The Tang Family Estate bustled with life. Servants moved swiftly, attending to the needs of their masters, while elders discussed family matters in secluded chambers. The air was filled with the energy of preparation as the annual Tang Family Gathering, now just a week away, approached. It was a grand event where the family's youth would compete in the Lingfeng Mountain Range.

But for Xian Di, none of this activity mattered. He stood alone in the farthest courtyard of the estate, where the shadows of the grand trees stretched across the cracked stone floor, forgotten and unnoticed—just like him.

At 18 years old, Xian Di should have been among the most promising cultivators in the family. His peers, cousins, and siblings had long surpassed him, climbing the stages of Qi Refinement, while he remained stuck at Stage 2. The weight of his Mortal Grade Spiritual Root hung over him like a curse, an anchor that pulled him down as everyone around him soared.

His fingers absently traced the jade pendant his mother had given him years ago, the only person in the family who still seemed to care. But even she could not stop the whispers, the sideways glances, or the mockery.

The Tang Family valued strength above all else. The strong rose to prominence, while the weak faded into obscurity. His father, Tang Zhenwu, had not spoken to him in years, too focused on his eldest son—Tang Yong, the second eldest, who had reached Qi Refinement Stage 12, nearly breaking into Foundation Stage.

The family had all but given up on him, leaving him to his fate.

Xian Di wandered the empty courtyard, his footsteps echoing against the stone walls. He found solace in this isolation, away from the constant judgment. He didn't need to hear the whispers to know what they were saying: "The Third Son, a disgrace," or "How could someone from the Tang family be so weak?"

He clenched his fists, the familiar surge of frustration rising in his chest. He had tried. For years, he had tried to break through to Qi Refinement Stage 3, but it was as though something was constantly siphoning away the Qi he gathered. Every attempt failed, and each failure drove him deeper into the shadows of the family.

In just a week, the Tang Family Gathering would begin in the Lingfeng Mountain Range. The younger generation of the family would compete in beast hunts, duels, and resource challenges. His mother had always found an excuse to keep him from participating in the past, sparing him the inevitable humiliation. But this year, there would be no escape.

As he stood lost in thought, a figure appeared at the courtyard's edge. Tang Yong, his second eldest brother, strode toward him, flanked by a few of the more powerful cousins. Tang Yong's robes billowed with each step, and his aura of authority was unmistakable.

"Xian Di," Tang Yong called out, his voice smooth but condescending. "Still playing the loner, I see. You know, you won't be able to hide during the gathering. Father's orders."

Xian Di's fists tightened at his sides, but he kept his gaze downcast. "I wasn't planning on hiding."

Tang Yong's smile didn't reach his eyes. "Good. It would be a shame if you missed your chance to prove yourself... or fail spectacularly in front of everyone."

Laughter echoed from the cousins standing behind him. Xian Di remained silent, knowing that anything he said would only fuel their mockery.

"Don't worry, little brother," Tang Yong continued, his voice lowering to a whisper as he leaned in. "I'll make sure everyone sees what a disgrace you are."

With that, Tang Yong turned and left, his entourage following closely behind.

Xian Di watched them go, the knot in his stomach tightening. In just a week, he would face not only the Lingfeng Mountain Range and its dangers but also the scrutiny of his entire family. Failure would only solidify what everyone already believed about him.

But something deep inside him refused to give up. He wasn't ready to fade into the shadows just yet.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over the courtyard, Xian Di vowed silently to himself: "I will not fail. Not this time. Not ever."