The birthday celebration continued well into the evening.
As music drifted from jade zithers and wine flowed in golden cups, the Bai Clan’s main courtyard sparkled under lantern light.
Nobles exchanged pleasantries. Clan leaders offered formal gifts.
But none of the offerings that followed could match the earlier storm brought by the gifts of the Third Prince or the Fourth Princess.
The grandeur of their presents—and the weight of their intentions—cast a long shadow over everything else.
Soon, the excitement dulled into background elegance.
And then, as often happens when powerful figures gather, the talk shifted.
A few guests—mostly young cultivators—gathered near a pavilion, cups in hand, their tones hushed yet spirited.
“Did you know? The Dragon and Phoenix Ranking will be held next year. The Empire’s already begun preparations.”
“Of course! It’s the grandest stage for anyone under twenty-five! Sect prodigies, royal descendants, rogue cultivators—everyone fights for glory there.”
“It’s not just about glory. The top ten from both rankings receive generous rewards from the Emperor. I heard this year, the prizes will be even greater!”
“Not to mention the winner will be the talk of the Empire for years. Their fame would be set in stone.”
“But isn’t the winner already decided?”
They looked toward Bai Zihan—the youngest to reach the Soul Formation Realm, and the one many believed to be the true winner of the Inheritance Trial, had he chosen to claim it for himself.
He had already defeated top-tier geniuses from the older generation, including Li Xuan and Zhao Yue.
Though there were still other geniuses across the Empire, in recent years, who could truly compare to Bai Zihan?
“Well, who knows? There’s still a year left. A lot can change in between.”
“Yeah! Personally, I still believe his older sister is stronger. And besides, you never know what kind of dark horse might show up.”
“I can’t wait for it!”
…
In the distance, Bai Zihan stood calm and composed, fully aware of the murmurs swirling around him.
(Dragon and Phoenix Competition?)
His interest piqued—not because he wished to compete, but because he knew exactly the kind of Heaven’s Chosen who would appear on such a stage to show off.
His gaze drifted to Bai Xueqing.
Bai Xueqing’s former fiancé—Nie Fengzhuo!
Once looked down upon as trash, this was likely his moment—his chance to rise and prove everyone wrong.
And what better stage than the Dragon and Phoenix Competition, which decided the strongest young cultivator of the Desolate Heaven Empire?
“Chu Ziyan,” Bai Zihan asked casually, “I heard the Dragon and Phoenix Competition is next year. Are you planning to compete?”
She took a sip of her tea.
“I might,” she said after a pause. “That’s if I’m selected.”
Bai Zihan raised a brow in mild interest.
She continued, her tone calm but edged with faint cynicism.
“Most of the participants are handpicked. The major sects and clans each nominate a few of their own—either through internal competitions or simply those they wish to send.”
“Then isn’t it certain that you’ll be chosen? I don’t think there are many under twenty-five in the Chu Clan stronger than you,” Bai Zihan said.
Chu Ziyan’s talent was among the top, and Bai Zihan was well aware she was the most gifted cultivator of her generation in the Chu Clan.
So he didn’t understand why she would think she might not be selected.
“Well, that might be true,” Chu Ziyan replied.
“But you know, I’m still eligible to compete in the next Dragon and Phoenix Competition. Some elders are saying I should sit this one out and wait.”
(Indeed!)
Bai Zihan hadn’t thought about that.
And it was true—if she competed in the next round, her chances of reaching an even higher ranking would be greater, plus giving opportunity to her older Clan Members.
Still, Bai Zihan didn’t agree with that kind of thinking.
If this competition was meant to determine the strongest, then shouldn’t they send their best?
Besides, if others lost to Chu Ziyan, then they had no business competing at all.
Well, even if the Chu Clan didn’t send her, there was a high chance she’d be selected by Heaven Sword Sect.
“So only the top sects and clans can participate in the competition?”
Bai Zihan asked.
“That’s the direct qualification path,” she said. “But others are given a shot too.”
Taking another sip of the tea, she continued.
“Before the main event, there’s a nationwide selection tournament. Any eligible cultivator under twenty-five can join. The top winners from there are allowed into the main Dragon and Phoenix Competition.”
She glanced over the crowd of young cultivators, her voice drifting.
“But let’s be honest. Even that’s a formality. The final winners almost always come from the top sects and clans. Those preliminaries just give everyone else the illusion of a chance.”
It was true—and common knowledge.
How far could talent go without cultivation resources? Without high-grade pills, powerful weapons, and advanced techniques?
Those things are only something that a Top Sect or Clan could provide.
Geniuses without backing rotted in obscurity. Talent alone was never enough.
…Well, that might be true for most cultivators.
Bai Zihan’s thoughts wandered to Nie Fengzhuo.
But there were always exceptions.
If he truly intended to rise again, then the preliminary tournament was his only path—unless he had joined a sect.
“Hm… This year might be different though,” Bai Zihan murmured.
Chu Ziyan gave him a puzzled look.
“You think the winner won’t be from one of the top sects or clans?”
“Who knows?”
Bai Zihan replied casually.
