ã€ŠGuardian of the Origins [XianXia, Cultivation, LitRPG]ã€‹


 01. A Journey into the Unknown

    The neon lights of Wuhan''s bustling night market cast a kaleidoscope of colors across the cobbled streets, the air thick with the scent of sizzling skewers, roasted chestnuts, and exotic spices. Seo Juwon adjusted his satchel, his keen eyes scanning the labyrinth of vendors and tourists. It was his first time in Hubei Province, and though he had traveled to many historical sites across Asia, the 25-year-old prodigious archaeologist couldn''t shake the feeling that something about this place was different¡ªcharged, as if the very air hummed with an unseen force.

    As an archaeologist, he had always chased the past, digging through ruins and deciphering forgotten scripts, but this time, the past seemed to be chasing him. The invitation to an exclusive conference on Zhang Sanfeng''s lost legacy had been both cryptic and urgent. Rumors whispered of a hidden manuscript, one that detailed secrets of Taichi far beyond its known philosophy¡ªsecrets that, if real, could redefine martial arts as the world knew it. And the location of this discovery? Somewhere deep in the Daba mountain range, close to the revered Wudang Mountain.

    Weaving through the lively crowd, Seo Juwon found himself drawn toward an old apothecary stall, its wooden structure weathered by time. An elderly man with piercing eyes and a long, wispy beard observed him closely before speaking in accented Korean, "You are not here just for sightseeing, are you, young scholar?"

    Seo Juwon stiffened slightly. He had told no one of his true intentions, yet here, under the gaze of this mysterious vendor, he felt as if his very soul had been laid bare. "And what makes you say that?" he asked cautiously.

    The old man chuckled, stirring a pot of fragrant herbal tea. "Because the mountain calls to those who seek the truth, and you... you have already heard its whispers, haven''t you?"The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

    The vendor gestured toward three small objects laid neatly on a silk cloth¡ªa jade pendant, a worn-out scroll, and a small, unmarked pill bottle. "Humor me, young scholar," the old man said with a knowing smile. "Choose one."

    Juwon hesitated, raising an eyebrow at the display. "Old man, you should know I can''t afford to buy this stuff," he said with a smirk, before adding with a hint of self-awareness, "Archaeologists aren''t exactly swimming in cash." "And what exactly am I choosing?"

    "A piece of fate," the vendor replied cryptically. "And perhaps a bit of guidance for the journey ahead."

    Skeptical but intrigued, Juwon reached out, his fingers hovering indecisively over the three items. Finally, he picked one.

    The old man nodded approvingly and placed the chosen item in Juwon''s palm before pressing the small pill bottle into his other hand. "Take this as well. You may not believe in such things now, but one day, you might be grateful you kept it."

    Juwon exhaled, shaking his head as he pocketed the items. "Wait, old man, you''re just giving this to me for free?" he asked, narrowing his eyes in suspicion.

    The vendor let out a hearty laugh. "Consider it a gift, young scholar. Or perhaps an investment," he said, waving him off. "Now go on, you''ve lingered long enough. Freeloaders like you might scare away my paying customers!" He had no intention of taking an unknown pill, but for some reason, he also couldn''t bring himself to throw it away.

    As he stepped away from the stall, the night air carried a crisp breeze, and in the distance, beyond the glittering lights of Wuhan, the dark silhouette of the Daba mountain range loomed against the sky.

    The old man watched him go, a faint smile playing on his lips. "The winds have begun to shift," he murmured to himself. "He does not yet see the path before him... but soon, the guardian himself will have no choice but to walk it. The path of the origin." The wind blew steadily in its direction, and for a brief moment, Juwon felt a strange sense of anticipation¡ªas if something was waiting for him out there, just beyond the horizon.

 02. The Gathering of Scholars

    Seo Juwon strode toward the Wuhan Conference Centre, the towering glass structure gleaming under the city lights. This closed conference was unlike any he had attended before¡ªexclusive, secretive, and potentially groundbreaking.

    As he approached the entrance, a burly security guard with a stern face and tired eyes stepped in his path.

    "Hold it right there," the guard, whose nametag read Chen Wei, grumbled. "This event is invitation-only. No outsiders allowed."

    Juwon arched an eyebrow, reaching into his pocket. "I know. That''s why I''m here."

    Chen Wei scrutinized him, his expression unimpressed. "You sure you''re in the right place, kid? Been dealing with old-timers all night. Never seen someone your age walk in here like they belong."

    Before Juwon could respond, a cheerful voice interrupted. "Relax, Officer Chen! Just follow protocol, will you?"

