《Stars beneath my Feet》 Opening Scene: Beneath the Fallen Sky The cavern reeked of death. Xu Tian knelt in the shadows, his fingers caked with cold dirt as he pried a jade coin from a skeleton¡¯s clenched hand. The faint glow of his flickering lantern cast long shadows over the corpse-strewn ground, their broken forms a grim reminder of what happened to those who dared enter these ruins unprepared. Above him, the crumbled remnants of a great sect¡¯s fortress loomed, half-buried under centuries of rubble. The stars outside glimmered faintly through cracks in the stone ceiling, mocking him with their distant light. Not for me, he thought bitterly. The heavens had rejected him long ago. The sound of distant footsteps snapped him back to reality. He shoved the jade coin into his tattered satchel and extinguished his lantern, plunging the cavern into darkness. He pressed himself against the jagged rock wall, every nerve on edge as his ears strained for the source of the noise. Clink. Clink. The rhythmic scrape of metal boots on stone echoed through the chamber, growing louder. Mercenaries. They weren¡¯t the first scavengers to stumble upon these ruins, but they were better armed than most. Xu Tian clenched his fists, cursing his misfortune. He had no sword, no talismans, no allies¡ªonly a battered body that hadn¡¯t known a proper meal in days. Fighting wasn¡¯t an option, but running would only get him cornered. Then the voices came, low and gruff. ¡°Looks like someone¡¯s been here recently,¡± one of the mercenaries growled. ¡°Check the bodies. If he¡¯s alive, he can¡¯t have gotten far.¡± Xu Tian bit back a curse. They were thorough, methodical. Worse, they were experienced enough to know the tricks of desperate scavengers like him. His mind raced, searching for an escape. The ruins answered him. A faint pulse¡ªlike the heartbeat of the earth itself¡ªreverberated through the stone. Xu Tian froze, his breath caught in his throat. It wasn¡¯t the first time he¡¯d felt the strange, rhythmic vibration beneath these ruins, but this time it was stronger, almost urgent, as if the ground was calling to him.Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions. His eyes darted to the nearby rubble. A faint glow emanated from beneath a collapsed archway, barely visible in the dark. He hadn¡¯t noticed it before. The mercenaries¡¯ footsteps grew louder. No choice. Xu Tian scrambled toward the light, squeezing through the narrow gap beneath the archway. The jagged stones tore at his ragged robes, and the weight of the rubble pressed down on him, but he pushed forward, driven by desperation. The glow grew brighter as he emerged into a cavern unlike any he¡¯d seen before. It was vast, impossibly vast, with walls that seemed to stretch forever, their surfaces glimmering with faint, crystalline light. But it was the object at the center of the cavern that stole his breath. A star. It wasn¡¯t like the stars in the sky, distant and untouchable. This one was broken, fractured into jagged pieces that floated in the air, spinning slowly around a dark core that pulsed with ominous energy. The light it emitted was strange, neither warm nor cold, and it seemed to seep into the very air, filling the cavern with an oppressive weight. Xu Tian¡¯s heart pounded as he approached, drawn despite himself. The pulse he¡¯d felt earlier was stronger now, resonating through his chest in time with the dark core¡¯s rhythm. He reached out, his hand trembling, and the star¡¯s light seemed to flare in response, as if recognizing him. ¡°Don¡¯t,¡± a voice rasped behind him. Xu Tian spun around to see one of the mercenaries standing at the cavern¡¯s entrance, his sword drawn. The man¡¯s eyes were wide with fear, his gaze locked on the broken star. ¡°You don¡¯t know what that thing is. Leave it, and maybe you¡¯ll live long enough to regret being here.¡± Xu Tian¡¯s lips curled into a bitter smile. ¡°Live long enough? For what? To crawl in the dirt like a worm, begging for scraps?¡± The mercenary took a cautious step forward, his sword glinting in the dim light. ¡°I don¡¯t care what sob story you¡¯ve got. Step away, or I¡¯ll¡ª¡± The star¡¯s core pulsed violently, cutting the man off. A wave of darkness rippled out, slamming into the mercenary and sending him crashing into the cavern wall. Xu Tian stumbled back, shielding his eyes as the fragments of the star began to spin faster, their light growing blinding. And then it spoke. Its voice wasn¡¯t a sound but a presence, filling his mind with a thousand whispers that felt like ice clawing through his thoughts. ¡°I am the Fallen Star. I offer you power, mortal... but the price will be steep.¡± Xu Tian dropped to his knees, clutching his head as the whispers threatened to overwhelm him. But amid the chaos, one thought burned brighter than all the rest. This was his chance. His only chance. He reached out toward the star, his fingers brushing the edge of the dark core. Pain shot through him, searing and unbearable, but he didn¡¯t pull back. He couldn¡¯t. And then, everything went black. Chapter 1: The Star’s Embrace Xu Tian awoke to silence. For a moment, he thought he was dead. The oppressive darkness of the cavern was absolute, and the air was thick, as if the world itself pressed down on him. But then the pain returned¡ªsearing and unrelenting, like molten iron coursing through his veins. Gritting his teeth, he forced himself upright. His body felt foreign, as if it didn¡¯t belong to him anymore. Every muscle ached, yet there was a strange vitality beneath the pain, a pulsing energy that hadn¡¯t been there before. His fingers trembled as he brought them to his chest, where a faint warmth radiated beneath his skin. The star. The memory came rushing back¡ªthe broken fragments, the dark core, the whispers that had clawed through his mind. He had touched it, accepted its offer. But at what cost? The faint glow of the star''s remains still lit the cavern, though its brilliance had dimmed to a mere flicker. The shards floated sluggishly now, as if drained of their once-boundless energy. At the center, the dark core pulsed faintly, like the dying embers of a fire. ¡°You took it,¡± a voice rasped. Xu Tian turned sharply, his heart pounding. The mercenary from before was still alive, slumped against the wall of the cavern. Blood stained his armor, and his sword lay shattered at his feet. His eyes, wide with fear and disbelief, were fixed on Xu Tian. ¡°What... what are you?¡± the man whispered, his voice trembling. Xu Tian opened his mouth to respond, but stopped short. Something felt... wrong. His voice wasn¡¯t there. No, it was deeper than that¡ªthere was a weight in the air around him, an oppressive stillness that seemed to ripple outward. He glanced at his hands and froze.If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. Shadows curled around his fingers like living things, twisting and writhing before dissipating into the air. They left behind a faint, black stain on his skin, like ink soaking into paper. The mercenary¡¯s gaze darted to Xu Tian¡¯s hands, and his expression twisted into something between terror and rage. ¡°You¡¯re cursed,¡± the man spat, his voice rising in hysteria. ¡°You¡¯ve bonded with that thing! Do you have any idea what you¡¯ve done?!¡± Xu Tian took a step forward, his eyes narrowing. ¡°I did what I had to.¡± The mercenary flinched as the shadows around Xu Tian¡¯s feet began to stir, stretching toward the corners of the cavern like tendrils. He raised a trembling hand, as if to ward Xu Tian off, but it was futile. The man¡¯s strength was gone, his body broken. ¡°Power like that... it¡¯ll consume you,¡± the mercenary gasped. ¡°You think it¡¯s a gift, but it¡¯s a poison. It¡¯ll hollow you out until there¡¯s nothing left.¡± Xu Tian stared at him for a long moment, the man¡¯s words sinking in. Was it true? The star had offered him power, yes, but at what cost? The whispers still lingered in the back of his mind, faint but persistent, like echoes in a vast canyon. They promised strength, vengeance, and freedom¡ªbut they carried a weight that felt heavier than any chain. The mercenary¡¯s voice snapped him out of his thoughts. ¡°Kill me, then,¡± the man said, his tone defiant despite the tremor in his voice. ¡°You¡¯ve already crossed the line. Finish it.¡± Xu Tian hesitated, his hands curling into fists. The old him¡ªthe scavenger, the failure¡ªmight have walked away. But he wasn¡¯t that person anymore. The shadows coiled around his feet, responding to his thoughts, eager to obey. ¡°I don¡¯t need to kill you,¡± Xu Tian said quietly. ¡°The ruins will finish what I started.¡± Without another word, he turned and walked away, leaving the mercenary to his fate. His steps felt heavier now, each one echoing in the cavern like a drumbeat. The glow of the fractured star faded behind him, but its power remained, thrumming within him like a second heartbeat. As he emerged from the ruins and into the pale light of dawn, Xu Tian¡¯s thoughts were a whirlwind. The mercenary¡¯s words echoed in his mind, mingling with the whispers of the star. He couldn¡¯t deny the truth: this power came at a cost. But it was his now, and he would wield it. For the first time in years, he felt alive. And for the first time in years, he wasn¡¯t afraid. Chapter 2: Shadows in the Dawn The sky was painted in shades of gray as Xu Tian emerged from the ruins, the first light of dawn creeping over the jagged mountain peaks. The world outside felt colder, sharper, as though it had shifted while he was underground. Or perhaps it was he who had changed. He glanced down at his hands. The shadows that had coiled around them in the cavern were gone, but the faint black stains on his skin remained, like cracks in porcelain. He clenched his fists, testing his strength. His body still ached from the star¡¯s searing energy, but beneath the pain was something new¡ªan unfamiliar vitality, like a fire smoldering deep within his chest. He took a step forward, then froze. His shadow moved on its own. It stretched unnaturally in the pale morning light, slithering across the rocky ground like a living thing. Xu Tian¡¯s breath caught in his throat as the shadow rippled, forming jagged tendrils that writhed and coiled before sinking back into place. ¡°What...?¡± His voice was hoarse, barely above a whisper. The whispers answered him. ¡°You are ours now.¡± The voice wasn¡¯t loud, but it echoed through his mind, seeping into the cracks of his thoughts like cold water. It wasn¡¯t like hearing someone speak¡ªit was more like a feeling, a presence that pressed against his very being. Xu Tian staggered, clutching his head. ¡°What do you want from me?¡± The whispers didn¡¯t answer directly. Instead, they filled his mind with fragmented images: a sky torn asunder, stars raining down like fiery comets, a world consumed by shadow. And then came the sensation¡ªa surge of power, intoxicating and terrible, like standing at the edge of a great abyss and feeling the urge to leap. He shook his head violently, forcing the whispers back. ¡°No,¡± he muttered. ¡°I¡¯m in control. This power is mine, not yours.¡± The whispers receded, though he could still feel them lingering at the edges of his consciousness, waiting. Watching.
Xu Tian focused on his breathing, grounding himself. He couldn¡¯t afford to lose control now¡ªnot when he had finally been given a second chance. If this power was truly his, he needed to understand it. He turned his attention back to his shadow, willing it to move. For a moment, nothing happened. Then, slowly, the shadow began to stretch and twist, responding to his thoughts. It wasn¡¯t like controlling a limb¡ªit felt more like pulling on invisible strings, coaxing the shadow to obey. He extended a hand, and the shadow surged forward, forming a long, jagged tendril that slashed across the rocky ground. The motion was clumsy, unrefined, but the sheer force of it sent loose stones flying. Xu Tian¡¯s lips curled into a grim smile. ¡°Not bad.¡± He tried again, this time focusing on precision. The tendril of shadow lashed out, wrapping around a boulder and pulling it toward him. The boulder shifted slightly before the shadow dissipated, leaving him gasping for breath. The strain hit him all at once, like a weight pressing down on his chest. He sank to his knees, his vision swimming. The whispers surged again, feeding on his exhaustion. ¡°More,¡± they urged. ¡°Take more. Give yourself to us.¡± Xu Tian gritted his teeth, forcing the voices back. He couldn¡¯t let them take over. Not now. Not ever.This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.
By the time Xu Tian caught his breath, the sun had fully risen, casting the mountains in harsh light. He surveyed his surroundings, his sharp eyes scanning for movement. The ruins were hidden deep within the wilderness, far from any major sect territory, but he couldn¡¯t afford to be careless. The celestial cultivation world was as vast as it was unforgiving, ruled by powerful sects that jealously guarded their heavenly paths. For those born with a strong Heavenly Root, the climb up the Celestial Ladder was a path to glory. But for those like Xu Tian¡ªcrippled, powerless, discarded¡ªthere was no mercy. His thoughts darkened as memories of the past resurfaced. He could still see their faces¡ªhis fellow disciples from the Scarlet Peak Sect. The laughter, the mockery, the satisfaction on their faces as they watched him fall. His fists clenched, and the shadows at his feet stirred. He would make them pay. But first, he needed to survive.
As Xu Tian made his way down the mountain path, the faint sound of voices reached his ears. He froze, his body tensing. The voices were distant, but growing louder¡ªmale, rough, and tinged with urgency. ¡°They said the boy came this way,¡± one of the voices said. ¡°If he¡¯s alive, we can¡¯t let him leave.¡± Xu Tian¡¯s pulse quickened. The mercenaries. He scanned his surroundings, his mind racing. The path ahead was narrow, bordered by steep cliffs on one side and dense forest on the other. There was no time to run¡ªhe had to hide. Without thinking, he stepped into the shadow of a large boulder and willed himself to disappear. The shadows responded instantly, wrapping around him like a second skin. His body seemed to dissolve into the darkness, blending seamlessly with the rock. Moments later, the mercenaries came into view. There were three of them, their armor battered but their weapons sharp. They moved cautiously, their eyes scanning the path ahead. ¡°Are you sure he¡¯s here?¡± one of them asked, a burly man with a scar running down his cheek. The leader, a wiry man with piercing eyes, nodded. ¡°The ruins don¡¯t spit people out alive. If he made it out, it means he¡¯s carrying something powerful.¡± Xu Tian¡¯s breath caught. They weren¡¯t just hunting him¡ªthey knew about the star. The leader gestured toward the forest. ¡°Spread out. He can¡¯t have gone far.¡± The mercenaries began to fan out, their movements methodical. Xu Tian remained frozen, his body still cloaked in shadow. He could feel the strain of maintaining the concealment, but he forced himself to stay calm. The burly mercenary passed within inches of him, his boots crunching against the gravel. For a terrifying moment, Xu Tian thought the man would notice the faint distortion in the shadows. But then he moved on, his attention elsewhere. As the mercenaries disappeared into the forest, Xu Tian released the shadows, his body materializing once more. His legs trembled, both from exhaustion and the adrenaline coursing through him. ¡°That was too close,¡± he muttered, wiping the sweat from his brow.
As Xu Tian continued down the mountain, the whispers returned, more insistent this time. ¡°You are hunted. They will not stop. You must become stronger.¡± Xu Tian scowled. ¡°Stronger? At what cost? My soul? My sanity?¡± The whispers didn¡¯t respond directly, but a sensation filled him¡ªa hunger, raw and unrelenting. It wasn¡¯t his own hunger, but the star¡¯s. ¡°Consume them,¡± the voice urged. ¡°Take their strength. Feed the shadows.¡± Xu Tian shook his head. ¡°I won¡¯t be your puppet.¡± But deep down, he knew the star was right. The mercenaries wouldn¡¯t stop until they had his head¡ªor the power he carried. If he wanted to survive, he couldn¡¯t afford to hold back.
As the sun climbed higher in the sky, Xu Tian found himself near the base of the mountain, where the forest grew thick and tangled. The mercenaries¡¯ voices echoed faintly in the distance, drawing closer once more. This time, Xu Tian didn¡¯t hide. He crouched low in the underbrush, his eyes locked on the path ahead. The shadows around him began to stir, curling around his hands like restless serpents. When the first mercenary came into view¡ªa wiry man with a dagger drawn¡ªXu Tian struck. The shadows lashed out, wrapping around the man¡¯s throat before he could react. His eyes bulged as the tendrils tightened, cutting off his scream. Xu Tian¡¯s heart pounded as the man collapsed to the ground, his body convulsing before falling still. Xu Tian stared at the corpse, his breath ragged. The shadows receded, leaving no trace of their presence. The whispers surged again, their tone triumphant. ¡°Good. More.¡± Xu Tian clenched his fists, ignoring the sick feeling in his stomach. There was no turning back now.
As Xu Tian stepped over the body, the shadows at his feet seemed to grow darker, stretching farther than they should have in the midday sun. The whispers grew louder, filling his mind with promises of power and vengeance. He didn¡¯t know how far this path would take him, or what it would cost. But one thing was certain: He would not stop. Not until the heavens themselves trembled beneath his feet. Chapter 3: A Glimpse of Light The forest was alive with sound¡ªbranches creaked in the wind, birds chirped warnings to one another, and in the distance, the faint rustle of the mercenaries¡¯ search parties grew louder. Xu Tian moved like a shadow among the trees, his steps silent, his body low. The star¡¯s whispers had gone quiet, but their presence lingered in the back of his mind, a dark pressure that refused to leave him. He stopped near a shallow stream, crouching beside the water. His reflection stared back at him, unfamiliar and unsettling. His once-lean face looked sharper now, his cheekbones more prominent, and his eyes... He blinked, leaning closer. The whites of his eyes were laced with faint, black veins that pulsed faintly when he moved. ¡°What are you turning me into?¡± he muttered, his voice low. The water offered no answer.
The stream¡¯s quiet gurgling was suddenly broken by the sound of voices¡ªtwo, this time, speaking in hushed tones. Xu Tian froze, his eyes narrowing. He slipped into the underbrush, his body melting into the shadows, and waited. The voices grew louder until their owners came into view. The first was a man, tall and broad-shouldered, carrying a sword across his back. He wore the simple robes of a wandering cultivator, though his posture betrayed an air of inexperience. The second was a woman, her robes pristine white and embroidered with the symbol of a lotus in bloom. A healer. Xu Tian¡¯s breath hitched as he recognized the emblem. The Lotus Blossom Pavilion, one of the sects known for their mastery of healing arts and their rigid moral code. They rarely left their mountain sanctuary, which meant this woman had to be on an important mission. The man grumbled, his voice carrying over the sound of the stream. ¡°I told you, we shouldn¡¯t have come this way. These woods aren¡¯t safe.¡± ¡°And yet here we are,¡± the woman replied, her tone calm but firm. ¡°If you¡¯re that worried, you¡¯re welcome to return to the pavilion and tell the elders you abandoned me.¡± The man scowled but said nothing. Xu Tian watched them carefully, his mind racing. He could take them, he thought. The man looked strong but inexperienced, and the woman, though likely powerful in her own way, wouldn¡¯t be prepared for the kind of power Xu Tian wielded. The star¡¯s whispers stirred. ¡°Take them. Their strength is yours for the taking.¡± Xu Tian shook his head. No. He wasn¡¯t about to start slaughtering innocent people. The mercenaries were one thing¡ªthey had been hunting him. But these two weren¡¯t a threat. Not yet. He moved to slip away, but his foot snagged on a root, and a branch cracked beneath him. The woman¡¯s head snapped toward the sound. Her eyes narrowed, scanning the underbrush. ¡°Who¡¯s there?¡± Xu Tian cursed under his breath. He was still cloaked in shadows, but they weren¡¯t perfect. The woman¡¯s gaze lingered on the spot where he hid, her expression wary. ¡°I don¡¯t want trouble,¡± she called out, taking a step forward. ¡°If you¡¯re hurt, I can help you. There¡¯s no need to hide.¡±Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon. Xu Tian hesitated. He could feel the star stirring within him, urging him to act. The shadows at his feet began to shift, curling outward as if preparing to strike. ¡°Stay back,¡± he said finally, his voice low and sharp. The woman stopped, her hands raised in a placating gesture. ¡°I¡¯m a healer,¡± she said. ¡°That¡¯s all. If you¡¯re injured, let me help you.¡± ¡°Help me?¡± Xu Tian let out a bitter laugh. ¡°You¡¯re from the Lotus Blossom Pavilion, aren¡¯t you? Your kind doesn¡¯t help people like me.¡± The woman frowned, lowering her hands slightly. ¡°People like you?¡± ¡°Broken. Crippled. Worthless,¡± Xu Tian spat. ¡°You heal the strong. The ones worth saving. Not the ones who¡¯ve been thrown away.¡± The man behind her shifted uneasily. ¡°Yan Mei, we should leave. Whoever he is, he¡¯s dangerous.¡± Yan Mei held up a hand, silencing him. Her gaze never left Xu Tian, her expression unreadable. ¡°You¡¯re not broken,¡± she said finally. Xu Tian¡¯s breath caught. For a moment, the star¡¯s whispers fell silent, drowned out by the weight of her words.
The encounter ended without bloodshed. Yan Mei, against her companion¡¯s protests, insisted on helping Xu Tian treat the wounds he hadn¡¯t even realized he had¡ªscrapes, bruises, and burns from his time in the ruins. They sat by the stream, the tension between them palpable. Xu Tian watched her warily as she worked, her hands glowing faintly with golden light as she channeled her healing energy. The star within him recoiled at her touch, and he had to fight to keep it from lashing out. ¡°You¡¯re reckless,¡± Yan Mei said as she bandaged a cut on his arm. Xu Tian snorted. ¡°Says the healer wandering into dangerous territory with no protection.¡± ¡°I can handle myself,¡± she replied, her tone clipped. Xu Tian glanced at her companion, who stood a short distance away, keeping a wary eye on the forest. ¡°And him? What¡¯s his story?¡± ¡°Disciple-in-training,¡± Yan Mei said with a faint smile. ¡°He¡¯s supposed to be protecting me, but I think I¡¯ve done more protecting than he has.¡± The man bristled, but didn¡¯t respond.
Their uneasy truce was cut short by the sound of shouts in the distance. Xu Tian¡¯s head snapped up, his senses on high alert. ¡°Mercenaries,¡± he said, his voice low. Yan Mei frowned. ¡°They¡¯re hunting you?¡± Xu Tian didn¡¯t answer. He was already on his feet, his body tense. ¡°You should leave,¡± he said. ¡°They¡¯re after me, not you.¡± Yan Mei hesitated, but before she could respond, the mercenaries emerged from the trees. There were five of them this time, their weapons drawn and their eyes scanning the area. ¡°There he is!¡± one of them shouted, pointing at Xu Tian. Xu Tian¡¯s heart raced as the shadows at his feet began to stir. He turned to Yan Mei, his expression grim. ¡°Get out of here.¡± But she didn¡¯t move. Instead, she stepped forward, placing herself between Xu Tian and the mercenaries. ¡°What are you doing?¡± Xu Tian hissed. ¡°I¡¯m not leaving you to die,¡± Yan Mei said firmly. The star¡¯s whispers surged, urging him to attack, to unleash the full extent of his power. But as he watched Yan Mei stand her ground, a faint flicker of doubt crept into his mind. For the first time in a long time, someone was standing beside him.
The mercenaries attacked without hesitation, and the forest erupted into chaos. Xu Tian moved like a shadow, his newfound powers weaving through the fray with deadly precision. Tendrils of darkness lashed out, disarming one mercenary and slamming another into a tree with bone-shattering force. Yan Mei fought alongside him, her healing light turning into shields that deflected blades and arrows. Her companion, though inexperienced, managed to hold his own, his sword strikes clumsy but effective. The star¡¯s power surged within Xu Tian, intoxicating and terrible. He could feel it taking over, driving him to fight harder, faster, more brutally. By the time the last mercenary fell, Xu Tian was barely standing. The shadows around him pulsed erratically, their movements wild and uncontrolled. He felt the star¡¯s hunger growing stronger, urging him to take more, to consume the lives of the fallen. But then he heard Yan Mei¡¯s voice. ¡°Xu Tian,¡± she said softly, her hand on his shoulder. ¡°Stop.¡± The shadows receded, and the star¡¯s whispers fell silent. Xu Tian collapsed to his knees, his chest heaving.
As the forest fell silent once more, Yan Mei knelt beside Xu Tian, her expression unreadable. ¡°You¡¯re dangerous,¡± she said quietly. ¡°But you¡¯re not beyond saving.¡± Xu Tian let out a bitter laugh. ¡°And what makes you think I want to be saved?¡± Yan Mei didn¡¯t answer. Instead, she stood, her gaze fixed on the horizon. ¡°Come with us,¡± she said finally. ¡°If the mercenaries know about you, others will, too. You won¡¯t survive on your own.¡± Xu Tian hesitated, the star¡¯s whispers stirring once more. Trusting her was a risk. But staying alone? That might be worse. After a long moment, he nodded. Chapter 4: The Path Forward The forest remained quiet as the three figures moved through its dense undergrowth, the tension between them unspoken but palpable. Xu Tian walked several steps behind Yan Mei and her companion, his shadow flickering unnaturally as it stretched and recoiled in the dappled sunlight. Though his body ached from the earlier fight, his mind churned with conflicting thoughts. He had agreed to follow her, but every step felt like he was walking deeper into a trap. Trusting others wasn¡¯t something he did anymore¡ªnot after what had been done to him. And yet¡­ ¡°You¡¯re staring,¡± Yan Mei said without turning, breaking the silence. Her tone was calm, almost amused, but there was a sharpness beneath it. Xu Tian narrowed his eyes. ¡°I¡¯m thinking.¡± ¡°About what?¡± she asked, glancing over her shoulder. ¡°How you plan to use me.¡± Yan Mei stopped walking, her companion nearly bumping into her as she turned to face Xu Tian. ¡°Use you?¡± she repeated, her brow furrowing. ¡°Is that what you think this is?¡± Xu Tian crossed his arms, the shadows at his feet shifting restlessly. ¡°People like you don¡¯t help others out of the goodness of your heart. You¡¯re from a sect. There¡¯s always a price.¡± For a moment, Yan Mei studied him in silence, her expression unreadable. Then she sighed, shaking her head. ¡°You¡¯ve been hurt, haven¡¯t you?¡± Xu Tian scoffed. ¡°Understatement of the century.¡± She took a step closer, and the shadows flared instinctively, forming a faint barrier between them. Yan Mei didn¡¯t flinch. ¡°Let me make this clear,¡± she said softly. ¡°I¡¯m not here to manipulate you, or control you, or whatever else you¡¯ve convinced yourself is true. I¡¯m here because I saw someone who needed help. That¡¯s it.¡± Xu Tian stared at her, searching her face for any sign of deception. But all he saw was a quiet determination that made him feel uneasy. ¡°Fine,¡± he muttered, letting the shadows recede. ¡°But if this goes sideways, don¡¯t expect me to save you.¡± Yan Mei smiled faintly. ¡°Noted.¡± Her companion, who had been silent throughout the exchange, let out a frustrated sigh. ¡°Can we keep moving now? The longer we stay in one place, the more likely we¡¯ll run into another patrol.¡± Yan Mei nodded and began walking again, leaving Xu Tian to trail behind.
As they moved deeper into the forest, the whispers of the star returned, faint but insistent. ¡°Foolish. Trust is a weakness. She will betray you, as all others have.¡± Xu Tian clenched his fists, trying to block out the voice. ¡°You don¡¯t know that,¡± he muttered under his breath. ¡°We know everything,¡± the star replied, its tone cold and sharp. ¡°You are alone. You will always be alone.¡± He didn¡¯t respond. He couldn¡¯t afford to. But deep down, a part of him feared the star might be right.
