Reincarnating as Itachi in a cultivation world!

Itachi stood in his room, his breathing steady as he adjusted the black robes that hung elegantly from his lean frame. The fabric was simple yet refined, fitting snugly around his shoulders while flowing lightly toward his legs.

It wasn't ostentatious like the flashy robes some young masters wore, but the sheer depth of the black fabric, accented by faint silver thread at the cuffs, gave it a quiet intensity.

The loose sleeves allowed for easy movement, and the sash at his waist held a small jade ornament carved with the symbol of the Shen Clan, marking him as a core family member. Over his shoulders, a long black outer robe flowed like a shadow, completing the ensemble.

His hair was tied back in a simple yet neat style, with a few strands framing his sharp, jade-like features. His calm expression and piercing dark eyes carried a depth that gave him an air of quiet authority.

Itachi stepped out of his room for the first time since the event of him losing his cultivation and gaining it back again to a certain degree. If it was up to him, he would've stayed holed in as much as he could, but he knew that wasn't a valid option.

The cool morning air brushed against his face as he adjusted the black robes draped over his lean frame. The faint hum of spiritual energy still lingered in his body, a remnant of his recent advancement to the Core Refinement Realm – Early Stage.

His calm expression shifted slightly as he noticed something unusual. The Shen Clan compound, typically serene at this hour, was alive with activity. People were rushing in every direction, their faces marked with worry and urgency. The quiet elegance of the clan's sprawling estate was now overshadowed by the clamor of hurried footsteps and frantic voices.

Servants darted between the stone pathways, their arms full of scrolls and weapons. Junior disciples of the clan stood huddled in groups, whispering anxiously to one another, while senior members of the clan barked orders to organize the chaos.

Itachi raised an eyebrow, his gaze sharp as he took in the scene. What in the fuck is going on?

He approached two guards rushing towards the outer courtyard gates, their usually stoic expressions replaced with unease.

"What's happening?" Itachi asked, his tone calm but firm.

The guards stiffened at the sight of him. One of them bowed hurriedly before replying, "Master Itachi, please forgive us, but we're needed elsewhere!"

Without waiting for a response, they rushed off, leaving Itachi standing there, narrowing his eyes. Even the guards? This isn't normal... did we get attacked or something?

As he walked further into the compound, the unease in the air only grew thicker. The Shen Clan's main courtyard, usually a place of serene meditation and light sparring practice, was filled with commotion.

Groups of disciples were sparring with unusual intensity, their movements rushed and chaotic. Some were sharpening their weapons, while others carried supplies to and from storage rooms.

This isn't a drill or a routine gathering, Itachi thought, his expression darkening. What in the hell happened in a single day? Did my idiot of a brother go out and cause a serious problem for real this time?

Itachi pushed open the doors to the main hall, stepping into the heart of the Shen Clan's decision-making chamber.

At the center of the room sat his father, Shen Yong, the Shen Clan Patriarch. His typically calm and composed expression was heavy with worry, and his hands were clenched tightly on the armrests of his chair. Around him sat the elders of the clan, their faces etched with concern as they exchanged low, tense murmurs.

"Father," Itachi called out, his voice breaking through the heavy atmosphere like a sharp blade. "What is going on? Did something happen?"

All eyes turned to him. The elders stopped their murmurs, and Shen Yong's gaze shifted to his son.

"Itachi," Shen Yong said, his tone a mix of relief and urgency. "You've come."

"What's going on?" Itachi asked, his tone steady despite the tension in the room.

Shen Yong's eyes scanned his son's form, and a faint flicker of hope crossed his face. "Have you had a breakthrough?"

Itachi blinked, caught off guard by the question. The attention of the room now fell squarely on him, the elders' eyes lighting up with expectation. Their gazes carried an intensity that made Itachi hesitate.

"Ah…" Itachi stalled, unsure how to answer. He couldn't exactly admit that he had barely managed to claw his way back to the Core Refinement Realm after nearly losing everything. But he also couldn't shake the feeling of the weight of expectations oozing from their eyes.

"It seems so," Itachi said, nodding lightly. He chose his words carefully, not outright lying but avoiding details.

The elders exchanged glances, and one of them, an older man with a long gray beard, let out a relieved sigh. "Thank the heavens. I can't even see through his cultivation anymore. Truly, this is a blessing in a time of crisis!"

Shen Yong gave a small nod, his tense shoulders relaxing slightly. "Good. With you here, our position is much stronger."

Itachi's lips twitched slightly. What cultivation could they not see through? Do they think I've ascended to the heavens overnight? He forced himself to maintain his calm demeanour, deciding not to dwell on it for now.

"What exactly is happening, Father?" Itachi asked, steering the conversation back to the matter at hand.

Shen Yong's expression darkened again, the brief flicker of hope replaced by the weight of their predicament. He leaned forward in his seat, his hands tightening into fists.

"It's the Xiao Clan," Shen Yong said, his voice low but heavy with anger. "They claim to have received a message from their ancestor."

Itachi's eyes narrowed. "Their ancestor?"

Shen Yong nodded, his tone grim. "The Xiao Clan Ancestor, who ascended to the upper realm over 400 years ago."

Itachi frowned, his mind racing. The Xiao Clan's ancestor was a well-known figure, a legendary cultivator who had left the mortal realm centuries ago. His departure had cemented the Xiao Clan's prestige in the region, but there had been no news of him since leaving the current Xiao Clan to just degrade overtime.

"Didn't he ascend centuries ago? And not to leave the matter of him still being alive but how could he have sent a message to the lower realm?" Itachi asked, his voice steady but laced with curiosity.

"The Xiao clan has an artifact left by the ancestor through which he is said to have communicated. And apparently, not only is he still alive but he's earned a name for himself in the upper realm," Shen Yong replied, his tone bitter. "And now, he has supposedly sent a message saying he wishes to bless his descendants here in the lower realm. The Xiao Clan claims this 'blessing' is an opportunity to bring a few talents from the lower realm to the upper realm with him."

One of the elders scoffed, his lips curling in disdain. "A blessing? More like an excuse to throw their weight around."

Itachi nodded, thinking carefully. "I can see how this changes the power dynamics between our clans. But our Shen Clan's reputation isn't weaker than the Xiao Clan's. When have we ever relied solely on brute strength to maintain our position for us to fear their momentary rise in power? It will come and go like it always has."

Itachi continued not sure why they were so worried about such a trivial matter, "And descending to the lower realm is no trivial matter. Their ancestor can't keep returning whenever he pleases."

"You're right," Shen Yong agreed. "But that's not the only issue. The Xiao Clan isn't content to simply receive this blessing. They're already using it as leverage to demand more from the rest of us."

"Demand what?" Itachi asked, his tone growing sharper.

Shen Yong's eyes flashed with anger. "The spirit stone mining cave."

"The what now?"