The training ground was still filled with laughter.
"A five-element root? That's basically useless!"
"He'll never become a cultivator."
"What a disgrace to the Ye Clan."
The voices echoed around him.
Ye Feng stood quietly, isolated from the crowd.
Ye Lin walked up to him with a smug expression.
"Now you see the difference?"
"I have dual roots."
"And you?"
He smirked.
"Just trash."
More laughter followed.
Ye Feng looked at him calmly but said nothing.
His silence only made Ye Lin more annoyed.
"Hmph. Acting tough won't change anything."
"You're still a waste."
Ye Feng turned and walked away.
At that moment—
"Wait."
A steward called out.
"You are not dismissed yet."
"The elders will decide your fate."
Ye Feng stopped.
He already knew the answer.
After the test ended, everyone left—
Except him.
The talented were taken away.
The average entered training.
Only Ye Feng remained.
Alone.
Soon, he was called to the council hall.
Standing outside, he took a deep breath.
Then stepped inside.
Several elders stared at him.
The pressure was overwhelming.
"Ye Feng," Elder Ye Xuan spoke.
"Do you know what a five-element root means?"
"Yes."
"It means… I will struggle to cultivate."
"And likely achieve nothing."
"Good."
"Then you understand our decision."
Ye Feng remained silent.
His heart turned cold.
In this world—
The weak had no value.
"You may leave."
"The final decision will be announced tomorrow."
Ye Feng nodded and walked out.
The sunlight felt cold.
"Trash…"
He muttered.
But his eyes slowly changed.
From emotion—
To calm determination.
If strength ruled this world—
Then he would become strong.
No matter the cost.
At that moment—
A faint voice echoed in his mind.
[System connection… 12%]
Ye Feng's eyes widened.
"So it's real…"
A spark of hope appeared.
The story—
Was just beginning.