Chapter 1: The Disappointment of the Jian Clan
The sun hung low over Stonecloud Town, casting long shadows across the cobbled streets. The bustling marketplace quieted as the townsfolk turned their attention to the imposing gates of the Jian Clan estate. Today was a day of significance: the spiritual root awakening ceremony, a tradition that determined the future of the clan's younger generation.
Jian Chen, the youngest son of Jian Rong, stood at the far edge of the training grounds. His fists clenched tightly, knuckles white, as he watched his elder brothers, Jian Shan and Jian Hao, mingle confidently among the crowd. Their laughter echoed like a taunt in his ears.
"Still hiding in the corner, little brother?" Jian Shan's voice rang out as he approached, flanked by his usual entourage. The eldest of the Jian siblings, Jian Shan exuded arrogance, his nascent strength in Body Refinement already a source of pride for the family.
Jian Chen looked up, meeting his brother's mocking gaze. "I'm preparing for the ceremony," he replied, trying to keep his voice steady.
"Preparing?" Jian Shan sneered. "You're better off preparing excuses for your failure. What use is a runt who can't even complete basic Qi circulation exercises?"
Laughter erupted from those around him, but Jian Chen refused to respond. Instead, he turned away, his heart heavy but his resolve firm.
Inside the main hall of the Jian Clan estate, the atmosphere was solemn. Jian Rong, the clan patriarch, sat on the central seat, his face lined with worry. The Jian Clan's influence had waned over the years, and the performance of his sons in the awakening ceremony was crucial to their survival.
Jian Chen entered quietly, standing near the back of the hall. His father barely glanced at him, his attention focused on the elder brothers who were the clan's pride.
"Jian Shan," the elder announced. "Step forward."
Jian Shan strode confidently to the awakening array, a formation etched with ancient runes and pulsing with spiritual energy. As the array activated, a faint golden light enveloped him, signifying a rare Earth-grade spiritual root. The elders nodded in approval, murmurs of praise filling the hall.
Next was Jian Hao, who awakened a Wind-grade root, another strong showing. The atmosphere grew tense with anticipation.
Finally, it was Jian Chen's turn. The hall fell silent as he approached the array. He knelt, placing his hands on the cold stone, and closed his eyes. The formation flared to life, light swirling around him.
Seconds passed, then minutes. The light flickered erratically before dimming entirely. A gasp rippled through the crowd.
"What's happening?" an elder asked, his voice laced with disbelief.
"It's sealed," another replied, inspecting the array. "His spiritual root⌠it's completely sealed."
The room erupted into whispers, disbelief and ridicule filling the air. Jian Shan's laughter rang out the loudest.
"A sealed root? Truly the heavens have cursed our clan with a useless runt!" he jeered.
Jian Chen stood frozen, his face pale. His father's expression was unreadable, but the disappointment in his eyes was unmistakable.
The ceremony concluded with Jian Chen leaving the hall, his head bowed. The whispers of the crowd followed him as he retreated to the clan's outskirts, where his late mother's small garden still stood.
As the sun set, Jian Chen knelt before a withered lotus plant, his mother's favorite. He clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms.
"Mother⌠they think I'm worthless. That I'll never amount to anything," he murmured, his voice trembling. "But I swear, I'll prove them wrong. I'll show them all."
The wind carried his words into the night, and though the path ahead seemed shrouded in darkness, a flicker of determination burned in his heart.
For Jian Chen, this was not the endâonly the beginning.