Chapter no.3 Heavenly Marks Family

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In Glory City, everything that mattered—your standing, authority, reputation, honor—was tied to something entirely out of Nie Li's control. It all came down to potential, something he was born with, something he couldn't change. They called it the Soul Realm, the one measure of talent in this world, the sole indicator of his worth.

Nie Li thought about that as the rhythmic clatter of the horses' hooves echoed around him, syncing with the flow of his thoughts. He sat in

the bandwagon, the familiar landscape blurring past as they made their way back to the heart of the Heavenly Marks Family's domain. No matter how much he tried to distract himself, his mind kept circling back to that damn Soul Realm. He could list them off in his sleep, the seven classes that ruled their lives.

Red: the lowest. Weakness in its purest form. If your soul realm was red, you might as well resign yourself to a life of mediocrity. No one expected much from you, and frankly, no one cared. You were looked down upon, a commoner in every sense of the word. The mark of someone destined for a life without impact, without power. It was the color of shame, and Nie Li knew it all too well.

Orange: slightly better, but not by much. It still screamed mediocrity, though it spared you the full brunt of society's disdain. You were average, forgettable, just another cultivator scraping by.

Yellow: a step above, a flicker of hope, but still not enough to make a real difference. Those with a yellow soul realm could become decent cultivators with enough effort, but there were no guarantees.

Green: now that's where it started to get interesting. The realm of geniuses. People with green soul realms were rare, envied even. Cultivating came naturally to them, almost effortlessly. People noticed them, respected them.

Cyan: just above green, another realm of envy. The cyan soul realm marked someone as undeniably talented, someone with the potential to do great things. The path to power was laid out before them, wide open.

Azure: this was where legends were born. Those with an azure soul realm were like stars—rare, shining, and destined for greatness. History remembered them, and people revered them. Their potential was limitless.

And then there was Indigo: the pinnacle, the realm of myths. If you had an indigo soul realm, you were practically guaranteed a place in the heavens. Greatness wasn't just a possibility; it was your destiny. People with indigo soul realms shaped the world, bent it to their will. They were the ones the rest of them read about in stories.

Nie Li clenched his fists, the familiar frustration bubbling up inside him. Everything—your future, your worth—decided by something you couldn't control. How could that be fair? How could people's lives be determined by the color of their soul realm, a fate sealed from the moment they were born?

The steady clatter of the horses' hooves continued, but it couldn't drown out the thoughts swirling in Nie Li's head.

But Nie Li's mind kept drifting back to the soul realm ceremony. The memories of it still fresh, still raw. Fourteen years old—that's when they said one was ready to find their path, to start shaping their destiny. It was supposed to be this great moment, a rite of passage that marked the start of adulthood. But all Nie Li could think was how unfair it all felt. To have your entire future decided by the nature of your soul realm, something you never had any control over.

Nie Li clenched his fists, the unfairness of it burning in his chest. How could your worth be determined by something as arbitrary as a soul's color? One ceremony, one revelation, and suddenly you were either celebrated or dismissed. It wasn't right. It wasn't fair. But that's how the world worked, wasn't it? The Heavenly Marks Family was split into two halves—the main branch and the rest of them. Those with the purest blood, the direct descendants, held all the power, while the branch families like his were left to pick up the scraps.

He hated it. Nie Li hated the way they looked down on them, like they were less than them, like their blood was somehow tainted. But as much as he loathed this system, he knew why it existed. Glory City was the last refuge for humanity, the final stronghold standing against a world overrun by demon beasts. Out there, beyond the walls, it was chaos. Most people didn't live past their thirties; they got married young, not out of love but out of necessity, trying to grasp onto whatever chance they had to survive another day.

Nie Li thought of his parents then, and a different kind of emotion settled over him—gratitude. They were one of the few who had actually married for love. In a place where most marriages were just another tool for survival or social gain, his parents were proof that real love could still exist. It was something he rarely saw in Glory City, and it made him hold onto hope that maybe things didn't have to be the way they were.

But love didn't change the rules of the world. Power did. Strength did. That was the reality of Glory City—only the strong mattered. You could talk about fairness, complain about the way things were, but if you didn't have the strength to back up your words, then they meant nothing. Nie Li knew that better than anyone. 

I need to become stronger.

