mistake."

Wen Yanran listened, her gaze never leaving Wen Qingya.

Among the clan elders, some lamented their relationship with the Zhang Family, some regretted the loss of support, and some finally began to feel ashamed of their words from back then.

But these regrets are mixed together, and even they themselves may not be able to distinguish how much of it is genuine heartache and how much is the resentment of seeing wealth and honor right beside them but being unable to reach them.

Just then, Wen Qingya happened to look this way and smiled and nodded at Wen Yanran.

After a brief eye contact, she raised her glass in a gesture of acknowledgment.

He was impeccably polite, with a calm expression and no trace of resentment in his eyes.

The Wen Family members quickly raised their glasses in response.

After finishing her drink, Wen Qingya turned around and continued talking to the guest beside her.

Throughout the entire process, there were no complaints, nor was there any deliberate neglect.

But that politeness only made the people at the Wen Family's table even more silent.

Some past relationships cannot be mended simply by saying "I regret it" or "I apologize"...

On Skyward Peak, no one was affected by the Wen Family's expressions; laughter and chatter continued as the banquet proceeded in full swing.

Family General' seat.

Jun Xiaoyao sat at the Spirit Table and ate heartily.

Feeling emotional:

"Zhang Xuanchen is quite an extraordinary person. If it were anyone else, after finally building up their Lineage and holding great power, it would be extremely difficult for them to give it up."

But he did it, he just threw it away without a second thought.

Why is my thought process so different from normal people?

Unfortunately, I can't see through him, otherwise I could observe your past and present lives from all angles!

Well...

Xiao Yan, Ye Xingyun, Han Li, Qin Hao from the Eastern Victory Mystic Continent, Bei Lingxi Qin Hao Northern Nether Snow Domain, and Wu Qiqi from Western Wasteland Great Marsh.

Keep going, time is running out for you Son of Calamity.