Shenlong descended from the Celestial Void like a phoenix reborn. His every step resonated with newfound power, the very earth beneath him trembling as if recognizing the force that now walked upon it. The memories, knowledge, and techniques he had absorbed from the Void swirled in his mind, unlocking deeper layers of his potential. He felt different, not just physically stronger, but sharper, wiser.
But one thought dominated his mind: revenge.
He had been ridiculed, betrayed, and cast aside. His former clan, the very people who once showered him with praise, had been the first to brand him "trash" the moment his cultivation stagnated. And those who had once been his peers? They had taken great pleasure in watching his downfall. Even the elders of the Qin clan, who had praised his prodigious talent, turned a blind eye when his engagement was broken off.
But things were different now. Shenlong was no longer a helpless child, shunned by all. The power of the Qin dragons coursed through his veins, and the Celestial Void had revealed his true potential. He had risen from the ashes, and soon, those who had wronged him would tremble at his return.
Far from the Celestial Void, in the heart of the Qin clan's sprawling compound, life continued as usual. The disciples trained in the central courtyard, exchanging arrogant banter as they displayed their techniques. Among them stood Qin Feng, the eldest son of the Qin patriarch, and the one who had once mocked Shenlong the loudest.
Qin Feng smirked as he defeated another opponent, his movements fluid and precise. "Is this all the new recruits can manage?" he jeered, wiping sweat from his brow. "Pathetic. No wonder the elders have no interest in promoting anyone this year."
One of the other disciples, a younger boy named Qin Hui, hesitated before speaking. "Qin Feng, what about Shenlong? Do you think he'll ever come back? I heard he went to the Celestial Void to train."
At the mention of Shenlong's name, the mood shifted. The disciples exchanged knowing looks, smirking to themselves. Qin Feng's grin grew wider, his eyes gleaming with disdain.
"Shenlong? That weakling?" Qin Feng laughed, his voice dripping with scorn. "He was finished the moment his cultivation stagnated. The elders only pitied him because of his 'prodigy' status. He'll never come back. And if he does, he'll still be the same useless trash he was when he left."
The others laughed along, mocking Shenlong's name with little restraint. The gossip about his broken engagement, his so-called humiliation, had spread far and wide.
But none of them were prepared for what was about to happen.
Meanwhile, Shenlong's journey back to the Mortal Realm was swift. His body felt light, energized by the power he had gained. He stopped briefly at a secluded waterfall, where he stood before the clear pool, gazing at his reflection. The changes were visible—his once frail form had become more muscular, his posture more commanding. His eyes, which had once held doubt, now reflected only determination and an unquenchable thirst for justice.
As he prepared to continue his journey, the pendant around his neck glowed faintly. A soft voice echoed in his mind—the ancient spirit bound to the Qin pendant, a guardian of sorts, who had remained silent since his trial in the Void.
"Shenlong," the voice intoned, soft but powerful. "The path you now walk is one of immense responsibility. The power you possess is tied to forces beyond this world. Use it wisely, for there are many who will seek to take it from you."
Shenlong closed his eyes, feeling the weight of those words. "I understand," he murmured. "But before I uncover the mysteries of this pendant, there are debts that must be paid."
The spirit sighed softly. "Vengeance is a dangerous path, young one. Do not let it consume you."
Shenlong's eyes hardened. "I will not be consumed. But I will reclaim what was taken from me. Only then can I move forward."
With that, Shenlong took off toward the Qin clan, his movements swift and silent, like the dragon that now resided deep within him.
Days passed, and the Qin clan's compound was bustling with activity. It was the annual festival, a grand event that brought visitors and dignitaries from surrounding regions to witness the prowess of the Qin disciples. The clan elders were seated in the grand pavilion, overseeing the competitions with pride.
Qin Feng stood at the center of the training grounds, basking in the admiration of the crowd. He was the undisputed star of the clan, the one expected to lead them to new heights.
But as the festival reached its peak, a ripple of unease spread through the gathered crowd. A figure had appeared at the entrance of the compound, cloaked in a simple robe, but his aura—his presence—was impossible to ignore.
Shenlong had returned.
Whispers spread like wildfire as he made his way toward the training grounds, his eyes locked on the figures ahead of him. Qin Feng, who had been gloating only moments earlier, froze when he saw Shenlong. His once confident smirk faltered.
"Is that… Shenlong?" one disciple muttered in disbelief.
"He's back? But how…?"
Qin Feng's eyes narrowed, recovering from his shock. "So, the coward returns," he sneered, stepping forward to meet Shenlong. "What, did you come back to beg for mercy? Or have you finally accepted that you're nothing but trash?"
Shenlong's gaze was cold, piercing through Qin Feng like a blade. "I didn't come back to talk," he said, his voice low but filled with an unmistakable power. "I came to show you how wrong you were."
Without warning, Shenlong released a surge of Qi so immense that the air around him crackled with energy. The disciples nearby staggered backward, their eyes wide with shock. Even the elders, seated in the pavilion, straightened in their seats, sensing the overwhelming force that Shenlong now wielded.
Qin Feng, who had once considered himself superior in every way, felt a knot of fear twist in his gut. But he couldn't back down now, not in front of the clan.
"You think you can intimidate me with that display?" Qin Feng scoffed, though his voice wavered slightly. "I'll show you who the real prodigy is!"
He charged forward, unleashing a powerful strike aimed directly at Shenlong. But to his horror, Shenlong didn't even flinch. With a swift movement, Shenlong deflected the attack effortlessly, his counterstrike landing with such force that Qin Feng was sent sprawling across the ground, gasping for air.
The crowd fell silent.
Shenlong stood over Qin Feng, his expression unreadable. "This is just the beginning," he said softly, his voice carrying through the stunned crowd. "I've come to reclaim my honor, and anyone who stands in my way will fall."
The elders exchanged glances, their faces filled with both awe and unease. This was not the same Shenlong they had cast aside years ago.
The prodigy had returned—and he was stronger than any of them could have imagined.