The training arena fell silent as Tae-Won processed this revelation. "Why?"

  Elder Jin walked to a wooden bench at the edge of the arena and sat down. "Do you remember the answer you gave me when I asked what comes to your mind when fighting an opponent?"

  "Yes," Tae-Won replied. "I said I see them as a collection of vulnerabilities—something I can exploit to win the fight."

  "A fair response. A tactical one that indicated years of battle and wisdom." Elder Jin's expression darkened. "Would you like to know what Taekyung said?"

  Tae-Won nodded.

  "He said he sees his opponents as insects to crush. People who should grovel at his feet." Elder Jin's voice carried no judgment, only a weary acceptance. "Taekyung undoubtedly has immense talent, but the reason I couldn't accept him was that he held malice as well as the ego of a proud noble—a trait inherited from his father. He sees everyone weaker than him as beneath him. I couldn't willingly teach someone like that."

  The old man stared into the distance. "I tried multiple times to steer him toward a better path. It never worked. Finally , when he approached me about becoming my disciple, I refused, saying I wouldn't be accepting any disciples."

  "And yet here I am," Tae-Won said quietly.

  "Yes. To my own grandson, I refused, saying I didn't want to teach him. I told him that I wouldn't be taking in disciples. Yet here I am with a new disciple—a person from the slums, no less." Elder Jin's eyes refocused on Tae-Won. "Do you understand what that means for tomorrow's match?"

  Tae-Won nodded slowly. "It's not just about politics. It's personal."

  "Very personal," Elder Jin confirmed. "My grandson is talented and strong, but he loves to mock opponents because no one has put him in his place. He will see you not just as a rival disciple, but as living proof of my rejection."

  Tae-Won absorbed this information, reevaluating his strategy. The match would be even more dangerous than he'd anticipated, but also potentially more rewarding. If handled correctly, it could establish his position within the clan more firmly than any planned display of moderate skill.

  "Master, with your permission, I would like to continue training," Tae-Won said, rising to his feet. "If Jin Taekyung intends to make an example of me, I should at least be prepared to respond appropriately."

  Elder Jin studied him for a long moment. "Very well. But remember our original purpose—to demonstrate enough skill without going overboard to justify my interest . As well as not presenting such a challenge that Taekyung feels compelled to eliminate you."

  Tae-Won bowed respectfully, but as he straightened, there was a new determination in his eyes—one that Elder Jin recognized all too well.

  "Let us continue with the Azure Dragon Fang technique," the elder said with a sigh, rising to his feet. "Pay particularly close attention to the final sequence—it contains a defensive transition that may prove useful against fire-attribute attacks."

  Evening found Tae-Won sitting cross-legged beside a small pond in a secluded corner of the Jin Clan gardens. His muscles ached from the day's training, but his mind remained clear as he processed everything he had learned.

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  The System's assessment confirmed what he already knew—significant progress, but still far from sufficient for the coming challenge. One day remained before Jin Taekyung's arrival. One day to prepare for a confrontation that would set the tone for his position within the Jin Clan.

  The sound of light footsteps drew his attention. Madam Liu approached, her severe expression softened slightly by the fading evening light.

  "Elder Jin requested I provide you with this," she said without preamble, extending a thin jade slip. "It contains the complete cultivation records of Jin Taekyung from his entry into the Body Refinement realm through his advancement to Core Formation."

  Tae-Won accepted the jade slip with a respectful bow. "Thank you, Madam Liu. This is most helpful."

  She studied him with sharp eyes. "I opposed Elder Jin's decision to take you as his disciple," she stated bluntly. "An outsider with unknown background presents too many variables in our current political climate."

  Tae-Won met her gaze steadily. "Your caution serves the clan well. If our positions were reversed, I would likely share your concerns."

  This honest acknowledgment seemed to surprise her. "Yet you accepted the position despite knowing it places you at the center of clan politics."

  "Opportunity often comes paired with risk," Tae-Won replied. "The question is not whether risks exist, but whether they can be managed."

  Madam Liu's expression remained neutral, though something in her eyes suggested reassessment. "Indeed. And how do you intend to 'manage' the risk presented by Jin Taekyung?"

  "By understanding him," Tae-Won said, indicating the jade slip. "Knowledge of an opponent's patterns reveals both strengths to avoid and weaknesses to exploit."

  "A strategic approach," she noted. "Most young disciples rely solely on cultivation techniques and raw power."

  "I lack the luxury of overwhelming strength," Tae-Won said simply. "Alternative paths must be considered."

  Madam Liu studied him for a long moment before speaking again. "Elder Jin believes you possess rare potential. I remain unconvinced, but..." She paused, choosing her words carefully. "Your awareness of the situation is... appropriate."

