Hengsheng woke up with a refreshed feeling. Although he no longer needed sleep after entering the Qi Gathering Realm, he found that it still helped to refresh his mind and maintain clarity. Today was important—he would report to the First Elder to participate in the upcoming Metal Flow Plains Gathering.

He opened the door to his chamber and stepped outside, greeted by Lan Ju waiting dutifully as always. Her disciplined posture and sharp gaze made it clear she was ever ready to serve. Hengsheng gave her a simple gesture, signaling her to follow behind him, and started toward the Management Hall. He knew the way well—it was situated near the Clan Hall, the heart of the Lan Clan’s operations.

On the way, Hengsheng encountered many people, including several from the younger generation. Their initial reaction to seeing him was one of shock; their faces turned pale as if they had seen a ghost. However, to his annoyance, they didn’t bow or greet him properly. Instead, they scrambled away in a panic, muttering under their breath as they hurried off.

Hengsheng shook his head, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "Three years away, and they’ve already forgotten who the big brother is around here," he thought. "Seems I’ll need to remind them soon enough." He made a mental note to "re-educate" these unruly juniors when the time was right.

The Management Hall soon came into view. The grand structure was bustling with activity as clan members and staff moved with purpose. This place was the administrative core of the Lan Clan, responsible for distributing resources, organizing missions, and managing the daily operations of the vast family network.

As Hengsheng stepped inside, a staff member quickly noticed him. Recognition flashed in their eyes, and they hurriedly approached him with a polite bow. "Young Master Hengsheng, please follow me," they said, their tone filled with respect. Hengsheng nodded, his presence alone commanding attention and compliance.

The staff member led Hengsheng through the halls, past several chambers where elders and other clan members were busy at work. It wasn’t long before they arrived at the First Elder’s private chamber.

A deep and authoritative voice resonated from behind the door. "Come inside," it said, its tone steady and commanding.

Hengsheng pushed the door open and stepped into the room. The First Elder, Lan Mingzhi, sat behind a large wooden desk covered with scrolls and jade slips. His piercing gaze locked onto Hengsheng the moment he entered, exuding an aura of power and experience befitting his status as one of the strongest cultivators in the clan.

Lan Ju remained outside, closing the door behind Hengsheng as he strode forward. He bowed respectfully and greeted the elder, "First Elder, Lan Hengsheng reporting as instructed."

The First Elder gestured for Hengsheng to stand upright, his expression unreadable as he scrutinized the young man before him. "Hengsheng," he said, his voice calm but firm, "You’ve been absent for three years. Your cultivation progress is commendable, but the Metal Flow Plains Gathering is no small matter. Do you understand the responsibility that comes with participating in this event?"

Hengsheng nodded, meeting the elder’s gaze with confidence. "Yes, First Elder. I am ready to contribute to the Lan Clan’s efforts and prove myself."

Lan Mingzhi leaned back in his chair, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "Good. Your participation has been approved, but remember, this event is not just a chance to test your abilities—it is also an opportunity for our Lan clan.

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Hengsheng smirked faintly. "I understand, First Elder. I assure you, I will not disappoint."

The First Elder nodded, his expression softening slightly. "Very well. Report to the designated gathering area tomorrow morning. The journey to the Metal Flow Plains will begin soon, and I expect you to be punctual."

"Understood," Hengsheng replied, bowing once more before turning to leave the chamber.

As Hengsheng exited the Management Hall, he couldn’t help but feel a wave of relief. If he had missed this event, the Lan Clan’s standing in the Metal Flow Plains Gathering would have been jeopardized. After all, the other Qi Gathering cultivators in his generation were... well, weak.

Lost in thought, Hengsheng walked back toward his chamber, planning his day. His immediate goal was to create a Qi technique tailored to his abilities, cultivate diligently, and hopefully open at least one meridian.

"Lan Hengsheng!!"

The sharp shout shattered his train of thought. Turning toward the voice, Hengsheng spotted a group of teenagers. Leading them was none other than Lan Xiaorong, flanked by a smug-looking Lan Baixing and about 20 other young men and women. Baixing smirked triumphantly, as if he’d already won some unseen battle.

Hengsheng’s lips curled into a smirk. "Ah, my dear little brothers and sisters. What’s this? So bold that you don’t even bow to me? And addressing me in such a tone? Looks like I’ll need to teach you some manners."

The group burst into laughter.

"Hahahaha!"

"This fool really thinks it’s still three years ago!"

"While everyone else has been advancing in their cultivation, this lazy idiot suffered Qi deviation, got injured, and has been stuck at the early stage of Qi Gathering ever since. And now he dares act cocky? Hahaha!"

Hengsheng listened calmly, his sharp eyes scanning the group. It didn’t take long for him to piece together the situation. Rumors must have spread during his absence. With him not able to appear and set the record straight, they had taken the gossip as truth. Well… it wasn’t entirely wrong. He had been stuck in his cultivation realm, but they had no idea how much stronger he had become in other ways.

In his mind space, he had honed his martial skills extensively. Combined with the sheer power of his refined Qi, Hengsheng was confident he could take on opponents at the late stage of Qi Gathering. However, a glance at Xiaorong’s aura confirmed he was at the peak of Qi Gathering, and many of the others were late stage. A direct fight might not end in his favor.

Still, he didn’t feel the slightest worry.

"Well," Hengsheng began, his voice dripping with mockery, "you really don’t know your place. Do you all want to fight me?"

Baixing sneered, unable to hold back any longer. "You? Trash stuck at the early stage? Stop pretending to be tough and bow down to us! Maybe if you beg, I’ll give you a quick and painless sleep. Hahaha!"

Hengsheng chuckled, his expression calm yet dangerous. "Hahaha. Such big words for a little dog who only dares to bark when surrounded by a pack."

That hit a nerve. Faces flushed with anger, and Xiaorong, acting as the group’s leader, snarled, "I gave you a chance to apologize. Don’t blame me for what happens next!"

Hengsheng almost laughed out loud. This is just like three years ago. How nostalgic.

Xiaorong dashed toward him, his fists crackling with Qi, while the others prepared to follow suit.

"Lan Ju," Hengsheng said lazily, "beat them up."

Lan Ju’s crisp reply came instantly. "Yes, Master."

Panic washed over the group as Xiaorong froze mid-charge.

"You! Shameless! How dare you order your servant in a conflict between young clan members! It’s against the rules!"

Hengsheng’s eyes narrowed, and a smirk played on his lips. "Rules? I am the rule."

Before Xiaorong could react, Lan Ju’s fist collided with his face, sending him flying. One by one, the rest of the group followed, their bodies hitting the ground with dull thuds.

As Lan Ju dusted her hands off, Hengsheng glanced at the groaning group on the ground and smirked. "That should teach you not to mess with me."

Then, turning to Lan Ju, he said, "Let’s head back quickly before the elders show up."

"Yes, Master," she replied, her tone calm and composed.

Without a backward glance at the defeated group, Hengsheng strolled away, his smirk never fading.