As soon as the horse galloped into the Li family estate, it instantly drew the attention of many family members.

"Li Xiaoyao's back. I wonder what level his cultivation has reached now."

"Hah, so what if he's back? He's just going to embarrass himself at the annual gathering. The master's son and daughter are both stronger than him now. No matter how much Li Xiaoyao improves, he's still only at the seventh level of Qi Martial Realm. How could he ever compete?"

"Exactly. Of course, he beat Li Yi last time, but Li Yi isn't even in the same league as the real talents in the family. If I were him, I'd hide in the sect and never come out again."

Many people whispered to each other, mostly mocking Li Xiaoyao behind his back. After all, how could the Li family's young master be anything but a "waste"?

By now, Li Xiaoyao had already returned to the courtyard where he lived. It was small but tidy, a place shared only by him and his father, Li Kai.

"Hey Father," Li Xiaoyao called as he entered Li Kai's room, seeing his father painting.

"Xiaoyao, you're back," Li Kai looked up, putting away his painting, a warm smile crossing his face.

"Yeah, the annual gathering is in seven days. I made sure to come back just in time for it," Li Xiaoyao replied, glancing at the painting his father had just stored away. He remembered that Li Kai enjoyed peace and quiet, probably because of his passion for painting. Li Kai didn't like being disturbed, and yet, Li Xiaoyao had never actually seen any of his father's paintings.

"Xiaoyao, you don't have to take part in the gathering this time. Let them make all the noise they want," Li Kai said with a smile, shaking his head.

"Why not, Father?" Li Xiaoyao asked.

"Heh, this year, they're all coming for the two of us. I don't care what they do, but Xiaoyao, you should be cautious," Li Kai sighed. The Li family had changed, no longer as peaceful as before. His two brothers, some cousins, and even a few elders were starting to scheme. They were likely planning to force him to step down at this year's gathering.

"Don't worry about it, dad. i don't care that shit at all," Li Xiaoyao said, shaking his head. He was already at the ninth level of Qi Martial Realm, so even if they tried something drastic at the gathering, they'd have to be capable of doing it first.

"Oh?" Li Kai gave his son a surprised look, then seeing the confidence in Li Xiaoyao's eyes, he smiled. "Haha, I guess I've been underestimating you, son. Alright then, let's see what tricks they try to pull at this gathering. If they want my position, they'll have to bring more than just schemes."

"Again, my son, be careful at the annual gathering. I've heard Li Xin has already broken through to the Spirit Martial Realm," Li Kai reminded.

"It's not just a rumor, she really has reached the Spirit Martial Realm. But if she thinks it'll be easy to hurt me, she's wrong," Li Xiaoyao's eyes flashed coldly. Li Xin had brought people to Canghai Sect to take him out, and when she left, she even threatened him, saying they'd settle it at the gathering. Well, now the time had come, and Li Xiaoyao was ready to see how she planned to "deal" with him.

"Father, I'm going to continue cultivate now. Just remind me when the tournament starts," Li Xiaoyao said as he excused himself. Even though his cultivation was already strong, Li Xin, with her dual Fire and Ice Martial Soul, wasn't an easy opponent. It was better to improve his strength further.

Meanwhile, outside the Li family estate, three flaming horses charged in like a storm. Riding the middle one was none other than Li Xin, draped in a fiery red phoenix-tail robe, which made her look incredibly regal. Her cold, aloof aura only added to her untouchable, superior presence.

"Miss Xin," the guards at the gate greeted her with deep respect, far more than they ever showed Li Xiaoyao. They didn't even dare to make eye contact with her. Just her mere presence made them feel inferior.

Without even glancing at them, Li Xin rode her flaming horse straight into the estate, like a proud princess. Following closely were two people dressed in the robes of Yuehui Sect.

"Miss Xin is truly on another level. Her beauty and presence are unmatched. She's definitely the number one in the Li family," one of the guards remarked with admiration after she passed.