  With that qualified assessment, she turned to leave, then stopped. "One piece of advice, young disciple. Jin Taekyung has a particular weakness for public recognition. If he decides his opponent is weaker than him, his techniques are often selected for maximum visual impact rather than efficient Qi utilization. Use this information as you wish."

  Tae-Won bowed deeply, recognizing the value of this insight. "Thank you for your guidance, Madam Liu."

  After she departed, Tae-Won pressed the jade slip to his forehead, absorbing the information contained within. Jin Taekyung's cultivation journey unfolded in his mind—a record of remarkable talent coupled with aggressive advancement pace. His breakthrough to Core Formation had occurred nearly a year ahead of his peers, earning him significant status within the clan.

  But as Madam Liu had hinted, there were patterns in his technique selection and combat approach that suggested prioritization of dramatic effects over efficiency. He favored fire-attribute techniques that produced visible manifestations—impressive to observers but potentially leaving openings for a perceptive opponent. However, the problem wasn't his technique, but his raw power output. His attacks were lethal, aimed at crippling or defeating an opponent with no mercy.

  But more concerning than that was his temperament. The records documented several "disciplinary incidents" following perceived slights or challenges to his authority. Jin Taekyung responded to threats—real or imagined—with overwhelming force, establishing a reputation that deterred further challenges.

  Tae-Won closed his eyes, integrating this information with his own observations and the System's analysis. A strategy began to form—not merely for survival, which had been his initial goal, but for something more. Jin Taekyung represented exactly the type of person that Emperor Reinhardt had most despised—talented, privileged, and using those advantages to dominate rather than elevate.

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  He would need to demonstrate enough skill to justify Elder Jin's interest, certainly. But perhaps it was also time to show a "heavenly genius" that even those born in the slums could bite back.

  The following morning, Tae-Won requested permission to visit the street children. Elder Jin granted it, perhaps recognizing the value of mental preparation away from the compound's politically charged atmosphere.

  Liu Feng accompanied him as before, though their relationship had evolved from guide and newcomer to something approaching partnership. As they walked through the city streets, Liu Feng provided updates on clan developments and rumors surrounding Jin Taekyung's imminent arrival.

  "They say he's bringing several Core Formation disciples from his father's faction," Liu Feng reported. "A show of strength, obviously."

  Tae-Won nodded, unsurprised. "And Elder Jin's response?"

  "None officially," Liu Feng said. "Though I noticed several Nascent Soul elders who normally remain in seclusion have suddenly taken interest in tomorrow's 'friendly match.'"

  Another piece of the political puzzle. Elder Jin was ensuring that any excessive action by Taekyung would be witnessed by those with the power to intervene.

  When they arrived at the children's residence, Tae-Won was pleased to find significant improvements. The courtyard had been transformed into an organized training area where several children practiced the basic cultivation exercises he had taught them. Inside, the living spaces were clean and ordered, with clear evidence of established routines and responsibilities.

  Ho-Jin greeted them at the entrance, his bearing more confident than their last meeting. "We've implemented the training schedule as you instructed," he reported without preamble. "Li-Na has organized study groups for those showing aptitude with meridian activation."

  Tae-Won nodded approvingly. "Show me."

  For the next hour, he observed the children's progress, making corrections to their techniques and providing additional instruction where needed. Their advancement, while modest by cultivation standards, was remarkable given their backgrounds and limited resources.

  During a break, Ho-Jin pulled him aside. "Min-Ji sent a message," he said quietly. "She has information about Jin Taekyung that might interest you."

  Tae-Won raised an eyebrow. "When can she deliver it?"

  "Tonight," Ho-Jin replied. "She'll meet you at the old tanner's district after sunset."

  While Liu Feng demonstrated a cleansing technique to the younger children, Tae-Won considered this development. Leaving the compound after dark would be challenging but not impossible. The information Min-Ji had gathered might prove valuable for tomorrow's confrontation.

  "Tell her I'll be there," he decided.

  After finishing their visit, Tae-Won and Liu Feng returned to the compound for afternoon training with Elder Jin. Today's session focused on refinement of the techniques introduced yesterday, with particular emphasis on energy conservation and precise Qi control.

  "Against a superior opponent, efficiency becomes paramount," Elder Jin explained as they practiced. "Jin Taekyung possesses greater raw power, but his techniques often waste energy on unnecessary displays."

  By evening, Tae-Won's control of the Azure Dragon techniques had improved significantly, though still far from mastery. As they concluded training, Elder Jin placed a hand on his shoulder.

  "Tomorrow will be challenging," the Elder said, his voice uncharacteristically gentle. "Remember that this is merely one step in a longer journey. Whatever the outcome, your path as my disciple continues."

  Tae-Won bowed respectfully. "I will represent you honorably, Master."

