Chapter 34: Upcoming Qingyun Sect Exam

  The courtyard fell into complete silence—then shattered into uproar.

  "Did I hear that right? Su Tianhao is digging his own grave!"

  "Where does he get his confidence? Young Master Jian is already at the 4th level of Martial Disciple Realm! At most, Su Tianhao could only reach the 1st level in a month!"

  "Exactly! A 1st level Martial Disciple stands no chance against someone at the 4th level!"

  "With Young Master Jian's talent and family resources, he might even reach the 5th level by then!" a young man added with a thoughtful expression.

  The words ignited fresh waves of discussion among the gathered disciples.

  "It's true! I didn't even consider that!"

  "Su Tianhao is too arrogant. He thinks he can advance in a month while the Young Master stands still?"

  "He should have just submitted today. At most he would have suffered a few broken bones. Now he's signed his own doom."

  "As an orphan, where would he even go after leaving the family?"

  Nobody believed Su Tianhao stood even the slightest chance. To them, he was already finished—a homeless cultivator with no backing and no future, walking willingly into his own exile.

  'Aren't they underestimating me a little too much?' Su Tianhao thought with mild amusement, his lips twitching slightly.

  Su Jian glanced at him with surprise, then let a predatory smile spread across his face. This was his perfect chance to ruin Su Tianhao once and for all.

  "Trash! I didn't know you were such a fool," Su Hai sneered from where he still clutched his injured stomach. "How dare you challenge Young Master Jian?"

  Su Jian stepped forward, barely containing his elation. "Although you are worthless trash, I admire your courage. But bravery alone won't save you."

  "Do you accept or not?" Su Tianhao asked coldly, growing impatient with the theatrics.

  "Of course I accept. I only worry you won't fulfill your end when the time comes," Su Jian said with a mocking smirk.

  "With all these witnesses, there's no way he can go back on his word," Su Hai added quickly, eyes fixed on Su Tianhao with a cold smile.

  Su Tianhao was genuinely taken aback. "Do you really think I wouldn't fulfill my own promise?"

  Without another word, he raised his voice and declared for all to hear: "Today, I, Su Tianhao, agree to fight Su Jian in the family's Martial Arts Arena exactly one month from now! If I lose, I will publicly acknowledge that I am inferior to Su Jian in every way and voluntarily leave the Su family forever. But if I win, Su Jian must apologize to me publicly and compensate me with one thousand gold coins!"

  His voice carried across the disciples' quarters, reaching nearby disciples and family guards alike. Everyone who heard it was stunned—Su Tianhao, the family's fallen genius, challenging Su Jian, the family's rising star, in a month's time? Had he completely lost his mind?

  "Hahahaha!" Su Jian laughed heartily, any concern about Su Tianhao backing out now gone entirely.

  Su Tianhao snorted and turned toward the family gates. "Finally, I can get to my training in peace."

  ---

  As Su Tianhao reached the main gate, the guards stationed there watched him with complicated expressions—caught somewhere between concern and pity.

  "You were too impulsive, Young Master," one said with a heavy sigh.

  "You don't know this," his companion added, "but the Qingyun Sect examination is approaching soon. The family will spare no effort providing Young Master Jian with the best resources available."

  Su Tianhao's eyes sharpened. "The Qingyun Sect examination?"

  "Absolutely true," the first guard confirmed. "The exact timing isn't known, but it's happening within the next few months. With full family support behind him, Young Master Jian's strength will increase by leaps and bounds before your duel."

  "Qingyun Sect..." Su Tianhao murmured quietly.

  He had heard of the Qingyun Sect before—one of the most powerful sects in Longzhou Country. More importantly, his Senior Sister Su Mei was currently an Outer Court Disciple there.

  'The sect examination is coming... I need to increase my strength as quickly as possible. If I can join the sect, I can reunite with Senior Sister,' he thought, his resolve sharpening.

  The guards watched him and shook their heads. To them, he must have been realizing the gravity of his mistake.

  They were wrong.

  Learning that Su Jian would receive full family support only made the challenge more worthwhile. Defeating a well-resourced rival in front of the entire family would carry far more weight than defeating one who had been left to his own devices. Su Tianhao looked at the guards and said simply, "Thank you for the information."

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  He walked out of the Su family estate and into the busy city streets.

  'Senior Sister Mei once told me that one must reach at least the 7th level of Martial Disciple Realm to even hope for becoming an outer court disciple,' he thought as he moved with steady, purposeful strides. 'I'm only at the 4th level of Martial Apprentice Realm. I still have a long way to go.'

