"I am disappointed in you Tang Jiao. Very disappointed."

The Tang Clan Clan Head's voice resonated off the walls of the throne room. Tang Jiao began to sweat as he kept his head down. His father's very presence was akin to an oppressive might, and each word was like a weight being added on top.

"Not only have you brutally beaten the juniors from our clan, but you also heavily injured your own blood brother. Surely you know that by doing so, you are indirectly injuring me."

"Lord father I--" Tang Jiao tried to speak, but his entire body frozen.

"Silence!" The Tang Clan Clan Head released his actual oppressive might.

Tang Jiao's body smashed into the floor, so hard that it was as if he fell from the roof of the palace. The difference between the imposing presence he felt earlier and his father's real oppressive might was incomparable. His face bruised and his nose began to bleed, but other than that he was not critically injured.

"Since you are my son, I will let you off easy. If you weren't, you would be walking up the execution platform by now. With the Yan Clan starting to get more aggressive I need the entire clan to be unified." The Clan Head did not retract his oppressive might, he pinpointed it solely onto Tang Jiao, keeping his body pressed flat on the ground.

After a short while, he lessened the pressure of his oppressive might. Tang Jiao still felt the pressure, but he was no longer on the ground and resumed his kneeling position.

"Father, I wanted to tell you that I have found a clue to unlocking the secrets behind the jade pillar in the Yin Clan Ancestral Burial Grounds."

The Tang Clan Clan Head's eye's lit up, but his expression did not change.

"Speak." The oppressive might surrounding Tang Jiao decreased an entire notch.

"That slave from the Yin Clan, Yin Hui. When he touched the pillar a golden light appeared and transported him somewhere. Approximately two hours after that, my servant was also pulled in. I have not seen them since." Tang Jiao explained.

Tang Li who had his head down the entire time grit his teeth. The Clan Head shifted his gaze onto Tang Li and the oppressive might spread onto him. Tang Li's pupils shrank as his entire body trembled. He felt like if the pressure was increased anymore his injuries would rupture.

"Tang Li, I know you are close with that brat from the Yin Clan. However, is he really worth the endangerment of the entire clan?! If he received the full inheritance of that tablet, he could become a powerful enemy! Your actions are jeopardizing the clan just as much as Tang Jiao!" The Tang Clan Clan Head's energy flared in anger.

The oppressive might bearing down on Tang Li increased. Tang Li coughed out blood and his hands fell to the ground. He knew that their father would be like this. However, since Tang Jiao caused just as much trouble for the clan as him, the punishment would be reduced and split between the two of them.

Seeing Tang Li receiving a taste of their father's wrath Tang Jiao let out a wry smile, but it instantly vanished when the oppressive might increased on him as well.

"Both my son's have grown to be such disappointments. One is a traitor aiding a lowly slave. While the other causes strife and conflict in the clan wherever he goes. If I were to die right now and pass the throne onto one of you, we would have an internal rebellion by first light of the next day!" The Clan Head sighed.

"Tang Jiao, Tang Li. The both of you are to be banished from the clan for a year. You have a single day to prepare your belongings. If you are caught in the capital at any time during your banishment, you are to be executed on sight. Furthermore---"

Creak~~

The Tang Clan Clan Head quickly turned his head towards the throne room doors. Killing intent surged in his eyes. Whoever interrupted him had better have a good explanation, or they would share in the punishment.

An old man with a silver ring emerged from the doors, beside him was a youth around his early 20's similar to Tang Jiao. It was Tang Wan and his son Tang Bian.

"Forgive this intrusion Lord Clan Head. My son and I were simply minding our own business when we overheard something rather interesting." Tang Wan gave a respectful bow towards the Clan Head.

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

"Tang Wan, can't you see I am currently not in the mood... State your purpose!" The Clan Head boomed.

Tang Wan did not respond to the question, instead he motioned towards his son. Tang Bian walked up to where Tang Jiao and Tang Li were and dropped to one knee.

"I pay my respects to Lord Clan Head." Tang Bian said clasping his hands.

A fire lit inside the Clan Head's eyes.

"Tang Wan... I do not have the patience to deal with anymore brats! Even if he is your son, if what he says does not peak my interest, I will not spare him!"

Tang Wan stood with complete indifference. He looked at Tang Bian, but his expression remained unchanged.

"I have taught the boy for many years now. If he is to bring shame to me by embarrassing himself in front of Lord Clan Head, I will not bat an eye to whatever punishment you cast upon him."

