Li Zhen

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Qinglong City was alive with energy, its streets glowing under the soft luminescence of lanterns. The night sky stretched like an ink-black canvas, dotted with faint stars, as Li Tianyan stepped through the city gates. The vibrant chatter of merchants, the clinking of cups in distant taverns, and the laughter of children running about painted a picture of celebration.

It wasn't long before the source of the merriment became clear. The streets were adorned with silk banners and crimson flowers, while paper lanterns swayed gently in the night breeze. People moved in and out of the grand Li Clan estate, their excitement palpable. Li Clan disciples, clad in ceremonial robes, worked diligently alongside City Guards to perfect the decorations, their faces glowing with pride. Every detail spoke of meticulous preparation—for his engagement ceremony.

Li Tianyan's steps, however, did not lead him directly to the Li Clan. Lost in thought, he wandered aimlessly through the familiar streets, his feet carrying him without purpose. His mind was a storm of memories—of his master's guidance, of struggles overcome, and the uncertain future awaiting him. Yet amidst it all, one memory stood out—a simpler time when life was freer, and a mischievous smile had been his constant companion.

Before he realized it, he stood at the entrance of a secluded courtyard tucked away behind an unassuming alley. Overgrown vines draped its walls, and a single stone bench lay beneath the shade of an ancient plum tree. The faint scent of blossoms lingered in the air, even though the tree had long ceased flowering.

A wave of nostalgia washed over him as he stepped inside. This forgotten corner of Qinglong City had once been his and his best friend's secret playground—a place they'd claimed as their own. He could almost hear their laughter ringing through the air, the echoes of childish games and wild dares shared beneath the tree's sprawling branches.

He approached the bench, brushing away a layer of fallen leaves. Memories surfaced unbidden: racing to climb the tree, planning imaginary adventures, and swearing oaths of eternal friendship. He closed his eyes, the ghost of a smile tugging at his lips. For a brief moment, he allowed himself to linger in the warmth of those distant days, a reminder of a bond that time and duty could not erase.

Everything had changed that fateful day when Li Tianyan and his closest friend, Li Zhen, encountered a shadowy assassin from an unknown origin. They had stood together at this very spot, playful and carefree, two prodigies who carried the future of the Li Clan on their shoulders. How could such invaluable talents be left so vulnerable? The were naturally accompanied by an elder from the Li Clan, tasked with their protection, but unfortunately he was too far away when disaster struck. Without enough time to react the assassin's blade had already neared Li Tianyan's head—a strike intended to extinguish his potential and end the hope he embodied. Yet, in a moment of selfless bravery, Li Zhen threw himself into the assassin's path, his cry tearing through the air.

Though he saved Li Tianyan's life, the price was immeasurable. The dagger found its mark—not in his heart, but in his dantian. The strike obliterated the very core of his cultivation, leaving him crippled and severing his connection to the path of martial arts.

Li Zhen, once heralded as the pride of the Li Clan, now bore the weight of tragedy. His once-brilliant future was reduced to ashes, all for the sake of a single moment of friendship. And Li Tianyan, forever haunted by the sacrifice, could only kneel in the blood-stained grass, consumed by guilt and powerless to turn back time.

Although the assassin was killed immediately after that the damage had already been done, and unfortunately, reversing such damage was as hard as ascending the heavens.

As Li Tianyan sat there, lost in thought and reminiscing past events, the sound of foot steps could be heard approaching, when it reached close to the abandoned courtyard however it slowed and came to a halt at the entrance.

Seeing the figure that stood at the entrance of the abandoned courtyard with a faint smil, Li Tianyan was shook, he immediately stood up from the stone bench, "....?"

"What? You look like you've just seen a ghost." A weak voice came from the figure that stood at the courtyard, as he stepped into the courtyard, the moonlight finally reached him and his figure came into full view, it was a lightly smiling young man of about 15 years.

His face was pale, almost unnaturally so, with a smooth and unblemished complexion. His features were sharp yet understated, carrying a quiet intensity. His eyes, however, were the most striking—a pair of deep black abysses, cold and inscrutable, as if they could pierce through all illusions and conceal nothing in return. Although his eyes were dead and unfeeling, in front of this Li Tianyan, they held faint traces of a smile.

