The first rays of dawn stretched lazily across the Singhaniya Mountain Range, painting the snow-tipped peaks in crimson gold.The sun emerged slowly, yawning as though it had just pulled away its blanket of clouds. Its warm glow spilled over the valley, falling directly upon a solitary house built high on the ridge — the first place to greet the morning light.
Inside that house, a young man sat cross-legged in deep meditation.
Who else could it be but Ishan Singhaniya?From his earliest days, Ishan had always risen before the world. He believed in harnessing the Brahma Muhurat — the divine hour before sunrise — a practice he had picked up after years of studying ancient scriptures and cultivation manuals across countless nations.
He had discovered, through trial and experience, that what the ancients said was true:During the Brahma Muhurat, nature itself is in its purest, most vital form. The winds carry clarity, and the essence of life flows untainted.A cultivator who draws breath in that hour grows faster and steadier than others.
It was one of the secrets behind Ishan's terrifying progress — his rapid ascension through the warrior path.Even during his time on Earth, he had defeated Grandmasters hidden in the shadows of every major power. His strength had already surpassed the comprehension of ordinary masters.
But his downfall… came not from an enemy — it came from love.The poison that ended his life had not been common venom. It had been crafted to kill someone like him — a being of immense internal energy.And the one who had given it to him… was the woman who once swore eternal love.
Meanwhile, outside the Singhaniya estate, a military troop was galloping up the mountain road. Dust rose like a storm behind them. Nearly seventy men in armor moved in disciplined formation. Each warrior radiated the aura of the Physical Level's ninth stage, their bodies tempered to perfection — and among them rode three cultivators of the Vital Core Level.
Leading them was a man in his mid-forties, tall and proud, his sharp eyes giving the illusion of youthful vigor.He rode not an ordinary horse, but a Wind-Cleaving Stallion — a beast evolved under the influence of Pranic Energy. Over generations, the beasts of this world had undergone forced evolution, growing faster, stronger, and more intelligent.
The Wind-Cleaving Stallion was not a creature you'd find in common stables.It symbolized prestige in the Lightning Dragon City — a mount reserved for generals of the empire or men who had earned high honors from the royal house.
This man was one such figure — General Ashok Singhaniya, commander in the Marcrum Empire's army, and the Singhaniya family's chief adjudicator.
As he dismounted at the grand entrance of the Singhaniya estate, two new guards immediately bowed deeply.
"Greetings, Lord Ashok!"
The previous guards had been dismissed by Ishan himself, so these men were fresh recruits.
Ashok nodded curtly. His voice was calm yet commanding as he ordered,"Take the men to a nearby inn. Let them rest. And bring Badal along with you."
"Yes, General!"
One of the soldiers took the reins of his stallion and led the troop away. Once they disappeared from view, Ashok strode into the family mansion — his steps steady and purposeful.
Without pause, he made his way directly to Ishan's quarters.
Inside, Ishan sensed a familiar presence approaching. A faint smile touched his lips, even before he heard the voice.
Then came a girlish giggle, light and teasing."Hehehe! Since when do you wake up this early to cultivate, huh? You're starting to look like some old monk. Just need a beard and white hair now!"
It was Sara, Ashok's lively daughter.
Ishan chuckled softly, still seated. "Child, how dare you disturb this saint's sacred meditation? For that, you must be punished."
"Punished?" she said, sticking her tongue out playfully. "You can be a saint or a monk or whatever you want — but you can't punish me!"
"Is that so?" Ishan raised a brow. "Then come here, little imp!"
Before she could run, he darted forward and caught her by the wrist. In the next instant, laughter exploded across the courtyard as he began to tickle her mercilessly.
"Stop! Haha! Please— haha— I can't breathe!" Sara cried out between gasps and giggles, collapsing with laughter.
"Will you behave now?" Ishan said with mock sternness.
"Yes, yes! I'll listen to everything you say!" she managed, her cheeks flushed pink.
Just then, a deep, familiar voice interrupted the scene."When will you two stop these childish antics?"
Both of them froze and turned toward the doorway — where Ashok stood, arms crossed, amusement hidden behind his stern face.
