The hall plunged into utter silence, so profound that the frantic thump of every heartbeat echoed like distant war drums. Every gaze bored into Wang Tian, breaths held in rapt suspense.

  At last, he spoke, his voice a calm thunder rolling through the stillness. "It's been three years—when I ventured beyond the city walls to gather medicinal herbs for my brother, enlightenment struck like heavenly lightning. There, I broke through."

  Stunned murmurs rippled through the crowd. Wang Tian's words strained belief—peak Soul Formation from a mere herb hunt? Yet his aura left no room for doubt; they clung to faith in their prodigy. Wang Chun and the elders exchanged glances, thoughts ablaze: *This youth was already at peak Nascent Soul three years ago? His talent eclipses even Wu Ruolan, that sect-favored genius!*

  Wang Jian's chest tightened with guilt. *If not for my worsening illness, the endless comas dragging him down... Brother would have had time to cultivate freely. He might have ascended to Dragon Transformation by now. Nights at my bedside, days tangled in family duties—he sacrificed it all for me. It's all because of me.* Shame burned like poison in his veins.

  Sensing the boy's turmoil through their soul bond, Jian Feng's voice whispered in his mind, steady as ancient stone. *Foolish child.* "You needn't feel guilty. To your brother, you are paramount. He endured it all from love. Now, repay that bond with strength—grow mighty, aid him in forging the Wang Clan into an immortal dynasty. Dwell no more on the past."

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  Wang Jian's resolve hardened like tempered steel. *Master is right. I'll rise, shield my brother, exalt our house.* The shadows of regret lifted.

  Lost in their whirl of thoughts, all eyes refocused as Wang Tian rose gracefully from his seat. He bowed lightly to the elders, humility etching his features. "I apologize for not informing you sooner."

  The elders shot to their feet in unison, shock widening their eyes. The 2nd Elder, Wang Chun, stepped forward. "Nephew, what is this?!"

  Wang Ren chimed in, voice firm with loyalty. "Indeed, Wang Tian—cease this! As Patriarch of the Wang Clan, secrets are your right. You owe us no apology."

  Every elder nodded vigorously, waves of reassurance washing over him like a protective tide. Wang Tian straightened, a faint smile breaking through.

  They settled back into their seats, the air still humming with awe. Then the 8th Elder, Wang Lu, leaned forward, his tone grave. "Patriarch, peak Soul Formation is formidable, yet a mere fly before the Radiant Cloud Sect. They boast tens of Soul Formation experts—and even Dragon Transformation powerhouses. Have You had any deeper plan?"

  Doubt shadowed every face, the weight of rival might pressing down. Wang Tian opened his mouth to reply—

  The heavy doors creaked open. A figure strode in, cloaked in scout's garb, dropping to one knee with a respectful thud. "I greet the Patriarch!" It was none other than Jin Dan, his face calm and dutiful.

  Wang Tian's gaze sharpened like a drawn blade. *Routine matters first—clarity before strategy.* "Speak, Jin Dan. What news from the outer halls?"

  Jin Dan rose slightly, voice steady. "Patriarch, the eastern caravan has arrived with the spirit herbs and ores as scheduled. All accounted for, awaiting your inspection."

  Nods rippled through the elders—mundane, yet vital for the clan's alchemy reserves. Wang Tian smiled faintly. "Well done. Store them securely. Now, elders... our plan against the Radiant Cloud Sect unfolds thus..."