Even Though I Am Blind, I Am Invincible

Xiao Heng awoke beneath a familiar warmth—a blanket tucked around him, his mother's care evident. Pain flared through his body, his tattered robes a silent testament to his fall from Inferno Mountain. He changed into fresh robes, his movements steady despite the aches. The scent of tea grounded him as he took a sip.

"I should see my parents."

Stepping into the hallways, he noticed an unnatural hush. Conversations ceased. Servants retreated. His fingers tightened around his teacup.

"The grand hall, then."

Inside, voices clashed.

"Clan Leader, I nominate Xiao Feng for the Three Great Clans Tournament," the second elder declared.

The great elder smiled. "Indeed! Feng, show them."

A sharp pulse of energy rippled through the air.

Gasps followed.

"Sixth-tier Body Refinement?!"

"With such strength, victory is assured!"

Yet, the clan leader remained unmoved. "Xiao Feng will not compete."

Silence.

The second elder frowned. "Then who?"

A scoff. "Surely not your crippled son?"

The clan leader's voice was calm but final. "My son was weak before. Now, he is even less fit for battle."

Laughter rang out.

Xiao Feng smirked. "Because I killed him, of course."

The hall fell deathly silent.

The clan leader's fingers twitched. "You dare?"

"What's one useless cripple? Resources were wasted on him."

The doors creaked open.

A blind man entered.

His presence was quiet yet commanding, his steps measured. Though his eyes held only darkness, he stood with unshaken poise. The murmurs died.

"Who is this?" someone scoffed.

The clan leader's tone sharpened. "Mind your words. Do you know whom you speak of?"

The blind man halted before his parents and bowed.

"Father. Mother."

Gasps.

"It can't be—!"

The clan leader exhaled. "Yes… He is my son. Xiao Heng has returned."

His mother stepped forward, hands trembling. "Heng'er… You should be resting."

"To see you."

Xiao Feng's sneer deepened. "Impossible! I threw you down Inferno Mountain! How are you still alive?!"

The clan leader's voice rang like steel.

"You think my son returned unscathed? Open your eyes and see!"

The great elder turned sharply. "Feng! Kneel before the young heir!"

"Never!"

The clan leader raised a hand. The hall stilled.

"I will not send my injured son to compete, even if it costs us victory. Any objections?"

The great elder sighed. "My son has wronged the young heir—he is unworthy."

But the second elder stood firm. "The clan has gone too long without victory. We must seize this chance."

Murmurs of agreement.

The fourth elder proposed a compromise. "Let the young generation compete. The strongest shall represent us."

A pause.

"If the elders agree, so be it." The clan leader's voice was weary. "The contest will be held tomorrow."