The Xiong Clan was a clan that placed a high value on strength and physical prowess. Situated in the Qing Mao Mountains, it was one of the three major clans in the region, and was known throughout the land for its fierce warriors and powerful Gu Masters.
From a young age, members of the Xiong Clan were taught to value strength above all else. Even the mortals in the clan were expected to work out and train in martial arts, in order to build their physical abilities and contribute to the clan's overall strength.
The training grounds of the Xiong Clan were always bustling with activity, with students and warriors alike pushing themselves to their limits in order to become stronger and more powerful. Gu Masters in particular were highly respected, and were regarded as the pinnacle of physical and mental strength.
But even beyond the physical, the Xiong Clan placed a high value on discipline and honor. Members of the clan were expected to follow a strict code of conduct, one that emphasized loyalty to the clan, respect for their superiors, and a willingness to lay down their lives in defense of their fellow clan members.
Despite the harsh training and strict code of conduct, however, the Xiong Clan was a close-knit community, where members supported each other and worked together towards a common goal.
In the Xiong Academy Ground, two youths were sparring. It was a common sight for students to test their martial skills in harsh brawls, but this time, the spar had created a lot of commotion. The two genius students from the clan were fighting to their heart's content.
Xiong Liang panted heavily, his chest heaving with exertion as he took a step back from Xiong Chin Lin. The other students on the training ground were all watching, completely stunned by what they had just witnessed.
Xiong Chin Lin, the most talented student in their class, had just been pushed back by Xiong Liang, a relatively new student who had only been at the academy for a few months. It must be known that Chin Lin not only came from the most powerful family in the clan, he also happened to be a B-grade talent, something that was very rare in the clan.
In comaprison, Xiong Liang was an orphan with average C-grade talent.
"You're good," Xiong Chin Lin said, a look of respect in his eyes as he extended a hand to Xiong Liang. "Really good."
Xiong Liang grinned, feeling a sense of pride and satisfaction welling up inside him. "Thanks," he said, taking Xiong Chin Lin's hand and shaking it firmly.
The other students were all coming over now, their faces filled with admiration and wonder. "How did you do it?" one of them asked, looking at Xiong Liang with awe.
Xiong Liang shrugged, trying to play it off coolly. "Just a lot of hard work and dedication, I guess," he said, trying not to let on that he was just as surprised as they were by his victory.
But as he walked away from the training ground, a strange feeling crept over him. He couldn't help but think - how had he managed to defeat Xiong Chin Lin? He had only been at the academy for a few short months, and yet he had managed to take down one of the strongest cultivators in the clan.
Inwardly, he knew that it had to do with his background.
As he made his way back to the academy dormitory, his mind raced with memories. He possessed a secret that no one should ever know about. So he would keep his past life a secret, and work tirelessly to achieve greatness in his new life as Xiong Liang, the talented Gu Master of the Xiong Clan.