Darkness enveloped the surroundings, especially the vast sky above. The stars slowly appeared one by one, shining as if signaling the beginning of the night.
Inside a secret chamber used as a meeting room for private matters and confidential discussions. An old man sat to one side, along with several others. All of them carried an air of formality and authority, as if they held positions within the clan.
They were engaged in a discussion concerning matters that required immediate attention, particularly an important event set to take place the following day.
“What will be your plan, Chief?” asked a man named Li Gon who is now in his forties. The concern in his voice was clear. Their future, as well as the integrity they had long protected, depended on this matter.
“Chief, five years from now, our neighboring clans will surely take action and send their members to the Cosmic Dragon Institute. What should we do about this?” said a woman, her voice hesitant. She was Li Chun, one of the high-ranking figures of the clan. Everyone present knew that only five slots had been granted to their region by the great institution. 
“Hahaha… Calm down and do not worry. I understand your concerns,” the Clan Chief, Li San replied. “I have received information that we have been given more time to prepare for the competition that will determine the new generation of disciples. The date for accepting new students has been moved. Starting tomorrow, we will begin training children aged six and older, so that we may at least have representatives, even if we fail to secure a slot of our own.” Clan Chief Li San said. Although his tone was light, a trace of worry and sadness could still be seen in his eyes, something the others could not ignore.
Everyone gathered inside that chamber held authority within the Li Clan—a clan that was once prosperous but now stood on the brink of decline.
In the past, when the Li Clan was first established, the place had been full of life and abundance. Many talented cultivators had emerged from it, and the clan had been known for producing individuals with high levels of Martial Talent. However, as time passed, its strength gradually weakened due to numerous unresolved problems. These issues were unknown to most and remained a mystery even to the current leaders of the clan. 
The people present were the Chief and the Elders of the Li Clan.
They had reached agreements, particularly regarding the preliminary tests used to determine a child’s Martial Talent, whether they had the potential to become powerful cultivators or remain ordinary members of the clan. 
Their expectations were now very high. In just a few years, a major event would take place: the Cosmic Dragon Competition for the new generation. Unfortunately, only five slots had been granted.
This place was called Green Valley, located three hundred kilometers from the Cosmic Dragon Institute, a dream destination for many. However, only a few cultivators had ever succeeded in entering it. 
Most of those who did were never heard from again. Communication was cut off due to the strict rules imposed by the institution, and even information about it rarely spread.
It had been a long time since a member of the Li Clan had last stepped into that institution. Not even its laws and regulations were known to them.
Because of this, they hoped at least one member of the new generation could enter the Cosmic Dragon Institute and bring recognition to their small clan.
After all, who would even pay attention to them?
They were merely one among thousands of clans scattered across the continent. They were already fortunate that, despite being far from the Institute, they had been given a chance to prove themselves through the display of their Martial Talent.
Even if the Li Clan was considered small, its members numbered over three thousand. It could not be denied that they were many, yet their overall strength remained weak.
Due to the lack of cultivation resources, equipment, and weapons, what they currently possessed were only ordinary tools. Farming and raising livestock were their primary means of livelihood.
They could attempt to train or tame Wild Beasts and Vicious Beasts, but with their current level of strength, they would most likely be devoured before even getting close.
This was one of the major problems faced by the Li Clan.
“Why are you not worried, Chief? That event could bring great recognition to us, not to mention the benefits if our younger generation becomes official students walking the path of cultivation.” Li Qiang asked; he is one of the Li Clan’s Elders. He understood how serious the situation was. They needed to secure at least one slot. 
This opportunity came only once every ten years for small clans like theirs. It was both a blessing and a burden, as many clans would compete, and the geniuses of the new generation would surely emerge as formidable opponents.
“There is nothing more we can do if fate does not favor us. We all know that there are many things we must still worry about, especially our daily survival and safety. If that opportunity is not meant for us, then there is nothing we can do. We also understand how intense that competition is. It exists to select only those who are truly superior.” Chief Li San answered while his voice carried a hint of sadness.
Silence filled the chamber, a sign that his words had struck deeply.
There were still many problems they had to face, problems that would determine whether their clan could endure into the next generation.
“Do you have any more questions? If none, you may leave,” said Chief Li San.
One by one, the five Elders stood up, bowed respectfully, and left the chamber to fulfill their duties. Each of them carried a heavy burden, especially the Chief. A single mistake could cause the very foundation of the Li Clan to collapse.
Left alone, Chief Li San let out a deep sigh as he stood.
“I hope this new generation will produce talented cultivators… If not, the Li Clan will lose its future.” He spoke softly as he gazed at the stars before turning toward the door and leaving the chamber.

The stars sparkled brightly in the night sky as a young boy, who had just turned six a few days ago, happily gazed at those distant, shimmering lights far beyond his reach.