Later that evening, they set up camp in a small clearing near a rocky outcrop. Yan Mei worked quickly, gathering wood and igniting a small fire with a flick of her fingers. Her companion, whose name Xu Tian still hadn¡¯t bothered to ask, sat nearby sharpening his sword.The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there. Xu Tian sat apart from them, leaning against a tree with his arms crossed. The firelight flickered across his face, casting shadows that seemed to writhe unnaturally in the corners of the clearing. ¡°You haven¡¯t said much,¡± Yan Mei said, breaking the silence. Xu Tian shrugged. ¡°I don¡¯t have much to say.¡± ¡°Everyone has something to say,¡± she replied, settling down across from him. ¡°You just don¡¯t want to.¡± Xu Tian gave her a dry look. ¡°What is this, a therapy session?¡± Yan Mei chuckled softly. ¡°No, but it wouldn¡¯t hurt you to talk. Carrying all that anger around... it¡¯s going to eat you alive.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll take my chances,¡± Xu Tian said, turning his gaze to the fire. They sat in silence for a moment, the crackling flames filling the space between them. ¡°What happened to you?¡± Yan Mei asked quietly. Xu Tian stiffened, his jaw tightening. ¡°None of your business.¡± ¡°I think it is,¡± she said, her tone gentle but firm. ¡°If we¡¯re going to be traveling together, I need to know who I¡¯m dealing with.¡± For a long moment, Xu Tian didn¡¯t answer. Then, finally, he spoke. ¡°I was part of a sect,¡± he said, his voice low. ¡°Scarlet Peak. I was supposed to be a prodigy, destined to climb the Celestial Ladder and reach the stars.¡± He laughed bitterly. ¡°But some people didn¡¯t like that. They shattered my Heavenly Root, left me to rot.¡± Yan Mei¡¯s expression softened. ¡°And now you¡¯re here.¡± ¡°Now I¡¯m here,¡± Xu Tian repeated. She didn¡¯t say anything for a while, letting the words settle between them. Then she asked, ¡°And the power you have now? The shadows? Where did that come from?¡± Xu Tian hesitated, his hand unconsciously brushing against his chest where the warmth of the star still lingered. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter,¡± he said finally. ¡°All you need to know is that I¡¯m not the same person I was back then.¡± Yan Mei nodded slowly, though her eyes lingered on him with a mixture of curiosity and concern.
The peace of the camp was shattered by a distant roar. Xu Tian was on his feet in an instant, his shadows flaring to life. Yan Mei and her companion stood as well, their faces tense. ¡°What was that?¡± the man asked, his voice tight. Xu Tian¡¯s eyes narrowed as he scanned the darkness. ¡°Something big.¡± The roar came again, closer this time, followed by the sound of trees snapping like twigs. The ground trembled beneath their feet, and a wave of pressure swept through the air, making it hard to breathe. And then it appeared. A massive beast emerged from the trees, its body covered in jagged scales that shimmered faintly in the moonlight. Its eyes glowed with a malevolent light, and its claws tore into the ground as it charged toward the camp. ¡°A Starbeast,¡± Yan Mei said, her voice filled with dread. ¡°How did it get this far south?¡± Xu Tian didn¡¯t care how it got there. All that mattered was surviving. The beast lunged, its jaws snapping shut inches from where Yan Mei stood. She darted out of the way, her hands glowing as she conjured a barrier of golden light. The beast¡¯s claws slammed into it, sending cracks spidering across the surface. Xu Tian moved instinctively, the shadows around him surging forward to lash at the beast¡¯s legs. The tendrils wrapped around its scales, pulling it off balance, but the creature roared in fury and broke free, its tail sweeping toward him. He ducked, the tail whipping past him and smashing into a tree. Splinters flew everywhere, and Xu Tian used the distraction to strike again, the shadows forming a spear that pierced the beast¡¯s side. The Starbeast howled, but it didn¡¯t fall. If anything, it seemed angrier. ¡°This thing¡¯s too strong,¡± Yan Mei¡¯s companion shouted, slashing at the beast¡¯s flank. ¡°We need to run!¡± ¡°No,¡± Xu Tian growled, his shadows coiling tighter around the beast. ¡°We end this now.¡± The star¡¯s whispers surged in his mind, urging him forward. ¡°Feed on its strength,¡± they said. ¡°Take its power for yourself.¡± Xu Tian hesitated, his breath ragged. The idea was tempting¡ªtoo tempting. But Yan Mei¡¯s voice cut through the haze. ¡°Xu Tian!¡± she shouted. ¡°Focus!¡± He clenched his fists, forcing the whispers back. Not yet. With a final surge of effort, Xu Tian drove his shadows deeper into the Starbeast, targeting its exposed underbelly. The creature let out one last, guttural roar before collapsing, its body dissolving into motes of starlight that scattered into the wind.
As the dust settled, Xu Tian stood over the remnants of the beast, his chest heaving. The shadows around him flickered before retreating, leaving him feeling hollow and drained. Yan Mei approached cautiously, her gaze wary. ¡°You¡¯re stronger than you look,¡± she said. Xu Tian didn¡¯t respond. He was too focused on the whispers, which had grown louder, more insistent. ¡°You cannot hold back forever,¡± the star murmured. ¡°You will need us. You will need me.¡± For now, Xu Tian ignored it. But he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that his time was running out. Chapter 5: Shadows of the Past The air was thick with tension as the campfire crackled, casting dancing shadows across the clearing. The group had moved only a short distance after the Starbeast¡¯s defeat, too drained and wary to press on through the night. Xu Tian sat with his back to a tree, his thoughts restless and his body aching with exhaustion. The shadows at his feet shifted uneasily, still responding to the lingering echoes of the star¡¯s whispers. ¡°Take its strength... take its power...¡± Even now, the memory of the Starbeast¡¯s collapse haunted him¡ªnot because of its death, but because of what he had felt in those final moments. The star within him had surged, hungering for the beast¡¯s fading life, urging him to reach out and consume its very essence. He hadn¡¯t given in, but it had been close. Too close. From across the camp, Yan Mei was watching him again. He could feel her gaze, quiet but intense, as though she were trying to puzzle him out. ¡°What?¡± he asked, his voice sharper than he intended. Yan Mei didn¡¯t flinch. ¡°You didn¡¯t take its power,¡± she said softly. Xu Tian frowned, unsure if it was an accusation or an observation. ¡°Should I have?¡± ¡°No,¡± she said after a pause. ¡°But I thought you might.¡± Xu Tian let out a bitter laugh. ¡°If you¡¯re so convinced I¡¯m a monster, why are you still here?¡± ¡°I never said you were a monster,¡± Yan Mei replied evenly. ¡°But I¡¯ve seen what power like yours can do to people. It changes them.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not changing me,¡± Xu Tian said, though the words sounded hollow even to his own ears. Yan Mei tilted her head, her expression unreadable. ¡°Maybe not yet.¡±
That night, Xu Tian dreamed. He stood in a vast, empty expanse, the ground beneath him cracked and barren. Above, the sky was a swirling void of darkness, dotted with faint glimmers of light that flickered like dying candles. In the distance, something moved¡ªa towering figure, its shape shifting and indistinct, as though it were made of smoke and shadow. Its voice echoed in his mind, deep and resonant. ¡°Why do you resist?¡± Xu Tian¡¯s fists clenched. ¡°I didn¡¯t ask for this.¡± ¡°And yet you accepted it. You touched the star, claimed its power. You cannot turn back now.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t need you,¡± Xu Tian said. The figure laughed, a sound that seemed to ripple through the void. ¡°Oh, but you do. You are weak, broken. Without us, you are nothing.¡± Xu Tian opened his mouth to respond, but the figure surged forward, its form expanding until it towered over him. Tendrils of shadow lashed out, wrapping around his arms and legs, pulling him to his knees. ¡°You will become what you were meant to be,¡± the figure said, its voice a whisper that filled his entire mind. ¡°You will rise, or you will fall. Either way, you are ours.¡±Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. The shadows tightened, and Xu Tian gasped for breath, the darkness swallowing him whole.
Xu Tian awoke with a start, his body drenched in sweat. The sun was rising, casting pale light across the forest. Yan Mei and her companion were already awake, speaking quietly by the remnants of the campfire. He rubbed his temples, trying to shake off the lingering echoes of the dream. The star¡¯s voice still lingered in his mind, its words cutting deeper than he cared to admit. ¡°You look like you¡¯ve seen a ghost,¡± Yan Mei said, noticing his approach. Xu Tian ignored her, crouching by the fire to warm his hands. His shadows were quiet now, subdued in the light of day, but he could still feel them lurking beneath the surface. ¡°We need to talk about where we¡¯re going,¡± Yan Mei continued, undeterred by his silence. ¡°The mercenaries won¡¯t stop looking for you. And if the sects hear about what happened...¡± ¡°They¡¯ll come for me,¡± Xu Tian finished, his tone flat. Yan Mei nodded. ¡°You can¡¯t face them alone.¡± Xu Tian scoffed. ¡°You think I¡¯m joining your sect? Forget it. I¡¯m not putting my life in the hands of people like that again.¡± Yan Mei¡¯s expression hardened. ¡°I¡¯m not asking you to join the Lotus Blossom Pavilion. But you need allies, whether you like it or not. If you keep trying to do this alone, you¡¯ll die.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve survived this long,¡± Xu Tian said. ¡°Barely,¡± she shot back. For a moment, neither of them spoke. Then Yan Mei sighed, her tone softening. ¡°I¡¯m not your enemy, Xu Tian. I¡¯m trying to help you.¡± Xu Tian met her gaze, his expression unreadable. ¡°Why? Why do you care what happens to me?¡± Yan Mei hesitated, as though the question had caught her off guard. ¡°Because I know what it¡¯s like to be cast aside,¡± she said finally. ¡°And because I believe you¡¯re capable of more than this.¡±
Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of rustling leaves. Xu Tian tensed, his shadows stirring instinctively. Yan Mei and her companion stood as well, their hands moving to their weapons. The scent of blood filled the air, sharp and metallic. ¡°They¡¯re close,¡± Xu Tian muttered, his eyes narrowing. The group moved cautiously, following the sound and smell until they reached a small clearing. What they found made Yan Mei gasp. A group of mercenaries lay sprawled across the ground, their bodies torn apart as though by some massive beast. Blood stained the grass, and the air was thick with the stench of death. Xu Tian crouched beside one of the corpses, his expression grim. The wounds were fresh¡ªclaw marks and bite wounds, deep and precise. ¡°This wasn¡¯t a Starbeast,¡± he said. Yan Mei frowned. ¡°Then what was it?¡± Before Xu Tian could answer, the sound of movement caught their attention. A figure emerged from the trees, stumbling toward them. It was another mercenary, his armor torn and his face pale with terror. ¡°Help me,¡± the man gasped, his voice trembling. Yan Mei moved forward instinctively, but Xu Tian held out an arm, stopping her. ¡°Wait.¡± The mercenary collapsed to his knees, his body shaking. ¡°It¡¯s coming,¡± he muttered, his eyes wide with fear. ¡°It¡¯s coming...¡± ¡°What¡¯s coming?¡± Xu Tian demanded, his voice sharp. The mercenary looked up at him, his expression haunted. ¡°The... the Wraithborn...¡± Xu Tian¡¯s blood ran cold.
The Wraithborn were more myth than reality, whispered about in the darkest corners of the cultivation world. They were said to be the remnants of those who had fallen to forbidden paths¡ªtwisted, mindless creatures consumed by their own power. And now one of them was here. ¡°We need to leave,¡± Yan Mei¡¯s companion said, his voice tight with fear. Xu Tian didn¡¯t respond. His mind was racing, trying to piece together what was happening. The Wraithborn weren¡¯t supposed to exist, let alone wander this far south. If one had appeared now, it couldn¡¯t be a coincidence. ¡°You can¡¯t fight it,¡± the mercenary said, his voice breaking. ¡°You can¡¯t...¡± Before he could finish, the shadows around him began to writhe. Xu Tian¡¯s eyes widened as he realized the source wasn¡¯t him¡ªit was coming from the forest itself. The air grew colder, and the sunlight dimmed as a figure emerged from the trees. Its form was humanoid, but its body was shrouded in flickering shadows that seemed to devour the light around it. Its eyes glowed faintly, twin pinpricks of pale, icy light. The Wraithborn. Xu Tian felt the star within him stir, its whispers rising to a fever pitch. ¡°This is what you will become,¡± it murmured. ¡°Unless you embrace us.¡± The Wraithborn tilted its head, as though studying him. Then, without warning, it lunged.
Xu Tian barely had time to react. The shadows around him surged to meet the Wraithborn¡¯s attack, colliding with a force that sent shockwaves rippling through the forest. As the two forces clashed, Xu Tian could feel the star¡¯s power growing within him, urging him to give in, to let it take over. But he couldn¡¯t¡ªwouldn¡¯t¡ªlet it win. Not yet. The Wraithborn¡¯s glowing eyes locked onto his, and in that moment, Xu Tian knew one thing for certain: this fight would change everything. Chapter 6: The Shadow’s Reflection The Wraithborn''s attack was as silent as death itself. It moved like liquid darkness, tendrils of shadow lashing toward Xu Tian with inhuman speed. Instinct took over as his own shadows rose to meet the assault, colliding in midair with a force that sent ripples through the clearing. The impact threw Xu Tian backward, slamming him into a tree. Pain lanced through his body, but he forced himself to his feet, his eyes locked on the creature. Its form was hazy, like smoke given shape, but its glowing eyes burned with an eerie intelligence. Behind him, Yan Mei¡¯s voice rang out. ¡°What is that thing?!¡± Xu Tian didn¡¯t answer. He didn¡¯t have to. The mercenary¡¯s dying words echoed in his mind. The Wraithborn. He had heard stories¡ªwhispers of cultivators who had strayed too far into forbidden paths, consumed by the very power they sought to control. They became hollow, monstrous, their humanity stripped away until only hunger and rage remained. And now one stood before him, a living nightmare.
The Wraithborn lunged again, its movements unnaturally fast. Xu Tian barely had time to react as its claws raked across the air, trailing black, crackling energy. He dodged to the side, the shadows at his feet twisting to propel him out of range. With a sweep of his arm, he lashed out, sending a spear of darkness hurtling toward the creature. The Wraithborn dissolved into mist, reforming behind him in an instant. Xu Tian spun, his shadows forming a shield just in time to block its next strike. The impact jarred his entire body, and he gritted his teeth as he pushed back against the creature¡¯s overwhelming force. ¡°This isn¡¯t going to end well,¡± he muttered under his breath. The star¡¯s whispers surged in his mind. ¡°You are holding back. Let us guide you.¡± ¡°No,¡± Xu Tian growled, shoving the whispers away. ¡°Not yet.¡±
From the corner of his eye, Xu Tian saw Yan Mei raise her hands, a golden sigil forming in the air before her. The light expanded into a barrier, which shot forward and struck the Wraithborn, forcing it to stumble back. ¡°Are you insane?!¡± Xu Tian snapped, his voice sharp. Yan Mei ignored him, her gaze fixed on the creature. ¡°It¡¯s not invincible. If we work together, we can drive it off!¡± Xu Tian wanted to argue¡ªwanted to tell her to stay out of it¡ªbut the Wraithborn was already moving again. It surged toward Yan Mei, its claws slicing through the air like blades. Xu Tian reacted on instinct, his shadows lashing out to intercept the attack. The tendrils wrapped around the Wraithborn¡¯s arm, pulling it off balance. ¡°Now!¡± he shouted. Yan Mei¡¯s companion leapt into action, his sword blazing with faint spiritual energy as he struck at the creature¡¯s exposed flank. The blade connected, sending sparks flying, but the Wraithborn barely flinched.The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings. The creature turned on him, its glowing eyes narrowing, and Xu Tian knew what was about to happen. ¡°Get back!¡± he barked. The warning came too late. The Wraithborn lashed out, its claws raking across the young man¡¯s chest. Blood sprayed across the clearing as he was thrown to the ground, his weapon clattering from his grasp. ¡°No!¡± Yan Mei cried, running to her fallen companion. The Wraithborn turned its attention back to Xu Tian, its body radiating a cold, oppressive energy that seemed to sap the warmth from the air. ¡°You are like us,¡± it said, its voice a hollow echo that reverberated through his mind. ¡°Why do you resist?¡± Xu Tian¡¯s jaw tightened. ¡°I¡¯m nothing like you.¡± The Wraithborn tilted its head, almost curiously. ¡°Not yet.¡±
The creature lunged again, faster than before. Xu Tian¡¯s shadows rose to meet it, but the strain was beginning to take its toll. He could feel his strength waning, the connection to the star growing more tenuous with each passing moment. ¡°You are weak,¡± the star hissed in his mind. ¡°Let us show you true power.¡± Xu Tian¡¯s breath came in ragged gasps as he dodged another strike. He could feel the Wraithborn¡¯s energy pressing down on him, smothering him like a heavy shroud. ¡°You want power?¡± Xu Tian muttered, his voice dripping with sarcasm. ¡°How about you help instead of whispering in my ear?¡± The star laughed, a cold, mocking sound. ¡°All you have to do is let go. Give yourself to us, and no force in this world will stand against you.¡± Xu Tian hesitated, his shadows faltering for the briefest moment. The Wraithborn saw its opening and struck, its claws tearing through his defenses and slamming into his chest. He was thrown backward, skidding across the ground and coughing up blood. ¡°Xu Tian!¡± Yan Mei shouted, her voice filled with panic. Xu Tian groaned, forcing himself to his feet. His vision swam, and the taste of iron filled his mouth. The star¡¯s whispers were louder now, more insistent. ¡°Decide, mortal. Resist, and you will die. Submit, and you will ascend.¡±
The Wraithborn advanced, its movements slow and deliberate, as though savoring the moment. Xu Tian could feel its presence pressing down on him, a reflection of the path he had avoided for so long. His gaze flicked to Yan Mei, who was tending to her fallen companion, her golden light struggling to keep him alive. She looked up, her eyes meeting his, and for a moment, he saw something there¡ªfear, hope, desperation. And then he made his decision. ¡°Fine,¡± he growled, his voice laced with venom. ¡°You want me to let go? Let¡¯s see what you¡¯ve got.¡± The star¡¯s laughter filled his mind, cold and triumphant. ¡°Wise choice.¡± The warmth in his chest exploded outward, flooding his body with energy. The shadows around him surged, growing darker and more intense, twisting into jagged, pulsing tendrils that writhed with a life of their own. The Wraithborn paused, its glowing eyes narrowing as it sensed the change. Xu Tian rose to his feet, his movements fluid and precise. The pain was gone, replaced by a cold, unyielding strength. ¡°You want power?¡± he said, his voice low and dangerous. ¡°Let me show you what real power looks like.¡± The shadows erupted, slamming into the Wraithborn with devastating force. The creature howled, its form flickering as the tendrils tore into it, dragging it to the ground. Xu Tian advanced, his shadows coiling around him like a living storm. The star¡¯s whispers urged him on, feeding his fury. ¡°More. Take its strength. Consume it.¡± For a moment, he was tempted. The Wraithborn¡¯s energy was fading fast, and he could feel it¡ªraw, untapped power waiting to be claimed. But then he saw Yan Mei, her gaze fixed on him with a mixture of awe and fear. And he stopped. With a flick of his wrist, the shadows released the Wraithborn, letting its broken form collapse to the ground. The creature writhed for a moment before dissolving into mist, its glowing eyes fading into nothingness. The clearing fell silent.
Xu Tian turned away, his shadows retreating as he walked back to the campfire. Yan Mei stared at him, her expression unreadable. ¡°You didn¡¯t take it,¡± she said quietly. ¡°No,¡± Xu Tian replied, his voice tired. ¡°Not this time.¡± Yan Mei hesitated, then nodded. ¡°Thank you.¡± Xu Tian didn¡¯t respond. He could still feel the star¡¯s power coursing through him, a reminder of what he had unleashed¡ªand what it had cost him. As the group prepared to leave, Xu Tian couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that the Wraithborn¡¯s words had been a warning. Not yet. It wasn¡¯t just the Wraithborn he had to fear. It was himself. Chapter 7: The Weight of Shadows The forest grew quiet in the aftermath of the battle, the air heavy with the tension of what had just transpired. Xu Tian trudged forward, his movements stiff and deliberate, his mind a storm of conflicting emotions. The echoes of the star¡¯s power still lingered in his veins, whispering promises of greater strength, urging him to take the next step. But the fear in Yan Mei¡¯s eyes haunted him. She hadn¡¯t said much since the Wraithborn fell, and her companion¡ªpale and clutching his bandaged chest¡ªlimped along silently, his expression caught between pain and unease. The clearing where they had fought the Wraithborn felt miles away, yet its shadow lingered in Xu Tian¡¯s thoughts, as vivid as the blood on his hands. The star¡¯s voice stirred once more, its tone quieter now but no less persistent. ¡°You spared it. A mistake you will regret.¡± Xu Tian gritted his teeth, forcing the voice back into the recesses of his mind. He wouldn¡¯t let it control him¡ªnot yet.
By dusk, the group reached the edge of the forest, where the trees thinned out and the land opened into rolling hills. They set up camp beneath a rocky outcrop, the sky above streaked with deep reds and purples as the sun dipped below the horizon. Xu Tian sat apart from the others, his back against the rocks, while Yan Mei tended to her companion a short distance away. She worked with practiced efficiency, her hands glowing faintly with golden light as she checked his wounds. ¡°You¡¯re lucky it wasn¡¯t worse,¡± she murmured, her tone soft but firm. The young man winced, his expression tight. ¡°I¡¯ll manage. Just... don¡¯t ask me to fight one of those things again.¡± Yan Mei didn¡¯t respond, her gaze flickering briefly toward Xu Tian before returning to her patient.
Later, as the fire crackled and the others drifted off into uneasy rest, Yan Mei approached Xu Tian. She moved quietly, her footsteps barely audible on the grass, but he still noticed her before she spoke. ¡°What do you want?¡± he asked without looking up. ¡°To talk,¡± she replied simply, settling down across from him. The firelight illuminated her face, casting soft shadows across her features. Xu Tian sighed. ¡°About what?¡± Yan Mei studied him for a moment, her expression thoughtful. ¡°That thing we fought. The Wraithborn. How much do you know about them?¡± Xu Tian¡¯s jaw tightened. ¡°Enough.¡± ¡°They¡¯re rare,¡± Yan Mei continued, ignoring his curt tone. ¡°Most people go their entire lives without seeing one. The fact that one appeared here, now...¡± She trailed off, her eyes narrowing. ¡°It¡¯s not a coincidence, is it?¡± Xu Tian met her gaze, his expression unreadable. ¡°What are you getting at?¡± ¡°I think it was drawn to you,¡± Yan Mei said quietly. For a moment, Xu Tian didn¡¯t respond. Then he let out a bitter laugh, his shadows flickering faintly at his feet. ¡°What gave it away? The way it tried to kill me, or the part where it said I was just like it?¡±Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. Yan Mei frowned. ¡°You¡¯re not like it.¡± ¡°Aren¡¯t I?¡± Xu Tian shot back, his voice rising. ¡°I¡¯m walking a forbidden path. I¡¯ve bonded with something no one in their right mind would touch. I can feel it, every second of every day, pulling me closer to... to whatever that thing was. Tell me, healer, what¡¯s the difference between me and it?¡± ¡°The difference,¡± Yan Mei said firmly, ¡°is that you still have a choice.¡± Her words cut through the air like a blade, silencing Xu Tian¡¯s retort. She leaned forward, her expression intense. ¡°I¡¯ve seen people fall to darkness before. They didn¡¯t start out as monsters¡ªthey became monsters because they gave up. They stopped fighting. But you? You¡¯re still fighting, even if you don¡¯t realize it.¡± Xu Tian looked away, his jaw tightening. ¡°What if I lose?¡± ¡°Then you lose,¡± Yan Mei said simply. ¡°But if you don¡¯t try, you¡¯ll never know.¡± For a long moment, they sat in silence, the crackling fire the only sound between them. Finally, Xu Tian spoke, his voice low. ¡°You¡¯re awfully optimistic for someone who barely knows me.¡± Yan Mei smiled faintly. ¡°Maybe. Or maybe I just see potential where others see failure.¡± Xu Tian snorted, shaking his head. ¡°You¡¯re either brave or stupid.¡± ¡°Maybe both,¡± she said, her smile widening slightly.
The next morning, the group resumed their journey. Yan Mei¡¯s companion¡ªwho finally introduced himself as Li Wei¡ªwas still weak but determined to keep moving. Xu Tian found himself grudgingly respecting the young man¡¯s stubbornness, though he didn¡¯t say as much. As they traveled, Yan Mei began to share more about the world beyond the forest. She spoke of the Celestial Sects, the powerful factions that ruled the cultivation world, and the growing tensions between them. ¡°The Scarlet Peak Sect isn¡¯t the only one with blood on its hands,¡± she said. ¡°There are rumors of unrest¡ªsects clashing over territory, ancient relics going missing. And now, with Wraithborn appearing...¡± She shook her head. ¡°Something is changing.¡± Xu Tian frowned. ¡°You think the Wraithborn are connected to the sects?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Yan Mei admitted. ¡°But I do know that forbidden paths like yours aren¡¯t as rare as people think. There are others out there, hiding in the shadows, walking the same line you are.¡± ¡°Others?¡± Xu Tian repeated, his tone skeptical. Yan Mei nodded. ¡°Some fall. Some don¡¯t. But if the Wraithborn are any indication, the balance is tipping¡ªand not in our favor.¡±
By midday, the group reached a small village nestled at the edge of a wide river. The air was filled with the sound of rushing water and the distant hum of voices as villagers went about their daily routines. Xu Tian felt a pang of unease as they entered the village. He had avoided places like this for years, knowing that his presence tended to attract trouble. But Yan Mei insisted they needed supplies, and for once, he didn¡¯t argue. As they made their way through the narrow streets, Xu Tian kept his head low, his senses on high alert. The villagers paid them little attention, but he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that they were being watched. His unease was justified when, as they passed a small tavern, a figure stepped out to block their path. The man was tall and lean, his face obscured by a wide-brimmed hat that cast a shadow over his sharp features. A long blade hung at his hip, and his presence radiated quiet menace. ¡°Well, well,¡± the man said, his voice smooth and cold. ¡°What do we have here?¡± Xu Tian¡¯s shadows stirred instinctively, responding to the danger. ¡°Who¡¯s asking?¡± The man tilted his head, his hat shifting just enough to reveal a sly smile. ¡°Just someone with an interest in... unusual talents.¡± Yan Mei stepped forward, her expression cautious. ¡°We don¡¯t want any trouble.¡± The man chuckled. ¡°Oh, I¡¯m not here to cause trouble, healer. But your friend...¡± His gaze shifted to Xu Tian, his smile widening. ¡°He¡¯s another story.¡± Xu Tian¡¯s fists clenched, the shadows coiling tighter around his feet. ¡°What do you want?¡± The man¡¯s smile faded, replaced by a cold, calculating look. ¡°I want you to come quietly. There¡¯s a bounty on your head, and I intend to collect it.¡±
The villagers scattered, sensing the tension in the air. Xu Tian stepped forward, his eyes narrowing as the shadows rose around him. ¡°You¡¯ve made a mistake,¡± he said, his voice low and dangerous. The man drew his blade, its edge glinting in the sunlight. ¡°Funny,¡± he said. ¡°I was about to say the same thing.¡± The fight was about to begin. Chapter 8: Blade and Shadow The tension in the air was palpable, heavy with the promise of violence. Villagers had retreated into their homes, doors shutting, and shutters slamming closed as whispers of the confrontation spread through the small town. The bounty hunter stood in the center of the dirt road, his blade gleaming like liquid silver in the sunlight, a stark contrast to the swirling darkness that now pooled at Xu Tian¡¯s feet. Yan Mei stepped forward, her voice calm but firm. ¡°This doesn¡¯t need to end in bloodshed.¡± The man¡¯s lips curled into a thin smile, his eyes never leaving Xu Tian. ¡°Oh, but it does. That¡¯s the nature of the bounty business, you see. Someone pays for a head, and I bring it back. Simple as that.¡± Xu Tian¡¯s jaw tightened. ¡°You¡¯ve made a mistake coming after me.¡± The bounty hunter chuckled. ¡°You think you¡¯re the first outlaw to tell me that? Go ahead. Show me what you¡¯ve got.¡± Xu Tian didn¡¯t need another invitation. The shadows at his feet surged forward, coiling like serpents before lashing out toward the bounty hunter.