    Turning toward the familiar voice, Juwon''s lips curled into a small smirk. It was Dr. Elias Harding, a former colleague and an old friend. The man was at least fifty, with graying hair but a lively energy that never seemed to fade. He had been part of numerous excavations with Juwon in the past, and despite the years, he was still as jovial as ever.

    "Dr. Harding!" Juwon greeted. "Didn''t expect to see you here."

    Elias chuckled, stepping forward from the entrance with a grin. "You think I''d miss out on the chance to see the biggest archaeological mystery of the century?"

    Chen Wei sighed. "Fine. Invitation and ID." His gaze lingered on Juwon for a moment longer than necessary, his expression unreadable.

    This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.Juwon handed over the sleek invitation card along with the special ID badge provided to attendees. The guard examined them closely before reluctantly stepping aside. "Since when did people so young get invited to these things?" he muttered under his breath, shaking his head.

    As Juwon disappeared into the crowd, Chen then leaned toward a nearby colleague. "Hey, run a check on that kid for me, will you?" he muttered, his tone laced with suspicion.

    Inside, the grand conference hall was abuzz with murmurs. The gathering wasn''t limited to archaeologists¡ªnumerologists, epigraphers, geologists, and even radiologists filled the room, all equally intrigued and perplexed. Juwon scanned the crowd; some of the most renowned scholars in their respective fields were present. It wasn''t every day that a discovery tied to Zhang Sanfeng¡ªthe legendary Taoist monk who created Taichi¡ªbrought such a diverse assembly together.

    The stories surrounding Zhang Sanfeng were nothing short of mythical. Said to have lived for over two centuries, he was rumored to be a master of alchemy, a wielder of immense internal qi, and the man who had once defeated a hundred imperial soldiers single-handedly. If anything from his legacy had truly been uncovered, it could change the world''s understanding of history, martial arts, and even human potential itself.

    Elias nudged Juwon with an excited grin. "Can you imagine what we might find? This could be something that defies modern science!"

    Juwon scoffed lightly. "You know better than to believe every legend, Elias. There''s no evidence backing those stories. But..." He folded his arms, tilting his head thoughtfully. "Every rumor does have a grain of truth in it somewhere."

    Before Elias could respond, a voice boomed from the stage, calling for everyone to take their seats. The conference was about to begin.

 03. The Hidden Legacy

    The murmurs in the grand conference hall faded into silence as the event officially began. A rhythmic tapping of heels against the polished floor echoed across the room, drawing every pair of eyes toward the far left of the stage. A massive screen stood at the center, its blank canvas awaiting revelation.

    The source of the sound was a woman of striking beauty, her presence commanding immediate attention. She had long, jet-black hair cascading over her shoulders, sharp golden eyes that seemed to pierce through the crowd, and flawless porcelain skin that contrasted elegantly with her dark attire. She looked barely a year older than Juwon, yet her aura exuded a level of sophistication and dominance that made it impossible to dismiss her.

    Behind her followed two towering men, their physiques rivaling the security guards stationed outside. Both had stern expressions, with short-cropped black hair and tanned complexions, their sharp features giving them an air of unwavering discipline. Like her, they were clad in jet-black attire, embroidered with a crest¡ªa black dragon outlined in golden threads.

    Everyone in the room recognized that symbol.

    It belonged to Hei Long Trading Company, one of the fastest-rising conglomerates in the global market. While the company specialized in the trade of goods and services across continents, rumors painted a far more enigmatic picture. Some claimed the company had existed far longer than the public records suggested, shrouded in secrecy until its recent rise to prominence. Others whispered of clandestine dealings and undisclosed ventures that allowed them to expand at an unnatural rate.

    Regardless of the speculation, one undeniable fact remained¡ªto archaeologists, Hei Long was synonymous with sponsorship.

    Stepping up to the microphone, the woman''s gaze swept across the assembled scholars, her voice smooth yet firm. "I am Liang Rui, chief representative of Hei Long Trading Company." ""Esteemed guests, thank you for gathering here on such short notice on behalf of Hei Long Trading Company.""

    She paused for a moment, allowing the weight of her words to settle before continuing. "Many of you have likely heard whispers about the purpose of this assembly. Allow me to clarify."

    The screen flickered to life, displaying an aerial view of a dense mountain forest. "One month ago, an employee of Hei Long Trading Company was traversing an uncharted, heavily forested region when their transport vehicle suffered an unexpected mechanical failure. With no reception and no immediate means of repair, they were forced to camp in the wilderness for several days before reaching the nearest settlement."

    She clicked a remote, transitioning the image to a craggy mountainside partially shrouded in mist. "Upon their return, these employees insisted on an immediate audience with our chairman.

