Chapter 1: The Clan's Crow
The Golden Cloud Mountain Range pierced through the heavens, as if vying to touch the sky itself. Nestled within these towering peaks lay the Golden Cloud Clan, a name that evoked both reverence and dread within hundreds of kilometers.
In the outer disciples' training hall, the air hung heavy with the mixed scents of spiritual energy and sweat. Dozens of young disciples practiced their martial techniques, their every shout and strike revealing a fierce competition to outdo one another.
And amidst this clamor, a boy sat quietly in a corner.
His name was Lan Chan.
He sat in the lotus position, eyes closed, yet he wasn't cultivating. His slender frame and simple clothes made him almost invisible in the crowd. He was here, yet not truly here. His existence mattered as little to others as the dust on the floor.
"Look, the clan's greatest genius is meditating," a burly disciple, Li Wei, scoffed, his voice loud enough to draw everyone's attention to Lan Chan in that corner of the hall.
Some disciples chuckled.
"Genius? Li Wei, you're mistaken," another disciple mocked. "He's a martial arts philosopher. He's pondering the true purpose behind throwing a punch\!"
Laughter erupted in the hall once more.
Lan Chan's face remained expressionless at these harsh words. His eyes were still closed, but within his mind, a different world unfolded. His thoughts were as calm and deep as a frozen lake, where every ripple of mockery vanished before it could fully form.
*Li Wei... sixteen years old, at the fourth level of Body Refinement. Strong muscles but lacking precision in his technique. Makes three unnecessary movements with every strike, wasting 20% of his energy. His only reliance is his uncle, an elder of the clan. Engaging with him now would be a waste of time and energy.*
Lan Chan had arrived at this grand clan three years ago from a small village. His talent was average, and his cultivation speed was slower than a tortoise. While other disciples broke through a level in months, Lan Chan had been stuck at the same level for a year.
Because of this, he had become the subject of ridicule throughout the clan. "The Clan's Crow," "Martial Philosopher," "Living Trash" - these were some of the names given to him behind his back.
But no one knew why his progress was slow.
He wasn't cultivating; he was 'analyzing.' While other disciples blindly memorized techniques, Lan Chan tried to understand the science behind every one. How does a muscle contract? How do nerves transmit energy? Why does the impact of a single strike change when delivered from different angles?
His mind was as cunning as a fox and as inquisitive as a scholar. He deeply studied the anatomy of every living creature, every plant, and even the human body. He only feigned humility and respect towards people as long as he expected to gain something from them. The moment someone became useless to him, that person held no more importance in Lan Chan's mind than a stone.
"Hey, Philosopher\!" Li Wei now stood directly in front of him, his shadow falling across Lan Chan's face. "Heard you spent another night in the clan library reading those useless weed-covered books? Reading those worthless things won't increase your strength, understand?"
Lan Chan slowly opened his eyes.
There was no anger, no insult, or fear in his eyes. There was a strange tranquility, a depth beyond the comprehension of a simple-minded person like Li Wei. He looked at Li Wei with a faint, almost imperceptible smile, and gently said, "Senior Brother Li is correct. I understand my mistake."
His voice was so humble that Li Wei had no opportunity to say anything more. He felt as if he had punched a ball of cotton. Annoyed, he mumbled and walked away, "Hmph\! Coward as always."
As Li Wei and his companions moved away, Lan Chan's humble smile vanished. His face became expressionless again. He slowly rose and exited the hall, unnoticed by anyone.
He knew his path was different from others. While these people were intoxicated with power, he was building a foundation of knowledge. A foundation upon which, in the future, he would erect a structure that no one could shake.
Crossing the clan's training grounds, his gaze went towards the distant Northern Mountain. That mountain was always shrouded in dense, dark clouds and mist. It was the Golden Cloud Clan's 'Forbidden Zone.' It was said to contain dangerous beasts and mysterious energies, so any outer disciple was strictly forbidden from going there.
But Lan Chan's books told him something else. Those ancient texts mentioned a rare herb - the 'Iron Bone Flower.' This flower could make the body as strong as steel, and it only grew in places where spiritual energy was very violent and unstable.
*The Forbidden Zone...* Lan Chan thought.
*Risk and opportunity always go hand in hand. If I keep walking like others, I'll always be licking dust.*
A new resolve entered his steps. He turned away from the main path onto a secluded forest trail, which slowly led towards that mysterious, misty mountain.
He didn't know that this path was leading him not towards strength, but towards destruction. A destruction that would either annihilate him forever, or give birth to a monster the world had never imagined.
(End of Chapter 1)