Xu Hanyu opened his eyes, he found himself in a crumbling structure that appeared to be an ancient palace that had been demolished a long time ago. The tall walls had collapsed, leaving only the other stone pillars that had been severed, possibly as a result of a long fight that had occurred a long time before.

  The mood was odd as if each stone in the ground contained bad memories. The sky above was especially gloomy, with thick clouds forming the lighting as if it threatened him.

  "What is this place...?" Xu Hanyu whispered.

  A gleaming circular platform in front of him caught his attention. He went up the dusty stairs, making a sound as he cracked them, till he arrived at the exquisitely adorned altar in the middle. It sparkled in bright white, with precise designs that seemed to move.

  On the altar lay a crown, its colors shifting between blue, purple, and gold, giving off a strange energy that sent chills down his spine. It called to him, impossible to resist.

  His fingers twitched as he slowly reached for it, mesmerized by its glow.

  When his fingers were about to touch the crown, the world around him started to break apart.

  A chilling darkness suddenly wrapped around from the sides of the altar, as if eating the platform completely. When he tried to move, his body couldn’t as if he was frozen in the air. Rushed in from the sides of the altar, engulfing the platform. Out of nowhere, a rough and creepy voice echoed into his ears, saying.

  “It’s almost time…”

  That voice caused his heart to race and panic started to rush into his chest. The darkness wrapped around him fast, leaving a strange feeling in his heart.

  …

  His eyes snapped open once again, and for some reason, his heart was pounding so badly as if having a nightmare. However, he couldn’t exactly remember what it was, as if they slipped away like sand.

  He rested his arms on his head, still feeling the heaviness of the dream he had just now. With a deep sigh, he tried to push the thought away.

  There was no point in dwelling on it because he already forgot about it so soon. The day was ahead, and he needed to focus on what was in front of him, not on confusing dreams that made no sense.

  Xu Hanyu stood up from his bed, looking young and tall with a lean physique due to his excessive body training these past years. His hair is neatly tied back, and the purple streak on his hair starts to spread all over.

  Just as he was about to get up, a knock sounded at the door followed by a voice.

  “Little brother? Can I come in?”

  Sister Xu Lian? Why is she here so early?

  "Sister, come in…!"

  The door creaked open, and Xu Lian entered, holding a brown basket. She as well, had grown taller unlike years ago yet her long brown hair remained unchanged, her kind eyes shining brightly with that familiar, cheerful calmness.

  "Sister, what brings you here? And what are you holding?"

  She smiled and said, "I brought you a little present," placing the basket on the table. She opened it carefully, and the mouthwatering scent of freshly steamed baozi filled the air, causing Xu Hanyu's stomach to rumble.

  "Baozi…?"

  Xu Lian nodded with a playful "Hm," then added, “Boss Yi gave these to me for free so make sure to savor them…!”

  Xu Hanyu laughed, shaking his head. "Boss Yi?”

  “That’s right, after all these years, he still remembered you.” She chuckled.

  With a smile, Xu Hanyu replied, “But there are five of them… I doubt I can eat them all. How about we share?"

  "Don't worry, I’ve already eaten mine before I came here, you know?"

  "Alright, I won't push it..." he said with a grin, reaching for one of the baozi.

  As he took a bite, he let the warm, comforting taste refresh his senses.

  "Let's take a seat," Xu Lian suggested, gesturing for him to sit down, and the young man nodded in response. "Just be careful not to spill anything, and take your time eating," she added.

  “I know, I’m not a kid anymore sis. I’m fifteen years old already, you shouldn’t treat me like I’m still that small kid you knew before.”

  A sneer appeared on Lian's face as she snarled, "Ah-huh. You are still Xu Hanyu in my view, so I don't care. Following that, Xu Hanyu simply quit.

  It always has been this way. His sister, Xu Lian, would occasionally bring food from the outside. Even if Xu Hanyu wanted to leave the house, he couldn't because their father, Xu Dan, severely prevented it.

  Xu Hanyu gave up the terrible habit of sneaking out after they were caught that night. However, after 8 years of strict confinement, he developed a strong yearning for the outside world. The monotony of staying in one place was becoming unbearable. Now that he is 16, he longs for the adventures his sister Xu Lian is experiencing.

