Chapter 10
The Clan Meeting and the Three Clans' Proposals
Soft chirping of birds echoed throughout the vast territory of the Ashvaris Clan as the first rays of morning sunlight descended from the towering mountains above.
Golden light illuminated the enormous buildings resting peacefully beneath the clear blue sky while cold morning winds drifted gently across the stone pathways connecting different parts of the clan territory.
Clan disciples had already begun their daily training.
The sounds of wooden swords colliding, distant cultivation techniques erupting, and disciplined shouts occasionally echoed across the mountains while servants quietly moved through the inner halls preparing for the day ahead.
At the very center of the Ashvaris Clan—
The Clan Chamber Hall stood proudly above the surrounding buildings like the heart of the entire clan.
Ancient black pillars supported the enormous structure while crimson banners carrying the Ashvaris insignia swayed gently beneath the morning breeze.
Warm sunlight entered through the tall open windows of the chamber, illuminating the spacious hall in soft golden light. Long crimson curtains rested beside the windows, moving slowly with the wind while faint shadows danced quietly across the polished dark floor.
Several elders sat around the chamber upon elegant dark wooden chairs arranged in rows facing the front of the hall.
Some possessed long white hair flowing behind their backs while others carried calm yet authoritative expressions earned through countless years of experience and bloodshed within the cultivation world.
Low discussions echoed quietly throughout the chamber.
"The younger generation has improved greatly during these recent years," one elder spoke calmly while stroking his beard.
Another elder slowly nodded.
"Our influence across the northern regions has begun increasing once again."
"The neighboring clans no longer underestimate the Ashvaris Clan like before."
A faint sense of pride appeared within several elders' expressions.
After years of decline—
The Ashvaris Clan was slowly regaining its former glory.
At the very front of the chamber—
A large throne rested upon a slightly elevated platform beneath the morning sunlight.
Its dark surface reflected faint crimson light while ancient patterns resembling dragons and flowing clouds were engraved across its edges. Even from afar, the throne radiated an invisible pressure capable of silencing the entire chamber.
Suddenly—
CREAK—
The massive chamber doors slowly opened.
The discussions instantly stopped.
Cold winds drifted quietly into the hall as several guards standing near the entrance immediately lowered their heads respectfully.
Heavy footsteps echoed softly across the silent chamber.
One by one—
Every elder slowly rose from their seats.
A tall figure calmly entered the hall.
His long dark hair was tied neatly behind his back with a crimson hair ornament while elegant layered robes flowed gently around him with every step he took.
The outer robe carried deep black shades mixed with dark crimson near the edges while faint golden embroidery resembling ancient dragons and flowing clouds stretched across the wide sleeves.
A dark red sash rested around his waist, holding the robes together in a refined and noble manner.
Unlike the oppressive aura surrounding the throne behind him—
Azrath himself carried a calm and dignified presence befitting the leader of a great cultivation clan.
His sharp eyes slowly swept across the chamber.
Instantly—
The entire hall fell silent.
Azrath Ashvaris.
The current Clan Head of the Ashvaris Clan.
The man responsible for leading the clan back toward its former peak.
Every elder immediately placed their fists against their chests respectfully.
"Greetings, Clan Head."
Their voices echoed together throughout the chamber hall.
Azrath calmly glanced toward everyone before walking toward the throne positioned at the front of the chamber.
Without saying a word—
He slowly sat upon the throne.
For a brief moment—
Silence filled the chamber once again.
Then Azrath calmly rested one arm against the throne before his deep voice echoed throughout the hall.
"The meeting may begin."
The elders slowly returned to their seats.
An elderly man wearing simple dark robes slowly stood from his chair while holding several folded papers within his hands.
Elder Fin.
Unlike the other elders who carried overwhelming martial pressure, Elder Fin possessed a calmer and more scholarly presence. Most internal affairs, agreements, records, and diplomatic matters of the Ashvaris Clan passed directly through him.
He adjusted the papers slightly before speaking respectfully.
"Clan Head."
Azrath silently looked toward him.
Elder Fin continued calmly.
"Several official letters arrived during the previous night from three major clans."
A faint shift appeared within the expressions of the surrounding elders.
Elder Fin slowly unfolded one of the papers.
"The Dhairvans Clan."
"The Jyorath Clan."
