The morning air hung crisp over the Wen Clan estate, carrying the faint scent of blooming jade flowers. Though the sun had barely cleared the eastern rooftops, the courtyard was alive with movement—messengers and riders from distant clans arrived in hurried procession. Their presence, though formal, carried an unspoken weight. News traveled fast in the region, and today the currents of ambition would shift.
Wen Chen observed quietly from the eastern pavilion. His posture was flawless, his eyes cold and calculating as he noted each rider, each servant, each herald bearing the seals of the Shen, Liang, and Feng clans. Spirit Spring – 2 Springs pulsed quietly within him, a hidden reservoir of potential, ready but concealed.
Wen Xiaoyu, standing beside him, tilted her head. "They've come early. The regional assessment… it's no longer just talk." Her voice was soft but sharp, laced with excitement and caution.
Wen Hao frowned, brushing back his hair. "What assessment? Is this some kind of competition?"
Wen Chen's gaze did not waver from the incoming procession. "Not a competition. A recruitment assessment. The strongest and cleverest juniors from all clans will be tested. Those who excel will be noticed… and claimed. Those who fail… fade into obscurity." His voice was calm, but each word carried weight, a subtle command to attention.
The first of the messengers reached the Wen Clan elders, bowing low and presenting scrolls sealed with multiple clan insignias. Wen Chen noted the names on each seal: Shen Clan, Liang Clan, Feng Clan, as expected, but others as well—the lesser-known Yu, Bai, and Han clans. Their appearance suggested ambition far beyond their size, likely aiming to sow influence among the dominant families.
One messenger stepped forward, voice loud enough to carry across the courtyard. "The clans of the region hereby announce the upcoming Regional Disciplinary Assessment. It will take place in two months at the central grounds, located within the valley of twin peaks. All participating clans will be allowed to send three of their most promising disciples. Their skill, intelligence, and potential shall be measured. Elders, prepare accordingly."
Wen Chen's eyes narrowed ever so slightly. Three disciples per clan… and the stronger, more cunning participants would undoubtedly attract the attention of the larger clans. Even the Wen Clan could be caught off guard if they were not meticulous.
"Chen," Wen Xiaoyu whispered, her eyes flicking toward him. "This is an opportunity… but also a trap. Every clan will send their best. Shen Yuhao, Liang Feng, Feng Xiao… all of them will be present."
Wen Chen's lips curved faintly, cold and unreadable. "Observation first. Force alone will not win. Intelligence, composure, and timing will matter far more than raw strength." His eyes traced the riders as they withdrew, leaving the Wen Clan courtyard in silence once more.
Wen Hao, still unsettled, shifted nervously. "But how can we prepare? Do we… train more openly? Or… hide our true strength?"
"Both," Wen Chen replied, voice steady, coldly rational. "Reveal enough to appear competent, yet conceal your true currents. Those who underestimate you provide the sharpest advantage. Do not show the elders or other clans the full extent of your progress."
Xiaoyu's eyes sparkled. "You've hidden Spirit Spring – 2 Springs all this time… yet your control has grown. The same tactic can work for Wen Hao."
Wen Chen inclined his head slightly. "Patience, observation, and adaptability. These are the weapons the strongest overlook. Every motion has meaning, every glance conveys information. Learn to read them before they notice you."
The elders, who had gathered silently nearby, observed the siblings with measured expressions. Wen Chen noted the subtle shifts in their gazes, the hidden calculations behind polite nods and expressions of approval. Even among his own clan, ambition and envy thrived quietly, waiting for a misstep.
Later that evening, Wen Chen gathered Wen Hao and Wen Xiaoyu in the training hall. Torches cast warm, flickering light across the wooden floor.
"First," Wen Chen said, moving deliberately, "we train, but in ways that do not expose our full potential. Control your Spirit Flow, observe the subtle movements in each other, and anticipate every reaction. Feng Xiao and Feng Yun will test with stealth and speed; Liang Feng and Liang Kai, with force and aggression; Shen Yuhao and Shen Ling'er, with precision. We must be ready for all."
Wen Hao swallowed, feeling the weight of responsibility. "And what about… the elders from other clans?"
Wen Chen's eyes darkened slightly. "They are not your enemies yet. They are observers. Their role is to gauge, test, and manipulate. Learn from them, note their methods, and only act when opportunity presents itself."
Xiaoyu's voice was thoughtful. "Two months… enough time to refine, but they will be watching closely. Some may even attempt to sabotage competitors before the assessment even begins."
Wen Chen nodded, the faintest glint of calculation in his eyes. "Then we observe first, respond second, strike only when the moment favors us. Any overt move too early invites enemies and spies. Subtlety is strength concealed."
The siblings trained through the night, each movement precise, each breath measured. Wen Chen guided without showing the depth of his Spirit Spring, allowing Wen Hao to learn through subtle adjustments and observations. Xiaoyu's expertise complemented his, sharpening their collective awareness.
By the time the first pale light of dawn touched the rooftops, Wen Chen had already mapped out mental scenarios: the Shen Clan's precision versus Liang Clan's force, Feng Clan's stealth against Wen Clan's adaptability. Every encounter, every duel, every test had been anticipated.
He paused, letting the morning breeze flow across his face. The currents of power shift daily. The Regional Assessment in two months is a crucible. Allies may be enemies; enemies may be allies. Every observation matters.
Wen Hao approached hesitantly. "Chen… you've thought of everything."
Wen Chen's eyes, dark and precise, fixed on his brother. "Not everything. But enough to survive—and thrive. Observe carefully, act calmly, and conceal your true strength. Let others reveal themselves first."
Xiaoyu sheathed her sword lightly. "And when the assessment begins, we will know the currents. We will ride them."
Wen Chen's lips curved faintly. "Exactly. The tide favors the prepared. Let the clans plan, let them scheme. We will act with control."
Outside, the moon set over the Wen Clan estate, shadows retreating into the night. The upcoming assessment promised ambition, alliances, and hidden battles. And at the center of the storm, Wen Chen would remain calm, calculating, and untouchable—unseen, yet shaping the currents to his favor.
Two months remain before the Regional Assessment. Every clan will bring their strongest, their cleverest, their most ambitious. Yet Wen Chen will watch, learn, and shape the currents with precision only he can master.
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