Strongest Family System

Hangedng light began streaming through the ornate windows of Robert's cultivation room, throwing elongated shadows over the gleaming wood floors. Robert gradually lifted his eyelids, rising from his profound meditation with fresh energy flowing through his spiritual channels."

"Through the night, his spiritual power had completely replenished, and all remaining soreness from blocking the assassin leader's devastating blows had vanished entirely.

More importantly, his newly formed Spirit Root felt more stable and integrated than before, as if the life-and-death combat had somehow strengthened his foundation.

"Robert rose and stretched his limbs, sensing the seamless circulation of spiritual power through his strengthened meridians. The soul essence he had drawn from the three dead assassins had done more than restore his energy—it had also granted him subtle understanding of various fighting styles and spiritual control techniques."

I need to understand what happened last night, Robert thought as he changed from his cultivation robes into his regular clan attire. Those Level 4 cultivators were not random investigators. They knew exactly what they were looking for.

Before leaving his quarters, Robert decided to check his current status. The soul absorption from the three assassins had felt more significant than his previous experiences, and he wanted to understand exactly how much his capabilities had improved.

"Current status," he whispered softly.

"A transparent blue screen appeared before him, seen only by his eyes."

[System Status]

Name: Robert Osborn

Cultivation Realm: Spirit Root Realm Level 1 (Early Stage)

Soul Power: 50000

System Points: 330,420

Skills:

Shadow Step – Level 1: Silent Footfall achieved

Twin Dragon Fang – Level 2: Coiling Scales Technique: Minor Success Achieved

Mountain Fist – Level 1: Grounded Form achieved

Soul Awakening Realm – Level 3: Soul Seed Formation achieved

Quests:

Main Quest: Strengthen the Osborn Family – Progress: 0.5%

After seeing the status, he was happy and was about to leave when a respectful knock echoed from his door.

"Young Master," spoke a familiar household staff member.

Elder Chris requests your presence in the main courtyard at your earliest convenience.

Elder Chris? Robert frowned, a hint of confusion crossing his face. The timing seemed a bit strange, but Elder Chris had always been a close friend of his father. He could tell that the clan elder truly cared about Robert's journey in cultivation.

"Tell Elder Chris I will be there shortly," Robert replied.

"Robert traveled down the estate's meandering corridors in the direction of the primary courtyard, with multiple servants offering polite bows during his passage. The dawn air carried a crisp freshness, scented with the perfume of flowering bushes throughout the estate grounds."

Standing by the central fountain, Elder Chris had his weathered hands clasped behind his back, observing the fish darting through the clear water. Though he was advanced in age, he maintained a straight posture and a sharp presence, the result of countless years devoted to his cultivation practice.

"Good morning, Elder," Robert offered, bowing respectfully.

"There is our Robert!" Elder Chris swiveled with genuine happiness, authentic affection glowing in his gaze. "I trust your sleep was sound? Your spiritual force seems exceptionally steady this morning."

"I appreciate your thoughtfulness, Elder. My evening's meditation proved very beneficial." Robert maintained a calm facade, though privately he questioned whether the elder might detect the minor transformations from his soul-drawing technique.

Elder Chris nodded approvingly.

I appreciate how far you have come, but there are some urgent issues we need to go over without anyone listening in.

Elder Chris's expression grew serious as he gestured toward a stone pathway leading deeper into the estate grounds. "Come, let us speak in my private study where we can talk freely."

"Following the elder down serpentine garden pathways flanked by old spirit bamboo and cultivation flora, Robert breathed in the well-known fragrances of therapeutic plants while noting Elder Chris's normally peaceful manner had transformed into clear unease."

"They reached a simple timber structure hidden in an isolated section of the property—Elder Chris's private study and meditation sanctuary."

"The elder set multiple privacy wards with fluid competence, securing their conversation from any outside interference."

"The chamber revealed decades of devoted study: cultivation classics, military analyzes, and area maps filled numerous shelves."Across the large wooden desk lay multiple scrolls filled with formation schematics, reflecting the elder's continuous pursuit of improved protective systems for the household."

"Take a seat," Elder Chris motioned toward soft cushions positioned around a short tea table. Without making a sound, a dedicated attendant slipped in, carefully arranging fine ceramic cups and expertly preparing high-quality spirit tea.

The attendant served up some aromatic tea to the two men, with the rising steam carrying a soothing essence that would help clear their minds and boost their concentration.

Once Elder Chris and Robert had been properly attended to, she offered a respectful bow and withdrew, granting them absolute solitude.

Elder Chris remained silent until the attendant's steps disappeared, his aged fingers curling around the heated teacup while his face turned serious.

