The atmosphere outside the secret grounds was electrified with excitement. As the five prodigies emerged, their domineering auras still lingering in the air, the gathered crowd erupted into a cacophony of cheers and applause. Disciples gawked at their presence, elders murmured amongst themselves, and even the usually stoic clan leader, Yan Shengtian, couldn't suppress his pride.
Yan Shengtian stepped forward with a wide smile that carried both authority and joy. He embraced Yan Ling and Yan Xingtian with a father's pride, his arms resting firmly on their shoulders as if declaring to the world, These are my children.
"You've exceeded all expectations," Yan Shengtian said, his voice thick with emotion. "Yan Ling, Yan Xingtian—you've brought honor to this clan and to me as your father. Today, I can truly say that the Yan Clan stands tall!"
Yan Ling, ever composed, nodded with a small smile. "Thank you, Father. We've worked hard to bring glory to the clan."
Yan Xingtian grinned, his confidence practically radiating off him. "This is just the beginning, Father. Our potential has no limits!"
Nearby, Elder Yan Guang wasted no time in rushing to Yan Ru. He clapped his daughter on the shoulder with a booming laugh. "My daughter! Three stars into the Core Formation Realm! Not bad, not bad at all!" He leaned closer, his tone conspiratorial. "But don't let those two overshadow you. I expect even greater things from you!"
Yan Ru rolled her eyes but couldn't hide the faint blush of pride. "Father, I'm not done yet. This is just the start."
Meanwhile, Elder Gong approached his disciple Yan Yu with an appraising look. "You've improved, Yan Yu. Two stars into Core Formation. Acceptable progress, but you'll need to push harder to truly stand out."
Yan Yu bowed respectfully, his voice calm and measured. "Yes, Master. I'll strive to meet your expectations."
The last of the five, Yan Feng, stood quietly, his gaze steady as he absorbed the scene. Though no elder claimed him as a personal disciple, his accomplishments still garnered respect from the crowd.
The group of five began walking toward the clan hall, their strides confident and their presence commanding. The path cleared before them as disciples stepped aside, murmuring in awe.
Amidst the clamor and celebration, Yan Zi stood alone at the edge of the crowd. His thin frame and plain robes made him easy to overlook, and that's exactly what happened.
Yan Ling's gaze swept over the crowd as she walked past, but not once did her eyes settle on Yan Zi. It was as if he were invisible, a shadow beneath the brilliance of her light.
For a brief moment, Yan Zi's heart clenched, but he quickly suppressed the feeling. "It doesn't matter," he whispered to himself, his fists tightening. "Let them shine for now. My time will come."
He remained where he was, rooted to the spot, as the five prodigies disappeared into the distance, their path leading straight to the clan hall.
---
In the Clan Hall
The grand hall of the Yan Clan was abuzz with activity. Elders, disciples, and even servants gathered to witness the celebration. The hall's towering pillars, carved with intricate patterns of dragons and phoenixes, reflected the prestige of the clan.
At the center, the five prodigies stood in a line, their presence commanding the attention of everyone present. Behind them, the other disciples gathered, whispering amongst themselves.
Clan Leader Yan Shengtian rose from his throne-like seat at the front of the hall. His imposing figure and sharp eyes swept over the crowd, silencing the murmurs instantly.
"I stand here today filled with pride and joy," he began, his voice resonating through the hall like a drumbeat. "These five prodigies—Yan Ling, Yan Xingtian, Yan Ru, Yan Yu, and Yan Feng—are the pride of the Yan Clan. Their progress in the past year has surpassed even my highest expectations. Today, I can declare with confidence: the future of our clan is brighter than ever!"
A wave of applause rippled through the hall. The disciples couldn't contain their admiration as whispers broke out again.
"Yan Ling is stunning, isn't she? And so powerful now. I heard she's reached the eighth star of the Core Formation Realm!"
"Idiot," another disciple whispered harshly. "Don't speak of her so casually. She's the clan leader's daughter and the top genius of the clan. No one here could even dream of catching her attention!"
"Yan Xingtian is no less impressive," another voice chimed in. "I wouldn't want to face him in battle. That aura of his... it's like a storm waiting to break loose!"