  While he ate, Xu Lian looked concerned as she observed him quietly, noticing the shift in his expression as he seemed lost in thought. Concerned, she asked, "Hanyu’er, are you alright?"

  With that, Xu Hanyu snapped back to reality and met her gaze, "Ah, yes... I'm fine. Were you saying something, sis?"

  Xu Lian shook her head gently and replied, "Nothing... I’m just a bit worried. You seem a little down today. What’s on your mind?"

  “Nothing…” With that, Xu Lian didn’t believe him and raised an eyebrow. The young master was hesitant to say it, looking away trying not to look at her eyes.

  “…”

  After a moment, finally, he gave up and sighed before saying, “I… I just miss how it feels to be outside. I feel suffocated in this place as if nothing is new.”

  While listening to him, Xu Lian understood what he meant. Thinking back to the years of being confined in this place since that night, she felt empathetic towards him.

  Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

  After a few moments of a brief pause, Xu Lian softly pressed her arm to her face then suddenly formed a sly smile making Xu Hanyu feel suspicious of her, “Well, when… I heard my father will be going on a business trip in a few days. He will be back the day before the Lantern Festival. And… Xu Rong will be returning during the Lantern Festival.”

  Hearing the name, his expression darkened suddenly, “Brother… Xu Rong?” And Xu Lian, noticing his change of demeanor, decided to try to lighten up the mood a bit, “Well… Hanyu’er no need to worry about brother Xu Rong, I’m pretty sure his head has grown mature now. We should think back to our father's business trip, you know?”

  His eyes set on her again and asked, looking confused, “What about it?”

  Behind that sly grin crossed on Xu Lian’s lips, there was a thought struck her—sneaking out. It was the only best choice to give him the break he truly deserved after putting himself into heavy training. But even though they got busted years ago, right now was different.

  “Hm, what about we sneak out for a day?”

  He was speechless for a moment just thinking of that idea. Sneaking out? It’s been a while since he did that. Suddenly, his father's stern face and warnings echoed in his mind.

  “What? Sneak out? Are you serious? I don’t think I can, I don’t wanna get punished, you know? Plus, if we do that again, we will only get father mad. I can still stay put here.”

  “You? Stay put for days on end? I’ll believe it when it’s real.”

  “Come on, I’m not that reckless anymore.”

  And yet, a faint tug of curiosity stirred within him, battling the caution. But this could be my chance to get to breathe outside… To experience it once more, even if just for a day.

  “You do realize Father would kill us if he found out, right?”

  “Only if he finds out,” she teased, standing up and giving him a wink. “Think about it, Hanyu’er. A bit of adventure won’t hurt.”

  With that, he sighed as he contemplated what decision to make.

  “I’ll consider it…”

  Behind those faces of his, deep in his heart, he wanted to say yes, but his head said no. Sometimes, he would even wish he wasn’t confined in this place. However, due to the crippling effect of the cursed mark that has been lingering in his body for years, his father might have believed that he is weak and might hurt others. He could go outside and escape this cycle of suffering if only he didn't have this terrible mark.

  While reflecting, he felt motivated and determined to achieve the freedom he longed for. Then he thought, someday, I know I will be able to leave this damn place without the chains on me.

  To achieve that...

  I have to be stronger, the first step to my freedom.

  That thought echoed in his mind as he sat behind the Xu Clan residence, the tranquil surroundings of the mountain offering a stark contrast to the turbulence within him.

  The Wu Shu Continent is vast, teeming with powerful clans, sprawling cities, and constant power struggles. Within this immense land, the Xu Clan remains a minor force, residing in a small city. To outsiders, they appear weak, lacking remarkable talents and struggling to stand out among the greater clans.

  Society is divided into five distinct classes based on strength: Tu, Xiu, Zong, Zun, and Tian. Additionally, the Wuqi Realm consists of 12 stages, each signifying rank, dignity, and power. The stronger one becomes, the higher they ascend in society.

  If you were to put Xu Hanyu on that scale, he was off in that spectrum.