The bounty hunter moved with inhuman speed, sidestepping the tendrils of shadow as his blade cut through the air in a wide arc. A crescent of silver energy erupted from the sword, slamming into Xu Tian¡¯s shadows and dissipating them with a sharp crack. Xu Tian frowned, pulling his tendrils back as he adjusted his stance. This man wasn¡¯t an ordinary mercenary¡ªhis movements were too precise, his strikes too calculated. The hunter smirked, raising his blade. ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Already having trouble? You might want to try harder if you plan to make this interesting.¡± Xu Tian didn¡¯t respond. Instead, he focused on his breathing, letting the star¡¯s power rise within him. The whispers returned, urging him forward, promising him strength. ¡°Do not hesitate,¡± the star murmured. ¡°Strike with all your might.¡± The shadows at Xu Tian¡¯s feet thickened, darkening the ground around him as they spread outward. He extended his hand, and the shadows formed jagged spears, which shot toward the bounty hunter in a rapid volley. This time, the man didn¡¯t dodge. Instead, he raised his blade, the silver energy coating its edge flaring to life. With a single, fluid motion, he deflected the incoming attacks, the spears of shadow shattering like glass against his sword. ¡°You¡¯re predictable,¡± the hunter said, his voice calm. ¡°All power, no control. Let me show you what real skill looks like.¡± He lunged forward, closing the distance between them in an instant. Xu Tian barely had time to react as the hunter¡¯s blade slashed toward his chest. He raised a wall of shadows to block the strike, but the blade cut through it with ease, grazing his side. Xu Tian hissed in pain, retreating several steps as blood seeped through his robes.
¡°Stop!¡± Yan Mei¡¯s voice rang out, filled with urgency. She stepped forward, her hands raised. ¡°This isn¡¯t a fair fight. Can¡¯t you see he¡¯s already injured?¡± The bounty hunter glanced at her, his expression indifferent. ¡°Fair fights don¡¯t pay the bills, healer. Stay out of this, unless you want to be next.¡±Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. Xu Tian wiped the blood from his side, his gaze locked on the hunter. ¡°I don¡¯t need her help.¡± Yan Mei frowned, her frustration clear. ¡°Xu Tian, this isn¡¯t the time to let your pride get in the way. You¡¯re not invincible.¡± He didn¡¯t respond. The star¡¯s whispers grew louder in his mind, urging him to embrace the power he had been holding back. ¡°You cannot win like this,¡± the star hissed. ¡°Let us take control. Let us show you the true extent of your strength.¡± Xu Tian¡¯s fists clenched. He didn¡¯t trust the star¡ªhe couldn¡¯t. But he couldn¡¯t deny that the bounty hunter was wearing him down. If he didn¡¯t act soon, he wouldn¡¯t survive the fight.
The hunter lunged again, his blade moving in a blur as it sliced toward Xu Tian¡¯s throat. This time, Xu Tian didn¡¯t retreat. He stepped into the strike, his shadows surging upward to intercept the blade. The impact sent a shockwave through the air, the force of the clash rippling outward. For a moment, the hunter¡¯s blade was locked against Xu Tian¡¯s shadows, the two forces straining against one another. And then Xu Tian let go. The shadows exploded outward, engulfing the hunter in a wave of darkness. The man stumbled back, momentarily blinded as the tendrils coiled around him, tightening like chains. Xu Tian advanced, his movements fluid and precise. The star¡¯s power burned within him, feeding his strength, sharpening his reflexes. The whispers were no longer just in his mind¡ªthey seemed to echo in the air around him, a chorus of voices urging him forward. ¡°End this,¡± they said. ¡°Take his life. Take his power.¡± The hunter growled, his blade flaring with silver light as he slashed through the shadows binding him. He moved faster now, his strikes more aggressive, but Xu Tian was ready. With a flick of his wrist, he sent a wave of shadow spears hurtling toward the hunter, forcing him to retreat. The ground beneath the hunter¡¯s feet cracked as tendrils of darkness erupted from below, wrapping around his legs and pulling him off balance. Xu Tian raised his hand, a single, jagged spear of shadow forming above his palm. He pointed it at the hunter, who was now pinned to the ground, his struggles growing weaker. ¡°Any last words?¡± Xu Tian asked, his voice cold. The hunter glared at him, his teeth bared. ¡°You think you¡¯ve won? You have no idea what¡¯s coming for you.¡± Xu Tian¡¯s grip on the spear tightened. The whispers urged him on, promising him power, vengeance, freedom. All he had to do was strike. But then he hesitated. Yan Mei¡¯s voice echoed in his mind: ¡°You¡¯re not like them.¡± For a moment, he faltered, his hand shaking. The shadows around him flickered, their intensity wavering. And then he lowered the spear.
Xu Tian stepped back, the shadows receding as he released the hunter from their grip. The man collapsed to the ground, coughing and gasping for air. ¡°Get out of here,¡± Xu Tian said, his tone firm. ¡°And tell whoever sent you that if they come for me again, they won¡¯t be as lucky.¡± The hunter stared at him, his expression a mixture of disbelief and anger. But he didn¡¯t argue. Without another word, he scrambled to his feet and fled into the shadows of the village. Yan Mei approached cautiously, her expression unreadable. ¡°You spared him.¡± Xu Tian let out a bitter laugh. ¡°Don¡¯t read too much into it. I just didn¡¯t feel like killing him today.¡± ¡°Still,¡± she said, her tone soft. ¡°It was the right choice.¡± Xu Tian didn¡¯t respond. He turned away, his gaze fixed on the horizon. The fight had left him drained, both physically and mentally, but the star¡¯s whispers remained, louder than ever. ¡°Mercy is weakness,¡± the voices hissed. ¡°You will regret this.¡± Maybe they were right. Maybe sparing the hunter would come back to haunt him. But for now, Xu Tian pushed the thought aside. There were bigger threats to worry about.
As the group left the village behind, Xu Tian couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that they were being watched. The shadows seemed to stretch unnaturally long in the fading light, and the star¡¯s whispers grew colder, more insistent. Far in the distance, in the heart of a sprawling sect, a figure stood before a glowing map, their expression calm but predatory. ¡°He¡¯s stronger than we expected,¡± the figure murmured. ¡°But no matter. He¡¯ll come to us eventually.¡± They reached out, placing a hand over the map where Xu Tian¡¯s location was marked. ¡°And when he does,¡± they said, a faint smile playing across their lips, ¡°he¡¯ll learn what it means to defy the heavens.¡± Chapter 9: Whispers of the Heavens The road stretched endlessly before them, winding through rolling hills and shadowed valleys. Xu Tian kept his gaze on the horizon, his steps steady despite the fatigue weighing on his body. Yan Mei and Li Wei trailed close behind, their silence matching the somber mood of the group. The encounter with the bounty hunter had left its mark, not just on Xu Tian¡¯s body but on his mind. His side ached where the blade had grazed him, the dull pain a reminder of how easily the fight could have ended differently. The star was restless. ¡°You spared him,¡± it hissed. ¡°Weakness is unbecoming of one chosen by the shadows. Do you think mercy will save you?¡± Xu Tian ignored the voice, forcing it into the back of his mind. It was getting harder to silence the whispers, their presence growing stronger with each passing day.
By late afternoon, the trio reached the outskirts of a small town nestled at the base of a jagged mountain. Smoke curled from chimneys, and the faint sound of chatter drifted through the air. It was a quiet, unassuming place, the kind of town that cultivators passed through without a second thought. But Xu Tian had learned to distrust quiet places. ¡°We should rest here,¡± Yan Mei said, breaking the silence. ¡°Li Wei needs proper treatment, and we could all use some food and supplies.¡± Li Wei winced but nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll be fine, but I won¡¯t say no to a warm bed for once.¡± Xu Tian hesitated, his gaze sweeping over the town. Something felt off¡ªan unease he couldn¡¯t quite place. His shadows twitched at his feet, sensing his apprehension. ¡°We shouldn¡¯t stay long,¡± he said finally. ¡°Just get what we need and move on.¡± Yan Mei frowned. ¡°You can¡¯t keep running forever, Xu Tian.¡± ¡°Watch me,¡± he muttered, striding ahead before she could argue.
The town was busier than Xu Tian had expected. Merchants hawked their wares in the market square, and villagers bustled about, their faces weary but focused. Xu Tian kept his hood up, his shadows coiled tightly around him like a second skin. He couldn¡¯t afford to draw attention. As they moved through the square, Yan Mei tugged on his sleeve. ¡°I¡¯ll take Li Wei to the healer¡¯s shop. Meet us back here in an hour?¡± Xu Tian nodded absently, his attention elsewhere. The unease from earlier had grown stronger, a prickling at the back of his neck that refused to go away. He scanned the crowd, his eyes narrowing as he spotted a group of cultivators gathered near a tea house. Their robes were crimson, emblazoned with the sigil of a jagged mountain peak. Xu Tian¡¯s blood ran cold. The Scarlet Peak Sect. He ducked into the shadows of a nearby alley, his heart pounding. He couldn¡¯t risk being seen¡ªnot now, not here. But as he pressed himself against the wall, the star¡¯s voice surged in his mind.Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. ¡°They know,¡± it whispered. ¡°They can feel us. You cannot hide forever.¡± Xu Tian clenched his fists, his jaw tightening. ¡°Shut up,¡± he muttered under his breath. ¡°Run, if you must,¡± the star continued. ¡°But they will find you. And when they do, they will take everything from you.¡±
Xu Tian didn¡¯t notice the figure approaching until it was too late. A hand clamped down on his shoulder, and he spun around, his shadows flaring instinctively. ¡°Easy,¡± a voice said, calm but firm. The man standing before him was dressed in simple robes, his long hair tied back in a loose knot. He was unarmed, but his posture radiated confidence, and his piercing gray eyes seemed to see straight through Xu Tian. ¡°Who are you?¡± Xu Tian demanded, his shadows coiling tighter. The man raised his hands in a placating gesture. ¡°Just a traveler, like you. I saw you watching the Scarlet Peak disciples. They don¡¯t seem like the friendly type.¡± Xu Tian¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°What do you want?¡± The man smiled faintly. ¡°To help. Call it a professional courtesy.¡± Xu Tian didn¡¯t trust him¡ªhe couldn¡¯t afford to. But something about the man¡¯s demeanor gave him pause. There was no malice in his eyes, no hint of deception. ¡°I don¡¯t need your help,¡± Xu Tian said, turning to leave. ¡°Maybe not,¡± the man replied. ¡°But if you¡¯re planning to go up against Scarlet Peak, you¡¯ll need allies. And lucky for you, I¡¯ve got a vested interest in taking them down.¡± Xu Tian stopped, his shoulders tense. ¡°Why?¡± The man¡¯s smile faded, replaced by a cold, calculating look. ¡°Let¡¯s just say they¡¯ve made more enemies than friends over the years. My name is Qiao Rui, by the way.¡± Xu Tian studied him for a moment, his shadows flickering uncertainly. He didn¡¯t like trusting strangers, but Qiao Rui seemed different¡ªdangerous, yes, but not an immediate threat. ¡°Xu Tian,¡± he said finally. Qiao Rui¡¯s smile returned. ¡°A pleasure. Now, let¡¯s talk about how we¡¯re going to make Scarlet Peak regret ever crossing either of us.¡±
From their perch above the square, the Scarlet Peak disciples surveyed the town with a mixture of boredom and disdain. There were three of them¡ªtwo men and a woman¡ªall dressed in the sect¡¯s crimson robes. The leader, a tall, broad-shouldered man with sharp features, leaned against the railing of the tea house balcony. His name was Zhao Feng, and his reputation as a rising star within the sect preceded him. ¡°Are you sure he¡¯s here?¡± one of the other disciples asked, his tone skeptical. Zhao Feng smirked, his eyes scanning the crowd below. ¡°I can feel it. His presence is faint, but it¡¯s here. The elders were right¡ªhe¡¯s alive.¡± The woman frowned. ¡°If he¡¯s bonded with a buried star, we should inform the elders immediately. This isn¡¯t something we can handle on our own.¡± Zhao Feng waved her off. ¡°Relax, Liu Qing. We¡¯ve got this. The bounty on his head will be more than worth the trouble.¡± ¡°And if we fail?¡± Liu Qing asked, her tone sharp. Zhao Feng¡¯s smirk widened. ¡°Then we¡¯ll make sure we don¡¯t.¡±
As night fell, the town grew quieter, the bustling streets giving way to empty alleys and dimly lit windows. Xu Tian sat in a small, rundown inn on the edge of town, Qiao Rui seated across from him. ¡°They¡¯re here for you,¡± Qiao Rui said matter-of-factly, sipping from a chipped teacup. ¡°I figured that much,¡± Xu Tian replied, his tone clipped. Qiao Rui set the cup down, his expression serious. ¡°You¡¯re strong, but you¡¯re not invincible. If they catch you off guard, they¡¯ll take you down¡ªand they won¡¯t hesitate to kill your friends, either.¡± Xu Tian¡¯s jaw tightened. ¡°What¡¯s your point?¡± ¡°My point,¡± Qiao Rui said, leaning forward, ¡°is that you need a plan. You can¡¯t just keep running forever.¡± Xu Tian scowled. He hated to admit it, but Qiao Rui was right. The Scarlet Peak Sect wasn¡¯t going to stop, and the bounty hunter from before had been a warning of things to come. ¡°So what do you suggest?¡± Xu Tian asked. Qiao Rui¡¯s smile returned, sharp and dangerous. ¡°We turn the tables.¡±
As the two of them began to lay out their plan, the Scarlet Peak disciples moved through the darkened streets, their movements precise and coordinated. In the shadows of the town, forces were converging, and the storm brewing around Xu Tian showed no signs of stopping. Far above, the stars glittered coldly in the night sky, as though watching, waiting. And in the depths of Xu Tian¡¯s mind, the star¡¯s whispers grew louder. ¡°This is only the beginning.¡± Chapter 10: The Scarlet Hunt The inn was quiet except for the faint hum of conversation from the common room below. Xu Tian sat cross-legged on the creaky wooden floor of his rented room, the single candle on the bedside table casting flickering shadows across the walls. His thoughts were focused, his breathing slow and deliberate as he tried to center himself. But the whispers of the star wouldn¡¯t let him. ¡°They are closing in,¡± the star murmured, its voice a cold, relentless pressure in his mind. ¡°You cannot escape. They will take what is ours unless you act.¡± Xu Tian¡¯s hands curled into fists. He didn¡¯t need the star to tell him what he already knew. The Scarlet Peak disciples were here, and they wouldn¡¯t stop until they had his head¡ªor worse. A faint knock on the door broke his concentration. ¡°Xu Tian,¡± Qiao Rui¡¯s voice called softly from the other side. ¡°It¡¯s time.¡± Xu Tian stood, the shadows at his feet rippling faintly as he moved. He opened the door to find Qiao Rui leaning casually against the frame, his expression calm but serious. ¡°They¡¯re moving,¡± Qiao Rui said, stepping inside and shutting the door behind him. ¡°Three of them. Two men, one woman. They¡¯ve been asking questions about a traveler matching your description.¡± Xu Tian frowned. ¡°And you¡¯re sure they¡¯re from Scarlet Peak?¡± Qiao Rui smirked. ¡°Crimson robes, smug expressions, and a thirst for blood? They couldn¡¯t be anyone else.¡± Xu Tian¡¯s jaw tightened. ¡°What¡¯s the plan?¡±
Qiao Rui unfolded a crude map of the town, pointing to a narrow alley that ran parallel to the market square. ¡°They¡¯ll pass through here soon. It¡¯s a chokepoint¡ªtight, confined, and easy to control. We¡¯ll set the ambush there.¡± Xu Tian studied the map, his mind racing. ¡°You¡¯re assuming they¡¯ll walk into the trap.¡± ¡°They will,¡± Qiao Rui said confidently. ¡°Scarlet Peak disciples are arrogant. They¡¯ll think they¡¯re hunting prey, not walking into danger.¡± ¡°And if they don¡¯t?¡± Qiao Rui shrugged. ¡°Then we adapt. But I¡¯d bet my last coin they won¡¯t be expecting someone like you.¡± Xu Tian¡¯s shadows stirred, responding to the tension in the air. ¡°What about Yan Mei and Li Wei? If things go wrong¡ª¡± ¡°I¡¯ve already spoken to them,¡± Qiao Rui interrupted. ¡°They¡¯ll stay at the healer¡¯s shop until this is over.¡± Xu Tian nodded, though a part of him still felt uneasy. He didn¡¯t like leaving loose ends, and Yan Mei¡¯s presence complicated things. But there wasn¡¯t time to dwell on it. ¡°Fine,¡± he said. ¡°Let¡¯s end this.¡±
The alley was dark and narrow, the faint glow of lanterns barely illuminating the cracked stone walls. Xu Tian stood in the shadows, his body tense, his eyes fixed on the entrance where the Scarlet Peak disciples would appear. Qiao Rui crouched on a nearby rooftop, his silhouette barely visible against the night sky. He had promised to handle the element of surprise, but Xu Tian wasn¡¯t entirely sure what that meant. Minutes stretched into what felt like hours before the sound of footsteps echoed down the alley. Xu Tian¡¯s heart quickened as three figures emerged from the darkness, their crimson robes unmistakable.Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. Zhao Feng led the group, his sharp features twisted into a smug grin as he scanned the alley. Liu Qing and the other disciple flanked him, their movements precise and coordinated. ¡°They¡¯re here,¡± Zhao Feng said, his voice echoing in the narrow space. ¡°Spread out. He¡¯s close¡ªI can feel it.¡± Xu Tian stepped forward, his shadows coiling at his feet. ¡°Looking for me?¡± The disciples turned sharply, their eyes narrowing as they spotted him. ¡°Well, well,¡± Zhao Feng said, his grin widening. ¡°The prodigal cripple returns. You¡¯ve caused quite a stir, Xu Tian.¡± Xu Tian¡¯s expression remained cold. ¡°And yet here I am, still standing.¡± ¡°Not for long,¡± Zhao Feng replied. He drew his blade, its edge glowing faintly with crimson energy. ¡°The elders were clear. You¡¯re to be brought back alive, but they didn¡¯t say in what condition.¡± Xu Tian¡¯s shadows flared, rising around him like a living storm. ¡°Come and try.¡±
Zhao Feng didn¡¯t hesitate. He lunged forward, his blade slicing through the air with deadly precision. Xu Tian¡¯s shadows surged to meet the attack, forming a barrier that absorbed the blow. The impact sent shockwaves rippling through the alley, cracks spidering across the stone walls. Liu Qing flanked Xu Tian, her hands weaving intricate sigils that summoned bursts of fiery energy. The flames roared toward him, but he moved with practiced ease, his shadows forming tendrils that swatted the fireballs aside. The third disciple came from behind, his spear thrusting toward Xu Tian¡¯s back. But before the weapon could land, a sharp whistle cut through the air. An arrow struck the spear mid-thrust, knocking it off course. Qiao Rui stood on the rooftop above, his bowstring taut as he fired another shot. The arrow grazed Liu Qing¡¯s shoulder, drawing blood and forcing her to retreat. ¡°Keep them busy!¡± Qiao Rui called. ¡°I¡¯ll handle the rest.¡± Xu Tian didn¡¯t respond. He was too focused on Zhao Feng, whose relentless strikes were growing faster, more aggressive. The shadows at Xu Tian¡¯s feet writhed, lashing out in quick, controlled bursts to counter each attack. ¡°Impressive,¡± Zhao Feng said, his blade clashing against Xu Tian¡¯s defenses. ¡°But it won¡¯t save you.¡± Xu Tian¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°We¡¯ll see about that.¡±
The fight escalated, the narrow alley filled with flashes of light and bursts of shadow. Xu Tian could feel the star¡¯s power rising within him, its whispers growing louder as the battle dragged on. ¡°Unleash us,¡± the star urged. ¡°Let us show them true power.¡± ¡°No,¡± Xu Tian muttered, his voice strained. ¡°Not yet.¡± But he was losing ground. Zhao Feng¡¯s strikes were relentless, and Liu Qing¡¯s fire magic was forcing him to split his attention. Qiao Rui was doing his best to cover him, but the third disciple had climbed onto the rooftop, engaging him in close combat. Xu Tian needed to end this¡ªand fast. He took a deep breath, focusing on the shadows around him. With a flick of his wrist, he sent a wave of darkness surging toward Liu Qing, forcing her to dodge. At the same time, he stepped into Zhao Feng¡¯s next strike, letting his shadows absorb the brunt of the blow as he countered with a tendril that wrapped around the man¡¯s wrist. Zhao Feng¡¯s eyes widened as the shadows tightened, forcing him to drop his blade. ¡°Got you,¡± Xu Tian said coldly. But before he could strike, Liu Qing screamed a warning. ¡°Zhao, move!¡± Zhao Feng twisted his body, breaking free of the shadows just as an explosion of fire erupted behind Xu Tian. The force of the blast sent him sprawling, his vision swimming as he hit the ground. When he looked up, Zhao Feng was standing over him, his blade back in hand. ¡°This is the end,¡± Zhao Feng said, raising his sword.
Time seemed to slow as the blade descended. Xu Tian could feel the star¡¯s power surging within him, the whispers rising to a deafening crescendo. ¡°Let us take control,¡± the star hissed. ¡°Unleash us, and no one will stand in your way.¡± Xu Tian¡¯s fists clenched. He didn¡¯t want to give in¡ªbut he didn¡¯t have a choice. ¡°Fine,¡± he growled. ¡°Do it.¡± The shadows erupted around him, a storm of black tendrils that lashed out in every direction. Zhao Feng¡¯s blade was caught mid-swing, the shadows wrapping around it and tearing it from his grasp. Xu Tian rose to his feet, his eyes glowing faintly with dark energy as the star¡¯s power coursed through him. The whispers were no longer faint¡ªthey filled the air around him, a chorus of voices that seemed to shake the very ground. ¡°You wanted to see power?¡± Xu Tian said, his voice cold and inhuman. ¡°Here it is.¡±
The Scarlet Peak disciples recoiled, their confidence shattered as Xu Tian advanced. The shadows around him writhed like living things, their presence suffocating and terrible. Far above, on a distant mountaintop, a figure watched the unfolding scene through a glowing mirror. ¡°He¡¯s awakening,¡± the figure murmured. ¡°Soon, the heavens themselves will tremble.¡± Chapter 11: Wrath of the Star The world seemed to hold its breath as Xu Tian stood amidst the swirling storm of shadows. His dark tendrils lashed out against the air, their movements jagged and wild, a reflection of the chaotic power coursing through him. Zhao Feng took a step back, his confident smirk replaced by unease. The other disciples exchanged nervous glances, their once-assured posture faltering as they realized they had underestimated their prey. ¡°You wanted me alive, didn¡¯t you?¡± Xu Tian said, his voice low and dangerous. The star¡¯s whispers intertwined with his own words, an eerie resonance that filled the air. ¡°Let¡¯s see how badly you regret that decision.¡± Without warning, the shadows erupted, surging toward the disciples like a tidal wave.
Zhao Feng reacted first, his blade cutting through the air with a burst of crimson energy. The strike tore through the advancing shadows, momentarily halting their approach, but more tendrils surged forward to replace them. Liu Qing conjured a barrier of flames, the golden-orange light casting long shadows across the alley. The fire burned bright, but the shadows didn¡¯t recoil¡ªinstead, they twisted and contorted, coiling around the barrier like serpents seeking a way in. ¡°Focus!¡± Zhao Feng barked, his voice laced with tension. ¡°Keep him contained!¡± But Xu Tian was done holding back. With a flick of his wrist, he sent a tendril of shadow slicing through the air. It struck the ground between the disciples, shattering the stone and forcing them to scatter. Zhao Feng barely dodged in time, the impact sending him stumbling back. Qiao Rui, still on the rooftop, took the opportunity to strike. His arrow flew true, striking Liu Qing in the shoulder and disrupting her spell. She cried out, her flames flickering as she fell to one knee. ¡°Liu Qing!¡± the third disciple shouted, his spear glowing as he leapt toward Qiao Rui. Qiao Rui smirked, sidestepping the attack and bringing his bow down in a sharp arc, slamming the disciple¡¯s weapon to the ground. ¡°Not bad,¡± he said, ¡°but not good enough.¡±
As his allies faltered, Zhao Feng¡¯s expression darkened. He raised his blade, channeling his energy into a single, powerful strike. The crimson aura around him flared, and the ground trembled beneath his feet as he prepared to release his attack. ¡°You think you¡¯re the only one with power?¡± Zhao Feng snarled. ¡°Let me show you what a real cultivator can do!¡± He swung his blade downward, unleashing a wave of crimson energy that tore through the alley like a force of nature. The shadows surged to meet it, colliding with the strike in an explosion of light and darkness. The impact shook the entire alley, the force sending Xu Tian skidding backward. For a moment, the shadows around him wavered, their form flickering as if they might dissipate.You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. But then the star¡¯s whispers rose again, louder and more insistent. ¡°Do not falter,¡± they urged. ¡°This is nothing. Crush them.¡± Xu Tian¡¯s eyes glowed brighter, his connection to the star deepening as he stepped forward. The shadows coalesced around him, forming a massive, serpentine tendril that lashed out with terrifying speed. Zhao Feng barely managed to raise his blade in time. The tendril struck with the force of a hammer, sending him crashing into the wall of the alley. He groaned in pain, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth as he struggled to stand. ¡°You¡¯re out of your depth,¡± Xu Tian said coldly, advancing on him.
Zhao Feng¡¯s hands trembled as he raised his blade, his once-arrogant demeanor shattered. ¡°You think this makes you strong?¡± he spat, his voice strained. ¡°You¡¯re just a monster hiding behind power you don¡¯t understand!¡± Xu Tian paused, the shadows around him stilling for a moment. Zhao Feng¡¯s words cut deeper than he expected, striking at a doubt he had tried to bury. ¡°I don¡¯t need to understand it,¡± Xu Tian said finally, his voice quieter. ¡°I just need it to keep me alive.¡± The tendrils tightened around Zhao Feng, lifting him off the ground. He struggled, his expression twisting with fear. ¡°Xu Tian!¡± Yan Mei¡¯s voice rang out, cutting through the chaos. Xu Tian turned to see her standing at the edge of the alley, her eyes wide with a mixture of fear and determination. ¡°Don¡¯t do this,¡± she said. ¡°You¡¯re better than this.¡± The star¡¯s whispers rose in protest. ¡°Weakness! Do not listen to her. End him!¡± For a moment, Xu Tian hesitated. His grip on Zhao Feng loosened slightly, and the shadows rippled uncertainly. Then he released the tendrils, letting Zhao Feng collapse to the ground. ¡°Get out of here,¡± Xu Tian said, his voice cold. ¡°And tell your sect that if they come for me again, I won¡¯t show mercy.¡± Zhao Feng stared at him, his expression a mixture of shock and anger. But he didn¡¯t argue. He staggered to his feet, supporting Liu Qing as the two of them retreated. The third disciple followed, his face pale and his steps unsteady.
As the Scarlet Peak disciples disappeared into the night, the alley fell silent. Xu Tian stood motionless, his body trembling with the effort of holding the star¡¯s power in check. ¡°You spared them,¡± Yan Mei said softly, stepping closer. Xu Tian let out a bitter laugh. ¡°Don¡¯t read too much into it. I just didn¡¯t feel like killing them today.¡± ¡°You keep saying that,¡± Yan Mei replied, her tone gentle. ¡°But I think there¡¯s more to it than that.¡± Xu Tian didn¡¯t respond. He turned away, his shadows receding as the star¡¯s whispers quieted, though their presence remained a cold weight in his mind. Qiao Rui climbed down from the rooftop, his expression unreadable. ¡°Well, that was messy,¡± he said. ¡°But effective.¡± ¡°They¡¯ll be back,¡± Xu Tian said, his tone grim. ¡°Probably,¡± Qiao Rui agreed. ¡°But at least now they¡¯ll think twice before underestimating you.¡±
Later that night, as the group prepared to leave the town behind, Xu Tian stood alone at the edge of a small stream, staring at his reflection in the water. The faint glow in his eyes had faded, but the black veins beneath his skin remained, a reminder of the power he had unleashed. The star¡¯s voice stirred in his mind, quieter now but no less insistent. ¡°You are walking a dangerous path, mortal. But there is no turning back. Embrace us fully, or be consumed.¡± Xu Tian clenched his fists, his jaw tightening. ¡°I¡¯ll find my own way,¡± he said softly. ¡°We shall see,¡± the star replied, its tone almost amused. As the first light of dawn crept over the horizon, Xu Tian turned away from the stream and rejoined the others. He didn¡¯t know what lay ahead, but one thing was certain: the fight with Scarlet Peak had only been the beginning. The heavens were watching now, and the storm was far from over. Chapter 12: Threads of Fate The road stretched long and lonely before them as Xu Tian, Yan Mei, and Qiao Rui left the town behind. Dawn¡¯s light had melted into midday heat, and the rolling hills seemed to shimmer under the sun. Despite the quiet scenery, tension hung heavy in the air. The fight with the Scarlet Peak disciples weighed on all of them, though none of them spoke about it. Xu Tian walked slightly ahead, his shoulders tense, his mind a chaotic mess of thoughts. He kept replaying the battle in his head¡ªthe power he had unleashed, the fear in Zhao Feng¡¯s eyes, the star¡¯s relentless whispers urging him to take the final step. He hadn¡¯t killed them, but the truth gnawed at him: it hadn¡¯t been mercy that stayed his hand. It had been hesitation. ¡°You faltered,¡± the star¡¯s voice cut through his thoughts, cold and sharp. ¡°They will see it as weakness. Do you think they will show you the same mercy?¡± Xu Tian didn¡¯t answer. He knew the star was right.