The wagon came to a slow halt, shaking Nie Li out of his thoughts as they arrived at the heart of the Heavenly Marks Family's estate. He looked up at the fortress that towered before them. It was grand, imposing, a testament to the family's wealth and history. Stone walls adorned with intricate carvings rose high, their details catching the light of the sun. The large wooden gates bore the family's symbol, bold and proud, and the towers seemed to scrape the sky itself.

But as Nie Li stared at it, he didn't just see its beauty—he saw the flaws hidden beneath the surface. Cracks in the stone, moss creeping up the walls, the wooden beams that sagged with age. From a distance, it looked perfect, like a fortress that could never be broken. But up close, you could see the wear and tear, the little signs of decay that hinted at the truth. This place wasn't as invincible as it seemed.

The grandeur was a mask, hiding the fractures within—the divisions, the politics, the constant struggle for dominance that was slowly tearing the family apart from the inside.

Nie Li let out a sigh, heavy with the weight of everything he needed to do. If he wanted to save Glory City, if he truly wanted to make a difference this time, he'd have to start here. It wasn't enough to fight the enemies outside their walls; he had to deal with the ones inside as well.

"Nie Li," his father's voice broke through his thoughts, pulling Nie Li back to the present.

"Just keep your head down. We'll go in, get the results, I'll pray for the best, and then we'll leave and get your favorite dish—Peking duck." He gave Nie Li a reassuring smile, his way of trying to make this day feel less overwhelming.

Nie Li forced a smile in return, nodding despite knowing what the results would likely be. Yeah, he told himself, it didn't matter. With the knowledge of the future and the system at his disposal, he'd change his fate.

As they approached the entrance to the soul hall, two guards in elaborate robes stood watch, their eyes sharp and attentive.

"Name and branch?" 

"Nie Ming, from the Lesser Moon branch, and this is my son, Nie Li." 

The guard gave a nod, making a quick note. "Age of the young master?"

"Fourteen," Nie Ming answered, a hint of pride slipping into his voice.

The guards stepped aside, allowing them through.

Inside, the hall opened up around them, dominated by the massive soul crystal at its center. Main branch members lounged in their seats, exuding an air of superiority, while the branch family members, like Nie Li and his father, stood clustered together, waiting anxiously. 

As they moved to stand with the other branch families, a dull ache settled in Nie Li's head. He couldn't shake the memory of that day five years ago, when his soul realm had revealed its shameful red hue for all to see. The embarrassment, the whispers, the way their eyes bore into him—it was all still fresh in his mind. Would he have to go through that humiliation again?

The mood in the hall shifted, and all eyes turned to Elder Nie Wei as he rose from his seat. His long white hair flowed down his back like silk, contrasting sharply against his traditional grayish-blue robe. His eyes were piercing, his stare more intense than ever. You could feel his authority in the way he carried himself—like he could see straight into your soul.

"Today, we gather not just for a ritual, but to honor the very essence of our family's past, present, and future," Elder Nie Wei began, his voice resonating through the hall. "Talent is what defines us. It's what separates the remarkable from the mediocre, those destined to lead from those fated to follow."

His words struck a nerve in Nie Li, and he had to bite the inside of his cheek to keep from reacting.

"Your value," Elder Nie Wei continued, his gaze sweeping over them, "your place within this family, depends on the talent you possess. It's more than a label; it represents your future, your strength, and your status among us."

Around Nie Li, nods of agreement rippled through the room.

Elder Nie Wei's voice grew colder, more cutting. "In Glory City, where survival against demon beasts is our reality, talent is not just valued; it is necessary. Those without it consume resources they cannot replenish. They are a burden, a drain on our strength."

Nie Li almost laughed, the bitterness bubbling up inside him. This whole ceremony, this ridiculous attitude of the main family—it was almost too sad to be real. They all sat there, heads held high, acting like they were the pillars holding up the world, like their precious soul realms made them untouchable. They talked about talent as if it were the only thing that mattered, as if it made them invincible.

It was a joke, really, because the truth was staring them in the face, and none of them had the guts to acknowledge it. This family—the great Heavenly Marks Family—was one step away from falling into obscurity, one step from being stripped of its noble status and demoted to the level of commoners. And yet, they couldn't even be bothered to address the real problems eating away at their foundation.

Seventy years. It had been seventy long years since the last green soul realm was born in this family, and still, they clung to this ceremony like it meant something. Like the flicker of color in a soul crystal could somehow turn the tide of mediocrity they were drowning in. They sat there, pretending this ritual would fix everything, refusing to see how hollow their pride had become.

