「That night.」

Daylight faded, and darkness fell.

A bright, round moon hung high in the sky, casting a faint silver glow over the Fang Clan’s estate.

Within the Fang Clan estate, large red lanterns lit up one after another, illuminating the grounds with a brilliant glow.

Tables laden with all sorts of rare delicacies and precious wines were arranged around the core area of the ancestral hall.

Tonight, they would feast until dawn, with no one leaving sober. The atmosphere was festive and harmonious.

At the Virtuous Elder’s introduction, Fang Yang, Fang Min, and Fang Hao all took their seats at the head table.

Among them, Fang Yang was the youngest person at the head table!

’In the past, I was always at the kids’ table. I can’t believe I’ve moved up to the adults’ table so quickly—and the head table, no less.’ Fang Yang let out a wry laugh, but he sat still, feeling he deserved his place.

He lowered his gaze, his eyes fixed on the fine food and wine on the table.

Meanwhile, the Virtuous Elder and the others silently watched Fang Yang, Fang Min, and Fang Hao—especially Fang Yang!

The shrewd old elders of the Fang Clan had long since figured it out: as long as Fang Yang continued to grow at this pace, he would absolutely become a Dao Seed.

It wasn’t even impossible that he could reclaim the Carp Eagle Blessed Land within twenty-five years.

Furthermore, with the help of the Sen Clan’s main branch, there was a nine-in-ten chance Fang Yang would become a lofty Saint!

Whether as a Dao Seed or a Saint, he was the key to the Fang Clan’s revival. How could they not value, respect, and even fear him?

"Ah Yang, this is a dish of Eight-Winged Flying Fish."

"Ah Yang, this pot of Red Flower Clear Wine is from the Virtuous Elder’s personal collection. He didn’t even bring it out for your Second Uncle’s wedding back in the day."

"Xiaomin, Haozhi, you two should eat as well. Otherwise, Ah Yang will be too embarrassed to start..."

The Virtuous Elder and the others beamed at the three of them. Their attitude felt incredibly foreign to Fang Yang.

In the past, the Virtuous Elder had also looked after him due to his parentage, but it was mostly out of pity. Now, it was because his abilities and potential had earned the elders’ high regard.

’Times have changed. Am I really about to become the pillar of the Fang Clan?’ Fang Yang’s expression remained calm as the thought crossed his mind.

He didn’t show much humility in the face of the elders’ goodwill; instead, he accepted it openly.

Although the Golden Clan also followed the righteous path, it was different from the Great Xuan Dynasty, which was bound by Confucianism’s laws and regulations.

Within the Golden Clan, the more outstanding your talent, the more resources you were expected to seize. If you didn’t, others would see you as incapable—weak and easy to bully.

And that was precisely why the Fang Clan had declined so rapidly after that bastard Fang Nian fell.

As the banquet wore on, the atmosphere grew even more lively.

Just then, Fang Xili approached Fang Yang’s table, wine jug in hand.

He was actually going to pour wine for Fang Yang and admit his wrongdoing!

The scene left the onlookers utterly astonished.

This was because Fang Xili’s position and temperament had earned him a notorious reputation, but he was also frustratingly slippery, leaving others helpless against him.

"That old dog really knows how to read the room. To think he’d bow his head so quickly." His younger cousin, Fang Xuan, watched from a distance with a profound gaze.

"I can’t believe even Elder Xili of the Internal Affairs Hall is submitting to our cousin..." His younger cousin, Fang Lanxi, watched with a star-like glimmer in her eyes.

At that moment, many of the younger generation watched intently, as if searing the image into their minds to motivate themselves to strive to become the next Fang Yang.

After Fang Xili, one powerful Fang elder after another came to offer a toast to Fang Yang.

Fang Yang’s expression remained calm. He understood perfectly. He had long understood that those with power are always the first to be toasted.

Seeing Fang Yang’s placid expression, the Virtuous Elder said softly, "Ah Yang, rest assured. We will handle things cleanly."

"Hm?" Fang Yang glanced sideways and raised an eyebrow, but said nothing more.

How could all the grudges and hardships, all the storms they had weathered, truly vanish with just a single pot of wine?

Still, with his current status, continuing to squabble with the likes of Fang Xihu would indeed be beneath him. Besides, it wouldn’t look good.

Since the Virtuous Elder was going to handle it, Fang Yang would naturally wait and see.

「Elsewhere.」

Seeing Fang Yang so powerful, successful, and famous, Second Uncle Fang was deeply gratified. He quickly lowered his gaze, his eyes welling with hot tears, feeling he had not failed his elder brother’s trust.

Seventh Uncle Fang, sitting at the same table, remained silent. He simply clapped his brother on the shoulder and downed three more bowls of strong liquor.

...

All good things must come to an end.

In the latter half of the night, the crowd began to disperse.

Accompanied by his cousins Fang Xuan and Fang Lanxi, Fang Yang also set off, heading straight for home.

On the way home, many people actively greeted Fang Yang with warmth and enthusiasm, a far cry from their past indifference.

Fang Yang’s face was calm, but he sighed inwardly.

A few years ago, he’d had this same aloof personality, but everyone had considered him extreme and most had shunned him. Now, he was still just as aloof, but people saw him as tranquil and serene.

He was still the same person; the only thing that had changed was his status.

"Lanxi, are we sure this is the right way?" Fang Yang asked after a moment, a hint of hesitation in his voice.

The path they were on now was completely transformed, countless times better than it had been in the past.

Most noticeably, a peach blossom Spirit Plant had been planted every few steps. Though they were only common Tier One plants, their petals still drifted down, filling the air.

His cousin Fang Lanxi smiled faintly. "This area was transformed four years ago, ever since the news that you had surpassed all your peers reached the clan. The elders ordered everything to be renovated, though they didn’t touch your courtyard much."

Hearing this, Fang Yang nodded lightly.

Before long, he saw his own courtyard and cottage.

It was a rather simple and unadorned cottage. The only things worth mentioning were the vigorous old tree in front of the courtyard and the stone table and stools beneath it.

In his youth, Fang Yang had sat there, painstakingly studying the classics and scriptures, never letting a single opportunity for growth pass him by.

Now, Fang Yang gently caressed the uneven pits and marks on the stone table. For a fleeting moment, it felt as if he had traveled back through time, returning to those days of obscurity.

In those bleak days, the only thing he had to look forward to was probably the budding romance between him and Chen Ying.

Unfortunately, years of his careful effort had collapsed in a single day, right on the eve of the Enlightenment Ceremony.

Chen Ying had been stopped by her older sister, Chen Kui, and was unable to give him the Fire Eagle Essence as promised!

If not for the manifestation of his "Seek Fortune, Avoid Disaster" talent, he would have had to lie low in obscurity, waiting for his chance to soar.

A slow start means you’re always a step behind. He might have eventually risen, but he absolutely would not have possessed such magnificent momentum as he did now!

"Come out, White Feathered Eagle."

Fang Yang lightly patted his beast-taming pouch and finally released the White Feathered Eagle.

The White Feathered Eagle spread its wings with a loud cry and circled in the air. Its massive form was majestic and imposing, much like its master, Fang Yang, whose current status in the Fang Clan was now one of boundless glory.