黎明时分,天空开始呈现出微弱,朦胧的光芒,整个渔阳城仍然躺在黎明前的昏暗中...渔阳城,云族.
哇!
小男孩本能地扔掉了他温暖的毯子,从床上跳了起来,迅速地穿衣服和洗漱,一切都非常流畅.此时此刻,绝大多数族门弟子,包括众多仆人,都还在沉睡中...这个男孩大约十三四岁,身材略微苗条,脸色苍白而年轻.虽然不是特别英俊,但他拥有一种安静,持久的魅力.尤其是他的眼睛——清澈明亮,闪耀着坚定的光芒:"如果我再坚持一会儿,我就会突破到武道第二层,让云族中那些看不起我的人闭嘴.这个男孩名叫云澈.半年前,由于表现突出,他被选中加入渔阳城云族总分支,从青叶镇的分支一族转会而来.在青烨镇,云澈在同龄人中脱颖而出,率先达到了武道第一层,从而超越了常人的境界,步入了修武之路.当时,镇上的长辈都称赞他的才华,预料到他未来的成就将是不可估量的.他的家人和父母对他寄予厚望.但云澈比谁都清楚,他得比同龄人努力好几倍,才能获得青野镇的天才称号...青爷镇的云氏是较大的云氏家族的一个分支,每五年只有两个名额可以推荐给总分支.除了云澈,另一位年轻的弟子云雪也被推荐了.她比他晚了两个月才晋级到武道一级.当云澈离开青叶镇时,他雄心勃勃,决心在云族中扬名立万,展示自己的能力.然而,在进入云族主力后,云澈意识到自己的视野是多么的有限...青野镇支部是一个只有几百人的小宗门,和他同龄的男孩不超过七八个.而云族主力则是一个拥有数万成员的强大家族,掌控着广阔的土地和丰富的资源,在实力上远远超过分支一族一百倍!在青爷镇,云澈曾被认为是一个杰出的弟子,甚至是一个天才...但在云主族内部,他几乎处于底层,被视为微不足道的外门弟子.Many of his peers in the main clan had already advanced to the second level of Martial Arts, with a few top-tier disciples reaching the third level. It was rumored that some of the clan's prodigies had even reached the terrifying fourth level of Martial Arts…Faced with this reality, Yun Che felt as though he had been doused with a bucket of cold water, realizing his ignorance and insignificance.Furthermore, Yun Xue, the beautiful young girl who had once adored him in Qingye Town, had grown distant after entering the Yun Clan, quickly forming a relationship with one of the top three disciples from the outer circle of the clan.Back then, when Yun Xue was in Qingye Town, she had admired Yun Che deeply, even harboring feelings for him. But at that time, Yun Che had been wholly focused on cultivation, and his naive heart had not reciprocated.Since then, deeply hurt by her actions, Yun Che redoubled his efforts in cultivation.He swore to carve out a place for himself in the Yun Clan, in Yuyang City.If not, he would never return to Qingye Town!…After finishing his morning routine, Yun Che took a deep breath and quickly made his way to the clan's training ground.Ha! Ha!
Yun Che squatted in a horse stance, his fists cutting through the air, as he repeatedly practiced the Yun Clan's signature martial technique—"Flame Fist."Though "Flame Fist" was merely a foundational martial skill, Yun Che practiced it with meticulous care, executing it with smooth and flawless precision.In the world of martial arts, there were five levels of martial skills: Basic, Low-Level, Intermediate, High-Level, and Top-Level.Basic martial arts were the lowest level, designed mainly for strengthening the body and refining one's vitality, with limited destructive power.In general, the higher the martial skill level, the greater its power and the more effective its cultivation.However, as a disciple of the branch clan, without extraordinary talent, Yun Che had little access to higher-level martial techniques."I've been stuck at the peak of the first level for a long time. To break through to the second level, I still lack some refinement."After practicing for some time, Yun Che was drenched in sweat and breathing heavily.Though Yun Che's talent was not bad, he lagged behind the disciples of the main clan because they had access to superior cultivation methods, came from wealthier families, and could take rare medicinal herbs to speed up their progress.It was said that some of the Yun Clan's children were given precious potions to strengthen their bodies and broke through the first level of Martial Arts before the age of ten, giving them a natural advantage.In the race of cultivation, Yun Che was far behind.Half an hour later, the sun slowly began to rise above the horizon.On the training ground, more and more disciples of the Yun Clan began to appear, chatting and laughing, engaging in friendly sparring.When some of the main clan disciples caught sight of Yun Che, their expressions immediately grew cold, some even showing disdain and contempt.This attitude was not exclusive to Yun Che.The disciples of the main clan often looked down on those from the branch clans, carrying an air of superiority in front of them!As Yun Che stood lost in thought, a sharp whistle sounded from behind him: "Hey, little unlucky star! Stop right there!"Smack!
