Training continued for another hour, but Li Xuan could hardly focus on the movements.Elder Qiu's words kept circling in his mind.
"So you say."Too soft.Too calm.Too dangerous.
Li Xuan knew that tone.It was the same tone someone uses before placing a knife behind their back.
When Elder Qiu finally dismissed the group, disciples ran off quickly, eager for lunch.
Zhao Ren and his followers stayed behind just long enough to give Li Xuan a hateful glare before leaving.
Li Xuan ignored them.
He had bigger problems now.
He started walking back toward his room, but halfway down the path—
Footsteps approached from behind.
Strong, steady footsteps.
Li Xuan turned slightly and saw Elder Qiu walking directly toward him.
His breath tightened.
The elder stopped only a few steps away, his expression unreadable. His beard swayed slightly in the mountain wind.
"Li Xuan," Elder Qiu said, his voice low but clear, "walk with me."
Li Xuan bowed slightly. "Yes, Elder."
They walked side by side down a long path that led toward the older buildings of the sect—places rarely visited by disciples. Moss covered the stones, and old branches lay scattered across the path.
The silence felt heavy.
Finally, Elder Qiu spoke.
"Do you know why your father died?"
Li Xuan's steps paused for a split second.
He shook his head. "I… was told it was during a battle."
"Mm," Elder Qiu hummed. "A battle. Yes. That's the story."
His tone made Li Xuan's skin crawl.
Elder Qiu continued, "Your father was strong. Talented. Too talented."He turned his head slightly, studying Li Xuan's face."And when a man shines too brightly… others feel threatened."
Li Xuan lowered his gaze. "Elder… what are you trying to say?"
Elder Qiu chuckled softly, the sound cold as ice. "I am saying that talent attracts death in this sect, Li Xuan."
Li Xuan froze.
Those words carried meaning.Heavy meaning.
Elder Qiu stopped walking and faced him fully.
"You are weak now. Pathetic. Useless. That is what keeps you alive."
Li Xuan's breath caught.
Elder Qiu leaned closer, his eyes sharp and cold. "But if you suddenly start improving… if you suddenly show talent…"His lips curled into a thin smile."…you may follow your father's path."
Li Xuan felt a chill run through his bones.
Elder Qiu straightened his back. "Keep your head down. Do nothing impressive. Never stand out."
He turned away.
"And if anyone spreads foolish rumors about you… I will investigate personally."
He walked off slowly, hands behind his back, leaving a trail of cold air behind him.
Li Xuan stood still, his fists tightening at his sides.
Elder Qiu wasn't warning him.He was threatening him.
He was saying:Stay weak, or die.
—That man is dangerous, the Grand Immortal's voice said quietly. But he made a mistake today.
Li Xuan exhaled shakily. "A mistake?"
—He revealed fear.—Fear of your bloodline.—Fear of your father's shadow.—Fear that you might become something more.
Li Xuan's chest rose slowly.
"My father…" he murmured, "was he really killed because of talent?"
The Immortal was silent for a moment before answering.
—The truth in this world is simple, Li Xuan.—When someone weak rises too fast, the strong panic.—Your father died because he threatened someone above him.—Elder Qiu… or someone higher.
Li Xuan clenched his teeth.
The air around him felt tight.
His life wasn't just unlucky.He wasn't just bullied for no reason.He wasn't ignored because he was weak.
There were people who wanted him to stay weak.
People who feared what he might become.
He looked toward the sky—the same sky his father once looked at. The clouds slowly moved past the mountain peaks, drifting like lazy shadows.
"I won't die like my father," he whispered.
—No, the Immortal said with a low rumble. You will live long enough to uncover the truth—and make the ones responsible kneel before you.
Li Xuan took a deep breath.
His heart beat steadily, firmly.
Elder Qiu wanted him to stay weak.
But weakness was no longer part of his destiny.
He turned back toward his small room, every step heavier with determination.
From this moment forward…He would not simply avoid death.
He would pursue strength.
He would pursue truth.
And one day—Elder Qiu would regret ever speaking those words.