Joo-won Han stretched out on his bed, his mind was whirling. Thirty years of memories and training crammed into a ten-year-old body? He was suffering from a terrible headache. But there was no time to waste – he had a clan to save.

He rolled off the bed and made his way to his father's study. The scent of old scrolls and ink wafted through the air as he knocked on the door.

"Father?" Joo-won called.

Han Ji-myeong looked up, his eyes widening as he took in his son. "Joo-won? There's something... different about you."

Joo-won felt his father's qi probing his own, and he braced himself for the reaction. He wasn't disappointed.

"Eighth stage of the Human class?!" His father's laughter boomed through the study. "The heavens must finally be smiling upon our clan!"

A wry smile tugged at Joo-won's lips. If only his father knew about the time-bending tower, the grueling training, the secret Emancipation of the Forgotten Realm technique... But those were stories for another day. He had to keep everything a secret… for now.

"Actually, Father," Joo-won said, his eyes sparkling with barely contained excitement, "I have an idea."

As he laid out his plan, Joo-won watched his father's expression shift from surprise to intrigue. When he finished, Han Ji-myeong nodded slowly, stroking his beard.

"Ambitious," he mused. "But I believe you can pull it off." A proud smile spread across his face. "I'm entrusting you with the pill refinery as well. It's time you took on more responsibility as the future clan head."

Joo-won's heart soared. "Thank you, Father. I won't let you down."

The Han clan's former glory was within reach – he'd make sure of it.

Behind him, Han Ji-myeong's gaze lingered, a mix of pride and curiosity in his eyes. Perhaps he sensed there was more to his son's sudden "genius" than met the eye. But for now, he'd let the boy have his secrets. He didn’t exactly believe his story about Ancestors, but he guess it is too big since his son wouldn’t lie about it.

Joo-won strode through the halls of the Han compound, his steps light. The cultivation world had no idea what was coming.

"Watch out," he whispered to himself, a grin spreading across his face. "Joo-won Han is about to shake things up."

Joo-won approached the training yard, where Se-yeon was fiercely attacking a practice dummy. He winced at her rigid movements, ill-suited to her lithe frame.

"Se-yeon," he called out, "perhaps it's time to try a style that won't wear you down before your prime years?"

Se-yeon paused, wiping her brow with her sleeve. "What nonsense do you speak now, Joo-won?"

"I speak of the Hollylock Blade Technique. It flows like a gentle stream, yet strikes with the force of a tempest."

She scoffed. "And I suppose this surpasses my father's time-honored methods?"

"Indeed it does. Allow me to demonstrate."

Joo-won took a deep breath, centering his qi. In a fluid motion, his blade danced through the air. The dummy split cleanly in two, and a gust of wind sent leaves spiraling skyward.

Se-yeon's eyes widened in astonishment. "Heavens above! How did you accomplish such a feat?" She guessed that it could be clan head teaching Joo-won about this.

Joo-won smiled, sheathing his sword with a flourish. "Impressive, is it not? Imagine the power when I reach the expert realm."

"Speaking of which," Se-yeon's gaze sharpened, "your cultivation has advanced at an alarming rate. How have you progressed so swiftly?"

"Ah, well," Joo-won said, suddenly finding great interest in a nearby willow, "diligent practice and unwavering focus, nothing more."

Se-yeon remained doubtful, but Joo-won deftly changed the subject. "Shall we begin your instruction in the art of the Hollylock Blade?"

As they practiced, Joo-won explained the technique's essence. "Emulate the hollylock – supple, graceful, finding the path of least resistance. Rather than overpowering your opponent, flow around their defenses and strike at their weakest point."

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Se-yeon nodded, her brow furrowed in concentration as she mirrored his movements. "So, it's akin to the softness of water wearing away stone, rather than the brute force of a hammer?"

"Precisely! You grasp it well. Soon, you'll cut through your foes as effortlessly as a sharp blade through silk."

"But how am I to discern their weakness?" Se-yeon asked, her practice sword tracing circles in the air. "Surely, they won't reveal their vulnerabilities so easily."

Joo-won smiled sagely. "Indeed, it is no simple task. You must become one with your surroundings, attuned to the subtlest of changes. Observe your opponent's breath, the shift of their stance, even the whisper of qi between you. It is like capturing the essence of wind itself."

Se-yeon's brow furrowed in concentration. She closed her eyes, inhaled deeply, and...

Joo-won's eyes widened in astonishment. Se-yeon flowed through the Hollylock Blade Technique with the grace of a seasoned master, her movements fluid and precise. It was a sight both beautiful and vexing.

