"Huh, Father, I don't wanna— I wanna learn Dragon Breath Swordsmanship!"Little Nagmung Yichen pouted, his small fists clenched as he stood defiantly before his father, Nagmung Ryeon.
Ri yeon, the majestic head of the Nagmung clan with piercing black eyes, crossed his arms."I already told you, Yichen, not until you enter the Meridian Opening Realm."
"But, Father! I—I'm already at Body Tempering Final Stage!"
Silence fell.
Riyeon blinked once. Then again.
"…You what?"
"I'm already there," Yichen repeated, puffing his cheeks proudly. "Mama said I was born a genius...and I even work hard..you know!"
In this world of blood and honor, power levels were defined clearly:
Body Tempering Realm – Reinforcing the body with strength.
Foundation Realm – Stabilizing energy flow and internal strength.
Meridian Opening Realm – Unlocking pathways for deeper martial techniques.
Core Vein Realm – Controlling martial essence and energy storage.
Martial Root Realm – Beginning of true martial might, eligible for sect leadership and legacy techniques.
Riyeon stared down at his son, stunned. At five years old, reaching the peak of Body Tempering was unheard of—even among top clans. Truly, this child…
As the father processed this, a voice broke in from outside the door.
"My Lord."The respectful voice of Old Liu, the household steward, echoed through the corridor. "Lord Jegal and Young Miss Jegal have arrived."
Riyeon gently set Yichen down and ruffled his hair. "Let's go, son."
"Do I have to?"
"Of course. Show respect to our allies and elders...you have to make connections as to lead the nagmung clan in future."
Yichen grumbled but followed his father into the main guest hall.
Inside stood two figures dressed in elegant white. One was a man with neatly bunned hair, sharp brows, and a composed gaze.It was Jegal Shen, the head of the Jaegal family. His daughter...Jegal Ruolan sat beside him, black-haired with brown eyes, only five, yet holding herself with the noble grace of a princess. She seemed calm and intelligent—her posture perfect, her gaze unshaken.
As Ryeon entered, the two rose and respectfully offered greetings to each other—fists to palm, bowing deeply.
"We greet the Nagmung Clan Head," the two said in unison.
"Haha, it's fine. No need for such formality," Ryeon chuckled. "Yichen, greet them."
"I greet the Head of Jegal Clan," Yichen murmured shyly, bowing properly.
The man laughed heartily. "Hohoho! You've grown up so fast! I remember carrying you as a baby once."
Yichen blushed, stepping closer to his father.
"A fine young prodigy indeed," the Jegal Head said. "A child like this in the Nagmung clan—what a blessing for the martial world. I congratulate you, Alliance Leader."
"Haha...thank you," Riyeon nodded. "Your daughter as well—so composed and refined. A true Jegal."
"Please, sit."
Tea was served as the servants stepped back, leaving the nobles to talk.
The guest smiled again. "Alliance Master, I came to speak with you about the upcoming Talent Ceremony—a children's tournament hosted by the Five Great Clans…"