Dark Tigerfire Family-

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A man in a cape walked in with a dark countenance. This was the Dark Tigerfire Patriarch. He sat down waiting for the report from the advisors. But his aggression was constantly rising as agitation built up to a possible explosive response to anyone who pissed him off.

A mousy man stepped forward giving his report. This was the new Steward who replaced his boss who met an untimely demise.

"Reporting Master, this is the most accurate information we have gathered. Many People in the Akademy confirmed it." He never looked up as this was a blunder on his end more than anything at this point. 'To inherit the troubles of my boss is just not fair! Where are the benefits for me!?'

"This Chu Xue has connections with quite a few people. Both these girls are nothing to worry about considering they have no real power in their families. As long as their families do not get involved personally, we have nothing to worry about." The Patriarch said with a dismissive outlook. "And the ability to battle above his realm with a fast cultivation speed will show gaps soon for the overall experience.."

"But Leroy of the Shentai Family is just as able to bring the entire plan down." Another aide said. "Steward Clement was unable to verify it, but I was able to. Leroy lit up several branches and his attainment in Professions was hindered by his age and may be higher than what he showed for testing. He battled Chu Xue during the Trial and won against several of the Rebels. During later events, he saved a member of the Tang Family in secret and helped nurse him back to health. As well as Victoria who as you know was heavily poisoned during a skirmish. Fighting against a teacher with higher cultivation and experience when doing so at several points from what we obtained."

"Hmm..." The Patriarch became contemplative.

"Let's not forget Leroy won the Tournament at the school against other Noble Families. While being in a lower position aided by medicine to break into the higher Ranks temporarily. As well as breaking down his opponent at several intervals with wit if that is to be believed." The aide said quickly. "Defeating the Jing Family patriarch and cowling several others after beating Chu Xue and Jing Van at the same time. He then fought against the man of the River Family and won I believe."

"And yet.. an elder tried to take advantage of a member of the retreating Dark Tang members to bring them back to our clan but ended up causing a ruckus. Even going so far as to torture someone to get information." The Patriarch looked annoyed. "Then they allowed them to meet up with Leroy which from what I understand did not go over well. What a mess to allow him to gain that information and we still do not have the escaped Dark Tang members."

The Dark Tiger-fire Leader was not happy about everything taking place. If his own son was anywhere as competent as Leroy, the clan would flourish. Yet a member of some other Family that was from overseas by what they were able to determine from testing his blood is shining brighter. They couldn't push to have family ties with no link to Leroy himself. The trouble of him not being a part of their family after spinning to the masses that he failed miserably.

Then the Light Lion-ice Family almost made a comeback. Luckily the one who could do so failed at understanding how to interact with people of prominent power. Both a high Noble family and a Kingdom's princess were interested in him.

"Ehem, I will make sure to fix this problem, my lord." Steward Clement was sweating bullets as his head stayed lowered. An elder of the Jing Family said nothing as he tried to make himself as small as possible to not incur the wrath of what was in store. "Just leave it to me to make amends! We still have Elders to move in the Jing Family!"

"With everything that has happened to the Light Lion-ice Family lately, Chu Xue may be a future problem." Another aide said. He eyed Steward Clement critically since a lot of it was his fault actually. "But the rising Noble of the Shentai Family seems found of the Families in the area somewhat. He delivered grains back to them due to an error in taxes after an imperial inquiry backed it up. As well as giving them a bunch of meat from demon beasts he took care of. Not to mention the cleaning of the Lake that provides ample Qi to the populace causing it to slowly flourish."

"Demon beasts and helping that Families out.." The Leader had no idea what a new Noble was thinking. Bad enough, he stood far away from the invitations of higher Families with various excuses leading others to speculate he would be a problem in the future. "There is no one of real interest in the Families, so why does he show such affection to bring them together? The Dark Tang Family would have provided most of what he needed if a Noble Family had to back his claims for any land. Unless he knew what strange practices the Family had planned."

"Well.." The Jing Elder spy finally spoke up. ".. I heard he did it to get close to the archives. But he didn't find anything of any note in any of the families. However, he did go to the lakes with the help of a Light Lion-ice member. He sold only a few things after coming back every other day. The young Lady of my Jing Family was also there from what I heard. Her cultivation and temperament had changed and the lakes turned for the better right around that time as well."

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Slowly most in the room believed an artifact had to have been found in the lake but the jumps in cultivation were not high enough to think that was the case. If they found something that could change one's cultivation as it did the lake itself who would not use it or better yet, sell it before anyone got wind of its properties?

