My Cheat lol

Chapter 2: Awakening and Discovery

The cold stone floor pressed against Xue Feng's bruised cheek as he slowly regained consciousness. Pain throbbed through his body, a stark reminder of the beating he had received from his cousins. He groaned, pushing himself up with trembling arms, and glanced around the dimly lit room. It was early morning, the sun just beginning to filter through the small window high above.

Memories of the previous day flooded back—the jeers, the punches, the humiliation. They had called him "trash," a label that stung more deeply than any physical injury. All because of the jade snake he had awakened.

It had been a month since that fateful day when Xue Feng stumbled upon the small, jade-colored snake slithering through the forest near the Feng family estate. He had always been drawn to the wilderness surrounding their clan's ancestral home, despite warnings from his father about the dangers lurking there.

Curiosity had driven him to approach the snake, its scales shimmering with an otherworldly glow. According to the family records, jade snakes were rare and highly valued for their potential in martial cultivation. But the highest star rating ever recorded in their clan's history was a 3-star jade snake. Xue Feng's awakening of a mere 1-star jade snake had been met with disdain and ridicule.

As he gingerly touched his swollen cheek, Xue Feng knew he couldn't afford to wallow in self-pity. Today marked the beginning of a new phase in his life—the day he would start his training in earnest.

Flashback to the Awakening:

The snake's eyes had flickered with a faint jade light, and a surge of energy had coursed through Xue Feng's veins. It was a moment that should have been celebrated, but instead, it brought him nothing but scorn.

Present Day:

Descending the stairs of the family residence, Xue Feng found his father waiting for him in the courtyard. Elder Feng Zheng stood tall and imposing, his expression a mix of concern and determination.

"Father," Xue Feng greeted him quietly, bowing respectfully.

"Feng Xue," his father said, his voice tinged with both pride and worry. "Are you well enough to train today?"

Xue Feng straightened, pushing aside the ache in his muscles. "Yes, father. I am ready."

"Good." Feng Zheng's gaze softened slightly. "But before you begin, there is something we must discuss."

They walked together through the tranquil gardens, the scent of blossoming plum trees filling the air. Xue Feng listened intently as his father explained the upcoming clan competition—a tradition held every five years to determine the distribution of cultivation resources among the Feng family members.

"The competition is fierce," Feng Zheng explained. "Those who demonstrate the most talent and potential will receive the highest allocations of qi stones, herbs, and training manuals. It is crucial for the future of our family."

Xue Feng nodded, understanding the weight of his father's words. The competition was not just about personal glory—it was about securing the family's prosperity and prestige within the martial world.

As they reached a secluded pavilion overlooking a tranquil pond, Feng Zheng turned to his son with a serious expression. "Xue Feng, I must warn you. Your uncles and even your grandfather view you as a liability to the family's future."

Xue Feng's heart sank at his father's words, though he had long suspected as much. His uncles, elder brothers of Feng Zheng, were ambitious and ruthless in their pursuit of power within the clan. They saw Xue Feng's perceived lack of talent as an opportunity to undermine his father's position as the heir apparent.

"They will use this competition to discredit you," Feng Zheng continued, his voice heavy with concern. "They will argue that a son who awakened only a 1-star jade snake cannot be entrusted with the future leadership of the Feng family."

Silence fell between them as Xue Feng absorbed his father's warning. He knew the stakes were high, not just for himself but for his entire family. If he failed to prove himself in the competition, his father's position would be weakened, and the ambitious elders would seize their chance to ascend to power.

"I understand, father," Xue Feng finally said, his voice steady with determination. "I will not let you down."

Feng Zheng nodded, his expression filled with paternal pride. "I believe in you, Xue Feng. Train hard, focus on your strengths, and do not underestimate the potential of your jade snake."

With those words of encouragement, Feng Zheng left his son to begin his training, disappearing into the labyrinthine corridors of the family estate.

Over the following weeks, Xue Feng threw himself into his training with renewed vigor. Every morning before dawn, he would venture into the forest with his jade snake coiled around his wrist. Together, they practiced martial techniques passed down through generations of Feng clan warriors.

Despite the initial setback of being labeled "trash," Xue Feng discovered hidden reserves of strength and resilience within himself. The beating from his cousins had only fueled his determination to prove them wrong—to show that he was worthy of the Feng family name.

Exploration at the Family Shop:

Two days before the clan competition, Xue Feng decided to visit the family-owned shop that sold cultivation resources. Being considered a "waste," he received fewer resources compared to the clan's prodigies. As he browsed the shelves, a particular item caught his eye—a small, intricately carved artifact that seemed strangely familiar.

Approaching the shopkeeper, an elderly man with a twinkle in his eye, Xue Feng inquired about the item. The shopkeeper smiled knowingly, explaining that it was found in the ruins of the ancient Feng family homeland—a place steeped in mystery and lost history.

"This artifact was deemed as useless junk by others," the shopkeeper explained in a hushed tone. "But I sensed a resonance with your aura, young master. It might hold more significance than meets the eye."

Intrigued, Xue Feng purchased the artifact along with the resources he needed for his training. Finding a quiet spot near the outskirts of the estate, he examined the artifact more closely. Its intricate carvings seemed to depict scenes from a distant mythology—a serpent of immense power coiled around a tree, poised as if guarding some profound secret.

As he held the artifact, a strange sensation washed over Xue Feng—a feeling of connection, as if he had encountered this symbol before in a distant dream or forgotten tale. Deep in thought, he focused his qi and soul energy on the artifact, trying to unlock its mysteries.

Unforeseen Awakening:

Suddenly, without warning, a surge of energy erupted from the artifact. Xue Feng's soul was drawn into a whirlwind of ancient power, and before he could react, his soul devoured the artifact in a burst of shocking brilliance.

Staggering back, Xue Feng blinked in disbelief, his heart racing with a mixture of awe and confusion. Had he just awakened something within himself? Was this artifact more than just a relic of the past?

But as moments passed and nothing dramatic happened, Xue Feng shrugged off the experience with a nervous laugh. "Maybe I'm awakening my cheat," he joked to himself, trying to dispel the lingering sense of unease.

Cultivation with the Feng Family Technique:

Returning home, Xue Feng wasted no time in utilizing the resources he had obtained. The Feng family's cultivation technique was intricate and demanding, involving snake poison, rare herbs, and spirit stones to cultivate serpent chi—a formidable 4-star technique known for its potent effects and serpentine aura.

With focused determination, Xue Feng immersed himself in the cultivation process. The serpent chi surged through his meridians, its cool energy melding with his own qi. He felt the essence of the jade snake intertwined with the technique, as if guiding him toward a deeper understanding of its power.

But then, an unexpected phenomenon occurred. As Xue Feng delved deeper into the cultivation, pouring his soul into the process, his aura intensified. A sudden surge of spiritual energy radiated from him, causing the air around him to hum with tension.

Unbeknownst to Xue Feng, his soul had once again reached out, drawing in the residual energy from the artifact he had absorbed earlier. The artifact's latent power combined with his own efforts in cultivating serpent chi, creating a resonance that reverberated through the Feng family bloodline.

The Family's Reaction:

Across the Feng family estate, elders and clan members felt a palpable shift in the spiritual currents. A subtle yet profound suppression washed over them, a testament to Xue Feng's burgeoning strength and the unexpected twist in his cultivation journey.

In his training chamber, Xue Feng's consciousness wavered as the influx of energy overwhelmed his senses. His vision blurred, his body trembling with the strain of channeling such potent forces.

And then, darkness claimed him.