    What they revealed was beyond extraordinary¡ªan undiscovered cave system buried deep within the mountains. A labyrinth of tunnels, riddled with intricate traps and cryptic inscriptions, seemingly untouched by time."

    Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.The screen cycled through new images¡ªsketches of winding tunnels, remnants of collapsed passageways, and faded carvings covering the stone walls. "Since then, we have deployed multiple expeditions to map the entire structure. Eventually, we reached what appeared to be the final chamber, where we encountered a massive sealed door. A door unlike any seen before."

    A new image filled the screen¡ªa massive stone gate, its surface adorned with carved symbols, intricate patterns, and an ominous aura of secrecy. "Due to the unstable nature of the tunnels, we cannot force it open without risking a cave-in. Additionally, the door itself is extraordinarily heavy, reinforced by an unknown mechanism that has yet to be deciphered. However, one clue stands out among the engravings."

    She zoomed in on a particular section of the door, highlighting a single inscription. "Through our decryption efforts, we managed to decipher a single word: ''Zhang.''"

    A wave of murmurs rippled through the audience.

    She let that revelation sink in before delivering her final statement. "We believe this could be linked to the legendary Taoist master, Zhang Sanfeng. His name is forever tied to Taichi, internal cultivation, and the mystical arts. A figure rumored to have lived for over two centuries, a master of alchemy and martial prowess, whose strength defied the impossible."

    The screen flickered again, transitioning to grainy footage taken from body cameras. The audience watched in uneasy silence as a group of Hei Long employees navigated the cave''s labyrinthine tunnels, their flashlights flickering against ancient stone. Then, without warning, the screen showed one of them stepping onto an unstable floor tile¡ªa sudden whirr of mechanisms, followed by a barrage of spears shooting from hidden crevices.

    The man was impaled instantly, his scream cut short. Another clip displayed a different worker, unknowingly triggering a pressure plate, only for the ceiling to collapse in a deadly cascade of stone and debris.

    Gasps rippled through the room, followed by urgent murmurs. A man stood up abruptly, his voice filled with outrage.

    "You want us to die for you?" Roars of protest erupted across the hall, others voicing similar concerns.

    Liang Rui remained unfazed, waiting for the uproar to subside before raising a hand.

    "The traps outside the door have already been dismantled. The true dangers, however, remain unknown." Her statement only seemed to ignite further unrest.

    She exhaled, then delivered her final blow. "That is why we are offering five million dollars to each participant willing to undertake this expedition."

    The furious outbursts that came out of these money grubs suddenly dwindled into stunned murmurs. Whispers filled the air, the tension shifting from anger to consideration.

    Liang Rui gave a small, knowing smile. "We only wish to be transparent with you." "That is why you are here.

    Hei Long Trading Company has gathered the greatest minds of archaeology, epigraphy, geology, and numerology to explore these caves and uncover the lost Taoist tome said to be hidden within. We will spare no resource to ensure your safety." Then with a faint smirk she asked "Now is there anyone left who wishes to leave ?" The crowd remained silent.

    She stepped back from the mic, her piercing gaze scanning the audience as silence once again blanketed the room.

    "For those willing to accept this challenge, we will convene at dawn, two days from now, at the Hei Long private airstrip. Transportation, equipment, and all necessary preparations will be provided."

    The search for Zhang Sanfeng''s legacy had officially begun.

 04. The Forgotten Gate

    The next morning, the Hei Long private airstrip was bustling with activity.

    Around 150 people had gathered¡ªscientists, archaeologists, epigraphers, and a mix of rugged explorers who had likely seen their fair share of danger. The energy in the air was palpable, an odd blend of excitement and apprehension. No one knew what awaited them inside the cave, but the promise of discovery¡ªand wealth¡ªwas more than enough to bring them here.

    As the massive Hei Long aircraft roared to life, Juwon couldn''t help but be intrigued. The technology they were using was beyond anything he had seen before. The real shock, however, came when they arrived above their landing site in the middle of the Daba Mountain Range. Instead of seeking a clearing or deploying parachutes, the aircraft descended vertically, its massive structure balancing effortlessly as it touched down in a hollowed-out space within the dense forest.

    Juwon let out a low whistle. "Now that is impressive."

    How the hell is this even possible? He had seen cutting-edge technology before, but vertical landings of this magnitude were unheard of outside of military prototypes. Just how deep did Hei Long''s resources go?

    Dr. Elias Harding chuckled beside him. "Advanced aerodynamics, my friend. Hei Long''s been pouring billions into experimental tech, but this¡­ this is next level."

    Juwon glanced around at the heavily armed security teams moving with precise efficiency. "They certainly don''t skimp on security either."