"This tradition," Elder Nie Wei went on, "is not simply about celebrating potential. It's about distinguishing those who will lead from those who won't. The talented will be given every opportunity to rise, to lead, to strengthen our family. The others," he paused, his eyes sweeping across the room, "will be expected to find their roles outside of our vital tasks."

Nie Li's eyes locked on the soul crystal, dread coiling in his stomach. His soul realm was probably red—just like before. The whispers, the stares, the shame of it all loomed in his mind. But he shook it off. So what if it's red?

What's his next move going to be? That's what matters.

"Let today's ceremony reveal the true potential among our young," Elder Nie Wei concluded. "Let us see who will rise to bring honor and strength to the Heavenly Marks Family and to Glory City. Let the soul realm ceremony begin."

"Come on, come on." Nie Li's heart was pounding in his chest as he stood in line, waiting for his turn. One by one, kids his age stepped up to the soul crystal, each pressing their hands against it, waiting for their fate to be revealed. 

Nie Li watched the main branch members of the Heavenly Marks Family off to the side, celebrating the results as if yellow soul realms were something to be proud of. To anyone else, yellow was average, nothing special. But for this family, any sign of competence was a victory. He almost scoffed at the sight. They were clinging to mediocrity, pretending it was something greater than it was. The family's entire standing in Glory City rested on the patriarch's gold rank, and the moment he passed away, their aristocratic status would disappear like smoke in the wind.

And yet, there they were, grinning, patting each other on the back like they were something special. It made Nie Li sick. They were so blind to the truth, living in their own little bubble of arrogance. He could feel the bitterness rising in his throat. How could they be so oblivious? The Heavenly Marks Family doesn't need enemies, he thought bitterly, not when it has such members dragging it down from within.

The soul crystal stood in the center of the hall, gleaming like the purest water, its surface flawless, resting on an intricately engraved base. The markings around its base were more than decoration—they were the key to measuring soul force, an inscription array designed to reveal the truth of their potential. Only a few knew how powerful those engravings really were. As much as Nie Li hated this ceremony, there was a certain beauty in how it worked.

"An orange soul realm? Step aside now. Nie Li, it's your turn."

Nie Li placed his hand on the crystal, feeling an immediate connection, something deep and strange, as if an invisible thread had formed between him and the ancient device. The inscription array hummed to life, pulling his soul force into the crystal. Nie Li could feel it, like a river of energy flowing from him into the cold, polished surface.

And then it happened.

The crystal flared with red light, flooding the room with its harsh glow. It was the same as before. The same damn color that had ruined him in his past life. Red. The color that branded him as weak, as less than the others. Whispers turned into full-blown murmurs, and then the laughter started—cruel and familiar.

So, nothing's changed, Nie Li thought bitterly, his heart sinking into the pit of his stomach. Even after going back in time. He had hoped—no, he had wanted—this moment to be different, to somehow prove that his second chance would be better.

Nie Li glanced at his father. His father's face was a mask of disappointment, just like last time. But then, Nie Li saw something else—a flicker of fear in his father's eyes. Fear for him. Nie Li's chest tightened. He hadn't noticed it before, not in his previous life. All he had seen was the disappointment, the shame he'd brought on his father. But now… maybe, just maybe, he had been too blind, too wrapped up in his own failure to see the truth. His father wasn't just ashamed. He was scared. 

A small, bitter smile tugged at Nie Li's lips. So, even this stupid ceremony shows me something I didn't see before, he thought. He wasn't just a disappointment in his father's eyes. His father was afraid because he cared, because he knew what this red soul realm would mean for Nie Li in a world that only valued strength.

"Move it, trash!" Elder Wei's harsh words broke the moment as Nie Li wished that the system could help him change this damn family.

Then, everything around him stopped. People's mocking smiles, their hushed talks, and even the tiny dust particles hanging in the air—all of it froze, as if time itself had paused. The world turned into a silent, grey shadow, except for a blue-black window that appeared right before Nie Li, something he had seen before and was now becoming a strange comfort in this chaos.

