NOVEL NEXT Chapter 13: The Tianlong Family Banquet
The grand hall of the Tianlong Family estate was bathed in golden light, the chandeliers above reflecting a dazzling display of wealth and power. Tonight was the first formal gathering of the entire Tianlong Family, an event that had never been held before in its history. For the first time, every branch, every elder, and every influential figure within the family was assembled under one roof.
The banquet was a spectacle, a show of the family's might. Lavish dishes filled the long tables, rare wines flowed freely, and the air buzzed with whispered conversations and silent power struggles. But despite the grandeur, there was an undeniable tension in the atmosphere.
At the center of it all, sitting at the main table, was Su Chen.
Dressed in an elegant yet understated black suit, he exuded an air of dominance that made even the most senior elders feel uncomfortable. He sat at the head of the table, a place traditionally reserved for the highest authority in the family. And yet, many in the room still refused to acknowledge his rule.
This banquet was not just a gathering—it was a battle of influence.
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Murmurs of Dissatisfaction
Throughout the hall, many prominent figures exchanged uneasy glances.
Tianlong Zhen, an elder from the main branch, took a slow sip of his wine before glancing at the others around him. He was one of the most vocal critics of Su Chen's leadership.
"This banquet is unnecessary," he muttered, just loud enough for those near him to hear. "The family has thrived for generations, yet suddenly, a single young man takes the helm and thinks he can change everything?"
Tianlong Wei, the head of the financial branch, nodded in agreement. "He's too high-profile. We built our strength by staying in the shadows, controlling things from behind the scenes. But now? Every major force is watching us, and our enemies are multiplying. This is reckless."
A few others murmured their agreement, while some merely observed the situation unfold.
In contrast, Wang Jun, Su Chen's most trusted strategist, remained calm beside him, reading the room like a battlefield. He could tell that many family members felt threatened.
But that was fine.
Su Chen had no intention of winning them over with words. He preferred to crush opposition with actions.
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The Challenge
After several rounds of polite discussions and hidden insults, Tianlong Bo, a proud and arrogant elder from one of the lesser branches, could no longer hold his tongue.
He stood up, his gaze fixed on Su Chen. "Young Master Su, forgive me for speaking so bluntly, but I must ask—what exactly qualifies you to sit at the head of this table?"
The room fell silent.
Everyone had been thinking the same thing, but Tianlong Bo was the first to say it aloud.
Su Chen, completely unbothered, took a slow sip of his wine before setting his glass down. He met Tianlong Bo's gaze with an amused expression.
"Oh?" His voice was calm, yet it carried an undeniable weight. "And what qualifications do you believe are necessary?"
Tianlong Bo straightened his posture, emboldened by the attention. "This family was built on generations of effort. Respect isn't given—it's earned. You, who only recently rose to prominence, have made many enemies, brought unnecessary attention to our family, and disrupted the balance we maintained for decades. So I ask again—why should we follow you?"
Many in the room nodded in agreement.
Finally, someone had spoken against Su Chen.
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The Response
Su Chen chuckled, his lips curling into a cold smile. He slowly stood up, his presence immediately dominating the entire hall.
"You talk about balance? Generations of effort?" His voice, though calm, carried an undeniable authority.
He took a slow step forward, his gaze sweeping across the room.
"This so-called 'balance' you speak of—how has it served you? Tell me, who was it that crushed the Bai Family when they tried to suppress us?"
Silence.
"Who was it that secured control over the financial world, ensuring that no force could challenge the Tianlong Family's wealth?"
More silence.
Su Chen's smile deepened. "If you're still unsure, let me make it simple."
He suddenly released a wave of pressure, his aura filling the room.
Elders stiffened in their seats. Some gritted their teeth while others instinctively lowered their gazes. Even those who had been whispering earlier couldn't lift their heads.
And then, he spoke, his voice cold and absolute:
"I do not need to convince you to follow me."
His eyes locked onto Tianlong Bo.
"I do not need to prove myself to those beneath me."
He took another step forward.
"You can either stand beside me and rise to greater heights…"
He leaned slightly closer, his tone sharp as a blade.
"Or you can oppose me and be trampled beneath my feet."
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The Shift in Power
The room was deathly silent.
Tianlong Bo's face had turned pale. His hands trembled slightly as he realized the sheer difference between himself and Su Chen.
This was no ordinary man.
This was someone who dictated reality with his presence alone.
The others, even those who had been critical of Su Chen, felt an undeniable weight in their chests.
Tianlong Wei, though still uncertain, recognized power when he saw it. He took a deep breath before finally speaking.
"It seems we have underestimated you, Young Master Su." His voice was composed, but there was a hint of respect now. "Perhaps it's time we stop questioning your methods and start supporting them instead."
Slowly, others began to nod in agreement.
Su Chen smiled faintly, then returned to his seat.
"Good," he said simply. "Now, let's eat."
And just like that, the banquet continued.
But everyone in the room knew—
From this moment forward, Su Chen was the unquestioned ruler of the Tianlong Family.
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Chapter Summary & Key Takeaways
The Tianlong Family's First Formal Gathering: All branches and influential figures attended.
Tianlong Bo's Challenge: Questioned Su Chen's authority, representing the silent dissatisfaction of many.
Su Chen's Response: Demonstrated overwhelming dominance without needing to argue.
Power Shift: After witnessing Su Chen's true strength, the elders slowly began to acknowledge him.
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Next Chapter Preview: Su Chen Expands His Influence
With the Tianlong Family fully under his control, Su Chen's next step is expanding beyond Huaxia. International forces have taken notice of his rise, and new challengers emerge from the shadows.
But for Su Chen, it's only the beginning.