The Twin Soul Sect’s grand hall loomed before Shen Yuan, its towering gates adorned with intricate draconic carvings. A sense of ancient majesty emanated from the engravings as if they had witnessed countless rising and falling legends. The steward leading him forward pressed a hand against the heavy wooden doors, which groaned as they slowly swung open with a deep, echoing creak.

Shen Yuan stepped inside. The moment he crossed the threshold, the doors shut behind him with a loud thud, as if sealing him into a cage of predators.

His eyes scanned the vast hall. Seated on two grand thrones at the head of the room were Wu Daozhen and Xue Linghun, the Twin Soul Sect’s leaders. However, his true focus wasn’t on them. The ones flanking them were the true players of this meeting.

At least five powerful figures sat beside the sect leaders, each accompanied by a small entourage—perhaps disciples, advisors, or personal guards. Their robes and auras radiated immense power, indicating that these weren’t ordinary guests but major figures of the cultivation world.

"So, these are the ones who want to see me?" Shen Yuan mused inside, his gaze sweeping over them.

Most of them barely piqued his interest—just old schemers and ambitious overlords. But then… his eyes landed on an old man standing behind a young man clad in royal attire.

Shen Yuan’s pupils contracted.

That face.

Even if 300 years had passed, he could never forget it.

Minister Zhao!

Shen Yuan felt an icy rage coil in his chest. His fingers twitched slightly, a barely restrained urge to erase the old man’s existence. “What irony, " he thought. “The very people who discarded me like trash now sit in front of me, oblivious.”

But his expression remained composed, his demeanor unshaken. “Not yet”. Now wasn’t the time to reveal the storm brewing beneath his calm exterior.

At that moment, Wu Daozhen spoke, his deep voice echoing through the hall.

"Shen Yuan, it seems heaven has truly blessed you. Not only have you grown at an alarming rate, but you have also caught the attention of many great forces."

Xue Linghun simply smiled and nodded at him in acknowledgment. Shen Yuan knew Xue Linghun was the more composed of the two—an enigma who rarely revealed his thoughts.

Shen Yuan cupped his fists in a show of respect.

"This junior greets the sect leaders."

Xue Linghun waved a hand dismissively.

"No need for formalities now. The guests here would like to speak with you directly."

Maintaining a calm and observant demeanor, Shen Yuan’s eyes flickered over the assembled figures. Five of them stood out.

A red-haired man, dressed in gold-flame robes, exuding an aura of pure dominance. His piercing golden eyes gleamed like molten lava—The Fire Emperor.

A stoic old man, silent yet imposing, his very existence pressing down like a mountain.

A middle-aged woman with an eerie, almost soul-piercing gaze, seated beside a younger woman who seemed to observe him with calculated interest.

Lastly a young man draped in luxurious royal garments, sitting with an arrogance that spoke of absolute power—a prince.

The Fire Emperor was the first to begin.

With a deep chuckle, the red-haired man rose from his seat. Though he didn’t release his aura, the very air around him seemed to shimmer with heat.

"Shen Yuan, your name is not unfamiliar to me. A young cultivator, rising like a comet, shattering expectations at every step… Such ambition reminds me of my younger years."

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Shen Yuan met his gaze without hesitation.

"The Fire Emperor flatters me. I am merely walking my own path."

The emperor laughed heartily.

"And that is precisely why I am interested in you."

Taking a step forward, he gestured toward Shen Yuan.

"Tell me, Shen Yuan—what drives you? Power? Dominion? Or perhaps… something else?"

The hall fell silent. The question was not a simple one—it was a test, an assessment of his very soul.

Shen Yuan remained still for a moment, then finally answered, his voice calm but carrying a chilling weight.

"Revenge. Power. And to break the chains that bind this world to its outdated rules. Defy fate."

A heavy silence followed.

Then, the Fire Emperor grinned.

"Hah! Interesting. Most would answer with hollow words of righteousness or conquest, but you speak with the conviction of a man who truly understands his own desires."