"Impossible," he murmured. Three years of grueling training had brought him to this level, yet Se-yeon mastered it in mere moments. Truly, her talent was beyond compare.

As days turned to weeks, Se-yeon's skill blossomed like a lotus in spring. Her sword danced through the air, singing songs of victory. Joo-won found himself torn between pride in his student and a twinge of envy at her prodigious talent.

"Well done, Se-yeon!" he called, masking his complex emotions with a smile. "Continue thus, and soon you shall be the one imparting wisdom."

Se-yeon's face glowed with exertion and joy. "This technique is truly marvelous, Joo-won! I feel as though I could challenge the very heavens!"

Joo-won's smile softened, becoming genuine. Though her swift progress stung his pride, seeing Se-yeon's confidence bloom was a reward beyond measure.

"Remember," he said, placing a hand on her shoulder, "Wield your blade with honor and wisdom."

As they returned to the compound, Joo-won felt a warmth in his heart that rivaled the afternoon sun. Se-yeon's unexpected talent only strengthened his resolve. Together, they would carve their names into the annals of cultivation history.

And in truth, he eagerly anticipated the journey that lay ahead.

…

Joo-won wiped the perspiration from his brow, his gaze sweeping over the freshly tilled field with satisfaction. Three precious seeds lay nestled in the rich earth, their latent qi pulsing with untapped potential.

A subtle smile graced his lips as he contemplated their future.

"Grow strong and true," he murmured. "May you bring honor to our clan."

For days on end, Joo-won poured his essence into nurturing these seeds. With the diligence of a master cultivator, he tended to them ceaselessly, ensuring they received the perfect balance of qi-infused spring water and celestial sunlight. When the first tender shoots emerged from the soil, it was as if the very heavens had bestowed their blessing.

Lost in his reverie, Joo-won failed to notice Se-yeon's approach until her voice broke the silence. "Young Master Joo-won, are you communing with the spirits of plants now?"

Startled, he composed himself quickly. "Se-yeon, these are no ordinary plants. They hold the key to elevating our clan's status."

Curiosity danced in Se-yeon's eyes. "Ah, is this the art of alchemy? Might I be permitted to learn as well?"

Joo-won hesitated, choosing his words with care. "Se-yeon, the path of alchemy requires... a certain innate affinity. It is not merely a matter of determination."

Se-yeon's expression fell, understanding dawning in her eyes. "I see. My talents lie elsewhere, then?"

"Indeed," Joo-won said gently. "Your prowess with the sword grows daily. You move with the grace of a celestial maiden."

A faint smile graced Se-yeon's lips. "Your words ring true. Yet, I cannot help but feel a twinge of regret."

Joo-won placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Take heart. Your blade shall carve a path to glory that no alchemist could hope to match."

As Se-yeon departed to resume her training, Joo-won turned his attention back to his mystical garden. Moons of tireless study and countless experiments were finally bearing fruit. The air was filled with the fragrance of rare herbs and otherworldly concoctions, promising power beyond mortal comprehension.

Joo-won inhaled deeply, savoring the essence of destiny. With these skills, he would elevate the Han clan to heights unimagined, etching their name in the annals of history for all eternity.

As dawn's first light graced the horizon, Joo-won entered the courtyard with measured steps. Se-yeon was already there, her sword cutting through the morning air with precision. He observed her execute the second form of the Hollylock Blade Technique, a look of admiration crossing his face.

"Your progress is remarkable, Se-yeon," he called out. "You've transformed from a novice to a formidable swordswoman in mere months."

Se-yeon paused, dabbing her brow with her sleeve. "You flatter me, Young Master Joo-won. I have much yet to learn."

"You've attained the 5th level of Human Class," Joo-won replied. "Soon, you may surpass even me."

Se-yeon's eyes sparkled with determination. "Your praise is kind, but unwarranted. Now, have you come to assist in my training?"

Before Joo-won could respond, a commotion near the main hall caught his attention. His expression brightened with recognition.

"We shall continue this later," he said, already moving. "I believe Elder Tae-yang has returned."

He hastened to the hall, his eagerness evident. Elder Tae-yang's return promised news of the outside world and potential opportunities for the clan. As he entered, however, he halted abruptly.

Elder Tae-yang was not alone. Two strangers stood beside him, bearing the marks of great hardship. One man stood on a single leg, while the other's left arm hung withered at his side.

"Heavens above," Joo-won murmured, his eyes wide with concern. "What trials have these men endured?"

Elder Tae-yang cast him a stern glance, though a hint of amusement lurked beneath.

"Joo-won," he said, his voice carrying the weight of authority, "your timing is fortuitous. Come, meet our... guests."