A cool breeze blew slowly, bringing a bone-chilling chill. The once bright sky now felt dark, as if depicting the fate of someone who had once shone brightly but was now almost dim.
In the Lai Clan's training yard, a young man stood alone, his eyes empty and spiritless. His face was handsome, but his body looked thinner and weaker than it had been six years ago.
He was Lai Qie, once a revered genius, now a despised person.
The Fall of a Genius
Six years ago, Lai Qie was considered a miracle. The 11-year-old had shown extraordinary potential, almost reaching Qi Novice before his time. However, this world was never as easy as one might think…
A year after the test, something terrible happened.
Lai Qie who should have been continuously developing suddenly couldn't increase his strength anymore. No matter how much he practiced, the Wan Qi in his body didn't increase.
At first, everyone thought it was just a temporary setback.
However, as the years passed, Lai Qie remained at the same level.
People who used to praise him now turn to insult him.
Humiliation and Loneliness
"Lai Qie? Ah, he's not a genius anymore, he's just a failed scum!"
"I can't believe I used to admire him! What a shame!"
"Everyone used to want to be his friend. Now? No one wants to be close to someone as useless as him!"
The whispers filled the training yard. The eyes of those who used to be respectful now only looked at him with contempt and pity.
His friends who used to run after him now moved away.
The clan elders who used to be proud of him now no longer cared.
What hurt the most... even his own family began to change their attitude towards him.
His father, Lai Tian, who used to be proud, now hardly ever spoke to him anymore.
His mother, Madam Yun, still loved him, but her heart was filled with sadness because she couldn't do anything about it.
And the worst of all...
Lai Ren, the cousin who used to envy him, was now the new star of the Lai Clan.
Humiliated in Front of Everyone
Today was the annual test day of the Lai Clan. Each young man would test their strength in front of the entire clan.
One by one, they stepped forward and placed their hands on the Wan Qi Test Stone.
"Lai Ren! 5-star Qi Adept! Incredible!"
Cheers filled the air. Lai Ren strode proudly, his eyes mocking Lai Qie from a distance.
Then, the name that had been almost forgotten was mentioned again.
"Lai Qie, it's your turn."
Everyone smiled sarcastically.
"What's the point of him trying?"
"He'll never level up again!"
Lai Qie bit his lip, but he still stepped forward. His hand touched the Wan Qi Test Stone, and…
NO LIGHT.
Silence fell.
The stone gave no reaction, indicating that Lai Qie was still at the same level as he had been for so many years.
"No change…"
"Hahaha! Shameful!"
Laughter filled the air.
The elder overseeing the test took a deep breath and said in a cold tone,
"Lai Qie. Six years ago you were the hope of this clan. Now, you are just a burden. From today, you no longer have the privileges of the main family. If you want to stay here, you have to accept a lower status. Otherwise, you can leave."
Everyone fell silent, before returning to whispering with mocking smiles.
Lai Qie held her hand tightly. His chest felt tight. His heart was full of unspeakable disappointment and pain.
He who was once adored… is now nothing more than an outcast.
Loneliness and Unanswered Questions
That night, Lai Qie sat alone on a small hill outside the clan residence. He looked up at the starry sky, his eyes filled with sadness.
"Why me? Why did all this happen to me?"
"Is this a reward for someone who was once at the top?"
He closed his eyes and thought back to his childhood—a time when he had many friends, a time when everyone respected him, a time when his family was proud of him.
Now?
He was alone.
In the distance, the light from the Lai Clan village still shone brightly. However, he knew that the light was no longer for him.
Before he knew it, a tear rolled down his cheek.