Inside the quiet chambers of his secluded courtyard, Feng Ming sat cross-legged, the dim lantern casting a flickering glow across his sharp features. His eyes were cold, deep in thought, piercing through layers of schemes and shadows.
"That Wang Clan member, he's either being overly cautious, or he's brewing something deep beneath the surface."
He narrowed his eyes slightly.
"I cannot act rashly. The Wang Clan won't dare take responsibility for my death not openly. They'd never allow one of their own to bear the blame of killing me. That means he won't attack with killing intent at least, not publicly."
But the silence from the other side disturbed him.
"Still, there's another possibility. Maybe he's not cautious. Maybe he's just disposable a sacrificial pawn sent by the Wang Patriarch. Someone meant to kill me and die in the process. That would appease the Feng Clan publicly. A neat little exchange, one corpse for another."
Feng Ming's thoughts shifted to his grandfather, the so-called protector who had made grand promises.
"That old man said he'd send his guards to protect me. But where are they now? Is he hiding, watching from the shadows?"
A sneer touched the corners of his lips.
Then came thoughts of his uncles vipers in fine robes.
"They've likely stopped trying to assassinate me for now. After all, during the clan meeting, that old man openly revealed his desire to eliminate me. But the foolish ones they might still try. And knowing Grandfather, he probably encouraged them."
His hands clenched into fists.
"It's clear now. Strength is the only thing that matters."
A calm resolve settled in his chest.
"Since I've already awakened the Concealment Mark, it's time to use those demonic sect fools. Their sacrifice will fuel my growth."
With a thought, the Concealment Mark on his body flared to life, its ancient runes glowing faintly beneath his skin. He activated the sacrificial array, and one by one, the offerings were thrown into its core.
Moments later, the array dimmed.
The feedback hit him instantly his cultivation surged. 8th level of Nirvana Realm.
"These sacrifices they're no longer enough," he muttered, eyes gleaming. "But the blood of a Wang Clan elite that might just do it."
Yet just as the thought tempted him further, he suddenly stopped then chuckled.
A cold, mocking laugh echoed through his chambers.
"Ah,how could I forget my dear grandfather? What a bait. I nearly fell for it."
He rose to his feet, his robes rustling like a whisper in the dark.
"You wanted to test the requirements for the array, didn't you? That's why you sent that Wang Clan brat. Not to protect me. Not even to kill me. Just to observe."
His eyes sharpened, reflecting both anger and amusement.
"Previously, I wasn't certain. But now I am. That Wang Clan dog is nothing more than a sacrificial pawn sent to die by my hands. A test subject for Grandfather. A trial to see if I can truly survive."
A pause.
Then a cruel smile.
"And yet he hasn't made a single move. No attack on the border. Nothing. That tells me he understands his role better than anyone."
Feng Ming stepped toward the open window, looking out into the dark horizon.
"Before, I wasn't sure if I could make him my pawn but now?"
He turned away, eyes cold as frost.
"Now I know he will be."