C2 Ye Xiaoyun

Fifteen years later...

In Yiyang Town, at the Ye Family estate, a young man was enjoying the shade under a large tree on a grassy area just outside the Ye Family's Martial Arts Practice Field. His long silver-white hair cascaded down his back, and he had a delicate, handsome appearance. He was Ye Xiaoyun, the young master of the Ye Family, now fifteen years old. His father, Ye Shenglin, was the third eldest son in the family, and his grandfather, Ye Zifeng, was the family patriarch.

"Look, isn't that Ye Xiaoyun over there?"

"Yeah, what's he doing at the practice field?"

"Heh, that guy's a born loser who can't cultivate to save his life."

In the Martial God Continent, everyone has the potential to cultivate, but success hinges on one's innate talent and ability to comprehend. Those with exceptional talent and understanding can progress rapidly, while those less gifted may find their cultivation journey painfully slow.

The journey of martial cultivation begins with achieving the status of a martial artist, which spans nine ranks. Advancing through each rank brings a significant boost in power.

Most people start their cultivation at ten years old, but despite beginning at the same age, Ye Xiaoyun had been training for five years without any sign of progress. He hadn't even reached Rank One as a martial artist; he had only managed to enhance his physical condition.

"Let's go have some fun with him," a man suggested.

Three figures then approached Ye Xiaoyun.

"Yo! If it isn't Xiaoyun. What brings you here?"

Ye Xiaoyun opened his eyes and recognized the newcomer. It was his cousin, Ye Han, the second son of his Second Uncle, a year his senior, flanked by two of his servants.

Ye Han was an impressive Eighth Stage martial artist, with a robust build and a cultivation level considered commendable among his peers.

"So it's Brother Ye Han. Is there a reason I shouldn't be at the Martial Arts Practice Field?" Ye Xiaoyun asked as he rose to his feet.

"How dare you address your elder brother in such a manner!" one of Ye Han's servants chided.

"Hmph! And how exactly do you think you're speaking to me? Remember your place, you're nothing but a servant!" Ye Xiaoyun was visibly irked by the servant's unexpected scolding.

"You...!" The servant looked as though he was about to argue back, but Ye Xiaoyun gestured with a dismissive wave of his hand, signaling him to be silent.

"It's not that you're forbidden from the Martial Arts Practice Field, but let's be clear: this is a haven for martial artists. What business does someone who isn't even a martial artist have here? What if you get hurt during a sparring match?" Ye Han sneered at Ye Xiaoyun.

"Oh, there's no need for concern, Brother Ye Han. I can handle myself. If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave now." Ye Xiaoyun replied, then turned to walk away.

"Hold on, who said you could leave? Just like that?" Another servant grabbed Ye Xiaoyun's shoulder to stop him.

Ye Xiaoyun's brows furrowed like drawn swords as he spun around, "What is it you want?"

"Mr. Xiaoyun, without strength, there's no point in being defiant. To act tough, you need the chops to back it up," Ye Han chided, patting Ye Xiaoyun's shoulder.

"I'm not sure what you're implying, Brother Ye Han." Ye Xiaoyun clearly understood but chose to ignore him.

"What do I mean? Exactly this." Ye Han's words were barely out before his hand clamped down on Ye Xiaoyun's shoulder.

Ye Xiaoyun winced, a sharp pain shooting through his shoulder, yet he kept silent, bearing the pain stoically.

"Got the message now?" Ye Han gloated.

Ye Xiaoyun remained mute, his forehead beading with sweat.

"What's that? No reply? Seems you still don't get it." Ye Han's grip tightened.

Unable to contain it any longer, Ye Xiaoyun cried out as his shoulder felt like it was being crushed.

Upon seeing Ye Xiaoyun's agony, Ye Han released his grip, then boasted, "Hahaha, now you understand, don't you, Ye Xiaoyun? Next time, make sure you speak to me with the proper respect!" With that, Ye Han strode off, the two smirking servants trailing behind him, leaving Ye Xiaoyun to nurse his pain alone.

"Hu!" Ye Xiaoyun collapsed onto the ground, utterly spent. His clothes clung to him, drenched in sweat. If Ye Han had exerted any more force, Ye Xiaoyun feared his shoulder would have shattered.

"Xiaoyun, what are you doing here?" A voice as melodious as a song floated over to him.

Recognizing the voice, Ye Xiaoyun turned to see who it was. A young girl in a blue dress approached, her light blue hair cascading down to her waist, her fair skin glowing enchantingly in the sunlight. Her delicate features made her all the more endearing. This was Ye Xiaoxuan, the second daughter of his Second Uncle from the Ye family, two years his senior and with whom he shared a close bond.

"Xiaoxuan, what brings you here?" Ye Xiaoyun managed a weak smile as he inquired.

"I was just passing by and noticed you sitting here, so I thought I'd say hello," Ye Xiaoxuan replied, making her way toward him.

As she drew closer, Ye Xiaoxuan sensed something was amiss.

"Xiaoyun, why are you covered in so much sweat?" she asked with concern.

"Oh, it's nothing. Just a bit of exercise," Ye Xiaoyun brushed it off.

Yet Ye Xiaoxuan's gaze lingered on his shoulder, sensing the discrepancy as he spoke without moving it, his facial expression betraying a hint of discomfort.

"What happened to your shoulder?" she pressed.

"Uh, it's nothing, really. I just took a little tumble," Ye Xiaoyun said, trying to dismiss her worries with a wave of his hand.

"Really? Come to my room; I'll put some medicine on it," Ye Xiaoxuan offered.

"No need, it's just a minor injury. I wouldn't want to bother you, Xiaoxuan," Ye Xiaoyun hastily declined, knowing that if she treated his wound, she would surely discover the extent of his injuries.

"Since when did you start keeping such a distance? Alright then, just be more careful next time," Ye Xiaoxuan conceded, dropping the subject.

"Thanks, Xiaoxuan," Ye Xiaoyun expressed his gratitude.

"Don't mention it. I'm off now. You take good care of yourself," Ye Xiaoxuan said before departing.

With a sigh, Ye Xiaoyun mused to himself, "Apart from you, only my big brother and father really treat me like family," his thoughts seemingly drifting to deeper reflections.

Upon returning to his room, Ye Xiaoyun shed his shirt and examined his shoulder, where the marks of fingers were imprinted on his pale skin, now marred with bruises.

"Damn it!" Ye Xiaoyun clenched his teeth in frustration. If only he could cultivate, he wouldn't have to endure such treatment.

Just then, a knock sounded at the door.

"Who's there?" Ye Xiaoyun called out, slipping his shirt back on.

"Yun, it's me," came the reply.

"Father! Please, come in," Ye Xiaoyun urged.

"Yun, what are you up to?" asked the man at the door, none other than Ye Xiaoyun's father, Ye Shenglin.

"Just resting, father. What brings you here?" inquired Ye Xiaoyun.

"Well, I've got something for you. Today, a friend gave me some spirit medicine that could aid in your cultivation," Ye Shenglin explained, pulling a herbal remedy from his pocket.

"Father, I... I don't know what to say," Ye Xiaoyun stammered, overcome with emotion. His father had never given up on him, not once in all these years.

"Keep it. I've got other matters to attend to, but I'll come by to check on you when I can," Ye Shenglin said, handing the spirit medicine to Ye Xiaoyun before taking his leave.

Holding the spirit medicine, Ye Xiaoyun was swamped with a whirlwind of feelings, deeply moved by his father's unwavering support in his pursuit of cultivation for the past five years.