The night was so quiet it almost felt heavy.Kael Draven washed the dirt off his body, slipped into a clean set of clothes, and stood there for a while before making up his mind. He’d go clean the Ancestral Hall.Not because he was scared. Not because he couldn’t stand up to his cousins. But if he lost his right to cultivate… then what was left for him? That was the one thing he couldn’t afford to gamble away.His footsteps sounded dull as he walked, each one pulling him closer to the Draven family’s forbidden place—the Ancestral Hall.It sat deep in the estate, surrounded by old trees, dark and still. Few ever came here. This was where the spirits of the ancestors were honored, where the weight of history pressed down like stone. Guardians of the family, perhaps… but never guardians of him.The heavy doors groaned when he pushed them open. A rush of cold air slipped across his skin, making him shiver. His lips twisted. “What’s the point?” he muttered. “When have you ever stood on my s

“You bastard—how dare you slap me?!”Ronan Draven’s scream ripped through the hall as he clutched his cheek. His hand trembled against the swelling flesh. The humiliation burned even hotter than the sting. The “Heavenly Slap,” his own brilliant idea for tormenting others, had just been turned back on him. Was this real? Was he actually the victim of his own trick?“You’re the one who said Heavenly Slap means a daily face-slap,” Kael Draven said evenly, his tone almost playful. “I just gave a little demonstration. So? How does it feel? Comfortable?”“Comfortable, my ass! I’ll kill you!” Ronan Draven’s voice cracked with fury. His rage drowned out all reason. He charged, intent on tearing Kael Draven apart.But the moment he lunged, Kael Draven’s figure blurred—and vanished. Gone, right before his eyes. Ronan Draven skidded to a halt, stunned.“Since you love your Heavenly Slap so much,” Kael Draven’s voice rang out from behind, cold and mocking, “I thought of another one—Five-Finger Sla

Emberfall Town – Draven Family Main Hall.The Draven family’s story began thirty years ago, when Ardyn Draven rode into Emberfall Town with nothing but his sword, his fists, and the kind of stubbornness that either builds kingdoms or gets men killed. He didn’t die. Instead, he carved out a name, bled for it, and raised the family up from nothing. Now, decades later, the Draven family was one of the four great powers in town.At seventy-five, Ardyn still ruled from the top seat, sharper and harder than men half his age. His cultivation had reached the Tenth Layer of Inner Strength—no one else in the town had touched that level. His word wasn’t just respected. It was the law.He had five sons. The eldest, Kaelen Draven—father to Kael Draven—was his pride and chosen heir. After him came Serath Draven, Dorian Draven (father to Selene Draven), Valric Draven (father to Elira Draven, Darius Draven, Garrick Draven, and Ronan Draven), and the youngest, Corwin Draven. Of them all, only Kaelen Dr

“Master, use the soul-searching technique I taught you. Pull his soul in.”Eldric’s voice echoed in Kael Draven’s head. He didn’t hesitate. Dropping to his knees beside the Black Ghost’s corpse, he pressed his palm to the man’s crown. A ripple of energy rushed through his fingers as the soul-searching began.According to Eldric, once the soul was drawn out, he could refine it into pure essence, strip it bare, and let Kael Draven absorb it without resistance.It was his only option.The Desolate Sacred Body was both a miracle and a curse. Sure, it let him cultivate faster than almost anyone alive—but the amount of energy it demanded was monstrous. Without Eldric’s help, he’d be lucky to break through a single rank in the next decade.The Desolate Sacred Body. Called the strongest cultivation physique. Called the greatest crippled physique. Both true. Both lies. A blessing wrapped in chains.The soul searching ended.“Master,” Eldric whispered again, “leave the rest to me. I’ll refine it

Ardyn Draven gave a sharp snort, though only in his heart.He understood perfectly well what the three patriarchs were hinting at.Stay out of it? Was it really that easy to stay out of it? .He didn’t bother with more empty words. A few polite gestures, and then he turned on his heel, leaving with Kael Draven and the rest of the family.“Aria, where are you going?” Halvor Stormveil called after his granddaughter when he saw her slip away.“Grandfather, I’m going to find Kael Draven.”Find Kael Draven?For just a moment, the old man wondered if he’d made a mistake. He had given away his most gifted granddaughter to a cripple. Was that wise… or was it a lifetime regret?“Kael,” Ardyn Draven said quietly, “whether you like Aria or not, she is your fiancée. She’s a good child. Treat her well.”“I understand, Grandfather.”Kael Draven knew exactly what his grandfather was trying to say. He could feel the mocking stares around him, sharp as knives. He slowed his pace, shoulders heavy unde