"And the Veyrath Clan."
The atmosphere inside the chamber subtly changed.
Even the previously calm elders became slightly more serious after hearing those names.
Elder Fin lowered the papers slightly before continuing.
"All three clans have sent official engagement proposals."
His voice echoed clearly throughout the silent chamber.
"They wish to establish engagements between their clan head daughters… and the Young Master of the Ashvaris Clan."
"Eryx Ashvaris."
Silence instantly descended across the chamber hall.
Azrath's eyes narrowed slightly for the first time since entering the chamber.
A faint trace of surprise appeared within his usually calm expression.
"They wish for their daughters… to marry my son?"
His deep voice echoed quietly throughout the chamber.
Even the surrounding elders exchanged brief glances with one another.
The Dhairvans Clan.
The Jyorath Clan.
The Veyrath Clan.
None of them were ordinary powers.
Each possessed enormous influence across different regions while their foundations had existed for countless years.
For such clans to personally send engagement proposals toward the Ashvaris Clan—
Especially toward a child who had yet to even begin his true cultivation journey—
Was not something ordinary.
Elder Fin respectfully lowered his head.
"Yes, Clan Head."
He slightly adjusted the papers within his hands before continuing.
"But the letters specifically mention Young Master Eryx Ashvaris by name."
Before the chamber could fall deeper into discussion—
Another elder slowly rose from his seat.
Elder Vaelor.
Unlike the calmer elders surrounding him, Elder Vaelor possessed a sharper and more calculating appearance. Among all the elders of the Ashvaris Clan, he was the one most deeply involved in political affairs and the movements of neighboring powers.
He slowly folded his hands behind his back before speaking.
"Our clan is finally beginning to rise once again beneath the leadership of Clan Head Azrath Ashvaris."
His calm voice echoed steadily throughout the chamber.
"The influence of the Ashvaris Clan has begun spreading across the northern regions once more."
A faint coldness gradually appeared within his eyes.
"And now… they suddenly wish to establish relations with us."
The atmosphere inside the hall became slightly heavier.
Elder Vaelor continued calmly.
"But where were these clans when the Ashvaris Clan faced its difficult years?"
"Where were they when our influence declined?"
"Where were they when neighboring powers continuously pressured us?"
Several elders quietly fell into thought after hearing his words.
Elder Vaelor slightly narrowed his eyes.
"In my opinion, Clan Head…"
"We should refuse these engagement proposals."
Silence descended throughout the chamber hall.
The surrounding elders exchanged brief glances while Azrath remained seated calmly upon the throne, silently listening.
After a few moments—
Another elder slowly spoke.
Elder Myrvan.
Compared to Elder Vaelor's political sharpness, Elder Myrvan carried a calmer and more practical aura. Most of the clan's trade routes, cultivation resources, medicinal supplies, and financial matters were managed directly under him.
He gently stroked his beard before speaking.
"I believe we should accept the proposals."
Several elders immediately looked toward him.
Elder Myrvan continued calmly.
"Although the Ashvaris Clan is beginning to regain its strength…"
"We still lack many important resources."
His words caused the chamber to fall silent once more.
"Medicinal herbs."
"Cultivation materials."
"Trade support."
"Spirit stones."
"Rare ores."
"Even some of our external supply routes remain unstable."
He slowly lifted his gaze toward the surrounding elders.
"By forming alliances with these clans, the Ashvaris Clan would gain access to resources that we currently lack."
A few elders immediately nodded in agreement.
"He speaks the truth."
"Our foundations are improving, but our resources still remain insufficient."
"An alliance would greatly benefit the future of the clan."
Even Elder Vaelor silently fell into thought after hearing those words.
Though he still disliked the timing of the proposals—
Even he had to admit—
Elder Myrvan's reasoning carried validity.
Azrath remained silent for a few moments while lightly resting one arm against the throne.
Then—
He slowly spoke.
"You have a valid point, Elder Myrvan."
His calm voice echoed throughout the chamber hall.
"To increase the strength of the Ashvaris Clan…"
"We require resources."
Several elders nodded in agreement after hearing those words.
Azrath's sharp eyes then shifted toward Elder Fin.
"Tell me."
"What else do these clans seek from the Ashvaris Clan?"
Elder Fin slightly lowered his head respectfully before looking toward the papers within his hands once again.
