chapter 3: the return of a forgotten genius
The Shen Clan's courtyard was deathly silent.
Disciples lay sprawled across the ground, groaning in pain, struggling to comprehend what had just happened.
Shen Tian, the so-called cripple, had just sent them flying with a mere flick of his fingers.
How was this possible?!
The air around him trembled with an invisible force, his very presence exuding an aura of majesty. His once weak frame now stood tall and unyielding, his black robes fluttering in the wind.
As he walked forward, the crowd instinctively parted.
Shock. Fear. Awe.
Expressions of disbelief were painted across every face.
"This… this isn't the same Shen Tian."
A single thought echoed in the minds of all present.
Just then—
BOOM!
A massive pressure descended as a powerful figure appeared in the sky, landing heavily in front of Shen Tian.
It was Shen Wuji, one of the Shen Clan's senior elders and the same man who had declared Shen Tian's expulsion the day before.
His face was dark with fury.
"Shen Tian!" His voice boomed across the courtyard. "How dare you return after your banishment?! Have you no shame?"
Shen Tian raised an eyebrow.
"Shame?" He smirked. "Should I feel shame for being born different? Or should you feel shame for abandoning your own kin so easily?"
The elder's face twisted in anger.
"Hmph! You were born with crippled meridians—your fate was sealed the moment you entered this world! No amount of words will change that."
The other disciples and elders nodded in agreement.
Once a cripple, always a cripple.
But Shen Tian… simply laughed.
It was a slow, confident chuckle that sent chills down the spines of everyone present.
Then, he lifted his palm—
A golden aura surged forth!
The entire courtyard shook violently, the ground cracking beneath his feet. Waves of energy spiraled around him, a terrifying force that should have been impossible for someone at his level.
The gathered elders and disciples gasped in unison.
"He's already reached the third stage of Qi Condensation?!"
Shen Tian's smirk widened.
"Oh? A cripple? Then what do you call this?"
He clenched his fist—
BOOM!
The air exploded around him, sending a shockwave through the entire sect. The sheer force of his power caused many lower-level disciples to collapse to their knees, unable to withstand the pressure.
The elder's face paled.
"This… this is impossible!"
Shen Tian stepped forward, his aura growing heavier with each step.
"You threw me away like garbage, Elder Shen Wuji." His voice was calm, but it carried an undeniable sharpness. "Now tell me—do you still think I'm worthless?"
Elder Shen Wuji's lips trembled.
This… this was beyond anything he could have expected. How could someone with crippled meridians recover in a single night? No, not just recover—surpass everyone else!
It was unnatural.
No.
It was terrifying.
---
Inside the Grand Hall of the Shen Clan
News of Shen Tian's return had spread like wildfire.
In less than an hour, the entire Shen Clan was aware of the miracle that had occurred.
A crippled disciple had returned stronger than ever.
Inside the Grand Hall, the high elders of the Shen Clan had gathered, along with the Clan Lord, Shen Rong.
Seated on a grand chair, Shen Rong was an elderly man with a regal aura. His piercing eyes stared at Shen Tian, filled with scrutiny.
"So," the Clan Lord finally spoke, "you say that your meridians have been healed?"
Shen Tian stood before him, unflinching.
"Not just healed. Reborn."
Murmurs spread through the hall.
Shen Rong narrowed his eyes. "Explain."
Shen Tian remained silent for a moment before replying, "I encountered a great fortune outside the clan. It transformed my body and soul."
The elders exchanged glances.
A great fortune? Could it be a divine inheritance? A heavenly treasure?
Shen Rong stroked his beard, deep in thought.
He could tell that Shen Tian wasn't lying, but at the same time, he was withholding something.
Just what did he encounter?
But before he could ask further, another elder sneered.
"Hmph! Even if you've recovered, do you think we'll simply accept you back?"
Shen Tian turned to him with an amused expression.
"Oh? Did I say I wanted to return?"
The elder's smirk faltered.
Shen Tian took a step forward, his voice echoing through the hall.
"I don't need this clan anymore."
Gasps filled the room.
"What arrogance!"
"This child dares to defy the Shen Clan?!"
"Has he lost his mind?"
Even Shen Rong was momentarily stunned.
But Shen Tian simply continued.
"This clan abandoned me the moment I showed weakness. Why should I remain loyal to those who threw me away?"
His words were like a blade, cutting deep into the pride of the Shen Clan.
Shen Tian exhaled slowly, his gaze sharp.
"I will carve my own path."
And with those words, he turned and began walking toward the exit.
But just before leaving, he glanced over his shoulder.
"Oh, and one last thing."
His smirk returned.
"The next time we meet, you will all kneel before me."
And with that, he vanished into the night, leaving behind a stunned, silent Shen Clan.
---
End of Chapter 3.