Zhen stepped back into the shadows, his mind racing. The scene before him was a perfect blend of tension and drama, straight out of the cultivation stories he loved.

Rising quickly means you make enemies just as fast. They see your success as a threat and will do anything to see you fail. The previous Li Zhen had more than his share of those who wanted to see him broken.

Gazing at the unfolding scene, Zhen decided to stay low key in the sect, avoiding unnecessary drama. Observing the lives of others from the shadows would suffice; there was no need to add more chaos to his own.

This boy, once a rising star now reduced to a target of mockery, embodied the harsh realities of this cultivation world.

"So full of himself," one voice sneered.

"He needs to be put in his place," another chimed in.

"How can a commoner like him think he can rise above us?" a third mocked, disdain dripping from their words.

Zhen's eyes flicked to the third speaker, narrowing as he took in the opulent, embroidered robes marking the man as someone of high status in the mortal world. He noticed others in the crowd turning to look at the man as well, their eyes flashing with greed.

Someone's going to have a bad day. His gaze lingered for a moment before he turned back to the scene, his expression unreadable. From previous Li Zhen's memories, it was pretty common for nearby mortal empires and kingdoms to send their nobles into the sects. Although most didn't have a good ending.

Zhen focused his attention back to He Shan. Even the previous Li Zhen couldn't escape the irrational contempt he held towards the fallen youth. As Zhen observed him, he noted the crowd's lack of pity or concern.

Instead, degrading murmurs filled the air, their eyes glinting with malicious satisfaction. The cultivation world was merciless; the strong preyed upon the weak without a second thought.

Is this guy a protagonist? Zhen mused inwardly. A young man who had seemingly lost his cultivation, despised and loathed by others, yet still alive with all those enemies around.

It's not possible that all his enemies turned stupid, right? It's a perfect chance to settle some score with He Shan, but he is still here getting into more fights.

Maybe he really is a protagonist. Destined to encounter fortuitous events and embark on a journey of slaying gods and demons while surrounded by a bevy of beautiful women— this was the standard template for a protagonist.

It’s like watching a show unfold before my eyes. If he really is a protagonist, things are about to get interesting. And I have a front-row seat.

Moreover, this guy's name is He Shan... meaning Rivers and Mountains. Does he have a special physique or maybe hidden potential? Zhen's mind raced, his eyes narrowing in intrigue as he constructed a fine show for himself to enjoy.

Of course, this single incident alone wasn't sufficient evidence to confirm He Shan's status as a protagonist. But for his peace of mind, Zhen examined him carefully. He noticed He Shan wore no rings or necklaces that might suggest a hidden expert or artifact capable of changing his fate dramatically.

Double-checking, he shoved the idea to the back of his mind as there was no sign of a cheat. No signs of a hidden expert or artifacts. Just raw determination. Still, it’s too soon to tell.

But before he could extricate himself, Wang Bo's furious gaze turned toward him.

What? Hey, why are you looking at me?

"Li Zhen, where the hell have you been for the last ten days?" Wang Bo barked, his eyes narrowing suspiciously. The crowd's attention shifted to Zhen, curious to see how this new development would unfold.

Two of the rising stars of Qi Condensation were present here, and even he would have taken out popcorn if he had not been targeted.

Does that mean the previous Li Zhen was also a protagonist? Does it mean I'm a protagonist? Nah, he stopped himself from spiraling. That was not a good direction to go. I'm just an above-average cultivator.

Stolen novel; please report.

Zhen noticed Wang Bo's gaze flicker briefly to his new, more elegant robe before focusing back on him with anger.

Does he not fear my rank? I'm an outer disciple now, fatty. Quasi outer disciple, but that was semantics for him. Zhen subtly sensed the qi flowing through the meridians to give him some backbone.

He had no desire to attract unnecessary drama, preferring to keep to himself. However, if trouble came walking his way, he had no intention of backing down. Allowing a problem to fester could only create larger issues in the future.

Zhen straightened his posture, exuding a calm confidence. "Why do you care where I've been?" he replied evenly, meeting Wang Bo's glare without flinching. "I see I walked into something interesting."

Wang Bo sneered, taking a step forward. "Interesting? This isn't a show for your amusement. Why don’t you move along before you get yourself into trouble?"

