Andi_Syahriadin

Born as the fourth son of the Heavenly Demon Sect's supreme leader, Jin Seo-Won was shunned and humiliated simply because his mother came from the commoners, not from the prestigious Seven Clans that uphold the sect.

Betrayed by his own brothers and silently executed by the heir of the Sword Clan, Jin Seo-Won's life ended in despair.

But fate wasn't done with him.

A mysterious system gave him a chance to return to the past—before his mother's death, before his fall. Now armed with future knowledge, hidden power, and cold determination, he walks the path of revenge through blood and flame.

He will challenge the pride of the Seven Clans.
He will tear down the thrones of his brothers.
And this time... he will rise not as a discarded son, but as the true heir of the Heavenly Demon Sect.

Let the world tremble.

He has returned.

Heavenly Demon Regressor

The academy grounds buzzed with activity.

Disciples from every clan gathered in the central plaza, summoned for an announcement. Dozens of instructors lined the raised platform, while whispers filled the air like swarming insects.

But amid the crowd, Jin Seo-Won stood still. Calm. Cold.

By his side, Do-Yoon stood a half-step behind, wearing the fresh robes of an official disciple.

> "Is this... the Academy's full strength?" Do-Yoon whispered.

Then, the head instructor stepped forward.

> "By the will of the Sect Leader, a special outdoor training will begin tomorrow."

> "Only one hundred disciples will be selected."

> "Survival, strength, leadership — everything will be tested. Those who fail... will be stripped of their ranks."

In the upper pavilion overlooking the plaza, seven men stood in silence — the leaders of the seven great clans.

Sword, Spear, Poison, Wind, Flame, Shadow, and Beast.

Each radiated power. Pressure. Authority.

They watched as the disciples murmured and squirmed.

The Sect Leader stepped into view, his robes flowing like living shadows, his gaze sharp enough to cut steel.

At his side walked the Guardian, Baek Ho-Gun, face unreadable, posture relaxed... but every elder tensed at his presence.

The entire courtyard dropped into silence.

Many disciples fell to their knees, chests heavy, breath stolen by the sheer force of the Sect Leader's presence.

But eight figures remained standing.

One of the elders murmured, voice filled with awe.

> "He's still as terrifying as ever... even now."

The words were meant for no one—but everyone knew.

He was speaking of the Sect Leader.

The man whose power had kept the entire Murim under heel for decades.

After a long pause, the Sect Leader finally spoke.

> "I'll be watching this generation closely."

> "I expect more than obedience. I expect brilliance."

His voice was calm—yet every word echoed like thunder.

Later that night, in a dim corridor lit only by moonlight, Jin Seo-Gi—the Third Prince from the Poison Clan—spoke to one of his aides.

> "Send a message to the clan head."

> "Have him propose a duel. In public."

> "Let's see if the bastard son is worthy of standing among us."

Meanwhile, Seo-Won sat silently, cleaning his blade.

"Let the entire sect witness what's coming."

> "This is no longer about survival."

Chapter 8: The Gathering Storm