Morning light filtered through the paper window of Tae-Won's guest quarters as he opened his eyes, ending his meditative state. His expanded meridians had fully stabilized during the night, the new pathways of Qi now feeling as natural as if they had always been part of him.
"System, status," he whispered.
[Current Realm: Body Refinement Stage 2]
[Cultivation Progress: 5.7% toward Body Refinement Stage 3]
[Qi reserves: 100% of maximum capacity]
[Physical condition: Optimal]
[Meridian stability: 100%]
Even in the few hours of light meditation, his cultivation had continued to advance. Tae-Won rose and moved through a series of subtle stretches, testing the limits of his enhanced body. Each movement felt effortless, precise—a stark contrast to the constant aches and limitations he'd endured in the slums.
A knock at his door announced Liu Feng's arrival.
"Good morning, young guest!" the disciple called cheerfully. "Elder Jin has requested your presence after the morning meal. Have you considered his offer?"
Tae-Won opened the door, offering a polite bow. "I have been giving it serious thought," he replied, noting Liu Feng's surprised expression at his improved appearance.
"You look... different," Liu Feng said, tilting his head. "Healthier."
"The Jin Clan's hospitality has been most restorative," Tae-Won replied smoothly. "A comfortable bed and proper meals can work wonders."
Liu Feng nodded, though his eyes retained a hint of puzzlement. "The dining hall is serving congee with preserved eggs this morning. Shall we?"
As they walked, Tae-Won considered his options. His breakthrough had forced a revision of his plans. The Jin Clan offered resources he couldn't easily obtain elsewhere—and with his accelerated cultivation rate, even a short period as a disciple could yield significant benefits.
"Liu Feng," he said carefully, "what happens when someone becomes an Outer Disciple of the Jin Clan?"
The young disciple brightened at the question. "Well, you'd be assigned quarters in the eastern compound with the other Outer Disciples. You'd receive basic cultivation manuals, three days of orientation, then be assigned to a senior disciple for training. After demonstrating sufficient progress, you'd be eligible for mission assignments."
"And what sort of missions do Outer Disciples perform?"
"Mostly patrols in our territory, message delivery, escort duty for clan shipments. Sometimes resource gathering expeditions to the nearby forests." Liu Feng lowered his voice. "The truly promising ones might be selected for special training under an Elder."
Tae-Won nodded thoughtfully. "And how long does one typically remain an Outer Disciple?"
"It varies greatly. Some never advance further. Others with exceptional talent might become Inner Disciples within a year or two." Liu Feng's expression grew wistful. "I've been an Outer Disciple for three years now. I hope to advance by next spring."
The dining hall was already bustling with activity when they arrived. Tae-Won observed the strict hierarchy on display—Outer Disciples sitting at long tables near the entrance, Inner Disciples at elevated tables along the sides, and Core Disciples on a raised platform at the far end. Elders were nowhere to be seen, presumably taking their meals privately.
As Tae-Won collected his bowl of congee, he felt eyes upon him. Glancing up, he noticed several Outer Disciples watching him with open curiosity—word of his potential recruitment had clearly spread.
"Those are Jin Sung and Jin Mao," Liu Feng whispered, nodding toward two young men with particularly intense stares. "They're the ones you... encountered in the slums."
Tae-Won met their gaze evenly, noting the bruising still visible on Jin Sung's face. The two disciples looked away first, muttering to each other.
"They won't cause trouble," Liu Feng assured him. "Elder Jin has made it clear you're to be treated as an honored guest."
After finishing their meal, Liu Feng escorted Tae-Won to a small courtyard where Elder Jin sat beneath a flowering plum tree, a tea set arranged on a stone table before him. The morning sun cast dappled shadows through the branches, painting patterns on the weathered stone path. The scene held a tranquil beauty that belied the importance of the conversation to come.
"Ah, young Tae-Won," the Elder said, his voice deceptively gentle despite the power Tae-Won could now sense more clearly with his enhanced perception. "I trust you slept well? Please, join me for tea."
