"The world of cultivation is cruel and ruthless. Only the strong have the right to seek justice."
Zhi Fan's calm voice echoed in his quiet room.
He sat cross-legged at the center, meditating in complete silence. His white robe was simple but elegant, with golden threads that glimmered faintly under the candlelight. His back was straight as a sword, his breathing slow and steady. His long black hair, tied loosely behind him, brushed his shoulders as spiritual energy flowed through his body.
At just seven, Zhi Fan had started cultivating. Now, at twelve, he had reached the peak of the Body Tempering Realm — a rare feat that made the elders of the Zhi Clan call him a once-in-a-century genius.
Thud! Thud!
A knock broke his focus. Zhi Fan opened his eyes — calm but sharp crimson pupils — and stood up.
When he opened the door, an old man stood before him. He wore a fine green and black robe with golden embroidery, far more refined than Zhi Fan's. His thick beard was streaked with white, his face firm and battle-worn. His eyes, also crimson, carried both warmth and authority.
"Father," Zhi Fan greeted with a bow. "Why are you here at this hour? Shouldn't you be busy with clan matters?"
Zhi Han, the Patriarch of the Zhi Clan, nodded slightly. His tone was calm but serious.
"There's something important I need to discuss with you."
Zhi Fan nodded and followed his father through the moonlit courtyard. The cool wind carried the scent of pine and traces of spiritual energy in the air.
"Zhi Fan," his father said, "you are a genius. Reaching the peak of Body Tempering at twelve is something most can't even imagine. But remember — true strength is built through hardship, not comfort."
Zhi Han paused, looking at his son with pride and worry.
"In our clan, no one can match you. Those your age are too far behind, and the older ones will soon be surpassed. As your father and Patriarch, I am proud — but also concerned. The Zhi Clan can no longer help you grow."
Zhi Fan frowned slightly. "Father… what do you mean?"
"I want you to leave," Zhi Han said, his eyes shining under the moonlight. "You will go to the Azure Dragon Sect — one of the strongest sects on the continent. Only there will you find true rivals. Only there can your full potential awaken."
Zhi Fan's eyes widened. The Azure Dragon Sect — a name all cultivators respected. A place where geniuses gathered.
"Can I really go there?" he asked quietly. He had rarely been given permission to leave the clan since his talent was discovered.
Zhi Han nodded. "The elders and I have decided. The Zhi Clan's future rests on you, but that future will only grow once you step into the wider world. You must create your own path, Zhi Fan."
Zhi Fan nodded in agreement. If he wants to wants grow he must leave Zhi Clan.
" What about mother ? has she agreed to this?" Zhi Fan asked his father, his mother always adored him. For others he is genius but to her, Zhi Fan is a Fragile boy who needs her care.
" No, I have not told her anything yet, and I also do not want you to tell anything either before you leave. Your mother only sees the child in you not the genius inside you." Zhi Han replied.
" You should get some rest now son, Azure Dragon sect holds selection exam every year. This year's exam would be held 10 days from on and it would take more than a week to reach there. It's better to leave as early as possible. I have already made the necessary arrangements." Zhi Han spoke.
Hearing this Zhi Fan did not spoke anything else. He still wanted to ask some thing but he decided it's better to leave them for now.
He quickly excused himself, and headed straight to his room to get some rest.
Next day Zhi Fan woke up early, the sun was yet to rise, glimpse of dawn could be seen. He quickly wore a simple grey robe and went to meet others.
When he reached, he saw his father along with one elder and four participants for the selection exam.
The elder looked like a fragile old man, his face full of wrinkles, with a long white beard and long hairs matching his beard in length, dressed in a elegant Green robe.
The four participants were also dressed in simple attires. Even though all of them were going together, there was a significant age gap between Zhi Fan and other four. While Zhi Fan was twelve of age, others were in their twenties.
Seeing Zhi Fan approaching them, Zhi Han called him " Zhi Fan..come here."
Just as Zhi Fan reached, his Zhi Fan spoke " this is Elder Weng. He will accompany you with these four. "
" Greeting Elder Weng, I will be in you care." Zhi Fan spoke softly as he bowed.
" Quite a son you have Zhi Fan." Elder Weng said with a brimming smile. Eventhough Elder Weng has never met Zhi Fan, he knew all about him. Being a genius usually meant arrogance and no respect for others but Zhi Fan had none.
Hearing this Zhi Han was pleased, he then turned towards Zhi Fan and spoke" Son, this is a huge opportunity for you. You must not waste it." He then turns towards the other four and continued.
" Just like Zhi Fan, this is an opportunity for you all too. You all are the future of Zhi Clan and as the Patriarch I would like to remind you all... From now on five of you will continue your journey together. Those who share the same path of cultivation have bonds much more deeper than that of a family, all of you must remain loyal to each other, no matter what happens you must stick together and look out for each other.
Elder Weng nodded in agreement. The glimpse of Dawn was not longer but the sun rising up the sky and its subtle rays were now visible.
" Patriarch, It is time for us to leave. " Elder Weng spoke. Zhi Han also nodded and gestured them to set on their journey. But at the last moment he put his hands on Zhi Fan's shoulder, he didn't say anything but looked at him my admiration.