At the front, Yan Shengtian's lips curled into a proud yet almost arrogant smile. "The Yan Clan has always stood as a beacon of strength and unity. But with these five leading us, we shall ascend to heights even the heavens cannot deny!"
His words carried an air of absolute confidence, as though the clan's destiny was already carved in stone.
Yan Shengtian raised his hand, signaling for silence. The murmurs ceased instantly as all eyes turned to him.
"I have one more important announcement to make," he said, his voice tinged with authority. "In three days, we shall hold a test battle to assess the strength of these five prodigies. It will be a display of their progress and a testament to their dedication. Prepare yourselves, for what you witness will be nothing short of extraordinary!"
A collective gasp swept through the hall. The prospect of witnessing the five geniuses in action ignited excitement among the disciples.
"I can't wait to see Yan Ling's techniques!" one whispered.
"Yan Xingtian will definitely dominate!" said another.
Yan Shengtian's gaze softened as he turned to the five. "For now, you may rest. You've worked hard during your time in the secret grounds. But remember, this is only the beginning. Greatness awaits you, but it will demand even greater effort."
The five bowed in unison, their expressions a mix of humility and confidence. "Yes, Clan Leader," they said in unison.
As the crowd began to disperse, the disciples' conversations buzzed with speculation about the upcoming battles. Meanwhile, Yan Zi stood at the back of the hall, unnoticed and unacknowledged.
"Three days," he muttered to himself, his fists clenched tightly. "Three days to see how wide the gap truly is. But I won't stop. I'll find my way, no matter how long it takes."
While the clan celebrated its brightest stars, Yan Zi's resolve burned quietly in the shadows, a spark waiting to ignite into a blaze.
As the celebrations came to an end, everyone returned to their quarters to rest. The once lively clan hall gradually fell silent, the sound of footsteps and murmurs fading into the stillness of the evening.
The sky stretched out in a canvas of fiery hues, with streaks of gold and crimson blending into soft shades of lavender and blue. The sun, a glowing orb on the horizon, slowly descended behind the distant mountains, casting long, dappled shadows across the Yan Clan grounds. The trees, with their leaves swaying gently in the cool evening breeze, shimmered as the light danced upon their emerald surfaces. A calm river meandered nearby, its surface mirroring the radiant colors of the sky, creating a serene yet melancholic atmosphere.
On the outskirts of the clan's vast grounds, Yan Zi sat atop a weathered stone. The stone was cold and rough beneath him, but he didn't seem to notice. His gaze was fixed on the horizon, where the last rays of the setting sun stretched their arms before being swallowed by the night.
The solitude around him matched the turmoil in his heart. He hugged his knees, his head slightly bowed as the thoughts swirling in his mind weighed heavy on his spirit.
"They've gone so far ahead," Yan Zi murmured, his voice barely audible, carried away by the wind. "Yan Ling, Yan Xingtian... all of them."
His fingers dug into the stone as he clenched his fists tightly, frustration and despair battling within him. Even if I restore my cultivation... how long will it take to catch up?
He raised his head to the sky, his piercing blue eyes reflecting the fading light. The heavens above seemed vast and unattainable, much like the gap between him and the clan's geniuses.
"Can I truly prove my worth? Will the day ever come when I stand among them, not as someone to be pitied but as someone to be admired?"
The thought of those who had mocked and belittled him stung like a fresh wound. Their sneers, their laughter—they were etched in his memory, feeding the flames of his determination.
"I can't stay like this," he whispered. "I have to find a way. I have to—"
Suddenly, a faint sound interrupted his thoughts.
Crack.
The sharp snap of a branch breaking pierced the quiet of the evening. Yan Zi froze, his senses instantly alert. His head whipped around toward the source of the sound, his piercing gaze scanning the shadows behind him.
The trees, darkened by the approaching night, swayed slightly in the wind, their leaves rustling softly. But amidst the natural sounds of the forest, Yan Zi could sense a presence—a faint, unfamiliar energy.
He slowly rose to his feet, his heart pounding in his chest. The muscles in his body tensed as his eyes narrowed. He turned fully toward the noise, his voice steady but firm.
"Who's there?"