Beneath the twilight's somber veil, the Xue estate loomed, its ancient stones whispering secrets of a lineage coiled like a dragon in repose. The old man's gaze, sharp as tempered steel, flicked toward Li Yongyi before softening as he bantered with his granddaughter, Xue, his smile as gentle as moonlight on still waters.
Li exhaled, his mind a tempest of speculation. Descendant of the general who quelled borders with three arrows—why then did the Xue clan shun the imperial court, forbidding their heirs from office? Surely, a saga of vendettas and hidden sorrows lay buried within.
Xue, clinging to her grandfather's arm, cast a glance at Li Yongyi, her voice lilting with praise. "Never have I seen a youth so adept in the arcane arts!" she declared. The Old man, his weathered hand patting hers, raised an eyebrow, a smile creasing his face. "Is that so?" he mused, his tone warm yet probing. "Remarkable, truly remarkable."
His eyes settled on Li , noting the boy's plain attire contrasted by the clarity of his gaze. "Young man, step forward," he beckoned.
The coachman, struck by the words, felt a pang of unease. Lady Xue Ling, barely fourteen, had returned with a boy of similar age—could it be…? Memories surfaced of the Old man's second daughter, who once led a profligate noble from the capital astride a blood-sweat steed, careening through Guanwing City's thoroughfares, toppling stalls. That youth had faced the Old man's wrath, nearly losing limbs. The Old man's gentle summons belied a storm, and the Xue retainers quaked inwardly.
Yet Li perceived a different scene. Before him, a colossal White Tiger Manifestation materialized, its mane wild, its massive head drawing near, pupils narrowing to pinpricks as they fixed upon him. An invisible pressure, heavy as a mountain, gripped him; his body stiffened, heart pounding, a primal fear clawing from within.
"Pressure?" he thought, gritting his teeth. With sheer will, he tore free from the dread, clarity returning. Within him, the Cauldron of Ancients hummed softly, its Crimson Wyrm sigil flaring to life, kindled by his resolve.
The Old man, testing the boy's mettle, had unleashed a sliver of his aura to gauge his heart. Seeing no cowardice, he nodded, a faint smile forming. The White Tiger circled Li, poised to withdraw—when suddenly, the Cauldron roared. The Crimson Wyrm sigil, as if provoked, writhed free, its head emerging from the cauldron, scales gleaming, claws extended, yearning to break into the world and coil protectively around its host. Yet, its foundation weak, it faltered, fading into a furious roar that thundered like spring lightning in Li's soul.
The boy's mind cleared, the tiger's pressure shattering in an instant. Meeting the Old man's gaze, he stepped forward, unyielding as a blade, and bowed. "Li Yongyi, at your service, Elder Xue!" he declared, his voice steady.
Elder Xue, intrigued, patted his granddaughter's hand. "To think Guanwing City harbors such a prodigy, both scholar and warrior, discovered by my Ling" he said, chuckling. Xue Ling's eyes curved into crescents, her pride evident as she tugged her grandfather's arm. "Grandfpar, don't you think he's exceptional? Where's his welcome gift?"
The White Tiger Manifestation lounged behind Elder Xue, yawning. "Have you trained in the martial arts, lad?"Elder Xue asked.
Li Yongyi, noting the Cauldron's essence slowing, replied, "I studied blade techniques under a mentor for several years."
Elder Xue nodded approvingly. "The Eight Blades of Breaking Army—its spirit courses through you, sharp as a honed edge. At thirteen, to reach such a state speaks of diligence. Your inner cultivation is commendable, though your frame betrays hardship and sparse meals."
His tone softened. "Since Ling has engaged you as a tutor, join our warriors for meals daily. My earlier test was merely a grandfather's concern—nothing more."
"Grandpa?" Xue Ling protested. Elder Xue sighed, producing a small porcelain vial and tossing it to Li. "A Body-Nourishing Pill," he said, smiling. "I entrust my granddaughter and the clan studies to you."
Li caught the vial, its rich medicinal scent piercing the porcelain. As The Elder Xue and Lady Xue departed, the White Tiger's gaze lingered before fading. In their wake, Li saw them aglow with an almost golden radiance, Xue Ling's charm undeniable.
**(End of Chapter)**