A hand as hard as iron struck his shoulder with a force that nearly sent him stumbling."It's you…"Yun Che nearly lost his balance but managed to steady himself thanks to his strong foundation in martial arts.The newcomer was a young man in black, strong and muscular, with thick eyebrows and tiger-like eyes, his gaze carrying a playful gleam as he looked down upon Yun Che."Yun Kun! What's the meaning of this?" Yun Che's expression darkened, his anger flaring.When Yun Che had first entered the Yun Clan, he had clashed with Yun Kun due to the latter's mocking words toward the branch clan. Yun Che, unwilling to take the insult, had confronted him.Yun Kun was the type of person who held grudges. Since then, he had regularly sought ways to humiliate Yun Che."Yun Kun! With your strength, if you can't defeat this branch disciple in ten moves, you'll be a laughingstock!""Ten moves? Yun Kun has already reached the peak of the second level of Martial Arts. I think he'll defeat that kid in three moves at most.""Three moves? That's going to be tough, don't you think?"Nearby, some of the Yun Clan's disciples watched with interest.Most of them were eager to see trouble, offering encouraging words."Three moves? Hahaha…" Yun Kun threw his head back and laughed arrogantly. "You all underestimate me too much! I'll defeat this kid in one move!"One move!
At this proclamation, the crowd of disciples gasped in shock."One move?"Yun Che raised an eyebrow, his expression darkening as fury burned within him.Yun Kun and he were separated by one level of cultivation, so it was possible for Yun Kun to defeat him in three moves if he performed well.But one move…It was a blatant insult!As Yun Kun's mocking gaze bore down on him, Yun Che quickly regained his composure: "I can't fall for his trick. Even if I can survive one move, I'll just face more humiliation afterward."During his six months in the Yun Clan, Yun Che had suffered numerous losses and learned to endure."I'm quite exhausted from today's training. Let me rest for a few days and then we can spar," Yun Che said expressionlessly as he turned to walk away.His response left Yun Kun and the others momentarily stunned."Well, kid, I'll let you off today. But don't forget about our 'one-move agreement' the next time we meet," Yun Kun sneered, his eyes flashing with malice.A one-move agreement?Yun Che's heart tightened. It seemed that Yun Kun was determined not to let him go."I must break through to the second level of Martial Arts as soon as possible, or I won't stand a chance against Yun Kun."A sense of urgency gnawed at Yun Che's heart.Leaving the training grounds, Yun Che returned home.Since Yun Che entered the Yun family, his parents in the town had also "benefited," moving in to live with the Yun family.This should have been a glory that belonged to his parents.Yet, Yun Che always felt a deep sense of shame, as his performance within the Yun family likely disappointed them, betraying the hopes of the elders from Qingye Town..."I'm home."A steady and somewhat weathered voice called out as a man walked toward him.It was none other than Yun Che's father, Yun Tianyang."Feng'er, come and eat!"His mother, Yun Shi, lovingly called out as she brought the food from the kitchen.Every time he returned home, Yun Che could feel the rare warmth."Thank you, mother... It's so delicious!" Yun Che devoured the food eagerly, his words slightly muddled.While eating, neither Yun Tianyang nor Yun Shi spoke, both seemingly hesitating as if there was something they wanted to say."Father, Mother, what's the matter?" Yun Che noticed the solemn expressions on their faces, sensing that there was something weighing on their minds.Yun Tianyang exchanged a glance with his wife and sighed heavily."I'll speak," he said, his voice tinged with a hint of sorrow. "Not long ago, someone from the upper echelons of the family sent word.""From the upper echelons of the family?" Yun Che was puzzled.Yun Tianyang's expression grew serious. "The family rules have been updated: the children of collateral branches who fail to break through to the second level of martial arts will not be eligible to participate in the 'Family Martial Meet'; if, by the age of fifteen, they do not reach the third level, they will be relegated back to the original collateral branch."What!Yun Che's heart lurched, his face paling.The Family Martial Meet was a rare opportunity for the younger generation of the family to showcase their talents. Those who ranked highly would not only receive generous rewards but might also have the chance to