Time flowed by, and soon it was Li Yun's turn to step forward for registration.
"Name?" the deacon asked flatly, not even bothering to lift his head.
"Li Yun," he answered calmly.
The moment those two words were spoken, the deacon's hand froze. His head snapped up, and his expression shifted from indifference to stunned respect. "Young Master Yun… I have received direct orders from the patriarch. You are not required to participate in this year's assessment. The patriarch has exempted you due to your status as a senior pharmacist and your continued support of the Li Family."
Li Yun raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised, though not shocked. It was true, he had officially become a senior pharmacist and, for the past two months, had supplied the family with ten full batches of excellent-grade Marrow Cleansing Pills every week. That level of contribution was no less than what an elder of the family provided.
With that in mind, it made sense that the patriarch had chosen to remove him from the assessment. Li Yun also understood the hidden reason behind the decision, it was to not let him get disturbed before their direct clash between him and Li Xian.
'It's a good thing anyway,' Li Yun thought, turning away from the registration desk with a faint smile.
Behind him, a wave of murmurs erupted among the gathered geniuses.
"Damn… that madman was standing among us all this time?"
"Yeah. He looks so casual compared to Li Dong, but everyone knows he's anything but casual. He killed Zhao Xiaotian in the Treasure Pavilion's battle arena!"
"I heard back then he was only at the late stage of the Marrow Cleansing Realm, and even then he killed Zhao Xiaotian with ease. Now that he's reached the peak stage, who knows how terrifying he's become?"
"No wonder the patriarch barred him from the assessment. Honestly, it's the right move. Who here would dare face someone who could kill Zhao Xiaotian with a single sword strike?"
Shock rippled through the crowd as they realized Li Yun had been standing quietly in line with them. To some, he was a hero, a figure who had struck fear into the Zhao Family and raised the Li Family's prestige.
But to most, he was feared as the "madman," a youth who killed without hesitation, without a second thought, as if human life weighed nothing in his eyes.
...
The martial field was alive with noise and excitement. At its center stood a small stone arena, the same one used every year for the family's annual assessment. Today was no different. The space around it was crowded with young disciples, their voices a constant buzz of anticipation.
At the very front, high-backed seats had been arranged for the patriarch and the elders of the Li Family. From there, they held the best view of the battles that would unfold.
Li Yun arrived quietly and soon spotted Li Yao among the crowd.
"Brother Yun!" she called out happily when she noticed him.
Li Yun's gaze swept over her, and a faint smile tugged at his lips. "You've broken through to the peak stage of the Marrow Cleansing Realm. Good."
Her eyes gleamed with gratitude. "It's all thanks to Brother Yun's help." She knew better than anyone that even with her father's support, reaching the peak would have been nearly impossible without the excellent-grade Marrow Cleansing Potions Li Yun had given her.
Li Yun nodded lightly. "This time, you should aim for the top three in the assessment."
"I'll do my best," Li Yao said firmly, determination burning in her eyes. She already knew, through her father, that Li Yun wouldn't be participating in the assessment. For that very reason, she was more resolved than ever to claim the highest ranking herself.
Just then, a stir rippled through the crowd.
"Look, Senior Brother Li Xian is here!"
"Li Yun and Senior Brother Li Xian will definitely fight today. I wonder who will win?"
"Win? Of course, it'll be Senior Brother Li Xian. He's the strongest genius of the Li Family, already in the Body Tempering Realm, while Li Yun is only at the peak of the Marrow Cleansing Realm. The gap is too big."
"Don't forget, Li Yun killed Zhao Xiaotian, who was also at the peak of the Marrow Cleansing Realm, with a single sword strike when he himself was only at the late stage. Now that he's at the peak, maybe he could exchange a move or two with Senior Brother Li Xian."
"Hah, even then, I doubt he stands a real chance."
Excitement and debate surged among the young disciples as Li Xian appeared before the arena. His presence alone carried weight, he was, after all, the undisputed strongest genius of the Li Family.
To most of them, the outcome was already decided. Li Yun, despite his fame, was still only in the Marrow Cleansing Realm, while Li Xian had long since stepped into the Body Tempering Realm. To the crowd, the gap was undeniable.
