The thought echoed in his mind as he sat behind the Xu Clan residence, the tranquil surroundings of the mountain offering a stark contrast to the turbulence within him.

In the Wu Shu Continent, people are divided into realms based on their strength. The Wuqi Realm represents everything—dignity, status, and power. The stronger you were, the higher you stood. Without it, you were nothing. A waste. A weakling, trampled and forgotten.

If you were to put Xu Hanyu in that scale, he was off in that spectrum.

Strength wasn’t just about survival—it shaped destiny. Even a poor with power could command respect, while a rich without cultivation was nothing more than dirt.

However, gaining strength in the Wu Shu Continent isn’t just about physical prowess, endless training, or battle skills. It begins with conquering inner doubts and understanding the purpose of one's existence.

The more precise and strong-willed your answer, the more refined your potential in battle. Those with clarity of purpose can unleash their true strength, while those who falter or hesitate will find themselves held back, unable to tap into their full power.

Putting all of this together, true power comes not just from physical ability, but from the mind's resolve and clarity.

And yet, despite all his efforts, he still couldn’t get what he ‘desired’.

It wasn’t just that he was weak—people like him shouldn’t even exist. Even the least talented could summon a trace of wuqi. But him? Nothing. It was as if the world itself had decided to brand him as worthless.

With his legs crossed and eyes shut tight, he focused intently on gathering his wuqi. His hands trembled as they hovered in front of his chest, his entire body straining as he pushed himself to the limit. Come on! Just once!

Sweat dripped from his forehead as he battled the hollow feeling inside, clinging to any strength he could muster.

"Arrgh!"

Then a sudden pain pierced his chest. His breath hitched as blood surged up his throat, spilling from his lips. He gripped his chest tightly, gasping for air.

Not again.

"Fuck!" He spat out, wiping the blood off his lips. For a moment, his vision blurred, but he refused to quit.

I refuse to let this curse stop me from gathering my wuqi! Try again!

He forced himself back into position, hands forming the familiar stance.

This time. This time, it has to work!

Xu Hanyu knew the curse mark on his body prevented him from cultivating, yet he couldn't bring himself to accept it. His purpose was clear. He wanted to grow stronger to be able to get his freedom, but the mark stood in his way. Still, he pushed himself harder each day, refusing to give up.

His desire for strength clashed with the reality of his situation. The curse was ever-present, a reminder of all that he could never achieve. Xu Hanyu refused to back down with his dream to be free in sight.

The more he struggled, the clearer it became that his true enemy was not the curse itself, but his refusal to accept reality. He knew the curse had blocked his meridians, yet he still chose to deny it.

While everyone in his clan advanced to Zhong Shi, the second stage of the Wuqi realm, he remained stuck, that milestone that seemed so far out of his reach.

Still, nothing.

Again.

Nothing.

His body shook. His veins felt like they were on fire. Then—a flicker! A swirling spark of orange and golden wuqi burst to life in his palms. His breath caught.

"My wuqi!"

But before he could even rejoice, the spark fizzled out like a dying flame.

Then a pain tore through his chest, and another mouthful of blood sprayed onto the ground.

"Argh! Damn it!"

Why? Why was it like this?!

With a roar, he staggered to his feet and stormed toward the nearest tree. Without thinking, he threw a punch with all his strength. The impact jolted through his arm, but he didn’t care. He struck again, harder this time, the rough bark tearing at his knuckles.

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"Just why?! Why does it have to be this hard?! I'm giving it everything, and it just keeps slipping away! It’s like the universe is mocking me!"

His breathing was labored, revealing his struggle.

Cultivation wasn’t just about power—it was about existence itself. Without it, he was trapped, a prisoner in his own weakness.

And the worst part?

It wasn’t just that others were stronger. It was that he alone was truly powerless—a rarity so extreme that even those with the worst talent could still rise above him.

While thinking deeply in fury, he thought. In this world, power was everything.

…

The Xu Clan's hall was modest, with dark wooden walls worn smooth by time. The sturdy, plain ceiling beams gave the space a quiet dignity. Calligraphy scrolls lined the walls, alongside shelves holding unlit incense burners and clan mementos.

Seated in the clan seat was Lord Xu, flanked by the three Elders who were engaged in conversation on the side.

When Lord Xu spoke, they listened attentively. "Xu Rong has written to me," he announced. "He plans to return next week for the lantern festival. We must prepare for his arrival."

Then Elder Xu Jia leaned forward, lightly tapping his fingers on the chair. "In that case, we should organize a small banquet. Inviting a few business partners would be a fitting way to welcome him back and strengthen our ties."

