Zara's grandfather, Elder Azrak, stared into Jin's eyes, his voice deep and steady.
"Tell me, Jin... how did you awaken it?"
Jin blinked, confused. "Awaken what?"
"The Sword Heart," Elder Malgrim said, stepping beside Azrak.
Jin scratched his head, puzzled. "I don't know. It just... happened."
Azrak narrowed his eyes. "Impossible. Sword Heart is an ancient martial awakening. It should take decades, even for a genius."
Jin shrugged. "Maybe it liked me."
The elders exchanged glances, unsure whether to press further.
Before anyone could ask more, Xing Tian stepped forward, arms folded.
"That's enough for today," he said firmly. "They need rest. We can question them later."
The tension in the room eased. The elders nodded and slowly dispersed.
Jin let out a breath, smiling slightly. He was tired, and truth be told, unsure of what he had awakened. It had just... happened.
The Next Day – Nangoum Clan Meeting Hall
Inside a vast hall filled with glowing crystals and ancient scrolls, a group of powerful elders sat around a jade table.
The atmosphere was thick with formality. Ancient paintings of legendary battles adorned the walls, and spiritual light pulsed gently from the runes etched into the stone pillars.
Xing Tian sat at the head. To his left was Elder Malgrim, and to his right, Nangoum Arion. Also present were Zara's father, Darius, and Nyra's father, Song Yun.
The hall was silent until Xing Tian finally spoke.
"Elder Malgrim, you asked for this meeting. Speak."
Malgrim nodded. "You know my son, Darius, and your eldest son, Binas, were close friends."
Xing Tian leaned back, arms crossed. "Yes, I remember. What about it?"
"Darius has a daughter. Zara."
"She fought Jin yesterday," Xing Tian replied.
Malgrim nodded. "Correct. A few days ago, Darius arranged her engagement with a young genius.
Xing Tian narrowed his eyes. "Are you cancelling that engagement and suggesting Zara marry Jin instead?"
Malgrim raised his hand quickly. "No. Let Darius explain."
Darius cleared his throat. "Back when we were young, I studied in the Demon Clan. Binas, Song Yun, Nilan, and I were close companions."
He chuckled lightly. "One night, after a successful mission, we were drunk. We sat under the stars, speaking of our dreams. We made a pact to marry our future children."
The room went still.
Nangoum Arion slammed the table, rising slightly. "What?! An engagement before birth? Jin is supposed to marry Nyra! Are you trying to steal my future son-in-law?!"
Xing Tian held up his hand. "Enough. The engagement between Jin and Nyra is over."
Song Yun frowned. "Because of yesterday's duel?"
Xing Tian nodded. "Nyra is talented but immature. She has feelings for someone else. Jin deserves better. We'll consider Myra instead. She's focused, disciplined, and has no distractions."
Arion scoffed. "You're using a duel to end a life agreement?"
Darius interrupted, eyes firm. "There's more. We sealed our pact with a Blood Oath."
Spiritual pressure rose in the hall. Everyone went silent.
Xing Tian's eyes narrowed. "A Blood Oath?"
"Yes. Witnessed by the heavens. Breaking it would bring divine punishment."
Xing Tian sighed. "Then we must honour it."
Arion muttered, "In this world, having more than one wife is not unusual."
Xing Tian shot him a glare. "Not helping. If you can convince Jin, go ahead."
Suddenly, a voice echoed in Xing Tian's mind.
"Lord Xing Tian! Something urgent has happened in the Demon Clan."
Xing Tian stood at once. His expression turned grave. "I must leave immediately. We will resume this later."
Jin's Room
Xing Tian pushed open the door. The room was empty. The window curtains fluttered gently from a passing breeze.
He scanned the room, then noticed a folded note on the table. He picked it up and read.
Ever since I was born, I've dreamed of seeing the world with my own eyes. The stories, the legends, the ancient ruins, the hidden treasures—I wanted to witness them all. But you always kept me within the clan grounds, saying it was for my safety.
Now, I'm older. I'm stronger. Strong enough to protect myself. And I want to find my own path, even if it's dangerous.
So I've decided to leave, at least for a while. Please don't try to stop me or come looking for me. This is something I need to do for myself.
Don't worry, I'll be fine. After all, I was born stronger than the protagonist.
–Jin
Xing Tian crushed the note in his hand, a mixture of pride and frustration on his face.
"He slipped out... That brat."
He summoned a portal of swirling shadows. A cloaked figure stepped out.
"Shadow Guard greets Lord Xing Tian."
"Track Jin. Do not interfere. Just observe and report."
"Understood."
The figure bowed and vanished into the darkness.
"He's stronger than most adults already. But if anything happens... I'll come myself."
Hospital Ward
White curtains fluttered gently. Rows of beds lined the quiet ward. Among them lay Nyra, Zara, and Xiao Yan, all bandaged and recovering.
Xiao Yan stirred first. His eyes fluttered open, and pain surged through his limbs.
"Where... am I?"
He sat up slowly and looked around. It took a moment to realise he was in a hospital.
His eyes landed on Zara, unconscious in the next bed.
"Zara...?"
Memories came flooding back.
We all fought Jin. And lost... so easily.
Zara groaned softly and opened her eyes.
"Zara," Xiao Yan whispered.
She tried to sit up but failed, wincing.
"Don't strain yourself," he said gently.
She looked at him, eyes heavy. "That boy... was too strong."
"Do you remember the battle?"
She nodded. "Of course. He wiped the floor with all of us."
Xiao Yan hesitated. "Where did you go? Why did you disappear?"
Zara looked away. "I can't say."
"Why? We were close. I thought you... cared."
"You were like a younger brother to me. I never saw it as more."
Xiao Yan felt the words like a slap. "Then why did you save me? And tell Jin we were lovers?"
Zara sighed. "Your grandfather helped my family once. I was repaying a debt. And during the Sian Battle, I needed a reason to interfere."
"So it was all fake..."
"I didn't mean to hurt you. But my fiancé is far more talented."
Across the room, Nyra opened her eyes. She listened quietly, her thoughts dark.
I lost. Again. And now the engagement will not be cancelled.
Other patients began to wake. Groans echoed. Then footsteps sounded in the corridor.
Gasps followed.
"It's Jin!"
"Why is he here?"
"Checking on Nyra?"
Nyra's cheeks flushed. Her eyes locked on the door.
Jin entered calmly. He glanced at each of them, then stepped closer.
"I'm sorry," he said quietly.
Everyone froze.
"Did he just... apologise?"
Nyra replied, "It wasn't your fault. We manipulated you."
Jin tilted his head. "So you admit it."
They lowered their gazes.
Jin gave a small nod. "Alright. I accept your apology. I'll see you all at the Demon Tournament."
He turned and walked away.
Someone whispered, "We're not even registered for it..."
Outside the Hospital
Jin stepped into the sunlight. The breeze tugged at his cloak. His spirit felt light.
He stretched his arms and looked toward the horizon.
"System, let's begin. Show me the map."
[System Notification: Nearest point of interest detected. Imperial Forest. Distance: 100 kilometres. Hidden cave. Possible treasure inside.]
Jin smirked.
"Looks like a good place to start. Let's go."
Then we see Jin's status panel
Name: Jin Level: 50 Cultivation: 2nd level of golden coar
HP: —------------------------1000
Energy:------------------------570
Strength : 99 Charisma: 40
Agility: 99 Luck : 45
Physics: 99 Intelligence: 10
Unroled attribute points: 30
Skill list: 1. Auto-cultivate
2. Sercile cultivate. Expand for more info
Teacnick: Infinity expand for more
How will Jin's new journey go?