[ Simulation System Initiated ]

[ Input: Player's Desire - "If only I could help make this family better." ]

[ Process: Analyzing Simulation of Decisions to Fulfill Player's Desire ]

[ Analyzing... ]

[ Progress: 1% ... 50% ... 80% ... 100% ]

[ Analysis Complete ]

[ Result: Mission Generated - "Rebirth of the Heavenly Marks Family" ]

[ Objective: Utilize knowledge from past life to elevate the status and fortune of the Heavenly Marks Family. ]

[ Actions Required: ]

[ - Directive: Select from the provided options. ]

[ - Warning: Non-selection will result in mission failure and the inability to achieve the player's desired outcome. ]

The numbers on the screen blurred as Nie Li stared at them, his mind racing even faster than the countdown itself.

[Option 1: My name is Nie Li]

[Option 2: Patriarch Nie Hai, do you have the courage to make a bet with me?]

[Option 3: Remain silent]

500... 499... 498...

How? Nie Li thought, his mind racing. The system... it operated on his desires, didn't it? But what was the criteria for those desires to be accepted? Why hadn't it allowed him to simply change the color of his soul realm? Was it because some things were impossible, even for this mysterious power? Or was there something deeper, a limitation he hadn't yet grasped?

There must be something, he reasoned, his thoughts a tangled mess of questions. After all, this system had brought him back in time. So why couldn't it grant the simple wish of altering his soul realm color? It didn't seem as impossible compared to traveling through time itself. The answers danced just out of reach, leaving him frustrated and confused.

Nie Li glanced at the three options again, trying to piece together how they fit into the grand scheme of things. How were these choices going to change his family?

The first option stared back at him: "[My name is Nie Li]." It was simple—too simple. Just saying his name... what would that accomplish? Would it make a difference? He was nobody. Just a farmer's son from a branch family.

Nie Li shifted his gaze to the second option, and his pulse quickened. "[Patriarch Nie Hai, do you have the courage to make a bet with me?]" His breath caught in his throat. That was bold, almost reckless—a direct challenge to the patriarch himself. What would that even mean? What kind of bet? Did he have a plan for this? What if Nie Hai refused?

Nie Li's mind scrambled for answers, his instincts pushing him toward this dangerous path. But it was risky—too risky. And he wasn't ready for the consequences if it failed.

Then there was the third option: "[Remain silent]." The easiest route. No confrontation, no exposure. He could just sit back, avoid stirring the waters.

Nie Li clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms as the countdown continued to tick away.

250… 200… 150…

His heart pounded louder in his chest with each passing second. The pressure was suffocating. Each option seemed to pull him in a different direction, like the weight of destiny was pressing down on him.

Could these choices actually change something? Could they really improve his family's situation? What was the point of this system if he didn't use it to alter his fate, to rewrite everything?

The fear crept up Nie Li's spine. What if he made the wrong decision? What if he chose the wrong path and everything crumbled again, just like it did before?

100... 75... 50...

Nie Li took a deep breath, steadying his resolve. His decision was made.

And with a heart filled with purpose, he tapped his choice.

[Selection Confirmed: Player Nie Li has chosen Option 3.]

Nie Li clenched his jaw as the words flashed across the screen, his decision echoing in his head. Remain silent. It felt like a retreat, like taking the easy way out, but he reminded himself that to change this family, he needed power. The kind of power that could only come from the opportunities waiting for him at the academy—not here, in this suffocating hall.

But then, just as quickly, everything seemed to grind to a halt. Time itself seemed to freeze again, the world around Nie Li holding its breath. What? His pulse quickened. Is the system forcing me to act?

The options reappeared, taunting him, demanding a different choice:

[Option 1: My name is Nie Li]

[Option 2: Patriarch Nie Hai, do you have the courage to make a bet with me?]

"Fine," Nie Li growled, the frustration bubbling up inside him. He had no choice but to confront this head-on. His finger stabbed at the screen, selecting the second option, and time resumed its natural flow.

But then, in an echo Nie Li hadn't expected, his own voice rang out across the hall—clear and defiant. "My name is Nie Li," he heard himself declare, the words carrying a strength he didn't know he had, slicing through the chatter like a blade through silk.

Everything around him seemed to stop again, the previous laughter and the mocking glances frozen in mid-motion. The air was thick with stunned silence as eyes turned toward Nie Li, their expressions puzzled. He could see the confusion on their faces, a collective thought crossing their minds: Why would he just say his name like it means something?

Before anyone could react, before the whispers could start up again, the screen blazed back to life, demanding Nie Li's attention once more:

[Option 1: Patriarch Nie Hai, do you have the courage to make a bet with me?]