Far away, in the heart of Scarlet Peak¡¯s sprawling mountain fortress, Zhao Feng knelt before a massive jade throne. His robes were torn, his body bruised and battered, but his head was bowed in deference to the man who sat before him. The sect master¡¯s presence was overwhelming, a suffocating weight that filled the grand hall. His crimson robes shimmered with faint spiritual energy, and his sharp, hawk-like gaze bore down on Zhao Feng with unflinching intensity. ¡°You failed,¡± the sect master said, his voice calm but laced with menace. ¡°Three of you, and you still couldn¡¯t bring him back.¡± Zhao Feng¡¯s fists clenched, his head lowering further. ¡°The situation was¡­ unexpected, Sect Master. Xu Tian has bonded with a buried star. His power¡ª¡± ¡°¡ªis a threat,¡± the sect master interrupted. ¡°One we cannot afford to ignore.¡± Liu Qing, standing nearby with her arm in a sling, stepped forward. ¡°Sect Master, if I may¡ªXu Tian isn¡¯t just dangerous. He¡¯s unpredictable. The star¡¯s influence is growing stronger. If we don¡¯t act quickly, he could become something far worse than a rogue cultivator.¡± The sect master leaned back in his throne, his expression thoughtful. ¡°You¡¯re suggesting he¡¯s walking the path of the Wraithborn?¡± ¡°It¡¯s possible,¡± Liu Qing said. The sect master¡¯s lips curled into a faint smile. ¡°Good. Let him. A Wraithborn is far easier to control than a man with free will.¡±

