Chapter Fifty-Nine: The Family Assembly

Two days had already passed, and today was the annual gathering of the Lu family.

Typically, the family assembly served to assess the cultivation progress of Lu family members, review their accomplishments over the past year, and announce any significant matters. Lu Han had departed from the inn early that morning, and Chen Jun and the other two were absent as well.

At dawn, sunlight bathed the Lu family’s martial training ground, its warmth a comfort upon the skin.

A clear, resonant sound of a bell echoed through the training ground, instantly stilling the previously bustling crowd. Everyone stood in orderly lines, attentive and composed.

Lu Tianhong strode slowly before the assembled family members. The family head always presided over these annual gatherings, and though Lu Tianhong had grown accustomed to it, gazing at the hundreds of spirited Lu descendants stirred his blood with pride—a sense of belonging only a family could evoke.

On either side sat three figures: Lu Tianlin, Lu Tianbei, and the master of the Mission Hall, Lu Hongying.

Lu Tianhong swept his sleeve grandly and declared, “The family assembly begins now!”

As his words fell, the bell rang again, guiding the gathering toward its climax.

Everyone suppressed the excitement in their hearts.

“You all hold a booklet in your hands, recording your contributions to the family over the past year. Please submit them now. The top three contributors will each receive a roll of high-grade martial arts techniques of the Yellow rank.”

All extended their hands, each clutching a black booklet.

Ten guards swiftly collected the booklets, while Uncle Fu and others began recording the submissions.

This public process ensured fairness for all.

Lu Tianhong nodded, satisfied with everyone.

“The old rule applies: release your aura lightly,” Lu Tianhong said.

He closed his eyes, sensing the energies.

His face brightened, and he murmured, “Two have broken through to the Innate Realm.”

If advancing a minor realm was difficult, breaking into a major realm was even more so—many spent their entire lives at the peak of the ninth stage of the Acquired Realm, most never progressing further. Thus, in the Lu family, those at the eighth or ninth stage of the Acquired Realm formed the backbone; Innate Realm cultivators were scarce, and only one had reached the Profound Lord Realm, old Master Lu, who had long been in seclusion.

“First row, far right, and third row, second from the left at the end—step forward.”

The crowd looked at them with envy; in the earlier aura release, everyone had sensed their advancement.

“Lu Wei and Lu Xiaoguang, you are excellent. I remember last year you were at the peak of the Acquired Realm. Now that you’ve broken through, congratulations to the Lu family for gaining two more Innate Realm experts.”

This would ease his third brother’s workload, Lu Tianhong thought.

“You two are promoted to deputy masters of the Honor Gold Hall.”

The master of the Honor Gold Hall was third uncle Lu Tianbei, responsible for outside business operations. Previously, aside from Lu Tianbei, there were no other Innate Realm cultivators in the Hall, so he never trusted anyone else with major affairs, handling everything himself and rarely returning home more than twice a year. Now, with two more Innate experts, much of the burden could be shared.

“Third Brother, with two new deputy masters, you can finally breathe easier,” Lu Tianhong said with a hearty laugh, genuinely happy for Lu Tianbei and for the whole family.

“After the assembly, you two may go to the Scripture Pavilion and copy a roll of introductory martial arts techniques of the Profound rank as your reward.”

A chorus of envy rose from below.

“No need for envy. As long as you work hard, I believe you all will achieve the Innate Realm, for I know every son of the Lu family is remarkable! Isn’t that right?”

“Yes,” the crowd replied in unison.

“What’s this? Such a feeble answer—have you no confidence? Let me ask again: isn’t that right?”

“Yes!” they roared.

The voices thundered across the training ground, echoing throughout Maple Leaf City, causing many to pause and look toward the Lu residence.

Uncle Fu had finished checking the booklets and handed them to Lu Tianhong.

“These three have contributed the most this year. Contributions are calculated by the number and difficulty of completed tasks. I trust there are no objections?”

“None.”

The contribution system was fair and transparent.

“First place, Lu Chao; second, Lu Guang; third, Lu Ran. Each of you receives a roll of high-grade martial arts techniques of the Yellow rank.”

“Lu Ran? How is that possible? He’s only at the seventh stage of the Acquired Realm—usually the top three are at the peak of the ninth stage!” murmured the crowd.

Lu Ran, among them, was delighted. “Father’s strategy is truly clever—making the top three in contributions means the position of young master is assured!”

In truth, Lu Ran could hardly make the top three—perhaps not even the top thirty. But he had a fortunate father.

“What’s the commotion? Are you questioning the family’s decision?” Lu Tianlin snorted coldly.

Silence fell. Lu Tianlin was the family’s eldest uncle—none dared offend him.

“That’s enough. If anyone has suggestions or requests regarding the family, please speak freely,” Lu Tianhong said, gesturing for calm.

“Family head, I request we assign more manpower to Morning Star City. Recently, demand for goods has surged, and we’re short-handed,” a Lu family member stepped forward.

“Uncle Fu, please make a note.”

“Family head, I would like…”

“Family head…”

….

Over an hour passed. Not many made requests; most were content.

“Is there anything else?”

Everyone looked around, shaking their heads.

“If not, then—” Lu Tianhong began.

“Wait, I have something to say.”

Lu Tianlin rose from his seat, interrupting Lu Han.

“Big Brother, you…” Lu Tianbei tugged at Lu Tianlin’s sleeve.

“Hmph!” Lu Tianlin shook him off.

“Second Brother, with everyone gathered today and the younger generation grown, isn’t it time to consider appointing a young master?”

A buzz erupted among the crowd.

Most, though often away on tasks, returned more frequently than Lu Tianbei and were well aware of Lu Han’s situation. Given his talent, he was the obvious choice for young master.

Lu Tianhong remained calm.

“Big Brother, whom do you think is suitable for the young master’s position? Speak your mind, and let everyone weigh in.”

Lu Tianlin’s expression faltered; this wasn’t the reaction he’d expected.

“Among all the family’s descendants, my son Lu Hui has the highest talent. But he’s currently at the Jinyang Sect. I’ve urged him to return many times, but he insists his ambitions lie beyond the modest Lu family. I can do nothing; otherwise, he would surely lead us to greater heights.” Pride flickered across Lu Tianlin’s face as he spoke of Lu Hui.

Lu Hui’s talent was considered above average even in the Jinyang Sect, and his master favored him greatly.

“I think my younger son Lu Ran is excellent as well; this time he’s among the top three contributors.”

“Lu Ran? Uncle, as I recall, there are several in the family whose talent matches Young Master Lu Ran,” Uncle Fu commented neutrally.

“Old man, who asked for your opinion?” Lu Tianlin glared at him.

“Furthermore, Second Brother, I think you’re too grief-stricken after losing your son, and these past three months managing the family have been overwhelming for you. Why not let me act as head of the family? When Ran’er grows up, I’ll pass the position to him. What do you think?”

Many looked at Lu Tianlin in shock. Those who understood saw it clearly: Lu Tianlin was outright demanding the family head’s position—not snatching it, but openly reaching for it.

It was as if he were saying, “Hand over the family seat.”

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