Zhi Hao was annoyed and tired. Every day, from dawn to dusk, he swung his sword thousands of times in his spacious backyard, hoping that there would be progress in his abilities. However, each time, all he felt was deep fatigue and mounting frustration. His body was sweaty, his muscles tensed, but his skills remained in the same place.
In the silence of the night, Zhi Hao sat pensively by the pool. The reflection of his face in the pool water showed a look of deep disappointment. "Being the first son should bring blessings, but mewill only be a source of disappointment," he muttered softly. Shame haunted every corner of his mind, especially when he remembered the ridicule and insults he often received because he was considered weak. Zhi Hao took a deep breath, trying to calm the chaos in his heart. "Will my life continue like this, trapped in helplessness with no hope of growth?" he asked himself. He knew his family, especially his father, expected more from him. In his despair, Zhi Hao looked up at the sky sprinkled with stars. "Should I give upOr keep trying without a clear direction?" His heart whispered looking for an answer. He knew he didn't want to continue to be insulted or ridiculed. However, what can it do if everything seems predestined? That night, Zhi Hao decided that the next day he would look for another teacher, study martial arts from a different angle. Maybe, somewhere else, in another way, he could find a way to prove himself, not only to his family, but especially to himself. * dawn had just broken on the eastern horizon, but Zhi Hao had already woken up and prepared himself to face a challenging day. His sword equipment hung from his waist, gleaming in the soft morning light. Even though he was known as the Young Master of the Zhi Clan with extraordinary swordsmanship, the views of the people around him were nothing more than pity. They saw him, but their eyes were blank, as if Zhi Hao was a shadow without substance. What's the point of being proficient in swordsmanship without being able to use Energy. Even with a ten year old child, Zhi Hao lost the fight. Where one uses Energy while he only uses Physical Energy which cannot attack long distances. Zhi Hao took a deep breath, rubbing his face which had not completely fallen asleep from the night's sleep. "This is the fate of the Eldest Son of the Zhi Clan. So pathetic," he muttered softly, his voice filled with deep disappointment. Every word spoken carried a burden of sadness that only he could feel. Suddenly, light steps were heard approaching and a voice greeted, "Oh Brother. Where are you going so early in the morning?" Zhi Long, his younger brother, appeared with a big smile on his face. However, behind that smile, Zhi Hao could read the lack of sincerity. He knew that all the kindness that Zhi Long showed was just a mask that hid his true intentions. Zhi Hao turned his head, his eyes staring deeply at his sister, trying to penetrate the mask Zhi Long was wearing. in a more steady voice, he said, "Junior Brother, you will be the heir in the future. Take care of the Clan." His words were not only a message, but also a warning and hope that Zhi Long would carry out this mandate more properly. With heavy steps, Zhi Hao continued his journey, leaving Zhi Long still standing there with a smile that was slowly fading. The cool morning breeze blew the dry leaves on the street, accompanying Zhi Hao's increasingly distant steps, as if he understood the burden he was carrying. “Elder Mo. Make sure he doesn't come back!” An Elder suddenly appeared, he was Zhi Long's protector. “Yes Young Master.” Elder Mo disappeared again like smoke. ** Young Master Zhi Hao with firm steps left the magnificent Zhi Clan residence. "On his back, he was carrying a leather bag containing clothes and a sword inherited from Madam," someone reported. behind the window curtains, Patriarch Zhi watched the now distant figure of his last son, trying hard to hide his anguish. With heavy feelings, he ordered his personal guards to protect Zhi Hao from a distance without him knowing. “Go and make sure he is safe,” Patriarch Zhi ordered in a firm but worried voice. The bodyguard nodded as he bowed, then immediately moved quickly and efficiently, following the Young Master's footsteps from a distance. After the Guards left, Patriarch Zhi returned to the solitude of his study. He stood at the edge of the window, looking at the sky that was starting to darken about to rain, talking to himself, "I'm sorry, Wei. I promised to look after your son, but I couldn't do it." *** in the heart of Linggau City, the Zhi Clan spreads its wings as an invincible clan, rivaled only by one more Clan at the top of the hierarchy. The deadly Lightning Sword