C4 Hanyu Family

Inside the palace, dozens of individuals were already seated, and a steady stream of diverse people continued to arrive. It was time for the Hanyu Family's annual clan gathering!

Hanyu Xiaotian belonged to an exceedingly ancient lineage, one that most powers within the current Human Federation were unaware of. The Hanyu Family had made their home amid these ruins since the era when humanity had yet to venture into the starry expanse from Earth, marking them as one of the rare reclusive families from Eastern China.

As the doors of the elliptical structure drew to a close, nearly a hundred people were seated alongside a long, dark-golden table.

At the head of the table, a middle-aged man with striking eyebrows and piercing eyes sat with an air of dignity. He was none other than Hanyu Qingtian, the current Chief of the Hanyu Family.

Hanyu Qingtian was a figure of unparalleled elegance, having ascended to the Heaven Rank and the supreme realm at just over a hundred years of age.

One shouldn't consider a century old to be advanced in age, especially in an era where gene fluid has become commonplace, extending the average human lifespan well beyond a hundred years. Martial Cultivators, with their robust physical functions, enjoy even longer lifespans.

Once a Martial Cultivator attains the status of a Yellow-ranked expert, their physical functions are enhanced, and their lifespan can stretch beyond 150 years. At the Profound Rank, a Martial Cultivator's spirit becomes so profound that they can perceive their own heaven and earth souls, with each soul reclaimed adding decades to their life.

The Earth Rank and Heaven Rank are nearly mythic in nature. Martial Cultivators at the Heaven Rank stand at the pinnacle of human society, and a heaven-ranked expert is akin to a "nuclear weapon" for the member countries of today.

"How are the preparations for the Qi Pavilion's opening coming along?"

"Chief, the Energy Origin Stones are prepared, and the Array Formations have been redrawn to ensure flawless operation," came the report.

"Good. We must ensure the safety of our family's youth. By the way, how is Xiaotian doing? Little Feng, please update us on his current condition."

Each person present was a distinguished member of the Hanyu Family, from the seasoned elders who spent years in secluded cultivation to those who wielded considerable influence in various sectors of the secular world—military, high-ranking officials, business magnates, scientific researchers, and underground forces.

Upon hearing the name "Little Feng," a stalwart elder with a resemblance to Hanyu Zhan'an rose and responded with due respect, "Chief, we have yet to find a cure for Tian Er."

This elder was Hanyu Feng, Hanyu Xiaotian's grandfather and a venerable Earth-ranked expert within the family.

"Still no progress? That's truly unfortunate," Hanyu Qingtian lamented with a sigh.

"Indeed, the innate gifts of Shengxi and Duofeng are beginning to emerge, but Xiaotian..."

Hanyu Shengxi, born in the same year as Hanyu Xiaotian, revealed extraordinary musical talent at the age of six. A reclusive figure within the Hanyu Family took notice and allowed him to practice one of the family's guardian martial arts, the "Seven Melodies of the Heavenly Dance."

Meanwhile, Hanyu Duofeng, with his unique constitution, vanished under mysterious circumstances. Rumor had it that the Hanyu Family had opened a Secret Realm specifically for his cultivation, a testament to their immense expectations for his Tengo Imperial Body.

Only Hanyu Xiaotian...

"Though my son is currently unable to practice Ancient Martial Arts, I, Hanyu Zhan'an, earnestly request that the Chief allow Xiaotian to explore the Qi Pavilion and Scripture Pavilion for potential opportunities."

Hanyu Xiaotian's father, Hanyu Zhan'an, stood prominently as a major general from China.