The truth hit Yang Ye like a thunderbolt.
The only reason he had sensed Profound Energy was that the tiny vortex within his second Dantian had finally filled to capacity. Overflowing with Profound Energy, the vortex had allowed a trace to spill into his primary Dantian. But as quickly as it had appeared, the vortex had greedily absorbed the energy back, leaving his normal Dantian empty once more.
Still, the revelation was monumental.
Ordinary people had a single Dantian, and Yang Ye had no idea if others like him existed. But he knew one thing with absolute certainty: he wasn't trash, and he could cultivate!
---
A faint smile tugged at Yang Ye's lips. The smile grew wider until it turned into light laughter, bubbling up from the depths of his soul. Then, unable to contain himself any longer, he threw his head back and roared with laughter.
"I, Yang Ye, can become a Profounder! I can cultivate! Hahaha!"
Tears streamed down his face as laughter gave way to sobs. He cried like a child, the weight of years of anguish and despair pouring out of him.
For countless days and nights, Yang Ye had carried an invisible mountain on his shoulders.
It wasn't the ridicule of others that haunted him—their mocking jeers of "trash" and "failure." It wasn't even the shame of being looked down upon.
No.
What he truly feared was failing the two people who meant everything to him.
He feared that his mother and younger sister's fragile hope would shatter.
He feared that his family would once again be humiliated by their cruel neighbors.
He feared they would face the hunger and misery of their past once more.
But now, he had the power to change their fate.
---
Yang Ye wiped his tears and clenched his fists.
If he could fully master the Body Refinement Technique and reach the sixth rank of the Mortal Realm, he could reclaim his place as an Outer Court Disciple. Once he returned to the Outer Court, he would gain access to cultivation resources, advanced techniques, and sword skills.
From there, his path was clear: to rise to the ranks of an Inner Court Disciple.
As an Inner Court Disciple, his name would carry weight. Even the Governor of Southpeace City, once indifferent and distant, would be forced to bow his head in respect.
"I will rise," Yang Ye whispered. His voice was firm, unyielding.
---
The warm sunlight pierced through the dense canopy of Cool Breeze Gorge, illuminating Yang Ye's sweat-soaked face. The golden rays bathed him in a soft, crimson glow, as if the heavens themselves acknowledged his determination.
For the first time in what felt like an eternity, Yang Ye paused to take in his surroundings. The vibrant greens of the grass, the gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze, and the distant call of birds—all of it seemed more vivid, more alive.
"Why did I never notice how beautiful the world is?" he murmured with a small smile.
Suppressing the excitement that surged within him, Yang Ye wiped the sweat from his face and removed the iron weights strapped to his arms and legs. He carefully placed them back under the enormous rock that served as his training ground.
With renewed energy, he grabbed his broom and broke into a swift run, heading for the entrance of the gorge.
He hadn't forgotten his duties. Today's assignment was to sweep the Sword Sect's training grounds.
---
As he ran, the corners of Yang Ye's mouth curled into a determined grin.
The path ahead would be grueling. He would have to endure more mockery, more hardships. But none of it mattered now.
Because Yang Ye had found his spark.
And nothing in the world could extinguish it.
The training ground on Labor Peak stretched across a kilometer in every direction, paved with smooth, grey-white stones. Simple yet imposing, it exuded an aura of dignity. At its center stood an enormous stone sword, towering over the expanse like a silent guardian.
This was where Outer Court Disciples honed their skills, but for Yang Ye, it was just another task for the day. Cleaning such a massive area was meant to be the work of four people, requiring backbreaking effort from sunrise to sunset.
In the past, Yang Ye might have grumbled about the sheer unfairness of it all. But not today. Today, hope burned brightly in his chest, making the task before him seem almost trivial.
Just as he picked up his broom, a mocking voice broke the silence.
"Oh, isn't that our number one piece of trash in history? Oh, wait, it's our Great Outer Court Disciple, Yang Ye. Waking up so early, huh? Have you already cleaned the training grounds? Hahaha…."
Yang Ye turned to face the speaker, his expression unreadable. Three figures stood to the side, smirking at him.
