The sun rose over Azure Sky Town, casting golden rays upon the bustling market streets. Traders peddled their wares, the aroma of freshly baked pastries mingling with the tang of medicinal herbs. Yet, amidst the liveliness, there existed a stark contrast within the imposing Liang Clan estate, a fortress of grandeur at the heart of the town.
Liang Tian sat on the edge of a small, overgrown courtyard, gazing at the training grounds where his cousins sparred. Their laughter and taunts echoed in the distance, a sharp reminder of his place in the clan. Unlike them, he had no right to train on the polished grounds or wield the family's treasured weapons. His status as the son of a concubine rendered him an outcast, unworthy of the resources freely given to the more favored children.
"Look at him," sneered Liang Wei, a tall youth with a blade strapped to his waist. "Dreaming of glory while sitting in the dirt."
The other disciples chuckled, their mockery biting deeper than the chill morning air. Liang Tian ignored them, his calloused fingers tightening around a rusted training sword he had scavenged months ago. Mockery was a daily occurrence, as familiar to him as the ache in his arms after endless hours of self-training.
In truth, Liang Tian's heart burned with indignation, not despair. Beneath his humble exterior lay a fierce determination. He wasn't blind to the injustices he faced, but he also knew that open defiance would lead only to harsher punishment. His father, Liang Zhen, was a man of few words and limited influence, unable to shield him from the clan's scorn. Yet, it was his father's quiet support that stoked Liang Tian's resolve.
In the dead of night, under the dim glow of a flickering lantern, Liang Tian practiced the basics of swordsmanship and cultivation. Though his progress was slower than his peers, he persevered. For he possessed a secret, one that could overturn his fate if nurtured.
Deep within his dantian, nestled in the sea of qi, was the Eternal Primordial Pearl. This ancient artifact, an unassuming sphere of radiant energy, had fused with him when he was a child. Its presence had saved his life during a fatal accident years ago, but it also painted a target on his back. Even now, Liang Tian dared not reveal its existence, fearing the greed it would provoke within the Liang Clan and beyond.
As the day wore on, Liang Tian retreated to a secluded hill outside the estate. Beneath a towering azure tree, he sat cross-legged, closing his eyes to focus on his cultivation. The faint hum of the Eternal Primordial Pearl resonated within him, amplifying his qi as he circulated it through his meridians.
"Apprentice Tier, Stage Four… Peak Late," he murmured, sensing the barrier before the fifth stage. He gritted his teeth, pushing against the invisible wall. Hours passed, and sweat drenched his robes, but his efforts bore fruit. A surge of energy flooded his dantian as he broke through the bottleneck.
"Apprentice Tier, Stage Five," he whispered, exhaling sharply. The breakthrough brought a sense of accomplishment, yet he knew it was only the beginning.
The sound of footsteps startled him from his meditation. He turned to see Lin Yue, a childhood friend, approaching with a basket of freshly picked herbs. Her presence was a rare solace in his otherwise harsh existence.
"Tian-ge, you're pushing yourself too hard again," she chided gently, placing the basket beside him. "You should rest. Overexerting yourself won't help you reach higher realms."
Liang Tian chuckled, his expression softening. "If I don't push myself, who will?"
Lin Yue's brows furrowed with concern, but she didn't argue. Instead, she handed him a small vial. "This is a restorative elixir I made. It's not much, but it should help with your cultivation."
Touched by her thoughtfulness, Liang Tian accepted the vial with a nod. "Thank you, Yue-er. One day, I'll repay your kindness."
"Just promise me you'll stay safe," she replied softly.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and crimson, Liang Tian returned to the estate. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, but for now, he allowed himself a moment of respite. He vowed to rise above the scorn and prove that even an outcast could carve a path to greatness.