Back on the road, Qiao Rui broke the silence with a low whistle. ¡°Cheerful group we are,¡± he said, glancing at Xu Tian. ¡°You¡¯ve been quiet. Brooding about your big heroic moment?¡± Xu Tian shot him a glare. ¡°What do you want, Qiao?¡± ¡°Nothing,¡± Qiao Rui said with a grin. ¡°Just curious. I mean, sparing those Scarlet Peak fools was¡­ unexpected. Brave, even. But let¡¯s be honest, it wasn¡¯t the smartest move.¡± Xu Tian¡¯s shadows stirred faintly at his feet, but he forced them back. ¡°I didn¡¯t spare them for their sake.¡± Qiao Rui raised an eyebrow. ¡°Oh? Then why?¡± ¡°Because killing them would¡¯ve been too easy,¡± Xu Tian said coldly. ¡°I want them to go back to their sect. I want them to tell their elders exactly what they saw.¡± Yan Mei frowned, stepping into the conversation. ¡°You¡¯re provoking them on purpose?¡± ¡°They¡¯re coming for me either way,¡± Xu Tian replied. ¡°I¡¯d rather face them head-on than wait for them to hunt me down.¡± Yan Mei shook her head. ¡°You¡¯re playing a dangerous game, Xu Tian. The Scarlet Peak Sect doesn¡¯t take humiliation lightly. They¡¯ll come back stronger next time.¡±Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. ¡°Let them,¡± Xu Tian said, his voice hard. ¡°If they want a fight, I¡¯ll give them one.¡±