Leading them was Du Xiu, a fellow Labor Disciple with a notorious reputation. Despite his status, Du Xiu rarely lifted a finger, forcing others to do his share of the work. His arrogance came from his powerful connections—his uncle, Manager Xu, oversaw all 2,000 Labor Disciples in the Sword Sect, while his cousin was an Outer Court Disciple. With such formidable backing, Du Xiu strutted about Labor Peak as if he owned it.
Flanking him were Gao Qiu and Li Ge, infamous for their sycophantic ways. Known as the "Bootlickers," they stuck to Du Xiu like shadows, eager to bask in his favor.
Yang Ye's gaze was cold as he addressed them. "Since everyone's here, let's divide the work. There are four sides to the training ground, so each of us can take one. That's fair."
The suggestion was met with roaring laughter.
Li Ge clutched his stomach as he pointed at Yang Ye. "Big Brother Du, did you hear him? He actually wants to assign work to you! Hahaha! I thought this kid was sensible, but he's just an idiot!"
"Wrong!" Gao Qiu interjected, feigning a serious expression. "He's not an idiot—he's a former Outer Court Disciple! Even though that's all in the past, he still carries that prestigious title. How could we possibly make someone so esteemed do such lowly work? Right, Big Brother Du?"
"Hahaha!" Li Ge doubled over, slapping his thigh. "Gao Qiu, you're too good! You insulted him so elegantly! I, Li Ge, bow to your superiority!"
Gao Qiu smiled modestly. "Not at all, not at all! I'm just good at talking. You, on the other hand, are a master of action. Whenever we meet someone insensible, you handle them perfectly. You're Big Brother Du's strongest ally!"
The two began exchanging exaggerated compliments, their sycophantic banter filling the air.
Yang Ye's eyes narrowed as he silently watched the display. His patience was waning, but he kept his composure.
Du Xiu stepped forward, a smug grin on his face. He placed a hand on Yang Ye's shoulder, his tone dripping with mockery. "Kid, the three of us aren't feeling well today. So, how about you clean the training grounds by yourself? Sounds fair, right?"
---
Yang Ye remained silent, his sharp gaze fixed on Du Xiu's hand.
The old Yang Ye might have swallowed his pride, enduring their mockery to avoid conflict. But today was different. Today, hope coursed through his veins, igniting a fire that could not be extinguished.
He took a deep breath, suppressing the rage bubbling within. "Fair?" Yang Ye's voice was calm, but his eyes burned with intensity. "Four people's work assigned to one? That's fair to you?"
Li Ge sneered. "Listen to him, acting like he has a choice. You're just a trash Labor Disciple, Yang Ye. Do as you're told, or—"
"Or what?" Yang Ye interrupted, his tone icy. He took a deliberate step forward, forcing Li Ge to falter.
The atmosphere grew tense as Yang Ye's quiet defiance unsettled the trio.
Du Xiu's grin twisted into a snarl. "You dare talk back to me? Do you know who I am?"
Yang Ye's lips curled into a faint smile. "Oh, I know exactly who you are, Du Xiu—a coward hiding behind your uncle's name."
A heavy silence fell over the training ground. Gao Qiu and Li Ge exchanged nervous glances, unsure of what would happen next.
Du Xiu's face darkened. "You'll regret those words, Yang Ye."
Yang Ye stepped closer, his voice steady and resolute. "Maybe. But not today."
He turned away, broom in hand, and began sweeping. The defiance in his posture made it clear—Yang Ye would no longer be their punching bag.
The path to reclaiming his honor had begun. And nothing, not even Du Xiu's threats, would stop him now.
"No!"
Yang Ye swiped Du Xiu's hand off his shoulder with a sharp motion and strode toward Li Ge and Gao Qiu. His voice was cold and laced with contempt as he said, "I know you're envious. You're jealous that I was once an Outer Court Disciple. After all, before them, all of you were no better than dogs. Now that I've fallen to become a Labor Disciple, you think you can use me to reclaim the dignity you've always lacked. I get it!"
