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Chapter 29: Aftermath of Victory

Li Xue joined them, her youthful excitement palpable. "Big Brother, you were so cool! I almost thought you\'d lose for a second!" she teased, playfully poking him in the side. Li Tian chuckled, ruffling her hair. "You didn\'t believe in me?"

Meanwhile, in the grandstands, the atmosphere among the other families was a mix of respect and envy. The Zhang family, notably, was less than pleased. Zhang Wei, despite his defeat, wore a mask of arrogance as he stood beside his father, who seethed with frustration. "That bastard didn\'t win through skill; he got lucky," Zhang Wei muttered, his voice dripping with resentment.

The head of the Zhang family, a dignified man with a stern expression, glanced at Zhang Wei. "Luck can only carry someone so far. Li Tian showed resilience and strategy—qualities we must acknowledge. It would be wise to learn from this defeat."

Across the arena, members of the other prominent families whispered amongst themselves. Some praised Li Tian\'s skill, while others questioned the integrity of the tournament. "A bastard child winning the Rising Star Tournament? This will shift the power dynamics within the families," one young heir remarked, crossing his arms.

In contrast, members of the Li family were elated. Li Tian\'s father, seated among the elders, wore a proud smile that he rarely displayed. "My son has proven himself," he said, his voice firm yet filled with a rare warmth. The family elders nodded in agreement, their expressions softened by the unexpected success of Li Tian.

"Let\'s not forget how far he has come from being an outcast," one elder remarked. "His victory speaks volumes about the Li family\'s future."

Back at the arena floor, as Li Tian continued to accept congratulations, he caught sight of his half-brothers. They approached him, their expressions a mixture of begrudging respect and annoyance. The eldest, Li Hong, crossed his arms. "You did well, but don\'t think this changes anything. You\'re still a bastard."

Li Tian met his gaze steadily, a smirk forming on his lips. "Maybe, but I\'m also the Rising Star Tournament champion. Actions speak louder than words, don\'t they?"

His brothers exchanged glances, the tension in the air palpable, but Li Tian\'s unwavering confidence seemed to defuse some of the animosity. It was a small victory in itself.

Later that evening, the Li family gathered for a celebratory feast in honor of Li Tian\'s win. The atmosphere was festive, filled with laughter, music, and plenty of food. Xu Fang sat beside him, her hand subtly brushing against his as they shared stolen glances, enjoying each other\'s presence amidst the celebration.

Li Tian felt a renewed sense of belonging as he engaged with his family, teasing his sisters and joking with his father. For the first time, he sensed a shift in their perceptions of him, a hint of acceptance replacing the coldness that had defined their interactions in the past.

As the evening wore on, Li Tian rose to give a toast. He stood up, glass in hand, and addressed his family. "To new beginnings and stronger bonds," he declared, his voice strong and clear. "Let this victory be a reminder that we can rise above our pasts and work towards a brighter future together."

The room erupted in cheers, and Li Tian\'s heart swelled with pride. He had fought not just for himself but for his place in this family, and now he felt it solidifying.

However, amidst the celebration, the whispers of the other families lingered in the back of his mind. The tournament had set off a chain of reactions that would ripple through their world, and he knew that challenges lay ahead. The taste of victory was sweet, but the path forward would require vigilance, strength, and cunning.

As the night drew to a close, Li Tian caught Xu Fang\'s gaze from across the table. Her eyes sparkled in the candlelight, and he felt a deep connection growing between them. This was just the beginning, and he was determined to protect what he had gained, both in power and in relationships.