Chapter no.4 Silent Fears, Loud Promises

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Was it you, or my words that did that? Nie Li wondered, staring at the system screen that had guided him through so much already. Even as he sat there, still reeling from the events that had just unfolded, the thought lingered. Elder Nie Wei had stepped in, seemingly to help him—but why?

If it was the system, if this strange power had somehow manipulated Elder Nie Wei into supporting him, then maybe Nie Li could relax a little. But if it was his words that had pushed the elder to act, then things were much more dangerous. If Elder Nie Wei had an agenda, and Nie Li had unwittingly become part of it, this situation was far more complex than he'd realized.

Nie Li shook his head, forcing himself to refocus. He didn't have time to worry about Elder Nie Wei's motives right now. What he needed was power—and he needed it fast. The tournament would be his chance, but he wasn't strong enough.

The sound of horses' hooves clattering against the dirt pulled Nie Li from his thoughts. He glanced over to see his father sitting in silence beside him. His father's face was blank, his gaze distant, lost somewhere far away. Nie Li watched him for a moment, trying to read his expression, but it was like staring at a mask. What are you thinking, Father? he wondered. Was his father angry? Worried? Proud? He couldn't tell.

The silence between them felt heavy, like an invisible wall that neither of them could break. Nie Li wanted to ask him, to hear his thoughts, but something held him back. Maybe it was the uncertainty in his own heart, the fear that his father might not understand what he was trying to do.

Nie Ming sat there in silence, but inside, he was in a state of complete panic. To say he was freaking out would be an understatement. His heart pounded in his chest, each beat echoing the terrifying thought that in just a week, his son—his Nie Li—could be dead. Dead. The word sent shivers down his spine, making his hands tremble as he gripped the reins. How did this happen? How did everything spiral so far out of control?

What kind of father lets his son face such a fate? Nie Ming couldn't shake the guilt that weighed on him like a mountain. He had always encouraged Nie Li. He had believed in him, never once telling him to temper his dreams or hold back. He wanted his son to chase greatness, to believe that anything was possible. But now, as he sat here with the grim reality of Nie Li's situation staring him in the face, he couldn't help but wonder—was this my fault?

He should have been more stern. He should have told Nie Li that achieving greatness wasn't just a dream you could reach for without consequence. He should have told him that sometimes, the world isn't kind to dreamers. Maybe if he had, Nie Li wouldn't have stood up in that hall and challenged the Patriarch on a whim. Maybe if he had prepared him for the harshness of reality, Nie Li wouldn't be facing death in this foolish tournament.

But it was too late for regrets. Wishing for the past to change wouldn't help Nie Li now. His son was already set to compete in a tournament that he had no hope of winning. A soul force of 5. That's all Nie Li had. How was he supposed to survive, let alone win, against the elite youths of the Heavenly Marks Family? These weren't ordinary opponents—they had been trained rigorously since childhood. They had access to the finest resources: medical pills, weapons, armor—everything a fighter could dream of. And Nie Li? What did he have? A family that could barely afford to buy him a decent dagger.

The odds are stacked against him. Nie Ming knew that. Everyone knew that. And the thought of Nie Li losing—of watching his son be executed—was unbearable. His chest tightened with each breath, the pain so real it felt like a physical wound.

Nie Ming wanted to scream, to break down and let out the tears that were threatening to spill over. But he couldn't. He couldn't let himself fall apart, not now. He had to stay strong—for Nie Li. He had to find a way out of this, something, anything that could save his son from the doom he was walking into.

But what could he do? The tournament was already set. The Patriarch's word was law, and there was no turning back now. Every second that passed felt like sand slipping through his fingers, and with each grain, Nie Li's life slipped further away. Nie Ming couldn't lose him. He wouldn't lose him.

The wagon creaked with each bump over the cobblestones, the sound filling the silence between Nie Li and his father. He sat in the back, absently running his fingers over a wooden talisman, feeling the grooves and ridges as if they could somehow steady the storm of thoughts in his head. 