As the afternoon wore on, dark clouds began to gather on the horizon. The wind picked up, rustling the tall grass and carrying the faint scent of rain. ¡°We should find shelter,¡± Yan Mei said, glancing at the sky. ¡°That storm¡¯s going to hit soon.¡± Qiao Rui pointed to a cluster of trees in the distance, their branches gnarled and thick. ¡°There. That¡¯ll keep us dry for now.¡± They reached the trees just as the first drops of rain began to fall. The storm rolled in quickly, the sky turning a murky gray as thunder rumbled in the distance. Xu Tian leaned against the trunk of a tree, his arms crossed as he watched the rain pour down. Yan Mei and Qiao Rui sat nearby, their voices low as they exchanged quiet conversation. The star¡¯s voice stirred again, faint but persistent. ¡°This storm is nothing compared to what awaits you,¡± it whispered. ¡°The heavens are watching. The sects are moving. Do you truly think you can stand against them all?¡± Xu Tian closed his eyes, his jaw tightening. ¡°I don¡¯t need to stand against them all,¡± he muttered. ¡°Just the ones in my way.¡± ¡°And when they break you?¡± the star asked. ¡°They won¡¯t,¡± Xu Tian said firmly. ¡°Because I¡¯ll break them first.¡±

As night fell and the storm raged on, Qiao Rui leaned back against a tree, his hands resting behind his head. ¡°So,¡± he said casually, ¡°how much do you two know about buried stars?¡± Yan Mei glanced at him, her brow furrowing. ¡°Enough to know they¡¯re dangerous.¡± Qiao Rui chuckled. ¡°That¡¯s an understatement. Buried stars aren¡¯t just dangerous¡ªthey¡¯re cursed. Legends say they were torn from the heavens, banished to the earth because their power was too unstable. Some say they were corrupted by something older than the heavens themselves.¡± Xu Tian opened his eyes, his gaze fixed on Qiao Rui. ¡°And you believe that?¡± ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter what I believe,¡± Qiao Rui said with a shrug. ¡°What matters is what happens to the people who bond with them. You¡¯ve heard the stories, haven¡¯t you? About the Wraithborn?¡± Xu Tian¡¯s hands tightened into fists. ¡°I¡¯m not going to end up like them.¡± ¡°Maybe,¡± Qiao Rui said. ¡°But you should know, the Wraithborn didn¡¯t start out as monsters. They were people¡ªpowerful cultivators who thought they could control the stars. But in the end, the stars controlled them.¡± ¡°That¡¯s enough,¡± Yan Mei said sharply, her gaze hard. ¡°He¡¯s not like them.¡± Qiao Rui held up his hands in mock surrender. ¡°Just sharing a little history, that¡¯s all.¡±

As the storm began to ease, Xu Tian stared out at the horizon, his thoughts heavy. He didn¡¯t trust Qiao Rui, and he wasn¡¯t sure he trusted Yan Mei either. But one thing was certain: the road ahead would only grow darker. Far to the north, in the heart of the Celestial Ladder, the heavens began to stir. The sects were moving, their plans unfolding as whispers of the buried stars spread across the land. And in the shadows of an ancient ruin, a figure knelt before a shattered fragment of light, their voice low and reverent. ¡°The time is coming,¡± they murmured. ¡°The stars will rise again.¡± Chapter 13: Hunters in the Dark The air felt heavier after the storm, as though the world itself braced for something unseen. The rain had passed, but the ground was soft and damp beneath Xu Tian¡¯s boots as he led the group along a narrow, overgrown path. The hills had grown steeper, and dense woods surrounded them now, casting long shadows even under the pale afternoon light. Xu Tian¡¯s thoughts churned with the stories Qiao Rui had told the night before. He wanted to dismiss them, to tell himself they were just tales meant to unsettle him. But the whispers of the star wouldn¡¯t let him forget. ¡°The Wraithborn were weak,¡± the star murmured, its voice calm yet cutting. ¡°They allowed fear to consume them. You will not make the same mistake.¡± He wanted to argue but didn¡¯t bother. The star¡¯s logic was cold and relentless, and fighting it only seemed to give it more power. ¡°Xu Tian,¡± Yan Mei¡¯s voice broke through his thoughts. He slowed his pace, glancing over his shoulder. Yan Mei and Qiao Rui were walking a few paces behind, with Li Wei lagging farther back, his face pale as he leaned on a makeshift crutch. ¡°Are you sure about this path?¡± Yan Mei asked, her brow furrowed. ¡°The forest feels¡­ wrong.¡± Xu Tian scanned the woods. The air was still, the usual sounds of birds and insects conspicuously absent. He couldn¡¯t sense any immediate danger, but his shadows twitched uneasily, as though sensing something just out of reach. ¡°It¡¯s the fastest way to the next town,¡± Xu Tian said finally. ¡°Unless you want to double back and risk running into more of Scarlet Peak¡¯s dogs.¡± Yan Mei didn¡¯t argue, but the tension in her expression didn¡¯t ease.

