The Duan Clan.
Bright yellow Gen Earth spell-light rose and intertwined. A man in a sandalwood-black robe stood atop the peak, lean and wiry, with a square face and thick brows. Already at the foundation establishment middle stage, he gazed toward Flat Lake far to the south.
A young man stood beside him in pale yellow robes. His bearing was distinguished, but his expression was grim.
"Father, the Zhu Clan is probably about to strike. But why come for us first? The Liu Household has been weak for years. Wouldn't they be easier to take?"
Anxiety showed in Duan Pingdu's eyes. From the Zhu Clan's actions, it seemed they truly meant to tear away all pretense and wage war. He knew just how formidable that man was.
"He has hated our clan for some time. He simply never showed it before."
"I have already made my position clear. Our clan will never walk his path."
Duan Chengsi watched the clansmen bustling through the mountains, activating the formation, gathering cultivators, and preparing their defenses. His expression remained composed as he said quietly:
"Back then, Emperor Wang was driven to his death by his ministers. He wept blood as he perished, and our Duan Clan played a part."
"Chen Weiyuan is old. He no longer cares to settle these accounts. Zhu Yucheng is different. Every waking moment, he thinks of washing away the injustice suffered by his ancestors. Naturally, he bears us no goodwill."
His presence changed. The formerly indolent man became like cold iron, his voice steeped in a chilling menace. For the first time, Duan Pingdu felt that his father was a stranger.
"Pingdu, if things go wrong, leave first and head to Dingji Mountain. Zhu Yucheng won't kill me. At worst, he'll seize the Duan Clan. But that Earth