Wang Tian's unblinking gaze pierced through Wang Jian like a sword through mist, exposing the lie in an instant. *He knows,* Wang Tian thought, a flicker of amusement stirring in his heart. *But some truths are best unveiled in shadows.* Yet he held back, curious to see how his brother would navigate this web.

  Wang Jian's heart raced like a cornered beast—he didn't know what to do next. Sweat beaded on his brow as he sought his master's counsel. "Master, my brother has seen through my deception. What should I do now?"

  Jian Feng sighed softly, a faint smile tinged with worry creasing his ancient face. *This boy is too green for such games,* he mused inwardly. "Jian'er, when it comes to acting, you lack your brother's finesse. You must hone this skill diligently. As for now, if he presses you again, speak the truth."

  Wang Jian blinked in confusion, his mind whirling. "Master, didn't you say we shouldn't reveal your presence yet? Why change course now?"

  Jian Feng paused, his voice measured and slow, senses still prickling from that impossible gaze. *How did the boy pierce the Chaos Jade's veil? A prodigy who defies the ancients...* "Because I sense your brother has already detected me. Hiding from him would only breed mistrust."

  Shock rippled through Wang Jian like a thunderclap, leaving him speechless. *Impossible—Master's artifact is flawless!* He couldn't grasp it. "Master, didn't you say the Chaos Jade Bracelet makes detection impossible?"

  "I don't know how he did it," Jian Feng replied cautiously, "but with my thousands of years of experience, I felt his gaze lock onto me without doubt."

  "But how is that even possible?" Wang Jian pressed, frustration knotting his gut.

  "I don't know, but I'm certain," Jian Feng insisted. *Best not to provoke such a force.* "If he asks again, tell him the truth, alright?"

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  "Alright, Master," Wang Jian agreed, though doubt gnawed at him. Master and disciple waited tensely, breaths held, for Wang Tian's question. But to their surprise, he said nothing. Instead, he turned back to the other geniuses and resumed his conversation, his demeanor as calm as still water.

  This silence stunned Wang Jian and Jian Feng. *Why hold back?* Wang Jian wondered. Jian Feng nodded inwardly—they understood. Wang Tian chose not to broach it here, amid the crowd. As he spoke, Wang Tian glanced at Wang Jian with a subtle smile—*We'll discuss this later, brother*—then continued seamlessly.

  Soon after, Wang Tian finished with Wang Hao and the others. He signaled them to sit, then faced the elders, his presence commanding the hall like a sovereign dragon coiled to strike.

  Before he could speak, the 3rd Elder, Wang Ren, broke the quiet, voice laced with urgency. "Patriarch, what is your plan?"

  All eyes locked onto Wang Tian. The grand hall fell into pin-drop silence, the air thick with anticipation, every soul holding its breath. Then, slowly, a suffocating pressure erupted from him—heavy as collapsing mountains, laced with the primal roar of a true dragon. Crimson qi veins pulsed visibly in the air, cracking stone tiles and shattering a distant jade vase into glittering shards. Elders clutched their chests, coughing blood mist; disciples collapsed to all fours, robes tearing under the strain, faces drained pale as ghosts—yet just as swiftly, the aura imploded with a thunderous boom, leaving echoes reverberating like war drums.

  Everyone but Wang Jian and Jian Feng gaped in shock, their gazes snapping toward the source. Silence gripped the hall once more, heavier than before, laced with fearful whispers. After a tense, heart-pounding moment, the 5th Elder rasped, voice trembling, "This... this pressure belongs to a Soul Formation expert..."

  His words ignited terror and reverence. The crowd swallowed hard, eyes wide with awe as they turned to Wang Tian.

  "It's not just Soul Formation—it's the peak of the realm!" Wang Ren burst out, laughter exploding from him uncontrollably, tears streaming down his weathered cheeks. *Our clan’s salvation! After decades of humiliation, this boy will crush our foes!* "Hahahaha! The heavens have blessed our Wang Clan! Not even thirty years old, and already at the pinnacle of Soul Formation! Hahahaha!" Cheers erupted, joy sweeping the hall like wildfire—elders clasped shoulders, disciples bowed deeply, pride swelling every heart.

  Amid the revelry, a voice cut through: "Nephew, when did you break through?" It was Wang Chun, his tone equal parts joy and sharp curiosity. *Peak Soul Formation at his age? The sects will tremble... but what shadows does this power attract?*

  The clamor died instantly. All fell silent, eyes fixed on Wang Tian, anticipation hanging thick as incense smoke.