  Su Jian wasn't what concerned him. Su Jian was a stepping stone. What truly mattered was the Qingyun Sect examination—his first real step into the broader cultivation world and his path back to Su Mei.

  ---

  Behind him, news of the wager spread across the Su family estate like wildfire.

  In the main courtyards, disciples gathered in small groups, voices animated with disbelief.

  "Did you hear? That trash Su Tianhao actually challenged Young Master Jian to a public duel!"

  "He must have lost his mind. The gap between Martial Apprentice and Martial Disciple is like heaven and earth!"

  "I almost feel sorry for him. Being an orphan with nowhere to go..."

  "Don't waste your sympathy. This is what happens when someone gets too arrogant."

  Even among the elders, word spread quickly. Some shook their heads at Su Tianhao's apparent foolishness. Others were less certain—wondering, quietly, if there was more to this than it appeared.

  But the consensus across the entire estate was the same: Su Tianhao had sealed his own fate.

  What none of them could have imagined was that the young man they dismissed as a desperate fool carried the bloodline of a Supreme Dragon and the inherited memories of two Immortal Realm cultivators. In their eyes, they were watching the last reckless act of a fallen genius.

  In reality, they were witnessing the opening move of a rising dragon.

  ---

  The heated debates and wild gossip continued, with no sign of stopping anytime soon—a challenge nobody had seen coming and nobody could stop talking about.

  But in the heart of the estate, nestled within the grand council hall of the main residence, six figures sat around a massive mahogany table in heavy silence. Their grave expressions spoke of matters far more significant than estate gossip.

  Su Huiqing occupied the head seat, his commanding presence drawing the full attention of every elder present.

  "Everyone, I called this gathering concerning a matter of utmost importance," he began, his voice cutting through the silence with quiet authority. "Although we all knew the Qingyun Sect examination was scheduled for the coming months, it has now been officially confirmed—it will be held in exactly three months."

  The elders exchanged glances. None appeared shocked. It was as though they had already anticipated this moment.

  "So the Qingyun Sect exam is in three months," Su Liang murmured, a calculating smile crossing his face.

  "You know what must be done, Patriarch," Su Qingfeng said, his eyes brightening with purpose.

  "Of course," Su Huiqing nodded. "During these crucial months, we will spare no expense in fostering our most promising disciples with whatever resources they need."

  "If we can get at least three candidates into the outer court this time, it would be great fortune for the family," Su Minghe said with enthusiasm.

  "The other great sects of Longzhou Country will also be holding their examinations," Su Yuntian added, her hands interlocked thoughtfully. "The other great clans of Oakwood City will want to seize this opportunity. We cannot fall behind."

  "We must spare no expense," Su Yuan agreed with conviction.

  "Fifth Elder," Su Huiqing said, turning his attention to Su Yuan, "do you have specific candidates in mind?"

  "Six prospects, actually," Su Yuan replied with confidence.

  "Six?"

  The elders looked at him with raised eyebrows. It was common knowledge that only five recognized geniuses among the younger generation were worthy of serious investment.

  "Allow me to explain," Su Yuan said calmly. "First, Young Master Jian. Six-star talent, and already at the 4th level of Martial Disciple Realm just one year after his awakening."

  The elders nodded with obvious approval, and Su Huiqing's eyes gleamed with paternal pride.

  "Next, Su Lei—the Third Elder's personal disciple. Five-star talent, currently at the 3rd level of Martial Disciple Realm after one year. What's more, his character is praiseworthy. He pursues the sword dao with genuine humility and doesn't boast about his progress."

  "Third Elder, it seems your disciple is truly outstanding!" Su Qingfeng said with admiration.

  "You kept his progress well hidden. Even I didn't know he had already reached the 3rd level," Su Liang remarked.

  "You have done excellently in fostering this disciple," Su Huiqing agreed. "Dedicated and humble—a rare combination."

  "Hahahaha! You flatter me," Su Minghe beamed. "Su Lei is remarkable in his own right. I am truly fortunate to have him." He turned to Su Yuan. "I never expected you to have such detailed awareness of his abilities. Your observational skills are unmatched."

  Su Yuan smiled modestly. "I am merely more observant than most."

  "Please continue, Fifth Elder," Su Huiqing said.

  Su Yuan cleared his throat. "Following Su Lei is Su Ruxue, Fourth Elder's daughter. Four-star talent, and she has reached the 2nd level of Martial Disciple Realm after one year of largely seclusive training."

  "Su Ruxue has reached the 2nd level?" Su Liang said with raised eyebrows.

  "This generation of young talents is truly promising," Su Qingfeng smiled, stroking his long beard thoughtfully.

