From Death To Dominion

The path of cultivation is already thorny, and I've chosen one covered in even sharper thorns… but great hardships bring even greater rewards.

His mind drifted toward the future. If his cultivation method continued refining and tempering him like this, then once he did break through, his power would be terrifying.

Each advancement would not only raise his realm but also drastically increase his raw combat ability, endurance, and energy reserves.

This meant that in the same realm, he would be leagues above others, his attacks containing several times the strength of normal cultivators. Even if he advanced more slowly, his foundation would be unshakable.

But this also meant that his path would be far more difficult than anyone else's.

There was no room for complaint. This was his path—one he had chosen with his own will. If the fruits of his labor were harder to obtain, then he would simply have to work harder to reap them.

Resources? He would find them.

Opportunities? He would seize them.

Obstacles? He would crush them.

If this was the price of forging an unshakable foundation, then so be it.

Letting out a slow breath, Ye Xian closed his eyes, allowing exhaustion to finally take hold. Tomorrow, he would begin planning his next steps—there was no time to waste.

The next morning, Ye Xian woke up feeling refreshed yet contemplative. As golden sunlight poured through the windows, he sat down for a simple breakfast, absentmindedly chewing his food while his thoughts lingered on his cultivation.

The resources I need will only increase from here… I have to start securing wealth and cultivation materials soon.

His current status in the clan wasn't enough to guarantee a steady supply of Ki stones. If he wanted to grow stronger, he needed connections, opportunities, and most importantly—power.

The burden of his cultivation technique was immense, but the strength it would grant him was unparalleled. Once he reached the Ki Warrior Realm, his energy would already be condensed to a terrifying degree.

If others needed ten attacks to defeat an enemy, he would only need one. If others struggled against bottlenecks, he would surpass them with absolute dominance.

But first… he needed more resources.

Finishing his meal, he rose from his seat and stepped out of his room, ready to begin his day.

Just as Ye Xian was about to leave the courtyard of the Ye Clan estate, a familiar voice called out to him.

"Ye Xian!"

Turning toward the sound, he found himself gazing at Ye Qianying, his childhood friend and the adopted daughter of the Ye Clan Patriarch.

A rare expression of pleasure flickered across his face as he greeted her.

"Qianying," he said with a faint smile. "What brings you here?"

She crossed her arms, a hint of amusement in her expression.

"I was about to head to the academy. How about we go together?"

Ye Xian chuckled.

"Sure, let's go."

As they walked side by side, Ye Qianying's presence drew the attention of passersby. She was a vision of ethereal beauty—a celestial being seemingly untouched by the mortal world. Her long, raven-black hair cascaded down her back like a silk veil woven from the night sky, framing her delicate yet striking face.

Her deep, mysterious eyes shimmered like stars reflected on a still lake, carrying a serene charm that was almost hypnotic. A refined nose, soft rosy lips, and a natural elegance made her seem untouchable—a fairy whom one could only admire from afar, never daring to reach.

As they left the estate, Ye Xian struck up a conversation.

"How have you been? Are you still working on your paintings?"

A rare glimmer of joy crossed Ye Qianying's face. She nodded.

"Yes, though I barely have time to indulge in it these days. Work keeps piling up."

Despite being only nineteen, Ye Qianying carried the weight of responsibilities that many her age could not fathom. As the adopted daughter of the Ye Clan Patriarch, she had stepped forward to manage the clan's vast businesses—silk trade, rune weaponry, and artifact sales.

Originally, these responsibilities should have fallen to Ye Tianling, the patriarch's son and rightful heir. However, fate had been cruel. During a tournament against a rival clan, Ye Tianling had suffered a crippling defeat, his dantian and meridians severely damaged.

Once a proud and ambitious young man who had dreamed of leading the clan as its next patriarch, he lost all confidence and courage after his downfall.

In a world where cultivation was everything, such a setback was devastating. His ambitions shattered, his once-fiery spirit extinguished.