An icy gaze appeared in Tang Wan eyes. The coldness in his face rivaled even that of the Clan Head.

"Even if that penalty is death." Tang Wan finished.

There wasn't a single change in expression when these words entered Tang Bian's ears. One would think that a person would be at least slightly affected if their own father made such a declaration, but Tang Bian continued to kneel solemnly before the Clan Head as if nothing was wrong.

The Clan Head locked eyes with Tang Wan. To the kneeling Tang Jiao and Tang Li, it looked as if the two were currently in a mental confrontation with each other. After a few seconds passed, the Clan Head scoffed and closed his eyes. He walked up to the golden throne and took a seat, his eyes still brimming with a strong flame.

"You may speak boy. For your sake as well as your father's, this better appease me."

Tang Bian clasped his hands and lowered his head.

"Thank you Lord Clan Head. I apologise for eavesdropping, but I heard that we are missing a slave who goes by the surname Yin." Tang Bian spoke very clearly and decisively, as if he felt no pressure at all. Despite a drop of sweat leaving his forehead from the Clan Head's imposing aura, his expression was calm.

"What of it?" The Clan Head asked impatiently.

"I recently encountered a young man during my negotiations with the Scattered Leaf Village in the outer regions. His appearance was very similar to a slave Tang Jiao used to pick on frequently. The man's name was Yin Hui and be seemed to be similar in age to Young Lord Tang Li. However, this Yin Hui was not a mortal, and possessed the power of a Spirit Waking Cultivator with no aspects."

Tang Li's eyes widened when he heard this.

"That must be him! How did he get as far as the Scattered Leaf Village? He even has Spirit Waking cultivation? Regardless of the details this is great news!"

Beside him, killing intent surged in Tang Jiao's eyes.

"So the brat survived. Furthermore, he now has a cultivation base and is in the outer regions of the province. Grr... I assume Tao Shou is dead then."

The Clan Head noticed the subtle fluctuation of emotions within his two sons. Therefore, he concluded that the person Tang Bian spoke of must be the missing slave in question. The fire within his eye's diminished and his expression slightly softened.

"Interesting. Well done boy. Unlike my son's, your actions have always been to the benefit of the clan. You indeed honor your father." The tone in the Clan Head's voice was very different compared to the one he had earlier. While it was still imposing and powerful, the coldness behind it was much lower.

"When you return to settle things with the Scattered Leaf Village, I will assign a vanguard of some of the clan's experts to accompany you. You will capture this brat alive and bring him before me."

A smile appeared on Tang Bian's face.

"Of course Lord Clan Head. I shall depart soon."

Tang Jiao rose to his feet. With his father's calmed state, the power behind his oppressive might weakened, allowing him to stand.

"Lord Father! Allow me to accompany the vanguard! That brat has most likely taken the life of my servant, I must seek justice!"

"Sit down!" The Clan Head's rage instantly peaked and his oppressive might was released once more, subduing Tang Jiao. He looked towards Tang Li with a serious expression.

"I have decided to retract my earlier sentence for you two. Tang Li, this missing slave is your responsibility. Therefore, I want you to be the one to bring this boy before me. If you fail, I will be extremely displeased."

Tang Li lowered his head, still kneeling.

"Yes Lord Father." His voice was calm, but in his mind Tang Li was elated.

The Clan Head returned his gaze to Tang Jiao, who's body was shaking from the intense pressure being placed on it.

"You on the other hand, will venture to all the branch families of the juniors you have bullied and apologize for your actions. You will then make amends by fulfilling one request of their desire. This can be anything, including the surrender of your personal treasures or torture. The only restriction is that they cannot take your life or cause permanent any damage."

"Yes..." Tang Jiao accepted bitterly. He was a proud person. To him, banishment was a lighter punishment compared to catering to the whims of the branch families.

The Clan Head retracted his oppressive might, leaving only the pressure of his imposing presence. While his expression was still the same, Tang Jiao and Tang Li could tell he was in a better mood.

"You are all dismissed, fulfill the roles you have been given." The Clan Head waved his hand in a dismissing motion.

All three kneeling juniors got up and bowed deeply to the Clan Head. When they left, only Tang Wan and the Clan Head were still present. Tang Wan looked towards the Clan Head's direction, but it didn't seem like his attention was on him.

"Elder Tang Wan. The Clan Chief is right here."

Tang Wan shifted his gaze to the Clan Head's eyes, giving a short bow before leaving the room.

When Tang Wan left, a frown appeared on the Clan Head's face.

"Hmph..."