Li Yun soon spotted Li Xian among the gathering crowd. He had arrived together with Li Nian, and the moment Li Yun laid eyes on him, his expression sharpened.
Compared to two months ago, the pressure radiating from Li Xian was utterly different, he felt several times stronger, like a mountain that had only grown taller and heavier.
"Brother Yun, you must be careful against Li Xian," Li Yao whispered nervously at his side. "Father told me he just broke through to the fourth level of the Body Tempering Realm a few days ago."
Li Yun's eyes flickered in surprise. Fourth level? The last time he had seen Li Xian, he was only at the second level. In just two short months, he had advanced two entire realms. That kind of progress was frightening.
Li Yun had originally thought he could easily sweep through Li Xian with his peak Marrow Cleansing strength, but now… things had become much more interesting.
At that moment, Li Nian stepped forward with a sneer, his voice dripping with venom. "Li Yun, I've heard the stories, that you killed Zhao Xiaotian, that you've been supplying the family with potions. But don't think for a second that this erases what you did to my brother. Today, I'll see both your arms and legs broken."
"Is that so?" Li Yun's lips curved into a calm, mocking smile. "Funny… Li Nian once said the exact same thing. And yet, look at him now." His gaze shifted to Li Nian, who was standing stiffly with one arm strapped against his chest, the same arm Li Yun had crippled two months ago.
"Brother! Kill him! Kill him now! I want him dead!" Li Nian roared, his face twisted with rage as his eyes burned holes into Li Yun.
Li Yun's smile deepened into something darker as he stepped closer, his voice a low whisper filled with malice. "Kill me? You should thank the heavens you were born a Li. If not, you'd already be lying in the same grave as Zhao Xiaotian."
Before Li Nian could respond, a sudden gust of wind split the air, Li Xian's fist was already coming straight at Li Yun.
Li Yun's eyes lit up. Instead of retreating in panic, he calmly shifted back a step and lashed out with his palm.
Bang!
The impact exploded between them. Li Yun staggered back three steps, steadying himself, while Li Xian remained rooted in place. Yet Li Xian's face had turned grim.
He had expected his strike to send Li Yun flying. After all, he was at the fourth level of Body Tempering, while Li Yun was still at the peak of Marrow Cleansing. By all logic, the gap was insurmountable. But Li Yun had only taken three steps back.
To Li Xian, that was nothing short of humiliation.
"Humph. I'll see you in the arena." Li Xian snorted coldly, pulling the furious Li Nian along as the two turned and stormed away.
Li Yun only smiled faintly, his calm eyes following their retreating backs. He looked completely unbothered, as though Li Xian's sudden attack was nothing more than a passing breeze.
"Brother Yun, are you alright?" Li Yao asked quickly, her voice tinged with worry. Her heart was still pounding from the earlier exchange, she had not expected Li Xian to strike so suddenly and with such force.
"I'm fine." Li Yun shook his head lightly, his expression steady. "It was nothing."
Before Yao could reply, a sharp voice rose above the crowd.
"The Elders are here!"
The noisy martial field immediately quieted as countless disciples turned toward the raised seats. From the main pathway, nine elders of the Li Family entered together, their presence commanding instant respect. At their head walked the Patriarch himself, his steps slow yet carrying the weight of authority.
Following them, the Third Elder, Li Zhen, Li Yun's own grandfather, stepped forward onto the arena platform. His gaze swept across the gathered disciples before his deep voice rang out:
"This year's family assessment will be hosted by me."
His words settled over the field, silencing even the whispers. Then he raised a hand, laying out the rules clearly.
"The rules are simple. Each match will be fought one-on-one. When your name is called, step into the arena. You fight until one side is unable to continue or openly admits defeat. If you are defeated, you are immediately eliminated. If you win, you advance to the next round. The assessment will continue in this manner until only the final victor remains."
He paused, his sharp eyes sweeping across the sea of young faces.
"Remember this, no killing is permitted. Serious injuries will be tolerated, but if anyone intentionally takes the life of their fellow clansman, they will be punished severely. Let this assessment be a measure of strength, not a grudge match. Fight with honor, and prove your worth to the Li Family."
A murmur rippled through the disciples, excitement and tension mixing in the air. For many, this yearly assessment was the moment that would decide their standing in the clan for the entire year.