become inner family members, receiving special cultivation.Thus, the Family Martial Meet was a golden opportunity for all the outer family members, a chance to leap forward in their status.Losing eligibility for the Martial Meet would be akin to being cast aside by the family!But the most chilling part for Yun Che was the latter rule: by the age of fifteen, if one failed to reach the third level of martial arts, they would be sent back to the original collateral branch."No... this absolutely cannot happen..."Yun Che's voice trembled, his fists clenched tightly.Neither he nor his parents could bear to return to Qingye Town as a mere collateral branch."This new rule specifically targets collateral branch members," his mother, Yun Shi, added, her face marked by concern."Father, Mother, don't worry. I will work twice as hard to break through to the second level before the Martial Meet," Yun Che gritted his teeth, his voice shaking."The Family Martial Meet is in two months, and registration must be completed a month in advance. To break through to the second level of martial arts within a month... it won't be easy," Yun Tianyang shook his head, his expression grim.Only a month?Yun Che's face darkened, as if he had been cast into a deep abyss.If he had two months, with twice the effort, he might have a slim chance. But to break through to the second level in just one month? He had no confidence!Silence lingered for a long while.Yun Shi gently wiped a tear from the corner of her eye and spoke softly, "Feng'er, no matter what happens, we will be proud of you... At worst, we can return to Qingye Town. As long as you're safe and sound, that's all that matters.""That's right! Back in Qingye Town, you'll still be one of the best among the Yun family's children—better to be a chicken's head than a phoenix's tail!" Yun Tianyang nodded in agreement.As parents, they would rather their child be safe and secure, even if it meant living a humble life...Return to Qingye Town?"No!"Yun Che shook his head vigorously. "I refuse to return to Qingye Town and live such a mediocre life!"He had once sworn to carve out his place within the Yun family, to create a legacy in Yuyang City.He yearned for the pinnacle of martial arts—the ninth level—and the vast world beyond...There was no way he could surrender and return like this, defeated and humiliated!Yun Che held back the tears welling in his eyes, letting out a roar as he stormed out of the house."Feng'er! Don't be so stubborn..." His parents' desperate cries echoed in his ears.Thunder roared suddenly!Without warning, the sky darkened, and torrential rain began to pour.Yun Che's heart was filled with frustration as he tilted his head to the sky and let out a long, agonizing howl, running through the rain.At that moment, lightning flickered continuously in the heavens, casting a shifting light and shadow on the young man's face."This is bad!"Yun Che felt an overwhelming sense of oppression as he looked up in horror.He had never seen lightning so intense, an intricate web of bolts stretching across the sky.In the briefest of moments, the lightning seemed to twist under some unseen force, collapsing along with the fabric of space itself.Whoosh—A black light flashed from the endless sky, cutting through the dense lightning, rippling with an ethereal beauty, almost like a dream.It was impossible to imagine that the "black light" was something capable of disregarding the awe-inspiring power of nature's lightning.Crack!Yun Che felt a sharp, numbing sensation in his feet, his hair and clothes singed. The booming sound in his ears abruptly stopped.The world seemed to fall into an eerie silence."What is this...?"His face drained of color as he gazed down at a strange black orb that had appeared beneath his feet. It resembled an eyeball, the very same black light that had just flashed.Thump! Thump...The black orb, resembling an eyeball, seemed almost alive, pulsing with a steady rhythm that felt eerily synchronized with Yun Che's heartbeat.For reasons unknown, the rhythmic pulsations brought a strange sense of familiarity, as though the orb were calling to him.In the silence of his mind, he heard a mysterious whisper."Could this thing be alive?"He held his breath, his expression wary and guarded.Before he could take any action...Whoosh!The black orb shot out like a shadow, piercing into Yun Che's left eye."Ah..."Yun Che screamed in agony before losing consciousness.In the last fleeting moment before blackness claimed him, a single thought flashed through his mind: It's over... I'm blind!