By the time Tae-Won scaled the eastern wall and dropped silently back into the Jin Clan compound, the first hints of dawn were brightening the sky. He made his way to the guest quarters without incident, slipping inside his room just as the morning bell began to toll.

  "System," he murmured, settling onto the meditation mat. "Status update."

  [Current Realm: Body Refinement Stage 1]

  [Cultivation Progress: 20.3%]

  [Qi reserves: 70% of maximum capacity]

  [Physical condition: 81% recovered from previous injuries]

  The night's exertions had consumed some of his energy, but the brief training session with the children had also honed his control slightly. Not a significant improvement, but progress nonetheless.

  Tae-Won closed his eyes, beginning the meditation technique he'd practiced religiously in his past life. The compound's Qi-rich environment made the process smoother, energy flowing more readily into his meridians.

  A soft knock at his door interrupted his concentration.

  "Young guest," a polite voice called. "Breakfast will be served in the main hall shortly. Patrol Leader Jin Hwan instructed me to guide you there."

  Tae-Won opened his eyes, suppressing a flicker of annoyance. "Enter."

  The door slid open to reveal a young disciple in blue robes—a boy perhaps fifteen or sixteen, with a round face and eager expression.

  "I'm Liu Feng," the boy said, bowing slightly. "Elder Jin assigned me to assist you during your stay."

  An escort. Or more accurately, a watchdog. Elder Jin clearly wanted him monitored, though the choice of a young, seemingly guileless disciple suggested a desire for subtlety.

  "Very well, Liu Feng," Tae-Won said, rising gracefully to his feet. "Lead the way."

  As they walked through the compound, Liu Feng kept up a steady stream of chatter, pointing out various buildings and training areas with the enthusiasm of an official tour guide. Tae-Won listened with half an ear, more interested in the disciples they passed—their techniques, their equipment, the deference shown to those with higher status.

  The compound was fully alive now, with disciples of various ages training in courtyards, servants hurrying about their duties, and blue-robed instructors supervising exercises with stern expressions. The hierarchy was immediately apparent—Outer Disciples in simple blue robes, Inner Disciples with silver trim, Core Disciples with multiple silver lines denoting their rank.

  The communal dining hall was a large, open pavilion near the center of the compound. Long tables filled the space, with disciples seated according to their status—the highest-ranking nearest to the raised platform at the front, the lowest by the entrance.

  "Guest disciples eat here," Liu Feng said, gesturing to a small table set apart from the others. "The food is the same as what Outer Disciples receive."

  "How generous," Tae-Won remarked dryly, taking the indicated seat.

  Breakfast was simple but nutritious—rice porridge with preserved vegetables, steamed buns, and a bitter tea that Tae-Won recognized as having Qi-enhancing properties. After days of scavenging in the slums, the meal seemed almost decadent.

  As he ate, Tae-Won observed the interactions around him. The discipline was evident—disciples ate quickly and efficiently, with minimal conversation. Instructors circulated among the tables, occasionally stopping to correct a posture or deliver a brief admonishment.

  "What's the schedule for today?" he asked Liu Feng, who hovered attentively nearby.

  "Morning is typically dedicated to physical training," the boy replied. "Afternoon is for cultivation techniques and theory. As a guest, you're welcome to observe most of the Outer Disciple training sessions. There's also the library, which guests may use with supervision."

  "The library," Tae-Won repeated, unable to hide his interest. "I'd like to visit it after breakfast."

  Liu Feng nodded eagerly. "Of course! I can take you there directly."

  The Jin Clan library occupied a two-story building near the western side of the compound. Unlike the ostentatious Hall of Azure Flames, the library was austere in design, with few decorations beyond the clan emblem above the entrance.

  Inside, the air was cool and dry, heavy with the scent of paper and ink. Rows of shelves filled with scrolls, bound manuscripts, and the occasional printed book stretched from floor to ceiling. A few disciples sat at reading tables, deep in study of various texts.

  An elderly woman with sharp eyes and a severely pinned bun of white hair presided over a desk near the entrance. She looked up as they approached, her gaze immediately fixing on Tae-Won with undisguised suspicion.

  "This is our guest," Liu Feng explained, bowing respectfully to the librarian. "Elder Jin has granted him access to the Outer Disciple sections."

  The woman's eyes narrowed further. "A guest from where, exactly? He doesn't look like the usual type Elder Jin entertains."

