Mystique Soul: A Cultivator's Flame
Chapter 63

Chapter 63: Chapter 63

The assembly hall of the Feng Clan was a grand structure, adorned with towering red pillars and intricate golden carvings that spoke of the clan’s centuries-old heritage. A massive jade chandelier, infused with soft spiritual light, illuminated the vast chamber, casting an ethereal glow on the polished stone floors.

The hall was filled with members of the Feng Clan, from elders in their ceremonial robes to younger disciples who had come to witness the conclusion of the tournament. The atmosphere was thick with anticipation.

Feng Jiao Xue joined those who entered the top ten. To make sure that no one covets whatever the winners have won, this gathering is always held in private and only members of the clancan come so that the resources of the clan will stay a hidden card to outsiders. So, the participants chatters amongst themselves while Feng Jiao Xue stood at the side with her expression closed off.

At the center of it all, seated upon an elevated throne-like chair, was Feng Haotian, the head of the clan. His sharp gaze swept across the hall before settling on the ten victors who had fought their way to the top.

Among them his eyes trailed over to Feng Jiao Xue who stood tall despite her presence reduced. Like that of a shadow,you know its there yet so easily ignored or forgotten. With her expression remained unreadable, a quiet intensity burned in her silver eyes.

Fng Jiao Xue met his eyes firm and resolute, not backing down. ’She had won. Yet, victory was not the end, it was merely the beginning.’

Feg Haotian’s gaze turned complicated for a brief moment, like a whirpool stirred within his eyes. His heart panged with guilt, sadness and proudness before it was engulfed by the cold, aching pain.

He turned his head towards the other victors and gave them all the proud smile. "You have made the clan proud with the strength and powers you showcased. Each and everyone of you here is one of the clan’s brightest flames. The future of our home, of our name, rests in all of your shoulders and it is my pleasure to say, you have not failed to meet the expectation laid upon you. This battles was once held to encourage our youths to train harder, to be better. In those chaotic times, it made sure our youths survives and in this time of peace, it ensures that they strive." He looked each of them in the eye, his gaze quickly averting when it was Feng Jiao Xue turn as his smile froze and the corner of his lips fell for the briefest seconds before he continued to speak. "Congratulations on showing everyone what it meant to be a member of the Feng Clan, you have showed them your brilliance and with your flames, the clan will surely burn brighter!"

One of the elders, Elder Feng Jian, stepped forward as Feng Haotian moved back, his aged features carrying both wisdom and authority. His long silver beard swayed as he addressed the assembly.

"The Feng Clan Tournament has come to an end, and today, we honor the strongest among us" he declared, his voice steady and reverberating through the hall. "These ten cultivators have proven their worth and surpassing their peers through sheer will and ability."

A murmur of agreement rippled through the hall. The tournament had been brutal filled with unexpected upsets and unforgettable clashes.

Elder Feng Jian turned his gaze toward Feng Lianxu, Feng Yuxiao, and Feng Zhenhai, the three who had secured their place among the top four.

"You have fought with honor," the elder continued. "Your skills will continue to shape the future of our clan. As a reward, the top ten will each receive beast cores, imbued with potent spiritual energy. These will aid you in advancing both your cultivation and magic."

At his signal, several attendants stepped forward, carrying ornate jade boxes. Each box contained a carefully selected beast core, radiating with untamed energy.

"Are those beast cores?!"

"Just one of them could possibly make me break through"

"So lucky...."

"I should have tried my luck in the tournament as well"

The other disciples all turned green as their eyes fixated on the beast cores radiating with immense energy.

The victors stepped forward one by one to receive their rewards murmurs of admiration following their every movement.

Then, Elder Feng Jian turned his gaze to the final victor.

"And for our champion..."

The hall fell into silence.

Feng Jiao Xue stepped forward, her expression calm as she approached the elder.

"You, who have bested all others will receive more than just a beast core." The elder’s sharp eyes studied her. "As the champion, you are granted the right to cultivate in our sacred training grounds. A place where our ancestors meditated and honed their strength."

Another murmur spread through the hall.

The Feng Clan’s sacred cultivation grounds were not something easily accessible. It was a place where spiritual energy was at its peak, where even the most stagnant cultivator could advance. For the top four to be granted entry was already a great honor.

But that was not all.

"As is tradition," Feng Haotian finally spoke, his voice calm yet commanding, "you may state your request. As long as it is within reason, the clan shall grant it."

The moment those words were uttered, the hall became utterly still.

All eyes turned to Feng Jiao Xue.

Some expected her to request a rare artifact. Others thought she might ask for a personal mentor or access to hidden cultivation techniques.