Tae-Won bowed respectfully before taking the offered seat. Elder Jin dismissed Liu Feng with a gesture, waiting until they were alone before speaking again.
The Elder poured tea with practiced movements, his gnarled hands moving with surprising grace. Steam curled upward from the delicate cups, carrying the fragrant aroma of high-quality oolong. The ritual of it felt ancient, timeless—a dance performed countless times across centuries.
"I understand there was some disturbance in your quarters last night," he said, his voice casual but his eyes sharp as blades. "A cultivation accident, I'm told."
"Yes, Elder," Tae-Won replied, carefully measuring his response. "I attempted a basic circulation technique I found in a manual. My inexperience led to unexpected results."
Elder Jin's ancient eyes studied him with unsettling intensity. The old man said nothing for a long moment, simply sipping his tea and observing Tae-Won as though reading an intricate text. The silence stretched between them, becoming a test of patience that Tae-Won refused to fail by speaking first.
Finally, Elder Jin set down his cup with deliberate precision. "Unexpected results indeed. So, you've broken through to Body Refinement Stage II, haven't you?"
Tae-Won nearly choked on his tea, his mind racing. Had he underestimated the Elder's perception so severely? He set his cup down carefully to hide the slight tremor in his hands, masking his surprise with a slow, measured breath.
Elder Jin chuckled, the sound like dry leaves rustling in autumn wind. "Come now, young Tae-Won. I'm a cultivator who stands at the final stage of the Nascent Soul. Did you really think I couldn't notice?" His expression shifted to one of mock offense. "I'm almost wounded that you underestimated me so."
As he spoke the words, a monstrous aura briefly pressed down on Tae-Won, making his blood run cold. It was like standing at the base of a mountain that had suddenly decided to acknowledge your presence—overwhelming, ancient, and utterly implacable. A bead of sweat rolled down his temple as realization struck him—he had made a rookie mistake. He had been calmly progressing his plan, relying on his Qi sense to gauge the power around him. He knew Elder Jin was strong, but not how strong. He had been careless.
The pressure vanished as quickly as it had appeared, leaving Tae-Won slightly breathless. Elder Jin now wore a benign smile, as though he hadn't just demonstrated power that could snuff out Tae-Won's life with as much effort as extinguishing a candle.
"Yes, I have," Tae-Won admitted, seeing no point in further deception. "I apologize for the attempted subterfuge."
Elder Jin waved a dismissive hand. "No need for apologies. Caution is the first instinct of the wise. It would be more concerning if you trusted too easily." He refilled their teacups, the mundane action a stark contrast to the revelation of his true power. "I understand why you'd keep it secret. Such potential makes you a valuable asset—something any clan would be eager to secure."
He leaned forward slightly, his eyes twinkling with genuine curiosity. "But I have a question for you, Tae-Won, and I would appreciate your honesty. I can assure you—" his tone grew subtly heavier "—I will know if you are lying."
Tae-Won inclined his head respectfully. "What is it, Elder?"
"How long has it been since you started cultivating? And I do mean truly cultivating, not merely trying to sense Qi or performing simple breathing exercises."
Tae-Won opened his mouth to lie, to claim a month or more of secret practice, but something in Elder Jin's gaze stopped him. The Elder's eyes seemed to peer not just at him but through him, as though his very soul was laid bare. I'll be caught if I tell a lie, he realized, but it would be too suspicious to admit I started just two days ago. What do I do?
He mentally queried his System: Do I have anything to bypass lie detection?
[No skills available to bypass lie detection. Recommend partial truth or direct honesty based on calculated risk assessment.]
Tae-Won weighed his options rapidly. The risk of being caught in a lie by someone of Elder Jin's caliber could destroy any trust before it was established. And perhaps the truth, in this case, might actually serve his interests better than deception.
"Two days," he said finally, meeting Elder Jin's gaze steadily. "I have only been actively cultivating for two days."
A profound silence fell over the courtyard. Even the birds seemed to pause their songs. Elder Jin stared at him with an inscrutable expression, neither moving nor speaking for what felt like an eternity. Then, the Elder's face transformed through a series of emotions—disbelief, shock, and finally, something that looked remarkably like joy.
