Liu Yichen looked at He Lanfei, a flicker of anticipation in his eyes. His hands trembled slightly as he handed her the Flying Sword Technique, a manual he had stumbled upon by chance. He hoped this gesture would leave a lasting impression on her, perhaps even serve as a bridge to deepen their connection.
He Lanfei, in turn, felt a strange sensation as she gazed at the handsome young man before her. When her fingers brushed against his as she took the manual, a spark seemed to pass between them. Liu Yichen's heart skipped a beat, her touch cool yet warm, sending ripples through his calm exterior.
He Lanfei's cheeks flushed faintly. Is he giving me this because he feels something special for me? she wondered. But she quickly dismissed the thought. In the world of cultivation, strength was paramount. Perhaps Liu Yichen was simply trying to curry favor with her, a senior disciple.
"Thank you, Junior Brother Liu. I will repay your kindness in the future," she said with a smile, accepting the manual. After a few more words of advice, she turned and left.
Liu Yichen watched her retreating figure, his heart filled with hope. Senior Sister He Lanfei is truly special. I hope this small gesture brings us closer.
Returning to his room, Liu Yichen settled into a cross-legged position on his bed. The Yellow-tier residence, known as Moonlit Pavilion, was indeed a place of concentrated stellar energy. He could feel the abundant qi surrounding him, far surpassing anything he had experienced before. As he immersed himself in cultivation, the energy within him surged, breaking through barriers with ease. By dawn, he had reached the seventh level of the Star Observation Realm!
Liu Yichen clenched his fists, exhilarated by the surge of power. The sensation of strength coursing through his veins was intoxicating. This is just the beginning. I will make everyone who ever looked down on me regret it.
The next morning, sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating Liu Yichen's determined face. He activated his Divine Eye, the ancient eye symbol glowing in his mind. This ability will be my greatest asset, he thought.
His next target was a mid-tier Earth-grade technique called Holy Light Slash. With the Profound Spirit System's assistance, a flood of profound knowledge entered his mind, accompanied by a low, resonant hum. He immediately began practicing, his sword movements fluid and precise.
The sword gleamed like a rainbow, its light alternating between piercingly sharp and soothingly gentle. Though it was only an Earth-grade technique, the system's enhancement made it formidable. Each strike carried a faint whistling sound, as if channeling the very essence of the heavens and earth.
Liu Yichen was completely absorbed, the world around him fading away. Confidence surged within him. No one will ever bully me again.
"Junior Brother Liu, what are you..." A voice interrupted his practice. Liu Yichen looked up to see a man in the sect's uniform standing at the courtyard gate, a hint of surprise on his face.
It was Liu Zixuan, the eldest son of his uncle and a senior outer disciple. Liu Yichen straightened his posture, refusing to show any weakness.
Liu Zixuan sneered inwardly. This brat is putting on a brave face. Just wait until the entrance test—I'll make sure he humiliates himself.
As they walked to the sect's main square, Liu Yichen stayed half a step behind, observing Liu Zixuan's back. This man tormented me in my past life. Will he try the same tricks now?
Liu Zixuan glanced back occasionally, noting the newfound determination in Liu Yichen's eyes. It unsettled him. I'll make sure he stumbles during the test.
The square was dominated by a massive blackwood pillar, its dark surface exuding a heavy, almost oppressive aura. New disciples had gathered, their nervous whispers filling the air like the buzzing of insects.
Liu Zixuan stepped forward and announced, "The entrance test begins now! First round: Stellar Force Test! Push this blackwood pillar to the top of the hill to advance!" His voice boomed across the square, commanding attention.
The crowd murmured, daunted by the steep slope and the pillar's immense weight.
"Well, well, if it isn't the Liu family's useless young master! Here to embarrass yourself again?" A mocking voice rang out. Liu Yichen turned to see Chen Zijia, the second son of the Chen family, smirking at him.
Chen Zijia's eyes gleamed with malice. Today, I'll crush this waste and show everyone his place.
Ding Haitao, another disciple, chimed in, "Yeah, how did a loser like you even get here? You're wasting a spot!"
The two flanked Liu Yichen, their taunts cutting deep. Liu Yichen remained calm, his mind racing. I can't afford to lose my temper, but I won't let them humiliate me.
Chen Zijia stepped closer, his finger jabbing toward Liu Yichen's chest. "You're nothing but—"
Before he could finish, Liu Yichen's hand shot out, gripping Chen Zijia's wrist with crushing force. "Watch your mouth," Liu Yichen said coldly, his gaze icy. "Or I'll make you regret it."
Chen Zijia's face paled, pain shooting through his arm. How dare he?!
Ding Haitao lunged at Liu Yichen, but Liu Yichen sidestepped effortlessly, countering with a palm strike that sent Ding sprawling.
"Pathetic," Liu Yichen sneered, releasing Chen Zijia and turning toward the blackwood pillar.
Chen Zijia and Ding Haitao exchanged uneasy glances, their bravado faltering.
The test began, and disciples strained to push the pillar. Liu Yichen, however, found it immovable, as if rooted to the ground. Doubt crept into his mind. Am I truly this weak?
From the observation platform, Zhu Xiaotian laughed derisively. "Look at that failure! He can't even budge the pillar!"
Mo Wanqing giggled beside him. "He's a joke, Zhu Gongzi. He doesn't belong here."
Liu Yichen's eyes narrowed. With a sudden burst of hidden power, a wave of stellar energy erupted from him, shaking the ground and causing the pillar to tremble.
"Don't celebrate too soon," Liu Yichen said coldly. "The real test has yet to begin."
Zhu Xiaotian and Mo Wanqing stumbled, their faces pale with shock.
Chen Zijia, who had pushed the pillar several feet, sneered at Liu Yichen. "Useless as always. Can't even move a piece of wood!"
The crowd erupted in laughter, their jeers cutting like knives.
Liu Yichen's face burned with humiliation, but beneath the surface, a fire ignited. I won't let them break me.
He channeled all his strength into his hands, his muscles straining as he pushed against the pillar. Sweat dripped from his brow, his breath coming in ragged gasps.
Just as he was about to give up, he felt something unusual beneath the pillar—a cold, metallic object embedded in its base.
"This..." Liu Yichen crouched down, his fingers brushing against the hidden mechanism.