As dusk faded into night and the stars began to prick the sky, the silence between them grew unbearable, like a tension coiling tighter and tighter. Finally, Nie Ming broke it, his voice shaky with fear. "Nie Li, I've thought of a way to fix this," he said. There was a tremor in his voice that sent a chill through Nie Li. "You should apologize to the Patriarch. I'd even give my arm if it would make things right. You... you..." 

Nie Li glanced at him, seeing the pain in his eyes—a pain that was more than just fear. It was desperation. The thought of losing his son was tearing him apart. Nie Li swallowed hard, trying to keep his voice steady. "Father, I can handle this," he said quietly, though the conviction in his words was unwavering. 

Suddenly, Nie Ming yanked the reins, and the wagon jerked to a stop. He turned to face Nie Li, his expression twisted in anguish. "No, you can't!" His voice cracked, and Nie Li saw tears welling in his eyes. "Do you realize what you've done? In one week, I could lose you, my only son!"

His words hit Nie Li like a punch to the gut. He understood his father's fear, the raw terror that only a parent could feel. To Nie Ming, the situation was black and white—his son, with a pitiful soul force, walking straight into disaster. Nie Li could see it in his father's eyes: He was a lamb among wolves, completely outmatched.

But his father didn't know. He didn't know who Nie Li really was, what he carried within him.

"Father," Nie Li said, his voice calm but firm, "I'm not going into this blindly."

Nie Ming looked at him with such pain in his eyes, tears spilling over. "We're going back," he declared, his voice cracking. "The Patriarch can take my head instead."

Nie Li felt a lump rise in his throat, an ache in his chest at his father's words. Nie Ming was willing to offer his life for his son's. His love was so deep, so powerful, that he would face death without a second thought if it meant saving Nie Li.

"I can do this." 

"No, you can't!" Nie Ming shouted, his voice breaking with emotion. "I won't lose my son to his own ego!" 

The tension between them was thick, Nie Ming's fear clashing with Nie Li's resolve. "Father, please believe in me," Nie Li pleaded. "I have insights, knowledge that can help. I'm not as defenseless as you think."

"How can I trust in what sounds like delusion, Nie Li?" he asked. "Your 'insights' offer no guarantees. The Patriarch and the elders have years of experience. What could you possibly know that they don't?"

Nie Li bit his lip, trying to find the right words. "I can't explain everything, but you have to trust that I'm not being reckless."

"You're asking me to trust in the unknown, to risk everything on a mere possibility. Wisdom comes with age, Nie Li. What could you possibly see that we've missed?"

"Sometimes," Nie Li said, searching for the right analogy, "it's the young sapling that bends and sways with the wind, while the old tree stands rigid and breaks." He looked his father in the eyes, hoping he'd understand. "Let me face the storm, Father. I am that sapling."

Nie Ming's face twisted with pain. "And if you break? What then?" His voice rose, full of raw emotion. "It's not just about you, Nie Li. The whole family will suffer. Your mother, your uncle, your aunt, cousin, and me… What happens to us if you fail?"

Nie Li hadn't expected his father's words to hit him so hard. He stammered, struggling to respond. "I… I-I…" His father was right. Nie Li hadn't thought about the consequences for the rest of their family. 

"I can win." 

Nie Ming searched Nie Li's eyes, looking for the boy he once knew, for any trace of doubt. Nie Li could see how badly his father wanted to believe him, but his fear was stronger. "I can't lose you," Nie Ming whispered, his voice trembling.

"Trust me, Father. I'm not just your son in this moment; I'm someone who sees a chance for our family to change."

Suddenly, Nie Ming's face hardened. "Get out!" he screamed, his patience shattered. 

"Father, wait—" 

"Out!" His voice left no room for argument.

