If Li Yun could truly defeat Li Xian in the upcoming family competition two months later, it would be nothing short of shocking.
Who was Li Xian?
Among the younger generation of the Li family, Li Xian was undeniably within the top three in strength, if not the strongest outright. If Li Yun could overcome someone like him, his name would spread through Azure Wind City overnight, shaking the entire region.
Li Xian stared at Li Yun, unable to understand his confidence. The idea that Li Yun could surpass him in just two months was laughable, a bad joke at best.
Then, Li Xian suddenly burst into loud, mocking laughter.
"Li Yun, do you seriously think you can surpass me in two months? Keep dreaming!" he shouted, dismissing Li Yun's intent entirely. In his eyes, absolute strength crushed all schemes, no matter how clever.
Li Yun only smiled. "You just need to answer one thing, Li Xian. Do you dare or not? Or are you afraid that two months from now, you won't be my match?"
"Hmph, what a joke! Why wouldn't I dare?" Li Xian sneered. "I wasn't even planning to join this year's family competition, but since you want to be humiliated so badly, I'll gladly grant your wish."
"Good."
At that moment, family head Li Jinyun raised his hand, his voice spreading across the martial arts field. "Enough. The family meeting isn't over yet. Let's continue!"
Under the high platform, five more youths still awaited their coming-of-age ceremony. It proceeded quickly, and each of them received the traditional consolation reward of one hundred gold coins from the family.
"This year's coming-of-age ceremony is concluded. Everyone may return home," announced Li Jinyun.
Though this year's ceremony had been chaotic, Li Jinyun's heart was filled with satisfaction. After all, the Li family had gained another genius in Li Yun, something that would make many powers in Azure Wind City burn with envy.
As the gathering dispersed, Li Jinyun glanced at Third Elder Li Zhen and gave a small nod. Li Zhen understood immediately.
"Li Yun, I have something to discuss with you. Come with me," Li Zhen said as Li Yun was preparing to leave.
"Yes, Third Grandfather." Li Yun was momentarily surprised, but he quickly complied and followed him.
When the Li family members saw Li Yun being led away by Li Zhen, they could only disperse with a trace of disappointment. Many had wanted to speak with him after the coming-of-age ceremony, some hoping to build a connection, while others intended to request his help in refining potions.
Li Yun silently followed Li Zhen to the elder's private villa.
"Master?"
As soon as they stepped into the courtyard, Li Yun spotted Li Jinyun, the family head, waiting there. He instinctively greeted him with respect.
"Yes, Li Yun." Li Jinyun smiled and gave him a small nod.
"You've been hiding quite the secret, haven't you?" Li Jinyun's eyes softened, his tone more curious than stern. "Tell me, how did you suddenly gain the ability to cultivate?"
Li Yun kept his expression calm, though his mind quickly spun for an explanation. "Two months ago, an old man came to see me," he said casually, weaving a story on the spot. "He examined my body, tapped my dantian a few times, and muttered something about a 'sealed body.' Then he left without even giving his name."
Li Jinyun thought for a moment, then nodded slowly. "It seems you were fortunate. But listen to me, do not speak of that old man to anyone else. This is for your own safety."
He then turned to Li Zhen, a faint smile touching his lips. "Third Elder, you truly have a good grandson. Li Yun can refine potions and now even cultivate. With enough time, he might become a true alchemist."
On this continent, alchemists were rarer than spirit beasts with dragon blood. Wherever one appeared, entire forces would scramble to recruit them. In the whole of Azure Wind City, there were only three alchemists, each enjoying unmatched prestige.
Li Zhen looked at Li Yun with undisguised pride. "I always believed you wouldn't remain mediocre," he said warmly.
Today, Li Yun had not only stepped into the spotlight but had also brought pride to his grandfather. In the past, Li Zhen never openly disliked Li Yun for his inability to cultivate, but hearing others mock his grandson had always left a bitter taste.
Now? When someone mentioned Li Yun, he could proudly say, "Yes, he is my grandson."
"Well, I truly misjudged you before." Li Jinyun exhaled slowly, then smiled. "Li Yun, from this day on, the family will fully support you. If you need anything, speak directly to the Third Elder or come to me personally. As long as it is within the family's power, we will make it happen."
Li Yun remained calm, neither overly moved nor eager. He had no intention of depending too heavily on family resources. Accepting their help would mean owing them, and inevitably, part of the potions he refined would have to go back to the family. That wasn't a path he wanted to take unless absolutely necessary.
"Thank you, Patriarch. If I need help, I will certainly seek it," Li Yun replied politely. He wouldn't outright reject the offer, that would only embarrass the family head, but inwardly, he resolved to rely mostly on himself.