The sun dipped lower as they pressed on, the trees growing thicker and the shadows darker. Xu Tian¡¯s unease grew with each step, the silence of the forest pressing against his ears like a physical weight. ¡°They¡¯re here,¡± Qiao Rui said suddenly, his voice low. Xu Tian stopped, his hand instinctively brushing the hilt of his blade. ¡°Who?¡± ¡°Not Scarlet Peak,¡± Qiao Rui replied, his eyes scanning the trees. ¡°Someone else. They¡¯ve been following us since this morning.¡± Xu Tian¡¯s shadows stirred at his feet, stretching outward like searching tendrils. The forest remained silent, but he could feel the faint prickle of energy¡ªsubtle but distinct. ¡°Cultivators?¡± Yan Mei asked, her tone tense. ¡°Not just cultivators,¡± Qiao Rui said grimly. ¡°Professionals.¡± Xu Tian¡¯s jaw tightened. He had encountered bounty hunters before, but the ones who had come for him in the past had been careless, overconfident. This time felt different¡ªmethodical. ¡°They¡¯re waiting for us to drop our guard,¡± Qiao Rui continued, his voice barely above a whisper. ¡°Trying to box us in.¡± Xu Tian¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°Then we don¡¯t give them the chance.¡±

The attack came just before dusk. A sharp whistle cut through the air, and Xu Tian barely had time to dodge as an arrow thudded into the tree beside him. He spun, his shadows flaring to life as three figures emerged from the trees, their movements swift and silent. The first was a wiry man with twin daggers that glinted in the fading light. He moved like a shadow, his strikes quick and precise as he closed in on Xu Tian. The second was a woman clad in dark armor, her hands crackling with lightning as she summoned a bolt that arced toward Yan Mei. The third¡ªa hulking brute with a massive warhammer¡ªcharged straight for Qiao Rui, his weapon smashing into the ground with a deafening crash. ¡°Scatter!¡± Xu Tian shouted, leaping backward as the dagger-wielding assassin lunged at him. The shadows around Xu Tian surged, forming a barrier that absorbed the man¡¯s strike. He retaliated with a tendril of darkness, but the assassin was fast, dodging the attack with a fluid twist of his body. ¡°You¡¯ve been a hard one to track, Xu Tian,¡± the man said, his voice calm despite the chaos. ¡°But everyone slips up eventually.¡± Xu Tian didn¡¯t bother responding. He lashed out again, his shadows striking like a whip, but the man dodged once more, his movements almost preternatural.

Across the clearing, Yan Mei raised a shimmering barrier of golden light just in time to block the lightning bolt. The force of the impact sent her stumbling, but she held her ground, her hands glowing as she reinforced the shield.Stolen story; please report. ¡°Not bad,¡± the lightning-wielding woman said, her lips curling into a smirk. ¡°But how long can you keep that up?¡± Yan Mei didn¡¯t answer. She reached into her satchel, pulling out a handful of glowing talismans, which she flung toward the woman. The talismans erupted into bursts of light, forcing her attacker to retreat. Li Wei, still struggling to keep his balance, hurled a dagger toward the woman, but it glanced off her armor harmlessly. ¡°Stay back, Li Wei!¡± Yan Mei shouted, her voice tight. Li Wei gritted his teeth but obeyed, falling into a defensive stance as he watched the battle unfold.

The brute¡¯s warhammer came crashing down again, splintering the ground as Qiao Rui leapt out of range. His bow twanged as he loosed an arrow, aiming for the man¡¯s exposed neck, but the brute raised his hammer to block the shot. ¡°You¡¯re quick,¡± the brute rumbled, his voice deep and gravelly. ¡°But not quick enough.¡± Qiao Rui smirked, nocking another arrow. ¡°Want to bet?¡± The next arrow struck the ground at the brute¡¯s feet, releasing a burst of smoke that enveloped him in a thick, choking cloud. As the brute coughed and swung his hammer wildly, Qiao Rui darted to higher ground, positioning himself for a better shot.

Meanwhile, Xu Tian¡¯s fight had reached a boiling point. The assassin was relentless, his daggers flashing as he pressed the attack, forcing Xu Tian to stay on the defensive. ¡°Running out of tricks?¡± the man taunted, his strikes coming faster. Xu Tian¡¯s shadows writhed, responding to his frustration. The star¡¯s whispers surged, urging him to stop holding back. ¡°You waste time,¡± the star hissed. ¡°End this now.¡± Xu Tian¡¯s eyes narrowed. Fine. He raised his hand, the shadows around him coalescing into a massive spear of darkness. The assassin¡¯s eyes widened as Xu Tian hurled the weapon, its sheer force tearing through the air. The man dodged, but not fast enough. The spear grazed his shoulder, the impact sending him crashing into a tree. Before the assassin could recover, Xu Tian was on him, his shadows forming jagged tendrils that pinned the man to the ground. ¡°Who sent you?¡± Xu Tian demanded, his voice cold. The man gritted his teeth, blood dripping from his mouth. ¡°You already know the answer.¡± Xu Tian¡¯s jaw tightened. ¡°Scarlet Peak?¡± The assassin chuckled weakly. ¡°Them, and others. You¡¯ve made quite a name for yourself, shadow boy. There¡¯s a lot of gold riding on your head.¡± Xu Tian¡¯s grip tightened, the shadows pressing harder against the man¡¯s throat. ¡°Then give them a message,¡± he said. ¡°Tell them I¡¯m done running.¡± With a flick of his wrist, he released the assassin, letting him collapse to the ground.

The other bounty hunters retreated after seeing their companion defeated, dragging the unconscious brute with them. The clearing fell silent once more, the tension in the air slowly dissipating. Yan Mei approached Xu Tian, her expression wary. ¡°You let him go.¡± Xu Tian didn¡¯t respond. He turned away, his shadows receding as he walked toward the edge of the clearing. Qiao Rui watched him go, a faint smile tugging at his lips. ¡°Well,¡± he said, ¡°that was exciting. Think we¡¯ll see them again?¡± ¡°Probably,¡± Yan Mei said, her gaze lingering on Xu Tian. ¡°And next time, they¡¯ll bring more than just a few mercenaries.¡±

As the group pressed on, far to the north, a cloaked figure knelt before a massive stone altar, their hands pressed against a jagged fragment of glowing crystal. ¡°The shadows grow stronger,¡± the figure murmured. ¡°He is awakening. Soon, the stars will rise again.¡± The crystal pulsed with light, sending waves of energy rippling through the air. ¡°And when they do,¡± the figure continued, a sinister smile spreading across their face, ¡°the heavens will fall.¡± Chapter 14: Shadows Across the Sky The air grew colder as they left the forest behind, the dense canopy of trees giving way to jagged cliffs and rocky terrain. Xu Tian walked at the head of the group, his eyes scanning the horizon. The bounty hunters had been a warning, a clear sign that the hunt for him was far from over. Scarlet Peak wasn¡¯t just sending disciples after him anymore¡ªthey were rallying others, paying outsiders to track him down. And they weren¡¯t the only ones. He could feel the weight of it now: the star¡¯s power drawing attention, a beacon for those who sought to claim or destroy it. He was a target, and the world seemed determined to remind him. ¡°You cannot avoid them forever,¡± the star murmured, its voice a soft, insistent hum in his mind. ¡°They will come in greater numbers. Stronger, more desperate. If you do not act, they will crush you.¡± Xu Tian¡¯s fists clenched. ¡°Let them try,¡± he muttered under his breath.

The group stopped at the edge of a rocky outcrop overlooking a narrow valley. Far below, a winding river shimmered in the late afternoon light, its surface broken by jagged rocks that jutted up like teeth. Yan Mei approached Xu Tian, her brow furrowed with concern. ¡°We should talk about what happened back there,¡± she said, her tone firm but cautious. ¡°There¡¯s nothing to talk about,¡± Xu Tian replied, not looking at her. ¡°You let one of them go,¡± she pressed. ¡°You know they¡¯ll come back, and they¡¯ll bring more with them.¡± ¡°That¡¯s the point,¡± Xu Tian said flatly. ¡°I want them to know I¡¯m not afraid of them.¡± Yan Mei stepped closer, lowering her voice. ¡°But are you ready for what that means? Scarlet Peak isn¡¯t just going to send mercenaries after you. They¡¯ll send elders. They¡¯ll send assassins. They¡¯ll send anyone and anything they need to take you down.¡± Xu Tian finally turned to face her, his expression hard. ¡°I know what they¡¯re going to do, Yan Mei. I¡¯ve been living with it for years. But I¡¯m not running anymore. If they want me, they¡¯ll have to kill me first.¡± Her gaze softened, and for a moment, she looked as though she might argue. But then she sighed, shaking her head. ¡°You don¡¯t have to face this alone.¡± Qiao Rui, leaning casually against a nearby rock, snorted. ¡°Alone or not, he¡¯s got a point. The more they send after him, the more we¡¯ll know about what we¡¯re up against. They think he¡¯s prey? Let them find out he¡¯s a predator.¡± Yan Mei shot Qiao Rui a glare. ¡°You¡¯re not helping.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not trying to,¡± Qiao Rui said with a grin. ¡°I¡¯m just saying I like the kid¡¯s style.¡±

As the group descended into the valley, the terrain grew rougher, forcing them to move slower. The rocky cliffs loomed high above them, casting long shadows across the path. Xu Tian¡¯s unease grew with every step. He couldn¡¯t explain it, but something about this place felt wrong. The air was too still, the silence too heavy. ¡°We¡¯re being watched,¡± Qiao Rui said suddenly, his voice low. Xu Tian stopped, his shadows rippling faintly at his feet. ¡°How many?¡± Qiao Rui frowned, his eyes scanning the cliffs. ¡°Hard to say. But it¡¯s not just one or two.¡± Yan Mei looked around, her hand hovering near the talismans at her belt. ¡°Could it be more bounty hunters?¡± ¡°Possibly,¡± Qiao Rui said. ¡°But it doesn¡¯t feel like them.¡± Before anyone could respond, a low, rumbling voice echoed through the valley. ¡°You¡¯ve strayed into the wrong place, shadow bearer.¡± Xu Tian¡¯s head snapped up, his eyes narrowing as a figure stepped out from the shadows of the cliffs above. The man was tall and broad-shouldered, his dark robes embroidered with intricate patterns that shimmered faintly in the fading light. A heavy, jagged blade rested on his back, and his presence radiated power. Two more figures emerged behind him, their movements silent but deliberate. Both wore similar robes, and their expressions were cold and focused. ¡°Who are you?¡± Xu Tian demanded, his shadows rising instinctively around him. The leader¡¯s lips curled into a faint smile. ¡°We are the Obsidian Covenant,¡± he said. ¡°Keepers of balance. Guardians of the celestial paths.¡±This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. Yan Mei¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°The Obsidian Covenant? I thought they were just a myth.¡± ¡°They¡¯re real,¡± Qiao Rui said grimly. ¡°And they¡¯re trouble.¡± The leader¡¯s gaze fixed on Xu Tian. ¡°You carry the mark of a buried star,¡± he said. ¡°Its power festers within you, corrupting the balance of this world. Our duty is clear: to destroy such threats before they can spread.¡± Xu Tian¡¯s shadows writhed, his hands curling into fists. ¡°I¡¯m not your enemy.¡± ¡°That is not for you to decide,¡± the man said. ¡°Surrender now, and we will make your death swift. Resist, and you will suffer.¡±

The attack came without warning. The two figures behind the leader moved first, their robes billowing as they descended from the cliffs with inhuman speed. One wielded a spear that glimmered with icy energy, while the other¡¯s hands crackled with golden light, conjuring intricate sigils that flared to life as they closed in. Xu Tian barely had time to react as the spear wielder lunged, his weapon slicing through the air with deadly precision. Shadows surged to meet the strike, forming a barrier that deflected the blow, but the force of the impact sent Xu Tian skidding backward. The sigil caster raised her hands, and glowing chains shot toward Yan Mei and Qiao Rui. Yan Mei threw up a shimmering barrier, but the chains coiled around it, tightening and cracking the golden light. Qiao Rui ducked behind a rock, loosing arrows in rapid succession. Two struck the sigil caster, but the arrows dissolved against her glowing aura. ¡°This is bad,¡± Qiao Rui muttered. ¡°You think?¡± Yan Mei shot back, reinforcing her barrier as the chains closed in. The leader of the Covenant remained on the cliffs, watching the fight with a calm, calculating expression. His presence was oppressive, like a storm waiting to break. Xu Tian felt the star¡¯s power rise within him, its whispers urgent and insistent. ¡°Unleash us,¡± the star hissed. ¡°You cannot win without us.¡±

Xu Tian¡¯s shadows coiled tighter, their movements wild and erratic as he tried to fend off the spear wielder¡¯s relentless attacks. The man moved with the precision of a seasoned warrior, each strike forcing Xu Tian further onto the defensive. ¡°You¡¯re holding back,¡± the man said, his tone almost mocking. ¡°Why? Do you fear your own power?¡± Xu Tian didn¡¯t respond. He couldn¡¯t afford to. But the star¡¯s whispers grew louder, drowning out the noise of the battle. ¡°They are testing you,¡± it said. ¡°Prove to them that you are stronger. Show them why they should fear us.¡± Xu Tian¡¯s grip on his power wavered. The star¡¯s energy surged, burning through his veins, demanding to be unleashed. ¡°Xu Tian!¡± Yan Mei¡¯s voice broke through the haze, sharp and urgent. ¡°Don¡¯t let it take you!¡± Her words cut through the star¡¯s whispers, anchoring him. Xu Tian took a deep breath, his shadows steadying as he forced the star¡¯s influence back. ¡°I don¡¯t need you,¡± he muttered under his breath. And then he struck.