His fiery eyes gleamed with something deeper—recognition.

"A world shackled by old rules, where the strong bow to ancient orders instead of forging their own fate… I can’t say I disagree."

He stepped even closer, his overwhelming presence pressing onto Shen Yuan like a scorching sun. Yet, Shen Yuan didn’t waver.

"If you ever grow tired of the petty squabbles of sects and kings, come to the Flame Kingdom. I would welcome you as a guest… perhaps even as a disciple."

Gasps spread through the hall.

The Fire Emperor rarely, if ever, personally extended such an invitation. This wasn’t just an offer—it was an acknowledgment of Shen Yuan’s potential to stand among the greatest.

Shen Yuan gave a small nod, his expression composed.

"This junior expresses his gratitude. Perhaps, one day, I may accept that offer."

The emperor chuckled again, stepping back to his seat.

"Good. I will be watching."

While others exchanged glances, the stoic old man simply gave a slow, approving nod, saying nothing. The two women, however, remained eerily silent, their stares unrelenting, as if searching for something deep within him. Finally, both gave a slight nod—not of approval, but of understanding.

But before anyone else could speak, the young prince finally decided to make his move.

The prince’s voice was calm, yet carried the arrogance of one accustomed to absolute authority. As if his word in itself was law.

"Shen Yuan, I will not waste time with flowery words."

His gaze locked onto Shen Yuan, sharp and piercing.

"I intend to make you my sworn brother. A rare talent like yours should not be wasted. Join the Fengyue Royal Family, and together, we will stand above all others."

The hall tensed. Even the sect leaders showed a flicker of surprise.

The Fengyue Royal Family.

The ruling dynasty of an empire that had stood for tens of thousands of years. An offer to join them was not mere politics—it was an invitation to share their dominion over the world.

Many watched with envy, expecting Shen Yuan to immediately accept.

But Shen Yuan’s response was instant.

"I’m afraid I must decline."

Dead silence.

The prince’s smile barely faltered, though his fingers tightened slightly.

"Declining a royal invitation… That’s bold, Shen Yuan. But surely, you have a reason?"

Shen Yuan chuckled softly, his gaze drifting toward Minister Zhao, who had remained unnaturally still this entire time.

"Oh, I have a very good reason."

His lips curled into a dangerous smirk.

"Tell me, Your Highness… does the name Shen Yuan sound familiar?"

The prince frowned slightly.

“Shen Yuan? 300 years ago? Yes, he was a criminal and an unpredictable variable.”

Hearing that Shen Yuan won’t say anything but just smirk…. And then it would hit Minister Zhao… the smirk… he had seen it before… but where,,, where? As he slowly started to remember, his face grew pale.

Minister Zhao’s face was drained of all colours.

The prince frowned, confused.

"Minister Zhao, why do you look so pale?"

The old minister swallowed hard, sweat forming on his wrinkled brow. His mouth opened, but his voice trembled.

"Y-your highness… do you really remember a man called Shen Yuan, who was disposed of 300 years ago?"

The prince’s expression remained puzzled.

"Uhh… of course. Elder Tian Xu sent him to the Chrono Void—an inescapable death sentence."

Minister Zhao’s lips quivered.

"Then… then you should know… this person before us is that same Shen Yuan. Yes, it’s him.. That smile… it is him!"

The prince’s body tensed. For a moment, he stared at Shen Yuan, then scoffed.

"Impossible. No one but Origin Descent cultivators can survive the Chrono Void."

But Shen Yuan… only smiled.

He stepped forward slightly, his voice low yet filled with menace.

"Rest assured, Your Highness…"

His lips curled into his iconic evil grin.

"I am that same Shen Yuan."

His gaze pierced into Minister Zhao’s soul.

"It's been a while… Minister Zhao. Did you miss me?"

The old minister’s knees nearly gave out.

The hall fell into absolute silence.