The morning sun bathed the stone platforms of the Heavenly Radiance Sect in warm golden light. White-robed disciples moved across the courtyard, their laughter echoing softly between the ancient pillars.
Li Feng stood among them, sword in hand.
His breathing was steady, his stance clean. With a swift motion, his blade cut through the air, leaving behind a faint hum of spiritual energy.
"Good form," an elder nodded from a distance.
"But your flow is still too restrained."
Li Feng lowered his sword and bowed politely.
"Yes, Elder."
Around him, disciples whispered.
"He's improving fast."
"But still… Li Wei is more talented."
Li Feng heard them.
He always did.
Yet, he smiled.
Talent, recognition, praise—those were things he had long learned not to crave.
"Brother Li Feng!"
A cheerful voice called out.
He turned to see Mei Lan, walking toward him, her white robes fluttering lightly in the breeze. Her eyes shone with warmth, the kind that made others feel at ease without realizing why.
"You trained early again?" she asked.
Li Feng chuckled softly.
"Habit, I guess."
Behind her stood Tian Hao, the Sect Heir, dressed in immaculate robes embroidered with golden patterns. His posture was proud, his presence naturally commanding.
"So diligent as always," Tian Hao said with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.
"No wonder the elders like you."
Li Feng shook his head.
"I still have a long way to go."
Tian Hao laughed.
"Too humble. But don't worry—everyone has their place in the sect."
Mei Lan glanced between them, sensing a strange tension she couldn't quite explain.
Later that day, Li Feng returned to the Li Family residence within the sect grounds.
The atmosphere changed the moment he stepped inside.
"Where's Li Wei?" his mother asked, barely sparing him a glance.
"He's cultivating in the inner hall," his father replied proudly.
"Unlike some people."
Li Feng paused, then nodded.
"I'll prepare dinner."
No one stopped him.
No one thanked him.
From the corner of the room, his younger sister scoffed.
"I only have one brother," she said coldly.
"And that's Li Wei."
Li Feng's fingers tightened slightly.
Just for a moment.
Then he exhaled… and smiled again.
That night, he stood alone beneath the open sky, staring at the stars above the sect.
Everything seemed peaceful.
Predictable.
Almost perfect.
Yet somewhere deep within his chest, a faint unease stirred—
like a shadow stretching quietly, waiting for the right moment to rise.
Li Feng closed his eyes.
He had no idea that this calm…
was the last kindness Heaven would ever show him.