The old man sighed deeply, then broke into genuine laughter that echoed through the courtyard. "Well! I knew I'd caught a big fish, but I didn't realize I'd hit a jackpot!" His eyes gleamed with an excitement that made him appear decades younger. "Two days and two realms? You're one of the heavenly geniuses of this generation."
"The heavenly what?" Tae-Won asked, momentarily forgetting his calculated persona in the face of this unexpected reaction.
"The heavenly geniuses," Elder Jin explained, leaning forward with enthusiasm. "In the vast tapestry of cultivation, talent manifests in countless ways. Every generation has its gifted youth, its prodigies who excel and advance faster than their peers. But only a few individuals in each era possess enough innate potential to be called heavenly geniuses."
Elder Jin rose from his seat, pacing slightly as he spoke, his excitement palpable. "These rare talents exhibit monstrous cultivation speeds, comprehension that defies common understanding. They can grasp techniques just by observing them once—techniques that might take others months or years to master. Their meridians form pathways that others cannot even imagine." He turned back to Tae-Won, his gaze intense. "These are the ones meant to become true Immortal Cultivators—to ascend beyond mortal limitations and touch the eternal."
The Elder retook his seat, his expression growing somber. "They are also, invariably, targets. Every sect, every clan, every hidden master seeks to claim such talents as their own disciples, to nurture them along paths of their choosing." He sighed. "Many heavenly geniuses never reach their potential because they become pawns in games of power they do not understand until too late."
Tae-Won absorbed this information, recalculating his plans. Being identified as a "heavenly genius" could be both advantageous and dangerous. It explained Elder Jin's unusual interest in a slum child, but it also suggested he might face scrutiny and attention he had not accounted for.
"I see," he said carefully, allowing genuine uncertainty to color his voice. "Then you understand why I must reconsider your offer, Elder Jin."
"Reconsider?" Elder Jin's eyebrows rose in mild surprise.
"While I deeply appreciate the Jin Clan's resources and your personal interest," Tae-Won said, the words flowing naturally now, more aligned with his true feelings than the calculated acceptance he'd planned, "allying exclusively with one clan when there are many to choose from—becoming a pawn tied down to a single faction—isn't something I wish to do."
He paused, gathering his thoughts. "I've lived my entire life with the freedom to make my own choices, limited though they were. That freedom is precious to me."
Elder Jin studied him for a long moment before letting out a resigned sigh. His weathered face softened with an emotion Tae-Won hadn't expected to see—understanding, perhaps even respect.
"I expected you might say this," the Elder admitted. "My confirmation of your genius status was correct—you truly are gifted in ways beyond mere cultivation aptitude." He gazed up at the plum blossoms overhead, watching as a gentle breeze scattered a few petals across the courtyard. "Tying you down to the Jin Clan would benefit us tremendously, but you're someone meant to fly high among the immortals one day. I would just be clipping your wings before you even learned to soar."
The Elder's tone carried something Tae-Won hadn't expected—a hint of genuine care beneath the calculation, perhaps even a touch of regret. Was this truly the same cold, calculating clan leader who ruled the northern district with an iron fist?
"However," Elder Jin continued after a moment, his eyes refocusing on Tae-Won, "I still wish to witness your growth firsthand. In my long years, I've seen many promising talents, but few with your particular combination of potential and... perspective." He smiled faintly. "There's wisdom in your eyes that belies your age, young Tae-Won. It intrigues me almost as much as your cultivation aptitude."
He seemed to come to a decision, nodding to himself. "I have a proposal for you—an alternative path that might satisfy both our interests. Instead of joining the Jin Clan as an Outer Disciple, bound by all our rules and hierarchies, what if you were to become my personal disciple?"
Tae-Won blinked in genuine surprise. "Your personal disciple?"