"Father!" Sara ran to him at once. "Look! He was bullying me again!"
Ashok bent down, pinching her cheeks fondly. "I know, little troublemaker. You probably deserved it."
Sara pouted and stamped her foot. "You're both bullies!"
The three burst into laughter.
Then Ashok turned to Ishan, scanning him from head to toe before placing a hand on his shoulder."You've not only returned alive, nephew… your cultivation has also improved."
"I heard on the way," Ashok continued, his tone sharpening, "that you challenged Rajesh to a Life and Death duel. Is that true?"
"Yes, Uncle," Ishan replied calmly. There was no reason to lie. This man had taken care of him for the past three years. He owed him sincerity, not secrets.
"I just want that father and son to understand," Ishan said quietly but firmly, "that what belongs to me is mine. They have no right to touch it. And… they need to remember who the true Young Master of this house is."
Ashok stared at him for a moment — and for the briefest instant, he saw a flicker of Rudra in the boy's eyes.
Rudra Singhaniya… the man once feared across empires.Ishan's father.
Ashok's lips curved into a proud smile. "As expected of Rudra's son. You focus on your duel, boy. Remember, your uncle stands behind you."
"Thank you, Uncle," Ishan bowed slightly.
Sara had been watching silently, worry pooling in her eyes. Though she often acted childish, Ishan knew she was wise beyond her years.
He ruffled her hair softly. "My dear Sara, you don't need to worry. That fool will learn his place. I'll teach him a lesson he'll never forget."
Yet the unease didn't leave her face. Ashok noticed and stepped forward.
"Sweetheart, you don't know your father's strength," he said, puffing out his chest. "As long as I'm here, no one can even touch your Ishan."
Sara finally smiled a little, though she added with mock seriousness,"Then promise me, Father — if anything happens to Ishan, I won't speak to you again!"
Ashok gasped dramatically. "So now your father's less important than that brat? Ah, my poor heart!" He clutched his chest in fake agony, and all three of them broke into laughter again.
A while later, Ashok took Sara with him and left.
Ishan then visited Rajiv, handed him the day's medicine, and soon made his way toward the Martial Arts Hall.He needed new techniques — not only to strengthen his foundation but also to understand the martial heritage of this world.
As he neared the training grounds, he overheard two disciples whispering.
"Hey, did you hear? Early this morning, some guy covered in dung tried to enter the Singhaniya mansion. The guards stopped him, but he acted all high and mighty, so they beat him up!"
"What? Seriously?"
"Yeah! He kept shouting about his status, until one of the guards wiped the muck off his face — and that's when they recognized him."
"Recognized? Who was it?"
"You won't believe it… it was Ranbir Singhaniya!"
"No way!"
"I didn't believe it either until I saw him myself. His whole face was bruised and—ugh, you should've seen him."
"But who beat him?" the first asked curiously.
"No idea. Probably someone he shouldn't have messed with. You know how he is — always chasing girls, always arrogant. I'm guessing the other guy showed mercy when he realized Ranbir was from the Singhaniya clan."
"Hmm… serves him right. A man's character is his true strength," the other murmured.
"by the way have you heard about cloud peircing sect's sect master birthday ceremany." The other continued.
They were still talking when they suddenly noticed Ishan standing near the path. Both straightened instantly and bowed.
"Greetings, Young Master!"
They remembered him from the previous day — none dared look him in the eye.
Ishan nodded lightly. "You two were just discussing the Cloud-Piercing Sect, weren't you?"
The two looked at each other nervously, unsure if they should answer.
Ishan sighed faintly. "Tell me, do you even know our family's fundamental rule?"
The boys blinked. "N-no, Young Master."
"Of course not," Ishan said, shaking his head. "They stopped teaching it long ago."
Then his tone hardened."Our family's rule is fearlessness. We can stay silent — but we can never be afraid. So from now on, whoever you talk to, look him in the eye. Let me never see hesitation there again."
"Yes, Young Master!" both replied firmly, feeling a strange fire ignite inside them.
Only now did they realize — this "useless" Young Master was not what the rumors said.
Ishan's expression softened slightly. "Now, tell me what you were talking about."
The first boy swallowed hard. "Young Master…"