Martial Journey of the Crippled Genius

The Martial Competition was an event held for the juniors to spar and display their talents. Naturally, the older generation kept a close eye on the proceedings. They evaluated the younger generation to determine who was worthy of extra attention, training, or investment. It was common for those in the audience to judge and assess the juniors' potential.

But when the host clan organized the competition, even more attention was drawn. Observers watched closely to judge the current strength and reputation of the host and to assess what potential shifts in power might result.

The one who entered with great fanfare was dressed in beautiful robes, exuding pride and a noble presence. He was handsome, with striking black hair that caught the attention of many elegant young ladies. Draped in a resplendent yellow robe bearing the crest of the Han Clan, he radiated prestige. This was Han Lan, son of the 2nd elder Han Ruo, and nephew to the Patriarch Han Man.

He was about 10 to 12 years old and stood at the Peak of the Body Tempering Stage — the first realm of martial cultivation. Just one step away from entering the Body Refining Stage, his talent was considered exceptional. Most children his age were still stuck in the middle levels of Body Tempering.

Landing gracefully on the stage, Han Lan chuckled lightly and spoke:

"Welcome to the Han Clan's Martial Competition. It has been ten years since the last event. Though I wasn't present then, let us make this year's tournament truly unforgettable. Let the competition officially begin!"

As he stepped back, seven more youths emerged — three of them female — all wearing the robes of the Han Clan. They were:

Han Li, Han Ming, Han Ruer, Han Yao, Han Fifei, Han Ke'r, Han Ran, and Han Tita.

Han Ruer, Han Yao, and Han Fifei were the girls among them. Han Fifei and Han Ran were siblings, born to the same elder. These nine youths were considered the peak talents of the Han Clan, all children of the eight elders. Only the 4th and 7th elders had no children.

The 4th elder had never married, bearing a mysterious and sorrowful past. The 7th elder, once gravely injured, had lost his ability to have children. Still, both elders were elite figures of the Han Clan, holding great prestige across the Northern Region.

Beside the patriarch Han Man sat a stunningly beautiful young girl. She radiated elegance and charm that could stir nations. She was Han Xian'er, the only daughter of the Han Clan, honored with the title of Princess. She appeared to be around 12 years old.

With vibrant red hair and flawless features, Han Xian'er was not just a beauty but also a rare genius. No one knew the exact level she had reached — it was a well-guarded secret.

Although many eyes were drawn to the four beauties present, most men quickly averted their gaze from Han Xian'er — she was, after all, the princess of the clan.

Standing beside her was a young boy, also clad in Han Clan robes. His eyes gleamed with a hunter's intensity, and he carried a calm, mature expression that defied his age. He stood beside Xian'er like a personal bodyguard, and the princess's gaze rarely left him. This filled many in the younger generation with jealousy.

The rest of the younger generation began to arrive. Among them, only Han Ran stood with his eyes closed, giving off an air of superiority. But he had the qualifications to do so — he was publicly acknowledged as a genius, having reached the 5th realm of Body Refining Stage at just 16 years old. In the Northern Region, this was considered extraordinary.

The competition officially began, and the youths began to clash on stage. Tension was high as each family hoped their own would perform well.

Eventually, the battles ended. Only 25 competitors remained.

Each of the regional overlords had 2 youths in the final pool. The Han Clan had 3, including one female. The remaining competitors were from powerful sects around the Black Demon Forest. One of them was from the Black Dragon School, a powerful faction second only to the Supreme Overlord in the region.

From the Han Clan, the final three were Han Ran, Han Li, and Han Yao — all in the early stages of Body Refining.

At that moment, a boy stepped forward from the stage — the Fifth Young Master of the Shu Sect, Shu Ming. He was also considered a peak-level genius.

He sneered and shouted:

"You're all trash! Go fetch Han Xian'er for me. None of you are worthy of her. Maybe if she's lucky, I'll offer her a few tips."

His voice was thick with arrogance and lust. Members of the Shu Sect laughed loudly in agreement.

Shu Ming was around 14 years old and had already reached the 3rd realm of Body Refining Stage. A decent achievement — enough to earn the Shu Sect's full support and feed his arrogance.

The entire Han Clan's expression darkened. This was a direct insult — a slap to their pride.

Han Ran frowned and was about to act. He considered Xian'er like his own sister. For someone to speak of her that way was a grave offense.

Just as he prepared to strike, a cold voice cut through the air.

"Take. Him. Down."

The command came from Han Xian'er herself.

A shadow flashed on the stage.

PAK! PAK! PAK!

Shu Ming was sent flying, coughing up fresh blood as he crashed to the ground.

"A trash always utters trash," the boy said.

Silence fell.

Everyone stared in shock at the boy who had struck Shu Ming — the one standing quietly next to Han Xian'er the whole time. He looked no more than eight years old.

How could a child so young defeat a peak genius like Shu Ming?

It defied all logic.

Was it really he who had spoken those words?

The Shu Sect began to seethe with rage.

Some unknown brat had just humiliated their young master in public — how could they remain quiet?

Silence is the beginning of noise.

Something was brewing.

What comes next?

Stay tuned for Chapter 4…