  Before Liu Feng could respond, Tae-Won stepped forward, offering a shallow bow that acknowledged her position without suggesting deference.

  "I am Tae-Won," he said, carefully modulating his voice to sound respectful without being servile. "Elder Jin has kindly offered me the opportunity to learn more about the Jin Clan's illustrious history and cultivation paths."

  The librarian's expression remained skeptical. "Hmm. The Outer Disciple sections only, boy. Try to access the restricted areas, and you'll be expelled immediately. Am I clear?"

  "Perfectly," Tae-Won replied, hiding his irritation at her condescending tone.

  "You may browse freely within the appropriate sections," she continued, gesturing to the left side of the main floor. "Liu Feng will remain with you at all times."

  As Liu Feng led him toward the indicated area, Tae-Won considered his approach. With the young disciple watching his every move, he would need to be careful about which texts he requested.

  The Outer Disciple section contained basic cultivation manuals, histories of the Jin Clan, and introductory texts on Qi theory—nothing that would immediately advance his goals, but potentially useful for establishing a foundation in this world's cultivation methods.

  "I'm interested in learning more about the cultivation system of this world," Tae-Won said to Liu Feng, deliberately phrasing his request to seem like that of an eager student rather than a strategic information-gatherer. "The Six Realms, the different paths, how one progresses from one stage to the next."

  Liu Feng brightened, clearly pleased to be asked about something he knew well. "The basic texts are here," he said, leading Tae-Won to a shelf of thin, well-worn manuscripts. "These are what all new disciples study in their first year."

  Tae-Won selected several volumes, carrying them to a nearby reading table. As he began to peruse the texts, absorbing information about meridians, Qi circulation, and the fundamental theory behind the Body Refinement realm, a thought occurred to him.

  "I've heard mention of the Heavenly Cloud Martial Academy," he said casually, glancing up at Liu Feng. "As well as the Five Great Sects and the other Noble Families. Coming from... elsewhere, I'm not familiar with these institutions. Is there something here that might explain them?"

  Liu Feng looked uncertain. "The political structure of Murim isn't typically part of initial Outer Disciple studies..."

  "Yet surely understanding the Jin Clan's place in the broader world would help me appreciate its significance," Tae-Won countered smoothly. "Elder Jin mentioned that he wished me to learn about the clan's position and history."

  This appeal to Elder Jin's authority had the desired effect. Liu Feng nodded and moved toward another section of shelves.

  "This general introduction to Murim's power structure might be helpful," he said, selecting a thick volume bound in blue leather. "It's a bit outdated—compiled about thirty years ago—but the major institutions haven't changed significantly."

  "Thank you," Tae-Won said, accepting the book with carefully controlled eagerness. "This is exactly the kind of context I need."

  As Liu Feng returned to his post nearby, Tae-Won opened the volume, quickly scanning its contents. The book provided a comprehensive overview of Murim's political landscape, with sections devoted to the Imperial Family, the Five Great Sects, the Twelve Noble Families, and various lesser powers.

  You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

  He absorbed the information rapidly, his imperial education allowing him to process and retain details with exceptional efficiency. The text confirmed much of what Li-Na had told him about the Five Great Sects, while adding specifics about their founding, territories, and known cultivation techniques.

  The section on the Twelve Noble Families was particularly illuminating. Each family controlled significant territory, maintained private armies of cultivators, and specialized in particular industries or skills. The Jin Clan, for instance, was known for metallurgy and weapon-crafting, with their Azure Flame techniques particularly suited to forge work.

  After an hour of intensive study, Tae-Won closed the political text and returned to the cultivation manuals. These contained detailed instructions for basic Qi circulation techniques, breathing exercises to enhance energy absorption, and physical postures to strengthen the body's meridians.

  Most were variations of techniques he'd already mastered in his previous life, though the terminology and specific visualizations differed. The underlying principles remained the same—energy flowed along established pathways, gradually strengthening the body and expanding one's capacity to hold and direct energy, now Qi.

  As midday approached, Tae-Won found himself growing restless. The information was useful but limited by the restrictions placed on him as a guest. The truly valuable techniques—those that might accelerate his cultivation beyond the typical pace—would be in the restricted sections, accessible only to Inner or Core Disciples.

  He needed more—and for that, he would need the librarian's cooperation.