    "Of course not," Elias said. "When you''re throwing around five million dollars per head, you make damn sure none of those heads roll."

    The rear hatch of the aircraft lowered, and as soon as their boots hit the earth, a fresh wave of untamed wilderness greeted them. The air was crisp and damp, filled with the scent of moss and ancient wood. Towering trees stretched toward the sky, their thick canopy allowing only fragmented rays of sunlight to pierce through. The hum of insects, distant calls of unseen creatures, and the rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze surrounded them.

    Their journey to the caves would not be easy. Two days on foot. Despite the armed guards escorting them, there were others among the group¡ªmen and women with no visible weapons, yet their mere presence exuded an unmistakable aura of danger. Fighters, mercenaries, or perhaps something else entirely.

    Juwon fell into step beside Liang Rui, his curiosity getting the better of him. "So, Miss Liang, care to tell me why Hei Long is so interested in Zhang Sanfeng''s legacy?"

    She didn''t even look at him. "You already know why."

    Juwon smirked. "Do I? You''re putting millions on the line for what? An old book? A few scrolls?"

    Liang Rui exhaled sharply, her golden eyes flicking toward him for the briefest moment. "You''re an archaeologist. Do you not believe history holds power?"

    Juwon chuckled. "History holds knowledge. Power is just how you use it."

    She didn''t respond. Instead, she picked up her pace, moving ahead with the kind of calculated grace that made it clear she was more than just a company representative.

    Elias sidled up beside Juwon, amused. "Smooth, kid."

    Juwon sighed. "She''s hiding something."

    And I hate not knowing. Every instinct told him that Hei Long was playing a much larger game than simple archaeology. But what exactly were they after?

    Elias smirked. "Of course she is. Welcome to the world of billion-dollar secrets."

    As the expedition moved deeper into the mountain range, the dense forest began to close around them. The path ahead was long, but Juwon knew one thing for certain¡ªthey were walking straight into the unknown.

    That night, they set up camp beneath the vast, star-filled sky. The forest was eerily quiet, save for the occasional rustle in the undergrowth. Small fires flickered throughout the campsite as people huddled together, exchanging theories and expectations about the cave they would reach the next day.

    Juwon absently touched the pendant tucked beneath his shirt.

    Why am I even keeping this? He had dismissed it as a meaningless trinket, yet the further they traveled, the heavier it seemed to feel against his chest. It was irrational, but something about it gnawed at the edges of his mind. The old man''s parting gift. He hadn''t given it much thought before, but as he stared into the firelight, he couldn''t shake the strange sensation that it was guiding him¡ªpulling him toward something unseen.

    By midday on the second day, they finally arrived at the entrance to the cave system.

    A gaping maw in the mountainside, its darkness seemed to swallow the light. Only a select few were granted entry at a time, while the rest set up another camp outside. Juwon waited his turn, wandering around the perimeter, when he spotted Liang Rui sitting cross-legged near a rock formation, her eyes closed in deep meditation.The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

    His breath caught as he noticed something impossible¡ªa red aura swirling around her lower abdomen.

    Okay¡­ either I''m exhausted, or I''m losing my mind. Qi, auras¡ªthose were just myths, right? Then why did he feel an unmistakable pull, like something deep within him recognized what he was seeing? It pulsed gently, flickering like embers

    in the dim light. Juwon blinked rapidly. Was he hallucinating? Before he could think further, Liang''s eyes snapped open.

    "Who''s there?" Her voice was sharp.

    Juwon''s instincts screamed at him to leave. Without a word, he turned and hurried away, but not before noticing the slight narrowing of her golden eyes as she watched him retreat. She knew he had seen something.

    When his turn finally came, Juwon entered the cave with a team of experts¡ªgeologists, numerologists, and epigraphers. The tunnels twisted like a labyrinth, the air thick with the scent of damp stone. They moved cautiously, avoiding traps until they arrived at a massive stone door covered in inscriptions.

    The scholars debated intensely, analyzing the symbols and puzzling over their meaning.

    "There are twelve symbols here, arranged in a circular pattern," a numerologist pointed out, adjusting his glasses. "That suggests some sort of cyclical activation¡ªpossibly something related to time or elements."

    A geologist crouched down, brushing dust away from a deep groove in the stone. "Look here¡ªthese indentations aren''t just for decoration. Something needs to be placed or pressed into them to trigger the mechanism. But with this kind of weight behind it, brute force won''t work."

    "It''s a combination lock," an epigrapher speculated. "See these inscriptions? Some of these characters relate to the Five Elements theory. Earth, Fire, Water, Wood, and Metal. If we can figure out the right sequence, we might be able to activate the door."

