Azure Clouds City, Sheng Clan
The annual clan tournament to determine the strongest of the Sheng clan's younger generation had just concluded. Without any surprise, Second Young Master Sheng Wei-Hao effortlessly emerged as the victor.
This year heralded a momentous occasion for the Sheng clan as a prodigy capable of joining the prestigious Azure Clouds Sect had finally emerged. The entire clan rejoiced, for they saw in Wei-Hao the potential to elevate their status among the city's clans. Currently seated among the low-ranking clans, their aspiration was to ascend to the middle tier of eight clans. The annual tournament served not only as a celebration but also as a platform for Wei-Hao to demonstrate his exceptional talents, offering hope for a brighter future and greater recognition within Azure Clouds City.
After being declared champion of the 47th Annual Tournament for those under twenty, Wei-Hao calmly ascended the stairs from the tournament stage to the elevated platform where the clan elders and patriarch presided over the proceedings.
Upon reaching them, Wei-Hao respectfully bowed, as tradition dictated for the year's champion. "Wei-Hao respectfully greets the Clan Elders and the Patriarch," he declared loudly.
"At ease, nephew Hao," First Elder Sheng Zhao Fengming nodded approvingly, stroking his beard with a smile. The other elders also smiled proudly, foreseeing a prosperous future with Wei-Hao at the helm of their clan.
Wei-Hao then turned to his father, Patriarch Sheng Hongxi, who gestured for him to raise his head.
"Well done, Hao'er. Your cultivation has advanced once more," the patriarch remarked, his brown eyes briefly flashing green as he assessed Wei-Hao's progress.
"I predict you will soon reach the barrier of the 8th rank of Qi Condensation and break through to the 9th rank within a month," the patriarch casually announced, sparking a fervor among the clan members.
Second Young Master Wei had reached the peak of the 8th rank of Qi Condensation and was poised to break through to the 9th rank soon! This news astonished every clansman present, including the elders. What did this mean? It meant Wei-Hao's chances of being accepted into the Azure Clouds Sect had increased once more. This sect, a dominant force in the city, only accepted top-tier talents who achieved the 7th rank of Qi Condensation before turning twenty. Wei-Hao, who had just turned twenty, had achieved the 8th rank—a feat unheard of in the Sheng clan's history. His unparalleled talent had once again shaken them, for reaching the 9th rank would elevate him to the esteemed status of an elder within the clan.
Observing the elders' reactions, the patriarch's lips curled faintly, his eyes radiating a serene confidence. This announcement would silence any doubts about his second son.
Seizing the moment, Wei-Hao spoke humbly, "Esteemed Patriarch, you honor me too greatly. My accomplishments owe everything to the clan's guidance."
The patriarch chuckled, "Excellent! Excellent! The clan has not squandered its resources on you." He paused, his gaze sweeping over the elders. "Since you are nearing the limit of the 8th rank and the Azure Clouds Sect's recruitment date approaches, I will grant you three times the usual resources awarded to the tournament winner. Any objections?" he asked, meeting the elders' silence with a definitive statement. "Then it is settled."
Three days later...
Sheng Clan, Clan Leader's Residence, Secret Room
In a secluded chamber, Wei-Hao sat cross-legged, circulating his violent Qi with intense concentration. Two palms supported his back, aiding him in stabilizing a new minor realm.
After several minutes, Wei-Hao successfully stabilized his 9th rank Qi Condensation. With a heavy sigh, he turned and bowed deeply to the elderly man before him. "Thank you, esteemed Grandfather. I will bring honor to our clan!"
This elderly man, dressed in white, was none other than Grand Elder Sheng Xuan, the most powerful figure in the clan and father to both Great Elders and the patriarch.
"Rise, child," the Grand Elder spoke wearily, his voice bearing the weight of a life marked by hardships, evident in the deep wrinkles etched upon his face and the dwindling years ahead—a testament to life's vicissitudes.
"Hao'er, you must be wise and cautious during the competition," the Grand Elder advised gravely, locking eyes with his grandson.
"This world is vast, with talented youths in every clan. What may seem extraordinary within our clan could be ordinary elsewhere. Azure Clouds City teems with dragons and phoenixes; never grow complacent." The Grand Elder imparted his wisdom, hoping to instill humility and caution in Wei-Hao, who had yet to face true adversity.
Wei-Hao, no longer a child, understood the Grand Elder's message well. Despite his exceptional talent, achieving first place in the upcoming sect selection was far from guaranteed. The Sheng clan held a low rank within the city's hierarchy, placing him at a disadvantage against more privileged cultivators. He anticipated encountering numerous setbacks and challenges as a result. Nevertheless, his confidence in his own abilities burned fiercely; once admitted to the sect, he believed he would surpass them all.
The Grand Elder sighed deeply. "Child, I see arrogance and disdain in your eyes. You must conceal these sentiments from the Four Great Clans," he warned sternly.
Instantly, Wei-Hao's expression turned serious. The Six Young Masters of Azure Clouds City—cultivators who had long reached the pinnacle of Qi Condensation—loomed large in his thoughts. But so what? Was he not now a peak Qi Condensation cultivator himself?
The Grand Elder shook his head, disappointment evident. "Child, do not underestimate others. Just as you advance, so can they. There are already rumors that Young Masters Feng Yiming and Liu Zhenjun are on the verge of reaching Foundation Establishment.
The news struck Wei-Hao like thunder: Foundation Establishment, the city's highest realm. His father, the patriarch, had only reached the first layer of Foundation Establishment. What did this mean now that some of the Six Young Masters were also achieving it? It meant he no longer had the agency to be so arrogant in their presence.
"Damn it!"