Morning sunlight washed over the rooftops of the city, turning the cobbled streets and gray houses golden. Birds sang in the distance, and for a moment, the city was quiet.
Then, a deep horn sounded, its powerful tone stopping everyone in their tracks. People froze, children paused their games, and merchants halted their sales. In an instant, the silence broke, and cheers erupted all over Yuefeng.
"The immortal peak is taking disciples again!"
"The heavens have smiled upon us!"
"I knew this day would come our son must go to the immortal peak"
Whispers and shouts filled the streets. Men and women gathered outside their homes, looking to the distant silhouette of the Immortal Peak, the highest mountain visible from Yuefeng, wrapped in clouds and mystery.
Li Family meeting hall.
Within some minutes after the announcement all the patriarch of the five noble families have assembled in Li family mansion. Seated in the grandeur of the high-ceilinged chamber were Tang Hao....the patriarch of the Tang family and Wang Ying the patriach of the Wang family were seated at the right. On the left, Yu Bai...the Patriarch of the Yu family and Fang Bo the patriach of the Fang family.
And at the center sat Li Qiang, the prestigious patriarch of the Li family.
Li Qiang cleared his throat, commanding the room's attention.
"As we all know, the Immortal Peak has once again opened its gates, a chance that comes only once in a hundred years," he began. "It is not merely an opportunity. It is the future for our children and Yuefeng.
Though we weren't granted such opportunity to cultivate under any of the seven prestigious immortal sect.
But since this opportunity have come for them let support them, because they are the future of Yuefeng. With them, we can be assured of Yuefeng's glory and security."
we must not let our pride stand in the way of our duty. We should support our younger generation wholeheartedly."
The others nodded their heads in agreement except one.the patriach of the wang family, who shook his head with a smile on his face.
Wang Ying smirked, stroking his long gray beard, "Support them? Hah! It's amusing to hear such words from you, Patriarch Li."
Patriarch wang what did you mean by that, Li Qiang said with a serious tone and his gaze narrowing.
You are asking me what I mean...Wang Ying said as he shook his head in disappointment.
"I wonder who cast out his own son to live in the street, only to come here and pretend to care about the future of the youth."
Patriarch Li, you are really something..Wang Ying said with a short laugh as he stroke his Beard.
The words dropped like a thunderclap. The hall grew tense.
Bang!
Li Qiang slammed the armrest of his seat, spiritual energy bursting from him in a swirling gust. Wang Ying.....yo...you..dare to insult me under my roof... don't blame me for being rude. Li Qiang said while point at Wang Ying. are you sure the Wang family will be able to give me a proper explanation today.
"You think am scared of you!!...Wang Ying roared as he stood up, exploding with his own spiritual energy...the Wang family will be more than happy to welcome you, come if you dare.
Even though Wang family were the third rated noble families, they still have enough strong force to give the Li family something to recon with.
The energy in the hall crackled like lightning before a storm, but just before things could escalate, Tang Hao intervened.
"Enough!...."We are here to discuss the future of Yuefeng and to support our younger generation in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. We didn't come here to point fingers at each other."
The spiritual pressure slowly faded. Both patriarchs returned to their seats, though the tension still simmered between them like an unsheathed blade.
Tang Hao continued, "Other cities in Donghai will also send their youths. As the capital, we must set an example. Let's not tarnish Yuefeng's honor with infighting."
The meeting continued without further outburst, and hours later, it finally ended.
By midday, the city's central arena once used for festivals and duels was filled with eager youths. Many where bidding farewell to their families and loved one's while some were casually chatting.
Li Cheng stood silently in front of a noodle shop where he was working as a waiter,
In his worn clothes and with sleeves rolled up from work, he looked like any other commoner.
He stood there watching the whole scene....
"If only I had a spiritual root… if only I could cultivate," he whispered, clenching his fists.
His gaze fell on the great staircase that led toward the open arena where Immortal envoys would soon arrive.
"Maybe… just maybe, one of the sects will take pity. Even the lowest sect in the Immortal Peak is a thousand times better than being called useless here."
Li Cheng finally came up with a conclusion, he untied his apron and handed it to the shop owner.
"Hey!...hey!!!.. You still have hours left on your shift!" the owner shouted. "I won't pay you if you return.
But Li Cheng was already gone, he ran toward the arena, the wind lifting the hem of his tattered robe.
When he arrived, the arena was packed. Li Cheng adjusted the bamboo straw hat on his head and found a quiet corner, trying not to draw attention.
That would result in people coming to pick on him.
Soon, a gilded carriage rolled into the arena. A young man stepped out of it with a fan in his hand. Many people were familiar with this figure.....Li Yuen. He stood by the carriage for a couple of minutes, fanning himself. Some people, seeking recognition and personal gain, began showering him with praise.
He got down from the carriage, accompanied by his servant.
Within seconds, another carriage came to a stop, and a good-looking young man stepped out. a red ribbon and a noble aura, he was someone many people, especially women recognized. Wang Yue walked down from the carriage, accompanied by Zhao Tian.
Many young women rushed toward Wang Yue, admiring him; some even tried to touch him. Fortunately, Zhao Tian was there to block every single one of them and clear a path. Otherwise, with the sheer number of women running at him, they might have knocked him to the ground.
"Young Master Wang," Li Yuen greeted with a bow. you're finally here," Li Yuen said as he approached Wang Yue.
"Young Master Li, you're early," Wang Yue replied and returned the bow.
"Young Master Wang, you're always elegant and handsome as ever. I was wondering who was drawing the crowd earlier when you arrived, and just as I suspected, it turned out to be you," Li Yuen praised.
"Not at all, not at all, Young Master Li. I'm sure your domineering presence was just as noticeable when you arrived," Wang Yue responded.
The two young men laughed and continued exchanging pleasantries.
Not far from them, Li Cheng stood in a corner, silently observing their interaction.
What noble families… he thought to himself. The two families are clearly at odds, yet in public, they appear to be the best of friends.
Soon, three other carriages arrived one after another at the scene.
The first carriage belonged to Tang Xuan, the young master of the Tang family, widely considered the strongest among the five young masters.
The second carriage belonged to Fang Bin the jovial yet sharp-tongued, the young master of the Fang family and known to be Li Yuen's closest friend.
who joined Li Yuen with an easy grin.
The final carriage, was unlike the rest. Silver patterns ran along its black wood frame, and a soft floral scent wafted through the air.
From the pleasing scent wafting from the carriage, one could easily tell that a woman was inside.
A maidservant stepped forward.
"Young miss, we've arrived."
The curtain was drawn back, reviling a figure of a beautiful young woman, she stepped out, stealing the breath from the entire arena.
She wore a flowing white dress, with a crimson cape draped elegantly over her shoulders. Her hair cascading down her back like a waterfall, Her features were delicate and radiant, she was beautiful.
Yu Mei. The young miss of the Yu family.
As she descended the steps gracefully, all eyes followed her, men struck dumb by her beauty, women awed by her nobility.
Li Cheng stood in a corner, his eyes fixed on her.
Yu Mei suddenly felt a strange sensation, as if someone was watching her. She tilted her head over her shoulder, and her eyes met Li Cheng's. He quickly averted his gaze, turning his head to the opposite side as he adjusted the bamboo straw hat covering most of his face.
Yu Mei stared at him for a moment, but failed to recognize who he was. The hat concealed too much of his features, making it nearly impossible to tell his identity. After a few seconds, she turned away and moved on.
Suddenly, a voice rang out, drawing everyone's attention.
"Oh… is that not Li Cheng?!".