Hearing his words, Li Tianyan snapped out of his daze and immediately rushed to help support him and lead him towards the stone bench. "Why are you walking out alone at this time Li Zhen you..."

"Brother Tianyan you worry to much, I'm fine, i just heard that some disciples of the Li Clan spotted you around this area so I came to find you." Li Zhen's weak voice interrupted Li Tianyan before he could finish his speech.

"Besides I've already told you to stop calling me that, the incident that day wasn't your fault." Li Zhen added indifferently.

Li Tianyan wanted to retort, because how could Li Zhen claim that it wasn't his fault? He was the primary cause! However in other to lighten the heavy atmosphere he avoided the topic. "If it's what Brother Zhen wants then I will naturally comply."

"Brother Tianyan, do you know why I took the risk to come find you here alone?" Li Zhen spoke as his tone became serious.

Li Tianyan"...."

"News about the Void Tribulation Realm expert's ruin that the Patriarch found was leaked...

This time, powers from all over the Azure Cloud Kingdom are swarming over to secure a spot for their disciples and the Azure Cloud imperial family isn't sitting idly by either." As Li Zhen reached this part, his tone became heavy.

I also heard that each power has agreed to bring two disciples that will gain entrance into the inheritance grounds, Brother Tianyan, I want you to secure a spot for me... This is an opportunity that may change my fate..." Li Zhen said in one breath

Li Tianyan stared at Li Zhen, his brows knitted tightly. "Brother Zhen," he began, his tone calm but probing, "I understand why you want to seize this opportunity, but why this ruin? Why are you so desperate to go? You've never been reckless, even in your current state."

Li Zhen fell silent for a moment, his deep black eyes locking onto Li Tianyan's. The night wind rustled the overgrown vines, and the faint scent of the plum tree seemed to grow stronger.

"You're right," Li Zhen admitted, his voice low but steady. "There is something I haven't told you." He glanced at the ancient plum tree, as if gathering his thoughts. "The Void Tribulation Realm expert who left behind this inheritance... he wasn't just any cultivator. He was rumored to have been crippled once, just like me."

Li Tianyan's eyes widened, and his breath caught in his throat. "Crippled? Are you sure?"

Li Zhen nodded slowly. "Yes. The stories say that before he reached the pinnacle of cultivation, he was ambushed by enemies who destroyed his dantian. Everyone thought his path to immortality was over, but somehow, he found a way to rebuild himself—stronger than ever. Not only did he recover, but he ascended to the Void Tribulation Realm and left behind an inheritance for those who are worthy."

Li Tianyan felt his chest tighten. If the rumors were true, this could be the opportunity Li Zhen had been searching for—a chance to reclaim his future. But the dangers were undeniable.

"And you believe his inheritance might hold the secret to reversing your condition?" Li Tianyan asked, his voice tinged with skepticism but also hope.

"I do," Li Zhen said firmly. "If someone like him could overcome such a fate, then so can. I need to be there. I need to try."

Li Tianyan's mind raced. The thought of Li Zhen, his closest friend, enduring years of helplessness and humiliation only to find this glimmer of hope—it was enough to stir his resolve. But doubts still lingered.

"Brother Zhen," he said after a pause, his tone heavy, "what if the rumors are wrong? What if the inheritance doesn't have what you're looking for? Or worse, what if it's a trap designed to lure in desperate cultivators like you?"

Li Zhen's faint smile returned, though it carried a hint of sadness. "Brother Tianyan, even if there's only a one-in-a-million chance, isn't it worth taking? I've already lost everything that once defined me. I can't keep living like this—not when there's a possibility of change. I'd rather die trying than spend the rest of my life as a cripple, clinging to memories of what I once was."

Li Tianyan clenched his fists. He understood Li Zhen's desperation, but the thought of losing him again, this time for good, was unbearable.

"You won't die," Li Tianyan said firmly, his voice unwavering. "If this is the path you've chosen, then I'll stand by you. We'll secure your spot in the inheritance trial, and I'll make sure you walk out alive—no matter what."

Li Zhen's cold eyes softened, a flicker of gratitude and warmth breaking through his otherwise inscrutable gaze. "Thank you, Brother Tianyan. With you by my side, I feel like there's nothing we can't overcome."

The two friends sat in silence, their bond unspoken but unbreakable, as the moon cast its light over the forgotten courtyard.