    Liang Rui, who had been silently observing, finally stepped forward. "If that''s the case, then we should focus on solving it logically. Everyone, go over your notes and cross-reference any similar scripts. This door is meant to be opened¡ªthere has to be a solution."

    Over the next several hours, the scholars worked tirelessly, cross-referencing texts, debating theories, and testing combinations. Blocks were pressed, symbols aligned, and even the guards watched with quiet anticipation. After several failed attempts, a resounding click echoed through the chamber as the final stone was moved into place.

    Everyone held their breath as the mechanisms inside the door groaned to life¡ªonly for silence to follow. The door remained shut.

    A heavy sense of disappointment settled over the group.

    "That should have worked," a historian muttered in disbelief. "We followed every logical step."

    Juwon, standing at the back, exhaled slowly. His fingers brushed over the pendant beneath his shirt. The puzzle had been solved¡ªbut something was still missing.

    "These markings resemble ancient Taoist numerology," a numerologist mused, adjusting his glasses. "The sequence here suggests a cycle¡ªperhaps an indication of how the door operates?"

    A geologist ran his hand along the stone. "This isn''t just any ordinary rock formation. This structure has withstood centuries without erosion. If there''s a mechanism inside, it must be incredibly sophisticated."

    "And these inscriptions..." an epigrapher muttered, running his fingers over the carvings. "They bear similarities to early Wudang sect texts, but some of these symbols predate even those records. This could be a lost script entirely."

    Elias folded his arms, looking at Juwon. "What do you think?"

    Juwon hesitated, feeling the pendant press against his chest beneath his shirt. He knew something no one else did, but revealing it now could change everything. "It''s definitely a puzzle," he said finally. "One that''s going to take more than just guesswork to solve." Yet Juwon''s attention was drawn to something oddly familiar¡ªa carving on the door that matched the shape of his pendant.

    Heart pounding, he traced his fingers over the indentation.

    No way... His breath hitched. This pendant¡ªis it a key? Who was that old man, and how is this happening? A dozen questions stormed his mind, but he forced his expression to remain neutral. If Hei Long knew he had this piece of the puzzle, what would they do? He knew, without a doubt, that the pendant was the key. But for now, he said nothing, choosing instead to observe.

    That night, as the team set up camp inside the tunnels, Juwon lay awake, staring at the stone ceiling above him. His mind was restless, haunted by unanswered questions. What was that red aura? Was I really seeing things? No¡­ something''s going on. And why, when I concentrate, can I feel a blue aura within me? What is wrong with me? I should have brought my medicine with me.** Juwon let out a slow breath and raised an arm over his eyes, blocking out the dim glow of the campfire. And why do I feel like this pendant is leading me straight into more trouble than I could think of? Ahhh, curse that old man.**

    Frustrated, Juwon pushed himself up and sat there for a moment, staring at the darkened tunnel ahead. His fingers absently brushed the pendant under his shirt.

    Enough of this. If this thing is the real deal, I need to know.

    With a quiet exhale, he got to his feet, careful not to disturb the others who were fast asleep. Moving with deliberate steps, he navigated the dimly lit cavern, his eyes locked onto the massive stone door.

    The pendant pulsed against his chest as if it had been waiting for this moment.

 05. Trial by Agony

    Juwon stood before the massive stone door, his breath shallow as he reached out and traced the intricate carvings upon its surface. The pendant beneath his shirt pulsed with an eerie warmth, and as he placed his palm against the cold stone, the labyrinth responded.

    The symbols glowed faintly, and a deep rumble echoed through the cavern as the door groaned open.

    The moment he stepped inside, the walls came alive. Strange stones embedded in the cave flickered with an unnatural light, illuminating the twisting corridors ahead. Something about the place felt ancient¡ªforgotten, yet watching.

    His curiosity gnawed at him, and despite the unease prickling at his spine, he moved forward.

    Juwon took cautious steps into the labyrinth, the eerie glow of the embedded stones guiding his path. Every instinct told him to turn back, yet something¡ªperhaps the pendant, perhaps his own stubbornness¡ªkept him moving forward.

    Then, the first trap was sprung.

    A sharp hiss filled the air. Before Juwon could react, a massive spear shot out from the wall, piercing clean through his left thigh. His scream echoed through the cavern as blood poured from the wound. Staggering backward, he turned, desperate to retreat¡ªbut when he reached the entrance, the door had sealed shut.

    "No, no, no!" he gasped, slamming his fists against the unmoving stone.

    "This can''t be happening! I''m trapped!" His breathing turned ragged, the walls seeming to close in around him. Panic clawed at his chest, but another spike of pain from his wounded leg snapped him back to reality. The pain in his leg was unbearable, but the suffocating realization that he was trapped was even worse.

