Strongest Family System

Mathew maintained his downward gaze, controlling his breathing before responding. 'Elder Tom, my James family confronts a challenging predicament. Adversaries are emerging to oppose us, endangering our clan's very foundations. My deceased grandfather passed this token to me, explaining that should the James clan encounter peril beyond our capacity to endure, we might appeal for the Walker clan's assistance. Now, I have arrived to honor that directive and seek counsel from your respected family.

The words were clear, respectful, and heavy with intent. Elder Tom's gaze sharpened, though his expression remained calm. He tapped his finger against the armrest once, the sound echoing across the hall.

"Very well," he said at last. "Because you hold the token, I am open to hearing what you have to say. Just a reminder, Mathew James—this token allows for one favor only, not an infinite number. Speak carefully, for the Walker clan does not move without purpose."

Mathew James gave a slight bow once again, then raised his head just a bit.

His voice carried steady respect.

"Elder Tom, the James family encounters mounting opposition throughout Magical City. A competing house that should have been eliminated years ago has instead started gaining power. They have obtained riches, potion masters, and external backing."

Their influence is spreading, and if left unchecked, they may one day challenge not just us but even disturb the balance in the province."

He paused, choosing his words carefully. "That clan is the Osborn clan." The name hung in the air like a stone cast into still water.

Elder Tom leaned back, his eyes narrowing faintly. "The Osborns… A provincial family. I did not expect them to cause such waves. And yet, here you stand, using your grandfather's token to summon aid from the Walker clan because of them."

Mathew clasped his fists tightly. "Elder, I would not dare disturb your peace if the matter were trivial. The Osborns have alchemists producing lines of high-quality pills. Their market influence grows daily, and merchants that once dealt with the James clan now turn to them. Even in cultivation, their younger generation has shown unusual progress."

Elder Tom was silent for a long moment. His expression remained calm, but his gaze carried weight that pressed heavily against Mathew's chest. Finally, he spoke. You ask for aid. Tell me, Mathew James, what exactly do you expect of the Walker clan? Do you seek warriors to crush them? Or influence to stifle their growth in the shadows?

Mathew drew a slow breath before answering. Elder Tom, I really understand how significant this request is. However, the James clan by itself is not enough to tackle the Osborn threat.

I seek the Walker clan's support in both strength and pressure—so that the Osborn name is cut off before it spreads further."

Once again, Elder Tom's fingers tapped rhythmically on the armrest. His eyes grew sharp. "Very well. Since you used the token, the Walker clan will consider your plea. But understand this, Mathew James—the Walkers are not tools to be pointed at petty rivals. If we move, it will be decisive, and it will have its price."

Mathew bowed deeply again, his forehead almost touching the cold floor tiles. He replied, "I understand." Elder Tom said, "Wait here. I will discuss this with the higher elders and let you know the decision."

With that, he rose and left the main hall. Mathew James remained kneeling, his palms damp with sweat. The silence of the vast hall pressed on him, each passing moment stretching longer than the last. His grandfather's words echoed in his mind—This token will buy us one chance with the Walker clan. Do not waste it.

Half an hour crawled by. Mathew's jaw tightened. If they refuse… Then the James clan may truly fall behind the Osborns.

At last, the heavy doors opened. Elder Tom stepped back into the hall, his expression unreadable. Mathew let out a breath he had not realized he was holding, his shoulders easing slightly as Elder Tom approached the platform once more.

As Elder Tom strolled back to his seat, he kept his hands neatly folded behind him.

He sat down and looked at Mathew James with a steady gaze.

"The elders have considered your request," Tom said, his voice firm. "Since you have presented the ancestral token, the Walker clan will honor the agreement made in the past. This token grants the James clan one chance of support, and we will not go back on that word."

Mathew bowed deeply, his face showing both relief and gratitude. "Elder Tom, the James clan thanks the Walker clan for this grace. I will not forget this favor."

Elder Tom raised his hand, signaling for silence. "Do not thank me too quickly. The Walker clan will extend support—but only once. After this, your James clan must stand on its own strength. Do you understand?"

Mathew clenched his fists, then bowed again. "I understand."

