"Sir, this is all a misunderstanding. Please forgive us. In any case the Clay family won't dare to insult the Clark family."
The Clay family patriarch started begging as he bent before the senior Jim.
Enough! The senior Jim finally stood up with a serious face. Eon, I will take it as a first offense. Next time control your son.
Eon could only swallow his pride and nod his head.
Tony watched him with a smug face. Inside the family he is the king. He proved that again to all the guests and servants without any sweat.
And you? Senior Jim turned towards Tony. Even though this is not your mistake, your lack of it is evident in your cultivation. Next time don't involve yourself in these petty crimes, understand?
Tony, nodded his head, with the same smile, "of course next time you will see me as a new leaf."
Everyone, Tony then turned out towards all guests. Thank you for witnessing the justice. Now I want all of you to enjoy my family feast and congratulate my brother on his birthday.
Finally everyone's attention turned as they realized all this gathering is for the birthday of Leo.
Leo only sighed in disappointment as all the crowd watched him in silence. "I don't know how he do it… but my brother seems to always have the upper hand in every situation. Whatever it is… I must ask him to never offend the people from my Nine Lotus Academy."
The tension still lingered faintly in the air. Finally, Rion Clark, the Patriarch, stepped forward.
"Tonight," he began smoothly, as if nothing had happened moments ago, "is a day of celebration for my son, Leo Clark."
The guests followed his lead instinctively. Whispers died down in the next instant.
Power, after all, wasn't about addressing problems. It was about deciding which ones existed.
Rion raised his hand slightly.
"Bring the gift."
Three servants hurried forward, carrying a long velvet-covered box.
The moment it opened… A faint glow covered the stage.
Inside lay a sword. Its blade shimmered with a cold, metallic brilliance, but what truly drew attention was the handle- a finely crafted lion head, majestic and fierce, its eyes embedded with glowing gemstones.
Gasps echoed softly among the guests.
"That… that's a Sky-grade weapon…"
"Impossible…"
"Wasn't that crafted by—"
"—the head of the Nine Lotus Pavilion… Lucifer himself…"
Rion smiled proudly after seeing the reaction from guests. But only Tony saw the pain behind that smile. His father spent a fortune and used several favors to get that sword.
"This is a gift for my son."
Leo Clark lifted the sword, his eyes already lit with excitement. Compared to his previous Earth-grade weapon, this was on an entirely different level.
"Thank you, Father," Leo said, unable to hide his happiness.
Rion simply nodded.
Then-
Another figure rose… The Matriarch! She had remained silent until now.
In her hand was a golden object, intricately carved with layered symbols.
"A protective yantra," she said calmly. "It can seal an Overlord-level martial artist for one hour."
The hall fell silent again.
Such an item was not just valuable… It was a life-saving treasure.
"With the World Tree Blessing approaching," she continued, "this will ensure your safety."
Leo accepted it respectfully. "Thank you, Mother."
One after another, guests began presenting their gifts. Treasures… Weapons… Resources. Each more extravagant than the last.
At one of the side tables, Tony Clark sat alone. A glass of wine rested in his hand, its deep red surface reflecting the lights above.
He wasn't watching the stage. A faint smirk touched his lips as he listened to whispers from across the hall.
Near one of the pillars, the Third Elder stood with a group. His son Kevin Clark was beside him, his expression tight with frustration.
"Father, our plan failed again." Kevin muttered under his breath.
The Third Elder's face was still ugly..
Before he could respond, the Seventh Elder leaned in slightly. "Don't be impatient," he said calmly. "Kevin will be the first to receive the World Tree Blessing. And once that happens… the position of Prince will naturally follow."
Kevin's expression eased slightly. But the Third Elder suddenly scoffed.
"Idiots."
Both Kevin and the Seventh Elder turned toward him in confusion.
"You still don't see it?" the Third Elder said coldly. "Do you think my brother, Rion, is a fool?"
"What do you mean?" the Seventh Elder asked slowly.
"There is a marriage agreement between our Clark family and the Chinese Frost family. Regarding it, in a few months the Frost family's young lady, Lily Frost, has to marry our family's prince, that is nothing but Tony." The third elder said with gritted teeth.
Kevin's eyes widened. "…Tony?"
The Third Elder didn't answer.
"That's impossible!" Kevin blurted out. "Lily Frost is the top genius of this generation! She's already a core disciple in the Nine Lotus Academy! How can she marry him?!"
The Seventh Elder's expression turned grim.
"I don't know what that woman is thinking," the Third Elder said through gritted teeth. "But the Frost family has already agreed. The contract cannot be broken."
A heavy silence followed.
The Seventh-Elder exhaled slowly. "…Now I understand. Rion isn't just securing Tony's position… He's replacing it."
"What?" Kevin frowned.
"With Lily Frost… If she enters our family… her authority, her strength… everything will shift toward Tony." the Seventh Elder said quietly.
The Third Elder nodded. "Our entire family could fall under her influence."
Kevin clenched his fists. "That can't happen."
The Third Elder turned toward him. "It won't. Because you will stop it. You will receive the World Tree Blessing first,"
"And not just any blessing… you must get an inheritance during world tree blessing. Then you can easily replace Tony and also marry Lily Frost." The third-elder said with a serious look.
"If you succeed," the Seventh Elder added, "no one will be able to challenge your claim as Prince."
A slow smile formed on Kevin's face. Because he understood… He can have the Jade beauty Lily Frost as his wife! Who wouldn't want her?!
At that exact moment…
A voice cut through the conversation. "My dear Third Elder…"
They froze.