Chapter 43 - 43: Trouble and Fortune Part 1
Li Wei and Leng Yue sat under a majestic ancient tree, its leaves rustling gently in the breeze, creating a serene atmosphere. They were discussing the intricacies of the bout to come without a care in the world.
"Our enemies have been making hasty preparations throughout the night " Li Wei mused, his voice as tranquil as the surrounding landscape. Leng Yue nodded, adding, "In the pursuit of Young Master these minor clans have stirred up a storm, it is shame that their efforts will all be in vain.
Their hosts, observing this exchange, were rather stunned by their composed mindset and tone. Elder Zhou, who had witnessed this scene scene in the early hours of the morning, couldn't help but comment, "They speak of the Shen and Zhou clan like they are a passing nuisance, Truly remarkable the arrogance that youth brings.
Elder Shen chuckled in a grim tone, "Indeed, their relaxed nature is a stark contrast to the panic that is widespread throughout our camp." The elder had worn a lush green robe that had brilliant bamboo drawings embroidered on it, but he was in no mood to appreciate his attire due to the difficult circumstances at hand.
The elders gathered in a small circle chatting animatedly outside Li Wei's temporary residence, reminiscing about the morning's events. Elder Liu, with a twinkle in his eye, said, "I haven't seen such brazenness since the founding of Crescent Moon City, when all the five major clans were just starting out
Elder Zhang added, "Those were times of great unrest. I think the less fellows steering up trouble with big shots around our Liu clan the better." Elder Zhang was among the shortest members of the council, but he certainly made up for it with his rather loss lips and tall tales.
Elder Wang nodded, "A young buck does not fear tigers. Maybe that's why Li Wei and Leng Yue seem unfazed by the Shen and Zhou clans' threats, it is simply their inexperience clouding any sensible thoughts."
In his private chamber, Liu Feng sat alone, his expression a mix of anxiety and panic. The room around him was a blend of elegance and tranquility. Pristine tapestries adorned the walls, depicting serene landscapes and mythical creatures. Sunlight streamed through the paper windows, casting a warm, golden glow.
'Am such a fool...' Yet, Liu Feng paid no heed to the beauty around him. His mind was a tempest of worries, each thought weighing heavily on his heart. The argument with his spouse, Lady Chen Xi, the night before had left him deeply troubled.
He replayed the heated words in his mind, her voice echoing, "You're too consumed by your fears, Liu Feng. It's tearing us apart." She had stormed off to another room, leaving him in solitude.
Liu Feng clenched his fists, frustration bubbling within. "Why does everything fall apart when I need clarity the most?" he muttered to himself. His aura flared, causing the chair and nearby furniture to crack under the pressure. "Heavens, must misfortune plague me at every turn?"
Meanwhile, Li Wei, seemingly unbothered by the imminent threat, casually ordered an attendant to summon Liu Feng to the main hall. "Go and bring Liu Feng here," Li Wei instructed, his tone calm.
The attendant bowed, hesitating briefly before asking, "Shouldn't you provide a reason for suddenly summoning the Patriarch, Master Li Wei?" At the tender age of nineteen years of age, the young attendant spoke with a great deal of reverence to Li Wei. The manner he spoke to Li Wei was befitting the clan leader of a prestigious clan let alone a guest.
Li Wei waved his hand dismissively, "No need. He will understand." The flashy titles and honeyed words had long grown tedious to Li Wei, who cared little about such matters and was only interested in his own agenda.
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Just outside Li Wei's abode, a crowd of elders were still in the midst of tense discussions. However, their attention was immediately diverted to a young man that burst out of the nearby gate and began scanning his surroundings with an anxious expression.
Before the group of elders could question the Young fellow, the unseasoned attendant hurried off, his speed causing the elders outside to chuckle. Elder Hu joked, "If only our warriors were as swift as that attendant!"
Elder Sun roared with laughter, "Indeed! He ran off like his trousers were on fire!" The somber Elder Sun lost a bit of his composure as the seen that took place before him simply amused too greatly, it got to the point that fine yellow robes were nearly soiled from the spittle coming out of his mouth due to his amusement
"We have not time to amuse ourselves, it is imperative that the Liu clansmen must be assembled in the main hall." Elder Hu quickly got serious and reminded the rest of compatriots, who had wide grins and light smiles as the despondent helper could still be faintly seen running in the distance.
In less than an hour after sunrise, the main hall of the Liu clan was bustling with activity. Elders and important members of the clan filled the room, their presence emphasizing the significance of the meeting. The grandeur of the event was apparent, with prominent figures exchanging skeptical glances.
Elder Mu whispered to Elder Fang, "Do you think this meeting will bring any good news?"
The pair had always been good friends and lifelong comrades, who had endured all sorts of trouble together. As compared to several other Liu clansmen, these two elders were still clearheaded and weren't rattled by all the speculation and gossip.
Elder Fang shrugged, "Who knows? But calling in favors and making hasty preparations might not be the best course of action." The old man grumbled clearly unhappy by the decision made by the Patriarch, who had smoothly complied with Li Wei's wishes.
The room hummed with trepidation, the nerves of several Liu clansmen were on the brink of collapse. Yet, amidst this tense atmosphere, a faint number of footsteps could be heard moving towards the main hall.
As the doors swung open, Liu Feng entered the main hall with a sense of urgency in his stride. His usually composed demeanor was replaced by a look of determination and resilience. The room fell silent as all eyes turned to him, waiting for an explanation for his sudden summons.
"Li Wei," Liu Feng addressed him directly, his voice steady and unwavering. "You have summoned me here. What is the meaning of this?" Despite the chaos brewing within him, Liu Feng stood tall and resolute in front of the gathered clan members.
"Liu Feng," Li Wei began, his voice carrying a tone of formality. "I have summoned you here today to discuss an alliance that could benefit both our clans in these turbulent times."
The elders exchanged glances, their expressions wary yet intrigued by Li Wei's proposition. Elder Zhou cleared his throat before speaking up, "An alliance? Surely you understand the gravity of such a decision, Master Li Wei. The Shen and Zhou clans are not to be underestimated."
Li Wei regarded him with a knowing glint in his eyes, acknowledging the inner turmoil that Liu Feng and the council tried so hard to conceal. "I have a proposition for you, Patriarch Liu," Li Wei began, his tone measured yet filled with an underlying intensity. "One that could change the course of your clan forever."