    He clenched his teeth, breath ragged.

    There''s no way back.

    A wave of hopelessness crashed over him, but he forced himself to stand. If he wanted to live, he had no choice but to move forward.

    He clenched his jaw, wiping cold sweat from his brow. Damn it. Think. There has to be a way through this.

    Limping back into the labyrinth, he forced himself forward.

    The spear trap loomed ahead, but this time, he knew what was coming.

    He barely had time to catch his breath before the air around him shifted.

    Further ahead, a mist began to rise from the cracks in the cavern floor. At first, it seemed harmless, but within seconds, his lungs tightened, his breath shallow and weak. A suffocating force took hold of him, as if the air itself was stealing his breath. If he inhaled too fast, he would die here. Desperate, he slowed his breathing, instinctively controlling the rhythm of his inhales and exhales.

    The mist reacted¡ªit became lighter, as if allowing him through. This time, he dodged¡ªmostly. The spear only grazed his leg, but the previous wound throbbed with blinding pain. Sweat dripped down his face as he pushed onward, his fingers trembling as he reached a second obstacle.

    Juwon stumbled forward, his wounds throbbing. No rest. No escape.

    Only forward.

    A stone door stood before him, covered in an ancient puzzle.

    As he reached out, the walls shifted, the passage behind him twisting and reshaping itself. The labyrinth was alive.You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

    The way back was gone, and the only path forward was solving the puzzle.

    His fingers trembled as he examined the inscriptions, but his pain clouded his thoughts. Then, the stone under his foot clicked¡ªhe had stepped on the wrong tile. A sudden gust of wind whistled through the chamber, and before he could react, a deadly arrow buried itself deep into his right shoulder. A sharp, burning pain shot through him as he staggered backward, gasping for breath. The trap had activated instantly, leaving no time to escape.

    Juwon screamed, his voice raw with agony as he clutched the dark iron arrow. "Why is this happening?!" He panted, sweat and blood mingling as he fought to keep himself from passing out. "Damn you, old man! Damn this cursed pendant!" Why is this happening to me?! His vision swam as he gasped for breath. Blood dripped down his arm, pooling onto the cavern floor. The pendant, the old man¡ªwas this all some kind of cruel joke? A curse?

    He had no time to dwell on it. His hands shook as he wrapped his fingers around the arrow, gritting his teeth. One¡­ two¡­ three¡ª He yanked it free, a fresh burst of agony ripping through him.

    He bit back another scream, stumbling forward.

    I''m going to come out of this alive.

    Juwon''s breath hitched. Another door. More inscriptions. His vision blurred from blood loss, but he forced himself to focus. The carvings pulsed faintly, their meaning sinking in like a cruel whisper.

    A price had to be paid.

    The markings weren''t just decorative; they pulsed faintly, as if waiting. He hesitated, but the growing pain in his body left him with no choice.

    His blood.

    Gritting his teeth, he pressed his wounded palm against the stone. The moment his blood touched the carvings, the entire structure shuddered, and a hidden mechanism triggered. The passage ahead unlocked, revealing light at the end of the tunnel. Relief surged through him, overwhelming the pain. He could taste freedom¡ªjust a few more steps.

    He pushed through the agony, a desperate smile forming. I made it¡ª

    A sudden blur of motion.

    A massive blade swung from the ceiling, a hidden mechanism triggered by his approach. A searing pain exploded through his body. He stumbled, his body hitting the cold stone floor with a sickening thud.

    His right arm lay severed a few feet away.

    A choked sob escaped his lips as his mind struggled to grasp the reality before him. "No¡­ no, no, NO!" His screams filled the chamber, each one tearing at his throat, raw and helpless. The pain was maddening, unbearable. He pounded the stone floor with his remaining fist, his vision blurred by tears.

    The pain was indescribable. A raw, burning agony unlike anything he had endured before. He writhed, his screams hoarse as he clutched at the empty space where his arm had once been. It wasn''t supposed to be like this.

    But even through the agony, he saw it¡ªthe glowing pillar ahead, its light deceivingly familiar. His heart pounded as realization dawned. That''s not the outside¡­ That''s not an exit.

    All this time, he had thought the tunnels were blocking his reception, that if he made it out, he could call for help. But now, staring at the towering structure covered in inscriptions he couldn''t decipher, something in him broke.

    Normally, he would have been fascinated by such a discovery, desperate to understand its significance. But now?

    He felt nothing but rage. Frustration. Despair.

    His body refused to move.

