Li Fan POV:
'It has been three months since the system awakened…' I thought, my gaze drifting toward the ceiling of my quiet, sunlit room. 'And in this short period, I've already advanced to the 2nd stage of Bone Tempering.'
This stage focused on a more intricate refinement of the skeletal system. With the guidance of the system and daily task rewards, I had successfully begun tempering not only the outer structure of my bones but also the inner marrow. More importantly, I was completing the connection between the outer shell and inner shell of each bone, reinforcing the skeletal framework to serve as an unshakable foundation for the realms to come.
'I guess this is the reward of constant discipline and the daily quests I never skipped, even when my muscles cried out in pain,' I mused with a soft smile.
Today is not like the usual cultivation days, however. It is my third birthday—a significant event in the Li Family. My awakening ceremony is still about a year away, but the third birthday is the first occasion where a child of a high-ranking household formally interacts with the larger clan and select dignitaries. It is a day to establish impressions.
"Yu Xuan," I called gently, turning toward the corner of the room where she was carefully sorting through dozens of ceremonial outfits. The entire room was filled with colour and fabric, from flowing silk robes with golden embroidery to intricately tailored tunics that shimmered under sunlight.
"Yes, young master?" she responded with her usual softness, her hands still diligently organising the clothes.
"I think that suit in the corner would look good, don't you think?" I pointed toward a sleek, black formal suit—elegant in its simplicity, with silver embroidery of cloud patterns along the cuffs.
She turned her head to examine the suit I was indicating. "Mmm… It's a good choice, but… I believe you should try a few more options before making a final decision, young master," she said, her tone respectful but honest. "That black suit does look dashing, but black is quite common at birthday ceremonies. Many people might wear something similar. Don't you want to stand out?"
I shook my head gently and smiled. "I don't really care about standing out, Xuan. I like that suit, and that's what matters. I've made my decision."
Yu Xuan sighed in resignation, clearly understanding there was no changing my mind when I had that expression. "Alright… then the black suit it is. I'll help you put it on."
After I dressed in the chosen attire, she made a few adjustments, brushing down the shoulders and making sure every crease was smooth. "There. You look like a proper young master now."
I nodded, giving her a satisfied glance before stepping out of my room. The morning sunlight was bright, casting golden reflections across the polished stone tiles of the courtyard. At the entrance, my personal carriage awaited, pulled by a majestic Fifth Stage spirit beast horse whose black mane shimmered with spiritual light.
I climbed into the carriage, and Yu Xuan sat beside me, careful not to wrinkle her modest but clean maid uniform. With a gentle flick of the reins by the driver, the carriage began moving toward the ceremonial hall.
It didn't take long before we reached the venue, a beautifully constructed ancestral hall adorned with traditional Li Family banners, blue spirit lanterns, and layers of ceremonial silk fluttering gently in the breeze.
As we arrived, I spotted my third brother, Li Shen, near the grand staircase of the hall. He was dressed in a sharp azure robe embroidered with the symbol of the Heavenly God's Eyes—his bloodline signature. He stood tall and composed, his eyes gentle as he greeted the arriving guests from various noble branches of the Li clan.
As I neared the ceremonial staircase, Li Shen turned toward me, his expression brightening the moment our eyes met.
"Little brother," he said warmly, his usual composed demeanor softening. "You look sharp today. That black suit… understated but dignified. It suits you."
I smiled lightly. "Thanks, Third Brother. I wasn't aiming to stand out—just wanted to wear what felt right."
He nodded in approval, his eyes briefly scanning the crowd before returning to me. "That's a good instinct. Being true to yourself is more impressive than any flashy robe."
Just as I was about to respond, he added, "Father mentioned you've already reached the 2nd stage of Bone Tempering."
I blinked, surprised. "He… told you that?"
Li Shen's smile widened slightly at my reaction. "You didn't think he'd notice? He keeps quiet, but he observes everything. Especially when it comes to you."
I hesitated for a moment, then muttered, "I didn't think it was anything worth talking about yet…"
Li Shen chuckled softly and leaned down a bit, his tone turning more brotherly. "For someone your age, it's extraordinary. Most don't even begin tempering until later. You've always been different, Fan. Don't hide that."
I looked away briefly, unsure how to respond. He placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder.
"You don't need to say anything," he said gently. "Just remember, even in a hall full of nobles and expectations, you're not alone."
I nodded slowly, absorbing his words. "Thanks, Third Brother."
He gave my shoulder a firm pat. "Now, come. The elders are arriving soon. Let's not keep them waiting."
Li Shen's calm smile brightened as I approached. "Little brother," he greeted, stepping forward. "Happy birthday. How have you been? Is your health well?"
I bowed politely, returning his warm tone. "Thank you, Third Brother. I've been well… better than ever, actually. And you? Still busy managing cultivation and clan duties?"
He chuckled softly. "You know how it is. Father keeps me on a short leash lately. But I make time when it matters."
His eyes moved over me subtly before narrowing slightly. "Hmm… you seem… steadier. Your breath is more refined. Wait a minute…" He leaned in with a curious glint. "Don't tell me you've already broken through to the 2nd stage of Bone Tempering?"
I gave a small nod.
His brows shot up. "Already? In just three months?" A pause, then a faint laugh escaped his lips. "Heaven's mercy… I hadn't even reached mid-stage by my third birthday, and I'm considered a genius. What kind of monster are you becoming?"