But what she said next stunned them all.

"I seek independence within the clan" Feng Jiao Xue stated, her voice steady and unwavering.

Gasps echoed through the hall.

Even the elders, who had remained composed throughout the ceremony, exchanged startled glances.

"Independence?" Elder Feng Jian narrowed his eyes. "Elaborate."

Many has issued this request before... Eyes turned to Feng Haoyang. The last time its was granted was when he asked for the clan to not meddle with his affairs.

Feng Jiao Xue met his gaze head-on. "I will remain a member of the Feng Clan in name. However, from this moment onward, the clan shall hold no authority over my future. My path shall be mine to decide, and no one, not even the elders, may dictate what I should do with my life."

The silence that followed was deafening.

This was not a request for mere freedom. It was a declaration.

Feng Jiao Xue was severing herself from the influence of the clan, ensuring that she would never be used as a tool for political marriage, sect negotiations, or family power struggles. Feng Jiao Xue met there gaze in resolution and eyes firm as steel. ’This was her goal all along.’

The implications were staggering.

The younger disciples stared in shock. The elders exchanged glances, some frowning, others thoughtful.

And at the highest seat, Feng Haotian remained silent, his gaze unreadable.

Elder Feng Jian’s expression darkened. "Feng Jiao Xue, do you understand what you are asking?" His voice was sharp. "You bear the Feng bloodline. Your victories bring honor to the clan. Your power strengthens our influence. To separate yourself..."

"I am not separating myself" she interrupted, her tone still calm but firm. "I will always be Feng Jiao Xue. I will uphold our name, and should the clan need me, I will not turn my back on it."

Her silver eyes met the elder’s. "But my life is mine to decide. Not the elders’. Not the clan’s."

The weight of her words settled over the room.

Some elders exchanged quiet whispers, clearly unsettled. The younger generation, however, could not tear their eyes away from her.

To make such a bold request in front of the entire clan, was she reckless or simply fearless?

Elder Feng Jian let out a long breath, his expression unreadable.

"This is... rarely" another elder finally said. "Very few has ever made such a request"

Feng Haoyang finally spoke.

"And yet," he said slowly, "it is not unreasonable." He stood up and walk to stand behind Feng Jiao Xue, his stance clear. He was surprised by the request, he didn’t know about it and was taken aback as the others do but if this is what Feng Jiao Xue wanted, he will stand behind her decision.

Clearly, this will come with many disadvantages as those who requested this before was less nurtured by the clan aside from those with real talent... and those with influence. Until Feng Jiao Xue grows, he can be that tree for now. He had left his neice unsheltered for too long. He will make up for it now.

The hall turned to him in shock and sighs while others looked at Feng Jiao Xue with intense gaze, their eyes turning green.

Feng Haotian looked at his troublesome little brother irate yet his expression remained neutral but there was something knowing in his gaze. "She won fair and square" There was a slight gnash on his teeth as he said that hidden behind the welcoming and proud smile. "The rules states that the champion in this tournament may ask for whatever they want on the prerequisite that it does not harm the clan as a whole or any of its members..."

"Feng Jiao Xue has proven her strength. She has brought the Feng name to new heights in this battle as no doubt, many eyes are now on her and..." Feng haoran spoke up and looked at Feng Jiao Xue with a kind smile. "If she wishes for autonomy, then perhaps... she has earned it. And..." looks at the elders, then at the clan members, his eyes softening when it landed on Feng Jiao Xue and Feng Haoyang before it slightly narrowed when it finally land on Feng Haotian. "It is owed to her by the clan that has never done anything for her in turn."

Another wave of murmurs swept through the hall.

The elders were still reluctant, but Feng Haoran’s words carried weight.

After several moments of deliberation, Elder Feng Jian sighed. "Very well," he said at last. "The elders will recognize your request."

A hush fell over the chamber.

It was done.

Feng Jiao Xue was free. Huang Jin De smirked inside the space ring. They have no idea what kind of a card they’s just thrown to the winds.

The rest of the ceremony continued but there was an unshakable tension in the air.

Even as the victors received their rewards the weight of Feng Jiao Xue’s declaration lingered.

When the assembly was finally dismissed whispers followed her as she left the hall.

Some admired her courage.

Some envied her freedom.

And some... feared what she might become.

As Feng Jiao Xue stepped outside a cool wind brushed against her skin. She inhaled deeply, the crisp night air filling her lungs.

She had done it. She had severed the invisible chains that had bound her for so long. Now, her path was her own.

And the world would soon learn the name Feng Jiao Xue, not as a pawn of the Feng Clan but as a force that could not be controlled.