Before the coming of the great calamity, a million years of order had already merged with the Dao. Without merit or reputation, one could not wield magic. Though he harbored a sliver of hope, reality still struck him a heavy blow!

It seems that many things can be seen, but not attained.

Chapter 0003: The Chonglou Tree

At the center of the The Clark Estate, a tall building stood, its pitch-black roof left uncovered, where a two-hundred-year-old “Chonglou Tree” grew—a rare spiritual wood and the symbol of this building.

The entire structure exuded a grand and solemn atmosphere, the pinnacle of wooden architecture. It was known as the Tower Beyond Towers, also called the Falling Leaves Tower—named for the beautiful scene when it was completed in autumn, with the leaves of the Chonglou Tree falling, red leaves swirling through the air.

In the dim corridor inside the tower, candlelight illuminated the figures of two people walking.

“Xiao He, how is Father’s mood today?”

“Second Master, the Old Master is in quite good spirits!”

“That’s good…”

Led by a maid in green, William Clark passed the sentry post and ascended to the rooftop. Seeing the white-haired old man beneath the ancient tree, he immediately bowed respectfully: “Father!”

The old man wore a white hemp Daoist robe, sitting quietly under the fiery red Chonglou Tree. He poured boiling water into the tea wash and said leisurely, “Oh, you’re here. Sit.”

William Clark glanced at the old man’s expression, confirmed it, and then stepped forward to sit properly.

This was his father, Henry Clark.

He had once passed the imperial exam, served as a county magistrate, traveled the world, and returned with extraordinary experience. He had held great power in the clan for decades, his authority immense. Though now white-haired and half a step into the grave, many in the clan still dared not harbor the slightest dissent!

“Father, let me do it!” Kneeling, William Clark moved forward two steps as he spoke.

He poured water with a jade cup, quietly watching the tea leaves unfurl. The tea was amber in color, its fragrance filling the room, like orchids in a secluded valley. He respectfully presented it.

Drinking the tea, the old man smiled: “This tea is quite good. When it’s half-warm, it’s even more clear and refreshing—truly the fragrance of a recluse.”

“Father, your name is renowned throughout the county. Retiring to this tranquil residence, you and this ‘recluse’s fragrance’ are a perfect match.”

Henry Clark frowned slightly and said, “Our family can only be called a red residence, not a green one. Don’t speak carelessly to outsiders.”

“Yes, yes!” William Clark replied repeatedly.

The old man didn’t mind, and casually chatted with him about clan affairs, mostly concerning the younger generation. Having weathered a lifetime of storms, at his age, with death not far off, his greatest concern was the continuation of his descendants.

After finishing his tea and their conversation, the old man seemed a bit tired. The maid quickly stepped forward to support him.

“Father, take care of your health!” Seeing this, William Clark hurried over to help, assisting Henry Clark to a higher chair under the tree. He then stepped aside and continued, “Father, there are limited spots for the clan’s children’s examination this year. Today I went to Edward Clark to discuss it. I thought the child was still young and not yet versed in the classics, so I wanted him to wait until next year and give the spot to another clan member. Unexpectedly, the child was quite displeased!”

All of this was true, though he had skillfully omitted some important details.

As William Clark spoke, he glanced at Henry Clark. Seeing his face calm as water, showing no emotion, his heart tightened, knowing his actions did not please the old man.

But once the words were spoken, there was no turning back. He pressed on: “Edward Clark is a branch member. Our main line has always looked after him, but now, at this point, he still fails to see the bigger picture!”

As he spoke, he took out an account book, densely filled with records of the clan’s expenditures: “All the expenses for the clan’s disciples are here. Edward Clark, though from a branch, is still a clan member. His expenses are recorded in full, not a single coin short.”

Henry Clark nodded slightly, and the maid took the account book, turning the pages before the old man to help him review.

William Clark waited respectfully, not daring to show any extra expression.

Edward Clark had lost his parents young and truly relied on the clan’s support to survive. Due to his studies, the main line had spent over a hundred taels of silver on him over the years—not a huge sum, but not a small one either.

Any great clan that had lasted centuries had its own rules. The The Clark Family was wealthy enough to support a few idle members, but those who failed to appreciate it and disobeyed clan rules violated the very foundation.

Of course, the hundred mu of land under Edward Clark’s name was not reflected in this account book.

Henry Clark flipped through the account book briefly, his expression unreadable. But no one knew a father better than his son—William Clark was already overjoyed inside.

This situation showed the old man’s attitude: the clan head would not be angered by such trivial matters. But as long as he set aside a bit of old affection, Edward Clark’s qualification for the children’s exam was in jeopardy.

Henry Clark was silent for a long time before saying, “This matter concerns the children’s exam qualifications. It’s normal for the various branches to have disputes. You are in charge of clan affairs—handle everything impartially. Enough, I will take care of this myself. You may go.”

William Clark was overjoyed, suppressing his delight and not daring to show it. He knew this left Edward Clark a bit of leeway, but in reality, it had already displeased his father and diminished his affection. He immediately said, “Yes, Father, I will take my leave now!”

With that, he put away the account book and slowly withdrew.

As the maid closed the wooden door at the top of the tower, William Clark finally looked up. He saw the old man’s figure beneath the fiery red tree, exuding a sense of loneliness.