Twelve people were present in a spacious chamber with high ceilings, adorned with intricate tapestries depicting scenes of ancient battles and mystical landscapes.
As they sat in a circular formation, the atmosphere crackled with Qi energy, and a palpable tension hung in the air. Each person emanated a unique aura, reflecting their strengths and cultivation techniques.
These were the top cultivators of the Kilvish clan—figures who only gathered for matters of great importance to the entire clan.
Charles Kilvish, the clan leader, with black hair and eyes like Kaal, sat at the head of the round table. His face was more mature and sharp, with a black beard, giving him the appearance of a man in his mid-thirties.
To Charles's left sat Grand Elder William. His yellow hair and black eyes radiated serenity, and his gaze held aged wisdom—a reflection of the many hardships he had endured to reach his current standing. He was also the grandfather of Samrat Kilvish. Elder Alvin and Elder George were also present.
"The Jeral clan has crossed the line. If we do nothing, the Kilvish clan will become a joke in the eyes of the others," Elder Alvin said, breaking the silence. He had held in his anger long enough; the death of his grandson, Raven, was the last straw.
"Elder Alvin, calm down. We are gathered here for this exact reason," Charles said, understanding Alvin's pain—his son had also been attacked in the same incident involving the Jeral clan.
"But we still lack solid evidence to accuse the Jeral clan directly," Elder George replied.
"So you're saying we should just let it go and let our clan's name be stained? I always knew you were a coward, but this is a new low, George," Elder Alvin snapped back.
"Alvin, I'm not an idiot like you. If we start a war with the Jeral clan without proof, the five clans and four sects will interfere," Elder George shot back. He had always disliked Alvin, and now that his grandson, Lauren, had helped poison Raven with Kaal, he was especially wary of the situation escalating.
"George, you coward! Let's settle this right now," Alvin growled, rising to his feet and releasing his aura.
"Who's afraid of you? Let's go!" George replied, standing and releasing his aura.
Their auras clashed in the air, creating a Qi storm—the raw power of Truth Realm cultivators colliding.
"Enough!" A powerful aura exploded from Grand Elder William, instantly suppressing both of them. His Sea Realm presence dwarfed theirs.
"You both have valid points, but don't make a scene. Let the Clan Leader decide."
The two elders calmed down, returning to their seats as all eyes turned to Charles.
"I know that if we handle this poorly, it will be a slap to the Kilvish clan's face. That's why I've decided to move the True Dragon Competition forward," Charles said calmly. His words shifted the atmosphere to one of even greater tension.
The True Dragon Competition was the event that decided the next Clan Leader. For elders, the outcome could also determine their political standing within the clan. Once everyone had digested the news, Charles continued:
"We'll hold the final stage of the competition in the Jeral clan's territory. Let's award points for defeating their younger generation. We just need to make sure it appears that the Jeral clan attacked us first. That gives us the justification we need to retaliate, solving both our honor and our current dilemma."
Silence filled the chamber. All attention turned to Grand Elder William. If anyone had a real stake in this, it was him—his grandson, Samrat Kilvish, along with Kaal, who were the Twin Shadow Dragons and the strongest contenders for the title.
"This is a sound plan. It also prevents full-scale war by involving only the younger generation. What are your thoughts, Elder Alvin, considering your grandson died because of them?" Grand Elder William asked coldly.
"I support the Clan Leader's decision," Alvin said firmly.
"If everyone agrees, raise your hand," Charles said, looking around the room.
Almost every elder raised their hand in agreement.
"Then it's decided. The True Dragon Competition will be held next month," Charles declared.
'Son, I've done what you asked of me. I hope your plan works,' he thought silently.
Later...
The news of the True Dragon Competition spread across the Kilvish clan. Some were excited, others nervous, and a few burned with the desire to prove themselves as the true dragon of the clan, not just the Twin Shadow Dragons, Kaal and Samrat.
In a room full of blooming white Devlock flowers, a painting of a young man in white robes stood proudly at the center. He had green hair, blue eyes, and held a sword, radiating the aura of an ancient hero. A short girl with blue hair and green eyes stood silently in front of it.
"Brother, I will make it to the final round… and take your revenge on the Jeral clan," Divya said with a serious expression.
On the training ground, a youth with brown hair, brown eyes, and a robust build practiced his fist techniques. A scar ran over his left eye. The Qi from his punches had the force of a bull and the agility of a tiger. Suddenly, his aura turned fierce, almost demonic, and he punched the ground.
Bang! A hole the size of a small pond opened up.
"This time, I'll win the True Dragon title—not some sissies like the Twin Shadow Dragons," he muttered, staring at his hand.
In the underground chamber...
A teen of nineteen, with yellow hair and black eyes, radiated a kingly aura. He was Samrat Kilvish, grandson of Grand Elder William and one of the Twin Shadow Dragons.
"This time, Kaal... I'll show the world I'm better than you. This 'twin' title we share ends now. I will become the one and only True Shadow Dragon," he said coldly.
Meanwhile, behind Kaal's house...
Kaal sat cross-legged in the lotus position, Azure Qi flowing through his Qi veins—from his hand to his heart, and from there throughout his entire body. He opened his eyes slowly.
"All the chess pieces are on the board," Kaal said with a smile, then closed his eyes again and resumed cultivating the Myriads of Thousand Demon technique.