Technique, the proud symbol of the Zhi Clan, was a perfect combination of the speed of lightning and the ferocity of a storm. However, unfortunately, the Zhi Clan's eldest son was known as 'Trash.' A heartbreaking and painful title, which if it didn't exist, the Zhi Clan might have long occupied the supreme throne. His name was Zhi Hao, and the reputation as 'Trash' accompanied him like a dark shadow. At that time, in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the Linggau City market. Bang! A brutal kick landed on Zhi Hao's back. A roar of surprise echoed through the crowd. With burning determination, Zhi Hao got up. His eyes flashed with fire as he shot the perpetrator a sharp gaze. "Why did you kick me?" he raged as he tightly gripped the hilt of the sword left behind by his mother. "Kicking 'Trash' needs a reason?" replied the kicker sarcastically, flanked by two guards ready to draw swords. Furious, Zhi Hao gritted his teeth, burning shame and anger roiling in his chest. With dust-stained clothes and wounded pride, Zhi Hao knew that the day was not just about surviving, but about recovering the honor that had been trampled on. However, what can he do without strength? "He's nothing. Trash that's not worth even touching!" Xiao Bei laughed at the insulted Zhi Hao, his arrogance spreading like a plague. Zhi Hao suppressed his anger, chewed a pill of bitterness, and walked away without a word. "Tch, how embarrassing! They say the strongest Clan? but look, he received insults without replying!" Xiao Bei insulted in a cynical tone, adding insult to injury to the already torn pride. Zhi Hao gritted his teeth, trying to suppress the turmoil in his chest. "Brother Bei, how dare he? His family just threw him away fighting Brother Bei, isn't that the same as giving in to humiliation?" Xiao Lui chimed in, standing to the side, his eyes flashing with disbelief. Around them, a crowd began to gather, watching this heartbreaking scene. However, no one cared or made a move to help Zhi Hao, the "useless trash of the Zhi Clan". Her privacy and dignity had all been stolen in front of an indifferent public.Zhi Hao knew that if he stayed there, there would only be insults to him. Even though he was annoyed and furious, it wouldn't change anything. "If I act impulsively, it will only lead me to destruction. Who will help, father? The clan? That's absolutely impossible." in his heart he thought as he took a step away. Zhi Hao clenched his jaw, trying to suppress the anger burning in his chest. With every word Xiao Bei sprinkled, it was like acid that eroded his heart and self-esteem. He knew very well that every minute he spent in that place would only increase his suffering. "You are nothing more than trash at our feet!" shouted Xiao Bei in a voice full of disdain. The voice blared in Zhi Hao's ears, piercing into his tired soul. Bang! One kick is fired. Xiao Bei's eyes sparkled with satisfaction as he watched Zhi Hao stagger from his kick. "Go away, before I make you even more humiliated!" Xiao Bei exclaimed, pushing Zhi Hao with his foot. Zhi Hao felt blood trickle down the corner
In an instant, Zhi Hao contorted his body, dodging the incoming attack. When the opponent's sword slashed towards his head, he nimbly rolled to the side, saving himself from the deadly attack. With a gasp, he quickly got up and ran through the dense forest. However, in his escape, his foot tripped over a wooden root sticking out of the ground, as if a trap rope had been waiting for him. Zhi Hao fell heavily, hearing mocking laughter from his opponent who witnessed the incident. "Hahaha, you're funny too, catching crickets, aren't you?" taunted his opponent in a mocking tone. Annoyance burned in Zhi Hao's chest. In a voice choked with anger, he replied, "What crickets, you damn thing!" he cursed loudly. His heart was in turmoil, shame and anger mixed into one. In the midst of the chaos, another figure suddenly appeared beside him. That person was carrying a gleaming sword, ready to attack. With quick reflexes, Zhi Hao drew his sword from his waist, his sharp eyes glaring at the unex
"Wi Rang, enough!" shouted the figure who came down from the tree branch, while stroking the big head of the black tiger which was snoring softly. His eyes then fell on Zhi Hao, with a sharp and mysterious gaze, he asked, “Son of Man, how did you end up here?”With wide eyes, Zhi Hao returned the gaze. "Is this place not part of the Human world?" he said, his trembling voice betraying his fear and confusion. In his mind, he recalled a legend he had read in the Clan Library—about a hidden world, barely bordering on the real world. A legend he never thought would come true."Ah, you are in the Soft Realm," Wi Dung sighed, as if it was hard to explain. "This place is a circle of Magical Creatures, not for humans like you.""But, old man, I see no difference between us!" Zhi Hao protested in a firm tone."Indeed, physically we may be similar," Wi Dung nodded slowly, the evening sun reflecting off his twinkling eyes with meaning. "But what separates us is the line of nature; we are confin
