Zhou Fan stood by the window, his gaze distant as he silently reflected on the past few days. His mind was consumed with thoughts of the fortuitous encounters others in the village had experienced—chances that had elevated them beyond the ordinary.
"Tomorrow is the Awakening Ceremony," Zhou Fan murmured to himself, yet his thoughts remained fixated on the opportunities that had slipped past him.
Just then, the door creaked open, and a young maiden stepped inside. She was beautiful, with a well-nurtured figure, her plump chest accentuated by the soft folds of her pink robes embroidered with delicate floral patterns. She bowed slightly before speaking in a gentle voice.
"Young Master Zhou Fan, your aunt has sent me to check on you. Why are you standing by the window? You might catch a cold."
Zhou Fan's expression remained impassive as he turned his gaze to her, his voice cold and indifferent.
"I will stand wherever I want. Who are you to tell me what to do?"
The servant flinched slightly at Zhou Fan's cold tone but quickly lowered her head, hiding any displeasure in her expression.
"I apologize, Young Master," she said softly, her hands clasped before her. "I did not mean to offend."
Zhou Fan didn't respond immediately. His gaze remained fixed outside the window, where the distant lights of the village flickered in the night. His thoughts were still tangled with the concept of fate—why was it always others who stumbled upon miraculous encounters? Tomorrow's Awakening Ceremony would determine his future, yet he could not shake the feeling that his path had already been sealed.
The servant hesitated before speaking again. "Your aunt is expecting you at the main hall for dinner. Shall I inform her that you are coming?"
Zhou Fan finally turned his head, his sharp eyes sweeping over the girl. "No need." His tone was indifferent. "Tell her I am not hungry."
The servant bit her lip, uncertain if she should insist. But seeing the coldness in Zhou Fan's eyes, she simply bowed. "As you wish, Young Master." With that, she turned and left the room, her steps light but hurried.
Tomorrow was the Awakening Ceremony. Zhou Fan gazed out the window, his expression unreadable. He already knew the truth—no one could control fate. In this world, nothing ever unfolded according to one's desires.
Even in his previous life, he had longed for great talent, hoping to rise above mediocrity. But the heavens were indifferent. He had been born with one of the worst bloodlines, second only to complete failure. No matter how hard he struggled, his efforts had amounted to nothing.
This time… would it be any different?
In this world, a cultivator's bloodline dictates their cultivation path, but each bloodline offers multiple choices, allowing the cultivator to shape their own destiny. Upon awakening a bloodline, one can select a specialized cultivation path that aligns with their innate potential. However, once chosen, this path cannot be changed.
Zhou Fan muttered, "What is talent worth without effort? With enough hard work, even the untalented can stand on equal footing. But the true threat... is those who wield both talent and relentless determination."
...
The elder of the Hu Clan gazed at his grandson, Hu Xian, with a proud yet calculating look. "Tomorrow is the Awakening Ceremony," he said, his voice filled with quiet authority. "Come here—I will teach you a basic technique to absorb more Qi."
Hu Xian stepped forward, uncertainty in his eyes. "Grandfather, wouldn't this be considered cheating?" His words held a trace of concern, but also a hint of curiosity.
The elder smiled, his expression softening with a mixture of affection and ambition. "Oh, grandson, you are the future of our family. We must do what we can to ensure you succeed. Rules are meant to be bent when the stakes are high."
Without another word, the elder took a small, jade-colored pill from his robes and gently placed it in Hu Xian's mouth. The pill dissolved almost instantly, a bitter, sharp taste filling his senses. The elder then placed his palm firmly on Hu Xian's back, the warmth of his hand radiating through his robes.
As the elder began to transfer his Qi, Hu Xian felt the energy surge within him. It was unlike anything he had ever experienced—pure, radiant Qi flooding into his body. His veins pulsed with power, and his breath became shallow as the Qi rushed through him, revitalizing his entire being. It felt almost overwhelming, as if his body was not yet strong enough to handle such a torrent of energy.
"This may hinder your future growth… but sacrifices must be made," the elder murmured, his voice low and grave, yet filled with a sense of certainty. The radiant Qi continued to flow, the elder's energy melding with Hu Xian's own as the boy's chest rose and fell with each labored breath.
The elder's words lingered in the air. Despite the potential risks, Hu Xian knew that this moment could define the rest of his life.
"I will do anything for my family!" Hu Xian exclaimed, determination burning in his eyes. The words echoed in the stillness of the room, a solemn vow to his grandfather and his legacy.
As the elder's Qi continued to flow into him, Hu Xian suddenly felt a wave of refreshment wash over him. His body felt lighter, almost weightless, as if the weight of the world had been lifted off his shoulders. His senses sharpened, and his energy surged.
The elder's voice broke through his thoughts, stern yet filled with purpose. "The effects will last for 48 hours. Make the most of it. Tomorrow, during the Awakening Ceremony, try your best to absorb as much Qi as you can."
Hu Xian nodded, his resolve firm. Tomorrow would be the beginning of everything.