    He collapsed before the pillar, his chest heaving, his remaining arm clutching his severed shoulder. The liquid at its base shimmered, its faint, sweet scent entangling with the metallic stench of his own blood, but he didn''t care. His vision blurred with tears as sobs wracked his body. Crawling, dragging his bloodied body, he pushed forward until his fingers grazed its surface.

    A transparent liquid shimmered within the basin of the ancient structure. Juwon didn''t know what it was, nor did he care. He was done.

    "This is it," he chuckled weakly. "This is how I die."

    His voice cracked. Was this all his life had amounted to? After everything¡ªafter surviving the horrors of the labyrinth, fighting through the agony, refusing to give in¡ªwas he still going to die in this forsaken place?

    He was young. He had dreams. A future. It wasn''t supposed to be like this.

    "Why is it me?" His breath hitched as his fingers curled into trembling fists. "Why is it always me?"

 06. The Death That Was Denied

    As Juwon laid there awaiting death, his thoughts spiralled into a bitter rage. It wasn''t the old scholars going through this¡ªit was him. A young man who had only ever sought knowledge, now left to rot in some ancient death trap. He felt cheated, cursed. His broken body trembled, anger bubbling beneath the surface.

    Damn it all.

    His teeth clenched, a fire flickering in his bloodshot eyes. "If there is a god, it''s a cruel one."

    He refused to let agony define his end.

    Juwon dragged himself closer to the shimmering liquid, its surface smooth and undisturbed. His fingers dipped into it, feeling the coolness against his bloodied skin.

    If I''m going to die, I''d rather drown than bleed out in agony.

    With one final, shaky breath, he let himself fall in. His instincts took over¡ªanything was better than this suffering. Trembling, he pulled himself over the edge and let his broken body fall into the liquid.

    At first, nothing happened. The cool substance surrounded him, muffling the pain. A sense of numbness washed over him.

    His eyes almost closed.

    Then, the agony returned a hundredfold.

    His body convulsed violently as an unbearable heat surged through him.

    "Why can''t you just let me die?!" he screamed into the void, his voice raw with agony. "What have I done to deserve this?!" It was unlike any pain he had ever felt¡ªlike fire licking at his flesh, melting his nerves, twisting his very existence.

    Then¡ªa pulse of golden light.

    The pendant against his chest flared violently, flooding his body with warmth. Golden Qi surged forth, spiraling into his core, wrapping around his shattered existence like a cocoon. The energy flowed with an unstoppable force, tunneling into his dantian, expanding it beyond its limits.

    The golden light slithered through his meridians, scorching and soothing at once, like a thousand hands tearing him apart and piecing him back together.This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

    Juwon gasped. His chest tightened as the Qi pulsated wildly, expanding and contracting like a second heartbeat. The pressure within him grew unbearable. His meridians flared open, his acupuncture points ignited¡ªit was like liquid fire coursing through his veins, an energy he could neither control nor stop.

    The pain clawed at his consciousness. His vision darkened. He was going to faint.

    Then, through the haze, something glinted in the dim light¡ªa small bottle, rolling near his outstretched fingers.

    The pill.

    The one the old man had given him.

    With what little strength remained in his trembling fingers, he clutched the bottle, his nails scraping against its surface. His body was shutting down, the surging Qi draining his last vestiges of energy. He couldn''t think, couldn''t breathe¡ªbut instinct took over. He popped the pill into his mouth and swallowed.

    BOOM.

    The moment the pill dissolved, a second surge of Qi erupted within him, crashing through his body like a tidal wave. His dantian expanded further, devouring the golden energy, pulling it deeper into his core. His veins pulsed, his muscles strained¡ªhis mind was slipping away.

    His eyes fluttered shut.

    No¡ª

    Suddenly, his body snapped upright.

    His eyes flared open, glowing with an unnatural radiance.

    Then¡ªthe agony began.

    His entire being shattered¡ªsplintered beyond recognition¡ªonly to be reforged in an unrelenting cycle of destruction and rebirth.

    Cell by cell, tissue by tissue, the very essence of his body was unraveled and rewoven. His flesh ripped apart, stretched beyond its limits, then stitched back together with raw, unyielding force. Muscles twisted and coiled like molten steel, reforging themselves with each agonizing pulse of energy.

    Then came the bones.

    A deafening crack thundered through his body as his skeleton fractured, reshaped, and reforged in a relentless, merciless rhythm. His spine arched unnaturally, his limbs convulsing as his very frame was reconstructed from the inside out. His meridians¡ªonce fragile pathways of Qi¡ªtore open, widening, stretching, expanding to contain the raging inferno coursing through him.

    It was unbearable. It was endless. It was war within his own flesh.

    Juwon screamed.

