News of the upcoming examination spread throughout the Ye Clan like wildfire.
For the younger generation, it was a chance to prove themselves.
For the elders, it was a measure of the clan's future.
For the branch families…
It was pressure.
Immense pressure.
At the academy, discussions about the examination could be heard everywhere.
"I heard the top three will receive cultivation resources."
"Not only that. Elder guidance too."
"Young Master Ye Ming will definitely take first place."
"Who can compete with him?"
The students chatted excitedly.
Most of the discussions revolved around the main branch.
After all, the strongest talents of the clan came from there.
At the front of the classroom sat Ye Ming.
Several disciples surrounded him.
Some sought advice.
Others simply wished to remain in his good graces.
Not far away sat Ye Jun.
His expression was full of confidence.
"The top ten places are already decided."
One disciple laughed.
"And who decided that?"
Ye Jun smirked.
"The main branch, obviously."
Several disciples laughed.
No one openly disagreed.
The main branch possessed the best resources, the strongest instructors, and the greatest influence within the clan.
For many years, the examination rankings had been dominated by them.
Meanwhile, disciples from the branch families remained silent.
Some lowered their heads.
Others clenched their fists.
But none spoke.
The reality was simple.
The gap existed.
At that moment, Elder Han entered the classroom.
The room immediately quieted.
His sharp gaze swept across the students.
"I have heard many discussions regarding the examination."
Nobody dared speak.
The elder continued.
"Some of you believe victory is already decided."
His eyes briefly landed on Ye Jun.
The latter immediately straightened.
"Remember this."
Elder Han's voice became firm.
"The examination has not begun."
"No cultivator knows where another's opportunities may lie."
"Likewise, no clan remains strong forever."
The room became silent.
Even Ye Ming listened attentively.
Then Elder Han looked toward the students from the branch families.
"Do not underestimate yourselves."
His words surprised many.
"Your starting point may be lower."
"But cultivation is a path measured over a lifetime."
For a brief moment, Ye Fu felt the elder's gaze stop on him.
Then it moved on.
The lesson soon ended.
As students left the academy, groups naturally formed.
The disciples of the main branch walked together.
Their laughter echoed across the courtyard.
Their confidence was obvious.
Meanwhile, many disciples from the branch families wore troubled expressions.
One wrong performance in the examination could mean losing resources for an entire year.
That evening, Ye Fu returned home.
As he entered the courtyard, he heard voices from inside.
Several branch-family elders had gathered.
Their expressions were serious.
"The main branch is becoming stronger every year."
"The resources continue flowing toward them."
"What can we do?"
"We can only hope our children perform well."
The conversation continued.
Ye Fu quietly listened from outside.
For the first time, he realized the examination was not merely a competition among children.
It was a competition between families.
Between branches.
Between futures.
Later that night, after everyone had gone to sleep, Ye Fu sat alone beneath the moonlight.
His thoughts drifted to the academy.
To Ye Ming.
To Ye Jun.
To the expectations of the clan.
Then he thought about his father.
A man who had endured years of ridicule without complaint.
Slowly, Ye Fu clenched his fists.
The examination was still weeks away.
But a fire had already begun burning within his heart.
This time…
He would not allow his family to be looked down upon again.