"Elder, please forgive me for my audacity to ask. What is the meaning of 'semblance' you mentioned? I have never felt any hidden power within me either," said Zhi Hao in confusion."Follow me!" Elder Wi Dar's voice sounded mysterious. He then approached a Mirror and, with a dazzling step, penetrated it as if it were soft. Zhi Hao froze, his eyes wide in disbelief. "Come on in, don't hesitate." Uncertainty was clearly visible on Zhi Hao's face. Although confused as to how the Mirror could possibly be penetrated, he did not ask any further questions, determined to find the answer. "Maybe behind all this is hidden the secret of my strength. I have to get up, I can no longer feel like I'm useless," he thought with burning determination.With a new boost of courage, Zhi Hao took steady steps towards the Mirror. Quick as lightning, his world changed—he was now on an Island floating in the boundless sky."This place is the Tomb of the God of Destruction. "He left important notes and I am hi
Every time dawn breaks, Zhi Hao stands tall at the top of Mount Qianlong, where the air is still clear of the noise of the world. His right leg was tied tightly to a pine tree branch that grew on the edge of the cliff, while his body floated in the air, depending only on the strength of the rope and his body's balance. His eyes were closed, his breathing evenly following the natural rhythm of his surroundings. The mountain wind blew gently, challenging the stability of his body which was already at its limit.In the afternoon, after performing a series of physical exercises that had been prescribed by the Heaven Crushing Scripture, Zhi Hao returned to the same peak. This time, sweat dripped down his tense face, showing how hard his training had been. His left leg was now tied, and he was hanging upside down, facing the sky which was starting to turn orange as the sun set. Every movement is a struggle, every breath is an effort to maintain focus and balance.Zhi Hao bit his lip when th
Wi Dar, with his tactics and courage, led the Wi Clan Troops in the middle of a tense battlefield. He gripped his sword tightly, fighting against the sudden wave of attacks from the Fu Clan. in the fierce battle, many of his brothers in arms died, and a deep sadness struck his heart when he saw Wi Village destroyed to pieces.On the other hand, Wi Dung, who was previously evacuating children and the elderly, now returned with burning eyes, ready to face the enemy. His strong figure entered the fighting arena, but his heart was immediately hit by a wound when he saw Wi Dar bleeding from Fu Yao's sword. gasping for breath, he shouted, "Elder!"At that moment, a shock occurred that cut his breath. A silhouette fell before Wi Dung's eyes. With sharp eyes, he examined and immediately recognized the figure who had long disappeared from his memory. "Isn't that Zhi Hao, the Human Child that I helped?" he whispered almost in disbelief. The aura emanating from Zhi Hao was no longer weak, but a
The faces of the Fu Clan followers who had just returned looked pale and exhausted, as if they were carrying unstoppable bad news."Why did you come home with Lesu?" The Fu Clan Leader looked at the people who returned. "Where is Fu Yao?""Master Yao was killed." one of them, breathlessly, reported the incident that left everyone speechless in fear and confusion."What?" Fu Tao stood up in shock. "How could it be, he is a master tactician, defeating Wi Dar is not a problem for himMoreover, his cultivation is quite high too.""Sir, we have fought as hard as we can. The fight against Elder Wi Dar was tough, but we were able to overcome it. We are almost in complete control," said one of the followers in a trembling voice.However, just as their confidence reached its peak, the situation suddenly changed drastically. "But, when we thought we were close to winning, a mysterious person came. He appeared unexpectedly, with extraordinary speed and strength falling from the sky."Fu Tao, the
