In what he would later call the Blood World, Sel Yun trained relentlessly. Within ten years under the guidance of the mysterious master, he reached the Core Formation Initial Stage—a cultivation speed considered extraordinary, even across the vast realm. Under the Blood Master's tutelage, Yun mastered the foundational Blood Arts of the Nine Great Clans, eventually forging several techniques of his own.
At nineteen, the Blood Master finally spoke: "It is time to return to the world and begin your path toward the Blood Emperor's throne. Across our continent lie eleven thousand inhabited worlds. Tell me, where do you wish to begin?"
Yun paused in thought before asking quietly, "With my current level... can I avenge my clan?"
The Blood Master did not pause before answering.
"A Peak Core Formation cultivator may threaten you, but overall you will be fine. Still, joining the Scarlet Pavilion would be ideal—their higher techniques will serve you well. Vengeance will not be beyond reach; within a year or two, you may take it. And with the Young Blood Master Trials approaching in three years, you will have the perfect stage for your return."
His voice darkened, carrying a sharper edge.
"When all nine clans gather for the Crowning of the Blood Lord—that is when you reveal your hand. By then, no clan across the Blood Continent will dare oppose you."
Yun bowed respectfully as his master opened the Blood Portal before him. On the other side lay the Scarlet Region. Spanning eighteen solar systems, it was not the largest domain among the Nine Great Clans, but its wealth was unrivaled across the Blood Continent.
The six outer systems were governed by the Hart Family. There, all outsiders were required to begin if they wished to enter the inner systems and earn the right to become core members of the Scarlet Pavilion.
For now, Yun would go by a single name, hiding his lineage until he had the strength to defend it. Using his master's concealment technique, he would mask his true cultivation, appearing to the world as nothing more than an early-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator.
The planet Yun chose to settle on was called Auroros, named after the woman who discovered it long before the founding of the Scarlet Pavilion. The largest of the six outer planets, it was home only to cultivators. Its gravity was crushing—like forcing a horse to carry the weight of an elephant. For a Foundation Establishment blood cultivator, it was difficult but bearable. This immense pressure not only tested the body but also accelerated cultivation and enhanced results.
Before sending him off, the Blood Master had given Yun 200,000 Primal Coins (PC)—enough to purchase a residence. Though each region had its own local currency, cultivators across the realm relied on the Primal Coin as a universal standard. Even ordinary people used it, making it the one currency accepted everywhere. To put it in perspective, 200,000 Primal Coins equaled 200 million Blood Coins.
Seeking privacy, Yun purchased a small island along with a teleportation array for 1,000 PC, before heading off to register with the Hart Sect.
When Yun arrived in Hart City, he was struck by a majesty unlike anything he had ever seen. No expense had been spared in its construction—every street, tower, and plaza gleamed with wealth and power. Yet what drew his attention most was a modest blacksmith's shop tucked between a scroll store and a talisman parlor. He quietly marked it in his mind, vowing to return and ask for work. His master had taught him much about forging weapons and tools, and the sight stirred something within him.
After another twenty minutes of walking, Yun reached the Hart Central Hall, where eight long lines of hopefuls stretched before the entrance. Above their heads floated a crimson gem, casting beams of light that occasionally settled upon certain individuals.
"If the light shines on you, you pass," explained a voice behind him.
Yun turned to see a young man about his age, a scar running across his face and two fingers missing from his right hand.
"The name's Jax. I'm a refugee from Ankel. Arrived in the city three days ago and did some digging on the sect. First time here?" the boy asked.
Ankel. The name struck Yun's ears like a stone dropped into a still pond. After a pause, he answered, "Yes. I'm new here as well. Name's Yun. You could say I'm a refugee too. The Blue Vein Clan destroyed my family. I am all that remains."
"They destroyed mine as well," Jax said grimly. "They now control ninety percent of Ankel. Only the Ankel Isles remain untouched. My clan was the Snow Vein Clan. Yours?"
"Sel," Yun replied after a brief hesitation.
Jax's eyes widened, but he quickly masked his reaction as the floating gem drifted toward them. Its crimson light enveloped them both. Of course, they were accepted. Each was handed a badge to carve their name upon.
An hour later, they stood in the central courtyard, where three Peak Core Formation Masters awaited their arrival.
One of the masters stepped forward, her voice smooth as silk.
"Welcome, young ones, to the Hart Sect. I am Hall Master Rhea, of the Hall of Personnel and Rites. On my right stands Hall Master Deer, of the Hall of Justice, and on my left, Hall Master Franc, of the Resource Hall.
On behalf of our Sect Leader, I extend her gratitude for choosing the Hart Sect. We hope you will achieve your aspirations here—and serve the sect well.
This year, the ranking trials will differ from tradition. Instead of sparring matches, you will be sent into the Auroros Beast Lands for a three-day hunt. Your ranking will be determined by the number of beast cores you collect during that time.
You may forfeit early, but doing so will lower your rank. If you choose not to participate at all, you may remain only one year as a Service Disciple, with limited rights and benefits.
The top ten disciples will receive generous cultivation resources and Blood Coins, according to their standing. You may form teams if you wish.
You have one day to prepare. Temporary dormitories are located here in the courtyard—men to the left, ladies to the right."
Yun and Jax did not mingle with the others. They remained in their own small world, bound by the same origin and loss. Later, Jax led Yun to a forested area, far from prying ears.
Once they were alone, Jax suddenly dropped to his knees. "This cousin humbly greets the Young Master."
Yun blinked in confusion. "Your..." he began, but Jax quickly explained.
"My mother was Sel Mei, though she changed her name to Wen Mei after marrying into the Snow Vein Clan. She was the sister of the Sel Clan Leader. Ten years ago, when word of the Sel Clan's destruction reached us, our Sect Leader was furious. But when we searched the ruins, your body was never found. We assumed you had been taken away and killed elsewhere.
Mother, however, never gave up hope. She told me your name was Yun, and she believed you survived. When destruction came for us six years ago, I barely escaped, as you can see. Mother's last words were clear: find the Young Master—he must be alive."
Tears welled in Yun's eyes as he lifted Jax to his feet. After so many years of despair, he had not dared hope to find any kin still alive. In that moment, he felt both joy and pain intertwine within him.