Chapter 1

In the early morning, as the sky began to turn a pale fish-belly white, a figure could be seen practicing martial arts in the training ground, drenched in sweat...

This place is Tianfeng City, the main residence of the Ling family.

"Ah!"

A clear shout tore through the dawn sky, and the young boy's appearance became more distinct.

He looked to be about thirteen or fourteen years old, slightly tall and somewhat thin, with a complexion that appeared unhealthy and pale.

This was likely due to malnutrition, but the boy had a spirited appearance. Though not particularly handsome, he exuded the aura of a martial artist.

It was just past dawn, and the roosters in the yard had yet to crow, let alone the other people. In the vast training ground, he was the only one practicing, drenched in sweat.

"Grandpa said, 'The slow bird must fly early.' I am not as good as others, so I must work ten or a hundred times harder. I won't believe I can't break through to the second level of the martial pulse! Those people who laughed at me today, I will make them gape in astonishment tomorrow!"

The boy's name is Ling Xiao. Originally, he had no connection to the Ling family of Tianfeng City.

About a year ago, to expand their clan's strength, the Ling family of Tianfeng City sent out invitations. Anyone surnamed Ling could participate in the clan's assessment, and those who performed well could be officially admitted into the Ling family.

He passed the assessment and joined the Ling family. At a young age, he and his grandfather lived by begging, but he managed to open his martial pulse and advance to the first level of the martial pulse due to a broken cultivation technique he found. This was no small feat, and he could be considered a genius.

Even the Ling family members responsible for the assessment praised him highly.

However, Ling Xiao knew that all of this was because of a single sentence his grandfather said: "In this world, martial artists rule. If you become a martial artist, we won't have to beg anymore."

From then on, he practiced day and night, even while begging. This is how he achieved such success.

Others might think he was a genius, but in reality, he just practiced harder than anyone else.

After becoming a member of the Ling family, Ling Xiao and his grandfather moved into a house provided by the Ling family. At this time, Ling Xiao was filled with hope for the future.

There was a girl named Ling Yu.

She was not from the Ling family of Tianfeng City, but her family was very wealthy.

In the past, when Ling Xiao went to beg at her doorstep, this spoiled young lady would always sneak out after her family went inside, throw Ling Xiao's bowl to the ground, and stomp on it with her expensive leather boots.

She would also say, "Not even the dogs would eat it, let alone you!"

However, after Ling Xiao joined the Ling family, Ling Yu began to look at him differently, even approaching him and befriending him. This filled Ling Xiao with pride and determination to advance further in martial arts and make a name for himself in the Ling family.

However, ideals are grand, but reality is harsh.

A mere first-level martial pulse practitioner was just a drop in the vast ocean of the Ling family.

The Ling family of Tianfeng City had a population of tens of thousands, and with this expansion, it had become the absolute ruler of Tianfeng City.

How could such a family truly value a first-level martial pulse practitioner?

They could easily pull out a maid or a servant who was already at the first level of the martial pulse!

The young men and women of the Ling family's main branch all had excellent foundations, all of them being at least second-level martial pulse practitioners, with some even reaching the third level! The fourth level was a realm that Ling Xiao could only look up to.

Of course, if he could break through to the second level of the martial pulse within a year, Ling Xiao might have been proud.

However, some things cannot be forced. The broken cultivation technique he found earlier conflicted with the Ling family's basic cultivation technique, so he had to start over.

Gradually, he was surpassed by many of his peers.

At this point, Ling Yu, who had changed her attitude towards him, once again became a high and mighty young lady, as she had not only broken through to the second level of the martial pulse but also hooked up with a genius disciple of the Ling family's main branch.

Ling Xiao, who had come to terms with reality, did not become disheartened. Instead, he remembered how he had come to the Ling family and practiced even harder and more diligently, vowing never to be expelled from the Ling family, as his grandfather, who depended on him, would suffer again.

The Ling family had a rule: any outer disciple who could not break through to the second level of the martial pulse within a year would be expelled, either to become a servant of the Ling family.

At this point, only one month remained before Ling Xiao's one-year deadline with the Ling family.

"Whoosh! Ha!"

As the young boy's arms swung, the air crackled with energy, and his shouts were filled with determination.

Ling Xiao knew what awaited him after a year, but he would not give up. He believed that if he could start over and reach the first level of the martial pulse, he could also reach the second level.

Ling Xiao was currently practicing the Ling family's basic martial technique, "Mighty Ox Force."