“Phf! Who are you kidding? And here I thought you’d proudly declare, ’No one but I deserve to be the winner.’”
Chu Ziyan mimicked his voice with exaggerated flair.
Bai Zihan frowned slightly, clearly irritated.
“I don’t sound like that.”
“Hehe… Sure, sure~”
Chu Ziyan laughed.
***
The celebration gradually wound down as the moon climbed higher in the velvet sky.
Guests bid their farewells. The air, once filled with music and lively chatter, now carried only the soft rustle of lanterns swaying in the night breeze.
Attendants moved about, collecting empty cups and refolding silk cushions.
Servants doused the lanterns one by one, letting darkness slowly reclaim the grandeur of the Bai Clan courtyard.
Bai Zihan, having fulfilled every obligation, slipped away quietly from the main hall.
His steps were unhurried as he made his way down a cobblestone path that curved through the Bai Clan’s inner garden.
The moonlight reflected off the koi pond to his left, and the faint scent of night-blooming jasmine lingered in the summer air.
He stopped beneath an old magnolia tree.
The leaves cast dappled shadows over his face as he tilted his head back, gazing at the star-speckled sky.
(Another year!)
He stood still for a long while, the wind brushing lightly against his robes.
It had only been less than a year since he got his Memories from Earth and many thing has changed.
“System!”
*************************
[ Host Info ]
Host: Bai Zihan
Age: 17
Cultivation Realm: Spirit Formation (Early)
Constitution: Supreme Dao Bone
Martial Arts:
Nine Shadows Flowing Light Sword (Greater Mastery)
Eternal Flowing Water Sword (Minor Mastery)
*************************
Going from the Core Formation Stage all the way to the Soul Formation Realm in a single year—
Something many couldn’t achieve in their entire lifetime, yet he had done it within months.
Then there was his Intermediate Sword Intent, a Supreme Dao Bone, and mastery over two Heaven-grade techniques.
With his current strength, he could kill his year-ago self a million times over in just a minute.
However, he wasn’t arrogant enough to believe it was all due to his own talent.
If not for the System, he doubted he could have achieved even ten percent of what he had today.
He had almost forgotten all the torment and setbacks the System Interface had caused him over the years.
Now, it all felt worth it.
His previous fear of being killed by the Protagonist had also almost disappeared.
For one, he realized that Heaven’s Chosen were extremely rare—he had only encountered three in the span of a year.
Which, in hindsight, made sense. After all, it wasn’t like Heaven’s Chosen grew like cabbages. If they did, he truly would have been too afraid to even step outside.
Another reason was his own strength. With how far he had come, he didn’t believe Heaven’s Chosen with low Fate Stars could threaten him anymore.
Of course, he wasn’t underestimating them either—
Even a one-star Fate Heaven’s Chosen had nearly killed him before, using a hidden trump card.
He needed to always remember: one mistake could still lead to his end, just like every other so-called villain.
Just as he was pondering those things, he sensed another presence nearby.
A familiar one.
He didn’t turn—only spoke softly.
“Luo Qing!”
From behind the magnolia tree, a figure hesitated, then slowly stepped forward into the moonlight.
Her robes were pale lavender, embroidered with silver cranes, and her dark hair was tied simply, with a single orchid pin.
She looked startled to have been noticed, her eyes widening slightly.
“Y-Young Master Bai Zihan…”
Her voice was soft—barely above a whisper—but in the quiet of the night, it reached him clearly.
Bai Zihan finally turned to look at her, his expression calm but inquisitive.
“What brings you here, Luo Qing?”
“I—uh…”
She fidgeted with the hem of her sleeve, her cheeks already dusted pink under the moonlight.
For a moment, she looked like she might turn and flee.
But then she took a deep breath, looked at him directly—if only for a second—and said:
“…Happy birthday.”
Her voice trembled faintly.
Then, as if afraid she might lose her nerve, she stepped forward and held out a small, finely wrapped box tied with a silver ribbon.
“This is… for you.”
Bai Zihan blinked.
The gift wasn’t particularly ornate—just a simple wooden box, polished and delicately carved—but somehow, its plainness made it more sincere.
He accepted it with a light smile.
“Thank you!”
He said, his tone warmer than usual.
That alone made Luo Qing’s face blush.
But before he could say anything more, she bowed slightly and—clearly overwhelmed—turned on her heel and hurried away, nearly tripping over the edge of her robe in her rush.
Her quiet footsteps faded down the path.
Bai Zihan remained under the magnolia tree, looking down at the box in his hand.
He let out a soft chuckle.
“Silly girl!”
He untied the simple knot, opening the box with care.
Inside was a neatly folded cloth belt, handwoven from soft gray-blue threads.
The stitching was slightly uneven in places, but that only added to its quiet charm.
It was humble, without embroidery or ornament—yet carefully made, and clearly meant for him.
He ran his fingers over the fabric.
It was light, but strong. Very Practical.
He held it up to the starlight, and a faint smile touched his lips.
To him, this gift was perhaps far more meaningful than what the two princes and the princess had given him—gifts he had no real use for and might never even touch.
“Let’s hope this year is just as interesting as the last one!”