Chen POV "If the young master needs anything, just call for me."Marcus stood outside my room, speaking through the closed door. His voice sounded nervous, like he expected me to yell at him or throw something.I opened the door and saw him flinch. The old Wei must have been truly terrible to him."Uncle Marcus, would you walk through the city with me? I feel restless staying inside all day. Maybe seeing the city will clear my mind."He stared at me like I'd grown a second head. "Y-yes, young master," he stammered.I could tell he didn't want to go. The original Wei's memories explained why—every time the old Wei went into the city, he caused trouble. Fights broke out. People got hurt. The city residents had learned to hate the sight of him.But I wasn't the old Wei anymore. I needed to see the city with my own eyes and understand the situation better.After preparing, I left my room. Marcus followed behind me, looking like a man walking toward his doom. We passed through the main ga

Chen POV Knock, knock, knock."Young master Chen Wei!"I woke to frantic pounding on my door. Sunlight streamed through my window—I'd overslept after cultivating late into the night."Young master, you must come quickly! The family leader has called an emergency meeting!"I recognized the voice. One of the household servants, sounding panicked."I'll be there soon," I called back.I washed and dressed quickly, then rushed toward the main hall. Other family members were also hurrying there, their faces worried. Something serious had happened.The main hall was packed when I arrived. All seven of my uncles stood along the walls. Grandfather sat in his chair at the front, his face grave. Several servants waited near the doors."Wei, come sit beside me," grandfather said when he saw me.I moved through the crowd and took the seat next to him. Everyone watched me carefully, still adjusting to my changed behavior.Grandfather stood, and the room fell silent immediately."I've received trou

Chen POV "Evidence that the Four Pillars maintain their power through cultivation resource monopolies. They control the best herb gardens, the most productive mines, the most talented craftsmen. Any family that gets too strong or independent gets... eliminated. Usually through arranged accidents."Uncle Feng's hands clenched into fists. "The Chen family was too successful. So they targeted us.""Exactly. Your father discovered that one of the Four Pillars families has agents planted in many prominent clans—including yours and the Zhao family. These agents work to weaken the families from inside. Sabotage, misinformation, creating conflicts."I felt cold. "There's a traitor in our family?""Your father believed so. He was trying to identify them when he disappeared.""Do you know what happened to him?"Lin Wei shook his head. "He came here one last time, ten years ago. He said he'd finally found proof of everything—actual documents showing the Four Pillars' conspiracy. He was taking t

Chen POV The conspiracy was centuries old. Four families had discovered a way to cultivate using forbidden techniques that required sacrificing others' life force. These techniques let them advance quickly and live far longer than normal. But they needed a constant supply of victims.So they created the system that controlled the kingdom. They became the hidden power behind the throne. They decided which families could prosper and which had to fall. Anyone who grew too strong got destroyed—usually through manufactured conflicts with neighboring families."Your mother discovered evidence of this by accident," Mei Lin explained. "She was researching old records for a history project and found references to the Four Pillars going back hundreds of years. The same family names appearing again and again, never aging, always in power. She told your father, and he started investigating. That's when they killed her.""How did my family become a target?" I asked."Your father was a genius. He

The rest of the morning was a blur of final preparations. Uncle Feng insisted on making sure I had weapons, healing pills, protective talismans—every defensive item he could think of. Marcus packed my clothes and supplies. My other uncles gave advice and warnings.Finally, it was time to leave.The entire family gathered to see me off. Even my younger cousins—the daughters of my uncles—came to say goodbye. I realized with surprise that many of them were crying.They care about me, I thought. Despite everything the old Chen Wei did, they still care."Take care of yourself, young master," Marcus said, wiping his eyes. "Come back safely.""I will, Uncle Marcus. Watch over my grandfather for me."Uncle Feng walked with me to the city gates. Four family guards came along, their job to escort me to the academy safely."Remember everything I taught you," Uncle Feng said. "Trust your instincts. Don't take unnecessary risks. And contact us if you need help—we'll come immediately.""Thank you f