Dawn broke over the Jin Clan compound, painting the sky in shades of amber and rose. Tae-Won had been awake for nearly an hour, seated in lotus position on the wooden floor of his quarters, deep in the third circuit of the Azure Dragon method. His meridians hummed with energy as he guided Qi through increasingly complex pathways.

  [Body Refinement Stage 3: 27.8% progression toward Stage 4]

  [Meridian expansion: 158% of baseline]

  Three days had passed since Elder Jin had taught him the Azure Dragon method, and the results had exceeded even Tae-Won's expectations. The breakthrough to Body Refinement Stage 3 had come yesterday, during an intensive meridian expansion exercise under Elder Jin's supervision. Unlike the chaotic breakthroughs Tae-Won had experienced in the slums, this one had been methodical and controlled, with Elder Jin's guidance ensuring optimal Qi pathways.

  Still, Tae-Won knew it wouldn't be enough. Jin Taekyung would arrive tomorrow, and the gap between Body Refinement Stage 3 and Core Formation Stage 1 remained vast. Four full cultivation stages separated them—a gulf that no amount of talent or technique could fully bridge in a single day.

  A knock at his door broke his concentration. "Enter," he called, allowing his Qi to settle naturally in his dantian.

  Liu Feng stepped inside, carrying a tray with steaming tea and a small porcelain container. His eyes widened slightly as he took in Tae-Won's appearance.

  "Your breakthrough has stabilized impressively," Liu Feng observed. "Even to my limited senses, your aura has gained significant density."

  Tae-Won nodded, accepting the observation without comment. Liu Feng had proven himself useful over the past days, providing clan information and handling administrative matters that would have otherwise distracted from Tae-Won's intensive training schedule.

  "Elder Jin sent this," Liu Feng continued, placing the tray on a low table and gesturing to the porcelain container. "He said you should apply it to your meridian convergence points before today's combat training."

  Tae-Won opened the container, revealing a pale blue salve that emitted a subtle herbal scent. "Meridian Reinforcement Balm," he identified, recognizing it from texts he'd studied.

  "Yes," Liu Feng confirmed, looking impressed. "Elder Jin prepares it himself using rare ingredients from the clan's restricted garden. It's typically reserved for Inner Disciples preparing for breakthrough attempts."

  Another sign of Elder Jin's investment in his progress. Tae-Won filed this information away as he poured two cups of tea, offering one to Liu Feng. "What news from the city?"

  Over the past days, he had established a routine with Liu Feng—morning reports on clan politics and city developments, followed by updates on the street children's progress. This intelligence network, though still in its infancy, was already providing valuable context for navigating his new position.

  Liu Feng sipped his tea before responding. "Jin Taekyung's imminent arrival has caused quite a stir among the disciples. Many are placing wagers on how long you'll last against him." He winced slightly at his own bluntness. "Forgive me, but that's the reality of the situation."

  "Truth serves me better than flattery," Tae-Won replied evenly. "Continue."

  "Most believe he intends to humiliate you publicly to undermine Elder Jin's decision to take you as a disciple. The political faction supporting Jin Taekyung's father has been particularly vocal about an outsider receiving such an honor."

  Tae-Won had suspected as much, but something in Liu Feng's tone suggested there was more. "You seem hesitant. Speak freely."

  Liu Feng glanced toward the door before lowering his voice. "It's said that Jin Taekyung isn't merely talented—he's hailed as one of the heavenly geniuses of his generation. The gem of the Jin Clan. But his techniques aren't just for show. He's legitimately powerful." He paused. "And vindictive. Those who cross him often regret it."

  Tae-Won's eyes narrowed slightly. A heavenly genius who used his gifts to bully those beneath him. The type of entitled noble that had most infuriated Emperor Reinhardt—talented individuals who squandered their potential on petty displays of dominance rather than meaningful advancement.

  "And the children?" Tae-Won asked, setting aside his growing irritation with Jin Taekyung.

  Liu Feng's expression brightened. "They're adapting well to the new accommodations. Ho-Jin has implemented the training schedule you designed, and several are showing notable progress with the basic cultivation exercises."

  "Any word from Min-Ji?" Tae-Won asked casually, though the answer held strategic importance.

  "She made contact with Ho-Jin yesterday," Liu Feng reported. "Apparently, she's established connections with several servants from the Zhao Clan households. Nothing significant yet, but she's positioned for information gathering as you requested."

  Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

  Tae-Won nodded, pleased with this development. Min-Ji's initial distrust was evolving into a valuable asset—her network in the slums complemented his growing influence within the Jin Clan. Together, they formed the beginnings of an intelligence apparatus that could one day rival what Emperor Reinhardt had commanded.

  After finishing his tea, Tae-Won applied the Meridian Reinforcement Balm to the specified points on his body. The sensation was immediate—a cooling tingle that rapidly transformed into penetrating warmth as the medicinal compounds seeped into his meridians.

  [Meridian resilience increased by 32%]

  [Qi control precision enhanced by 24%]

  [Physical impact tolerance elevated by 39%]

  [System Notice: Continued development may unlock Path to Core Formation I]

  The last notification caught Tae-Won's attention. Unlike his previous life's experiences, the System occasionally provided glimpses of potential future developments. This was the first mention of Core Formation—the realm that Jin Taekyung currently occupied. While still distant, the mere suggestion that a path might be opening was significant.

