The Clan Tournament

Every elder praised him.

Every disciple admired him.

Whenever his name was mentioned, people spoke with respect.

Meanwhile, Taehyung had been treated as an unwanted shadow.

A burden.

A failure.

Now both stood on the same stage.

Competing for first place.

"You're lucky to have made it this far," Soo Hyun said coldly.

Taehyung simply looked at him.

"Is that all you have to say?"

The crowd gasped.

Nobody usually spoke to Soo Hyun like that.

The favored genius's face darkened.

"Then let me remind you of your place."

Boom!

Spiritual energy exploded from Soo Hyun's body.

Many disciples cheered.

"As expected of Senior Soo Hyun!"

"His cultivation is incredible!"

The judges immediately announced the start of the match.

Soo Hyun attacked first.

His sword flashed toward Taehyung's chest.

Fast.

Extremely fast.

But Taehyung remained calm.

The Heaven Devouring Emperor Art circulated through his body.

His senses sharpened.

At the last moment, he stepped aside.

Whoosh!

The sword missed completely.

Soo Hyun frowned.

Again.

And again.

Every attack failed to land.

The spectators gradually became silent.

Something was wrong.

Very wrong.

The battle wasn't unfolding as expected.

For the first time, Soo Hyun felt pressure.

Then Taehyung moved.

Boom!

His fist struck Soo Hyun's shoulder.

The clan genius stumbled backward.

Shock appeared across the arena.

Taehyung had landed the first hit.

Soo Hyun's eyes widened.

He couldn't believe it.

The cousin he once looked down upon had actually injured him.

Rage erupted inside his heart.

"Enough!"

His spiritual energy surged.

The strongest technique of the Kim Clan appeared.

Azure Blade Strike.

A massive energy blade descended toward Taehyung.

The crowd held its breath.

Even the elders sat forward.

This technique had defeated countless opponents.

Yet Taehyung didn't retreat.

Instead, he stepped forward.

The Black Pearl released a tiny fraction of its energy.

A golden aura surrounded his fist.

Boom!

The energy blade shattered.

Cracks spread through the arena floor.

Dust filled the air.

When it settled, everyone froze.

Soo Hyun was lying on the ground.

Defeated.

The entire arena became silent.

Nobody could believe what they had witnessed.

The forgotten young master had defeated the clan's greatest genius.

Soo Hyun clenched his fists.

Humiliation burned inside him.

The cheers that once belonged to him now belonged to Taehyung.

Even the elders were looking at Taehyung with admiration.

Hatred filled his heart.

"This isn't over."

He silently swore revenge.

That night, Taehyung returned home.

Taehi immediately ran toward him.

"Brother!"

Her face was full of excitement.

"You won!"

Taehyung laughed softly.

"Everyone in the clan knows already?"

Taehi nodded energetically.

"Of course!"

For the first time in years, their small courtyard felt warm and lively.

But Taehyung's smile faded when he noticed a strange shadow moving beyond the wall.

Someone was watching.

The moment he looked over, the figure disappeared.

A bad feeling settled in his heart.

Far away from the Kim Clan.

Inside an underground temple.

Dark flames illuminated ancient stone walls.

Several black-robed figures knelt before a throne.

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