"Maybe he didn't find anything of importance." Steward Clement voiced his doubts there was anything there really. Reports have said the water is colder than it was before and the suction holes are also gone along with the poison. "I will make sure to look into this when I talk to him later."

"Talk to him?" The Leader arched a brow. "If you think that will help, then fine. Make sure all the matters involving the Light Lion-ice Family are taken care of. As for Leroy himself, I think that son of mine needs to go and talk to him and make friends...."

The few aides that had enough power frowned as they pointed out the leader's son was no smart enough to handle the problem without making it worse. Quickly interjecting that Leroy may not be as high of a Noble as them but his Occupation alone and being an Imperial Inspector puts him in a delicate position that they could not intimidate using their position. The Leader's son was known to make unsavory choices, his tendency to force others in all matters to do what he wanted.

Falling into planning, the Dark Tiger-fire Family were slowing regretting spoiling the heir apparent and their decision of not reporting the plans of the Tang Family beforehand.

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Healing and moving on-

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Leroy had finally treated Tang Bo and Xiao Mei from the effects of the corrosion and other issues. Both spent the time honing their strength once more and cultivating diligently around the lake since it had the best Qi available.

Jing Lin was given the same methods as the others to improve her body and overall cultivation tips. Circulating the "flame crystal" from Leroy which was full of Flame Vortex Qi she made a splendid breakthrough after recovering the damage given from leaving her family forcefully when they tried to accost her for more details about Leroy.

If not for the techniques that could support her future growth, Jing Lin would have been stuck at the Foundation Establishment Realm for the rest of her life. But she needed to get up to snuff to survive the schemes that were unfolding among her family. Having lost to Xiao Mei who was both younger than her and a lower cultivation had her feeling embarrassed.

To make it worse the younger girl was troubled over recent events and recovering and still beating her was just a blow to her overall pride.

Chu Xue was actually at the lake with Jasmine not too far away with a problem unfolded. Each group is aware of the other, but not going over to each other only strained the situation further.

"Didn't you say Chu Xue was to be on house arrest?" Tang Bo couldn't take it anymore and had to ask. "I don't remember you saying it was lifted for any reason, so this is just disrespectful of your authority!"

"True.." Leroy's eyes opened having felt the time was almost right for a breakthrough. ".... leave them be for now. Everything that could be gained from the Light Lion-ice Family at this time has been obtained. Giving the food I did before helped from the unfair taxes by the Steward. The Jing Family matter was just a bonus and everything else was more than we need to get involved in."

With him the new ruler of the area he had to tread lightly until the government official came over and confirmed it all. The Shentai Family itself was small so caution was more important than anything to Leroy.

"I guess.." Tang Bo felt some type of way but shrugged it off. He had more important things to deal with, such as his family situation and Xiao Mei's Family possibly causing issues later. "Need to get the hang of this weapon!" Assembling a spear, he started practicing with it once more. Earned from killing a member of his own family he wanted to sell it but Xiao Mei was very insisted he didn't sell the power weapon.

"That bird is gonna get it! As well as the cat if comes with the trouble this time!" Leroy cursed under his breath. His chest felt painful from the talons that scratched him the last time he went against the bird. "Just wait and see!"

Spotter the fire bird was to the side enjoying the atmosphere. Its cultivation speeding up faster than before. It was excited at the idea of giving the beast in the area some trouble. This area proved a good hunting ground and a chance to develop wilder traits.

Xiao Mei and Jing Lin verbally trained off to the sighed discussing fighting techniques. Both detecting it at the same time since they were so hyped up currently. A few people were coming their way quickly with killing intent.

"Leroy!" Tang Bo called out. Having spent energy training, there would be no sense in them risking a confrontation. "Company!" His call made Chu Xue and Jasmine take notice. The two nodded at each other and moved closer.

Safety in numbers and all that.

"Oh, what the hell!" Leroy stood up furious after he stumbled on a technique that needed his attention. He was just about to push his cultivation when it happened. "Can't a guy cultivate in peace? Go somewhere else you brats!"

"Don't be that way!" Jasmine retorted as he directed his ire at them. "With numbers like this, we need to help each other!"

"Even you can't defeat so many alone!" Chu Xue argued.

"Is that a challenge brat?" Leroy's qi was already in the works since he was about to break through and implement the changes to that technique he stumbled with. Chu Xue was taken aback by the outright challenge and power his martial brother wielded. "I will take care of them all, in exchange, you have to "kneel" and apologize to Victoria, your family, and last of all, every man that walks the earth for your behavior. What say you?"

"You are going to far!" Chu Xue yelled back embarrassed.