With those biting words, Yang Ye turned on his heel, picked up his broom, and walked toward the training grounds without sparing them another glance.
His harsh ridicule struck like a whip. Li Ge and Gao Qiu's faces turned livid, their expressions twisting between anger and humiliation. They stood frozen, poisoned by his words. Du Xiu, on the other hand, narrowed his eyes, his expression turning dark and dangerous.
Du Xiu was unaccustomed to defiance. Among the nearly 3,000 Labor Disciples in the division, no one dared to challenge his authority. Yang Ye's words and actions were a direct affront to his dominance, and he wasn't going to let it slide.
Li Ge, ever the sycophant, picked up on Du Xiu's mood immediately. His expression twisted into a sneer as he stepped in front of Yang Ye, blocking his path. Pointing a finger at him, Li Ge barked, "Yang Ye, do you think you're still an Outer Court Disciple? You're nothing but trash! The number one piece of trash in the Sword Sect's history! You couldn't even reach the first rank of the Mortal Realm in a year. If Big Brother Du asked you to clean for him, it's because he's being generous. Don't push your luck!"
Yang Ye stopped and turned his sharp gaze toward Li Ge. "I might be trash," he said with a chilling calmness, "but I'd rather be trash than a pathetic dog like you. Wagging your tail when your master is happy and barking at others when he's not—what an admirable life you lead."
"Beat him up! Beat him to death! I'll take responsibility!" Du Xiu's face twisted in fury. His voice was low and venomous as he barked the order. Never had anyone in the Labor Division dared to insult him in such a manner. He was the ruler of Labor Peak, and he would crush anyone who dared challenge his authority.
Hearing Du Xiu's command, Li Ge's expression morphed into savage glee. Finally, he had the excuse he needed. With a triumphant roar, he threw a punch toward Yang Ye's face, his movements wild and unrestrained.
Yang Ye's expression darkened as Li Ge lunged at him. With a swift sidestep, he avoided the attack and retaliated in one fluid motion. Gripping the broom tightly, Yang Ye swung it with force.
Smack!
The broom connected squarely with Li Ge's face. Dust exploded from the broom, scattering everywhere as Li Ge staggered back, clutching his face and howling in pain. His eyes stung fiercely as dust filled them, blinding him. Tears streamed down his cheeks as he crouched on the ground, rubbing his eyes in desperation.
"Bastard!" Du Xiu roared, his fury reaching its peak. Seeing his lackey humiliated sent him over the edge. With a savage snarl, he charged at Yang Ye, his fist aimed straight at the back of Yang Ye's head.
Du Xiu moved fast, but Yang Ye's instincts were sharper. Sensing the danger, Yang Ye dropped low and rolled forward, narrowly avoiding the strike. As Du Xiu stumbled slightly from the missed attack, Yang Ye sprang to his feet and spun around, broom in hand.
"You think you're untouchable because of your uncle and cousin?" Yang Ye's voice was steady, but his eyes burned with defiance. "I've had enough of your tyranny."
Du Xiu's face twisted in rage. "You'll regret this!" he spat, lunging again.
But Yang Ye was ready. Using the broom as a makeshift weapon, he jabbed it toward Du Xiu's midsection, forcing him to halt his advance.
Du Xiu's expression grew darker as he realized Yang Ye wasn't the same submissive Labor Disciple he had bullied before.
"You dare defy me, Yang Ye?" Du Xiu growled, clenching his fists.
Yang Ye gripped the broom tightly, his stance firm. "You think you're a king here, Du Xiu. But you're nothing without your connections. Today, I'll show you that I'm not afraid of you."
The confrontation sent ripples through the training ground. The once-dismissive Labor Disciple was now standing his ground, his determination shining through every action. Yang Ye was no longer the defeated boy they thought they knew—he was a man with resolve, ready to rise above his circumstances.
Du Xiu glared at Yang Ye, his rage barely contained. "You're dead, Yang Ye. You just don't know it yet."
But Yang Ye didn't flinch. The fire in his eyes was a clear message: I'm done running. This is just the beginning.