"Indeed. As my disciple, you would have access to resources far beyond what Outer Disciples receive—cultivation techniques from my personal collection, meditation spaces reserved for Core Disciples, even certain rare herbs and materials for advancement." Elder Jin's eyes twinkled. "You would also retain significantly more freedom of movement and association than a regular clan member. I would guide your cultivation personally, but not dictate your every action."
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The offer was unexpected and far more favorable than Tae-Won had anticipated. Still, he hesitated, suspecting there must be conditions attached to such generosity.
"And in return?" he asked cautiously.
"In return, you would represent the Jin Clan—and me personally—in matters where your talents might prove beneficial. The Heavenly Cloud Martial Academy examinations, for instance." Elder Jin smiled at Tae-Won's surprised expression. "Oh yes, I've heard whispers of your interest in the Academy. As my disciple, we would cover your registration costs and provide whatever preparation you require."
Tae-Won's eyes widened in genuine surprise. He's going that far for me? Is this just kindness? He sensed a touch of something deeper from the Elder—not quite sadness, but a wistfulness that suggested old memories stirred by their conversation. Is it regret? No, something else...
"Disciple?" Tae-Won repeated, the word stirring unexpected emotions within him.
There were only some memories that Edward Reinhardt cherished from his past life. Among the strongest were those of his masters. "Disciple" was a word that held deep meaning to Reinhardt. Born into a noble family to a concubine who was killed out of spite, he had to climb his way to the top through treachery and blood. His masters were the ones who had cherished him and his growth—the parents he never had, the guides who showed him paths to power without crushing his spirit.
And here was a man who, seeing a mere brat's potential, offered him a way to rise without greedy demands but rather with what appeared to be genuine pleasure at the prospect of nurturing future greatness.
A memory surfaced from Edward's past life—his first master, an aging warrior with eyes that held the same mix of wisdom and assessment as Elder Jin's. The day that master had accepted him, changed his life forever. The respect and guidance that followed had shaped him more than any battle or conquest ever could.
My observation of you was wrong, Elder Jin, Tae-Won thought, studying the old man with new eyes. You still are a conniving bastard, there's no doubt about that—you see the value in securing my loyalty. But there's something more here. You have a pure heart beneath your calculations. You genuinely love witnessing potential fulfilled.
The realization was disarming. In his planning, Tae-Won had accounted for greed, for political maneuvering, for exploitation. He hadn't accounted for genuine mentorship.
"Before I answer," Tae-Won said carefully, "I must know—what happens to those under my protection in the slums? There are children there who rely on me. I cannot and will not abandon them."
Elder Jin's expression softened further, and for a brief moment, Tae-Won glimpsed profound pain in the ancient eyes—a flash of old grief quickly masked.
"Once, long ago, I too was responsible for those who could not protect themselves," the Elder said quietly. "I understand such bonds are not easily severed, nor should they be." He seemed to be speaking as much to himself as to Tae-Won. Then, with a small shake of his head, he returned to the present. "As my disciple, you would have considerably more freedom than an Outer Disciple. You may visit your charges twice per week, and I will personally ensure resources are allocated for their basic needs—food, shelter, and protection."
The offer was far more generous than anything Tae-Won had expected. He studied Elder Jin's face, searching for deceit but finding only resolved determination and something that might, in another context, be called kindness.
"Why?" Tae-Won asked simply. "Why offer so much to someone you barely know?"
Elder Jin was silent for a long moment. When he spoke, his voice carried the weight of centuries. "Because talent without guidance is a tragedy I have witnessed too many times. Because potential squandered is an offense against heaven itself." He looked directly at Tae-Won, his gaze piercing through all pretense. "And because in you, I see something I have sought for a very long time—a worthy inheritor."
The words hung in the air between them, laden with implications Tae-Won couldn't fully comprehend. What did the Elder mean by "inheritor"? What legacy did he seek to pass on?
Yet even without complete understanding, Tae-Won recognized the sincerity behind the words. This wasn't merely a political calculation or a ploy to secure a valuable asset. This was something deeper, something personal to Elder Jin.
In that moment, Tae-Won made his decision—not as Edward Reinhardt, the calculating Emperor who saw only pieces to be moved on a cosmic chessboard, but as Tae-Won, the boy who had never known true mentorship in this life.
