Chapter 13: Entering the Ancestral Domain

The Ancestral Domain of the Jin Family was not merely a land — it was a symbol.

Spanning an entire planet-sized celestial body known as Jinxiang Realm, the Domain was the beating heart of the Main Jin Family's power. Towering spires built from star-metal alloys pierced the skies, and crystalline waterways carried liquid spirit essence across cities suspended in floating rings of rock.

Taixuan stood on the central jade platform of Arrival Pavilion, his heart calm but his eyes filled with awe.

Dozens of young cultivators and inner clan stewards stood in formation to greet him. Every one of them was dressed immaculately, exuding refinement and strength.

> "It's him… the branch clan's awakening prodigy."

> "He's younger than I thought."

> "But that warship—look at that energy signature. Star Commander class at his age? Hah, terrifying."

The whispers reached his ears. He didn't react.

Instead, his gaze remained fixed ahead.

Jin Hailong, the envoy who had escorted him, took a step forward and gestured to a tall woman clad in flowing cyan robes.

> "This is Jin Yuqin. She is your assigned steward during your probationary integration. For the next three months, she will guide you."

Yuqin bowed slightly, her voice crisp and formal.

> "Taixuan, welcome. You are now a recognized kin of the Main Jin Family. You will begin your path as a Provisional Core Disciple, eligible for direct advancement upon performance. Do you accept?"

> "I accept." His response was immediate.

A smile flickered across Yuqin's face — professional, but faintly warm.

> "Then come. The Elder Council wishes to observe you today."

The Elder Council's Observation

The Elder Hall was a place of silence and power.

Twelve thrones arranged in a circular formation, each radiating terrifying presence. On each sat an elder of the Main Family — cultivators whose mere gaze could crush weaker Dao Forgers.

In the center, Taixuan stood calmly.

Despite the pressure, his back remained straight, his expression unwavering.

An elder with a snow-white beard, clad in deep red robes, spoke first.

> "You are the grandson of Jin Wei?"

> "Yes, Grand Elder."

Another elder, a stern-faced woman with a starlight tattoo across her forehead, nodded.

> "You showed no arrogance on arrival. That is good. Tell us — what do you seek from the Main Family?"

Taixuan didn't hesitate.

> "I seek to repay my bloodline's trust. I seek the edge to rise stronger, to protect those who raised me, and to carry the legacy of Jin higher than it has ever soared."

Silence followed.

Then, slowly, the Grand Elder smiled.

> "Approved. You will be placed into the Core Academy under the Ninth Courtyard."

> "Study, grow, forge your warship's core, and pass the Four Crucibles. Upon success, your name shall be inscribed in the Flame Wall."

Taixuan's new residence was located within the Ninth Courtyard, one of the ten primary training halls of the Jin Family, each reserved for core youths chosen from within the family's elite ranks.

The Ninth Courtyard was neither the most powerful nor the weakest — it was known for discipline, harsh training, and unmatched loyalty.

Yuqin walked him through the stone corridors and floating gardens of the courtyard.

> "You'll begin training under Instructor Jin Feiyan tomorrow. Morning combat classes, afternoon warship communion, and night refinement in the Flame Forge Tower."

> "Understood."

She paused before a sealed chamber door and handed him a jade emblem.

> "Your personal residence. It contains a miniature cultivation array and a private docking station for your warship. Good luck, Taixuan."

She left without another word.

Taixuan entered the room and sealed the door behind him.

Inside, he sat cross-legged on the cultivation mat, his warship hovering silently behind the chamber in its dock.

The Heavenhammer's upgraded core pulsed in synchronization with his Void Core.

> "I've entered the Core Domain."

> "But this is just the beginning."

From his storage ring, he pulled out his grandfather's pendant. It pulsed faintly.

Taixuan activated the old star map inside it. A flickering trail of light projected a hidden route — a legacy map pointing toward something ancient.

Something long lost.

He traced the path with his finger and whispered:

> "Before I rise, I'll uncover what my grandfather once chased."

> "No matter how long it takes."

Across the Stars — A Ripple Spreads

At that moment, across the Grand Star System, forces were beginning to take note of Jin Taixuan's appearance.

At the Yunqing Institute, the premier independent cultivation sect, a cold youth with silver hair and a ghostly warship hovering behind him sneered as he read a clan report.

> "A branch brat entered the Core Courtyard? Hilarious."

Within the Qinglong Syndicate, a merchant-warlord looked over the energy signature data from the Advancement Ceremony.

> "He fused with a Primordial Star Fragment… we must obtain him, or at least that warship."

And within the heart of the Imperial Star Academy, a graceful girl holding a phoenix-feathered fan narrowed her eyes as she observed the slowly glowing name on the Core Flame Registry.

> "Jin… Taixuan. I wonder…"

But within the Jin Family, no such rivalry brewed.

They only saw a seed planted — and a star waiting to rise.