Chapter 1: Han Feng
Dawn broke over the martial arts courtyard of the Han family in Renzhong City, Great Jin Nation. As the first rays of sunlight touched the practice ground, a familiar scene unfolded—a thirteen-year-old boy with gentle features moved through his forms with practiced precision, alone in the morning quiet.
The other young disciples, aged between ten and fifteen, arrived to find Han Feng already deep in his practice, as they had every morning for the past three years.
"There he is again," one of the teens whispered to his companions. "Always first to arrive, without fail."
Another youth shook his head with genuine sympathy. "Such a waste. He has fourth-level Aptitude, better than any of us, yet after years of dedication, his illness prevents him from cultivating Internal Strength. I heard even the Family Head has given up hope."
"What else could you expect?" The sharp voice belonged to Han Lin, Han Feng's fourteen-year-old cousin. "His father is nothing but a disgrace who brought shame and loss to our Han family. This is heaven's judgment—the son bearing the burden of his father's sins."
As the heir apparent among the younger generation, Han Lin had already opened three Main Bloodlines. Though he surpassed Han Feng in every practical measure, one thing had always gnawed at him—his inferior Aptitude. Where Han Feng possessed fourth-level talent, Han Lin remained one level below. The disparity had been a constant source of frustration, tempered only by Han Feng's mysterious inability to generate Internal Strength. Han Lin took every opportunity to mock this weakness, masking his lingering envy. After all, with fourth-level Aptitude, he might have already broken through four or even five Main Bloodlines by now.
Han Feng continued his practice, seemingly deaf to the whispers around him. His movements flowed smoothly through the Basic Long Fists and Basic Leg Techniques taught by the family. As the courtyard filled with his peers, they too began their morning routines.
Both techniques comprised nine distinct forms. After cycling through them several times, Han Feng paused to catch his breath. "My mastery of these forms is complete," he murmured to himself. "In pure technique, none here could match me—if only..." He left the thought unfinished, shaking his head. Yet his expression showed no trace of the bitterness one might expect from someone who had failed to cultivate Internal Strength for three years.
Instead, a mysterious smile played at the corners of his mouth as he listened to the others discuss his predicament. His hand unconsciously moved to his chest, and his eyes brightened. "Three years of cultivation... I sense the mystery is finally about to unravel, perhaps even today. And when it does..."
He returned to his practice with renewed vigor, focusing on perfecting every minute detail of his movements.
The atmosphere in the courtyard shifted as a middle-aged man entered. The children immediately straightened their postures and fell silent, not wanting to draw Instructor Lin's attention. Despite not bearing the Han surname, he commanded deep respect as a four-star Human rank cultivator—one of the most powerful in the entire Han family.
Known for his strict teaching methods, Instructor Lin had earned the reverence of even the eldest fifteen-year-old disciples, who recognized their own inexperience before his mastery.
Surveying the assembled youth, Instructor Lin's voice rang out clear and authoritative. "Young disciples of the Han family, hear me. You've spent three years mastering the Basic Fist and Leg Techniques. Originally, I planned to wait until you reached fifteen before introducing new Martial Skills. However, your generation shows exceptional promise, particularly Han Lin, who stands on the cusp of breaking through his fourth Main Bloodline. Therefore, with the Family Head's blessing, I will begin teaching you the Claw Condensation Technique ahead of schedule!"
The announcement sent ripples of excitement through the crowd. The Claw Condensation Technique was an Upper-grade skill among basic Martial Skills, normally reserved for cultivators who had opened five or six Main Bloodlines. To learn it so early was unprecedented!
All eyes turned to Han Lin with gratitude and admiration—he alone stood close to achieving four Main Bloodlines.
As Han Lin basked in the attention, Han Feng's eyes flashed with keen interest. "The Claw Condensation Technique... They're skipping straight past Medium-grade skills to teach us an Upper-grade technique. The rewards could be extraordinary."
Suddenly, Instructor Lin's demeanor shifted. He ordered the disciples to spread out, and the air grew heavy with his dominating aura, tinged with Killing Intent.
The young cultivators, who had never experienced such pressure, paled visibly. Even Han Feng trembled slightly under the weight of the instructor's power. If this force had been directed at them with true intent...
"Incredible," Han Feng thought, awestruck. "If a mere four-star Human rank cultivator wields such might, what terrifying power must our Family Head possess at the Ten-star realm?"
The young disciples stood transfixed, their minds racing with visions of such legendary strength.
Instructor Lin's battle cry shattered their reverie. His fingers curved into deadly claws as he demonstrated the technique, effortlessly reducing a massive boulder to rubble before flowing through a series of swift, precise movements.
As the oppressive atmosphere lifted, the disciples stared at their teacher with burning intensity. Instructor Lin's stern expression softened into a smile as he began breaking down each movement, emphasizing crucial details.
"Now then," he concluded, "take your positions and begin practice."
Han Feng closed his eyes, mentally reviewing the demonstration. When he opened them, he began moving slowly, his initially stiff movements gradually flowing more naturally. Though nowhere near Instructor Lin's speed, his execution showed remarkable precision.
Instructor Lin observed the practice field, his gaze lingering on Han Feng. "As expected, he's the first to grasp it perfectly. Such comprehension, coupled with fourth-level Aptitude—what a promising future he could have had." He sighed, lamenting the physical condition that held back such talent.
The other disciples paused their practice to watch Han Feng complete the technique, then resumed their training amid renewed discussion.
"Look at that—Han Feng masters it first again. I thought the basic techniques were simple enough, but the Claw Condensation Technique is far more complex. Yet he still perfected it before anyone else."
"What does it matter? His skills are worthless without Internal Strength."
"Exactly. We may learn slower, but at least we can cultivate. I'm about to break through my first Main Bloodline."
"Really? Me too! Let's focus on our practice!"
Han Lin glared at his cousin with undisguised contempt. "A worthless talent is still worthless. Wait until we start practicing Human Rank Martial Skills—they all require True Qi. Then we'll see how far your empty techniques take you!"
Two hours passed swiftly. Instructor Lin raised his hand for attention. "Well done today. Only four of you have begun to grasp the Claw Condensation Technique. Keep practicing diligently. Perfect execution is crucial before attempting to channel Internal Strength through these movements. Sloppy form in battle will destabilize your Internal Strength, with potentially devastating consequences. That's all for today—dismissed!"
The older disciples nodded seriously at the warning, while the younger ones, still full of energy, raced from the courtyard the moment they were released.
Han Feng maintained his composed demeanor as he left the training ground, making his way toward his father's quarters.
Inside, a handsome man rose to greet him. "Son, you're back. Come quickly—the food is getting cold."