The main hall of the Nangoum Clan bustled with respectful energy as Jin and his grandfather entered. Clad in flowing robes that shimmered like night silk, Jin's grandfather walked ahead with regal authority. Instantly, clan members halted their conversations and bowed deeply.
"Greetings, Lord Xing!" they chorused.
Jin watched with a mix of awe and curiosity. It was the first time he had seen others show such respect toward his grandfather, Xing Tian, the legendary elder cultivator of the Central Dynasty.
As they moved further into the grand hall, Jin's eyes were drawn to a young girl standing gracefully among a group of clan juniors. She had long, dark violet hair cascading down her back, her eyes sharp like a falcon's and glowing faintly with magic. She wore a silver-blue robe embroidered with delicate phoenix patterns.
Nyra Nangoum.
The system's voice chimed softly in Jin's mind.
[System Notice: You have entered the proximity of a Female Lead – Nyra Nangoum.]
Jin couldn't help but stare. So this is Nyra... she's beautiful, no doubt. Elegant too—but she seems a bit full of herself.
Nyra, on the other hand, noticed Jin's gaze and studied him from head to toe. He's… handsome, she admitted inwardly, her expression unreadable. But her thoughts quickly turned judgmental. Just because he's good-looking doesn't mean he's strong. Look at the way he casually jokes with his grandfather—he has no manners. I prefer someone like Wang Ling.
A short flashback filled her mind—Wang Ling, the rising star of the younger generation, stood alone in front of a towering beast. With graceful movements and overwhelming power, he cut it down in seconds.
Now that's strength. Compared to him, this boy is probably nothing special, Nyra thought coldly.
Jin smirked slightly. He had noticed Nyra's dismissive look.
"She's pretty," Jin muttered to himself, "but she feels weak compared to me. We're the same age, and she's still only—"
[System Alert: Host, please note – Nyra Nangoum is not weak. She is considered a top-tier prodigy within her generation. It's just that your strength and growth are abnormally monstrous.]
Jin blinked. "Ah. Got it."
Song Yun, the eldest son of the Nangoum Clan Leader. He had been a lifelong friend of Jin's father.
"Xing Tian! It's been too long," Song Yun said, bowing respectfully before clasping the elder's arm with a warm smile.
"It has indeed," Xing Tian replied with a nod. "How have you been?"
"Well. Still leading this clan of mine, for better or worse. And what of your son, Xing Binas?"
"He's doing fine. Still as fiery and overbearing as always."
Song Yun chuckled, then turned his attention to Jin.
"And this must be your grandson?"
"Yes. Meet Jin, the son of Binas."
Song Yun stepped forward and studied the boy's face. "He doesn't resemble Binas much—must have inherited his mother's beauty. You may not know me, young one, but I know you. I was there when you were born."
Jin bowed politely. "It's an honour to meet you, Clan Leader Song."
"No need for formalities," Song Yun said with a laugh, reaching out to gently place a hand on Jin's shoulder.
But as his fingers brushed Jin's arm, his expression froze.
What…? This spiritual flow… No, it can't be—
A wave of spiritual pressure brushed against his senses. Shock flooded Song Yun's face.
Golden Core Stage…? At age five?! Impossible! I reached the first level of Golden Core at thirty-five and was called a genius. If I were a genius, then what is this child? A monster?
He thought of his daughter, Nyra. She was a genius in her own right, currently at the fifth level of Qi Refinement at only eight years old. Even Wang Ling, the most acclaimed prodigy of the generation, had reached the ninth level of Qi Refinement at the age of 12.
Then, the same idea struck him that had already crossed his father's mind.
Without hesitation, he used his Voice Transmission technique to contact his father.
"Father, I've just met Jin, Binas's son. His talent… is otherworldly. I was thinking… maybe an engagement between him and Nyra?"
"You too? I was thinking the same," the old man replied calmly.
Song Yun smiled. Everything was falling into place.
"Jin," he said, gesturing toward his daughter, "this is my daughter, Nyra. She's quite talented herself—famous across the Central Dynasty."
Jin turned and gave a respectful bow. "Pleasure to meet you."
Nyra, however, barely acknowledged him. She turned her head slightly and rolled her eyes.
"Okay, okay. Are you all just here to talk, or do you plan to do something productive?" she said with a mocking tone.
Jin raised an eyebrow. Oh, she's got some fire in her.
"You look too weak," she added bluntly. "You're probably here because of your family name. Riding their power, not your own."
Her words stung, not because they were true, but because Jin caught a glance of his grandfather stifling a laugh. Xing Tian immediately composed himself when he saw Jin's glare, but the damage was done.
Jin's pride sparked.
"Are you looking for a fight?" he asked, stepping forward.
Song Yun's eyes widened in alarm. "Jin, please, she's just—"
But Grand Elder Yorin raised a hand to stop him. "Let them fight."
"But Father—Nyra can't possibly match him—"
"I know," the old man said calmly. "But she needs to learn. She's talented, yes, but her arrogance blinds her. Let her see that there are always others more gifted. Let her learn humility."
Back on the battlefield of words, Nyra raised her chin defiantly.
"You want to fight me?" she said, stepping forward. "Fine. But don't think you're the first. I've only lost once—against Wang Ling."
"I'll defeat you," she said, "without using spiritual energy."
Jin blinked. "Seriously?"
He turned to the elders. "May I request an arena?"
Grand Elder Yorin nodded. "Prepare the duelling ground."