From Death To Dominion

Lu Aotian leaned back in his chair, a dark, satisfied smile slowly curling at the corners of his lips. His eyes gleamed with dangerous ambition. "It's the same tournament where Ye Tianling was crippled five years ago," he said, his voice low and dripping with contempt. "Now, we'll make sure the second one gets crippled as well—but this time, it will be trash crippled, not a genius. Let him suffer in public disgrace. Let him be reduced to nothing."

Ye Shen nodded, his voice laced with disdain and malice. "Indeed. Ye Xian will be reduced to nothing more than a shattered pawn in this game. He won't see it coming. When he falls, it won't just be his own downfall—the entire Ye Clan will suffer disgrace because of him. And with his humiliation, the marriage alliance with Xuan Lingshuang will crumble. His name will be tarnished beyond repair, and you will stand victorious ."

Lu Aotian's smile grew wider, the weight of his plan settling into place. The Ye Shen cold words had ignited something within him, something dark and powerful. "Perfect. This will be my revenge. The Ye clan will be humiliated because of Ye Xian. He will know his place."

As the two of them shared a moment of silence, an unspoken understanding passed between them. Their plan was set into motion, and the future seemed all too clear. The Ye Xian would be reduced to nothing. A slow, sinister grin spread across his face before he erupted into laughter.

Good! You truly are cunning, Brother!" he sneered. "Betraying your own flesh and blood... how ruthless."

Ye Shen's smile was cold, devoid of any warmth.

"He isn't my brother," he said flatly. "Just the lowborn son from a mere servant."

________

Morning at Azure Sky city

The morning sun ascended over Azure Sky City, its golden rays spilling across the rooftops, casting a warm, ethereal glow over the vast metropolis. The towering buildings, refined structures, and sprawling estates shimmered beneath the dawn's embrace, marking the beginning of another bustling day.

At the Ye Clan estate, a place of prestige and power, Ye Xian awoke to the sounds of distant training. The rhythmic clash of wooden swords, the faint murmurs of sparring disciples, and the steady flow of ki filled the air. He stretched lazily, feeling the weight of sleep leave his body, then moved to freshen up. After a quick bath, he changed into a clean set of robes.

Just as he finished adjusting his sleeves, a soft knock came at the door.

"Young Master, your breakfast has arrived," a respectful voice called from outside.

Ye Xian walked over and opened the door, revealing a servant holding a tray of steaming food—freshly cooked rice, seasoned meat, and a bowl of medicinal soup to nourish his energy. He nodded slightly in acknowledgment before taking the tray and closing the door.

He preferred eating in his room for many reasons. The most significant? His stepmother. The less he saw her, the better.

After finishing his meal, Ye Xian left his chamber, his steps light as he strolled through the Ye Clan's training grounds. Young disciples were engaged in rigorous practice, their figures moving with discipline as they performed martial techniques. A few elders observed from the sidelines, correcting their stances and giving pointers. The air was thick with Qi fluctuations, but Ye Xian had no interest in staying.

Instead, he casually bypassed the crowd, leaving the Ye Estate and stepping onto the bustling streets leading to Azure Sky Academy.

The streets of Azure Sky City were as vibrant as ever. Merchants stood behind intricately decorated stalls, advertising everything from rare spiritual herbs and enchanted weapons to beast cores and exotic silks. The marketplace was filled with a diverse mix of people—humans, fiends, and even a few demi-humans, all engaged in trade and conversation.

Ye Xian moved through the crowd with ease, his sharp gaze briefly scanning the surroundings. Occasionally, his ears picked up bits of conversation—some discussing recent sect rivalries, others gossiping about noble disputes.

Just as he passed a vendor selling spirit beast eggs, a loud voice called out.

"Ladies and gentlemen! Step forward and witness the treasures of the Eastern Continent! Talismans forged by Grandmaster Luo himself—capable of repelling demons and ghosts !"

Another merchant nearby shouted, "Fresh spirit fruits! Increase your ki circulation and strengthen your foundation! Special discount today!"

The air buzzed with energy and excitement, but Ye Xian paid little attention. His destination lay ahead.

