The outer courtyard of the Cloud Mist Sect was lively as always. Young disciples could be seen practicing their cultivation techniques, sparring, and exchanging pointers. In this world where strength ruled everything, cultivation was life.
And then... there was Xiao Li.
Lying lazily under a peach blossom tree, with a blade of grass between his lips, he looked completely out of place in this competitive atmosphere. His robes were slightly messy, his hair tousled by the wind, and a soft snore occasionally escaped his mouth.
While the other disciples struggled and sweated for a single breakthrough, Xiao Li... was sleeping.
A few disciples passing by looked at him and scoffed.
> Disciple A: "Tch, what a useless guy. I don't know why the sect even keeps someone like him."
> Disciple B: "Yeah, Cloud Mist Sect is supposed to be prestigious! But look at him... always sleeping, doing nothing."
> Disciple C: "He's just trash. I heard he hasn't even broken through to the third layer of Body Tempering."
Their whispers were filled with disdain.
But if anyone with true insight were present, they would immediately notice that the spiritual energy around Xiao Li was faintly swirling towards him, naturally nourishing his body even as he slept!
---
Flashback: Xiao Li's Background
Xiao Li was the second son of a fallen noble family. Once, the Li Clan was a force to be reckoned with, a major power in the Northern Territories. However, due to internal betrayal and external enemies, the clan crumbled almost overnight.
As a child, Xiao Li witnessed his family's downfall, the death of his parents, and the betrayal of supposed allies. But instead of despair, he simply... yawned.
Perhaps because from a young age, Xiao Li realized something profound—the world was never fair. So why bother worrying about it? If power was necessary, he'd get it. But he would never let the world dictate his happiness.
Thus, even after joining the Cloud Mist Sect, he maintained his lazy, carefree attitude, completely ignoring the ridicule and disdain thrown his way.
Only a few elders who had sharp senses could faintly tell:
> "This boy... he's hiding something terrifying beneath that laziness."
---
Reality Behind the Mask
Unknown to others, Xiao Li had actually awakened an ancient, forbidden physique: the Heavenly Void Physique.
This rare constitution allowed him to absorb spiritual energy naturally without active cultivation. Even more frightening, any techniques he saw could be instantly learned with perfect comprehension!
However, because his body was so strong naturally, advancing realms too fast would cause instability. So Xiao Li deliberately kept a low profile, letting others think he was a waste.
> Xiao Li's philosophy: "Cultivate while sleeping. Fight only when bored. Love life, hate drama."
---
Today's Trouble Brewing
As Xiao Li continued napping peacefully, a group of young disciples approached, led by Wang Tian, a senior outer disciple and notorious bully.
> Wang Tian (sneering): "Oi, trash! Get up! This is our training ground, not your personal bedroom."
Xiao Li opened one eye lazily, yawned, and waved his hand dismissively.
> Xiao Li: "Too noisy... Come back later..."
The surrounding disciples chuckled cruelly, sensing drama.
> Wang Tian: "You dare ignore me?! I'll teach you your place today!"
He raised his hand to strike.
But before anyone could react—
WHOOSH!
Wang Tian's body was suddenly sent flying, crashing into a nearby tree with a loud thud.
The entire area went silent.
No one even saw Xiao Li move.
Xiao Li simply yawned again, scratching his head lazily.
> Xiao Li (murmuring): "Annoying... don't disturb my nap."
The disciples stared at him, their jaws hanging open.
Was this really the trash they had been mocking all this time?
---
The Rumors Begin
Within hours, the news spread like wildfire across the outer courtyard:
> "Wang Tian was defeated in one move!"
"Xiao Li is hiding his true strength!"
"Could he be... a secret monster?"
Meanwhile, Xiao Li... had fallen asleep again under the peach tree, as if nothing had happened.
In the distance, the Inner Court Elders who were observing all of this exchanged glances, their expressions serious.
> Elder Mo: "He must not be provoked easily. This boy is not what he seems."