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 sun had barely risen, yet the main courtyard of the Academy was already filled with murmurs and footsteps.

Today marked the start of the 100-man external training mission.

Jin Seo-Won stood tall in the gathering crowd, clad in black robes with crimson trim. Beside him, Do-Yoon clutched a newly issued short sword—still unsure in stance, but his eyes held steady resolve.

> "This… feels different," Do-Yoon murmured.

"Like everyone's preparing for war."

Seo-Won didn't respond. His gaze was already fixed ahead—toward the row of high tents where the Seven Clan Leaders stood alongside the senior instructors.

Among them stood the three noble princes: Jin Seo-Jin of the Sword Clan, Jin Seo-Gi of the Poison Clan, and Jin Seo-Hwan of the Spear Clan.

They radiated arrogant confidence, each surrounded by their chosen elite disciples. Occasionally, they threw disdainful glances toward Seo-Won.

> "Today… the real game begins," Seo-Won thought coldly.

The head instructor climbed the elevated platform and addressed the crowd.

> "One hundred disciples will be divided into ten teams."

"Each team will be assigned a leader, based on prior performance."

"Your mission is to explore the northern region of the Thousand Mist Mountains, face wild beasts, solve spiritual puzzles, and retrieve energy crystals from three ancient ruin sites."

> "Remember," the instructor continued,

"any team that fails its objectives—or loses more than half its members—will be disqualified from the inheritance competition."

That line made the noble princes narrow their eyes.

After the teams were announced, Jin Seo-Won was assigned as leader of Team 7 — a group of outer disciples and misfits.

His team included Do-Yoon, two female disciples — Soo-Ran of the Lesser Shadow Clan, and Ji-Hye, daughter of a merchant who had passed through the general exam.

Weak. Inexperienced. But… their eyes didn't waver.

> "You're all my team now," he said.

"From this point on, it's not about blood or nobility."

"Only one thing matters — coming back alive. And winning."

Do-Yoon nodded firmly. Soo-Ran bit her lip, then bowed deeply.

> "Your orders, Fourth Prince… we will follow them."

Elsewhere, Jin Seo-Gi watched from the Poison Clan's platform, grinning.

> "Two of my clan's men are embedded in Team 7."

"If he lets his guard down… they'll strike."

The Poison Clan Leader gave a slow nod.

> "If he dies during the mission… it's just an unfortunate accident."

Up on a stone balcony, the Sect Leader and Guardian stood silently, overlooking it all.

The Sword Clan Leader stepped forward, voice low.

> "You see? He didn't even flinch when handed that team of rejects."

"Are you testing that child, Sect Leader?"

But the Guardian, Baek Ho-Gun, stared at Seo-Won with a faint glimmer in his eyes.

As the teams prepared to depart, Jin Seo-Won stepped to the front of his group.

Each footstep rang with silent defiance.

> "You're all waiting for me to fail."

"…is tear down everything you built with your so-called legacy."

With Team 7 following behind, he crossed the threshold toward the Thousand Mist Mountains.

The next chapter of the war for succession… had begun.

Chapter 11: Steps Toward Hell