[Option 2: Walk away]

The two options in front of Nie Li felt like they carried the weight of the world—an all-or-nothing gamble. Why is the system so insistent that this is the way? he wondered, the question swirling in his mind like a storm. Was this really the change he wanted? What was it pushing him towards? The seconds ticked down, and Nie Li knew he could simply walk away, avoid this confrontation altogether. But now, curiosity gripped him—what would this bold choice lead to? What would it make possible?

[Selection Confirmed: Player Nie Li has chosen Option 1.]

As soon as time resumed, Nie Li found himself blurting out, "Patriarch Nie Hai, do you have the courage to make a bet with me?"

The moment those words left his lips, the entire hall seemed to shudder in shock. The very idea of him—a mere nobody from a branch family—challenging the Patriarch himself, was nothing short of madness. The silence that followed was like a vacuum, pulling in all the disbelief and curiosity from the room.

Nie Li could almost feel his father's gaze burning into him, filled with silent questions, What are you doing? For a heartbeat, he hesitated, the weight of countless eyes pressing down on him. But then, in the sea of faces, he caught a flicker of something unexpected—admiration. It was subtle, a hint of respect in the eyes of the branch family members, those who had spent their lives dreaming of speaking out but never dared. For a brief moment, they seemed to see in Nie Li the courage they wished they possessed.

But just as quickly as it appeared, that admiration faded. Nie Li saw the realization flicker across their faces—these weren't the bold words of a powerful prodigy; they were the defiant cries of a talentless boy. The respect he thought he'd earned retreated back into the shadows, replaced by the cold, calculating looks of disappointment. What good are bold words when they come from someone with nothing to back them up? their eyes seemed to say.

The tension in the room thickened like a storm about to break, and then Elder Wei's voice shattered the silence like a thunderclap. "Such insolence!" he roared, his expression twisting into a mask of fury and disbelief. "To speak in such a manner during the soul ceremony is to disgrace your ancestors and the very name of the Heavenly Marks Family!"

His words struck hard, meant to crush any sense of rebellion, to remind Nie Li of his place at the bottom of the family's rigid hierarchy. It was a command for him to retreat into the background, to let the silence swallow his defiance and put him back in his place.

But before Elder Wei's condemnation could settle, another sound rippled through the air—the slow, deliberate creak of wood. It cut through the hall, pulling every gaze towards its source as if an invisible force had drawn them all in.

Patriarch Nie Hai emerged from the shadows like a force of nature, his presence dominating the hall. His white hair, neatly tied back, spoke of wisdom and the weight of countless years, and his segmented beard framed his face with an air of solemn authority. His eyes, sharp and unyielding, seemed to cut through the noise, narrowing in on Nie Li as though trying to unravel the madness behind his challenge.

"Quite the bold declaration you have there, boy," he said, his voice steady yet laced with a hint of intrigue. "Pray tell, what is this bet?"

His words weren't just a question—they were a lifeline. An invitation for Nie Li to prove that his challenge wasn't just the reckless cry of a fool.

Any minute now, Nie Li practically screamed in his head, willing the system to do something—anything. But nothing came. No text, no options, just the expectant eyes of the patriarch glaring down at him, his expression shifting from curiosity to disappointment as the seconds ticked by.

Why the hell did I trust this stupid system?

The murmurs started to rise around Nie Li, a tide of whispers and low laughs that filled the hall. Mocking smiles and sneers twisted the faces of those watching, their disdain rippling through the crowd like a wave. The humiliation was creeping in, slow and suffocating. The system, his hidden guide, the crutch he had relied on, was silent. Completely inactive. Why? Nie Li raged silently, his frustration boiling over.

Had he misunderstood the system's purpose all along? He had put so much faith in it, believing it would show him the way forward, but now it had abandoned him. What was it trying to push him toward?

You know what? I don't care, Nie Li thought bitterly. His mind was racing, and the pressure of the moment was like a vice squeezing his chest. I'm probably going to get a beating for this anyway, he told himself, so I might as well say something to this old fool about what the family really needs.

If the system wasn't going to help, Nie Li would just use what he knew from the future. Maybe, just maybe, the patriarch would listen. Doubt it, he thought, but at least when things started to unravel in the future, the patriarch would remember that Nie Li had warned him. Maybe the change the system promised him was this—a way to gain the trust of the patriarch, even if it was in the long run.

Nie Li opened his mouth, bracing himself to speak, but just as he was about to let the words fly, time came to a sudden stop. The sneering faces, the jeering mouths, and the patriarch's disappointed eyes froze in place, locked in the moment.

