The grand courtroom of the Shen Family was alive with restrained tension.
Towering pillars carved from ancient spirit stone stood in perfect symmetry, each etched with flowing elemental runes that glowed faintly under the light of condensed qi. Above, the vast domed ceiling reflected drifting constellations, as if the heavens themselves watched over this sacred place.
Today was no ordinary gathering.
Every young generation member of the Shen Clan had been summoned.
Disciples stood in clusters across the immense hall, whispering softly yet excitedly.
"The Central Domain Genius Gathering…" "Once every three years…" "Only one representative…"
Elders sat upon elevated stone platforms along the sides, murmuring among themselves. Everyone understood what this meant.
The Central Domain was where monsters gathered. Where fate-tested geniuses were refined—or crushed.
Suddenly—
Boom!
The grand doors opened.
A blazing wave of qi surged inward.
A young man strode in at the front, clad in crimson-lined robes. His posture was straight, his expression heroic and resolute. Lightning flickered faintly within his eyes, intertwined with roaring flames.
"Shen Chuan!"
Behind him followed a group of elite disciples, naturally forming ranks with him at the center.
His Thunderfire Eyes Bloodline pulsed subtly, lightning and flame harmonizing within his gaze.
"So imposing…" "They say he can suppress opponents a whole realm above him." "As expected of Heroic Shen Chuan."
Shen Chuan stopped at the center of the hall, arms crossed, radiating confidence.
Moments later, the ground itself seemed to grow heavier.
A tall, broad-shouldered youth entered, each step firm and steady, like a mountain advancing.
"Shen Mo…"
His eyes glowed—one earthen brown, the other metallic silver.
Earth and Metal Bloodline Eyes.
His group was smaller, but every disciple behind him carried dense, unwavering qi.
"He feels unbreakable…" "Defense alone puts him among the top geniuses."
Shen Mo nodded slightly toward the elders and stood in place, unmoving.
Then—
A chilling frost spread across the stone floor.
Conversations died instantly.
A young woman stepped through the doors, clad in flowing white-and-blue robes. Her beauty was ethereal, like a fairy descended from a frozen moon. Snowflake-like patterns bloomed faintly beneath her feet.
"Shen Yao…"
Behind her followed elite disciples, their expressions filled with reverence.
Her Ice Dao aura was calm, perfect, restrained. Deep within her eyes, space itself seemed to subtly distort.
Everyone knew—
If she used her Space Bloodline Eyes, battles would end instantly.
"She's here…" "The strongest of the younger generation." "She might not fall short to Shen Yuan… if fate had been kinder."
That forbidden name lingered unspoken.
Before the murmurs could rise again—
A crushing pressure descended.
Three figures appeared at the entrance, their presence vast and ancient.
The Three Grand Elders had arrived.
"Greetings, Grand Elders!"
The entire hall bowed deeply.
The first elder stepped forward—white-haired, calm-eyed, his aura deep like an endless sea.
Grand Elder Shen Cangyuan.
He moved toward the left grand throne, positioned just beneath the patriarch's seat. As he sat, azure runes ignited briefly along the throne's surface.
Next came a stern elder with sharp brows and a sword-scar across his face.
Grand Elder Shen Tianhong.
His aura was sharp and oppressive. He took the right grand throne, sitting upright like an unsheathed blade.
Finally, a thin elder with unfathomable eyes stepped forward.
Grand Elder Shen Xuanyu.
His presence was quiet, yet suffocating—like a silent abyss. He seated himself upon the central grand throne, completing the formation beneath the patriarch's seat.
The hall fell into solemn silence.
Shen Xuanyu spoke calmly,
"The Central Domain Genius Gathering approaches."
Shen Tianhong added,
"Reports suggest other domains harbor geniuses who may have already reached the Resonant Core Realm."
A ripple of unease spread.
Shen Cangyuan sighed softly.
"If Shen Yuan could participate… victory would be assured."
"But alas," Shen Tianhong said coldly, "that vicious curse stole two years of his life."
Eyes drifted toward Shen Yao.
Shen Xuanyu nodded slowly.
"Still, we possess heavenly geniuses."
"Shen Yao," he continued, "half-step Resonant Core. Capable of defeating true Resonant Core cultivators."
"She is suitable."
Shen Yao stepped forward slightly, bowing.
"If chosen, I will not disgrace the Shen name."
Just then—
A vast, dominating aura descended like heaven's will.
The doors opened once more.
The Patriarch of the Shen Family entered.
Every elder rose instantly.
He ascended the steps toward the highest majestic throne, overlooking the entire hall like a sovereign ruler.
The moment he sat—
His pressure swept across the courtroom like a tidal wave.
Then—
It vanished completely.
Silence returned.
"Shen Yuan," the patriarch said calmly, "is out of seclusion."
Shock rippled through the hall.
"But Patriarch—" "He was cursed…" "No one has seen him for years…"
Even the Grand Elders exchanged doubtful glances.
The patriarch remained unmoved.
"Let us decide," he said evenly,
"after meeting him."
At that moment—
Tap. Tap. Tap.
Footsteps echoed clearly through the grand courtroom hall.