Nie Li stepped out of the wagon, the cool evening air hitting his skin. The dust stirred as his boots hit the ground. He felt lost, confused, as he watched his father follow him outside. He heard the thud of something heavy—a sound that made his heart race. Turning, he saw an axe embedded in the ground near him, its handle quivering in the earth.

A father stood there, his eyes locked on to his son, filled with a grim resolve as sharp as the blade itself. "If you can defeat me here and now," Nie Ming said, his voice cold and steady, "then do as you wish. You're too stubborn to see the danger ahead. Win, and I'll believe in your… delusions."

"But if you lose," he continued, "we go back. You will apologize to the Patriarch and tell him you weren't in your right mind. I'll offer my life for yours if I have to. If the Patriarch isn't satisfied, you and the family will flee."

Nie Li stared at the axe, then back at his father, the weight of his challenge sinking in. He was serious. He would fight him—to save him, to protect him, even if it meant standing in his way.

Nie Li took a deep breathe as he grabbed the axe.

[ Player Nie Li has equipped item Old Farmer's Axe ]

[ Item: Old Farmer's Axe ]

[ Type: Tool/Weapon ]

[ Description: This sturdy axe has seen many seasons, its blade worn but still sharp. Crafted from high-quality steel and a handle made from the finest oak, it embodies the resilience and hard work of the farmers who wield it. While primarily used for chopping wood and other farm work, it can serve as a makeshift weapon in desperate times. ]

[ Rarity: Common ]

[ Effects: ]

- [ Woodcutting Efficiency: Increases the speed of gathering wood by 20%. ]

- [ Battle Power Boost: +100 BP when wielded. ]

Nie Li gripped the handle of the axe tightly, feeling the worn wood beneath his fingers. A smile tugged at his lips as the system notification blinked before him. Yeah, I can do this, he thought, his heart steadying.

System, he called out silently in his mind, you work on my desires, right? So fulfill this one. Show me the path to win.

[ System Notification ]

[ Input: Player's Desire - "Show me the path to win." ]

[ Process: Initiating Simulation Based on Player's Desire... ]

[ Simulation System Activated ]

[ Analyzing Player Nie Li's Memories for Potential Skills... ]

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

[ Analysis Complete ]

[ Activating Combat Style - Turn-Based Strategy ]

[ Due to Combat Style Activation, the system has searched through the player's memories and generated a new skill: ]

[ Skill Created - "Twenty-Four Plum Blossoms Sword Technique" ]

Nie Li took a deep breath, his eyes glued to the words in front of him: Twenty-Four Plum Blossoms Sword Technique.

The name alone sent a thrill through him. He had heard stories, rumors about ancient techniques—skills so powerful they could turn an ordinary person into a legend. But seeing it here, now, in front of him, made his pulse race. He had to remind himself to breathe, to keep calm. He wasn't just holding any sword technique—this was something complete. Something from a time when humanity was at its peak, before everything was lost to the chaos of the Demon Beast Wars.

The Holy Orchid Institute was known throughout Glory City, but what did it really stand for? To most, it was just a school, a place where the city's youth were molded into warriors, protectors of their fragile existence. But in truth, it was more than that. It was the lifeblood of their survival, the heart of learning, the place where students were taught the skills needed to fend off the endless threats outside the city walls.

They learned how to cultivate their powers, engage in combat, hunt demon beasts, and survive in the wilds. They studied herbology, inscription arts, the manipulation of soul force—everything that should have been essential for humanity's prosperity. But Nie Li knew better. All of it, every technique and skill they were taught, was just a pale shadow of what had once existed. Watered-down versions of the ancient empires' knowledge, fractured and incomplete.

But this technique—this Twenty-Four Plum Blossoms Sword Technique—was different. It wasn't just another half-baked fragment handed down through generations. No, what Nie Li held in his hands was a complete technique, untouched, straight from the era of the Saint Spirit Empire, one of the strongest sects in that time. The implications of that realization hit him like a sledgehammer. This wasn't just some relic—this was power. Real, undeniable power.

