C3 This Was the Family

Gazing at the ascending red sun in the sky, a smile crept onto Zhang Yu's face.

"I haven't been to the martial arts field in days. Time to get moving and stretch out these muscles," he thought, making his way toward the training grounds.

Nestled deep within the family compound, the martial arts field was a sprawling space, roughly twice the size of a football field, paved entirely with Xuanwu stones quarried from the mountains. These stones, known for their hardness, were ideal for disciples whose cultivation levels weren't particularly advanced. The field was also a hub of activity, with regular classes held for the younger disciples, making it one of the most beloved spots in the clan. Previously, Zhang Yu, unable to cultivate, had spent his days immersed in books or at the martial arts field, forging his physique. Despite years of relentless training, his recent grave injury had healed completely after a profound recuperation.

"Young Master Yu, are you well?" a family servant asked with surprise as they crossed paths.

"Yes, I'm fine. The injuries weren't as bad as they seemed. I wouldn't be out here otherwise," Zhang Yu replied.

"Hello, Young Master Yu," he greeted familiar faces along the way, each greeting returned in kind.

Despite bearing the brunt of ridicule for over a decade, Zhang Yu was met with warmth and acceptance from most of his family, unlike the few who regarded him with disdain. Unlike some families that would have cast him out, his own offered support and tolerance, for which he was deeply grateful. In the face of harsh criticism from the outside world, his family had always been his sanctuary.

Ten minutes later, Zhang Yu stepped onto the martial arts field.

"Mr. Yu, what brings you here?"

"Mr. Yu, hello."

"Ah Yu, you're all better?"

No sooner had Zhang Yu found his footing than he became the center of attention. Although unaware of his newfound ability to cultivate, his clan brothers crowded around him. Warmed by their greetings, Zhang Yu responded, "Thanks for your concern, everyone. I've fully recovered." With a reassuring pat on his chest, he affirmed his well-being.

"I knew you had a strong constitution, let me check on you!" Zhang Yang exclaimed as he playfully patted Zhang Yu's body. Zhang Yang, the son of Zhang Yu's second uncle, Zhang Biao, was the eldest of their generation and the most gifted. By the age of sixteen, he had already reached the pinnacle of martial arts. Zhang Yang had always looked out for Zhang Yu since they were young.

"Ah, Big Brother, I'm not into guys, save me!" Zhang Yu quipped, feeling his cousin Zhang Yang's affectionate gesture.

The group around them burst into hearty laughter, and even Zhang Yang's cheeks flushed with embarrassment as he quickly withdrew his hand.

"You little rascal, you've gotten bold, haven't you? Mocking your big brother now!" Zhang Yang feigned a stern expression.

"Oops, Big Brother's mad. My apologies, Big Brother, I beg your forgiveness," Zhang Yu teased, bowing theatrically.

Another round of laughter followed.

"Enough, I'm done joking with you. I can't win against you, can I?" Zhang Yang said with a resigned smile. "You've just healed from an injury, and here you are training again. Are you sure your body can handle it?"

"Thanks for the concern, Big Brother. I'm feeling stronger than ever, and I've got an appetite to match! I just couldn't keep still, so I decided to come and limber up a bit," Zhang Yu responded.

"Hey, isn't that Young Master Yu? You're still alive?" A jarring voice suddenly interrupted.

Turning to face the newcomer, Zhang Yu recognized him as Zhang Loong, the son of the Second Elder. The Second Elder had been blessed with a son in his later years and spoiled Zhang Loong rotten, which contributed to his haughty demeanor. He was the most relentless in mocking Zhang Yu within the family, convinced that if not for the resources spent on Zhang Yu's medical treatment, he, a martial arts prodigy, would have already advanced to a higher level. In truth, it was nothing more than sour grapes born from jealousy.

"Hey, Zhang Loong, we're all brothers from the same clan. Is that any way to talk?" Zhang Yang snapped, stepping protectively in front of Zhang Loong with a fierce look in his eyes.

"Brother Yang, I was just checking in on Zhang Yu. I might've chosen my words poorly, so please don't be upset," Zhang Loong said, still somewhat intimidated by Zhang Yang.

"Zhang Loong, remember why our Zhang family has become one of the three great families of Yishui Town, surpassing the Liu and Wang families in just a few decades. What's our secret? Unity! Do you understand? Sure, we have our internal squabbles, but those are trivial. It's our solidarity that has propelled the family to its current stature. One day, we'll be the pillars of the clan. Without unity, where's the cohesion? How can we continue to elevate our family? My words aren't just for you, but for everyone here. We're one family, striving together for our clan's prosperity. Right, everyone?" Zhang Yang's voice thundered through the crowd, electrifying the air.

