Chapter One: Are You Questioning My Judgment?

Gujia Residence, bathed in the first rays of morning light, yet the gloom in Gu Xuan’s heart remained unshaken.

Today was the day when the family distributed pills—a precious chance for every Gu scion to advance their cultivation. Yet for Gu Xuan, it was nothing but an unavoidable walk of shame.

At just fifteen or sixteen, Gu Xuan ranked at the very bottom among his peers; the title of “good-for-nothing” clung to him like a shadow.

Dragging heavy steps, he walked slowly toward the pill distribution site, enduring nothing but looks of contempt and disdain from those around him.

“Look, isn’t that Gu Xuan? Why is he back again?”

“Hmph, he’s got some nerve. Shows up every month to get his pills, but his cultivation never improves in the slightest.”

“The Third Elder is too soft-hearted—why keep giving him a share? It’s a complete waste!”

The sharp, mocking words pierced Gu Xuan like arrows. He bit down hard on his lower lip, his face flushed, his fists clenched so tightly his knuckles turned white.

“Next…”

At last, it was Gu Xuan’s turn. He drew in a deep breath, swallowed his humiliation, and bowed respectfully to the Third Elder, then offered a slight smile to Gu Ling’er, who stood beside him.

Gu Ling’er was one of the few in the family who treated him kindly, and at this moment, her eyes shone with encouragement.

“Mm…” The Third Elder nodded slightly, signaling Gu Xuan to step forward.

Just as Gu Xuan reached out his hand, a broad, rough arm shot out and seized him by the wrist.

Gu Xuan turned to see Gu Yun, the clan leader’s second son, looking at him with mocking amusement.

Gu Yun, who delighted in bullying the weak, spotted Gu Xuan coming for his pills and naturally seized the chance to humiliate him.

“Gu Xuan, do yourself a favor and be self-aware. The family’s stock of pills is limited—don’t waste resources, you good-for-nothing. Let someone else have the chance.”

Gu Yun lifted his chin arrogantly, eyes full of contempt.

Gu Xuan clenched his fists tighter, his teeth grinding audibly, but he forced himself to keep calm.

Unable to bear it any longer, Gu Ling’er darted forward like lightning, swinging her sword’s scabbard. With a crisp “smack,” she struck Gu Yun’s hand.

Caught off guard, Gu Yun staggered, nearly falling before he managed to regain his balance.

“Don’t sully my brother Xuan with your filthy hands!”

Gu Ling’er’s brows arched sharply as she glared furiously at Gu Yun.

Shame and anger contorted Gu Yun’s face, but he was unwilling to let matters rest. He spun around, raised his voice, and shouted:

“Look, everyone! The family’s supply of pills is limited, yet this good-for-nothing still expects his share. The Third Elder is blatantly favoring him—it’s so unfair!”

He shot a glance at his lackey, who immediately caught on and joined in:

“That’s right, Third Elder, we object!”

“We object! …”

A few others followed suit, shouting in support.

“You all—!” Gu Ling’er’s little face was flushed with anger; she stamped her feet, at a loss for what to do.

“Let it be, Ling’er.”

Gu Xuan slowly straightened, his voice soft but resolute.

He turned to leave, his lonely silhouette seeming to bow before this cruel reality.

Seeing this, Gu Yun smirked in triumph, as if he’d achieved his goal.

“Stop!”

A firm, commanding voice rang out, halting everyone in their tracks.

“Take your pills before you leave…”

The Third Elder’s voice was gentle but brooked no refusal, echoing in Gu Xuan’s ears.

Gu Xuan froze where he stood, not daring to turn around, a flicker of disbelief in his eyes.

“Third Elder, why? He doesn’t deserve it!”

Gu Yun still refused to yield, his voice hoarse with anger.

“Who are you to decide who is worthy? Are you questioning my judgment as your elder?”

The Third Elder’s sharp gaze cut through Gu Yun like a blade. A sudden chill swept the courtyard, and the temperature plummeted.

Gu Yun blanched, his legs turning to jelly as he stumbled backward.

The others fell silent, not daring to utter another word.

After a moment, the Third Elder’s expression returned to normal, and he sat down.

“The family has thrived because its members stand as one. Gu Xuan is also of our blood. Instead of helping your kin, you mock and exclude him. Is this how a Gu should behave?”

Some in the crowd fell into thoughtful silence.

“The distribution of pills is an act of care for every family member. If someone is stripped of this right simply for lacking talent, it chills not only Gu Xuan’s heart, but the hearts of all our kin.”

The Third Elder’s words were earnest, each one carrying hope and sincerity.

“Though Gu Xuan’s cultivation is slow for now, the road to mastery is long. Who can say he won’t one day amaze us all? The family nurtures its young not just for present strength, but for future potential. Giving him pills is preserving a hope for us all.”

Some were convinced by his speech, some feigned agreement, while others remained skeptical.

Taking the chance, Gu Ling’er quickly took two pills, brought them to Gu Xuan, and gently placed them in his palm, her face blossoming with a gentle smile.

“Take them, Brother Xuan. These are yours by right.”

Her smile was like the warm sun of spring, instantly dispelling the gloom in Gu Xuan’s heart.

Then she took his hand.

“Come on, Brother Xuan, we still have training to do on the mountain.”

Just as the pair reached the door, a youth about their age stepped in front of them—this was Gu Ming, a member of a collateral branch of the family.

Gu Ming bit his lip and approached Gu Xuan, face full of remorse.

“Gu Xuan, I need to apologize. I used to look down on you, said a lot of bad things. But after hearing the Third Elder just now, I realize how wrong I was. Everyone’s cultivation progresses differently—I shouldn’t have judged you by your current level. From now on, I’ll never look down on anyone again.”

Gu Xuan was taken aback. He hadn’t expected anyone in the family to apologize to him. A complicated look flashed in his eyes before he gave a faint, serene smile.

“It’s all right. What everyone said is true—I really haven’t accomplished much. I’ve gotten used to it by now.”

As Gu Xuan stepped over the threshold, he turned to Gu Ming with a smile.

“Thank you.”

Gu Yun, having failed to get his way, watched their backs filled with seething hatred, unwilling to let it end there.

His eyes darted as he ran to the doorway.

“Don’t think you can stay in the family just because the Third Elder favors you. Don’t forget, in three months, the family tournament will be held. If you don’t reach the fourth rank of Profound Qi by then, you’ll be expelled! Let’s see how smug you are then!”

Gu Xuan and Gu Ling’er acted as though they hadn’t heard a thing, but Gu Ming frowned in concern.

“Cousin Yun, you’ve gone too far. The family tournament is meant to motivate, not to threaten.”

Gu Yun sneered contemptuously.

“And who are you, from a collateral line, to speak to me like that? Those are the rules—no one can change them. I’d like to see how Gu Xuan ends up!”

The other peers could only shake their heads helplessly at Gu Yun’s words.

Gu Ming watched Gu Xuan’s departing figure with worry, thinking to himself,

“If Gu Xuan works hard over the next while, maybe he’ll have a chance to break through. I really hope he can make it and avoid being cast out…”