The screen flickered to life before Nie Li, its familiar glow returning as options finally appeared, blooming across his vision like a lifeline he hadn't expected.

Finally.

The options flashed before Nie Li, each one heavier than the last.

[Option 1: I have a way to save the Heavenly Marks Family]

Too bold, Nie Li thought. Making a claim like that would throw him into the deep end, and he doubted the system would let him slip by with just words. No, that would only lead to more pressure, more expectations that he wasn't sure he could meet—not yet.

Then, there was the second option.

[Option 2: I challenge you to the seat of the Patriarch]

Nie Li almost laughed, a dry, humorless sound. What was he thinking? Challenge him? He wasn't even close to being a bronze rank, let alone the level of strength required to stand against Patriarch Nie Hai. That was like jumping off a cliff and hoping to grow wings on the way down. No way. He'd be crushed before he even finished the sentence. What would he do, hide and wait for the Patriarch to keel over from old age? Ridiculous.

[Option 3: Give me one week, I can prove to you that I am the strongest of the next generation]

This one caught Nie Li's attention. It wasn't a claim of immediate power or wisdom. It was a challenge, a goal he could aim for. A week wasn't much time, but it was enough to prove something—if he could pull it off. The system had given him tools, and he needed to use them. Maybe this was his way to push back, to show them he wasn't the weak boy they thought he was.

And then, there was the last option.

[Option 4: Stay Silent]

That's no longer an option, Nie Li thought bitterly. The moment he had spoken, the die was cast. Silence wasn't going to save him now.

His decision made, Nie Li felt the familiar tingle of the system locking in his choice.

[Selection Confirmed: Player Nie Li has chosen Option 3.]

Nie Li took a breath, steadying himself as he opened his mouth. "Give me one week," he declared, his voice strong and clear, cutting through the thick tension in the room. "I can prove to you that I am the strongest of the next generation."

The words hung in the air like a challenge, and as soon as they left his lips, Nie Li felt the weight of every gaze in the room shift toward him. The silence that followed was suffocating, the shock in the room palpable. Did I just say that? He could almost hear the incredulous thoughts buzzing around him. He was standing in a room filled with people who thought he was nothing, and here he was, making promises he wasn't sure he could keep.

Nie Li's heart pounded in his chest, each beat a reminder that there was no going back now.

Patriarch Nie Hai's gaze was the sharpest of all. His eyes, cold and calculating, bore into Nie Li, searching for any sign of weakness, any hint that he might be bluffing. For a moment, the room felt frozen in time, the tension stretching out as if the world had paused just to see how this would play out.

Finally, the silence was broken by the Patriarch's voice, calm yet carrying the weight of authority. "And how do you propose to do that?"

____________________________________

As Elder Nie Wei stood there, watching the scene unfold, he couldn't help but reflect on how far the Heavenly Marks Family had fallen. He remembered the glory of their name when he was just a boy—the strength, the pride, the respect they commanded. They were warriors, renowned across the land, their reputation rivaling even the great Snow Wind Family. But now, decades later, that legacy had withered, and Elder Nie Wei had been forced to watch it decay. Piece by piece, their lands were taken, their warriors slain or exiled over the pettiest of disputes. The family's power drained away, all under the weak leadership of Nie Hai.

Nie Hai, Elder Nie Wei thought bitterly, he's too blind to see that he's led us to ruin. But he saw it. He saw the family crumbling before his eyes, and he knew—deep in his bones—that if the Heavenly Marks Family was going to survive, it would need new leadership. His leadership.

But despite his growing age, Nie Hai was still formidable, too strong for Elder Nie Wei to challenge directly. So he had waited, biding his time, waiting for the inevitable day when nature would claim Nie Hai, and he could finally take control. But then this... this boy, Nie Li, with his impudent challenge, had thrown the entire hall into chaos.

"I can prove to you that I am the strongest of the next generation."

Those words echoed in Elder Nie Wei's mind as the room fell into stunned silence. At first, he thought to dismiss the boy's arrogance. Who does he think he is? A child with no power, no standing, thinking he could challenge the patriarch? But then... an idea took root in Elder Nie Wei's mind. Perhaps this is the moment I've been waiting for.

"And how do you propose to do that?" Nie Hai said.