He rose from his seat and performed a formal disciple's bow, deeper and more respectful than any gesture he had offered since his reincarnation. "I would be honored to be your disciple, Elder Jin. I accept your guidance with gratitude."
When he straightened, he saw Elder Jin's eyes shining with undisguised pleasure. The Elder rose as well, placing a hand on Tae-Won's shoulder in a gesture that felt oddly paternal.
"Rise, my disciple," he said, voice thick with emotion quickly mastered. "From this day forward, you may call me Master in private. Tomorrow, we will hold a formal ceremony to recognize our bond, but for now—" he smiled, a genuine expression that transformed his stern features "—let us finish our tea and discuss what lies ahead."
As they resumed their seats, the conversation turned to practical matters—living arrangements, training schedules, access to resources. Tae-Won listened attentively, asking pertinent questions and offering respectful insights.
"You will have quarters in the eastern wing, near my own residence," Elder Jin explained. "Not the dormitories where Outer Disciples reside, but a private room befitting your status as my personal disciple."
"Thank you, Master," Tae-Won said, testing the title. It felt strange on his tongue—both familiar from his past life and utterly new in this one.
Elder Jin's weathered face broke into a smile that reached his eyes. "You will have access to my private collection of cultivation manuals—texts I have gathered over decades. We will begin by assessing which cultivation path best suits your innate talents."
"And the children?" Tae-Won asked, unwilling to let that matter fade.
"I will send Liu Feng with you tomorrow to assess their situation and needs," Elder Jin promised. "He is trustworthy and discreet. We will establish suitable arrangements for their care and protection."
As their conversation concluded, Elder Jin fixed Tae-Won with a penetrating look. "One last question, my disciple. What is your ultimate goal in cultivation? What drives you to seek power?"
The question caught Tae-Won off guard. In his previous life as Edward Reinhardt, the answer had been simple: domination, revenge, the subjugation of all who opposed him. But now, in this new life with its unexpected turns?
He decided on a partial truth. "To never be powerless again. To protect those I choose to protect, and to reach heights that allow me true freedom."
Elder Jin nodded slowly, as though the answer confirmed something he had suspected. "A worthy goal, if guided by wisdom. Power without wisdom is merely destruction waiting to happen." He rose, signaling the end of their meeting. "Rest today. Meditate on what we've discussed. Tomorrow, we begin your formal training. I suspect you will surprise even me with what you can accomplish."
----------------------------------------
As Liu Feng escorted him back to his quarters, Tae-Won's mind was already racing with calculations. This new arrangement offered far more advantages than his original plan, though it would require adjustments to his timeline and approach. His first priority remained unchanged—an unauthorized excursion tonight to inform the children of these developments.
"Liu Feng," Tae-Won said casually as they walked, "I've heard Elder Jin mentioned as the leader of the northern district, but what can you tell me about the Jin Clan's greater structure? This compound seems significant, but is it the clan's main estate?"
Liu Feng glanced around reflexively before answering, lowering his voice. "Oh no, not at all. What you see here is merely the southern district headquarters—one of four district branches in the region. The true Jin Clan estate lies in Jin City, about a week's journey from here."
"Jin City?" Tae-Won repeated, genuine curiosity in his voice.
"Yes, the ancestral home of the clan. The main estate there is at least fifty times larger than this compound." Liu Feng's eyes gleamed with pride. "It's where the true power of the Jin Clan resides, along with the Great Patriarch himself."
This was valuable information—far more extensive than Tae-Won had anticipated. "And Elder Jin's position in this greater hierarchy?"
Liu Feng hesitated. "That's... somewhat complicated. Elder Jin is the father of the current Patriarch, but their relationship is... strained. Elder Jin chose to govern this southern district rather than remain at the main estate, though his power and influence remain considerable."
"I see," Tae-Won said thoughtfully. So there were political dynamics within the clan he hadn't accounted for—potential leverage he could use if necessary. "Does the Patriarch have children of his own?"