Li Jinyun nodded, then changed the subject. "By the way, why did you accept Li Xian's challenge? Do you fully understand how strong he is? He's already at the second level of the Body Tempering Realm, and he's been training in Sword Hall for years. His strength far surpasses that of an ordinary Body Tempering practitioner."
His meaning was clear, Li Yun could have simply refused the challenge. If he had, Jinyun could ensure Li Xian wouldn't dare touch him.
"I considered that," Li Yun said calmly, "but if I didn't accept today, Li Xian would continue to harass me. I wouldn't be able to focus on my training or refining potions in peace. Even if I can't defeat him two months from now, I'm confident I can protect myself."
Li Jinyun paused, then gave a small approving nod. "Your reasoning makes sense."
He narrowed his eyes slightly, his voice firm. "Don't worry. I will not let Li Xian harm you in that competition. Focus on your cultivation and alchemy."
"Thank you, Patriarch." Li Yun cupped his hands respectfully.
"Good. I won't take up more of your time. Every moment counts for you now. Remember, your family is your strongest backing. Use it when needed." With those final words, Li Jinyun left.
Li Yun stayed behind to chat with his grandfather Li Zhen for a while before leaving the elder's villa and returning to his own courtyard.
"Sister Hua?"
The moment he stepped inside, he noticed a familiar figure waiting for him.
It was Li Hua.
"Li Yun, long time no see."
Hearing the voice behind him, Li Hua turned and smiled the moment her eyes fell on Li Yun.
Li Yun recalled Li Hua from the memories of the previous Li Yun. She was one of the closes figure to him beside his grandfather.
Li Hua was about ten years older than him. According to previous Li Yun's memories, Li Yun could still vividly remember how, when he was little, she often carried him in her arms. That warmth and familiarity had been a constant in his childhood, until she left the Li family compound, and their meetings became few and far between.
Once, Li Hua had been the pride of the Li family. But a severe injury ten years ago had crippled her foundation, making it impossible for her to advance far in martial arts.
Rather than be a burden, she chose to leave on her own. The family hadn't forced her out; she had made that choice herself.
Now, she managed one of the Li family's most important industries, the large ore mine in Stone Wood Town. As its chief supervisor, she rarely returned to the family compound, sometimes staying away for years at a time.
Seeing her now, after so many years, brought genuine joy to Li Yun. Apart from his grandfather Li Zhen, Li Hua was the person he felt closest to in the entire Li family.
"Sister Hua, why are you back?" Li Yun asked happily.
"Haha, can't I come back just to see you?" Li Hua laughed as she walked over and affectionately pinched his cheek, just as she used to when he was a child.
The faint fragrance clinging to her was familiar and warm, stirring a quiet excitement in Li Yun's chest.
"Of course, I'm happy you came back, Sister Hua." He grinned.
"Hmph, are you really happy, or just saying that?" Li Hua teased, her eyes sparkling. "Little Li Yun has become quite the celebrity in the Li family. When I arrived, the coming-of-age ceremony had just ended, but I already heard about your performance. The entire Li family is talking about your name now, Li Yun."
Li Yun gave a wry smile and shook his head. "I didn't do it for fame. I was pushed into a corner. When people try to step on you, you have to fight back."
"Well, I know the First Elder's lineage has always been against you," Li Hua said softly, her eyes filled with concern. "In fact, that's the main reason I came back this time. I was worried they might drive you out of the Li family compound. I can't stop the family's decisions, but if it came to that, I was ready to take you with me to Stone Wood Town."
Hearing this, Li Yun finally understood why Li Hua had returned so suddenly. She had been worried he'd be sent off to some remote, desolate place and left to suffer. If he went with her to Stone Wood Town, at least he would live under her protection and not be mistreated.
"It doesn't seem necessary now," Li Hua added with a small smile. "Even if you wanted to leave the Li family compound now, I doubt the Patriarch or the elders would agree."
Then her expression shifted slightly, her eyes narrowing with curiosity. "By the way, Li Yun, what's going on between you and Li Yao? I saw her outside your courtyard earlier. I invited her in, but she refused."
"Li Yao…" Li Yun gave a bitter smile. Truthfully, he wasn't even sure what was going on between them anymore.
"Li Yun," Li Hua said gently, "Li Yao has always cared about you. It's just that… well, your situation before wasn't great, and the elders forbade her from being around you. She's never stopped worrying about you, though. Do you know? A few days ago, Li Yao sent me a letter, asking me to return and take you to Stone Wood Town. She said in the letter that the First Elder was planning to send you to the most remote, miserable place."
With that, Li Hua pulled out a folded letter and handed it to him.
Li Yun glanced at it, reading just enough to confirm her words before letting out a soft sigh. 'This little girl…'