The shadows surged forward, more focused and controlled than before. Xu Tian¡¯s tendrils coiled around the spear wielder, slamming him into the ground with bone-crushing force. The sigil caster faltered as another wave of shadows shattered her chains, forcing her to retreat. The leader of the Covenant finally stepped forward, his heavy blade gleaming as he descended into the fray. ¡°Impressive,¡± he said, his voice calm. ¡°But let¡¯s see how long you can keep this up.¡± Xu Tian braced himself, his shadows rising once more. The fight wasn¡¯t over¡ªnot yet. Far above, in the heavens, the stars shimmered faintly, as though watching. Chapter 15: Clash of Shadows The air in the valley grew colder as the leader of the Obsidian Covenant descended from the cliffs. His heavy, jagged blade gleamed faintly in the fading light, the weapon exuding a quiet menace that made the ground beneath Xu Tian¡¯s feet feel heavier. The faint shimmer of spiritual energy rippled around him, betraying the sheer weight of his cultivation. ¡°You¡¯ve shown skill,¡± the man said, his voice calm, measured. ¡°But power without understanding is nothing more than chaos.¡± Xu Tian¡¯s shadows writhed at his feet, responding to the tension in the air. His body ached from the fight, and the star¡¯s whispers gnawed at the edges of his mind, urging him to give in, to let the darkness take full control. ¡°Do not waste time with words,¡± the star murmured. ¡°Strike now. Destroy him before he destroys you.¡± But Xu Tian didn¡¯t move. He could feel the weight of the Covenant leader¡¯s power, the way it pressed down on him like a physical force. This wasn¡¯t like the bounty hunters or the Scarlet Peak disciples. This man was different¡ªdisciplined, methodical, and dangerous. ¡°I don¡¯t care about your philosophy,¡± Xu Tian said, his voice low and cold. ¡°If you¡¯ve come to kill me, then stop talking and try.¡± The leader smiled faintly. ¡°As you wish.¡±
The ground cracked beneath the leader¡¯s feet as he stepped forward, his blade humming with energy. Xu Tian braced himself, his shadows surging to meet the incoming attack. The man moved faster than Xu Tian anticipated. In a flash, he was in front of him, his blade slicing downward with a force that sent a shockwave rippling through the valley. Xu Tian raised a barrier of shadows to block the strike, but the impact shattered the defense, the force sending him stumbling back. ¡°Your power lacks refinement,¡± the leader said, his tone almost disappointed. ¡°It¡¯s raw, untamed. You let it control you instead of the other way around.¡± Xu Tian gritted his teeth, his hands tightening into fists. He lashed out with a tendril of shadow, but the leader sidestepped the attack effortlessly, his blade moving in a wide arc that sent another wave of energy hurtling toward Xu Tian. The wave struck him in the chest, knocking the wind out of him and sending him sprawling to the ground. ¡°Xu Tian!¡± Yan Mei¡¯s voice rang out from behind him, but he didn¡¯t look back. The leader raised his blade again, preparing to strike.
Xu Tian¡¯s vision blurred as he struggled to rise, his body trembling from the force of the attack. The star¡¯s whispers surged, louder and more insistent than ever. ¡°You are holding back,¡± it hissed. ¡°Let us guide you. Let us show you the true depth of your power.¡± Xu Tian clenched his fists, his shadows writhing chaotically around him. He didn¡¯t trust the star¡ªhe couldn¡¯t. But the alternative was death, and he wasn¡¯t ready to die.If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. ¡°Fine,¡± he muttered under his breath. ¡°But I¡¯m still in control.¡± The star¡¯s laughter echoed in his mind, cold and triumphant. ¡°As you wish.¡± The shadows around Xu Tian erupted, surging upward in a massive wave of darkness that swallowed the valley. The air grew heavy with an oppressive energy, the ground trembling beneath the weight of the power he had unleashed. The leader of the Covenant paused, his expression shifting to one of wary interest. ¡°So, you¡¯re finally showing your true self.¡± Xu Tian rose to his feet, his eyes glowing faintly with dark energy. The shadows coiled around him like a living storm, their movements sharp and unpredictable. He extended his hand, and the darkness surged forward, forming jagged spikes that hurtled toward the leader with blinding speed.
The leader moved with precision, his blade deflecting the incoming spikes with calculated strikes. Each clash of shadow and steel sent shockwaves through the valley, the sheer force of the attacks carving deep gashes into the rocky terrain. Xu Tian advanced, his shadows lashing out in quick, relentless bursts. The leader countered each strike, his movements fluid and deliberate, but he was no longer completely unscathed. Small cuts appeared on his arms and legs, dark blood seeping through his robes. ¡°Impressive,¡± the leader said, his voice calm despite the intensity of the fight. ¡°But raw power alone won¡¯t be enough.¡± With a sudden burst of speed, he closed the distance between them, his blade slicing toward Xu Tian¡¯s neck. Xu Tian ducked, his shadows surging upward to form a shield that absorbed the strike. He countered with a tendril of darkness that coiled around the leader¡¯s arm, pulling him off balance. For the first time, the leader faltered.
While Xu Tian held the leader at bay, Yan Mei and Qiao Rui moved into action. ¡°Cover me!¡± Yan Mei shouted, pulling a talisman from her belt. Qiao Rui nodded, loosing a volley of arrows toward the sigil caster, who was already recovering from her earlier retreat. The arrows struck true, breaking through the caster¡¯s defenses and forcing her to focus on Qiao Rui instead of aiding her leader. Yan Mei rushed to Xu Tian¡¯s side, her talisman glowing as she pressed it against his back. A wave of warmth spread through his body, dulling the pain and steadying his breath. ¡°Don¡¯t lose control,¡± she said firmly. ¡°You¡¯re stronger than this.¡± Xu Tian didn¡¯t respond, his focus locked on the leader.
The leader wrenched his arm free from Xu Tian¡¯s shadows, his blade flaring with energy as he unleashed a powerful strike. The force of the attack sent Xu Tian skidding backward, his shadows flickering erratically. The leader raised his blade, his expression grim. ¡°You¡¯ve shown promise, but this ends now.¡± Xu Tian steadied himself, his eyes narrowing. ¡°Not yet.¡± He raised both hands, the shadows around him coalescing into a massive, serpent-like form that towered over the valley. The dark construct writhed and twisted, its glowing eyes locked on the leader as it lunged forward with a deafening roar. The leader braced himself, his blade glowing brighter as he met the attack head-on. The two forces collided, the impact sending a shockwave rippling through the valley and shaking the cliffs above.
When the dust finally settled, Xu Tian stood alone in the center of the valley, his shadows slowly receding. The leader of the Covenant knelt a short distance away, his blade shattered and his robes tattered. ¡°You are stronger than I expected,¡± the leader said, his voice strained. ¡°But strength without control is a double-edged sword.¡± Xu Tian didn¡¯t respond. He turned and walked away, his shadows flickering faintly at his feet. Yan Mei and Qiao Rui approached cautiously, their expressions a mix of relief and unease. ¡°You let him live,¡± Qiao Rui said, his tone half-question, half-observation. Xu Tian didn¡¯t look back. ¡°I¡¯m done killing for today.¡±
Far above, in the heart of a distant mountain, the elders of the Scarlet Peak Sect convened in a grand chamber lit by glowing orbs of light. ¡°The Obsidian Covenant has failed,¡± one of them said, his voice heavy with disapproval. The sect master¡¯s gaze was cold, his fingers tapping rhythmically against the armrest of his throne. ¡°Then it is time we stopped relying on outsiders.¡± He leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. ¡°Send the Wrathbringer.¡± Chapter 16: The Wrathbringer The night was eerily quiet as Xu Tian¡¯s group pressed forward, the battle with the Obsidian Covenant weighing heavily on them. The leader¡¯s words still echoed in Xu Tian¡¯s mind, a bitter reminder of the narrow line he walked. ¡°Strength without control is a double-edged sword.¡± Xu Tian¡¯s fists clenched at the memory. He didn¡¯t need their judgment. Control wasn¡¯t a luxury he had right now¡ªsurvival was. The others remained silent, though their glances spoke volumes. Yan Mei¡¯s concern was obvious, her eyes flicking to Xu Tian every so often as if trying to gauge how much of him was still human. Qiao Rui, ever the opportunist, seemed less concerned and more intrigued, his sly smirk suggesting he was already weighing how best to profit from what he¡¯d seen. They had barely escaped the Obsidian Covenant, but Xu Tian knew the respite wouldn¡¯t last. The sects were moving, and with every clash, the storm gathered strength.
Far to the north, within the grand halls of the Scarlet Peak Sect, the sect master stood before a towering obsidian altar. The chamber was dimly lit, the flickering light of crimson lanterns casting shadows across the walls. A robed figure knelt before him, their face hidden beneath a hood. Though their features were obscured, the oppressive aura radiating from them filled the room like a suffocating weight. ¡°Wrathbringer,¡± the sect master said, his voice calm but commanding. ¡°The boy has become a thorn in our side. The elders believe his survival is a threat to the order of the heavens themselves.¡± The kneeling figure did not respond immediately. When they finally spoke, their voice was deep and guttural, like the growl of a beast. ¡°The star¡¯s power is awakening within him.¡± ¡°Precisely,¡± the sect master replied. ¡°And if left unchecked, he will rise beyond our control. The Covenant has failed. It is time for us to take matters into our own hands.¡± The Wrathbringer stood, their form towering and imposing. Crimson sigils shimmered faintly across their dark armor, and their hands were bound in heavy, rune-covered gauntlets. ¡°I will bring him to his knees,¡± the Wrathbringer said. ¡°And I will remind the world what it means to defy Scarlet Peak.¡± The sect master¡¯s lips curled into a faint smile. ¡°Good. Do not return until he is either bound to us or dead.¡± The Wrathbringer turned, their heavy footsteps echoing through the chamber as they left. The sect master watched them go, his smile fading into something colder, more calculating.
Back on the road, Xu Tian¡¯s group had stopped to rest by a small stream. The quiet sound of flowing water provided a brief reprieve from the chaos of their journey, though the tension between them remained. Xu Tian sat apart from the others, his gaze fixed on the dark water as it reflected the pale light of the moon. His shadows moved restlessly at his feet, rippling like smoke as the star¡¯s whispers continued to gnaw at the edges of his mind. Yan Mei approached cautiously, her soft footsteps barely audible. ¡°You¡¯re not sleeping,¡± she said. Xu Tian didn¡¯t look at her. ¡°Neither are you.¡± She sat down beside him, her expression weary. ¡°It¡¯s hard to sleep when every day feels like another battle waiting to happen.¡±Stolen novel; please report. Xu Tian¡¯s lips twitched into a humorless smile. ¡°Welcome to my world.¡± They sat in silence for a moment, the sound of the stream filling the space between them. Finally, Yan Mei spoke again. ¡°Back there,¡± she began, her voice hesitant. ¡°Against the Covenant¡­ You almost lost control, didn¡¯t you?¡± Xu Tian¡¯s jaw tightened, but he didn¡¯t deny it. ¡°The star¡¯s power is¡­ difficult to contain,¡± he admitted. ¡°It wants me to let go. To give it control.¡± ¡°And if you do?¡± Yan Mei asked softly. ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Xu Tian said. ¡°Maybe it¡¯ll make me stronger. Or maybe it¡¯ll turn me into another Wraithborn.¡± Yan Mei placed a hand on his shoulder, her touch light but grounding. ¡°You¡¯re stronger than it is,¡± she said firmly. ¡°You¡¯ve already proven that. You just have to keep fighting.¡± Xu Tian glanced at her, something unreadable flickering in his eyes. ¡°What makes you so sure?¡± ¡°Because if you weren¡¯t,¡± Yan Mei said with a faint smile, ¡°you wouldn¡¯t still be here.¡±
Their moment of quiet was shattered by the distant sound of thunder. Xu Tian stood immediately, his shadows stirring as he scanned the horizon. ¡°That¡¯s not thunder,¡± Qiao Rui said, his voice low. A moment later, the ground trembled, and a wave of oppressive energy washed over them. It was suffocating, a heavy, suffocating force that seemed to press down on their very souls. Xu Tian¡¯s heart sank as a figure emerged from the darkness, their silhouette massive and imposing. The Wrathbringer¡¯s armor glinted faintly in the moonlight, the crimson sigils etched into its surface pulsing with a sinister glow. ¡°Xu Tian,¡± the Wrathbringer said, their voice carrying across the clearing like a death knell. ¡°The heavens have decreed your existence a blight upon this world.¡± Xu Tian stepped forward, his shadows rising defensively around him. ¡°Let me guess,¡± he said, his voice cold. ¡°Scarlet Peak sent you.¡± ¡°They did,¡± the Wrathbringer replied. ¡°And unlike the others, I will not fail.¡±
The Wrathbringer moved with terrifying speed, their massive blade descending in a blur of crimson light. Xu Tian barely managed to raise his shadows in time, the impact of the strike sending shockwaves through the clearing. The force of the blow drove Xu Tian to his knees, his arms trembling as he struggled to hold the Wrathbringer¡¯s blade at bay. The star¡¯s whispers surged in his mind, urging him to let go, to embrace its full power. ¡°You cannot win like this,¡± the star hissed. ¡°Unleash us, or perish.¡± Xu Tian gritted his teeth, his shadows flaring as he pushed the Wrathbringer back. ¡°I¡¯m not done yet,¡± he growled. The Wrathbringer tilted their head, their expression obscured by their helm. ¡°Impressive. But resistance will only prolong your suffering.¡± They struck again, their blade moving in wide arcs that tore through Xu Tian¡¯s defenses. Each strike was precise, calculated, designed to wear him down.
Yan Mei flung a talisman toward the Wrathbringer, its golden light exploding into a barrier between them and Xu Tian. The Wrathbringer stepped back, their blade slicing through the barrier like paper, but the brief interruption gave Xu Tian a moment to catch his breath. ¡°You¡¯re welcome,¡± Yan Mei said, her tone strained as she pulled another talisman from her belt. Qiao Rui loosed an arrow, the projectile striking the Wrathbringer¡¯s shoulder with enough force to stagger them. ¡°Keep them busy!¡± he called. ¡°I¡¯ll find a weak point!¡± The Wrathbringer turned toward them, their crimson aura flaring. ¡°You are insects,¡± they said, their voice dripping with disdain. ¡°Stay out of my way, or be crushed.¡±
Xu Tian rose to his feet, his shadows rippling with renewed intensity. The star¡¯s whispers grew louder, their presence overwhelming. ¡°Let us take control,¡± it urged. ¡°Unleash the storm, and they will fall before you.¡± For a moment, Xu Tian hesitated. He could feel the Wrathbringer¡¯s power, the sheer weight of their cultivation. He couldn¡¯t win this fight as he was. But letting the star take over meant risking everything. ¡°Xu Tian!¡± Yan Mei¡¯s voice broke through his thoughts. ¡°Don¡¯t lose yourself!¡± He took a deep breath, steadying his resolve. ¡°I¡¯m not giving in,¡± he muttered. ¡°Not yet.¡± The shadows around him surged, coiling like a living storm as he faced the Wrathbringer once more. This time, he wouldn¡¯t hold back.
The Wrathbringer raised their blade, their crimson aura blazing like fire. Xu Tian¡¯s shadows rose to meet it, their jagged tendrils twisting and writhing as the two forces collided. The battle was far from over, and the storm had only just begun. Far away, in the heart of the heavens, a lone star flickered faintly, its light growing stronger with each passing moment. Chapter 17: The Abyss Stares Back The valley echoed with the clash of power, the Wrathbringer¡¯s crimson blade colliding with Xu Tian¡¯s writhing shadows in a storm of light and darkness. Each strike sent tremors through the ground, the force of their battle carving deep gouges into the earth and scattering loose stones like leaves in the wind. Xu Tian¡¯s breath came in ragged gasps as he met the Wrathbringer¡¯s relentless assault. His body screamed in protest, the strain of channeling the star¡¯s power taking its toll. Yet, the whispers of the star grew louder, drowning out his exhaustion with their insistent demands. ¡°You are not enough,¡± the star hissed. ¡°You hold back, clinging to weakness. Unleash me, and I will show you victory.¡± ¡°No,¡± Xu Tian growled, his voice low but resolute. ¡°This fight is mine.¡± The Wrathbringer¡¯s blade descended in a wide arc, its crimson light splitting the air with a deafening roar. Xu Tian countered with a jagged wall of shadows, the impact sending shockwaves rippling through the valley. The barrier held, but barely¡ªcracks splintered through the darkness as the Wrathbringer pressed forward, their aura blazing with raw, destructive energy. ¡°You¡¯re wasting your potential,¡± the Wrathbringer said, their voice cold and unyielding. ¡°Your power is extraordinary, but your fear makes you weak. Embrace it, or fall beneath it.¡±
From the edge of the battlefield, Yan Mei threw another talisman into the fray, its golden light erupting into a blinding flash that momentarily halted the Wrathbringer¡¯s advance. ¡°Now!¡± she shouted. Qiao Rui loosed an arrow, its tip crackling with spiritual energy as it streaked toward the Wrathbringer. The arrow struck true, slamming into their chest with enough force to stagger them. The Wrathbringer turned toward them, their crimson aura flaring with renewed intensity. ¡°You dare interfere?¡± they growled, their voice reverberating like a thunderclap. They raised a gauntleted hand, conjuring a searing wave of crimson energy that surged toward Yan Mei and Qiao Rui. Yan Mei reacted instantly, summoning a golden barrier that absorbed the brunt of the attack. The force of the blast sent her skidding backward, her heels digging into the ground as she fought to hold her position. ¡°Li Wei, get to cover!¡± she shouted, her voice strained. Li Wei, who had been watching the battle from the safety of a nearby rock, nodded and scrambled for better shelter.
Xu Tian used the distraction to strike. His shadows surged forward, forming a massive, clawed tendril that lashed out at the Wrathbringer. The attack connected, slamming into their side and forcing them to their knees. For a moment, Xu Tian thought he had gained the upper hand. But then the Wrathbringer rose, their armor glowing faintly as crimson sigils flared to life across its surface. ¡°You cannot win,¡± they said, their voice echoing with a chilling finality. ¡°This power you cling to¡ªit is but a fragment of the heavens¡¯ true strength.¡± Xu Tian¡¯s shadows recoiled slightly, as if sensing the shift in the Wrathbringer¡¯s energy. The star¡¯s voice surged in his mind, urgent and insistent. ¡°You cannot defeat them like this,¡± it said. ¡°Let me take control. Let me show you the depths of what we can become.¡±You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story. Xu Tian hesitated, his breath catching in his throat. He could feel the star¡¯s power coiling within him, an immense, untapped reservoir of strength that pulsed with an almost predatory hunger. But there was a price. There was always a price.
The Wrathbringer raised their blade, its crimson aura intensifying until the air around it seemed to ripple with heat. ¡°This is your last chance, Xu Tian,¡± they said. ¡°Submit, or be destroyed.¡± Xu Tian¡¯s shadows flickered uncertainly, their movements growing erratic as his resolve wavered. He could feel the star pressing against the edges of his control, a storm waiting to be unleashed. ¡°Xu Tian!¡± Yan Mei¡¯s voice cut through the chaos, sharp and desperate. ¡°Don¡¯t let it consume you!¡± Her words grounded him, if only for a moment. Xu Tian took a deep breath, his gaze locking onto the Wrathbringer. ¡°I¡¯m not afraid of you,¡± he said, his voice steady despite the turmoil within him. ¡°And I don¡¯t need the star to prove it.¡± The shadows around him steadied, their movements sharp and precise as he focused his will. He raised his hand, and the darkness surged forward, forming a massive spear that crackled with raw energy. With a shout, he hurled the spear toward the Wrathbringer, the weapon tearing through the air like a bolt of black lightning.
The Wrathbringer moved to block, their blade meeting the spear in a blinding clash of light and shadow. The impact shook the valley, sending shockwaves rippling outward as the two forces vied for dominance. For a moment, it seemed as though Xu Tian¡¯s attack would break through. The spear pushed against the Wrathbringer¡¯s defenses, its dark energy pulsing with relentless force. But then the crimson sigils on the Wrathbringer¡¯s armor flared brighter, and with a roar, they shattered the spear, the fragments dissipating into the air. Xu Tian staggered, his breath coming in short, ragged gasps. He had poured everything into that strike, and still it hadn¡¯t been enough. The Wrathbringer advanced, their blade gleaming with crimson light as they raised it for the final blow. ¡°You fought well,¡± they said. ¡°But this is the end.¡±
Before the Wrathbringer could strike, a sudden wave of energy erupted from Xu Tian, sending the massive figure stumbling back. The shadows around Xu Tian surged wildly, their movements erratic as the star¡¯s power surged within him. ¡°You are weak,¡± the star hissed, its voice resonating in his mind. ¡°But I am not. Let me take over, and I will end this.¡± ¡°No!¡± Xu Tian shouted, his voice raw with defiance. ¡°I won¡¯t let you control me!¡± The star¡¯s laughter echoed in his mind, cold and mocking. ¡°Then you will die.¡± Xu Tian fell to one knee, his body trembling as he fought to suppress the star¡¯s influence. The shadows lashed out unpredictably, striking at both the Wrathbringer and the surrounding terrain as Xu Tian struggled to regain control. Yan Mei rushed to his side, her hands glowing with golden light as she placed them on his shoulders. ¡°Stay with me, Xu Tian,¡± she said, her voice steady despite the chaos around them. ¡°You¡¯re stronger than this. Don¡¯t let it win.¡± Her words cut through the star¡¯s whispers, anchoring Xu Tian. He gritted his teeth, forcing the shadows to retreat as he slowly rose to his feet.
The Wrathbringer watched the scene unfold, their expression unreadable beneath their helm. After a moment, they lowered their blade, the crimson aura around them dimming. ¡°This isn¡¯t over,¡± they said, their voice calm but cold. ¡°The next time we meet, you will not have the luxury of hesitation.¡± Without another word, they turned and walked away, their heavy footsteps fading into the distance.
As the dust settled, Xu Tian collapsed to the ground, his body trembling from exhaustion. Yan Mei knelt beside him, her expression filled with worry. ¡°You¡¯re pushing yourself too far,¡± she said softly. ¡°If you keep fighting like this, you¡¯ll¡ª¡± ¡°I know,¡± Xu Tian interrupted, his voice barely above a whisper. ¡°But I don¡¯t have a choice.¡± Qiao Rui approached, his bow slung over his shoulder. ¡°Well,¡± he said, his tone light but edged with tension. ¡°That was fun. What¡¯s the plan for when they come back with reinforcements?¡± Xu Tian didn¡¯t answer. He stared up at the darkening sky, his mind a whirlwind of doubt and frustration. Far above, the stars glimmered faintly, their light cold and distant.
In the depths of Scarlet Peak, the sect master stood before a glowing orb of crimson light, his expression one of quiet satisfaction. ¡°The Wrathbringer failed,¡± an elder said, their tone uneasy. The sect master¡¯s lips curved into a faint smile. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter,¡± he said. ¡°Every battle brings him closer to the edge. Soon, the star will consume him.¡± He turned, his gaze fixed on the heavens above. ¡°And when it does, he will belong to us.¡± Chapter 18: Fractured Bonds The small clearing where Xu Tian¡¯s group rested was quiet, the only sounds the faint rustle of leaves and the crackle of a small fire. The fight with the Wrathbringer had left them shaken, their exhaustion weighing heavy in the stillness of the night. Xu Tian sat apart from the others, his back against a gnarled tree. His shadows flickered faintly at his feet, sluggish and uneven, as though even they had been drained by the battle. His body ached, and the whispers of the star, though quieter now, still gnawed at the edges of his mind. ¡°You should have let me take over,¡± the star murmured, its voice cold and insistent. ¡°You barely survived because of your pride. Do you think you can keep fighting like this?¡± Xu Tian closed his eyes, his jaw tightening. ¡°I survived because I didn¡¯t let you consume me,¡± he muttered under his breath. The star laughed, the sound low and mocking. ¡°For now. But every time you call on my power, you come closer to losing yourself. You cannot win without me.¡±
The tension in the group was palpable as Yan Mei handed out bowls of thin soup, her movements careful and deliberate. Qiao Rui leaned against a nearby rock, his bow resting on his lap as he watched Xu Tian with a mixture of curiosity and unease. ¡°So,¡± Qiao Rui said, breaking the silence, ¡°that was something.¡± Xu Tian glanced at him, his expression unreadable. ¡°What¡¯s your point?¡± ¡°My point,¡± Qiao Rui said, his tone casual but edged with something sharper, ¡°is that you¡¯re walking a very thin line. That star of yours¡ªit¡¯s not just power, is it? It¡¯s something worse.¡± Yan Mei shot Qiao Rui a warning look. ¡°That¡¯s enough.¡± ¡°No, he¡¯s right,¡± Xu Tian said, his voice flat. He set his bowl down, his shadows rippling faintly. ¡°The star¡¯s power isn¡¯t a gift. It¡¯s a curse. And every time I use it, it takes a little more of me.¡± Yan Mei¡¯s expression softened. ¡°Then why keep using it?¡± ¡°Because if I don¡¯t, I die,¡± Xu Tian said simply. ¡°And so does anyone who stands with me.¡± Qiao Rui raised an eyebrow, his smirk fading. ¡°Well, that¡¯s grim.¡± Xu Tian didn¡¯t respond. He stared into the fire, his mind racing with thoughts he didn¡¯t dare voice aloud.
Far away, within the Scarlet Peak Sect¡¯s grand hall, the sect master sat upon his throne, his expression calm as he listened to the reports from his subordinates. The Wrathbringer¡¯s failure had not deterred him; if anything, it had only strengthened his resolve. ¡°He grows stronger,¡± the sect master said, his voice even. ¡°But he is still vulnerable. The star is feeding on him, as we knew it would.¡± An elder stepped forward, their robes shimmering with faint spiritual energy. ¡°And what of the Obsidian Covenant?¡± they asked. ¡°They have not contacted us since their defeat.¡±Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. The sect master¡¯s lips curled into a faint smile. ¡°The Covenant was a tool. Their role in this is over. Now, we will proceed with the next phase.¡± He gestured to a robed figure standing in the shadows. They stepped forward, their face obscured by a mask etched with intricate, glowing runes. ¡°You have your orders,¡± the sect master said. ¡°Bring him to me, alive. And if anyone stands in your way¡­¡± The masked figure inclined their head. ¡°Understood.¡±
Back at the camp, Yan Mei approached Xu Tian, her expression hesitant. She sat down beside him, her presence quiet but grounding. ¡°You¡¯ve been quiet,¡± she said softly. Xu Tian shrugged. ¡°What¡¯s there to say?¡± ¡°You could start by telling me what¡¯s really going on with the star,¡± Yan Mei said. ¡°I¡¯ve seen cultivators wield incredible power before, but this¡­ this is different. It¡¯s not just draining you. It¡¯s changing you.¡± Xu Tian hesitated, his shadows curling faintly at his feet. For a moment, he considered brushing her off, but something in her gaze stopped him. ¡°The star isn¡¯t just a source of power,¡± he said finally. ¡°It¡¯s alive. It speaks to me, constantly. It wants me to give in, to let it take control. And every time I use it, it gets harder to resist.¡± Yan Mei¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°Then why keep using it?¡± ¡°Because I don¡¯t have a choice,¡± Xu Tian said, his voice hard. ¡°Without the star, I¡¯m just¡­ broken. Crippled. Weak.¡± Yan Mei¡¯s hand rested lightly on his shoulder. ¡°You¡¯re not weak,¡± she said firmly. ¡°And you¡¯re not broken. Whatever the star tells you, it¡¯s lying. You¡¯re still you, Xu Tian. Don¡¯t let it take that away.¡± For a moment, Xu Tian didn¡¯t respond. Then he nodded, though his expression remained grim.
Dawn came slowly, the pale light creeping over the horizon as the group packed up their camp. Xu Tian was silent as they prepared to move, his thoughts heavy with doubt. As they started down the trail, Qiao Rui suddenly stopped, his hand raised in a silent signal. ¡°Trouble,¡± he said, his voice low. Xu Tian tensed, his shadows stirring instinctively as he scanned the area. The forest around them was quiet¡ªtoo quiet. Even the birds had gone silent. Then he felt it: a faint, almost imperceptible pulse of energy, like a ripple in still water. It was distant, but it was coming closer. ¡°They¡¯re tracking us,¡± Xu Tian said, his voice grim. ¡°Who?¡± Yan Mei asked, her talismans already in hand. Xu Tian¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°Scarlet Peak. And they¡¯re not sending amateurs this time.¡±
The group moved quickly, but the sense of pursuit grew stronger with every step. By midday, they reached a narrow gorge, its rocky walls towering above them like jagged teeth. The only way forward was a narrow path that wound along the edge of the cliff. ¡°This is a trap,¡± Qiao Rui said, his tone grim. Xu Tian nodded. ¡°They know we¡¯re here. We need to move quickly.¡± But as they began crossing the gorge, the air grew heavy with an oppressive energy. Xu Tian stopped, his shadows flickering around him as he turned to face the path behind them. A figure emerged from the shadows, their presence radiating power. They were clad in dark robes, their face obscured by a mask etched with glowing runes. The energy around them crackled with menace, distorting the air like heat waves. ¡°Xu Tian,¡± the figure said, their voice calm but cold. ¡°The Scarlet Peak Sect has sent me to collect you. Come quietly, and I promise your suffering will be brief.¡± Xu Tian stepped forward, his shadows rising defensively. ¡°If you think I¡¯m just going to let you take me, you¡¯re dumber than you look.¡± The figure tilted their head, their masked face unreadable. ¡°So be it.¡±
The figure raised a hand, and the air around them shimmered as a massive wave of energy surged toward Xu Tian and his group. The ground beneath their feet trembled, cracks spidering through the rocky path as the attack bore down on them. Xu Tian braced himself, his shadows coiling tightly around him as he prepared to fight. Far above, the sky darkened, the faint shimmer of stars barely visible through the gathering clouds. The hunt was far from over. Chapter 19: The Masked Hunter The gorge erupted in chaos as the masked enforcer¡¯s energy wave surged forward, tearing through the narrow path like an unstoppable tide. Xu Tian raised his hands, the shadows around him coiling into a dense barrier. The impact sent a deafening roar echoing through the gorge, the force of the collision sending cracks spidering across the rocky cliffs. Behind him, Yan Mei flung a talisman into the air, its golden light spreading into a protective dome that shielded her and Li Wei. Qiao Rui, perched on a jagged outcrop, loosed an arrow that streaked toward the enforcer, only for it to disintegrate midair against an unseen barrier. ¡°Persistent, aren¡¯t they?¡± Qiao Rui muttered, nocking another arrow. Xu Tian gritted his teeth, his shadows surging as the energy dissipated. ¡°Stay back,¡± he said over his shoulder. ¡°This one¡¯s here for me.¡± The masked figure stepped forward, their presence unnervingly calm despite the chaos around them. Their robes billowed faintly in the energy-charged air, and the runes etched into their mask glowed brighter, pulsating with a rhythmic light. ¡°Impressive,¡± the enforcer said, their voice cold and even. ¡°You¡¯ve survived longer than most. But that ends here.¡± Xu Tian¡¯s shadows writhed, forming jagged tendrils that lashed toward the enforcer. The masked figure didn¡¯t flinch. They raised a hand, and a pulse of energy rippled outward, disintegrating the shadows before they could land. ¡°You¡¯re going to have to try harder than that,¡± the enforcer said.
Xu Tian lunged forward, his shadows forming a massive blade that he swung toward the enforcer. They sidestepped with inhuman speed, their movements smooth and deliberate. With a flick of their wrist, they summoned a spear of crackling energy, which they hurled toward Xu Tian. The spear struck his shadows, shattering them and sending him skidding backward. Xu Tian caught himself, his breath ragged as the star¡¯s whispers surged in his mind. ¡°You are outmatched,¡± the star hissed. ¡°Let me guide you. Let me end this.¡± ¡°No,¡± Xu Tian growled, his voice low. ¡°Not like this.¡± The enforcer tilted their head, as if studying him. ¡°You¡¯re holding back,¡± they said. ¡°Why? Are you afraid of what you might become?¡± Xu Tian didn¡¯t answer. He raised his hand, his shadows coiling into a massive, serpentine form that lunged toward the enforcer. They responded with another pulse of energy, but this time, the shadows twisted around the attack, their movements sharp and unpredictable. The serpent struck, forcing the enforcer to leap backward. Xu Tian pressed the advantage, his shadows surging forward in relentless waves.
From the edge of the gorge, Yan Mei watched the battle with growing concern. She could see the strain on Xu Tian¡¯s face, the way his shadows flickered and pulsed erratically. He was pushing himself too hard, and the star¡¯s influence was growing stronger with every moment.Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author. ¡°Qiao Rui,¡± she said, her tone urgent. ¡°We have to help him.¡± ¡°Are you sure?¡± Qiao Rui replied, his expression skeptical. ¡°He doesn¡¯t look like he wants company.¡± ¡°If he keeps fighting like this, he¡¯s going to lose control,¡± Yan Mei said firmly. ¡°We can¡¯t let that happen.¡± Qiao Rui sighed, nocking another arrow. ¡°Fine. But if we die, I¡¯m blaming you.¡± As Xu Tian¡¯s shadows clashed with the enforcer¡¯s energy, Yan Mei hurled a talisman into the fray. The paper charm glowed brightly before erupting into a wave of golden chains that coiled around the enforcer¡¯s legs, anchoring them in place. The enforcer¡¯s head snapped toward her, their voice sharp. ¡°Stay out of this!¡± Qiao Rui fired an arrow, aiming for the exposed runes on the enforcer¡¯s mask. The projectile struck with a burst of sparks, cracking the surface of the mask and drawing a low growl from the enforcer. ¡°You¡¯re getting annoying,¡± the enforcer said, their aura flaring as they shattered the chains and leapt toward Yan Mei and Qiao Rui.
Xu Tian watched as the enforcer turned their attention to Yan Mei and Qiao Rui, their blade descending in a deadly arc. His shadows surged instinctively, wrapping around the enforcer¡¯s arm and pulling them back before the strike could land. The enforcer turned toward him, their eyes¡ªglowing faintly beneath the mask¡ªnarrowing. ¡°Protecting them won¡¯t save you,¡± they said. Xu Tian ignored them, his focus narrowing as he pulled his shadows tighter around the enforcer. The strain was immense, his body trembling as he fought to maintain control. The star¡¯s whispers grew louder, pressing against his mind with relentless intensity. ¡°You cannot win like this,¡± the star said, its voice both seductive and insistent. ¡°They are holding you back. Let me take over, and I will show you what true power feels like.¡± Xu Tian¡¯s vision blurred, the edges of the world darkening as the star¡¯s influence grew stronger. He could feel it¡ªthe raw, overwhelming power waiting just beyond his reach. All he had to do was let go. ¡°Xu Tian!¡± Yan Mei¡¯s voice cut through the haze, sharp and desperate. ¡°Stay with me!¡± Her words brought him back, anchoring him. He took a deep breath, forcing the star¡¯s whispers back into the depths of his mind.
With a final surge of effort, Xu Tian channeled his shadows into a concentrated blast that struck the enforcer square in the chest, sending them crashing into the rocky wall of the gorge. The force of the impact shattered part of the cliff, loose stones tumbling to the ground as dust filled the air. For a moment, everything was still. Then the enforcer rose, their movements slower but no less deliberate. The cracks in their mask glowed faintly, leaking streaks of crimson energy that flickered like embers. ¡°This isn¡¯t over,¡± the enforcer said, their voice tight with frustration. ¡°You¡¯re stronger than I expected. But next time, you won¡¯t be so lucky.¡± They stepped back into the shadows, their form dissolving into the darkness as the energy in the gorge faded.
Xu Tian collapsed to his knees, his shadows receding as the tension drained from his body. He was exhausted, his entire frame trembling from the effort of holding the star¡¯s power in check. Yan Mei rushed to his side, her hands glowing with healing light as she knelt beside him. ¡°Are you okay?¡± she asked, her voice laced with worry. ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Xu Tian said, though his voice was barely above a whisper. ¡°You don¡¯t look fine,¡± Qiao Rui said, approaching with his bow slung over his shoulder. ¡°That was¡­ intense.¡± Xu Tian didn¡¯t respond. He stared at the ground, his mind racing with doubts. The enforcer had been powerful¡ªfar more powerful than anyone he had faced before. And the star¡¯s whispers were growing harder to resist.
As the group prepared to move on, far above the gorge, a figure watched them from the shadows of a cliff. Their eyes glowed faintly, the same crimson light that had flickered in the enforcer¡¯s mask. ¡°They¡¯re stronger than I thought,¡± the figure murmured. ¡°But the star is consuming him. It¡¯s only a matter of time.¡± The figure turned, their cloak billowing in the wind as they vanished into the night. And in the heavens above, the faint glimmer of stars seemed to pulse, as though watching the unfolding events with silent intent. Chapter 20: The Ripple Effect The group trudged through the gorge in silence, their steps weighed down by exhaustion and the lingering tension from the battle with the enforcer. The air felt heavy, the oppressive energy left behind by the masked figure clinging to the rocky cliffs like a shroud. Xu Tian walked at the front, his shadows subdued, curling faintly at his feet like restless snakes. Every step felt like a test of will, the star¡¯s whispers gnawing at the edges of his thoughts, urging him to abandon his resistance. ¡°They will keep coming,¡± the star murmured. ¡°You felt their power. Do you think you can defeat them all without me? Without what I offer?¡± ¡°Quiet,¡± Xu Tian muttered under his breath, his jaw tightening. Yan Mei quickened her pace to catch up with him. ¡°Are you sure you¡¯re okay?¡± she asked, her tone careful. ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Xu Tian replied tersely. Yan Mei frowned but didn¡¯t press further. She had seen the cracks in his resolve during the fight. He was holding himself together, but for how long? Behind them, Qiao Rui let out a low whistle as he glanced back at the ruined path they had left behind. ¡°Well, I¡¯d say we made an impression. Think they¡¯ll send more of those guys after us?¡± ¡°They will,¡± Xu Tian said flatly. Qiao Rui smirked, though his tone held an edge of seriousness. ¡°Then we¡¯d better hope you¡¯ve got a few more tricks up your sleeve, shadow boy.¡±
Far to the north, the Scarlet Peak Sect¡¯s sprawling fortress buzzed with activity. Disciples moved in hurried, coordinated patterns, their crimson robes fluttering in the mountain winds as orders were issued and plans were set into motion. In the grand chamber at the heart of the fortress, the sect master stood before a council of elders, their faces grim. ¡°The enforcer failed,¡± one of the elders said, his tone laced with frustration. ¡°The boy continues to grow stronger. This cannot continue.¡± The sect master¡¯s gaze was calm, his fingers steepled before him. ¡°The enforcer was never meant to succeed,¡± he said. ¡°Their purpose was to test him, to gauge the extent of his power. And now, we know.¡± Another elder leaned forward, his expression sharp. ¡°And what have we learned?¡± ¡°That the star is consuming him,¡± the sect master said. ¡°With every battle, he draws closer to the edge. It is only a matter of time before the power overtakes him entirely.¡± ¡°And if it doesn¡¯t?¡± the elder asked. ¡°What if he learns to control it?¡± The sect master¡¯s lips curled into a faint smile. ¡°Then we will ensure he does not live long enough to try.¡± He turned, his crimson robes sweeping behind him as he gestured toward a massive, glowing map that hung on the far wall.Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. ¡°Our spies have already begun to spread rumors,¡± he said. ¡°Whispers of a rogue cultivator wielding forbidden power. The sects will not ignore such a threat. They will move against him, and when they do¡­¡± He trailed off, his smile widening. ¡°They will do our work for us.¡±
The Scarlet Peak Sect¡¯s plan worked quickly. Whispers began to spread across the cultivation world, carried by merchants, travelers, and rogue cultivators who claimed to have witnessed Xu Tian¡¯s battles firsthand. In taverns and markets, the stories grew more dramatic with each retelling: ¡°They say he commands shadows that devour everything in their path.¡± ¡°Some say he¡¯s bonded with a Wraithborn and is turning into one himself.¡± ¡°I heard he destroyed an entire sect single-handedly.¡± The rumors reached far and wide, drawing the attention of sects, bounty hunters, and wandering cultivators alike. The idea of a rogue cultivator wielding forbidden power was both a threat and an opportunity¡ªone that few could resist.
In the quiet, serene halls of the Lotus Blossom Pavilion, Yan Mei¡¯s sect, the rumors reached the ears of the pavilion¡¯s elders. Elder Ling, a stern woman with silver hair and piercing eyes, sat at the head of the council chamber, her fingers drumming thoughtfully against the armrest of her chair. ¡°The stories are spreading quickly,¡± she said. ¡°If even half of them are true, this boy poses a danger to the balance of the world.¡± ¡°Danger or not,¡± another elder said, ¡°we cannot ignore the presence of a buried star. Such power is not meant to exist in the mortal realm. It must be contained.¡± ¡°And if it cannot be contained?¡± Elder Ling asked, her gaze sharp. ¡°Then it must be destroyed,¡± the elder replied. Elder Ling frowned, her mind racing. She knew Yan Mei was out in the field, and though the young healer had not yet sent word, Ling had her suspicions. Yan Mei had always had a tendency to involve herself in matters beyond her station. ¡°Send word to Yan Mei,¡± Elder Ling said finally. ¡°If she is anywhere near this rogue cultivator, she must return to the pavilion immediately. This is no longer her concern.¡±
By the time Xu Tian and his companions reached the next village, night had fallen. The small, sleepy settlement was nestled in a forest clearing, its streets lit by flickering lanterns. They rented rooms at a modest inn, the kind of place where no one asked questions as long as you paid. Xu Tian sat at a corner table in the common room, nursing a cup of bitter tea as he listened to the quiet murmur of the other patrons. The whispers had reached here too. He could hear them in the hushed conversations at nearby tables. ¡°...a rogue cultivator, they said. Shadows like living things¡­¡± ¡°...heard the Scarlet Peak Sect put a bounty on him. A big one¡­¡± ¡°...dangerous. Best to stay out of it¡­¡± Xu Tian¡¯s grip tightened on his cup. The rumors were spreading faster than he¡¯d expected. Yan Mei sat down across from him, her expression troubled. ¡°You¡¯ve heard the whispers.¡± ¡°They¡¯re everywhere,¡± Xu Tian said, his voice low. ¡°They¡¯ll keep coming for you,¡± Yan Mei said. ¡°More bounty hunters. More sects. This isn¡¯t just about you anymore, Xu Tian. The entire cultivation world is taking notice.¡± ¡°I know,¡± Xu Tian said grimly. ¡°And I¡¯m ready for it.¡± Yan Mei frowned. ¡°Are you? You¡¯ve been fighting nonstop, barely sleeping, barely eating. You¡¯re pushing yourself too hard.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t have a choice,¡± Xu Tian said. ¡°If I stop, I die. If I give in to the star, I lose myself. Either way, there¡¯s no turning back.¡± Yan Mei reached across the table, her hand resting lightly on his. ¡°You¡¯re not alone in this,¡± she said softly. ¡°We¡¯re with you. Remember that.¡± Xu Tian¡¯s gaze softened for a moment before he nodded. ¡°Thank you.¡±
As the group settled in for the night, far to the north, the Scarlet Peak Sect¡¯s spies continued their work. Messages were sent, bribes exchanged, and alliances forged in secret. And in the depths of an ancient ruin, a figure knelt before a fractured altar, their hands pressed against the cold stone. ¡°The stars are stirring,¡± they murmured, their voice a low whisper that echoed through the empty chamber. ¡°The heavens will burn, and the shadows will rise.¡± The altar pulsed faintly, a crack of light splitting through its surface. ¡°And he will be the one to bring it all crashing down.¡±