It was then that Ye Qianying stepped forward, embracing the responsibility not just out of duty but out of filial piety. She took command of the family's businesses, ensuring the clan remained strong.

Yet, beneath her composed exterior, Ye Xian knew the weight she carried.

She had no time to enjoy the carefree life that most girls her age took for granted.

Ye Xian and Ye Qianying had been childhood friends, drawn closer by hardships.

When Ye Xian's cultivation had suffered a setback, dropping an entire realm due to a backlash, the clan's elders and younger members alike had mocked and ridiculed him. His once-promising future seemed bleak.

Yet, amidst the scorn, only one person had stood by his side—Ye Qianying.

She had taken care of him during his difficult times, offering comfort when no one else did.

Perhaps that was why, despite her cold and distant reputation, Ye Xian always saw a different side of her.

As they walked through the bustling market district on their way to the academy, Ye Xian suddenly stopped at a vendor's stall.

He purchased sweet honey mustard candies and roasted lamb cheese skewers, handing some to Ye Qianying.

She blinked in mild surprise. "You still remember?"

Ye Xian smirked. "Of course. These are your favorites."

Taking a bite, she savored the flavors, a rare look of delight crossing her usually calm face.

"I haven't had time to enjoy these market delicacies in so long…" she murmured.

For a brief moment, she wasn't the heir carrying the weight of the Ye Clan. She was just Ye Qianying—a girl enjoying her favorite street food.

As they continued walking, she spoke up. "If anyone bullies you, just tell me. I'll take care of them."

Ye Xian chuckled but didn't reply.

He couldn't exactly tell her about Steve—how he had humiliated him in front of a crowd of students by effortlessly slapping him despite Steve being a realm above. Or how he had used his Qi Disruption Technique to freeze Steve in place, making him look utterly ridiculous.

She would hear about it soon enough.

After a moment, Ye Qianying spoke again, her tone casual but carrying a hint of mischief.

"I heard something interesting today," she said, glancing at him sideways.

"Oh? What is it?" Ye Xian asked, taking another bite of his skewer.

She smirked slightly. "Your engagement to Xuan Lingshuang. Such a beautiful and talented woman will soon become your wife. I imagine many men will be heartbroken."

Ye Xian raised a brow before grinning shamelessly. "It can't be helped. My charm is too great."

Ye Qianying rolled her eyes. "Shameless."

He laughed before tilting his head thoughtfully. "Though, if we're talking about beauty and talent, you're on equal footing with her. If anything, I think you're even more beautiful than Xuan Lingshuang."

Ye Qianying's steps faltered ever so slightly. For the first time in a long while, her ever-calm expression cracked.

A faint blush spread across her porcelain cheeks, an unusual sight for someone as composed as her.

"Ye Xian," she said slowly, her voice low and dangerous, "do you want to die?"

Ye Xian feigned innocence, nodding solemnly as if he had just made an undeniable statement of fact. "I was just speaking the truth."

Her glare deepened, though her blush remained. "You're truly shameless."

"I only speak the truth," he replied, flashing her a playful smile.

She scoffed and turned her gaze forward, clearly trying to regain her composure. However, the redness on her cheeks lingered longer than she would have liked.

"Enough nonsense," she muttered, as if trying to dismiss the moment. "We should hurry. We don't want to be late."

Ye Xian chuckled but didn't press further.

As they continued toward the academy, the air between them remained light, carrying the warmth of their playful exchange.

After a short silence, Ye Qianying suddenly spoke again, her voice quieter than before.

"...Still, an arranged marriage is a serious matter. Are you truly fine with it?"

Ye Xian blinked, slightly caught off guard by the question.

He had never really thought about it too deeply. The engagement had been set long before he was even aware of it. To him, it was simply a matter of accepting fate as it came.

"It doesn't really matter to me," he admitted. "I never planned for it, but I don't dislike the idea either."

Ye Qianying looked at him carefully, as if trying to read his thoughts.