The Ren Clan Patriarch's study was big enough to host a small war.
Sunlight poured through crystal windows, and at the center sat a massive chessboard of black obsidian and ivory. The air around it pulsed faintly — because, of course, even their chessboard was infused with flame qi.
At the far end sat Ren Tianming, Patriarch of the Ren Clan, Lord of the Southern Flame, and the only man who could make silence feel like divine pressure.
Across from him sat Ren Xuyan, eldest son and alleged prodigy, looking as calm as a statue — mostly because he had no idea what he was doing.
Tianming moved a piece forward with graceful precision. "Your turn," he said, voice calm and commanding.
Xuyan studied the board. Every piece looked the same — miniature dragons and phoenixes that glowed when touched. Alright, he thought. Just move something near the middle. That always looks wise.
He picked a random piece and slid it forward.
A faint hum pulsed through the board, the air shimmering.
Tianming smiled faintly. "Bold move. Yet deliberate. I see your temper has matured."
Xuyan blinked. "Ah… yes. That's what I was going for."
"Good," Tianming said approvingly. "Cultivation is not about speed, but composure."
For several moments, they played in silence — or, more accurately, Tianming played and Xuyan survived. The Patriarch's every move radiated confidence, each piece he touched lighting with gentle flame.
Then Tianming spoke, voice slow and measured.
"The Coming of Age Ceremony approaches. The heirs of the Nine Families will gather once again — to prove themselves, to test their Daos, to display the future of the Celestial World."
Xuyan nodded as though he had been expecting this. In reality, his mind was blank.
"You have not attended in ten years," Tianming continued, eyes sharp. "Many wonder why. The Ice Princess of the Xue Clan has already ascended to the Saint Realm. The Lei Clan girl commands thunder essence itself. And you…"
Tianming paused, watching him closely.
Xuyan's stomach dropped. Oh no. Here it comes. He's realized it. He knows I haven't advanced since my last growth spurt.
"…you," Tianming said slowly, "have been quietly consolidating your foundation."
Xuyan blinked. "...Pardon?"
Tianming nodded firmly. "Suppressing your cultivation on purpose. A wise choice. Geniuses who rise too fast burn too bright. You, my son, have learned restraint."
Xuyan smiled politely. "Yes. Restraint. My greatest strength."
"Exactly," Tianming said, full of pride. "And now, it's time to remind the other clans of your brilliance. You will attend this ceremony. Let them witness the power you've been hiding."
"Wouldn't it be better if I continued training?" Xuyan offered weakly. "I still have… so much to learn."
"Modesty!" Tianming said, beaming. "Truly, you are your grandfather's descendant."
I'm doomed, Xuyan thought flatly.
Tianming placed another piece, his tone shifting.
"There is another matter. The Ancestral Flame Sword has awakened. The family array detected resonance — it's calling out."
"Calling out?" Xuyan repeated, frowning.
Tianming nodded. "Its spirit has reawakened… in the Lower Realms."
Xuyan froze. "The mortal realm?"
"Yes," Tianming said gravely. "The sword of our ancestor has chosen a place of destiny. You must descend, retrieve it, and return in time for the ceremony."
Ren Xuyan felt a vein in his temple twitch. Go down there? How am I supposed to find a mythical sword with no guidance. I'm also sure the sword will reject me
"To the world," Tianming continued, "you will be in closed-door cultivation. Only a few elders will know of your true mission. Old Li will accompany you"
From behind a pillar stepped Old Li, a tall, broad-shouldered man who looked in his sixties whose eyes gleamed with quiet sharpness. His hair was silver, but his posture was straighter than most young disciples'.
He bowed deeply. "Old Li greets the Young Master. Rest assured, Patriarch — I shall guard him with my life. None shall harm a single hair on his head."
Tianming smiled. "Good. Old Li has served this house since before Xuyan was born. You could not ask for a better companion."
Old Li straightened, pride shining in his gaze. "To travel beside Heaven's brightest star is honor enough."
Xuyan gave him a polite smile.
The Patriarch moved another piece. His aura flared — faint, but heavy enough to make the air tremble.
"Check," he said.
Xuyan peered at the board. Most of his pieces were gone. One lonely phoenix stood awkwardly near Tianming's king piece. He reached for it, intending to pull it back — and accidentally flicked it forward instead.
A spark leapt across the board. Tianming's main piece cracked, then collapsed in a puff of smoke.
Both men stared.
"...You won?" Tianming said finally.
"...I did?" Xuyan echoed.
A long silence. Then, slowly, Tianming began to laugh. A deep, booming, delighted laugh that filled the chamber.
"Hahaha! As expected of my son! Victory through precision! You waited until the perfect moment to strike!"
I was trying to move it away from your side closer to mine, Xuyan thought, smiling weakly. "Ah, yes. Precision. Always important."
Tianming's eyes glowed with pride. "Truly, you are a strategist like no other. Go then, my son. Retrieve the sword, and return in glory. Let the heavens themselves witness your brilliance once more!"
Xuyan rose and bowed deeply, forcing confidence into his voice. "As you command, Father."
"Good. I will announce that you've entered closed-door cultivation. The others will tremble when you reemerge."
They'll tremble all right — probably from laughter, Xuyan thought as he backed out of the room.
Outside, Old Li fell into step beside him, hands clasped behind his back.
"Young Master," he said warmly, "the Patriarch's trust in you is absolute. To think I'll be part of the journey of the greatest talent under the heavens!"
"...Yes, well," Xuyan said faintly, "I hope the heavens are ready."
Old Li nodded seriously. "I've prepared spirit rations, talismans, a portable cauldron for your enlightenment sessions and multiple healing pills in case of injury"
We're only going to the mortal realm, Xuyan thought. "Excellent. Keep it up, Li."
The old man grinned. "It will be an honor to watch you retrieve the legendary sword. I shall write a poem about it — perhaps 'The Flame that descended'"
"Please don't," Xuyan said, though he smiled despite himself.
As they passed two servants, whispers followed them:
"Did you hear? The Young Master is entering seclusion again."
"Truly tireless. His Dao heart must be unshakable."
Ren Xuyan didn't turn around. He just sighed softly.