NOVEL ONLINE FREE Chapter 23: chapter 23
Then, Fang Zheng reaches the opposite bank. He tries hard but can't take another step. The elder's voice erupts, booming with joy, "Forty-three steps! A-Grade talent!"
The cave explodes. Gasps, whispers, shouts—it's chaos. Gu Xianer is jumping up and down, her voice ringing out, "Brother, didn't I tell you? We all have high talent! Look, Fang Zheng has A-Grade talent!" Her joy is infectious, her laughter like a melody that cuts through the tension. But Fang Yuan's emotions are a storm, a whirlwind of relief, pride, and a burgeoning sense of hope that feels almost too good to be true. His face breaks into a wide, disbelieving smile, tears streaming down his cheeks. But these aren't tears of sadness—they're tears of pure, overwhelming joy. He pulls Gu Xianer into a crushing embrace, his heart swelling with relief and pride. All the worries he's carried for so long—gone. Their future feels bright, dazzling, like the sun breaking through a storm. Gu Xianer won't have to feel small anymore.
They're triplets. Their talents should be the same. His mind races ahead, imagining Gu Xianer with at least B-Grade talent, and maybe—just maybe—he'll do even better than Fang Zheng. He pictures himself stepping into the river, the light wrapping around him, brighter, stronger, until he reaches the very end. The clan erupts in celebration. Success, happiness, a future so bright it burns.
But then, the moment takes a breathtaking turn. The head of the Chi Faction steps forward, his voice booming, "We will take him. He is connected with our blood!" The declaration is bold, unyielding, and it sends a ripple of tension through the crowd. Before the words can settle, the head of the Mo Faction cuts in, his voice sharp and fierce, "You're not fit to nurture such talent. He will come with us!" The air grows heavy with rivalry, the factions' long-standing animosity flaring to life. Fang Yuan's eyes widen, his heart pounding—not with fear now, but with pride, with satisfaction. He watches as the factions argue over Fang Zheng, and his mind starts to race.
He imagines himself stepping forward, his talent even greater than Fang Zheng's. He pictures the clan in an uproar, everyone fighting over him. He sees himself becoming powerful, going out on hunts, bringing back food and riches for Gu Xianer. In his mind, they're living a life of comfort, eating the finest foods, their worries a thing of the past. The thought fills him with a happiness so deep it feels like a dream.
But before the argument can grow louder, the clan leader's voice thunders through the cavern, silencing everyone. "Enough! No one here is qualified except me. Fang Zheng will be under my direct guidance. This is not up for debate." The authority in his voice is absolute, leaving no room for dissent. The clan elders fall silent, nodding in agreement. The clan leader is the only one worthy of teaching such high talent.
Now, Fang Yuan stands tall, his trembling gone. His eyes burn with confidence, with hope. He feels it—the future is theirs for the taking. The river of flowers, the glowing light, the clan's awe—it's all within reach. He stands confidently, his heart steady, his mind clear. This is his moment. Their moment. And nothing will stand in their way. They have already taken the first successful step to achieve their dream, and for the first time in what feels like forever, Fang Yuan allows himself to believe—truly believe—that they can rise above their circumstances. That they can be more than just survivors. That they can thrive.
Fang Zheng steps back, and suddenly, all eyes are on him. The crowd buzzes with restless energy, their voices crashing together in a storm of awe, jealousy, and hidden bitterness. Fang Yuan and Gu Xianer push through the sea of people, their faces glowing with pride. Gu Xianer speaks first, her voice bright and full of unshakable faith, "Fang Zheng, you were incredible! A-Grade talent! We always knew you could do it!" Her words are like sunlight breaking through dark clouds. Fang Yuan's eyes shine too, as if Fang Zheng has given him hope, wiping away any doubt he ever had. With a proud smile, he says, "Congratulations, Fang Zheng. You've made it."
Fang Zheng turns to them, his smile calm but filled with a quiet confidence that feels almost unsettling. His eyes lock onto Fang Yuan, and his voice is soft, yet it carries something heavy, something that makes Fang Yuan's chest tighten. "Brother," Fang Zheng begins, his tone almost reverent, "you've always been the smart one, even when we were young. I'm sure your talent will outshine mine. You might even cross the entire river. But even if you don't, I know you'll take at least a step or two further than me." His words are kind, but they feel like a weight pressing down on Fang Yuan's shoulders.
Gu Xianer jumps in, her voice bursting with fierce belief, "He's right, brother! You'll awaken the highest talent possible. You'll go even further than Fang Zheng!" Her eyes burn with defiance, as if she's daring the world to prove her wrong. Fang Zheng nods, his smile steady, "Xianer is right. You'll awaken even greater talent than mine, brother."