And this came from his memories?

A flood of memories from his past life hit him hard. The Holy Orchid Institute, the place where he had spent his first life, unaware of so much. Back then, he had been nothing more than a cocky fool, trying to impress a girl by pretending to read some ancient book from the untranslated section of the library. It had been a laughable attempt, just to seem smarter than he was. That stupid act had meant nothing to him at the time.

But now, that stupid, reckless act had handed him something beyond his wildest dreams—a technique that could make him the strongest of his generation.

[ Skill: Twenty-Four Plum Blossoms Sword Technique ]

[ Level: 1 ]

[ Grade: Novice ]

[ Description: The signature sword technique of the prestigious Mount Hua Sect, this style is inspired by the elegant dance of twenty-four plum blossom petals carried by the wind. It emphasizes freedom, fluidity, and unpredictability, allowing the practitioner to move with the grace and precision of petals in a storm. ]

[ Effects: ]

- [ Novice Swordsmanship Knowledge: Grants basic mastery over sword techniques, improving the user's precision and understanding of blade combat. ]

- [ Leaf of Plum Blossom - White: Special attack of the sword technique that mirrors the first leaf of plum petals. (Locked) ]

- [ Windborne Grace: Increases movement speed by 10% and enhances the fluidity of sword strikes. ]

Knowledge, stances, footwork… everything flooded into Nie Li's mind, so clear, so profound that a tear slipped down his cheek.

His entire focus was locked on his father.

Nie Ming stood before him, not like a seasoned warrior, but like a man shaped by years of hard labor. His stance was rough, unrefined—the kind of posture someone develops when they've learned to fight through necessity, not training. His body was riddled with openings—flaws that any experienced fighter would have seen and taken advantage of instantly.

But despite that, Nie Li couldn't deny the strength his father possessed. There was power in him, the kind of raw, untamed force that comes from a lifetime of work. His muscles, built from years of carrying burdens, of hauling and lifting, were more than a match for Nie Li's. He wasn't foolish enough to believe he could overpower him. His father, even without the cultivation of others in Glory City, was stronger than him in sheer physicality.

As the thoughts spun through his head, searching for a plan, a strategy, the familiar glow of the system window appeared before him.

[ Simulating Combat Style ]

[ Please Select the Following ]

[ ▶ Attack ]

[ ▷ Defend ]

[ ▷ Run Away ]

[ You have selected ▶ Attack ]

[ How do you want to simulate an attack? ]

[ ▶ Martial Arts ]

[ ▷ Item ]

[ ▷ Spell ]

[ Player Nie Li doesn't have any spells for simulation ]

Nie Li gave a slight nod, acknowledging the information. His focus shifted as he then selected the martial art option.

[ Player Nie Li has selected Martial Art - Twenty-Four Plum Blossoms Sword Technique ]

As soon as the fight began, Nie Li felt the system's guidance kick in, sharpening his senses and guiding his movements. He wasted no time. With a quick flick of his wrist, he hurled the axe toward his father, aiming straight for his chest. His father's reaction was fast—his own axe rose to block Nie Li's. The two blades collided with a loud clang, the impact jarring through Nie Ming's arms, but Nie Li saw him stagger slightly from the force.

He's not expecting me to be this aggressive.

Without giving his father a chance to recover, Nie Li closed the distance, his feet moving with purpose. He kept low, adopting the principles of the Twenty-Four Plum Blossoms Sword Technique, focusing on quick, efficient movements. He darted in, aiming a direct strike toward his father's midsection. His hands were quick, targeting weak points in his father's guard—his ribs, his shoulder.

Nie Ming's axe swung up to block, but it was too slow. Nie Li's first strike connected with his father's side, not hard enough to injure, but enough to knock him off balance. His body jerked from the hit, his face tightening with shock.

