the rise of the useless son-in-law of a wealthy family

Lengyi in danger

However, Su Jian's presence in the Xia family was considered a disgrace. Many members of the Xia family viewed Lengyi's marriage to someone like Su Jian as an insult to their traditions. Xia Yao, Lengyi's cousin, was one of the most vocal opponents of their union.

"He doesn't even have a cultivation base," Xia Yao would often sneer. "How can someone like him be part of our family?"

In the World Between Heaven and Earth, those without a cultivation base were often seen as burdens. Without the ability to absorb spiritual energy, they were defenseless against the dangers of this realm. The world was filled with ferocious beasts, bandits, and other threats that only cultivators could withstand.

As a result, Su Jian always felt like a thorn in the side of the Xia family. No matter how hard he tried to contribute or help, he was always seen as weak and useless. Even the Xia family's servants treated him with little respect.

Despite his lack of a cultivation base, Su Jian had something others did not: a sincere heart and unexpected courage. He might not have physical strength or extraordinary abilities, but he always gave his best, even if the results were often messy.

As Su Jian reflected on the sword now in his possession, he couldn’t help but wonder. The sword had claimed he was the heir of ancient blood, but what did that mean? Why had it chosen someone like him, who lacked even a basic cultivation foundation?

The sword’s voice suddenly echoed in his mind.  

"Master, this world is not as simple as you think. A cultivation base is merely one path to power. There exists another kind of strength, far purer, that can only be found by those with a true heart."

Su Jian frowned. "What do you mean by 'a true heart'?"

"You’ll understand in time. For now, focus on what lies ahead. This sword is not just a weapon but a key to unlocking your hidden potential."

Although Su Jian didn’t fully grasp the sword’s words, he felt an urge to explore this world more deeply. Perhaps, even without a cultivation base, he could find his own path.

The World Between Heaven and Earth was not only inhabited by humans. Various spiritual creatures, from powerful beasts to nature spirits hidden in remote places, thrived in this realm. Towering mountains shrouded in spiritual mist could only be entered by the strong, and dense forests teeming with dangerous beasts served as testing grounds for cultivators.

At the heart of this world was the Sky City, a legendary place believed to be home to cultivators of the Ascendant rank. Suspended among the clouds, it was unreachable for most. To the common folk, the Sky City was merely a myth, but for cultivators, it was the ultimate destination of their journey.

Yet, beneath all the beauty and wonder, darkness lurked. Cultivators not only competed for ultimate power but also engaged in political intrigue, power struggles, and wars among families. In this world, power was everything, and the weak were often forgotten—or crushed.

-

As he gazed at the sky, its colors shifting as the sun set, Su Jian felt a new determination stirring within him. Despite lacking a cultivation base, the sword had given him hope. Perhaps there was another way for him to find his place in this world.

"I don’t know what lies ahead," Su Jian murmured, gripping the sword’s hilt on his back. "But if this is my destiny, I’ll face it."

Silently, the sword glowed faintly, as if approving his newfound resolve.

---

The night was unusually silent, eerily so for a place as vast as the Xia estate. Typically, the sounds of servants working late or the footsteps of patrolling guards filled the air. But tonight, everything felt off. The sky was overcast, and a cold wind carried an unfamiliar scent—foreboding, like a storm about to break.

Su Jian, fast asleep in his room, was jolted awake by commotion outside. Blinking in confusion, he tried to make sense of the situation. Shouts grew louder, accompanied by the clash of weapons and the sound of objects breaking.

“What’s happening?” Su Jian muttered, still groggy.

He got up, threw on a simple robe, and moved to the window. Peeking through the curtain, he saw the Xia family guards engaged in battle with mysterious figures clad in black. Their faces were hidden behind masks, and their movements were swift and deadly.

"Intruders?" Su Jian gasped. The Xia estate was one of the most protected places in the region. Who would dare attack such a powerful family?

He quickly opened the door and stepped out, but his steps halted as he spotted a flash of steel in the distance. One of the Xia guards fell, a dagger buried in his chest. The sight made Su Jian’s heart race.

“This is bad,” he thought. “I need to find Lengyi.”

---

On the other side of the estate, Lengyi stood in the rear garden, leading several servants to defend one of the estate’s most critical areas. She held her ground with a weapon in hand—a spear of ice she had conjured from her own energy. The cold light from the spear reflected her fierce determination.

However, the enemies she faced were no ordinary bandits. This was a well-organized group of thieves, composed of high-level cultivators. Every strike they made was calculated to divert Lengyi’s attention from the estate’s key locations.

“How dare you set foot on Xia family land!” Lengyi shouted, her voice filled with righteous fury. She launched a flurry of attacks with her ice spear, but one of the attackers, a burly man wielding a black sword, effortlessly deflected her strikes.

“Daughter of the Xia family,” the man sneered. “You may be talented, but unfortunately, tonight is not your lucky night.”