The matches unfolded exactly as they had in Tae-Won's memories of his first life—except this time, he stood among the victors instead of the fallen. The difference was stark. Where once he had been eliminated in his second match, barely able to channel his qi properly, now he stood as champion of the Junior Division, his victory over Cheon Ma-Ryong sending ripples through the watching crowd.

From the Advanced Division arena came the sounds of Kae-Won's devastatingly one-sided victory, each movement displaying the power that would later earn him the title "Crown Dragon." Currently in his third year at Golden Crane Academy, Kae-Won's early entry into the Warrior Realm had marked him as one of the Orthodox sects' rising stars.

Mi-Cha's victory in the Core Formation Division drew appreciative murmurs as she trapped her opponent in a web of wind and blade qi, the arena floor left bearing countless hair-thin cuts. Her second year at the academy had only sharpened her already formidable techniques.

As Elder Wei led the winners toward Master Song's forge, Tae-Won could feel the weight of attention on him. Not just from the other disciples, but from the elders themselves. In his previous life, this tournament had marked the beginning of his decline. Now it would serve as his first step toward something greater.

"The Great Murim Tournament," Elder Wei spoke as they walked, his voice carrying the gravity of experience, "will bring together all powers of the cultivation world. Orthodox sects like ours will stand alongside wandering cultivators and independent clans. The Unorthodox sects will send their disciples." He paused meaningfully. "And of course, the three great powers will make their presence known – though none quite like the Heavenly Demonic Cult."

Tae-Won nodded silently, remembering futures that hadn't happened yet. The tournament would indeed gather all of Murim's forces, from the proudest Orthodox sects to the most secretive Unorthodox clans. The Heavenly Demonic Cult, most prominent among the demonic cultivators, would demonstrate why they had ruled the shadows for a thousand years.

The heat from Master Song's forge washed over them as the doors opened. The ancient craftsman looked up from his work, eyes gleaming like forged steel as he studied the tournament winners. In Tae-Won's previous life, he had squandered this opportunity, choosing hastily and without understanding.

[System: Analyzing optimal weapon choices for host's cultivation path...]

[Multiple compatible paths detected...]

[Highest compatibility: Flexible weapons capable of channeling water-based techniques...]

"Master Song," Tae-Won bowed deeply. "This junior seeks guidance in selecting a weapon that can channel both soft and hard forces, one that flows like water yet strikes like thunder."

The old craftsman's eyes sharpened. "Oh? Most your age chase after the flashiest blade they can find." He set aside his hammer and approached, studying Tae-Won with newfound interest. "Tell me, young master, what makes you consider such a path?"

"In cultivation," Tae-Won replied carefully, drawing on memories of future battles he'd witnessed, "is not the highest achievement to reach harmony between opposing forces? A weapon should be an extension of this principle."

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

Master Song's weathered face broke into a rare smile. "Interesting. Very interesting." He turned and walked toward a locked cabinet in the corner of his forge. "Those in the Body Refinement Realm might call it too fluid, while Warrior Realm practitioners often dismiss it as lacking raw power. But perhaps..." He withdrew a wrapped bundle. "Perhaps it has been waiting for someone who understands true harmony."

The weapon he revealed sang with possibility - a sectioned staff that could transform into a flowing chain, each segment bearing formations that seemed to ripple like water yet hold the potential for devastating force. Master Song demonstrated its forms, the weapon behaving like a living stream one moment and a crushing avalanche the next.

"The River's Heart," Master Song named it. "Nine segments, nine formations, nine possibilities. It has refused every wielder I've offered it to until now. Shall we see if it accepts you?"

As Tae-Won grasped the weapon, he felt it respond to his qi, almost humming in recognition. Perfect for a practitioner of water-based techniques, yet capable of so much more. In his previous life, he had heard whispers of the weapons Master Song kept hidden from most disciples. Now he understood why.

In the secluded chamber of the Jin Clan's inner sanctum, the elders gathered to discuss the day's events. The air was thick with incense and the weight of changing futures.

"Impossible," Elder Chen muttered, stroking his beard. "The boy could barely circulate qi properly three months ago. Now he displays mastery that some Core Formation disciples would envy? His match against the Heavenly Demonic Cult's young master was..." He trailed off, shaking his head.

Elder Hong's laughter filled the chamber. "Did I not tell you? The boy is special."

"You claim credit now," Elder Liu scoffed, "but even you cannot explain this transformation. From struggling in the Novice Realm to displaying such comprehension of techniques... No cultivation technique we know of allows for such rapid advancement."

"Perhaps," Elder Hong admitted, "I cannot explain it. My best guess is that Young Master Tae-Won was simply a late bloomer, his talent dormant until now." He paused, sipping his tea. "But consider the implications. The balance of power within the Jin Clan will shift. The competition for succession among the younger generation will intensify. And not just within our clan – every major family in the Murim Alliance will take notice of this emergence."

"Speaking of which," Elder Wei interjected, "the Golden Crane Academy's selection period approaches. With both Kae-Won and Mi-Cha already making names for themselves there..."

A heavy silence fell over the chamber. In Tae-Won's previous life, by this point, the clan had deemed him unworthy of even the smallest sectoral academy. Three months after the tournament failure, he had been quietly removed from the clan's core training program entirely.

"The Golden Crane Academy," Elder Hong mused, "where even wandering cultivators may earn a place if their potential proves exceptional enough. Where the Orthodox Alliance gathers its most promising youth." His eyes gleamed. "Yes, I believe it's time our youngest prodigy joined his siblings."

Meanwhile, in his quarters, Tae-Won practiced with River's Heart by candlelight, its segments flowing like liquid silver. He thought of Cheon Ma-Ryong's swift departure after their match, of the secrets that lay ahead at Golden Crane Academy, and of the Great Murim Tournament that would gather all of cultivation's young monsters in one place.

In his previous life, he had watched from afar as his siblings and cousins departed for lesser academies, while he remained behind, forgotten. Now, as River's Heart danced through another form, he smiled. This time, everything would be different.

The weapon hummed in response, its formations glowing faintly in the darkness, as if eager for the battles to come.