"Roar!"

Although dawn had just broken, there was still no sign of disciples or servants at the Lingyu Gate. However, Qin Yi was already at the practice grounds, showcasing his boxing techniques strenuously.

Qin Yi, now fifteen, had clear eyebrows and a handsome face. His pair of eyes sparkled like the Big Dipper, yet they held a hint of steadiness.

Two months ago, Lingyu Gate conducted recruitment in the town of Qing Shui, in search of gifted disciples. Qin Yi, with his exceptional performance, was accepted into Lingyu Gate.

Lingyu Gate was a prestigious sect, entrance into which was a great honor. Qin Yi’s enrolment brought immense joy to his parents, seemingly making them look ten years younger. Walking through the town, they accepted gracious and envious looks with pleasant smiles.

However, only Qin Yi knew the glory of today was achieved through countless days and nights of hard practice.

"Imperial Fist!"

Qin Yi's figure as he punched was vigorous, each movement precise as he practiced the Imperial Fist.

The Imperial Fist was among the most basic martial arts techniques in Lingyu Gate, considered tedious and ordinary. However, Qin Yi practiced with uncompromised dedication, looking extremely serious.

"Back in Qing Shui town, I had already reached the Xuan Dao state. Breaking into the second state in a short time is basically impossible," Qin Yi calmly analyzed.

Alongside Qin Yi, Rou Qin, a girl from Qing Shui town, was also recruited. She was initially very kind to Qin Yi and even developed feelings for him. When both of them were selected to join Lingyu Gate, Rou Qin was overjoyed.

However, since arriving at Lingyu Gate, their relationship has become distant. Qin Yi had not seen her for many days.

Just yesterday, Qin Yi heard that Rou Qin had started relationships with a prominent disciple named Chang Jingxue. Word is that Chang Jingxue is even regarded as a priority for cultivation within Lingyu Gate.

In Qing Shui town, Qin Yi was considered a prodigy. Here at Lingyu Gate, however, he was almost at the bottom. A person at the end of the rankings cannot be compared to exceptional disciples like Chang Jingxue!

"Heave ho!"

Qin Yi's veins bulged on his arms as he shouted with fierce determination. Thinking of Rouqin, his training intensified. He steeled his resolve, knowing that he must work harder, even harder, to at least reach the presence level of Chang Jingxue.

"My, my, this young lad is quite diligent, up so early for training."

"No matter how diligent, it's pointless. As an outer disciple, he can only master basic boxing techniques. It's just a lot of work for little reward."

As daylight broke, the other disciples gradually arrived at the training field to practice. Seeing that Qin Yi was already there, many started discussing him. The glances thrown his way were full of disdain.

Qin Yi was deaf to these accusations, focusing solely on practicing his sworn technique: Overlord's Fist.

"Haha, young lad, you're up early!"

A heavy hand landed on Qin Yi's shoulder, causing him to stagger and nearly fall. Fortunately, his foundation was solid; he swayed but maintained his footing.

Steadying himself, Qin Yi turned around to see a chubby boy, sneering arrogantly at him.

"Guang Yonggao, what do you mean by this?" Qin Yi furrowed his brows in irritation.

When he first joined the Ling Feather Sect, he got into a small conflict with Guang Yonggao. The latter looked down on newcomers, mockingly disrespectful with his words. Unyielding, Qin Yi had retorted.

Since then, Guang Yonggao had taken a dislike to Qin Yi and often troubled him, trying to humiliate him.

"I mean nothing by it, I just see you've improved a bit. Thought I could learn a thing or two from you.” Guang Yonggao's pudgy face was full of provocation.

"Haha, Guang the Tubby is here, now this will be entertaining!" Some nearby disciples immediately gathered around, taking pleasure in Qin Yi's unsettlement.

Seeing the growing crowd of spectators, Guang Yonggao felt excitement wash over him. The more the onlookers, the more satisfying it was to humiliate someone.

"This kid is doomed. Look at the aura of this meaty fellow, Guang Roudun, he has clearly already broken through to the second realm of Xuan Dao."

"Hehe, a rookie in the first realm of Xuan Dao, standing in face of a high-tier practitioner at the second realm of Xuan Dao, he'd probably last ten moves at most."

Guang Yonggao stood with his hands on his waist, looking down at Qin Yi with an air of superiority. Listening to the discussions around him, he felt particularly dazzling and domineering today. When he took this kid down later, the crowd would definitely cheer for him.

"Ten moves?" Guang Yonggao shook his head. Confidence was swelling on his pancake-like face as he smacked his lips, “Tsk, tsk, three moves—enough!”

Three moves are enough!

The crowd immediately burst into an uproar, but seeing the domineering vibe emanating from Guang Yonggao's chubby figure, no one doubted it.

"Three moves?"

Qin Yi felt a sharp tug in his heart.

If he were to be defeated in ten moves, it seemed plausible, but three? This was a naked insult!

Qin Yi quickly calmed down; he was clear that Guang Yonggao was merely attempting to insult him. Even if he couldn’t defeat Qin Yi in three moves, he wouldn’t let him go, especially not in front of such a large audience. He wouldn't miss this opportunity.

"I'll spar with you another day when I'm not tired from training.” Unmoved by Guang Yonggao's provocation, Qin Yi turned and left.

Unexpectedly, Qin Yi didn't respond to Guang Yonggao’s challenge, causing the crowd to freeze. This kid was surprisingly cautious.

Watching the skinny silhouette of the young man, a malicious expression flashed across Guang Yonggao’s eyes, “Okay, kid, another day it is. I hope the next time we meet, we can spar properly!"

Qin Yi frowned. Guang Roudun, aka Guang Yonggao, seemed determined not to let him off the hook.

"His cultivation level is at the second realm of Xuan Dao now. To fight him, I too would need to break through to the second realm."

Qin Yi was on his way home, contemplating bitterly. He knew Guang Yonggao was a man who always stayed true to his words. If they were to cross paths again, he would definitely not be spared.

There was no way he could break through the second realm in such a short time!

"Yi, you're back. You must be starving after all that early training. Come eat."

As he just arrived home, his loving mother, Wu Lanqian, greeted him and sat him down at the table.

Qin Yi had won a spot in the Spirit Feather Sect, bringing honor to his parents. His family was allowed to live here as well because of his achievement, which had made many townspeople envious.

But at this moment, he felt some guilt in his heart. His performance in the sect was disappointing, which let his parents down.

"Mom, Dad, what's wrong?" Eating the meal prepared by his mother, Qin Yi noticed that both his parents standing there with grim expressions, which was unusual.

His parents hesitated for a moment, and finally, it was his father, Qin Mu, who broke the silence. "Yi, the sect martial arts conference will be held in a month. According to the rules of the sect, any external disciple who fails to participate will be sent away. Therefore... today at noon, an elder from the sect visited us and told us to prepare for expulsion."

After his father finished speaking, he let out a long sigh.

"What?" Qin Yi was stunned!