Chapter Twelve: The Curtain Falls

With a thunderous crash, two fists collided fiercely beneath the gaze of the crowd. Contrary to what many had envisioned, the image of Ye Cheng being hurled through the air did not materialize.

There was a brief, tense silence. Suddenly, Ye Wei’s previously savage expression turned ashen, a muffled groan escaped his lips, and a trickle of blood seeped from the corner of his mouth.

Expressionless and cold, Ye Cheng’s arm gave a sharp tremor, channeling his blood force into the meeting of their fists. From within his sleeve, a crackling thunderous sound erupted. With another push forward, he sent his fist crashing ahead, and, to the shock of those watching, Ye Wei’s body was flung out of the arena like a leaf caught in a violent gale.

In the center of the martial stage, the slender youth stood solitary and unwavering. On the high platform, the Grand Elder’s pupils contracted as he drew a sharp breath. “To think that this martial technique can concentrate blood force so precisely for attack—it’s nearly as powerful as a superior technique,” he murmured in astonishment. With his level of cultivation, he could clearly discern the technique Ye Cheng had just displayed, including the concealed strength within.

“I didn't expect to see such a remarkable talent in this year’s tournament. In two months, he's consolidated ten bloodlines. Judging by this, the boy could even hold his own against those who have mastered the peak of the Blood Qi Realm. He’s nearly on par with us old men who still linger outside the Yuan Realm,” praised the Third Elder, who presided over the event. A faint, hard-to-detect bitterness flashed in his eyes as he regarded this dark horse.

From outside the arena, Ye Wei struggled to his feet, dragging a twisted arm, battered and humiliated. The entire place fell into stunned silence.

Moments later, one by one, the crowd’s eyes—staring as if at a monster—fixed upon the slender youth in the center. Ye Wei’s strength was well known to all; he had even unleashed a formidable martial technique. Yet, to everyone’s surprise, he was felled by Ye Cheng in a single blow.

“You cheated! Where did you learn that technique? Our Ye clan doesn’t have anything like it!” Ye Wei’s face was dark with frustration. He had never imagined he would be bested so completely. His voice was thick with resentment.

Looking at Ye Wei, now flustered and desperate, Ye Cheng curled his lips into a scornful smirk. “Are you a fool? When has the Ye clan ever forbidden learning techniques from outside the family? I defeated you openly before everyone—how could that be cheating? A loss is a loss. Or are you simply unable to accept defeat?”

“You—” Ye Cheng’s string of retorts left Ye Wei’s face alternating between red and green, unable to utter another word.

“Enough! Haven’t you embarrassed yourself enough already?” At that moment, the Grand Elder rose abruptly from his seat and, fixing Ye Wei with a stern glare, thundered, “Wei’er, you have disappointed your grandfather. Men of the Ye clan face their actions head-on; they are flexible and steadfast. To lose is to lose—there is no place for the kind of petulant argument you just displayed.”

“I’m giving you half a month to recover, and then you’ll spend a month in seclusion. Take Young Master Wei down to be treated,” he instructed a nearby attendant, his worn face betraying a rare trace of tenderness at the sight of his grandson’s injuries. With that, he sat back down.

Witnessing the Grand Elder’s just handling of the matter, Ye Hong simply watched in silence.

His usually doting grandfather’s sudden fury left Ye Wei speechless. Of all people, he knew best the temper of the old man. Supported by the attendant, he slowly disappeared from view. The Grand Elder’s intervention caused the assembled Ye clan youths to hold their breath, not daring to utter a word for fear of incurring his wrath.

“This challenge is won by Ye Cheng. Is there anyone else who wishes to step forward?” The Third Elder announced loudly.

Upon hearing the declaration, Ye Cheng left the stage without protest, returning to his original seat amidst a blaze of fervent stares. Of course, as soon as he sat, he was met with Ye Ming’s barrage of rapid-fire questions, to which Ye Cheng could only respond with a hint of helplessness.

Feeling the awe and reverence in the eyes around him, Ye Cheng realized his position in the clan had shifted dramatically after today. He touched his nose and smiled quietly to himself.

Following his bout, other duels ensued. A few more dark horses emerged, successfully challenging and earning the right to remain under the clan’s nurture. However, compared to Ye Cheng, their brilliance seemed somewhat dim.

When the final match concluded, the Third Elder performed the formal announcement and informed those who had not passed that they were to report to the clan’s personnel office the next morning for new assignments. In half a month, the second floor of the clan’s martial library would open to those who had succeeded, granting them the privilege to choose a martial technique.

The Ye clan’s coming-of-age trial, which had begun in the morning, finally concluded successfully in the afternoon. Ye Cheng sighed in relief; the constant scrutiny was becoming unbearable. Taking Ye Ling by the hand, he rose to leave.

“Brother, your performance today was amazing!” Beside him, a waft of girlish fragrance drifted by, and Ye Ling’s bell-like laughter rang in his ears.

Glancing at the lovely young girl he was leading, her face radiant with a smile, Ye Cheng returned the grin. “Heh, your brother needs strength if he’s to protect you, right?”

At his words, Ye Ling tilted her little face and giggled, but then, as if recalling something, her flower-like smile faded to dejection and her clear eyes reddened. “Back when you were bullied, I always wished I had the strength to protect you too, but…”

Seeing her crestfallen, Ye Cheng felt a pang of pity. He patted her gently on the head. “Don’t worry, I’ll find a way for you to train as well.” Inwardly, he murmured uncertainly, “Teacher should have some solution.” As for the mystery of Ye Ling’s inability to cultivate, Ye Cheng could only pin his hopes on Old Mu, still slumbering within the jade stone.

“Really?” Ye Ling’s watery eyes widened in surprise, and then a delighted smile bloomed on her dainty face, her eyes curving into crescent moons.

“Of course it’s true. When have I ever lied to you? Come on, it’s getting late. With how well I performed today, what delicious treat are you making for your brother?” Ye Cheng teased, pinching her cheek fondly.

“Hmph! If you pinch again, don’t expect any treats tonight!” Ye Ling protested, touching her reddened cheek, a shy blush spreading as she feigned indignation.

...

After the coming-of-age trial, Ye Cheng’s life returned to its routine rhythm of cultivation. Occasionally, he would accompany Ye Ling on strolls through town to relax, but otherwise, he simply awaited Old Mu’s awakening. Only when Old Mu awoke might the cause of Ling’er’s inability to cultivate be revealed.

News of Ye Cheng’s performance quickly spread throughout Luoyang Town. Young and old alike memorized his name. As his father, the once-incomparable Ye Shan, was fondly recalled, many commented, “Like father, like son.”

In this small town, the Ye clan held a status akin to local overlords. As one of the clan’s outstanding youths, Ye Cheng naturally attracted the attention of all factions in Luoyang Town. Some rival forces even made secret inquiries into his background, quietly adding his name to their blacklist. For such a prodigy with boundless potential, they knew he must be cut down before he could fully mature—otherwise, he would become a grave threat.