The words hung in the air, carrying a weight that made the crowd hold its collective breath. Zhen’s tone was casual, almost indifferent, yet the underlying challenge was unmistakable. Disciples around him began to distance themselves, sensing the rising tension.

Zhen, however, remained unperturbed. His recent breakthrough to the ninth realm had given him confidence. No one in the Nominal area could match him now. Even if he failed, at most, it would be a tie. Being equal to the strongest could also solve many of his problems.

It was also a perfect chance to break from Wang Bo's clutches. Even though he couldn't fight the inner disciple yet, it doesn't mean he had to take a beating from his lackeys.

And this was his first chance to assert his place in the sect. Zhen wasn't going to wait for a crisis to defend himself. Wang Bo was the perfect opponent for honing his abilities and trying to test himself.

"Trouble?" Zhen smirked. "The only trouble I see here is you bullying someone weaker than you."

Wang Bo's face darkened with anger. "You think you're better than us now, don’t you? Just because you've been off training?"

"It's not about being better, Wang Bo. It's about knowing where you stand. And right now, you're out of your depth," Zhen said, his voice steady.

Wang Bo's eyes blazed with fury, and he lunged forward, shouting, "You arrogant—"

In that instant, Zhen noticed the silhouette of talons forming around Wang Bo's hands and the unmistakable presence of qi radiating from his attack. The air around them crackled with energy, and a hush fell over the crowd.

"He's using eighth realm strength!" someone in the crowd murmured.

Zhen's smirk widened. He felt his suppressed qi billow out, rushing to his arms like a dam breaking. He didn't know any advanced techniques, but his first try to jump had given him a rough idea of how to strengthen his body with qi.

The raw power coursing through him was intoxicating, a surge of potential that made his skin tingle.

As Wang Bo's talons struck, aiming for his chest with precision, Zhen crossed his arms in a fluid motion. The qi infused his muscles, hardening them like steel.

The impact was instantaneous and violent, a clash of titanic forces. The talons stopped dead upon touching Zhen's crossed arms, unable to penetrate the hardened muscles.

For a split second, there was a shared look of surprise. Zhen wasn't sure who was more shocked—Wang Bo, who had expected to easily overpower him, or himself, for effortlessly stopping the attack.

He only wanted to put up small resistance so that Wang Bo might think twice before attacking him. Not this impenetrable wall that he just showed.

"Zhen's at the ninth realm?" another voice in the crowd shouted in awe.

Finally, the onlookers noticed the elegant robe Zhen wore, a mark of his recent advancement and status.

He took advantage of the momentary shock and shoved Wang Bo back, qi rushing through his body. The force sent Wang Bo stumbling, his expression a mix of anger and disbelief.

He Shan, still clutching his midsection, looked up at Zhen with a mixture of pain and admiration. "Thank you," he said, his voice strained but sincere.

Zhen gave a slight nod. "It's alright. I didn't do it for you," he replied. Even though this kid has the potential to be someone great, I can't afford to get involved too deeply in his matter. Friends of the protagonist never have any good endings. Staying low-key is the safest route.

He thought that the matter was solved but he noticed He Shan's eyes widen in shock, the disbelief evident in his gaze.

For a moment, He Shan's mouth opened as if to speak, but no words came out. Slowly, as if processing his words, he gave a nod of acknowledgment.

Zhen's curiosity piqued. What goes on in the mind of a possible protagonist at a moment like this?

With a sudden look of determination, He Shan exclaimed, "I won't forget this kindness, and one day, I'll repay you tenfold!"

Zhen's mouth dropped open in surprise. Did he thought that I was doing it for him? I clearly said I didn't! Shaking his head, he only muttered, "Do whatever you want."

Then Zhen looked at the still shocked Wang Bo and waved his hand dismissively, as if swatting at an insect. "Go away, Wang Bo. You're not worth my time."

Wang Bo's eyes blazed with fury, but he took a reluctant step back, recognizing the shift in power dynamics. For a moment, it seemed he might back down, but then his face twisted with renewed rage.

"You think you can just wave me away like a fly?" Wang Bo shouted, his voice echoing through the courtyard. He clenched his fists, and a palpable surge of strength emanated from him. "You dare to humiliate me?"