"Several, as is common among noble leaders," Liu Feng confirmed. "The most notable is young master Jin Taekyung."
"Jin Taekyung?" The name sparked Tae-Won's interest.
"Elder Jin's grandson and the pride of the Jin Clan's younger generation," Liu Feng explained. "He's widely regarded as this generation's heavenly genius within the clan territories."
"Another heavenly genius?" Tae-Won asked, keeping his tone casual despite his intense interest.
They arrived at his quarters, but rather than departing, Liu Feng lingered, clearly enjoying the opportunity to share clan gossip with a receptive audience.
"That's what they say. Though Elder Jin has never publicly confirmed or denied this assessment." Liu Feng's expression grew oddly flushed. "And apparently, he's devastatingly handsome too, though I've only seen him from a distance during formal clan gatherings."
Liu Feng's eyes took on a dreamy quality. "They say he has a twin sister as well. Jin Meiying. She's said to be the Jin beauty—the most elegant maiden in all the clan territories."
Tae-Won stared at Liu Feng, whose face had grown increasingly red. "Are you... alright?"
But Liu Feng seemed lost in his own world, his gaze distant. "Taekyung's features are like jade carved by the heavens themselves, and his sister's beauty is said to rival the moon spirit's..." he sighed deeply.
"Liu Feng?" Tae-Won waved a hand in front of the disciple's face.
"Yes, darling?" Liu Feng murmured absently.
Tae-Won's eyebrows shot up. "What did you just call me?"
Liu Feng blinked rapidly, snapping back to reality. His face turned an even deeper shade of crimson as he realized what he'd said. "I-I meant Tae-Won! Young master Tae-Won! I was just... um... thinking about... the, uh, training schedule! Yes, the training schedule!"
Tae-Won took a step back, eyeing the disciple warily. What a weirdo.
"I should go," Liu Feng said quickly, backing away. "Elder Jin will be expecting my report. Please rest well, young master!" He turned and practically fled down the corridor, nearly colliding with a passing servant.
Tae-Won shook his head in bewilderment as he entered his quarters. The Jin Clan was proving more eccentric than he'd anticipated. Still, the information about Jin Taekyung—and now this twin sister—was potentially valuable. Family dynamics within powerful clans often created exploitable weaknesses.
Once alone, Tae-Won settled into a meditative pose, processing this new information. The Jin Clan's structure was more complex than he'd initially believed, with potential political tensions he could exploit. And this Jin Taekyung—another "heavenly genius" and apparently connected to Elder Jin despite the strained relationship with the Patriarch.
Tae-Won opened his eyes as a new realization struck him. He needed more information, and he knew just where to find it.
With purposeful steps, he made his way to the library, where Madam Liu greeted him with a knowing look.
"I expected you might return today," she said, setting aside the scroll she'd been reading. "You have questions."
"About Jin Taekyung," Tae-Won confirmed. "And why he might be visiting soon."
The librarian's eyes gleamed with approval. "Direct. Good. Follow me."
She led him to a private reading alcove, away from the few disciples browsing the shelves. "Jin Taekyung is not just any grandson of Elder Jin," she began. "He's the only one from the true bloodline who maintains a strong relationship with the Elder despite the political tensions between his father and grandfather."
"Why the tension?" Tae-Won asked.
"The current Patriarch chose to align the clan with certain... questionable alliances that Elder Jin opposed," she explained carefully. "It created a rift that has never fully healed. Jin Taekyung, however, has always shown deep respect for his grandfather's wisdom—much to his father's displeasure."
"And his visit?" Tae-Won pressed.
Madam Liu's lips curved into a slight smile. "Why do you think? Elder Jin has taken his first personal disciple in fifty years—a supposed nobody from the slums with extraordinary talent. Of course, the young prince would be curious."
"Curious enough to travel a week's journey?" Tae-Won asked skeptically.
"Ah, but you don't understand." Madam Liu leaned closer. "In martial cultivation circles, a master's choice of disciple is never taken lightly, particularly for someone of Elder Jin's stature. By accepting you, he makes a statement that resonates throughout the clan hierarchy."
