Reincarnation of the Celestial Bastard

Chapter 8: The Father's Gaze

The days passed in a blur of training and cultivation, each one more intense than the last. Li Tian dedicated every waking moment to refining the Nine Celestial Steps and studying the Heavenly Flame Technique. His resolve solidified with each challenge he faced, and he felt the power within him growing stronger.

Word of his newfound dedication and progress began to circulate within the Li family estate. Whispers filled the halls, both awe and skepticism coloring the conversations among his brothers. Some dismissed him as a mere bastard, while others couldn't ignore the changes they witnessed in his demeanor and abilities.

One afternoon, as he practiced the Nine Celestial Steps in the training grounds, he felt a familiar presence approaching. It was Li Xue, her eyes bright with excitement. "Brother Tian! I heard Father is holding a family gathering tonight. He wants to see everyone's progress!"

Li Tian paused, wiping sweat from his brow. "A family gathering? Is Father really interested in our training?"

"Apparently! He wants to see how we're all doing. It's a chance for you to show him how much you've improved!" she exclaimed, bouncing on her feet.

The thought of performing in front of his father sent a mix of excitement and anxiety through him. While he had been training hard, the idea of showcasing his skills in front of the family—especially his father—was daunting.

"Do you think he'll actually notice me?" Li Tian asked, his voice laced with uncertainty.

"Of course! You've worked so hard. He'll see that you're not just a weakling anymore," Li Xue assured him, her confidence contagious.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over the estate, Li Tian prepared for the gathering. He donned a simple but elegant robe, the fabric soft against his skin. He felt the weight of expectation settle upon him, but he pushed it aside. This was his chance to prove himself.

When he arrived at the family hall, he found it bustling with activity. Family members gathered, chatting animatedly, their laughter echoing off the walls. Li Wei stood in a corner, flanked by his usual entourage, his expression smug as he watched the others.

"Look who it is, the little bastard," he called out, drawing the attention of several others. "Come to show us what a joke you are?"

Li Tian gritted his teeth but refused to rise to the bait. He moved past Li Wei, focusing instead on finding his father. The hall was adorned with banners and decorations, creating an atmosphere of festivity.

At the far end, he spotted his father, Li Zheng, seated on an elevated platform, commanding the attention of everyone present. His imposing figure exuded authority, and the respect he garnered from the family was palpable.

"Gather around, everyone!" Li Zheng's voice boomed, silencing the chatter. "Tonight, we celebrate our family's progress in cultivation. Each of you will demonstrate what you have learned."

Li Tian's heart raced as he stepped forward, the eyes of the family upon him. He could see the mix of curiosity and skepticism in their gazes. Would his father truly acknowledge him?

One by one, his brothers demonstrated their skills. Li Wei performed a flashy technique, his movements sharp and precise, garnering applause from their father. Li Tian felt a knot tighten in his stomach, but he reminded himself of the training he had undergone.

Finally, it was his turn. As he stepped into the center of the hall, he took a deep breath, centering himself. He focused on the energy within him, recalling the teachings of the Nine Celestial Steps.

He began his demonstration, moving through the first stances with grace. Each step felt natural, the spiritual energy flowing effortlessly through his body. He could feel the eyes of the family upon him, weighing him, judging him.

As he transitioned into the second phase, he visualized the energy spiraling around him, the air vibrating with power. He executed the movements with precision, each stance reflecting the hard work he had put in over the past weeks.

When he reached the final phase, he pushed himself harder than ever, summoning the last remnants of energy to complete the technique flawlessly. The room fell silent, the only sound being the gentle rustle of his robes and the rapid beating of his heart.

Finishing with a powerful stance, he stood tall, chest heaving. For a moment, there was no sound. Then, as if breaking a spell, applause erupted in the hall.

Li Zheng's expression shifted from stoic to impressed, a glimmer of approval in his eyes. "Very well done, Li Tian. Your progress is commendable."

Those words hit Li Tian like a thunderbolt, igniting a fire within him. The acknowledgment from his father filled him with pride, overshadowing the taunts of Li Wei and the others.

Li Wei's face darkened as he glared at Li Tian, his previous smugness replaced by irritation. "It was just a lucky performance. It doesn't mean anything."

Li Zheng, however, wasn't deterred by Li Wei's protests. "Every bit of progress matters, especially for our family. Strength comes in many forms, and it's essential we recognize all our members' growth."

Li Tian felt a swell of gratitude toward his father, who had always been a figure of authority, but now he saw a glimpse of recognition. Perhaps, just perhaps, there was a path for him to truly belong within the Li family.

The gathering continued, each family member demonstrating their skills. Yet, amidst the applause and cheers, Li Tian couldn't shake the feeling of competition brewing between him and Li Wei.

After the gathering, Li Xue rushed over to him, her eyes shining with excitement. "You were amazing, Brother Tian! Father actually praised you!"

"Thanks, Li Xue. It feels good to finally have his acknowledgment," Li Tian replied, trying to keep his emotions in check.

"Let's keep training together! You have to show me that last move you did!" she urged, her enthusiasm infectious.

"Definitely," he replied, feeling invigorated by her support. "We'll push each other to new heights."

As they left the hall, Li Tian couldn't help but glance back at his father, who was deep in conversation with some of the elders. There was a sense of belonging beginning to blossom within him. The path ahead was still fraught with challenges, especially with Li Wei lurking in the shadows, but he was ready to face whatever came next.

In the coming days, he would not only train harder but also seek further acknowledgment from his father. He was determined to prove that he was more than just a bastard child; he was a true member of the Li family, one worthy of their name.

With renewed resolve, Li Tian set forth on his journey, ready to embrace the challenges ahead and carve his own destiny.