The other two elders nodded, stroking their white beards in thought. Elder Xu Bai then spoke up, "Elder Xu Jia is right. This is the perfect chance to introduce Xu Rong to everyone. They'll be amazed at how much he’s grown," he said proudly.

Upon hearing Elder Xu Bai's remarks, the three Elders couldn't suppress their chuckles. Then Elder Xu Jia chimed in, "Haha…! It seems you still have a soft spot for him, Elder Xu Bai."

Elder Xu Bai chose to remain silent but looking proud, while Lord Xu gave a brief nod, saying, “Now, we should start making the necessary arrangements."

The elder responded with a slight nod, murmuring, "Hm."

"And there’s another issue. I will be away on business for a few days but will return before the festival. While I’m gone, I need the three of you to look after Xu Hanyu." Lord Xu added which had caught their attention.

At the mention of Xu Hanyu, Elder Xu Bai's expression darkened with displeasure. "Ha! Must we? That boy is old enough to fend for himself."

Sensing the rising tension, Elder Xu Ting interjected, trying to soothe Elder Xu Bai. "Alright, calm down, Elder Xu Bai. Xu Hanyu is still just a child, and Lord Xu is concerned. Let’s honor his request."

With no further argument, Elder Xu Bai huffed in resignation.

Elder Xu Jia inquired, "So, when do you plan to leave?"

"I'll be heading out the day after tomorrow."

Elder Xu Ting then turned to Lord Xu and said, "Alright… If that is your wish, Lord Xu, we will ensure it is done."

Satisfied, Lord Xu got up and straightened his robes. "I appreciate it. I believe you can take care of this." With that, he turned and exited the hall, leaving the elders to share soft whispers.

“Elder Xu Ting, which business partners should we invite to the Lantern Festival?” Elder Xu Jia inquired.

“Well, only a few. Our budget won’t allow for too many,” Elder Xu Ting replied with a sigh.

“Then I’ll begin preparing the materials for decorating the residence.”

“Alright,” Elder Xu Ting said with a nod.

Their calm discussion was interrupted when a young clan member stepped into the hall, clutching a letter. “Greetings, Elders. The Fu Clan has sent this letter.”

“From the Fu Clan?”

The clan member nodded. Elder Xu Jia quickly took the letter and handed it to Elder Xu Ting. “You may leave now,” Elder Xu Jia said, dismissing the messenger.

“This should have been given to Lord Xu. Why did it arrive now, just after he left?”

Elder Xu Ting turned the letter in his hands, feeling the intact seal. "We'll keep it for now. We’ll give it to Lord Xu later.”

The other two nodded reluctantly, though their eyes lingered on the letter. Curiosity burned within them, tempting them to break the seal.

…

After exiting the hall, Lord Xu made his way to Xu Hanyu's room to inform him. Just as he reached the door and was about to knock, a sudden loud crash resonated from within, accompanied by Xu Hanyu's angry voice.

“Damn it all! This cursed mark is trapping me in the same place!” *SLAM!* The sound echoed through the dim training room, thick with anger and despair.

"I train hard every day, but I’m still stuck in this pit of failure! What’s wrong with me?" *SLAM!* Another blow from within echoed. As tension built inside, Xu Hanyu’s fists shook at his sides, his chest tightening as the pressure built, a sting of tears blurring his vision.

"What’s the point of all these efforts if I can’t unleash my true potential?" His voice was full of resentment. Even Lord Xu, standing outside the door, could hear the young master's deep breaths, each one a sign of overwhelming pressure.

Pacing back and forth like a restless animal, recalling the intense training sessions that left Xu Hanyu drenched in sweat. No matter how hard he tried, he felt stuck in a loop of frustration.

"Why can’t I just do it? Just why–?!" He stopped, his voice trembling with feelings.

Meanwhile, outside Xu Hanyu's door, Lord Xu couldn’t help but feel guilt.

After that, he knocked on the door, which made Xu Hanyu turn his head.

"Who is it?!"

Taking a deep breath, Lord Xu replied, "It's me, Han'er..."

"May I come in?"

Realizing that it was his father, Xu Hanyu whispered under his breath, “father…” then quickly cleaned up the scattered glass where it’s not visible.

“Ah-!” In his haste, he accidentally cut his hand, causing him to flinch, but he kept his composure.

Once he finished cleaning, he called out, "Yes, father, come in." Lord Xu entered the room. It looked tidy, but there were still signs of the broken glass on the floor, which he chose not to mention.

Xu Hanyu did his best to appear normal, but his eyes spoke volumes. Lord Xu saw the despair in his son's gaze, the wetness on his cheeks, and the way he hid his hand, sensing all was not well.