Her expression grew serious. "And there's more. I shouldn't tell you this, but..." she glanced around before continuing, "Young master Taekyung is coming to test you."
"Test me?" Tae-Won frowned.
"A martial duel," Madam Liu confirmed. "It's tradition when a new disciple of significant potential joins a noble lineage. The established geniuses of the clan challenge the newcomer to assess their worth."
"I've been cultivating for two days," Tae-Won pointed out dryly. "And he's been called a heavenly genius of this generation."
"Indeed." Madam Liu's eyes twinkled. "Which makes it all the more interesting that Elder Jin has agreed to the duel."
Tae-Won absorbed this information with a carefully neutral expression. A duel against a trained heavenly genius when he'd barely begun cultivating seemed suicidal. Yet Elder Jin had agreed to it—which meant either the Elder had extraordinary confidence in Tae-Won's abilities, or there was another aspect to this challenge he wasn't seeing.
"Thank you for the information, Madam Liu," he said, rising to leave.
"One more thing," she called as he turned away. "Young master Taekyung arrives in a week. I suggest you use that time wisely."
One week. Tae-Won's mind raced with calculations and contingencies as he returned to his quarters. This unexpected development forced yet another recalibration of his plans. The duel would be a critical test—not just of his martial prowess, but of his ability to navigate the complex political currents of the Jin Clan.
As he settled back into meditation, Tae-Won smiled grimly. Challenges bred strength, and obstacles created opportunities. This Jin Taekyung might be a heavenly genius with years of training, but Tae-Won had the memories and experience of the Eternal Emperor—and a System that grew stronger with each challenge overcome.
Let the young prince come. Tae-Won would be ready.
----------------------------------------
When night fell, Tae-Won executed his plan to visit the children in the slums. With practiced stealth, he slipped past the compound guards during a patrol gap and made his way to the abandoned temple where his young charges awaited.
Ho-Jin greeted him with relief, and the other children gathered around eagerly. Tae-Won explained his new position as Elder Jin's disciple, emphasizing the benefits this arrangement would bring them—protection, resources, and continued training.
As expected, there was initial skepticism, particularly from the older children who had suffered at the hands of Jin Clan disciples in the past. But Tae-Won's reasoned explanations eventually won them over, especially when he outlined the practical advantages of having an ally within the clan's power structure.
"This changes nothing about our ultimate goal," he assured them. "The Heavenly Cloud Martial Academy remains our target. This new position simply provides better resources to prepare you for the examinations."
Min-Ji, the scarred girl who served as his unofficial second-in-command, voiced the concern all felt. "But what if this Elder Jin is just using you? What if he turns on us once he has your loyalty?"
"Then we'll be prepared," Tae-Won replied simply. "I trust no one completely, Min-Ji. Every alliance is temporary until proven otherwise."
He spent the next hour leading them through improved cultivation exercises, noting with satisfaction their progress since his last visit. Even the youngest children showed signs of awakening Qi awareness, their natural meridians responding to the techniques he'd taught them.
Before departing, Tae-Won provided final instructions. "In two days, a Jin Clan disciple named Liu Feng will come with me to assess your needs. He can be trusted—to a point. Show him respect but reveal nothing of our true abilities or plans."
"And if he tries to harm us?" Ho-Jin asked.
"He won't," Tae-Won assured him. "But if any Jin Clan member ever threatens you, use the emergency signal I taught you. I'll come, no matter what."
With those parting words, Tae-Won slipped back into the night, his mind already turning to the challenge that lay ahead. Jin Taekyung, the supposed heavenly genius of the Jin Clan, would arrive in a week expecting to test—and likely humiliate—Elder Jin's new disciple.
"As Tae-Won approached the clan compound, an unfamiliar sensation settled in his chest—anticipation mingled with genuine unease. When had he last faced an opponent worthy of concern? The young prince's arrival in a week stirred something long dormant within him. This Jin Taekyung... perhaps he would prove to be more than just another stepping stone.
-End Of Chapter