Chapter One: The Disappointment

Li Wei sat cross-legged on the floor, his eyes closed in concentration as he focused on his breathing. The sound of his parents arguing echoed in the background, but he tried to tune them out. They were always arguing lately, always finding something new to criticize him for.

*HE'S USELESS!*

his father was saying.

*HE'LL NEVER AMOUNT TO ANYTHING IN THIS WORLD!. We should have focused on our younger children instead.*

Li Wei's heart sank at the words. He knew his parents were disappointed in him, but it still hurt to hear them say it out loud. He had always dreamed of becoming a powerful cultivator, someone who could protect his family and make them proud. But no matter how hard he tried, he could never seem to grasp the elements the way his siblings could.

*LEAVE HIM ALONE!*

his mother snapped.

*He's still young. He'll improve with time.*

*HE'S ALREADY EIGHTEEN!*

his father retorted.

*HE SHOULD HAVE SHOWN SHOWN PROGRESS BY NOW!!.*

Li Wei opened his eyes and sighed. He knew there was no point in arguing with them. He had heard it all before. Instead, he rose to his feet and made his way to his room.

As he lay on his bed, staring up at the ceiling, Li Wei couldn't help but feel a sense of hopelessness wash over him. He knew his parents loved him, but their constant criticism made him feel like a burden. He didn't want to disappoint them, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't seem to meet their expectations.

But then he thought of his younger siblings. They always looked up to him, saw him as a hero. They didn't care about his lack of elemental talent. To them, he was already strong and powerful. Their belief in him gave him the strength to keep going, to keep trying to improve.

Li Wei sat up and clenched his fists. He wouldn't let his parents' disappointment crush him. He would become stronger, prove them wrong, and protect his family. He would become the strongest cultivator in the land.

And he would start by practicing his physical abilities. Li Wei had always been a fast runner, a natural athlete. Maybe he didn't have the talent for elements, but he could make up for it in other ways. He would train harder than anyone, push himself to the limits, and become a force to be reckoned with.

Little did he know that his determination would soon be put to the test in ways he never could have imagined.