"Absolutely, we're one family, united in bringing our family glory," came the affirming voices from the crowd.

"United, we create glory!" Zhang Yu's words sparked an immediate connection, like a drop of water hitting sizzling oil.

"United, we create glory. United, we create..." The chant swelled as everyone joined in, their voices rising in unison, with even Zhang Loong lending his voice to the chorus.

Zhang Yu's laughter mingled with the resounding echoes; this was the essence of family, this was home.

You might not have the power to battle for the family, the intellect to amass wealth, or the experience to guide the next generation, but what you must have is the fervor to strive for your family. The family is your root, your soul; its fortunes and misfortunes are yours to share.

A family lacking unity and cohesion is doomed to fade away. Consider the countless renowned martial artists who owe their success to their family's backing. When you're ready to spread your wings, you'll nourish the family in return. With the family behind you, you'll go much farther. Some may argue that a Lone Ranger can achieve greatness alone, but what are the odds? It's rarer than a pie falling from the sky and landing right on you!

The sun had set, but the Zhang family's disciples were still training fervently, united by a shared dream. Even without Zhang Yang's stirring speech, every scion of a noble house knew this truth deep down. Now, their resolve was stronger than ever.

After his evening meal, Zhang Yu sat alone on his bed, legs crossed, as he began to trace the flow of the Creation Divine Arts through his body's meridians, a memory etched in his mind. His fingers moved deftly, forming one intricate hand seal after another. As the spiritual qi coursed through him, completing cycle after cycle, he sensed his entry into the Qi Cultivation Realm—the initial phase of the Creation Divine Arts. With the technique now active within him, Zhang Yu felt confident that, should he encounter his previous assailant, he wouldn't necessarily defeat them, but he would certainly hold his ground. The quality of a cultivation technique truly shows in its ability to expand and nurture the meridians during the Qi Refining Realm. A body attuned to hold more spiritual qi would naturally have a distinct advantage in combat. The Zhang family's most advanced technique was merely of the middle Profound Level. The Liu and Wang families, despite their longer history and standing alongside his own, likely had no superior methods.

Unknown to Zhang Yu and those who had met him before, his inability to cultivate wasn't due to a weak constitution, but rather because his meridians were clogged with spiritual qi, preventing its flexible flow. The previous clearing by the Creation Jade Disc had opened his pathways like floodgates, enabling him to cultivate at an astonishing pace. Moreover, the prolonged accumulation of spiritual qi had significantly widened his meridians compared to his peers, propelling him into the realm of true prodigies.

Day by day, he honed his physique by daylight and honed his cultivation by night. In the blink of an eye, another half month had slipped by, and Zhang Yu had solidified his cultivation level, teetering on the brink of a breakthrough.

"Steady cultivation behind closed doors has its merits, but it lacks the test of real combat. Sooner or later, I must face the storm to strengthen my resolve. With that in mind, I'll seek my father's blessing to venture into the Demon Beast Mountain Range for true experience," Zhang Yu resolved. Yishui Town lay on the fringe of the Demon Beast Mountain Range, a place where adventurers flocked daily, seeking training and fortune in the form of demon cores, medicinal herbs, and ores—treasures that fetched handsome sums in the town. Despite the countless who had perished there, the allure of adventure remained undiminished. After all, the path of cultivation is a battle against fate itself; for many, to not break through one's limits is a fate worse than death.

"Dad, are you in?" Having made up his mind, Zhang Yu approached his father Zhang Sen's room and knocked on the door.

"Oh, Yu, come in. What's up?" Zhang Sen called out.

Stepping into his father's room, Zhang Yu saw him engrossed in family affairs. This sight only strengthened his resolve to venture out and rapidly grow stronger through training.

"Father, I have something important to discuss. I've decided to go to the Demon Beast Mountain Range for training!"

"Go ahead—wait, where did you say? The Demon Beast Mountain Range? Are you sure you haven't misspoken?" Zhang Sen exclaimed in astonishment. "That place is fraught with danger, even for martial artists. Why would you want to go there?"

"Father, the truth is, I've begun cultivating and I'm on the verge of a breakthrough to become a martial cultivator. To overcome my limits and gain strength more quickly, I feel I need to train in the Demon Beast Mountain Range," Zhang Yu explained.

"What? You've started cultivating? Are you serious?" Zhang Sen was taken aback. He swiftly stepped closer to Zhang Yu and placed his right hand on his wrist. "After all these years, it seems the heavens are finally smiling upon us. My son can cultivate at last." Having confirmed Zhang Yu's ability, Zhang Sen fought back tears of joy and exclaimed.

"How did this happen? After all the doctors failed to help you, how can you suddenly cultivate now?" Zhang Sen asked, barely containing his urgency.