The duo was ushered into a well-crafted carriage, following General Zhang Li and her entourage. Being the only ones deemed worthy of her attention, Zhang Li treated her guests with the utmost care.
The interior of the carriage was a stark contrast to its sharp and stern exterior, it was painted in a deep red reminiscent of her dress and adorned with intricate floral embroideries, embedded with shimmering crystals.
The luxurious setting seemed to be a reflection of the general's complex nature—both fierce and elegant.
Inside the carriage, Wei Xi and Yan Jin sat together, facing the Zhang siblings. Zhang Li, her sharp eyes resting on the pair, broke the silence. "We have introduced ourselves. It is your turn."
"I am Xiao Xi, and this is my brother, Huang," Wei Xi replied in a serious tone.
"Huang? What a daring name," Zhang San scoffed, unable to hide his disdain. The name "Huang," meaning emperor, was a title that carried immense weight and implied audacity in a world where true emperors were few and far between.
Zhang Li shot her younger brother a deadly glare, silencing him before he could further insult their guests. "I will be direct," she continued, "I want you to join our pavilion. I will do everything I can to support your growth."
Yan Jin listened carefully and replied without hesitation. "Your offer is very tempting, but I cannot accept. Though I have a particular attachment to your Treasure Pavilion, I have already accepted the offer of an old man. I don't have the habit of going back on my promises."
Zhang San, always hotheaded sneered at the response. "What old man? This is the Archduke's offer! How dare you decline because of—"
Before he could finish, Zhang Li kicked her brother out of the moving carriage , in a rare display of frustration. The door slammed shut behind him, leaving the inside of the carriage in stunned silence.
Zhang Li, clearly annoyed, took a moment to regain her composure.
"Now that he is gone, let's discuss this further," Zhang Li said, her voice calmer, though a hint of irritation still lingered. "You said you have some connection to our Treasure Pavilion?"
"Yes," Yan Jin replied simply, producing a small, worn token from within his robes. He tossed it gently towards Zhang Li.(Chapter 15. )
"If you agree to join the pavilion, you will be directly under me like Zhang San, I will offer you full resources and the backing of the Pavilion" She insisted in a serious tone.
Wei Xi turned to Yan Jin for help but received no indications from him. It meant he would have to take a decision right here right now for his future.
Wei XI realized what he was missing as warrior, he was raised within the confinements of Pine City, sheltered by his grandfather, this had blinded him to the reality of life and the greed of humans. He always thought the enemies were the blood beasts, the blood witches, but not people who had inspired him.
Thinking about the lifeless body of his grandfather and the opportunity presented to him he asked a bold question.
"General Zhang Li what is your dream?"
" I... " taken aback from the question she could not help but think about her younger days,
"In the Pi continent 6 Families reign supreme, Zhang, Tang, Shao, Nie, Luo and Xiao because of their deep and long-lasting heritages. Being from these families is almost as being born into royalty. At least that is how this incredible privilege is paraded on the surface. But it is also being born in a world of madness, Violence and treachery.
Zhang San and I lost our mother to the schemes, had it not been for my talent, we would have been like the thousands casualty that happen every generation. I just want enough power to protect my brother..." She replied.
The response was satisfying to Wei Xi, she had demonstrated drive and empathy, which were qualities he would have to require in a leader he would follow. "I accept." he replied.
"Before that I need to tell you about how we got here."
Wei Xi went on to narrate the story about how they met and how they participated in the iron blood cell tournament and won, the apparition of the stem cell, and the blood witch, the destruction of the city, and Nie Li.
Zhang Li was stupefied by the journey of these young men before her. "Nie li, comes from the direct lineage of the Nie family, he has incredibly deep ties In the Golden Warriors organization, there is absolutely no chance that he will receive punishment beyond a slap on the wrist. He kept the appearance of another imperial bloodline a secret because he wanted to rack achievement.
He is still as virtue less as I remember. You don't have to worry about him, with the backing of the Treasure Pavilion he won't be able to act rashly at least not in public"