Zhi Hao immersed himself in deep meditation, his determination firm to venture into the Ring World. With his eyes closed and breathing evenly, he thought, "This is really real!" Curiosity aroused, but he was still not sure whether it was only his spirit that felt this or whether his entire physical body was also involved.In a meditative state, Zhi Hao came to the armory hidden in the Qianlong Residence. with hands shaking with anticipation, he opened the dusty old chest and selected a bow. "If I had to fight them alone," he muttered under his breath, "I would have to pick a head target from a distance with this arrow."With a deep breath, Zhi Hao imagined himself moving. When he opened his eyes, reality exceeded expectations—he was actually in the room where he was staying temporarily. However, the bigger surprise was, the bow he previously held was still in his grasp, as if refusing to be abandoned.Qianlong Bracelet, seeming to sense Zhi Hao's astonishment, said in a mysterious ton
That night, Zhi Hao prepared his next move. Calm and composed, he stood in a dimly lit room at his temporary base, illuminated only by the faint glow of a small lantern. Before him lay a map of Linggau City, marked with strategic annotations.Black 5 returned from his reconnaissance, bowing respectfully before speaking. "Master, the hooded man appears to have connections with the shadow group from the West. They’ve been using the teahouse on the city outskirts as a temporary meeting place, but their movements are swift and difficult to track."Zhi Hao didn’t respond immediately, his sharp gaze fixed on the map. "How many people did you see?""At least seven, including the hooded man. Four looked like seasoned mercenaries, while the other two seemed to be intermediaries or messengers."Zhi Hao nodded slowly, then shifted his gaze to a burly man standing in the corner—He Lian, one of his combat commanders. "He Lian, assemble the team. We begin the operation tonight."He Lian grinned bro
The dark night enveloped Linggau City. In a luxurious inn on the outskirts, the mysterious man sat in a dimly lit room. Several documents were scattered on the table before him. He gazed at them calmly, lifting his teacup and taking a sip.A plain-looking man entered the room quietly and bowed respectfully. "Everything is going according to plan, sir. Zhi Hao continues to pressure the Ling and Huai Clans. Tensions between them are escalating."The mysterious man placed his cup down and nodded slowly. "Good. Has the document reached Zhi Hao?"The man nodded. "Yes, sir. An anonymous courier managed to slip it into one of his frequent haunts. He must have read it by now."The mysterious man smirked, his eyes gleaming coldly. "Zhi Hao will see it as a golden opportunity. He’ll use the document to humiliate the Ling Clan and possibly provoke direct conflict with the Gray Sky Sect. In the process, he’ll expend considerable resources and energy.""And if he succeeds?" the man asked cautiousl
The following day, Linggau City was shrouded in an invisible tension. Rumors of a potential conflict between the Ling Clan and the Huai Clan spread quickly, leaving merchants and ordinary citizens anxious about their safety. Behind the scenes, Zhi Hao continued to maneuver his pieces, unseen by anyone.In a secluded tea house at the edge of the city, Black 1 sat at one of the tables, conversing with a nervous informant."The Huai Clan has started deploying small forces along the border. They're preparing for something, but Patriarch Ling doesn't seem fully aware of it yet," the informant said in a low voice.Black 1 gave a slight nod. "Keep watching. Make sure we know their every move. Zhi Hao wants this information on time."The informant hurried away, leaving Black 1, who soon melted into the bustling market crowd. He knew Zhi Hao's next steps would be pivotal.Meanwhile, at the Ling Clan residence, Patriarch Ling felt pressure mounting from all sides. Reports about the Huai Clan's
The mysterious man unrolled another small scroll, revealing a document detailing secret transactions. The writing on the paper recorded the shipment of weapons and hidden agreements between the Grey Sky Sect and several small clans in the region. He grinned. "I got this from an informant in the black market. This is proof that the Grey Sky Sect has a contract to supply weapons to the Ling Clan and other clans. If this document reaches Zhi Hao, he'll definitely use it to expose the Ling Clan's betrayal."The younger man sitting across from him, still sharp but appearing less experienced, chuckled softly. "You're truly crafty. With this, Zhi Hao will shift his focus to destroying the Ling Clan while we remain in the shadows."The mysterious man nodded slowly, his eyes gleaming with the calculation of a well-thought-out plan. "And that’s just the beginning. If Zhi Hao and the Ling Clan destroy each other, we only need to wait for the right moment to swoop in and take what's left."The yo