Soon, he reached the towering gates of Azure Sky Academy. Hanging above them was a majestic stone tablet, carved with mastery, its characters exuding an aura of wisdom and authority:

"Azure Sky Academy"

He stepped inside, entering a vast courtyard filled with students. Some walked in small groups, chatting among themselves. Others trained alone or in pairs, refining their techniques. A few couples stood under cherry blossom trees, whispering sweet words.

As Ye Xian moved forward, a familiar figure came into view—one that he immediately recognized.

Riener's Lament

Before Ye Xian could react, a pair of strong hands clamped onto his shoulders.

"Ye Xian! Is it true?" a loud voice boomed right next to his ear.

Ye Xian turned his head slightly, meeting the excited yet despairing gaze of Riener—his friend and a fellow academy student.

"Are you really marrying Xuan Lingshuang?!" Riener asked, his tone a mix of disbelief and sorrow.

Ye Xian nodded calmly.

Riener staggered backward dramatically, clutching his chest as if he had been struck by lightning.

"No! Another treasure is about to be stolen!" he wailed. "How could the heavens be so cruel?! First, they give us hope, and now they shatter it before our very eyes!"

His exaggerated lament immediately drew attention. Students passing by stopped in their tracks, their curiosity piqued. Whispers began to spread among the crowd.

"Did you hear? Xuan Lingshuang is really marrying Ye Xian!"

"What?! That ice goddess is going to be wasted on him?"

"A gem… being fed to a pig?"

"My heart… shattered into a million pieces!"

Several male students clutched their chests in agony, as if physically wounded by the news. Some even lowered their heads in despair, mourning the loss of their beloved dream.

Ye Xian's face twitched at the ridiculous reactions. With an exasperated sigh, he raised his hand and slapped Riener on the back.

"Shut up," he said, rolling his eyes. "It's not like you ever had a chance to begin with."

Riener coughed violently, nearly choking on his own sorrow. "Damn it, Ye Xian! At least let me grieve!"

But Ye Xian wasn't done. His sharp gaze swept across the surrounding students, his smirk deepening.

"You all talk big, but how many of you ever had the courage to even speak to her?" he said lazily. "You think just staring from a distance makes you worthy?"

A heavy silence fell over the crowd. Many of the male students lowered their heads, unable to refute his words.

"Tch, exactly what I thought." Ye Xian shrugged. "Sour grapes, the lot of you. Don't blame fate when you never stood a chance to begin with."

Some clenched their fists, their faces burning with shame. Others could only grit their teeth in frustration, swallowing their humiliation.

Meanwhile, Riener, still rubbing his sore back, muttered under his breath, "Damn, Ye Xian… you really know how to rub salt in the wound."

_____

As Ye Xian and Riener continued their conversation, a loud bell rang across the academy grounds, its deep chime echoing through the towering halls and open courtyards. The lively, bustling atmosphere of the academy shifted in an instant—students who had been leisurely chatting or practicing their martial arts suddenly hurried toward their respective lecture halls, eager to avoid arriving late.

The students instinctively organized themselves according to their respective class divisions, a system deeply ingrained within Azure Sky Academy.

Ye Xian and Riener exchanged glances before making their way inside. The academy's main lecture hall was a grand structure, its towering walls adorned with intricate carvings of ancient martial heroes and celestial beasts. Inside, the room was vast, designed to accommodate hundreds of students at a time.

At the front stood a raised stage reserved for instructors, its surface polished smooth from years of lectures and lessons. Behind it, an ornate blackboard stood tall, waiting to be filled with knowledge. Rows of long wooden benches and tables stretched across the hall, meticulously arranged in a semi-circular pattern to ensure that every student had a clear view of the instructor.

The scent of aged parchment and ink lingered in the air.The atmosphere hummed with a mix of excitement and apprehension, as students took their places, preparing for the day's lessons.

As Ye Xian and Riener settled into their seats, they couldn't help but overhear murmurs of hushed conversations. Some students discussed recent breakthroughs in their cultivation, while others debated the latest academy duels or the politics of the empire. A few spoke of the upcoming sect examinations—a path toward greater opportunities for those who sought to rise beyond their current status.