"Of course! A Spirit Martial Realm expert—how could she not be? She's only sixteen and already has such a limitless future. The young master can't even begin to compare. Even Miss Xin's companions are amazing—elite members of Yuehui Sect," another guard chimed in. To them, Li Xiaoyao wasn't even worthy of comparison. Li Xin was like the bright moon in the sky, while Li Xiaoyao was just a firefly on the ground, destined to always be looking up.

Since Li Xin's arrival, along with the two disciples from Yuehui Sect, caused an immediate stir within the Li family—far more excitement than when Li Xiaoyao returned. She was treated like the center of attention, with elders and many of the family members rushing to greet her at Li Batian's residence. Li Xin's future was limitless, far beyond what the Li family alone could offer.

Because of this, many in the Li family were eager to curry favor by supporting Li Batian's bid to become the family head. If Li Xin rose to prominence, it would bring glory to the family, and those who helped elevate Li Batian would naturally reap the benefits.

In stark contrast, the place where Li Xiaoyao resided was quiet and almost desolate. But Li Xin hadn't forgotten about him. It was as if her gaze pierced through the walls, landing on his secluded courtyard, a brief flash of coldness in her eyes.

"This time, I'll make sure you regret it," Li Xin thought, a chill running through her heart.

Two days later, Li Batian's eldest son, Li Yang, also returned. He had been training at Nuanshan Villa, which, while not a sect, was as powerful as Canghai Sect and widely known in the Snowmoon Kingdom. Nuanshan Villa only accepted those with ice or snow elemental martial souls.

Li Yang's cultivation had also seen a significant increase. He had reached the peak of the ninth level of the Qi Martial Realm, just a step away from the Spirit Martial Realm, causing another wave of excitement in the Li family. At this point, it seemed like the family was already under Li Batian's control.

Along with Li Yang, many other elders and distant family members returned, making the Li estate lively in the days leading up to the annual gathering. Especially at Li Batian's residence, which was bustling like never before—it felt like he was already the head of the family.

In contrast, the courtyard where the rightful head, Li Kai, resided was deserted and quiet, with hardly anyone paying a visit.

Eventually, the day of the annual tournament comes up...

Everyone in the Li family felt a sense of anticipation. Another year had passed, and they were eager to see how the younger generation had progressed. Where did their own children stand in terms of strength? Would any exceptional talents emerge from the family? Today, all of that would be revealed.

...

For the higher-ups in the Li family, today was destined to be anything but ordinary. Three months ago, there were already murmurs of pushing Li Kai out of his position, but he had managed to quell all opposition with his sheer dominance. Today, however, the challengers were better prepared, and with so many family members returning from afar, the stage was set.

Li Xiaoyao stepped out of his room, glancing at the rising sun while stretching leisurely.

For him, today didn't feel any different. The position of family head? He couldn't care less. His pursuit lay in martial strength, because only with power could one truly hold sway. The title of family head was nothing more than an illusion. If you were strong enough, if no one could defeat you, even without the title, who would dare go against your word?

He knew his father felt the same. Li Kai had never been one to chase after power. If he had been, he wouldn't be living so quietly and peacefully. If it weren't for major family matters, he barely made an appearance, which gave others opportunities to chip away at his influence.

"My son, you're done with your cultivation?" Li Kai called as he walked over, originally intending to wake him up.

"yup," Li Xiaoyao nodded.

"Let's go, then." The two headed toward the arena where the annual gathering was being held.

The place was packed with people, and the moment Li Xiaoyao and Li Kai arrived, countless eyes turned in their direction, filled with mixed emotions.

"Li Xiaoyao," several icy glares locked onto him. Among them were Li Xin, Li Dan, and of course, Li Ming and Li Yi—both of whom had been humiliated by Li Xiaoyao. Li Ming had his cultivation crippled, while Li Yi was publicly disgraced by him.

Also glaring at him was his third uncle, Li Yan. Of all the people in the Li family, no one hated Li Xiaoyao and his father more than Li Yan. His son, Li Ming, had been crippled, and to add insult to injury, Li Yan had kept the matter quiet, unwilling to let anyone know out of shame. On one hand, he couldn't bear the humiliation. On the other, he refused to let Li Xiaoyao and his father enjoy their moment of satisfaction.