  "I haven't seen Su Ruxue in an entire year," Su Minghe said, glancing respectfully at Su Yuntian. "Fourth Elder, you have done excellent work."

  Su Yuntian nodded with her usual indifference, though the faint smile at her lips betrayed her inner satisfaction.

  "Next," Su Yuan continued, "we have Su Ji and Su Gang. Both awakened four-star talent and have each reached the 1st level of Martial Disciple Realm."

  The elders nodded—Su Ji and Su Gang's progress came as no surprise to anyone present.

  "Fifth Elder," Su Huiqing said, his curiosity evident, "you mentioned six candidates. Who is this sixth prospect?"

  The elders' gazes fixed on Su Yuan, their interest clearly piqued.

  Su Yuan looked directly at Su Huiqing. "The final candidate is Su Tianhao."

  "What?!"

  "The fallen genius?"

  The elders were visibly taken aback—none had expected that name.

  "Allow me to explain," Su Yuan said, his tone unwavering. "Although Su Tianhao was confirmed to have zero talent during the talent ceremony, it has also been confirmed that today—without a single resource from this family—he has already reached the peak of Martial Apprentice Realm. Such advancement rivals four-star talent."

  The elders sat in stunned silence, brows furrowed with disbelief. Could the talent assessment have been somehow incorrect?

  "Hmph!"

  Su Liang's dismissive snort cut through the hall. "So what if he's reached the peak of Martial Apprentice Realm? The gap between Martial Apprentice and Martial Disciple is absolutely massive. One level apart in name, but a world apart in reality."

  "That's precisely because he never received any support from this family!" Su Yuan shot back with a righteous tone. "With proper resources, he should have broken through to Martial Disciple long ago."

  Su Liang's expression darkened, but he quickly pivoted. "Even if he isn't complete trash, his character is still problematic. He made a reckless bet with Su Jian—publicly declaring he will leave the Su family forever if he loses. That kind of impulsiveness disqualifies him entirely."

  "I have also heard of this matter," Su Yuntian said, shaking her head. "Su Tianhao acted far too rashly."

  "Like a newborn cub thinking it can challenge a tiger," Su Qingfeng added with disappointment.

  "It was Su Jian who instigated the entire situation," Su Yuan countered sharply. "He used superior strength to force Su Tianhao into a corner. Is that the character our First Young Master should display?"

  "Exactly right!" Su Minghe said, his voice carrying surprising force. "Su Tianhao may be a rare gem waiting to be discovered. Because of Su Jian's aggressive actions, he was cornered into that bet. The blame does not rest entirely on him."

  Su Liang turned on Su Minghe with irritation. "In the cultivation world, the strong prey upon the weak. If he lacks the strength to back his pride, he should have endured the humiliation rather than making an outrageous wager."

  "What is a man without his pride?" Su Minghe snorted. "Such humiliation would deal a devastating blow to his mental state and severely damage his future cultivation potential. Would you have him break before he even begins?"

  Su Liang's expression grew dark. He had no ready answer.

  "ENOUGH!"

  Su Huiqing's voice thundered through the hall, silencing every voice instantly.

  He swept his gaze across the assembled elders before speaking with quiet finality. "This is my verdict. Su Tianhao will be provided with cultivation resources for the one month period leading up to his fight with Su Jian. If he proves his worth and potential during this time, then even if he is defeated, he will continue to be fostered for the Qingyun Sect examination and alternative arrangements will be made regarding his bet. However, if he fails to demonstrate sufficient worth—he must fulfill his promise and leave the Su family permanently."

  "A wise and fair judgment, Patriarch," Su Qingfeng nodded.

  "Any objections?" Su Huiqing asked, his gaze moving deliberately across the table.

  No one spoke. If Su Tianhao could truly prove himself, he would be a valuable addition to their roster of rising stars—and none of them were willing to openly oppose the Patriarch's judgment.

  Su Liang said nothing, though his expression remained distinctly sour. He had no desire to see Su Tianhao rise—it would inevitably threaten Su Jian's position. But voicing that sentimental based objection was not something he dared do here.

  "Excellent. This gathering is concluded," Su Huiqing declared. "We will immediately begin fostering these six prospects in preparation for the Qingyun Sect examination. Dismissed."

  As the elders filed out, each carried different thoughts about the family's newest cultivation prospect—cautious optimism from some, skepticism from others, and quiet curiosity from a few who wondered if they were about to witness the rise of an unexpected dark horse.

  None of them knew that the young man they had just spent an hour debating had already arrived at the Dragonspire Forest, preparing to push his limits against spirit beasts using techniques that surpassed anything their family could ever hope for.

  The month ahead would prove far more transformative than any of them could imagine.