In the world of cultivation, everyone has endured anger and suffered humiliation at some point. It was a law that prevailed in both the Mortal and Divine Planes.
In the world they lived in, a powerful cultivator possessed the ability to completely destroy a city or annihilate a sect, killing hundreds of people without facing any retaliation or consequences. The strongest always dictated the laws and exercised absolute dominance. In this context, the first priority for any human or race was to acquire resources and strengthen themselves, but the crucial second priority was to establish deep bonds with trustworthy individuals, aiming for mutual protection.
In this world, for both men and women, someone immensely powerful and kind exerted an irresistible attraction. The young women from a small clan in the countryside were always on the brink of survival, and upon witnessing how Lian treated Riria and their allies, he became to them like a shining sun, seemingly unattainable unless they fought with all their might to reach him.
Initially, everyone in the clan was skeptical of the imposing formation that had emerged in the center. The promise of elevating their cultivation and strengthening themselves simply by training there seemed too fanciful for the elders.
As they entered the first layer, they felt an overwhelming impact on their minds, followed by a divine power that could crush them at any moment, pressing down on them like mere ants.
Some of them endured with extreme difficulty for a few breaths, but with repeated attempts, it soon became evident the immense benefit of enduring such pain and torment.
Before, only Lian's martial power was feared. However, now they fully trusted their new leader, recognizing him as a master for their cultivation. They were fully aware that if they retreated, they would carry regret for the rest of their lives.
As the disciples expressed their attitudes one by one, a new courage awakened in their hearts. Their blood began to boil. In the end, no one backed down.
After a few months, only the younger ones managed to advance through the layers. Lian was pleased. After all, they were young and full of vigor. If they didn't have the courage to be audacious while young, there would be no need for them to cultivate.
After several months of intense cultivation sessions, Lian felt the presence of two new people approaching him. Surprisingly, these two individuals had reached the eighth layer.
Curious, Lian quickly checked the information about all the young ones who had managed to advance to the third layer. In this way, he already had some prior knowledge about these two newcomers.
They advanced step by step with extreme difficulty, keeping their hands firmly clasped together. It was a pair of siblings, fighting together.
On one side, there was a figure slightly taller than their mother. Her name was Shiho Albedo, an elegant and mature woman in her twenties. Her tall and slender stature emanated an aura of sophistication. Her round and full bust accentuated her feminine charm, while her beautiful and agile physique reflected her distinctive appearance. Dressed in an elegant purple dress that reached her knees, it revealed her straight and slender thighs and her charming white ankles added a touch of grace to the ensemble.
On the other side was her brother, Rumi Albedo. At only 11 years old, he had started his cultivation not long ago. His appearance was still childish, with a rather slim physique. He probably preferred studying and reading books rather than wielding a sword.
Shiho seemed to be suffering greatly, her body displaying clear signs of having reached her limit some time ago. Wounds caused by the reversal of her own Qi in her body were visible all over. However, she firmly held the hand of her younger brother and advanced slowly, even in her miserable condition.
Lian carefully observed the child named Rumi and was slightly surprised. His eyes were firm and bright, like an unbreakable rock. His determination couldn't be measured with just a single glance.
Upon cold analysis, it was completely impossible for someone who had just started their cultivation to achieve the progress that Rumi had made. Even with his sister by his side, she couldn't help him in any way. He could only rely on his own willpower.
Lian began to understand a bit more about these siblings. They were the children of one of the advisors he had killed. It was natural for them to feel hatred and a desire for revenge, yet the expression of adoration in their eyes in the main hall still lingered in Lian's memories.
That advisor had caused as many misfortunes to others as the patriarchs. His wife was merely used as a pawn in his plans, a mere tool. Lian had witnessed many similar cases throughout his long life.
The advisor's wife was killed shortly after the birth of their second child. Little was said or investigated about the matter, but it was obvious that the advisor was involved, motivated by reasons as shallow as he himself was.
Shiho, on the other hand, had been cultivating for quite some time, but she was still in the late stage of the Qi Condensation Realm. Her father had given up on her quickly, but she was a woman of overwhelming beauty.
Quickly, she was promised to become a concubine of Wunu, who would be the next patriarch, in exchange for great benefits for her father. She didn't develop any love for her father. Shiho had understood early on what kind of man he was. With all her might, she strove to become strong, hoping to free herself from her fate.
Lian's act of killing her father and providing Shiho with the opportunity to grow stronger and take control of her own life brought a spark of hope to her amidst the despair that consumed her.
Rumi experienced life as miserable as Zeke's. When he started his cultivation less than a year ago, he showed a complete lack of talent. His father, consumed by frustration, would fly into a rage and beat him, repeatedly breaking his bones.
However, his sister was everything to him, practically playing the role of a mother. His desire to become stronger and protect her was the reason for his existence.
Rumi's body had not fully developed its acupuncture points, and his meridians were being pushed to the extreme. He was covered in his own blood, the result of the wounds inflicted on his meridians.
Lian nodded in satisfaction, realizing that the boy's dao heart was fully awakened. Even in his extremely weakened physical condition, his power served as support and strength for his beloved sister. In the midst of a sea of pain, Rumi developed a supporting-type dao heart, demonstrating his determination to protect those he loves.
The two of them walked slowly, and in their minds, it felt like months or even years were passing. Lian watched attentively and felt something peculiar. From time to time, a spiritual sensation concentrated in him, followed by a subtle awakening of a dao heart, which could be clearly felt.
Shiho seemed on the verge of collapse, but suddenly, something happened. It was as if she directed her consciousness and spirit toward Lian. Even without being able to see him, she was fully certain of where he was. Her dao heart was gradually awakening and giving her strength.
Lian felt a slight headache, knowing that this phenomenon had a complex meaning, but he decided to let the future Lian figure it out.
After seven exhausting days, they finally reached the ninth layer. Although they were exhausted, they were still conscious, holding each other's hands firmly.
As they sensed Lian's approach, both of them quickly stood up and knelt down. Shiho was clearly nervous, trying to wipe the sweat and blood off her clothes.
Lian, looking at the two of them, spoke: "The willpower you possess is terrifying. I applaud you for that. While many consider fighting for something unattainable foolish... Those who give up after being frightened by oppressive power are not wise. They are simply weak."
Lian's words carried a profound meaning in their lives. Their eyes were red and teary. They had long surpassed the physical and mental limits. Lian then ordered them to rest, sending them away as he would now have to adjust the planning a bit.