Xi Biyu entered the side hall where most of the younger generation were lounging about. Her entrance had numerous eyes landing on her. Some with hostility and others with curiosity. The feeling of having so much competition among the younger generation was quite frustrating, but also got her excited for the challenge. It had been years since anyone had challenged her in terms of cultivation.

Walking in she was met by two boys who looked vaguely similar to herself. “I’m Xi Tian and this is my younger brother Xi Jianyu main branch Xi clan.”

Both Xi Tian and Xi Jianyu were older than her by a few years, no more than eighteen.

Xi Biyu could already sense the potential conflict and see just from observing the different factions among the direct descendents. The true competition for power within the Xi clan was between the first three children of Xi Zongde. Her mother had taught her the basics. The first and second sons who were the ones with the most influence and supporters. While the first daughter was nearly equal in authority to the second son. Recently the eleventh son had been making moves to consolidate support as well.

Of the more than twenty children of Xi Zongde, her own mother was the eighth daughter and second youngest.

Xi Biyu knew that the main contenders for being granted the title of official heir were going to immediately try and gain her support. A huge factor of that was how one’s child placed among the rest.

Bowing to Xi Tian “It is nice to meet cousin Tian. I am Xi Biyu, daughter of Xi Ning.”

Xi Tian's face didn’t budge at all. “Eighth aunt’s daughter? It is a pleasure to finally meet. We are the sons of eleventh uncle.”

After he spoke, Xi Biyu knew exactly what this was. Her mother had refused to directly support any of her siblings in their fight for the title of direct heir and was thus one of the few unspoken for potential supporters. While her mother had not married into a powerful family she still could tip the balance of power. Eleventh son had entered the Core polishing realm not long ago and thus was considered a rising star amongst the Xi clan. Considering he entered it younger than his older siblings. Which meant he was not in serious consideration for the position as well.

“I appreciate the warm welcome.” Xi Biyu was here for the simple purpose of advancing herself, but also gaining potential talented people under her father and mother’s banner. That way they can continue to maintain their neutrality in the conflict.

Walking past them she found a seat. The show was really going to begin when Xi Zongde came to the banquet later.

…

Xi city was filled to the brim with cultivators. It has become easier to sense them since Xi Shen opened his meridians. The energy they all exuded was much different than normal people.

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Zhao Yi didn’t originally plan on being here this long before the tournament. Now he had to figure out how to pay for his room for rest of time here and most importantly all the warm baths he wanted as well.

The bartender said that he was willing to cover the costs if her cleaned the dishes in the evenings. Zhao Yi didn’t see any issue with that since it wouldn’t interfere with his training.

Ever since entering the city he felt the amount of energy was dense. As of now he intended on just working a few more days before the tournament and figure out who the various forces in Xi city were.

The hours passed and Zhao Yi meditated and listened to the various patrons and quickly came to a few conclusions. The Xi clan had four main factions within it. Zhao Yi was surprised with the fact that the Patriarch had over twenty children, twelve sons and eight daughters.

The First son Xi Yan had support from fourth, seventh, eighth sons and second, third daughters. The Second son Xi Ming has support from fifth, sixth sons, and sixth daughter. The first daughter of Xi Zongde was also in the running with support from third son and fourth and fifth daughters. While the newest competitor for influence in the Xi clan was eleventh son who had support from seventh daughter, and the ninth, eighth sons. The only two who were yet to announce or publicly support any of the siblings were the two youngest of Patriarch Xi Zongde’s children, eighth daughter and twelfth son.

Zhao Yi had a headache trying to work out all of the infighting and factions, but he was not used to such things as politics. Nor did he care, but one thing was certain he didn’t want to get involved. Most of the major families were connected by marriage or blood to the Xi patriarch. Rogue cultivators didn’t really exist in the Xi clan’s lands. One would have to publicly swear to one of the families or risk having no backer should trouble ensue. If Zhao Yi wanted to commit to any of them he had to consider his options carefully.

Learning about the outside world far away from his small remote life in Zun Hu made him realize just how massive the world was. Xi Clan wasn’t even the most powerful force on the continent. While the Xi Patriarch was one of the few high tier Xian level cultivators he was the only one in the Xi Clan while other powers apparently had upwards of four to five. Still apparently he was one of the strongest and youngest of the Xian level cultivators. Most cultivators never made it beyond core formation and were never able to manifest their core’s powers.

Zhao Yi knew that it was at the Core attunement realm that one could truly be considered a cultivator. Though much of his knowledge of cultivation was from picking up information in passing, Xi Shen had shed a lot more than all the years he spent eavesdropping over the years.

Feeling the energy flow around him he continued to push it through onto his soul. When he poked it with his mind manipulating it he felt as if the energy had begun to become more springy as if it was solidifying, but Xi Shen had told him that older cultivators rarely could catch up to those who started in their youth.

The biggest thing he was concerned about at the moment was training his physical body as well which he hoped would make up for some of the problems.

*dak*

*dak*

“Zhao Yi, your time to wash dishes is up. I will make sure to prepare a bath after you finish up.” the maid from the previous night's voice broke through his thoughts. The next week was going to be intense, but no more than normal.

“I will be out soon!” Zhao Yi smiled he was finally going to move forward.