The clan grounds were abuzz with excitement, voices echoing in celebration of Yan Ling's incredible display of strength. Words like "genius," "unparalleled beauty," and "the pride of the Yan Clan" floated through the crowd as disciples discussed her dominance over Liu Yun.
In a quieter corner, Yan Zi sat alone, his face shadowed with a faint sadness as he listened to the chatter. Despite his best efforts, the festive atmosphere only deepened the ache within him. So, this is the gap between us now… he thought, his fingers idly tracing the edge of a nearby table.
Moments later, Yan Ru approached, her steps hesitant. She gently placed a hand on Yan Zi's shoulder, leaning in slightly. "Yan zi", she said softly, concern evident in her tone, "what's wrong? You've been quiet all evening."
Yan Zi startled at her touch but quickly replaced his somber expression with a forced smile. "Nothing at all," he said, shaking his head. "You should go celebrate with everyone. They're waiting for you."
Yan Ru frowned, not entirely convinced. "But—"
Before she could press further, Yan Zi stood abruptly. "I have something I need to take care of. Don't worry about me," he said, his voice steady but distant. Without another word, he turned and walked away, his figure disappearing into the dimly lit corridors of the clan grounds.
"Yan Zi!" Yan Ru called out, her hand reaching slightly toward him, but he didn't turn back. Her shoulders slumped as she sighed deeply. Why does he always act like this? she wondered, sadness flickering in her eyes before she slowly returned to where the others were gathered.
At the center of the courtyard, Yan Shengtian stood proudly before the assembled clan members. His booming voice commanded the attention of all as he addressed the crowd:
"Today, we have witnessed the extraordinary strength of the Yan Clan's rising stars! The future is bright!" He glanced around the gathering before continuing. "To our visiting seniors, please feel free to rest in the guest houses for the evening. As for the five geniuses—follow me to the clan hall."
The crowd murmured in anticipation as Yan Ling, Yan Xingtian, Yan Ru, Yan Yu, and Yan Feng stepped forward. The five exchanged glances—some brimming with pride, others concealing nerves—before following Yan Shengtian.
Inside the grand hall, Yan Shengtian turned to address them. His piercing gaze landed on each one, his voice carrying the weight of responsibility. "The Sky Clear Sect competition is just two years away. From our clan, Yan Ling, Yan Xingtian, and Yan Ru will represent us."
A pause. His eyes softened as they fell on Yan Yu and Yan Feng. "As for you two, there is still time to hone your skills and improve further. Use these years wisely."
The announcement brought mixed emotions. Yan Ling and Yan Xingtian stood with quiet determination, their eyes focused on the challenge ahead. Yan Ru nodded, though her thoughts drifted to Yan Zi. Will he ever stop walking away?
Meanwhile, Yan Feng and Yan Yu lowered their heads slightly, their expressions tinged with both disappointment and resolve. The room remained silent for a moment before Yan Shengtian spoke again. "You five represent the future of our clan. Make us proud."
Outside the hall, Yan Zi stood in the shadows, unseen by the others. He had returned, unable to resist hearing the results. A faint smile tugged at his lips as he watched Yan Ling from afar. "So strong…" he murmured to himself. "This must be why she started avoiding me."
His voice dropped to a whisper. "Who would want to be friends with a trash like me?"
With those words lingering in the air, Yan Zi turned away once more, his figure swallowed by the night.
The soft glow of the moonlight filtered through the ornate windows of Yan Ling's room, casting a serene silver hue over the meticulously arranged space. Seated by the large window, Yan Ling gazed blankly at the tranquil night sky. Her elegant posture and composed demeanor betrayed nothing to the casual observer, but a closer look revealed the faint crease on her brow and the distant sadness in her eyes.
The rhythmic knock on her door broke the silence. "Come in," she said calmly, her voice steady but devoid of its usual sharpness. The door creaked open, and Yan Shengtian, her father and the clan leader, stepped inside. His towering frame and commanding presence filled the room. He studied her briefly before speaking.