He lay on the grass while moving his hand playfully as if drawing lines between the stars, connecting them through invisible threads only he could see. This was something Li Xiaolong often did. He enjoyed playing with things that were far away. At his age, he had a cheerful and lively personality.
The boy had fair skin, a sharp nose, and a pair of narrow gray eyes. His slightly long black hair made him look similar to the typical members of the Li Clan.
However, despite the gentle features and natural diligence of their clan, their talent in Martial Arts was the complete opposite. In this world, the gap between strength and appearance was painfully clear. Because of this, it was not surprising that they were often mocked whenever they stepped outside their territory.
Even though the Li Clan was considered small, their territory was quite vast. Their neighboring clans, such as the Huang Clan and the Lin Clan, also controlled large areas. Still, conflicts and misunderstandings between clans were unavoidable.
One of the main reasons behind the decline of the Li Clan was their limited Martial Arts Techniques and lack of cultivation resources, brought about by the passage of time. Because of this, their overall strength had weakened greatly. If not for these circumstances, they would still be thriving today.
There were still many mysteries hidden behind the problems currently faced by the Li Clan.
At the age of six, many thoughts already filled the minds of children, especially those of the new generation of the Li Clan, including Li Xiaolong. He, too, dreamed of becoming a powerful cultivator in the future. He wanted to restore the Li Clan through his own efforts and strength.
He felt pity for his parents, who were nothing more than ordinary members of the clan.
His father, Li Qide, was a farmer, while his mother, Li Wenren, stayed at home to take care of his younger sibling, Li Ying, who was only one year old. Their daily expenses were difficult to sustain, especially since his father earned only one hundred copper coins. This was the reason why Li Xiaolong wanted to become strong.
Many dreams and ambitions filled his young mind.
“Xiaolong, come home!” a voice called from not too far away.
His thoughts immediately disappeared. He recognized that voice at once. It was his mother, Li Wenren, and he was certain she had already finished preparing dinner.
Li Xiaolong quickly stood up from the grass and left the place. His mother had always reminded him not to stay out too late or let the food grow cold. It would be disrespectful to the one who prepared it. Food was considered a blessing from heaven, something that should never be wasted or taken for granted.
He ran swiftly from the grassy hill near their home toward their home.
As he reached the yard of their small hut, he frowned slightly. Only then did he notice how dirty he had become from chopping wood earlier.
At the age of four, his parents had already discovered his unusual strength. His mother believed he had been blessed with extraordinary power. At four, he could already lift a sack of rice, and by five, he was capable of cutting down large trees.
His strength was far from ordinary. Because of this, he rarely interacted with other children his age, or even with other clan members. 
When he was four, he had almost accidentally crushed another clan member, nearly breaking the person’s ribs. Since then, his parents constantly reminded him to be careful around others, especially those younger or of the same age.
Instead of playing, Li Xiaolong spent his time chopping wood, especially dry logs, to be used as firewood. He would gather large amounts and sell them to neighbors to help support his family.
Each bundle was worth five copper coins. In a single day, he could earn up to thirty coins, which he would always offer to his mother, though she never accepted them.
Li Xiaolong reached into his pocket and pulled out the coins, counting them carefully.
“One… two… three… ten… thirty…”
He let out a deep breath and smiled, relieved that he had not lost them earlier.
“Good thing…” he thought, brushing aside his worry.
He opened the small wooden gate of their home and immediately saw his mother, who had just finished setting the food on the table. The dishes were still warm.
“Come, my child, let’s eat. Your father will probably be late. He must have gone to the market to buy what we need,” his mother said gently.
“Yes, Mother. By the way, this is what I earned today from selling wood,” Li Xiaolong said, offering the coins to her with a smile.
His mother looked at him before replying.
“Keep it. Save it for yourself, so that when you need something, you’ll have money. We are fortunate to have a hardworking and kind child.”
As she spoke, she looked into his eyes. Though she smiled, faint tears formed in her own.
Even at a young age, Li Xiaolong had a sharp mind, especially when it came to understanding people. He could read emotions well and knew what his mother truly meant.
They were not wealthy. They were far from being nobles. Saving was the only thing he could do.
Even so, Li Xiaolong considered himself fortunate to have such parents. Though they were ordinary members of the Li Clan, they worked tirelessly to support their family.
“Yes, Mother. I’ll wash my hands first before eating,” Li Xiaolong said.
“Alright, but take a bath too. You’re filthy,” Li Wenren said with a laugh.
“Ah… okay, Mother…” he replied, scratching the back of his head in embarrassment.
He quickly ran off, leaving his mother smiling behind him.
Li Wenren knew that her son was responsible, far more mature than his age. At times, he even thought and acted like a grown young man. Because of this, she had grown used to treating him differently. Whenever she tried to baby him, he would only frown.