  Elder Jin waited in the private training arena, a wooden practice sword held casually in one hand. Unlike their previous sessions, today the elder wore light combat robes that allowed for greater freedom of movement.

  "Your breakthrough to Stage 3 has accelerated our training schedule," Elder Jin began as Tae-Won entered. "The Azure Dragon method is not merely for meridian expansion—it also forms the foundation for the Azure Dragon Combat Arts, techniques that channel Qi through optimized pathways to enhance both offensive and defensive capabilities."

  He tossed the practice sword to Tae-Won, who caught it smoothly. "Today, we integrate your elevated cultivation with practical application."

  What followed was the most intense training session Tae-Won had experienced since his rebirth. Elder Jin demonstrated a series of sword forms that appeared deceptively simple but required precise Qi manipulation to execute properly. Each movement corresponded to specific meridian pathways Tae-Won had been cultivating.

  "The Azure Dragon Coils," Elder Jin named the first technique, demonstrating a spiraling motion that gathered Qi before releasing it in a controlled burst through the sword. "The key is not force but timing—synchronized expansion and contraction of your meridians with physical movement."

  Tae-Won attempted the technique, his body remembering similar patterns from his previous life while adapting to the unique requirements of cultivation-enhanced combat. His first attempt produced a visible ripple of Qi that dissipated before reaching its target.

  "Again," Elder Jin commanded. "Slower. Feel the connection between your dantian, meridian flow, and the sword's movement."

  On his third attempt, Tae-Won found the correct rhythm. His Qi flowed through the prescribed path, coiling through his arm and into the practice sword, manifesting as a blue-tinged arc that extended nearly a foot beyond the wooden blade.

  Elder Jin nodded approvingly. "Good. Now the defensive counterpart—Azure Dragon Scales."

  This technique required simultaneous Qi circulation through multiple meridian points, creating a flexible defensive layer that could absorb or deflect incoming attacks. The principle was similar to energy distribution techniques Emperor Reinhardt had mastered, though the implementation differed significantly in a cultivation-based system.

  After demonstrating the basics, Elder Jin tested Tae-Won's grasp of the technique with controlled strikes. The first blow bypassed Tae-Won's defense entirely, sending him sliding backward several feet.

  "Your Qi is too concentrated," Elder Jin critiqued. "The Azure Dragon Scales require even distribution across multiple points. Think of water flowing over rocks—adapting to the surface rather than trying to resist it directly."

  Tae-Won adjusted his approach, focusing on flexibility rather than raw defensive power. When Elder Jin struck again, Tae-Won's Qi layer bent without breaking, absorbing much of the impact and allowing him to maintain his stance.

  "Better," Elder Jin said. "Now counter."

  For hours, they worked through the foundational techniques of the Azure Dragon Combat Arts. By midday, Tae-Won had grasped the basic principles of three offensive and two defensive techniques—not mastery, but enough foundation to build upon.

  As they paused for a brief rest, Elder Jin assessed Tae-Won's progress with calculating eyes. "Your rate of improvement is remarkable. Most disciples require weeks to grasp what you've learned in a single session."

  Tae-Won bowed respectfully. "Your instruction makes the path clear, Master."

  Elder Jin raised an eyebrow at this diplomatic response. "Perhaps. Or perhaps your 'street survival' required more than simple instinct." The statement hung between them, an invitation to elaborate on Tae-Won's mysterious background.

  Instead of taking the bait, Tae-Won asked, "Will these techniques be sufficient against Jin Taekyung?"

  Elder Jin's expression grew serious. "No. Not at your current level of cultivation. The gap between Body Refinement and Core Formation is too great."

  Tae-Won's jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. The more he heard about Jin Taekyung, the more a familiar fire kindled within him—the same indignation Emperor Reinhardt had felt toward those who abused their power and station.

  "You seem unusually focused today," Elder Jin observed, his ancient eyes missing nothing. "I sense you're training with more... intensity than our plan requires."

  Tae-Won met his gaze. "Would it be so bad if those who oppose you felt threatened, Elder Jin?"

  A thin smile crossed the old man's face. "Threatened enough to oppose the previous Patriarch?" When Tae-Won's eyes widened slightly, Elder Jin chuckled. "Previous Patriarch... I haven't called myself that in quite some time."

  "You were the Clan Leader," Tae-Won stated rather than asked.

  "Indeed. But that's a tale for another time." Elder Jin's expression turned serious again. "To answer your question—yes, it would be bad. Unless they wish to seek death or punishment, they would come for me instead. But you would still be in danger outside the clan's protection. Are you certain about this course?"

  Tae-Won's eyes hardened. "I hate people who go around not knowing their place. People who have been given opportunity and the power to help others, only to go around flaunting their status and bullying those beneath them."

  Elder Jin studied him for a long moment. "You realize saying such things about a Jin Clan noble could be considered treasonous."

  "You asked for my thoughts, Master."

  "So I did." Elder Jin sighed. "Do you know why Jin Taekyung truly wants to fight you?"

  "To test me," Tae-Won replied, "and to show the clan you made a mistake."

  Elder Jin laughed. "Sure. You can call it that. But the main reason Taekyung wants to fight you is because he's jealous."

  Tae-Won's brow furrowed. "Jealous? Of me? I'm just a guy from the—" He paused as understanding dawned. "Wait, does that mean...?"

  "Yes," Elder Jin confirmed with a wry smile. "It is precisely what you're thinking. Taekyung wanted to be my disciple, and I rejected him."