"Ling'er," he began, his voice firm yet tinged with a fatherly warmth, "you seem distracted. What's troubling you?"
Yan Ling turned her head slightly, her face still carrying the cold indifference she was known for. "It's nothing, Father," she replied evenly.
Yan Shengtian narrowed his eyes. He had raised his daughter to be a leader, strong and unwavering, but he could sense the faint cracks in her armor tonight. "It's about Yan Zi, isn't it?"
The mention of the name sent a subtle tremor through her stoic expression. She quickly regained her composure, but Yan Shengtian was not so easily deceived. He sighed, walking to stand beside her. "Ling'er, let me remind you again: Yan Zi has no future in this clan. His inability to cultivate has sealed his fate. You, on the other hand, are destined for greatness. You've made the right choice in distancing yourself from him."
Yan Ling didn't respond immediately. Her fingers lightly traced the edge of her chair as she turned her gaze back to the moonlit garden outside. Yan Shengtian continued, his tone unwavering. "Remember why you left him behind. You didn't want him to become a burden or a pawn in the inevitable disputes of power that surround someone of your stature. You chose your path wisely, and I expect you to continue walking it without regrets."
At those words, Yan Ling's face hardened, her cold demeanor intensifying. She stood, meeting her father's gaze with an expression that mirrored his own strength. "Yes, Father," she said firmly, "I understand. I won't disappoint you."
Yan Shengtian nodded approvingly, his pride evident. Without another word, he turned and began to leave, his imposing figure retreating toward the door. Just before exiting, he paused and added, "Focus on your responsibilities. The future of the Yan Clan rests on your shoulders."
As the door closed behind him, the room fell silent once more. Yan Ling stood motionless, her piercing eyes reflecting the moonlight. Slowly, her rigid posture softened, and a hint of sorrow crept into her expression.
Her thoughts drifted to a time when life was simpler, when she and Yan Zi would chase fireflies in the garden, their laughter echoing through the halls. The memory of his innocent smile, his unwavering kindness despite his hardships, stirred something deep within her. Those moments, free of expectations and burdens, were the happiest of her life.
But that was a different world—a world she could no longer afford to dwell in. Her father's words echoed in her mind: "You have great responsibilities ahead."
Yan Ling clenched her fists, banishing the sentimentality from her heart. "The past is the past," she whispered to herself, her voice steady but laced with a tinge of sadness. "I have a duty to fulfill."
Yet, as she sat back down and resumed staring at the stars, the faintest glimmer of regret lingered in her cold, resolute eyes, betraying the unspoken truth that no matter how far she climbed, a part of her would always yearn for the warmth of those fleeting, carefree days with Yan Zi.
The Yan Clan continued its celebrations late into the night, with disciples praising Yan Ling's strength and beauty. Her unparalleled skill became the talk of the elders, who hailed her as the future hope of the clan. Yan Ling, however, remained in her room, quietly contemplating her path. Despite her father's reassurances, the memories of her childhood with Yan Zi lingered in her mind like an unspoken sorrow, tugging faintly at her heart.
Meanwhile, far from the lively noise of the festivities, Yan Zi sat atop the roof of an old pavilion. The moonlight bathed him in a soft glow, reflecting his quiet introspection. His eyes were fixed on the horizon, yet his thoughts drifted deeper into his heart.
"Maybe," he mused to himself, "a life without cultivation, without fighting... isn't so bad. These past three days have been the most beautiful memories I've had in years—years filled with humiliation, scorn, and loneliness." A faint, bittersweet smile tugged at his lips as he recalled Yan Ru's warm encouragement and fleeting moments of kindness from others.
But his gaze darkened, and his fists clenched slightly. "And yet... today, I saw it again. The strength. The power that keeps me distant from the people I care about. No matter how much I wish for a peaceful life, that strength is what determines everything in this world."
A faint sigh escaped him, his shoulders slackening as he tilted his head to the sky. The stars above seemed impossibly distant, just like the aspirations he had buried long ago.
The night grew still, and the world seemed to hold its breath, waiting for the next chapter to unfold.