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."

  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 been aware of your interest in the Academy and your preparations with those children. 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 really been watching me that closely? He knows about the children too?

  "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.

  , Tae-Won thought, studying the old man with new eyes.

  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?"

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  Liu Feng glanced around reflexively before answering, lowering his voice. "Oh no, not at all. What you see here is merely the northern 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 northern 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."

  "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. "Before Elder Jin even approached you with his offer, he had already sent word to the main branch of the Jin Clan. It's standard protocol when a elder or powerful figure in the clan discovers someone of exceptional talent. The message would have stated that he'd found an interesting prospect with immense potential—you—and that he was considering taking you as his personal disciple."

  "So the main branch already knew about me?" Tae-Won asked, surprised.

  "Indeed. Elder Jin would have informed the Patriarch and other clan leaders about his intentions. Such communications travel through special clan channels much faster than physical journeys." Madam Liu's eyes twinkled. "And young master Taekyung, upon hearing his grandfather had found someone worthy of becoming his first personal disciple in fifty years, would naturally be intensely 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. For Elder Jin to choose a boy from the slums with barely any cultivation experience? It's unprecedented."

  "I've been cultivating for two days," Tae-Won pointed out dryly. "And he's been called a heavenly genius of this generation. How is that fair?"

  "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.