Knock.

Knock.

Knock.

The sound of knocking echoed through the room as Shin Jeong-Woon soaked in the warmth of the bath.

"Respectful greetings to the Young Master. This lowly servant has come to deliver a message from the Lord," came a familiar voice to Shin Jeong-Woon’s ears.

Of course, it was Tang Jin.

Too lazy to respond properly, he merely asked, "What message is that?"

"The Lord requests that the Young Master come to his chamber to meet with the elders of the Shin Clan."

The news caused Shin Jeong-Woon to furrow his brow, already guessing what this might be about. A small smile crept onto his face as he thought to himself,

‘The Shin Clan elder… isn't that the old man I met earlier?’

"Very well. Tell my father I will be there shortly."

"Understood, Young Master. I will relay the message."

....

....

Meanwhile, in the Head of the Shin Family's chambers...

"Your son has grown into quite the remarkable young man," the elderly man who had earlier spoken with Shin Jeong-Woon said, addressing the figure seated before him.

The man in front of him exuded an aura of great authority and majesty, even as he sat on a simple chair. The oppressive energy emanating from him was unmistakable.

This man was none other than Shin Kun-Woo, the former Vice-Lord of the Shin Clan and father of Shin Jeong-Woon.

"I can sense something different, something hidden deep within him," Shin Kun-Woo replied in a calm tone.

"Hah, it seems the energy gathering in his room has already surpassed that of a Grandmaster," the elderly man chuckled lightly.

"Elder Shin Kwang-Jo, I trust you will keep this matter from the Lord?" Shin Kun-Woo’s voice carried a hint of firmness.

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"Of course. After all, he is the future of the Shin Clan," Elder Shin agreed.

"Then about your own strength—" Elder Shin began, but he was cut off mid-sentence by Shin Kun-Woo.

"Yes, I have regained my power," Shin Kun-Woo replied casually.

Elder Shin's eyes widened in shock, but his surprise soon turned into a gentle smile.

"As expected from the former Vice-Lord of the Shin Clan," Elder Shin remarked, suddenly turning his sharp gaze towards Shin Kun-Woo.

He could feel the powerful flow of energy gathered within Kun-Woo’s dantian, an energy as strong as it had been during his prime.

This revelation left Elder Shin both astonished and fearful of what Shin Kun-Woo might be planning for the future.

.....

....

Ten years ago, Shin Kun-Woo had embarked on an expedition for the Shin Clan. But during the journey, he was ambushed by a mysterious force, believed to be sent by a rival family. The ambush dealt a devastating blow to Shin Kun-Woo. When he returned to the Shin Clan’s main household, all of his forces had perished, and he had lost his spiritual powers. His title of Vice-Lord was revoked, and he was relegated to overseeing the Shin Clan’s branch family—a fate that was more of an isolation than a reward.

‘But how could he have restored his spiritual power?’ Elder Shin wondered deeply.

‘Or… could it be that he never lost it to begin with?’ This thought made Elder Shin tremble, his fear of Shin Kun-Woo's possible plans growing even stronger.

He looked at Kun-Woo intensely and cautiously asked, “Have you truly recovered your strength?”

Kun-Woo chuckled, a dangerous gleam flickering in his eyes. “Recovered? Did I ever say I lost my spiritual powers while I still breathe?” His voice was dripping with mockery.

“The ambush ten years ago—what really happened?” Elder Shin’s voice wavered with dread.

“Hmph, do you call that an ambush? Against those weaklings?” Shin Kun-Woo replied with nonchalance.

Elder Shin’s face tensed, and he clenched his fists tightly before speaking sincerely, “Kun-Woo, though we’ve shared a close relationship, never harbor the thought of standing against the Shin Clan. If you do, I will personally see to your end with my own hands.” A fierce light blazed in Elder Shin’s eyes.

“Hahahaha!” Shin Kun-Woo’s laughter echoed through the room. He stood up from his seat, and in an instant, he was by Elder Shin’s side. “As expected from a dedicated elder—that loyalty is commendable.”

Elder Shin was startled by Kun-Woo’s sudden movement, now feeling his hand resting on his shoulder. Retracting his energy, Elder Shin spoke in his usual calm tone, “Is it not my duty as an elder of the Shin Clan?”

“You’re right. And it’s certainly part of your duty to root out the rats hiding within the Shin family, isn’t it?” Kun-Woo remarked casually.

Elder Shin was taken aback and wanted to say something, but the sound of knocking on the door diverted his attention.

“It’s Jeong-Woon,” Kun-Woo said with a relaxed smile as he walked toward the door.

Watching Shin Kun-Woo’s retreating figure, Elder Shin’s gaze darkened as he thought to himself, ‘What are you really planning, Kun-Woo? Why reveal all of this now? Could it be because the competition for the successor’s position will begin in a week?’

His expression grew grim, and he shook his head.

The competition for the successor’s position would not be as peaceful as it appeared.

‘Now, let’s see what kind of man the son of a tiger is.’

Shin Kun-Woo returned with a handsome young man clad in a red robe.

“Greetings, Seventh Elder of the Shin Clan,” the young man greeted respectfully.

I studied Shin Jeong-Woon closely, letting out a slow breath.

‘A tiger’s cub is still a tiger.’

That was the only thought in my mind.