"Mighty Ox Force" is the most basic martial technique, encompassing both cultivation methods and martial skills. It can both enhance one's realm and be used in battle, making it a favorite among low-level martial artists.

This "Mighty Ox Force" had been practiced so many times that when Ling Xiao performed it, it felt natural and fluid, indicating that he was well-suited for martial arts.

Although this basic martial technique is very common, it still has different levels: basic,初级, intermediate, advanced, and top-tier.

There are five levels, and "Mighty Ox Force" is just the most basic.

These levels are not just for fun; the higher the level, the better the cultivation effect and the greater the martial skill's power.

Ling Xiao, being an outer disciple from the expansion, had no bloodline connection to the Ling family and showed no outstanding talent, so he could only practice the basic martial technique. Even the初级 level was beyond his reach.

"I feel like I'm almost breaking through, but I always get stuck at the most critical point. Sigh, if only I had a breakthrough pill."

After practicing for a long time, Ling Xiao took a drink from his water bag, feeling helpless.

Through nearly a year of observation, he realized that he was not inferior to anyone. In fact, due to his hard work, his cultivation progress should have been faster.

The problem still lay with the cultivation techniques and pills.

The main branch members of the Ling family and the wealthy outer disciples either had higher-level cultivation techniques or could afford to buy breakthrough pills to assist their cultivation.

Most of the second-level martial pulse disciples had used breakthrough pills.

These pills were not too expensive and had no side effects, but Ling Xiao could not afford them. The Ling family provided him with food and drink, which was already the greatest kindness they could show; they would not give him money.

"Get out of here, I've already told you, this is my exclusive training ground. You have no right to practice here!"

When the sun had fully risen, it was already an hour later. Ling Xiao was about to leave, as he did not want to conflict with the main branch members of the Ling family.

However, it was too late.

A loud shout echoed, and it was Ling Chong, a main branch disciple of the Ling family.

As he spoke, Ling Chong even jumped onto the platform and pushed Ling Xiao. Fortunately, Ling Xiao had been practicing diligently, so although his realm had not advanced, his body was strong. Despite his pale complexion, his thin body contained considerable strength.

Ling Chong could not push him; he was like an old tree firmly rooted in place.

"Ling Chong, I have no grudge against you, why do you always bully me?"

Ling Xiao was angry; this was not the first time the other boy had treated him this way.

"Ha, do you think I really enjoy bullying a waste like you? It's just that you don't listen. I've already warned you not to practice here. Don't spread your waste aura to us."

Ling Chong looked at Ling Xiao with a mocking and playful expression.

Indeed, he was doing it on purpose. Among all the outer disciples from the expansion, only Ling Xiao dared to defy him. Who else would he pick on?

The main branch disciples of the Ling family had a natural sense of superiority, viewing the outer disciples from the expansion as mere servants with the name of disciples, to be used at will.

Thus, almost all the outer disciples had been bullied by the main branch disciples. Some chose to remain silent, some begged for mercy, while Ling Xiao chose to remain dignified and composed.

Ling Xiao did not want to cause trouble, but if he could not practice in the training ground, he would have to walk a long distance to find a suitable place. He also had to take care of his grandfather, so going too far was not an option.

"Ling Chong, you're useless, you can't even push this outer disciple off the training platform. How do you even manage?"

"Exactly, you're a second-level martial pulse practitioner, and this kid is just a first-level. Your strength isn't even greater than his?"

"Hurry up, Ling Chong, get this kid out of here. We still need to train."

Those with Ling Chong were either main branch disciples or outer disciples who had aligned themselves with the main branch. They were all people who enjoyed watching the spectacle.

After all, they never tired of watching a good show.

"Damn, you dare to look down on me? I'll slap this kid down right now and show him what a martial artist is!"

Ling Chong, provoked, looked at Ling Xiao with disdain and suddenly slapped him, hitting him directly in the chest.

"Is that enough?"

Blood trickled from the corner of Ling Xiao's mouth, but he did not fall or fly away.

He could have avoided the hit to avoid injury, but he did not want to. Once a person retreats or shows fear, it becomes a habit.

He refused!

"This kid! Asking for death!" Ling Chong was furious and kicked Ling Xiao.

Ling Xiao suddenly spat out a mouthful of blood, scaring Ling Chong, who quickly dodged. The kick missed, and Ling Chong flew off the training platform.

Looking at Ling Chong, who had fallen off the platform, Ling Xiao smiled, then swayed and collapsed, fainting.