  After a light meal and evening meditation, Tae-Won waited until the compound quieted before slipping out through a servant's entrance Liu Feng had identified. Moving through the nighttime streets required all the stealth skills he had developed in the slums, particularly as he approached the old tanner's district—territory controlled by rival gangs.

  The abandoned tannery building stood dark against the night sky, its collapsed roof creating jagged shadows in the moonlight. As Tae-Won approached cautiously, he extended his Qi perception, scanning for potential threats.

  "You've changed," Min-Ji's voice came from the shadows. She stepped into view, her thin frame silhouetted against a crumbling wall. "Your aura is different."

  Tae-Won nodded acknowledgment. "Proper training accelerates development."

  Min-Ji studied him with calculating eyes. At fourteen, she had already developed the wariness of someone much older, a product of slum survival that Tae-Won recognized all too well.

  "Jin Taekyung visited the pleasure houses in the western district last night," she reported without preamble. "He got drunk and boasted about putting the 'slum rat' in his place. Said he'd make an example of you."

  Tae-Won felt a familiar cold anger settle in his chest—the same controlled rage Emperor Reinhardt had channeled against nobles who abused their power. "Details of his statements?"

  "He specifically mentioned using the Three Heavenly Flames technique to overwhelm you quickly. Said it would be 'appropriately humiliating' for a street orphan to face the power of true Jin Clan heritage." Her eyes narrowed. "He also mentioned that his father expects him to demonstrate why the clan leadership should eventually pass to their branch of the family."

  This aligned with what Tae-Won had already surmised, though the specific technique mention was valuable. The Three Heavenly Flames was documented in Jin Taekyung's cultivation records—a powerful fire-attribute attack that manifested as three distinct flame pillars, designed to trap opponents between converging fire walls.

  "Anything else?"

  Min-Ji hesitated, then continued. "One of the Zhao Clan servant girls overheard her master discussing your situation. Apparently, several prominent clans might be watching tomorrow's match with interest. They see it as a test of Elder Jin's judgment and influence."

  The political dimensions expanded beyond the Jin Clan internal politics. This match had implications for inter-clan relations as well—another layer of complexity to navigate.

  "You've done well," Tae-Won acknowledged. "Continue building your network. Focus particularly on servant connections to the major clans."

  Min-Ji's expression remained guarded. "The others are settling into their comfortable new home. They may forget where they came from."

  "And you believe that would be a mistake?" Tae-Won asked.

  "I believe dependence breeds vulnerability," she replied bluntly. "Even on you."

  Tae-Won nodded, respecting her caution. "Independence and alliance aren't mutually exclusive. Your network serves both our interests for now."

  "And when our interests diverge?" she challenged.

  "Then we'll negotiate new terms," Tae-Won replied simply. "Power recognizes power, Min-Ji. Continue building yours."

  This pragmatic response seemed to satisfy her more than false promises of eternal loyalty would have. With a slight nod, she melted back into the shadows, leaving Tae-Won to make his way back to the compound.

  As he slipped back into his quarters, Tae-Won's mind was already formulating adjustments to his strategy based on Min-Ji's intelligence. Jin Taekyung's intention to use the Three Heavenly Flames technique presented both danger and opportunity. The technique was indeed powerful, but its theatrical nature created predictable patterns that could potentially be exploited.

  

  

  

  

  

  

  Tae-Won smiled slightly as he settled into meditation position. Tomorrow's match would certainly be challenging, but perhaps not entirely hopeless. His Body Refinement Stage 3 cultivation, while still far below Jin Taekyung's Core Formation, gave him at least a foundation to work with. More importantly, the System's gradual unlocking of the Path to Core Formation suggested potential for future growth that even Elder Jin might not anticipate.

  As dawn approached, Tae-Won completed his final preparations. The match was scheduled for mid-morning, giving him a few hours for meditation and Qi circulation. He guided his energy through the Azure Dragon meridian pathways, feeling the strength and resilience that had developed over the past days.

  

  

  

  

  

  A soft knock at his door signaled the arrival of Liu Feng with his morning tea. Outside, the Jin Clan compound was already stirring with anticipation for the coming confrontation. Disciples hurried through the courtyards, securing favorable viewing positions. Elders from various factions gathered in small groups, their political calculations almost palpable in the morning air.

  Within hours, Tae-Won would face Jin Taekyung—Core Formation cultivator, acknowledged clan prodigy, and political rival. The outcome of their match would establish Tae-Won's position within the clan hierarchy and determine the course of his cultivation journey.

  But unlike yesterday, Tae-Won's goal had shifted. No longer would he merely aim to survive and show moderate skill. A heavenly genius who looked down on others, who mocked those beneath him, who wasted his time on domination rather than advancement—such a person needed to learn that even slum rats had teeth.

  With calm focus, Tae-Won sipped his tea and prepared for the challenge ahead. Whatever happened in the arena today, he was determined to surprise everyone—perhaps even the System itself.