  Rising from his seat, Tae-Won approached the elderly woman's desk, Liu Feng trailing anxiously behind him.

  "Honored Librarian," he began, his tone respectful but not obsequious. "I've found these texts most illuminating, but I have questions about Murim's broader power structure that they don't fully address."

  The woman looked up from her ledger, her expression guarded. "Such as?"

  Tae-Won swallowed his pride, allowing a hint of youthful enthusiasm to color his voice—a calculated performance meant to appeal to a teacher's instinct to instruct.

  "I've heard of the Heavenly Cloud Martial Academy, as well as the other Eleven Noble Families and the Five Great Sects," he said, carefully controlling his frustration at having to play the role of an ignorant supplicant. "The text provides basic information, but I'm curious about how these institutions interact with each other. The alliances, the rivalries, the balance of power."

  The librarian studied him for a long moment, her sharp eyes seeming to pierce through his facade. Just as Tae-Won began to fear he'd overplayed his hand, her expression softened almost imperceptibly.

  "You're from the slums, aren't you, boy?" she asked, her voice lower now, though no less stern.

  Tae-Won considered lying but decided against it. This woman had likely served the Jin Clan for decades—she would recognize deception.

  "Yes," he acknowledged with a slight nod. "The Eastern Slums."

  "Hmm." She set down her brush, folding her hands atop her ledger. "And now you find yourself in the Jin Clan compound, invited by Elder Jin himself. Quite a leap."

  "Fortune favors the prepared," Tae-Won replied, meeting her gaze steadily.

  The hint of a smile touched her thin lips. "Does it now? And what exactly are you preparing for, young man from the slums?"

  It was a test—Tae-Won recognized the subtle probing behind her seemingly casual question. His answer would determine how much information she was willing to share.

  He thought of the children waiting in the abandoned temple, of the vast gulf between his current state and his ultimate ambitions, of the intricate power structure he was only beginning to understand.

  "I'm preparing to survive," he said finally, allowing a calculated vulnerability to show in his expression. "And perhaps, eventually, to find my place in this world."

  The librarian regarded him for another long moment before giving a curt nod.

  "A honest answer, at least," she said. "Very well. What specifically do you wish to know about these institutions?"

  Tae-Won suppressed a triumphant smile. "The Heavenly Cloud Martial Academy interests me particularly. I've heard they accept students based on talent rather than background. Is this true, or merely a pleasant fiction?"

  The librarian leaned back in her chair, her posture relaxing slightly. "The Academy does indeed hold open examinations twice yearly. Anyone may attempt the trials, regardless of birth or background." She paused, her eyes narrowing slightly. "But don't mistake this for true equality, boy. The entrance fee alone is beyond the means of most commoners, and the physical trials require a level of cultivation difficult to achieve without proper resources and training."

  "Yet some from humble origins do succeed?" Tae-Won pressed.

  "Some," she acknowledged. "Perhaps one or two each year, from among thousands who attempt the trials. Those with truly exceptional talent or determination." Her gaze sharpened. "Is that your ambition, then? To join the Academy?"

  Tae-Won shrugged noncommittally. "I'm exploring all possibilities."

  "A prudent approach," she said, sounding faintly approving. "The Academy is indeed one potential path for someone of your... circumstances. Their combat training is considered among the finest in the Empire, though their cultivation methods lack the specialization of the great sects."

  "And what of the Jin Clan's relationship with these other powers?" Tae-Won asked, steering the conversation toward the political information he sought. "The text mentions alliances with the Song Family and the Wei Consortium. Are these stable, or subject to the shifting winds of opportunity?"

  The librarian's eyebrows rose slightly. "You don't ask simple questions, do you?" She glanced at Liu Feng, who stood nearby trying to appear as if he wasn't listening intently. "The political landscape of Murim is complex and ever-changing, though certain relationships have remained consistent for generations."

  She rose from her desk, moving to a nearby shelf and selecting a slim volume bound in red leather. "This contains the official history of the Jin Clan's diplomatic relations over the past century. It's not restricted, though few Outer Disciples bother to read it."

  As she handed him the book, she lowered her voice slightly. "The true answer to your question, however, is that all alliances in Murim are ultimately subject to self-interest. The Jin Clan, like all powers, will sacrifice any relationship if the benefit is great enough."