Elder Tom nodded. "Good. I will inform you soon of how this support will be carried out. Until then, remain in the guest courtyard. Do not wander."

"Yes, Elder."

Mathew lowered his head, his thoughts already turning. With the Walker clan's strength behind us, the Osborns will never stand in our way again.

Mathew was escorted to the Walker clan's guest courtyard, a quiet area surrounded by tall bamboo and stone lanterns that burned with steady flames. Two guards stood at the entrance, making it clear that his movements would be closely watched.

Inside, Mathew sat alone at the wooden table, the night air heavy around him. He could not help but replay Elder Tom's words in his mind over and over again.

Only once… one chance… If I fail to make use of this, the James clan will never rise again.

Meanwhile, in the main hall, Elder Tom had not dismissed his attendants. Several of the Walker elders entered quietly, their expressions grim as they saw the token lying on the table before him.

An old man with white brows frowned deeply. "So the James clan finally came to claim the favor. Elder Tom, is it wise to support them? They are weak, and the Osborns are rising fast in Magical City. If the James clan drags us into their conflict, what benefit do we gain?"

Another elder shook his head. "The promise was made by our late patriarch. Whether we want to admit it or not, we cannot just brush it aside. But… We can decide how much aid to provide. No more than what is necessary."

Tom's gaze swept across them, his tone steady but sharp. "The Walker clan will honor the token. If we ignore it, our name loses value. But remember—this is not charity. The James clan must prove their worth. We will give them resources, but if they cannot stand even with that, then they deserve to be swallowed by the Osborns."

The hall fell silent. All the elders understood—this was not truly help but a test.

Back in the courtyard, Mathew stared at the moonlit sky. His fists clenched tightly. "I will not let the James clan fall. With this support, we will crush the Osborns."

Within the Osborn estate, Robert sat cross-legged in his alchemist's room, qi flowing steadily around him as the flames in his cauldron flickered low. Just as he was about to finish the refinement, the sound of urgent footsteps echoed outside.

The door slid open, and Sai slipped in, his movements sharp and silent as ever. He bowed quickly. Young Master, news has arrived. Mathew James has left Magical City. Alone. My shadows tracked him for three days—he has entered Celestial Brook City.

Robert's hands froze mid-seal, and the flame was snuffed out with a sharp hiss. His eyes narrowed. Celestial Brook City? He muttered, his mind racing. "That viper would not leave his nest unless something major was at stake. For him to go there personally… It means he is seeking help. And in that city, only the four clans or the Grey Shadow Guild could give it."

Sai nodded gravely. "Exactly. I believe he carries some hidden backing. This is no small move."

Robert stood slowly, his robes rustling, a faint sharpness flashing in his gaze.

If the James clan gains support from Celestial Brook, then the balance in Magical City will shift. The storm is coming sooner than expected. Without hesitation, Robert strode out of his alchemist's chamber. Come. We must inform Elder Chris immediately. The clan must prepare."

Together, they moved swiftly through the estate's corridors, the lanterns flickering as though stirred by the sudden weight in the air.

In the study hall, Elder Chris was absorbed in his thoughts, sifting through merchant reports, when Robert came crashing in, flinging the doors wide apart. His expression grew stern at once upon seeing Robert's and Sai's faces.

"What is it?" He demanded.

Robert bowed respectfully before speaking. "Elder, Mathew James has left for Celestial Brook City. Alone. Sai's shadows confirmed it. Something critical is unfolding—and it will not favor us. We must prepare before the storm reaches Magical City."

Elder Chris settled back in his chair, his forehead creasing with concern. For a long moment, the room was silent, save for the soft crackle of the oil lamp.

Then his voice cut through the stillness, steady but edged with steel:

"So… The James clan has begun their gamble. Hmph. If they seek support from Celestial Brook, we cannot sit idle. Sai, tighten the shadows on every James movement. If they return with backing, the Osborn clan will meet them with fire and iron."

Robert clasped his fists tightly. "Yes, Elder!"

Sai bowed with equal resolve.

The storm had not yet broken, but the first winds were already sweeping across the Osborn halls.