Foggy_Echoes

Fifteen-year-old Shenlong was once hailed as a cultivation prodigy, destined for greatness. However, at age ten, his rapid rise came to an abrupt halt, his cultivation inexplicably stagnating. Once admired, Shenlong was soon labeled as “trash” and shunned by his clan, his engagement broken off in disgrace.

Refusing to accept his fate, Shenlong trained in solitude, pushing his limits. During a deadly encounter with a Storm Wolf, his blood spilled onto his Qin pendant, triggering a miraculous event. The pendant, which had been absorbing his energy since his cultivation stalled, unleashed an ancient legacy, granting Shenlong powerful cultivation techniques and alchemy skills.

Amidst his transformation, a shocking truth emerged—Shenlong was not his parents’ biological son. With new abilities and burning questions about his origins, Shenlong embarks on a journey to reclaim his honor, prove his worth, and uncover the mysteries surrounding his past and the enigmatic Qin pendant.

Sovereign : Rise of the Forgotten Prodigy

Shenlong's return journey to the Qin clan's lands was filled with a new, quiet resolve. The tome he carried had already unlocked the beginnings of techniques that allowed him to sense spiritual energy more acutely, control his inner power with precision, and tap into abilities that once seemed beyond reach. Yet he kept his growth hidden, practicing only in secluded spots along the way.

As he neared the village, he realized that his departure had been marked by a sense of desperation and shame. Now, however, he was a different person, carrying a legacy that would shape not just his destiny but, potentially, the future of the Qin clan. This wasn't about revenge—it was about reclaiming his place with a strength that could not be denied.

The first person to see him was Elder Wen, a seasoned cultivator and once Shenlong's mentor. Elder Wen's eyes widened with surprise and confusion.

"Shenlong?" he asked, unable to mask his shock. "You… you look different. There's a calmness… no, a confidence I haven't seen before."

Shenlong bowed respectfully, his expression measured. "Elder Wen, I have returned to continue my training and serve the clan. I would like to request an audience with the Clan Master."

Elder Wen studied him carefully, a flicker of suspicion in his gaze. "You are still… without cultivation progress, are you not?"

Shenlong didn't answer directly. Instead, he allowed a faint surge of his energy to ripple just enough for Elder Wen to feel its presence. It wasn't a bold declaration, but it was enough to hint at the change within him.

Elder Wen's eyes widened. "So, the rumors of your fall… were exaggerated?"

"Perhaps," Shenlong replied evenly. "But that will be determined in time. For now, I only wish to resume my training and reclaim my place."

As he walked toward the main hall of the clan, his heart was steady. He knew that revealing his newfound strength would require caution. Many would likely resist the idea of a discarded "failure" suddenly proving himself. His rise would draw attention and envy, but it was a challenge he welcomed.

Chapter 66: A Return to Humble Beginnings