Nie Li didn't let up. Shifting his stance, he brought his elbow up and slammed it into his father's chest. The hit landed solidly, and Nie Li felt the air rush out of his father as he grunted in pain. His footing wavered, and Nie Li could see him struggling to keep his stance.

Now.

Nie Li spun, keeping his body low as he swept his leg out, targeting his father's knees. His shin connected hard with Nie Ming's legs, and with a surprised grunt, he toppled backward, crashing to the ground. His axe slipped from his grip, clattering to the side.

Without hesitation, Nie Li planted his foot firmly on his father's axe, pinning it down to keep him from reaching for it again. His eyes stayed locked on his father as he raised his own axe high, and in one swift motion, brought it down—stopping just inches from Nie Ming's head.

Nie Ming lay there, stunned, staring up at his son. The fight was over. Nie Li had won.

"I won," Nie Li said, the words simple, but they carried the weight of everything he had just proven. He wasn't the weak boy his father thought he was.

Nie Ming dusted himself off, sitting up with a grunt, trying to scowl despite the exhaustion in his eyes. "Quiet, you idiot. Just remember, it's only because I didn't want to embarrass you in front of the birds," he joked, though the weight behind his words was clear.

Nie Li forced a smile, but it faltered as he caught the serious look in his father's eyes. He wasn't fooling Nie Li—his worry was as clear as day.

"Are you sure you can win?"

"I'll win." 

Nie Ming met his gaze, his shoulders slumping as if the fight had finally left him. "Nie Li," he said, his voice softer now, "if you lose, I'll come visit you in the afterlife and drag you back home to your crying mother." His words, meant to be a joke, carried the weight of his fear. 

"No one's going to cry, Father." Nie Li clenched his fists. "I'll win. Even if those snobby young masters have better resources than me, I have something they don't."

His father's eyebrows lifted slightly. "What's that?"

Nie Li glanced at the system, the silent, invisible advantage he had over everyone else in this world. This little secret helper of his was the key to everything. But he wasn't ready to share that yet—not even with his father.

"I'm not saying," Nie Li replied with a mischievous grin, trying to lighten the mood. It was enough to make Nie Ming roll his eyes, but at least he got a faint smile from him.

"Fine, keep your secrets, boy," Nie Ming muttered. "But get off me, will you? We need to head back before your mother sends out a search party. She'll have my head if I return with her two favorite men looking like they've wrestled with a wild boar."

Nie Li laughed despite himself, offering his hand to help his father up. 

As the wagon creaked along the familiar road home, the silence between them was different now. Not heavy with fear, but filled with the quiet of shared understanding. Nie Ming didn't need to say anything more; Nie Li knew what his father was thinking. His faith in him wasn't complete, but it was enough.

Eventually, Nie Ming broke the silence, his voice low but filled with the weight of a question that had clearly been nagging at him. "Do you have a plan?"

Nie Li glanced at the system screen, its subtle glow still present in the back of his mind. System, do your thing.

[ Simulation System Initiated ]

[ Mission: Plan to Win the Heavenly Marks Family Heir's Competition ]

[ Objective: Secure victory in the competition to determine the heir of the Heavenly Marks Family. ]

[ Potential Outcomes: ]

- [ 1- Ascend to the 1 Star Bronze Rank Fighter. ]

- [ 2- Increase BP to 10k. ]

"Yeah, I have a plan." 

"Good," Nie Ming said, a note of relief softening his tone as their house came into view.

Standing outside was Nie Li's mother, her face brightening at the sight of them. Even from a distance, Nie Li could see the worry lines on her face soften, her arms opening wide as she waited for them to arrive.

"Let me do the talking," Nie Ming said quickly, shooting Nie Li a look that said, Let's not give her a heart attack.

Nie Li nodded, letting out a small breath. One step at a time, Nie Li reminded himself. There was so much ahead of him, so much he had to prove. But for now, for this moment, he was just happy to be home.