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Chapter 23: The Rising Star Tournament

Xu Fang walked beside them, a calm presence amidst the hustle and bustle. "Remember, Li Tian, just focus on your matches. Don\'t let anyone\'s words affect you," she advised, her gaze steady and reassuring.

As they entered the arena, Li Tian took a moment to absorb the atmosphere. The air was thick with tension and excitement, the kind that filled every participant with a mix of adrenaline and fear. Various heirs from renowned families mingled, exchanging words, laughs, and competitive glances.

However, it wasn\'t long before Li Tian\'s presence caught the attention of others. A group of young heirs from the Zhang family, known for their arrogance, spotted him. They exchanged smirks before approaching, clearly seeking to provoke him.

"Well, well, if it isn\'t the bastard child of the Li family," one of them sneered, his voice dripping with disdain. "What are you doing here? This isn\'t a place for rejects like you."

The words struck like arrows, sharp and piercing. Li Tian clenched his fists, feeling the familiar sting of derision wash over him. He glanced at Xu Fang and Li Xue, who immediately moved closer to his side, concern etched on their faces.

"Don\'t listen to them, Li Tian," Xu Fang said, her voice soothing. "You know who you are. Your worth isn\'t defined by their opinions."

"Yeah! You\'re way stronger than they think!" Li Xue chimed in, her youthful determination shining through.

But as the insults continued, Li Tian found his resolve hardening. He straightened his back and met the mockers\' gazes head-on. "I don\'t need your validation to know my worth. I\'m here to prove myself, not to conform to your standards."

The words hung in the air, and for a brief moment, surprise flickered across the faces of the young heirs. Li Tian\'s confidence, stemming from his recent accomplishments and the support of his family, shone through.

"Ha! We\'ll see how long that bravado lasts when you get knocked out in the first round," another member of the group scoffed, but their jeers lost some of their venom.

Li Tian turned away, shaking off the negativity like water off a duck\'s back. He had faced worse in his life, and he refused to let a few words dampen his spirit. "Let\'s explore," he said to Xu Fang and Li Xue, eager to divert their attention.

As they wandered through the tournament grounds, Li Tian\'s mood lightened. They passed booths showcasing various weapons, martial arts techniques, and cultivation methods. He marveled at the diverse array of talents on display, each family presenting their strongest heirs for the competition.

"Look at that! They\'re demonstrating some insane combat techniques," Li Xue exclaimed, pointing excitedly at a nearby exhibition. Li Tian watched as a young heir executed a series of fluid movements, his body a blur of speed and precision.

"Impressive," Li Tian mused, already assessing the skills he could adapt for his own training. "I\'ll need to step up my game if I want to compete."

Xu Fang placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "You\'re already on their level, Li Tian. Just remember to keep your head clear. Trust in your training and your instincts."

They continued to explore, with Li Tian soaking in every detail, from the boisterous crowd to the distinct families vying for dominance. The experience fueled his determination; he was no longer just an outsider but a contender ready to carve his name into the history of the tournament.

As the day wore on, Li Tian felt the weight of expectation settle upon him. The taunts from the Zhang heirs lingered at the back of his mind, but he pushed them aside. He had his family by his side, and he knew that no matter the outcome, he would emerge stronger.

Finally, as the sun dipped low in the sky, casting a golden hue over the arena, Li Tian and his companions made their way to the main stage for the opening ceremony. Participants gathered, ready to introduce themselves and face their challengers in the upcoming matches.