Fallen Prodigy

As Zhou Yuan returned from the Snow Spirit Academy, he fell into an ambush set up by rival cultivators. Despite being accompanied by two esteemed Spirit Ocean Realm elders from his clan, they were still outnumbered and relentlessly attacked.

The ambush consisted of three powerful Spirit Ocean Realm cultivators, two at the early stage and one at the mid stage, who coordinated their assault. At the same time, Zhou Yuan found himself pursued by a group of lower-level cultivators, all formidable despite being at the Qi Refinement Realm.

One of the assailants, a low-level cultivator known as the Hundred Poison Bandit, Han Li, possessed a cultivation level at the formidable 1st level of Spirit Lake Realm. During their intense battle, Han Li unleashed a unique and terrifying poison called the Extreme Yin Bone-Chilling Poison. This poison was notorious for its bone-deep coldness, and its effects were nothing short of horrifying.

When someone fell victim to this poison, they experienced an immediate and profound sensation of being trapped in an unrelenting icy storm.

The poison will swiftly spread throughout the victim's body, leaving them feeling weak and ashen. It drained their vital energy and had the potential to halt their heart, resulting in a death marked by cold and excruciating agony. It was a poison that instilled fear in all who are acquainted with its dreadful reputation.

However, what made the poison even more terrifying was its ability to affect the soul. It remains a baffling mystery why a mere Spirit Lake Realm cultivator possessed such a potent poison that even venerable cultivators in the Soul Origin Realm held in dread. At a certain concentration, it was rumored to be capable of ending the lives of immortals themselves. Though its origins and true potential remained shrouded in mystery, there was no denying the chilling and deadly power it held.

Incapacitated by the agonizing pain coursing through his body, Zhou Yuan paid a harrowing price for his confrontation with Han Li. Tragically, he ended up losing his eyesight before ultimately prevailing in his battle against the Hundred Poison Bandit.

The event weighed heavily on all the elders, even the patriarch himself, Zhou Yuan's grandfather, who had reached the Soul Origin Realm. Despite his formidable power, he was powerless to reverse the tragic outcome. The loss of Zhou Yuan's eyesight left a profound impact, and countless resources were expended over the years in a desperate quest for a cure, but all efforts proved futile in the face of the devastating consequences. The entire clan grappled with a sense of helplessness and sorrow as they witnessed the irreversible change in Zhou Yuan's life.

The entire Zhou Clan was consumed by grief and anger, vowing to uncover the perpetrators and seek retribution. However, as time passed many had begun to forget about this fallen prodigy. 

Back in the present, Zhou Hai's words sent shockwaves through the gathered crowd. The painful memories of that disastrous day resurfaced, and the guilt of not protecting their prodigy hung heavy in the air. Zhou Ling's celebratory aura dimmed, and he struggled to maintain his composure.

"The past is the past," he declared, his voice trembling with suppressed emotions.

"What happened to Zhou Yuan was a tragedy, and we should all strive to ensure such a thing never occurs again. But I stand here today, a testament to our family's strength and resilience. I have worked hard to reach where I am, and I won't let anyone belittle my achievements."

Zhou Ling's words were met with a mix of determination and authority. Some believed in his capabilities and resilience, while others remained unconvinced, their doubts fueled by the lingering shadow of the past.

The Zhou Clan's grand celebration had transformed into a somber reflection on their past and the challenges they faced. The unresolved tension within the family was palpable, and the fate of Zhou Yuan, the fallen prodigy, remained a painful scar on their history.

***

In a serene courtyard, secluded from the lively grand hall, a young boy stood with an air of tranquility. Despite his sightless eyes, he exuded an unwavering determination, symbolizing his resolute spirit and unwavering commitment to carve his own destiny amidst an uncertain future.