"Robert," he started in low tones, "there are changes happening in our family that require your awareness, particularly considering the current friction with the James household."

Robert shifted closer with keen attention, recognizing the weight behind the elder's words.

"Your father has entered closed-door seclusion for a crucial breakthrough attempt," Elder Chris continued, his voice barely above a whisper. "This began three days ago, and it may continue for several weeks, possibly months."

The implications struck Robert immediately. In the cultivation world, closed-door seclusion meant complete vulnerability—cultivators attempting breakthroughs could not be disturbed under any circumstances, but they were also defenseless during the process.

"The clan head is attempting to break through from the Soul Formation Realm level 1 to level 2," Elder Chris explained, his eyes reflecting both hope and deep concern. But if the James clan finds out about his situation...

"They would launch an all-out assault while he is defenseless," Robert finished grimly.

"Exactly. This information cannot leak under any circumstances. As far as anyone knows, Clan Leader John Osborn is conducting normal business and fully capable of defending our territory." Elder Chris fixed Robert with an intense stare. "No one outside our most trusted circle can learn the truth."

"Robert offered a grave nod, grasping the massive burden placed upon him. This disclosure's gravity, along with what he knew from last night's incidents, created a far more perilous situation."

"Elder Chris," Robert said carefully, "I need to tell you something that happened last night."

The elder's eyebrows rose slightly. "What kind of thing?"

Taking a deep breath, Robert began to recount the events that unfolded in the woods—the trio of Level 1 Spirit Root assassins, the intense battle, and most importantly, the three mysterious Level 4 practitioners who had shown up to wipe out every last trace.

As Robert spoke, Elder Chris's expressio n shifted from concern to shock, and finally to barely controlled fury. His spiritual energy started to seep out a bit, making the tea cups on the table quiver.

"Three Spirit Root Level 1 assassins," Elder Chris repeated slowly, his voice tight with anger. "And you defeated all of them?"

"Yes, Elder. The real concern here is identifying who was behind sending those Level 4 investigators afterward. They were not just any cultivators—they were sent with a clear purpose: to investigate what went down and to erase all evidence."

Elder Chris stood abruptly and began pacing behind the tea table. "Our suspicions are true. The James family is backed by a stronger force."

Generally, Spirit Root Realm Level 4 cultivators tend to avoid cleanup roles unless the stakes are extremely significant."

"The elder ceased his movement and pierced Robert with an intense gaze.

"Be honest with me—did you leave anything behind that could lead back to you? Any sign that might expose who you are?"

Robert shook his head firmly.I was very careful, Elder. I used Shadow Step to conceal my spiritual signature and made sure to leave no distinctive marks or techniques that could be traced back to our clan."

"Excellent," Elder Chris replied, yet his face stayed deeply concerned.

"Robert, the danger here exceeds what we originally expected by quite a margin."

"If they are willing to send Spirit Root Realm Level 4 practitioners to scout, just think about the kind of forces they might unleash once they realize the clan leader is missing."

A thick silence settled in as the two men reflected on the possible outcomes of their thoughts.

The James clan's hostility, mysterious, powerful backers, and now their father's vulnerable state in seclusion—the threats were converging at the worst possible time.

"What do you need me to do?" Robert asked without hesitation.

Elder Chris settled back into his seat, his mind buzzing with strategies and possibilities.

"For now, continue your normal routine. Do you daily routine that maintains the illusion that everything is normal? But Robert..."

The elder's voice carried a note of steel. "If more assassins come, you may not be able to handle them alone. The next wave will likely be stronger, more numerous, or both."

"Robert matched the elder's troubled stare with solid determination and offered a reflective nod.

I understand just how serious our situation is, Elder Chris. I am set to concentrate just on my growth until Father completes his time in isolation.

Elder Chris took a moment to study the young man's determined face and felt a wave of relief wash over him. Though Robert was still quite young, he had already shown he could handle himself in tough situations, and his recent breakthroughs in cultivation were nothing short of impressive.

"Wonderful," the elder said with clear satisfaction.

Hey Robert, remember this: you do not have to carry this burden by yourself. Our heritage has survived countless years through united strength.

"Elder Chris rose and rested a gentle hand on Robert's shoulder. "When you need cultivation aids—tonics, arts, or simple direction—never hesitate to approach me. Your progress remains critical to our household's tomorrow."

"I owe you greatly, Elder Chris. Your faith gives me strength," Robert said, lowering himself in one last bow.

Their eyes met in silent agreement before he stepped away. Passing through the estate, dawn's light crept over the grounds, stretching the shapes of trees and walls into uneasy silhouettes.