The words hit like a thunderclap. A deafening silence falls over the crowd, so profound that even the rustle of leaves seems to cease. Fang Yuan feels the sting of those words piercing through him, sharp and cruel, like a blade twisting in his chest. For a brief second, sadness wells up within him, threatening to overwhelm him—a fleeting ache for what could have been, for the dreams he once dared to harbor. But then, just as quickly, it is crushed beneath the weight of his unyielding determination. His jaw tightens, his eyes harden, and he forces himself to stand tall, his posture defiant against the weight of their judgment. He refuses to let their words define him. He is more than a number, more than a grade. He is Fang Yuan.
Next, the elders turn their attention to Gu Xianer. They repeat the process, placing their hands on her and sensing her primeval aperture. This time, their reactions are vastly different. Gasps ripple through the group, followed by exclamations of astonishment. One elder steps back, shaking his head in disbelief, while another raises his voice triumphantly:
"Gu Xianer… above A-grade talent! 100% primeval essence!"
The announcement sends ripples of excitement through the crowd. Whispers erupt, growing louder as people crane their necks to get a better look at the girl who has achieved the impossible. Gu Xianer stands frozen, her wide eyes reflecting confusion and wonder. She doesn't fully understand what's happening, but she knows one thing for certain: her brother is standing beside her, his presence steady and unwavering.
With a burst of pure joy, Fang Yuan takes Gu Xianer up in his arms, lifting her effortlessly as his heart swells with pride. His face breaks into a wide, radiant smile, his eyes sparkling with uncontainable happiness. Without a second thought, he spins her around in the air, laughing aloud as the world seems to disappear around them.
"I knew it! I knew it!" he exclaims, his voice full of amazement and joy. As he spins her, he feels as if the weight of the world lifts off his shoulders, replaced by the warmth of her success. Gu Xianer starts laughing too, her giggles ringing out like music, mingling with his laughter. Together, they create a symphony of pure, unspoken love and connection, filling the air with a joy so profound it feels almost tangible.
For Fang Yuan, this is the happiest moment of his life. He has never felt such warmth, such overwhelming happiness—not in this lifetime, nor the last. There is a saying:
"Your own success brings a sense of pride and accomplishment, but witnessing the success of someone you deeply love fills your heart with an unparalleled warmth and happiness—a profound joy that transcends any personal achievement. It is in those moments that you realize the true essence of love and connection, where their victory becomes your own, and their happiness becomes your greatest reward."
And in this moment, Fang Yuan understands it perfectly. He may be empty of primeval essence, but his heart is full—overflowing with pride, love, and an unshakable resolve to protect the light that Gu Xianer represents. For her, he will endure. For her, he will rise. And for her, he will defy the heavens themselves.
On the same day, in the evening, the atmosphere in their house is bustling with activity. Servants dart back and forth, their hurried footsteps echoing through the halls as they prepare an extravagant feast to celebrate the awakening of two high-rank talents in the family. The air is thick with the rich aroma of expensive dishes—roasted meats, spiced soups, and sweet pastries—while the clatter of plates and utensils fills the air. But beneath the surface of this grand celebration lies a web of calculated manipulation, hidden beneath smiles and false warmth.
Fang Yuan's uncle and aunt move through the chaos with practiced ease, their faces glowing with apparent joy. To an outsider, they look like doting relatives, overjoyed at the success of their nieces and nephew. But their eyes tell a different story. They are not celebrating out of love or pride; they are playing a game, one where every move is calculated and every word carefully chosen.
As the evening wears on, the uncle and aunt retreat to their private chambers, their smiles dropping the moment the door closes behind them. The uncle sinks into a chair, his expression darkening as he begins speaking, his voice low and bitter. "I thought they would at best awaken B-grade talents, considering their parents' talent. Fang Yuan, in particular, seemed the most promising. His maturity and sharp mind were evident from a young age. I thought he would be the most talented, awakening at least a B-grade talent. But look what heaven has planned."
He pauses, letting the weight of his words settle before continuing. "Fang Zheng, whom I dismissed as nothing more than C-grade material, awakened with A-grade talent. And Gu Xianer…" His voice drips with contempt, laced with mockery. "That brainless glutton who eats like a starving beast—I never imagined she'd amount to anything beyond D-grade talent, if even that. Yet here we are. Fate is really mysterious, isn't it? The one I thought would be the most talented awakened talentless, and the one I considered talentless awakened the highest talent possible."
The aunt listens quietly, her face unreadable. The uncle's sharp eyes lock onto hers, his tone turning icy. "From today onward, forget everything you've done to Gu Xianer. Every insult, every slap, every moment you starved her or belittled her—it ends now. From this day forward, you will treat her like royalty. If she eats five times the food of an adult, you'll serve it with a smile. Tell her gentle lies: 'Eat more, Gu Master needs strength to grow stronger.' Make her believe we've sacrificed everything for her sake. Show her that we care deeply—that she is our child."
He leans forward, his voice lowering to a dangerous whisper. "From today onward, there will be no special plates for us. Everything will be for them. I know you crave those expensive delicacies, but you can eat them in secret, in our room. We must make them feel gratitude toward us. We must make them believe we are willing to sacrifice everything—our food, our comfort, even our lives—for their sake. You must behave as though you've always considered them your own children. Gratitude is a powerful tool, and we'll use it to bind her loyalty to us."