Twenty Years Later...

  Deep within a dense, mist-shrouded forest, surrounded by ancient, towering trees, a vast open clearing lay in wait. A massive crowd had gathered, their breath visible in the cold air. Master Fung Shu-Ri, a tall man with piercing eyes and a long white beard one of the last surviving Royal Advisors stood at the center of the assembly.

  Before him, lined up in perfect formation, stood the most brilliant youths from the two remaining clans of the kingdom. Today, they were gathered for an event that would forge the very destiny of their world.

  Master Fung Shu-Ri’s voice rose, booming and resonant so that all could hear. "As you well know, our King was assassinated twenty years ago in a vile, treacherous conspiracy. As the highest-ranking surviving official, I hereby announce the commencement of this grand trial between the heirs of the last two clans. Whosoever emerges victorious in this test shall be declared the next ruler of this kingdom!"

  As these words drifted through the air, the flags of both clans unfurled and snapped in the wind. A wave of whispers and hushed murmurs rippled through the crowd. The leader of the Linyan Clan, Master Chui Yong, stepped forward with a dignified grace.

  "I am Chui Yong, Head of the Linyan. My hopes rest upon our most brilliant Prince, Mo Yan. May the Heavens grant that he steps forward to claim the throne."

  This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

  A young man stepped out: Mo Yan. Calm, with sharp, discerning eyes, his presence was quiet yet commanding. His gaze was filled with curiosity, but it held no trace of arrogance.

  Suddenly, from the opposite side, the booming voice of Master Kin Lishuan, leader of the Fuzi Xion Clan, echoed out. "I am Kin Lishuan, Head of the Fuzi Xion Clan! I have total faith in our beloved Prince, Yu Sui. May the Heavens decree that our promising Prince Yu Sui wins this trial and becomes the heir to the throne!"

  From a group of disciples dressed in deep crimson robes, Yu Sui stepped forward. Serene and confident, a faint, graceful smile played upon his lips.

  Without a moment’s hesitation, he walked up and stood directly beside Mo Yan.

  A surge of excitement electrified the crowd. The forest echoed with applause, frantic whispering, and the palpable tension of the moment. Every eye was fixed on the two young heirs.

  Mo Yan glanced toward Yu Sui and spoke with a light, mocking scoff. "So, you actually showed up. Do you even have any idea what kind of competition this is?"

  Yu Sui tilted his head slightly and smiled, a flash of mischief in his eyes.

  "I know more than you do. I was educated specifically for this day unlike you, dry leaf."

  Mo Yan’s eyes flared with sudden heat. "What? How dare you!"

  Before the tension between the two princes could escalate further, a thundering voice roared through the forest, instantly silencing the crowd.

  "Enough!"

  Master Fung Shu-Ri stepped forward, his presence heavy and imposing. The entire clearing fell deathly silent.

  "This is no ordinary competition," he declared, his voice like an approaching storm. "This is not merely a matter of pride or clan loyalty. The winner of this trial will not become King immediately. The victor must first spend eight years at the Main Tao Hua Chuan Academy, where they will be forged through cultivation, education, and strict discipline. Only then will they be worthy to rule this land!"

  The words struck like a bolt of lightning. Even the Clan Heads bowed their heads in profound respect.

  Then, with a sharp, sweeping gesture, Master Feng raised his hand toward the mist-covered hills.

  The Grand Welcome

  Grandmaster of Black Heaven a chance on Royal Road... thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your presence here, reading my story, is why I am here. You are all incredibly precious to me.

  The Ocean and the Fish

  old readers who have followed me through thick and thin (you know the reason why)... welcome back, my friends. You know that I have always called my readers My Ocean, and I am but your Fish. This is an eternal truth for me: just as a fish cannot survive without the Ocean, an author can achieve nothing without their readers. I am nothing without you.

  A Debt of Gratitude

  great favour when I needed it most, and if fate ever grants me the opportunity, I will surely repay that debt.

  Mohi Koshi"