"The letters state that the three clans hold great admiration toward Clan Head Azrath Ashvaris."
"They are impressed by your leadership…"
"Your cultivation…"
"And the speed at which you are restoring the Ashvaris Clan to its former glory."
The surrounding elders remained silent while listening carefully.
However—
Elder Fin paused briefly before continuing.
"There is also another matter mentioned within the letters."
Azrath calmly looked toward him.
Elder Fin slowly spoke.
"The three clans hope that the Ashvaris Clan will support them in the future when the time comes."
A faint shift appeared within several elders' expressions.
"They did not request support from the entire clan…"
"Nor did they ask for military assistance from all disciples."
Elder Fin slightly narrowed his eyes while reading the final lines written within the papers.
"Their request is specifically directed toward you, Clan Head."
The chamber hall gradually fell silent once again.
"They hope that when the future demands it…"
"Clan Head Azrath Ashvaris will lend them his strength and favor."
For a brief moment—
Silence filled the chamber hall.
Then suddenly—
Azrath laughed softly.
His elegant layered robes shifted slightly as he leaned back against the throne. The deep black robes edged with dark crimson and golden embroidery gave him the refined yet dangerous presence of a ruler standing above ordinary cultivators.
"So those old fools finally wish to approach me…"
A faint smirk appeared across his face.
"And now they seek to establish relations with the Ashvaris Clan through engagement proposals between my son and their daughters."
A dangerous yet amused glint flashed within his sharp eyes.
"Interesting."
The elders remained silent while listening carefully.
Azrath slowly rested one hand upon the throne's armrest.
"Send them a reply."
"I accept their proposals."
Several elders immediately lowered their heads respectfully.
However—
Elder Fin stepped forward slightly once more.
"Clan Head."
Azrath looked toward him calmly.
"There is one final matter mentioned at the end of the letters."
The expressions of the surrounding elders became serious once again.
Elder Fin calmly continued.
"The three clans stated that if Clan Head accepts the engagement proposals…"
"Their daughters will arrive at the Ashvaris Clan after one week."
"They will be accompanied by official messengers to complete the signing of the engagement agreements."
A faint smile slowly appeared across Azrath's face after hearing those words.
"They move quickly."
His fingers lightly tapped against the throne's armrest.
"It seems their enemies are far more troublesome than I initially expected."
Instead of concern—
A faint trace of excitement appeared within his eyes.
That reaction alone caused several elders to silently exchange glances.
Very few people within the cultivation world could become excited after hearing that powerful clans were being pressured by hidden enemies.
But Azrath Ashvaris was different.
His sharp gaze slowly shifted toward one of the silent elders seated near the side of the chamber.
"Elder Zareth."
A man wearing dark grey layered robes slowly raised his head.
Compared to the other elders, Elder Zareth carried a quieter and less noticeable presence. However, within the Ashvaris Clan, he was responsible for gathering information and monitoring external movements across neighboring regions.
Azrath calmly spoke.
"Find out who their enemies are."
"I want to know everything."
Elder Zareth immediately lowered his head respectfully.
"Yes, Clan Head."
After giving his orders—
Azrath slowly rose from the throne.
The surrounding elders immediately stood alongside him, their wide sleeves falling neatly as they bowed respectfully.
His calm gaze swept across the chamber one final time before he spoke.
"The meeting is dismissed."
The elders respectfully lowered their heads.
Without another word—
Azrath turned and began walking toward the chamber exit.
His robes flowed behind him like dark waves beneath the golden morning light while the massive chamber doors slowly opened once again.
However—
As he reached the entrance—
A faint thoughtful expression appeared within his eyes.
Silently—
He muttered to himself.
"Now then…"
"I should have a conversation with my son."
The cold morning wind drifted quietly through the chamber hall as Azrath Ashvaris disappeared beyond the massive doors.
And within the silent chamber—
Several elders remained seated in deep thought.
The arrival of the three great clans would undoubtedly bring new changes to the northern regions.
Political movements.
Hidden tensions.
Unknown enemies.
Yet despite everything—
A faint smile slowly appeared across the faces of several elders.
Because after many years of decline—
The Ashvaris Clan was finally rising once again.
And now—
Even the great clans had begun acknowledging the presence of Azrath Ashvaris.
End of Chapter 10
To Be Continued…