"I'm just doing what I can," I replied lightly. "I guess pain and effort pay off."
He patted my shoulder with a mix of pride and surprise. "If you keep this pace, even Qingxue will have to watch out. Come on, the elders are waiting. I'll walk you in."
We stepped forward, the towering gates of the ancestral ceremonial hall slowly parting as we approached. The design looked traditional from afar, but the closer we came, the more I noticed subtle runes and embedded formations pulsing gently along the archways.
Inside the grand hall, a low hum of conversation filled the air. Nobles, elders, and young geniuses from various branches of the Li Clan gathered in elegant circles, exchanging greetings and casting curious glances across the space. The scent of spirit-infused incense mingled with the faint aroma of rare floral perfumes, and crystalline lanterns floated silently above, casting a soft blue glow over the richly patterned floors.As I stepped across the threshold, a blue scanning light swept down from above—smooth and silent, brushing over my body from head to toe.
Ding—!
A serene, mechanical voice echoed from nowhere and everywhere at once:
"Subject: Li Fan. Third son of Lord Li Zheng. Verified. Welcome to the Central Ancestral Hall."
All conversation ceased.
Hundreds of eyes turned toward the entrance—toward me.
I instinctively straightened my back, a mix of nervousness and excitement coiling in my chest. My steps slowed slightly, but I didn't stop. With every gaze I met, I reminded myself—this was my day.
Then, a loud voice echoed above the silence.
"Well, well… The birthday boy finally shows himself."
The familiar voice drew my attention like lightning. I turned—and there he was.
My eldest brother, Li Tianyu.
He strode through the crowd with effortless confidence, the people parting before him like a tide. His long, golden-lined robe shimmered with faint spiritual runes, and his steps were steady, regal. A few younger clan members followed closely behind him, clearly his admirers or retainers.
His eyes, sharp and bright, locked onto mine, and a playful smirk danced on his lips.
"You're late," he said, stopping a few feet in front of me. "Or were you just waiting for the perfect moment to steal the spotlight?"
Li Tianyu came to a stop just a few steps in front of me.
Even without releasing a single strand of spiritual pressure, his presence alone carried an imposing imperial aura—a natural blend of nobility, confidence, and quiet authority. His golden-lined robe fluttered slightly as he moved, and the subtle runes along its hem shimmered with a faint divine light, symbols of his Vaira Secret Body.
He glanced at me—up and down—with a proud yet scrutinizing gaze. For a moment, he said nothing, letting the silence speak louder than any words.
Then, a small smile curved his lips.
"You've grown," he said finally, his voice calm but powerful, carrying over the murmuring crowd. "Black suits you. That silver trim—hm, very refined. You look like a proper young master of the Li Clan now."
His praise, though casually delivered, felt heavy—it wasn't just flattery. It was acknowledgement.
"How are you feeling?" he asked, his eyes softening just slightly. "Nervous? Excited? Or ready to break a few expectations?"
I met his gaze, steadying my breath. "A bit of everything, big brother," I replied honestly. "But mostly… I'm just glad to be here."
Li Tianyu's smirk widened, and he gave a short nod. "Good. You should be. Today is your first step into our world—not as a child of the main house, but as Li Fan, cultivator of the Li Clan."
He turned slightly and raised a hand, gesturing toward the inner hall. "Come. Everyone's waiting."
After exchanging a few more words, my second brother Li Shen and I began walking toward a small gathering at the far end of the hall. At its center stood a young man, likely around the same age as my eldest brother Li Tianyu. He wore a striking purple-blue ceremonial suit, adorned with golden slits along the sleeves and chest—minimal yet regal. An imperial presence clung to him like a mantle, laced with a subtle air of arrogance.
Surrounding him were numerous attendants and nobles, all standing respectfully in a loose circle. A few steps away stood a girl of similar age, dressed in flowing royal robes of violet and pearl-white. She possessed a beauty that drew the eye instantly, yet it was her proud demeanor and graceful posture that set her apart. Like the boy, she radiated an unmistakable imperial aura.
As we approached, the girl's gaze fell on me. She smiled—calm and polite, but not without a trace of curiosity. A moment later, the young man stepped forward with confident steps and an elegant smile.
When we finally stood before him, he looked directly into my eyes with a calm, measuring gaze. Then, in a clear and composed voice, he introduced himself.
"I am Qin Yan," he said. "Youngest son of the current Emperor of the Qin Dynasty."
His words carried both weight and pride, yet he remained courteous.
"And I am Qin Rouxi," the girl added, stepping forward slightly. "Third daughter of our Father Emperor."
She offered a light bow, her voice sweet yet dignified.
After the introductions, both of them turned slightly and gestured toward two individuals standing respectfully at their side. At the silent signal, the two stepped forward, each carrying an ornate plate. Upon the polished silver platters rested finely crafted jade boxes—one emerald green, the other pure white with golden carvings.
Without a word, they presented the plates to Yu Xuan, my maid, who received them with a respectful bow and steady hands.
"These are small gifts from the Imperial House of Qin," Qin Yan added, smiling faintly. "May your path be smooth and your future boundless, young Li Fan."
I bowed slightly in return, still processing the subtle weight of the moment. The son and daughter of an emperor… giving me personal gifts?
This birthday celebration was turning out far more significant than I had imagined.