Sovereign of Stolen Fate

The early morning sun spilled through the tattered curtains, illuminating Jin Ye's determined face as he sat cross-legged, deep in meditation. His breathing was steady, focused, and each cycle of Qi felt smoother and stronger than the last. After countless hours of persistent effort, a sensation suddenly shifted deep within his spiritual sea—a pulse, a breakthrough he had been striving for.

He felt his Qi surge and stabilize, the pathways within him broadening slightly, Qi moving with greater ease. Jin Ye exhaled slowly, opening his eyes as a faint smile touched his lips. He had finally reached the second stage of Qi Refinement. Though still modest, this advancement was crucial. It brought him one step closer to reclaiming his dignity and avenging his previous humiliation.

Rising steadily, Jin Ye flexed his hands, testing the subtle strength that now flowed within. It was still fragile compared to his past glory, but sufficient to build upon. His modified Shadow Eclipse Method had proven effective, allowing him to overcome the limitations of his weak physique.

The door creaked softly as Lin Xian entered, noticing the subtle shift in his demeanor immediately.

"Ye'er, you seem different today," she noted warmly, her eyes reflecting a cautious optimism.

"I've made some progress," Jin Ye replied, keeping his voice humble but confident. "I broke through to the second stage."

Lin Xian's eyes widened slightly, surprise and relief evident. "Already? You've worked incredibly hard, but remember not to rush yourself. Cultivation can harm as easily as it heals."

"I understand," Jin Ye reassured gently. "I promise to be careful."

She gave him an encouraging nod, leaving quietly, reassured but still concerned. Alone again, Jin Ye carefully assessed his current strength against Wei Rong's mid-stage Qi Refinement. The gap was narrowing, but still significant enough that any confrontation would be dangerous.

After a brief meal, Jin Ye made his way to the secluded clearing at the village outskirts, intending to solidify his cultivation further. Practicing diligently, he focused on sharpening his control and precision, weaving his Qi with steady patience. Each move was deliberate, enhancing his foundation rather than rushing toward reckless power.

As he trained, thoughts of revenge remained prominent in his mind, tempered only by caution. Wei Rong was arrogant but in this village he had the right to be, but Jin Ye was not naive enough to underestimate the threat posed by his adversary's higher cultivation.

Jin Ye continued through midday, sweating under the sun's relentless gaze, determination and resolve visible in every meticulous action. Eventually, familiar footsteps approached swiftly through the trees, breaking his concentration.

"Brother!" Jin Mei's voice rang anxiously through the clearing. "Wei Rong—he's causing trouble at home! He threatened mother and father!"

Jin Ye froze instantly, his blood running cold at the mention of his tormentor's name. Turning swiftly, he met Jin Mei's frightened gaze, rage flaring within him. "Tell me exactly what happened."

"He demanded compensation again," Jin Mei explained breathlessly, her voice trembling with distress. "He said if father couldn't pay, he'd make sure none of us could walk in this village again!"

The threat was crystal clear—Wei Rong intended harm upon his family, not content with Jin Ye's previous humiliation. Jin Ye clenched his fists, realizing that waiting patiently was no longer viable. If Wei Rong's arrogance was left unchecked, the damage would extend beyond himself.

"Return home quickly," Jin Ye instructed calmly, despite the storm raging inside him. "Tell mother and father I will handle this. They must stay inside and avoid confrontation."

Jin Mei hesitated, fear and worry clear in her eyes. "Brother, please be careful."

"I will," Jin Ye assured firmly, though his resolve left no room for retreat. "I promise, Mei. This ends today."

Watching her disappear through the trees, Jin Ye felt his determination sharpen into deadly clarity. His patience had reached its limit. Wei Rong had crossed a line he could not forgive.

Drawing in a steadying breath, Jin Ye briefly cycled his Qi, reaffirming the stability of his second stage Qi Refinement. It would have to be enough. He understood well the risks of confronting a stronger opponent directly, but as the former Sect Master of the Eternal Night Sect he believed his experience and knowledge would give him the advantage in a confrontation.

As evening shadows lengthened, Jin Ye left the clearing with purposeful strides, determination burning fiercely in his gaze. Wei Rong's arrogance would be extinguished tonight, and Jin Ye would reclaim the respect stolen from the previous Jin Ye helping soothe the former's anger.

No longer passive, Jin Ye marched toward the village center, the coming confrontation clear in his mind. Tonight would decide everything—his family's safety, his reputation, and his first decisive step toward vengeance.

The villagers watched cautiously as he passed, whispers trailing behind him, yet he remained undistracted. Tonight, everyone would see the truth—that Jin Ye, once humiliated and discarded, had risen again. And Heaven help anyone who stood in his way.