  Strength wasn’t just about survival—it shaped destiny. Even a poor with power could command respect, while a rich without cultivation was nothing more than dirt. Plus, gaining strength in the Wu Shu Continent isn’t just about physical prowess, endless training, or battle skills. It begins with conquering inner doubts and understanding the purpose of one's existence. The more precise and strong-willed your answer, the more refined your potential in battle while those who falter or hesitate will find themselves being held back, unable to tap into their full power.

  Just like what we said: Power comes from the resolve and clarity of the mind, not just from physical ability.

  And yet, despite all his efforts, he still couldn’t get what he ‘desired’ which is his reason to seek strength in the first place.

  "Fuck!" He spat out, wiping the blood off his lips. For a moment, his vision blurred, but he refused to quit. I refuse to let this curse stop me from gathering my wuqi! Try again!

  He forced himself back into position, hands forming the familiar stance. This time. This time, it has to work!

  Xu Hanyu knew the curse mark on his body prevented him from cultivating since it blocked his six meridians, yet he couldn't bring himself to accept it. His purpose was clear. He wanted to grow stronger to be able to get his freedom, but the mark stood in his way. Still, he pushed himself harder each day. But the more he struggled, the clearer it became that his true enemy was not the curse itself, but his refusal to accept reality.

  While everyone in his clan advanced to Zhong Shi, the second stage of the wuqi realm, he remained stuck with nothing, that milestone that seemed so far out of his reach.

  Still, nothing.

  Again!

  His body shook. His veins felt like they were on fire. Then a pain tore through his chest once more with another mouthful of blood sprayed onto the ground.

  "Argh! Damn it!"

  Why? Why was it like this?!

  With a roar, he staggered to his feet and stormed toward the nearest tree. Without thinking, he threw a punch with all his strength. The impact jolted through his arm, but he didn’t care. He struck again, harder this time, the rough bark tearing at his knuckles.

  "Just why?! Why does it have to be this hard?! I'm giving it everything, and it just keeps slipping away! It’s like the universe is mocking me!"

  Cultivation wasn’t just about power—it was about existence itself. Without it, he was trapped, a prisoner in his weakness.

  And the worst part?

  It wasn’t just that others were stronger. It was that he alone was truly powerless—a rarity so extreme that even those with the worst talent could still rise above him.

  …

  The first light of dawn stretched across the sky as Lord Xu prepared to leave. Clan members hurried to pack his things, but his mind was elsewhere.

  “Lord Xu.” A voice called from behind.

  He turned to see Elder Xu Ting, flanked by two elders and the other clan members.

  “Elders..” he greeted.

  Elder Xu Ting then began, “It seems you’re ready.”

  “Yes,” Lord Xu replied.

  “Ah, I almost forgot. A letter arrived two days ago from the Fu Clan.” Elder Xu Ting pulled a letter from his sleeve and handed it over.

  “A letter?” Could it be about the business negotiation? Lord Xu thought.

  “Yes.”

  After taking a brief look at the letter, he quickly tucked it into his sleeves, he nodded, saying, “Hm, thank you.”

  “No problem, we will also start preparing the banquet today.”

  “Alright, I trust you all with this”

  Then Elder Xu Ting just nodded in response.

  A moment later, a clan member approached Lord Xu.

  “Lord Xu, everything has been loaded.”

  With that, Lord Xu gave a small nod. “Hm.” Then turning his gaze back to Elder Xu Ting. “I should go now.”

  “Alright. Safe travels, Lord Xu,” Elder Xu Jia said.

  Just as he was about to turn to enter the carriage, his gaze landed on Xu Hanyu and Xu Lian who were looking on the side. “Take care of Xu Hanyu while I’m away.”

  Elder Xu Bai scoffed quietly with arms crossed. “Hmph.”

  “Rest assured.”

  Without another word, Lord Xu climbed into the carriage, disappearing into the distance.

  After he left, Elder Xu Jia spoke. “We should begin preparations for the banquet.” The two elders nodded.

  “You’re all dismissed.” Elder Xu Jia told the clan members.

  “Yes…!” they replied before dispersing, leaving the area empty as Xu Hanyu and Xu Lian walked away.