  There was something in her tone—a hint of old bitterness, perhaps—that suggested personal experience with such political calculations.

  "Thank you, Honored Librarian," Tae-Won said, accepting the volume with a respectful nod. "Your insights are invaluable."

  "You may call me Madam Liu," she replied, returning to her desk. "And be warned, boy—knowledge is indeed power, but power attracts attention. Not all attention is welcome, especially for one in your position."

  Tae-Won recognized the warning for what it was—not a threat, but genuine caution from someone who had observed the clan's internal politics for longer than he had been alive.

  "I'll keep that in mind, Madam Liu," he said, bowing slightly before returning to his reading table.

  As he opened the new volume, he reflected on this unexpected development. The librarian could be a valuable resource—someone with access to information and, potentially, a perspective less aligned with the clan's official positions than might be expected.

  Cultivating her as an asset would require careful handling, but the potential benefits were significant. Especially if he decided against joining the Jin Clan, having a contact within their walls could prove invaluable.

  For now, though, he would focus on extracting every useful piece of information from the texts before him. Knowledge was indeed power—and in this new world, with his cultivation reset to virtually nothing, information might be his most potent weapon.

  As the afternoon wore on, Tae-Won immersed himself in Murim's political history, building a mental map of alliances, enmities, and historical grievances. Behind the formal language and diplomatic accounts, patterns emerged—cycles of cooperation and betrayal, the constant jockeying for position among the Noble Families, the careful deference all showed to the Five Great Sects.

  It was, in many ways, similar to the political landscape of Latvaria before his rise to power—a rigid hierarchy maintained through tradition and force, with talent and merit acknowledged only when it served the interests of those already in power.

  And like Latvaria, it was a system ripe for disruption by someone with the vision and will to challenge its fundamental assumptions.

  By the time the library's closing bell rang, Tae-Won had filled his mind with names, dates, techniques, and theories—the raw materials from which he would craft his path forward in this world.

  As he rose to return the books to their shelves, Madam Liu approached his table.

  "You read quickly for one supposedly raised in the slums," she observed, her tone neutral but her eyes sharp with assessment.

  "I had a good teacher," Tae-Won replied truthfully, thinking of the imperial tutors who had drilled him in languages, mathematics, and military strategy from the moment he could speak.

  "Indeed." She gathered the volumes he had finished, her movements brisk and efficient. "You may return tomorrow if you wish to continue your studies. I can recommend some additional texts that might address your... unique situation."

  The offer was delivered casually, but Tae-Won recognized its significance. Madam Liu was offering to guide his research, perhaps even to provide access to materials not typically available to guests or Outer Disciples.

  "I would appreciate that greatly," he said, inclining his head in genuine gratitude.

  As he and Liu Feng left the library, the young disciple turned to him with undisguised curiosity.

  "You've impressed Madam Liu," he said, sounding slightly awed. "She rarely offers personal recommendations to anyone below Inner Disciple rank."

  "Knowledge is its own reward," Tae-Won replied, hiding his satisfaction behind a philosophical platitude.

  Liu Feng led him to the dining hall for the evening meal, chattering about the afternoon training he had missed while in the library. Tae-Won listened with half an ear, his mind already racing ahead to the night's excursion back to the abandoned temple.

  The first day of his three-day grace period had been productive beyond his expectations. He had gained access to basic cultivation manuals, begun mapping the political landscape of Murim, and potentially cultivated an asset within the Jin Clan's walls.

  Tonight, he would share some of this information with the children, beginning their transformation from street rats into a disciplined intelligence network. Tomorrow, he would return to the library to deepen his understanding of this world's cultivation systems and political dynamics.

  And by the third day, he would need to be ready to refuse Elder Jin's offer without immediately signing his own death warrant.

  As he ate his evening meal—considerably more substantial than breakfast, with rice, vegetables, and small portions of meat—Tae-Won felt a familiar sensation stirring within him. Not the hollow hunger of this new body, but the deeper hunger that had driven Edward Reinhart to conquer Latvaria, to challenge gods, to reshape a world in his image.

  Ambition. Purpose. The inexorable drive to rise above his circumstances, to achieve greatness regardless of the obstacles placed in his path.

  In this new world, with its rigid hierarchies and mystical arts, the challenges were different but the principle remained the same: power flowed to those with the vision to seize it and the will to hold it.