As the first rays of sunlight crept over the horizon, illuminating the Jian Clan compound, a young boy stirred in his modest room. The faint glow of dawn outlined the sparse furnishings: a simple wooden bed, a small wardrobe, and a cracked mirror leaning against the wall. Despite the simplicity, the room exuded a certain warmth, as though it held onto the last vestiges of hope.
The boy sat up, his ember-red eyes glowing faintly in the dim light. His long black hair cascaded over his shoulders, and his pale skin shimmered as though touched by a faint light. His toned physique was impressive for someone his age, but in this world where spiritual strength determined worth, such physical attributes were meaningless.
This was Jian Chen, the youngest son of the Jian Clan ,Once celebrated as a prodigy in his early years, he had fallen behind his peers, unable to progress in his cultivation. Now, at fifteen, he bore the mocking title of "Trash of the Jian Clan."
Yet, today was different.
Today was the Spiritual Root Awakening Ceremony, the day every youth in the clan would have their spiritual potential assessed. For Jian Chen, this was his chance to prove his worth, to shed the scornful label that had plagued him for years.
"Today, I'll prove to everyone that I'm not trash," he whispered, his voice filled with quiet determination as he stared into the cracked mirror. The reflection staring back at him seemed different—stronger, more resolute.
He dressed quickly in the ceremonial robes provided for the occasion, their crimson fabric embroidered with golden flames, the symbol of the Jian Clan. Taking a deep breath, he stepped out of his room, only to find his father, Jian Lan, waiting for him in the corridor.
Jian Lan was an average-looking man with graying hair and sharp features that hinted at the authority he wielded as Patriarch of the Jian Clan. Though his face often carried the weight of disappointment, there was a flicker of something softer in his eyes as he looked at his youngest son.
"Chen," Lan began, his tone hesitant but kind. "Today is an important day for you. Remember, no matter the outcome, you are still my son. If you don't awaken a strong spiritual root, don't let it discourage you. As your father, I will protect and support you."
The words were meant to ease Jian Chen's burden, but they only fueled the fire in his heart. He could sense the hidden meaning: his father had little faith in him.
"Don't worry, Father," Jian Chen replied, his voice steady and filled with resolve. "Today, I will make you proud."
Before Lan could respond, a mocking voice interrupted them.
"Make him proud? You?"
Jian Chen turned toward the source of the voice and saw his eldest brother, Jian Lin, approaching. Lin was tall and broad-shouldered, exuding an air of arrogance that matched his exceptional talent as the Jian Clan's top prodigy.
"Brother," Jian Chen greeted cautiously.
Jian Lin smirked, his eyes brimming with disdain. "So, the trash still dares to dream, huh? Let me save you the trouble—no one expects anything from you, least of all me."
"Lin," Lan interjected sharply, his tone stern. "Do not speak to your brother that way."
Lin turned his sharp gaze toward their father, his voice laced with frustration. "Why do you always take his side, Father? Do you know how many resources have been wasted on this failure? Resources that could have been better used by someone who actually has potential?"
Jian Chen clenched his fists, but he kept his composure. "Brother, why have you already decided that I'll fail? Shouldn't you wait for the results before passing judgment?"
Lin laughed, a cruel, mocking sound. "What should I expect from someone who's been a disgrace since the age of ten? You've done nothing but tarnish our family name."
"Enough, both of you!" Lan's voice echoed through the corridor, silencing the argument. He turned to Lin, his expression severe. "Lin, it does not matter if Chen succeeds or fails today. As his father, it is my duty to stand by him."
Lin scoffed, his frustration evident. "Fine. Keep wasting our clan's resources on this loser. But don't expect me to clean up his mess." With that, he stormed off, his crimson robes trailing behind him.
Lan sighed heavily and placed a reassuring hand on Jian Chen's shoulder. "Chen, don't let his words get to you. Just focus on doing your best. Let's go. Everyone is waiting in the main hall."
Jian Chen nodded, his resolve unwavering. Together, they made their way to the main hall, where the rest of the Jian Clan had already gathered.
The hall was grand, with high ceilings adorned with intricate carvings of flames and dragons. Rows of seats filled the spacious room, and the air buzzed with anticipation. At the center of the hall stood an ornate pedestal, where the Spiritual Root Awakening Ceremony would take place.
Jian Chen scanned the crowd, his eyes falling on his siblings.
Jian Ling, the second eldest, was seated with a bored expression. He was a hulking figure, known for his brute strength and fiery temper. Though he rarely interacted with Jian Chen, his disdain was no less obvious.
Next to him was Jian Xia, the third eldest and the only one who showed any kindness toward Jian Chen. With her graceful demeanor and compassionate nature, she was well-loved by the clan. She offered Jian Chen a small smile of encouragement, which he returned.
In the corner of the hall, Lian Rong, a representative from the rival Lian Clan, lounged casually. His presence was a reminder of Jian Chen's humiliation two years ago when Lian Rong had beaten him mercilessly in a public spar. The memory burned in Jian Chen's mind, but he pushed it aside. Today wasn't about the past—it was about his future.
"Ah, the trash finally arrives," Lian Rong sneered, his voice dripping with mockery. "I hope you put on a good show today, Jian Chen. The Lian Clan could use some entertainment."
Jian Chen ignored him, focusing instead on the pedestal. His father led him to the front of the hall, where the clan elders were seated. At the head of the table was Elder Jian Feng, the most senior member of the clan and an imposing figure of authority.
"Jian Chen," Elder Feng began, his voice deep and commanding. "Step forward and place your hand on the Awakening Stone. Let us see the will of the heavens."
Jian Chen took a deep breath and approached the pedestal, his heart pounding in his chest. As he placed his hand on the Awakening Stone, the entire hall fell silent.
The stone began to glow faintly, its light shifting between colors. Jian Chen closed his eyes, feeling a surge of energy coursing through him.
This was it. The moment that would decide his fate.