On the other side, at the Ling Clan's residence, Patriarch Ling stood in front of a large window, gazing out at the tranquil garden below. His eyes were vacant, yet his mind was filled with plans and concerns. The sky, tinged with red, seemed to reflect the pressure he was feeling.Ling Mei approached with light steps, but there was tension in her expression. She carried a cup of tea for her father and placed it on the small table beside him."How was your meeting with Zhi Hao?" Patriarch Ling asked without turning, his voice low yet full of attention.Ling Mei sat in the chair near him, adjusting the folds of her long skirt before answering. "He’s clever and hard to read. But I feel he hasn’t completely closed himself off from our approach."Patriarch Ling chuckled softly, but there was no humor in his tone. "Of course. A man like Zhi Hao won't be easily trapped. He plays at a different level, and that makes him dangerous."He took a sip from his teacup, then continued, "However, tim
Ling Mei stood on the balcony of her pavilion, gazing at the starry night sky. Her mind was filled with images of her meeting with Zhi Hao. His sharp words, his cold demeanor yet full of power, and his calculating gaze made her feel both intimidated and captivated."I have to do this," she muttered to herself, trying to gather her courage. Patriarch Ling had entrusted her with the task of approaching Zhi Hao and ensuring the success of the alliance.The following day, Ling Mei began preparing her first step. With the help of her personal maid, she decided to send a private invitation to Zhi Hao, asking him to meet her in the bamboo garden at the edge of Linggau City. The place was quiet and beautiful, far from the bustle of the clan—a location she hoped would make their conversation more personal.The message was delivered by a messenger of the Ling Clan and was received directly by one of the Black. Zhi Hao, who was reviewing documents about the Ling Clan's weaponry at his residence,
Zhi Hao sat casually, his gaze sweeping the room before finally settling on Patriarch Ling. “Let’s get to the point, Patriarch Ling. I don’t like wasting time with pleasantries.”Patriarch Ling was slightly taken aback by the direct tone, but quickly masked his discomfort with a thin smile. “Very well. We would like to propose a marriage between you and my daughter, Ling Mei. This marriage will not only strengthen our relationship but also bring great benefits to both clans.”Ling Mei lowered her head gracefully, appearing shy, but Zhi Hao, with his sharp observation, could see the tension in her face.Zhi Hao smiled faintly, his gaze cold and piercing. “Interesting. But what benefits will the Zhi Clan gain from this marriage?”The elders of the Ling Clan exchanged looks, but Patriarch Ling quickly responded, “Full support from the Ling Clan in any conflicts the Zhi Clan may face. Additionally, the Ling Clan has resources and networks that could strengthen your position.”Zhi Hao chuc
The quiet of the night enveloped the Ling Clan's headquarters, with only the moonlight reflecting off the grand stone walls. Inside the main pavilion, the atmosphere was livelier. Black 1 stealthily crept towards one side of the building, approaching a half-open window. Inside, Patriarch Ling was sitting with five clan elders, their faces serious, indicating the discussion underway."This marriage is a golden opportunity for us," Patriarch Ling said in a low voice, full of authority. His sharp eyes swept across the table, ensuring every elder understood his point. "Zhi Hao is not just a genius, he is the key to our future power."One elder, an old man with gray hair and a long beard, nodded slightly. "But Patriarch, Zhi Hao is known to be difficult to control. If he doesn't agree with our terms, this plan could turn into a threat for us."Patriarch Ling smiled coldly. "We don’t need his consent directly. If he marries Ling Mei, we can slowly use that relationship to gain control. Ling
Zhi Hao stopped in front of the envoy. “I heard you're here with a marriage proposal. Get to the point; I don’t like small talk.”The envoy gave a thin smile, trying to hide his surprise at Zhi Hao's firm demeanor. “Indeed, Young Master. We, on behalf of Patriarch Ling, come with the intention of strengthening the bond between the Ling Clan and the Zhi Clan through marriage.”Zhi Hao stared at the envoy with a neutral expression. “Who am I expected to marry?”“Patriarch Ling’s eldest daughter, Miss Ling Mei. She is known for her intelligence and talent, and is highly respected within our clan,” the envoy answered proudly.Zhi Hao furrowed his brows. The name sounded unfamiliar to him. He had never heard much about Miss Ling Mei, but if she was the eldest daughter of the Patriarch, this marriage clearly had bigger motives.“And what does the Zhi Clan stand to gain from this marriage?” he asked coldly.The envoy smiled, as if he had been expecting this question. “Through this alliance,