Yet even with all of Li Tian's determination and Master Yun's encouragement wasn't enough. As more years passed without improvement, Li Tian was further reduced to the outer sect.
One morning, after another fruitless night of cultivation, Li Tian was summoned to the Sect Hall. His heart sank upon seeing Elder Guo's stern expression.
"Li Tian," Elder Guo spoke coldly, eyes devoid of the warmth they once held. "For years, we've invested resources in you without seeing progress. The sect can no longer afford such a burden. You're expelled."
Li Tian's knees buckled, shock draining the color from his face. Not like this...
"Elder Guo, please, I'll work harder—"
"Enough!" Elder Guo interrupted harshly. "Guards, escort him out."
With ruthless immediacy, Li Tian was expelled from the Heavenly Sword Sect.
The gates closed firmly behind him, marking the end of his dreams and the beginning of his shameful return home.
The journey back to Li Tian's family estate felt impossibly long.
Every step was heavy and burdened with shame and failure.
Memories of his initial departure filled his mind vividly; the cheering crowds, proud gazes, and the promises he had made echoed bitterly in his ears.
Finally, after a few days of travel, Li Tian stood before the familiar gates of the Li family manor. The guards glanced at him briefly, their faces registering shock before quickly turning cold and disdainful.
"Open the gates," Li Tian commanded, attempting authority, though his voice betrayed a tremble.
The guards exchanged wary glances, unmoving. Eventually, the taller guard shook his head. "You're not allowed entry. Wait here."
Li Tian felt humiliated, but he had no choice but to wait outside silently. Even though these guards did not look like much, they were in the early stages of the Qi mastery realm.
Needless to say, they were much stronger than Li Tian.
Moments after the guards went inside, the gates creaked open slightly, just enough for his father, Li Feng, to emerge, accompanied by several stern-faced elders.
"Father," Li Tian bowed respectfully, his voice subdued. "I've returned."
Li Feng's expression was hard and unyielding. "Returned? Is that what you call your shameful retreat? The entire city whispers about our family now. A divine talent reduced to a laughingstock."
Li Tian raised his head slightly, desperation in his eyes. "Father, please, let me explain—"
"Enough!" Li Feng roared, cutting him off sharply. "You were given every opportunity, every resource, and yet you wasted them. You no longer have a place in this family."
Elder Zhao, one of the most influential family elders, stepped forward. "We've decided on your punishment. Li Tian, you will be banished to the wastelands."
Li Tian's breath caught, his eyes wide with disbelief. "Father, elders, please reconsider!"
Li Feng turned his back dismissively. "Guards, bind him."
Strong hands gripped Li Tian roughly, binding his wrists and ankles tightly with coarse rope. His struggles proved futile.
"Parade him through the city," Elder Zhao commanded coldly. "Let everyone witness the consequences of wasted talent."
Dragged through the bustling streets, Li Tian felt every gaze upon him—each filled with curiosity, shock, and mockery. The citizens quickly understood the meaning behind his bound limbs and downtrodden posture.
"Look, it's Li Tian!"
"The prodigy? Ha! Looks more like a common criminal!"
"Divine talent? Seems more like divine disgrace!"
Every insult pierced deeper into Li Tian's pride. He kept his eyes downcast and endured the humiliation silently, trying to shut out the mocking laughter from reaching his brain.
Eventually, they reached the outskirts of the city, but their journey had just begun.
After five days of walking in shackles, Li Tian and the guards finally arrived at the barren wastelands—a place that seemed to have never seen life. Without hesitation, the guards tossed him harshly onto the rocky ground.
"If you return, your life is forfeit," one guard spat venomously, kicking dust onto Li Tian's prone form before departing.
Li Tian, having had nothing to eat or drink during all this time, finally fell down like a kite with its rope cut.
The sun blazed mercilessly overhead, yet Li Tian lay motionless, bound and abandoned. Hours blurred together, and his consciousness wavered between despair and exhaustion.
After who knew how long, a gentle voice startled him awake. "Look here! A boy's lying on the ground!"
He barely managed to open his eyes. Through blurred vision, Li Tian saw the wrinkled, concerned faces of villagers gathering around him.
"Is he still breathing?"
"Quick, untie him!"
Strong yet gentle hands freed him from his bonds, lifting him carefully. An elderly woman examined him, shaking her head sympathetically.
"Poor child, what cruelty brought you here?" she murmured softly.
Li Tian's eyes fluttered shut, tears mingling with dust on his cheeks, grateful for the kindness he'd long forgotten existed.
The last bit of adrenaline in his body faded the moment he heard those sweet words. As unconsciousness claimed him once more, he felt himself carried gently by caring hands into the warmth of safety.