Elder Nie Wei could feel the wheels turning in his head, the possibilities unfolding. This could be his opportunity, the catalyst he needed to push forward with his plan. If I play this right... he thought, Nie Hai's reign might end sooner than I expected.

Before he realized it, Elder Nie Wei was speaking. "Patriarch, I have a suggestion."

The room shifted. All eyes turned toward him. Even Nie Hai, with his stone-faced authority, looked curious.

"And what might that be, Elder Nie Wei?" Nie Hai's voice was calm, but Elder Nie Wei could sense the unease lurking beneath his words.

Elder Nie Wei straightened, feeling a surge of confidence. "In one week's time, let's organize a tournament for the younger members of our family, with Nie Li participating as well. The last one standing should be recognized as the strongest of the next generation and named the next heir to the Heavenly Marks Family."

The moment he spoke, Elder Nie Wei felt the shock ripple through the hall. He could see it in their faces—Nie Li included. It was audacious, and he knew it. But audacity was what this family needed.

Nie Hai's eyebrows rose, skepticism clouding his expression. "And what's the reason for this unusual suggestion?"

Elder Nie Wei had anticipated his question. His voice remained steady as he replied, "The reason, Patriarch, is simple. Our family is at a critical juncture. We are weak, our enemies grow bolder, and we are in desperate need of unity. What better way to ignite the fire in our next generation than through a competition that will showcase their strength and potential?"

He watched Nie Hai's face carefully, gauging his reaction. Nie Hai wasn't easily swayed. He was cautious, slow to change—a trait that had, in part, led them to this decline. "A tournament might showcase our young members' talents," Nie Hai said, "but naming the victor as the next heir? That is a significant departure from tradition."

Tradition, Elder Nie Wei thought bitterly, as if you ever cared about that. He couldn't let Nie Hai's resistance stop him. "Patriarch, traditions are indeed the foundation of our family, but even traditions must adapt if we are to survive. We cannot afford to cling to the past when our future is so uncertain. We must be bold."

Around him, Elder Nie Wei could hear the crowd beginning to murmur. Some of them were swayed by his words; he could see it in their eyes. Others whispered their doubts, but the idea had been planted, and it was taking root.

Sensing the shift, Elder Nie Wei seized the moment. "Fellow members of the Heavenly Marks Family!" he called out, his voice rising. "Do we not long to see our family rise again? Are we to sit by and watch as we fade into irrelevance? Or will we seize this chance, this opportunity to strengthen our bonds and reclaim our former glory?"

The murmurs turned into applause. Some were already shouting in agreement, swept up in the fervor of his speech. Elder Nie Wei could feel the momentum shifting in his favor. Nie Hai, though still wary, was no fool—he could see that the crowd was with him.

With a heavy sigh, Nie Hai nodded slowly. "Very well, Elder Nie Wei. We will proceed with your suggestion. Let this tournament be the crucible in which the future of our family is forged."

Finally. Elder Nie Wei had to stop himself from smiling too broadly as he bowed, keeping his voice respectful. "Thank you, Patriarch. You have made a wise choice. This tournament will mark the beginning of a new era for the Heavenly Marks Family."

But his triumph was short-lived. Elder Nie Wei noticed Nie Li watching him throughout the exchange. The boy's face was hard to read, but something about the way he looked at him gave Elder Nie Wei pause. Could Nie Li have seen through him? Could he know that Elder Nie Wei intended to use this tournament to solidify his power?

Then, Nie Hai's voice cut through Elder Nie Wei's thoughts, and he stiffened. "Elder Wei, what is Nie Li's soul force?"

Elder Nie Wei faltered for a moment but quickly masked his hesitation. He glanced at his records, and a sneer tugged at the corner of his lips as he read the number aloud. "Nie Li's soul force is 5."

Laughter erupted from the hall. The mockery was immediate and harsh. Elder Nie Wei couldn't help but smirk, indulging in the scorn of the crowd. This boy is nothing, he thought. How dare he think he can challenge the patriarch with a soul force so pitiful?

The jeers continued, biting and cruel. "He's as strong as a newborn kitten!" someone laughed. "Maybe he can challenge the chickens in the yard!" another added, the room bursting into more laughter.

But then, the hall grew silent as Nie Hai raised his hand. His gaze was serious as he looked at Nie Li, cutting through the noise like a blade. "Boy," he said, his voice calm but filled with authority, "if you lose this tournament, you will compensate us with your head on a silver platter. You wanted a bet, and now you have one—your life."