Ye Zhong had already stepped into the realm of a five-star martial artist, yet his Dantian's vitality still could not fully support the release of a mysterious-grade divine power. However, because the "White Tiger Killing" had been perfected under the influence of heavenly power, Ye Zhong was able to unleash it repeatedly, drawing from a source beyond his cultivation base.
Originally, Stepping Waves was a standard high-level spiritual-grade technique. But after being refined and enhanced by Ye Wei, its might rivaled that of peak-tier high-level divine arts.
As for the Three Calamity Sword, it too began as a common high-level technique. Yet due to its immense potential, once Ye Wei corrected and perfected three key flaws, it ascended in might beyond even peak-level high-grade techniques—it stepped into the realm of forbidden arts.
Forbidden-level divine powers were the pinnacle of spiritual-grade arts. However, such powers often inflicted severe harm on the user's body and soul sea. For that reason, few ever dared to cultivate them.
But the Three Calamity Sword was different.
After Ye Wei's improvements, while it had indeed become a forbidden-level art, the backlash to the body and mind was significantly reduced. The only major cost was a vastly increased consumption of vitality and spirit. Even so, it remained a fearsome trump card—and unless absolutely necessary, it was best left unused, as each activation exerted enormous strain on Ye Zhong's body.
Outside of Ye Wei, no one in the Ye family knew that Ye Zhong had already reached the level of a five-star martial artist. No one knew he had mastered a forbidden-grade divine power, nor did they know that Stepping Waves had been raised to a peak-level high-grade power.
Although Ye Zhong had not yet reached the realm of a six-star martial artist, his current strength meant he could go toe-to-toe with even Du Hanyue—and possibly win!
The long-awaited battle was almost upon them. The Du Clan would arrive at dawn, bringing forth the elite of their younger generation to issue their challenge.
That night, Ye Zhong and Ye Wei sat quietly atop a century-old willow tree in the courtyard, each deep in their own thoughts.
Ye Wei began to share the story of what had happened between him and Qiao Yiner.
"She said that to you?" Ye Zhong's expression turned dark upon hearing the humiliation Ye Wei had endured. His fists clenched tightly, joints audibly popping.
"She's a disciple of Nanxing Academy's Youth Division now," Ye Wei said quietly, his voice calm. "I don't blame her. I just wasn't strong enough."
But behind that calm exterior, a fiery determination burned in his eyes. That was the past. The future would be different.
"Xiaowei, don't belittle yourself! With your soul sensitivity, one day you'll soar into the heavens. Dragons don't mingle with snakes… and she'll regret ever looking down on you!" Ye Zhong gripped Ye Wei's shoulder tightly, his words filled with unshakable confidence.
Ye Zhong wasn't part of Nanxing Academy, but he could imagine the taunts and humiliation Ye Wei must have endured over the past three years. His heart ached with guilt and fury. Qiao Yiner's betrayal had been a deep wound—one made even more painful because the two had grown up together.
He had asked Ye Wei about his time at the academy before, but Ye Wei had always brushed it off. Tonight was the first time he'd opened up, shared his pain.
That pain was a scar, long buried—until now.
"I'm used to it," Ye Wei said with a faint smile. "I only ever saw her as a cousin, like a sister. I never had any… other feelings. But I never expected her to turn her back on me so easily. But so what? I can let go."
He leaned back against the wide tree trunk, looking up at the star-speckled sky. There was warmth in his heart—because of Ye Zhong's concern.
Having someone who truly cared was enough. As for Qiao Yiner—let her drift away with the wind.
A different figure surfaced in Ye Wei's mind—graceful, gentle: Lin Ziyan.
Just thinking of her brought a quiet warmth. Aside from his family, she might be the only one who had genuinely treated him with kindness.
"Speaking of Lin Ziyan—she's your substitute teacher, right? Isn't she from the gifted class? How old is she?" Ye Zhong suddenly asked, his tone meaningful.
"Lin Ziyan? She should be fifteen."
Ye Wei's face flushed slightly, the tips of his ears turning red as he scratched his head sheepishly.
"Fifteen?" Ye Zhong nodded with a thoughtful smile. "Only two years older than our Xiaowei. That's not so much."
"Come on, Tang-ge, don't tease me like that." Ye Wei smiled wryly. "When she gave me the Yanyang Body Tempering Pill, she didn't even blink. She probably comes from a powerful family. There's no way I could match her... not yet."
"Nonsense! What girl in this world isn't worthy of my little brother?" Ye Zhong snorted. "Lin Ziyan, huh? In all of Qingyue City, I can't even recall a prominent family with the surname Lin…"
"Anyway," Ye Wei interrupted, glancing at the moonlit sky, "it's getting late. You haven't rested in three days. You should sleep tonight. The family's burden rests on your shoulders."
Tomorrow's battle would decide everything.
Ye Zhong felt the weight of responsibility settle on him. His expression turned solemn, his gaze resolute.
"Yes. Even if I have to give my life, I will win."
No matter what, the ancestral grounds of the Ye family would not be handed over to outsiders! If they lost this battle, they would lose their standing in Qingyue City. The Ye clan would be forced to abandon their home of generations.
"I'm heading back now," Ye Wei said softly, leaping down from the tree.
"Good," Ye Zhong replied, nodding firmly.
As the silver moon hung high overhead, Ye Zhong stared into the sky. His fists slowly tightened.
This battle would decide their fate.
As Ye Wei's elder brother, Ye Zhong would not—could not—fail!