    It was unlike anything he had ever endured¡ªhis body consumed by fire, his nerves flayed open, his soul shattered and rebuilt over and over. It was punishment. It was rebirth.

    Then¡ªsilence.

    Darkness swallowed him whole.

    As the final wave of agony peaked, something snapped. The pain vanished¡ªnot gradually, but all at once, as if the universe itself had decided he had suffered enough

    He Fainted.

    The pain was gone.

    Slowly, his eyes fluttered open, the echoes of his screams fading into the void.

    He was no longer at the bottom of the basin.

    He was floating atop the liquid.

    His body was whole but different. He clenched his restored fist¡ªbut it didn''t feel like his.

    The skin was too smooth, the veins too taut, the strength unnatural.

    He should have felt relief, but instead, a hollow unease settled in his gut

    But before he could even begin to understand what had happened, a chill ran down his spine.

    The air around him thickened. A weightless pressure coiled around his chest, colder than the void he''d screamed into. His instincts screamed¡ªhe was not alone

    Someone¡ªor something¡ªwas watching him.

 07. Requiem of the Dragon

    Juwon steadied himself, his breath controlled despite the lingering fire in his veins. His body felt foreign, yet something deep within had anchored him in a way he couldn''t explain.

    The power inside him surged, unfamiliar but eerily natural. He had changed, and he knew it.

    Then, a shadow moved near the entrance.

    From the dim light of the cavern, a figure emerged¡ªLiang Rui.

    She descended with calculated grace, her golden eyes gleaming with unreadable intent. There was no hesitation in her steps, no surprise in her expression. She had been here, waiting.

    "You''ve done well for a riff-raff," she said smoothly. "Now step aside from the pillar."

    Juwon barely reacted, his gaze flickering toward her before settling back on the glowing structure. His voice remained calm, unshaken. "So, you were here all along?"

    Liang Rui''s expression darkened. "Move."

    Juwon tilted his head slightly. "You hid behind me, waiting for me to spring the traps¡­ all so you could pass safely?"

    A flicker of irritation crossed her face. "We would have no use for someone like you if it weren''t for your intellect."

    The air grew heavy. A suffocating pressure coiled around the space between them as red Qi swirled around her hands.

    Juwon felt nothing. His heart remained steady, his mind still. Even as her killing intent seeped into the cavern, he found himself watching, observing¡ªnot fearing.

    "What does this pillar mean to you?" he asked evenly.

    Liang Rui exhaled, her voice laced with growing impatience.

    "None of your concern." She took a step forward. "You were never meant to understand. We didn''t bring you here to pry into matters beyond your control."

    Juwon''s fingers absently grazed the pendant hanging from his neck. "And yet, here I am."

    A smirk played on her lips. "There are forces in this world you should never mess with."

    Then, for the first time, Juwon felt it.

    A force deep in his chest¡ªreverence. The pillar called to him.

    Liang Rui''s voice sliced through the moment. "Do you know how you and your scholar comrades were supposed to die?"The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    Her smirk deepened, a cruel amusement flickering in her golden eyes. "Hei Long Trading Company was always going to ''take care'' of you all the moment we obtained the lost tome."

    She tilted her head. "Five million per head? That wasn''t for you¡ªit was for your families, after you all met a tragic ''accident.''"

    Juwon''s breath hitched for the briefest moment, but he masked it quickly. Liang Rui''s gaze sharpened, catching the flicker of emotion. "I see you''re starting to understand."

    Juwon''s mind flickered. An image¡ªDr. Elias Harding, his friend, an old man of short stature with barely any white hair left, but a mustache that somehow made him look wise.

    He was supposed to die?

    Liang Rui took another step forward. "The moment that door opened, the tunnels started collapsing." Her gaze sharpened. "That wasn''t an accident. Zhang Sanfeng''s tomb was built to bury all intruders the moment it was disturbed." She crossed her arms. "Though, I must admit, Hei Long Trading Company didn''t mind that outcome either. One way or another, none of you were ever supposed to leave this place alive."

    Juwon''s breath slowed. The tremors, the dust¡­ it was never a coincidence.

    They were going to bury us here.

    She watched his realization settle in. "Looks like you figured it out."

    Juwon''s fingers curled into a fist. If that was true, then his comrades were never meant to leave this mountain alive.

    "You knew," he said evenly.

    Liang Rui shrugged. "I had my suspicions."

    "And yet, you never warned them?"

    She exhaled, her expression unreadable. "I don''t owe them anything."

    Juwon''s jaw tightened. She really believed that.

    "What really caught my attention," she continued, tilting her head, "is why you survived."

    She had been watching him, waiting to see what changed him. And now that she knew he had survived the impossible, she wanted whatever had caused it.

    Juwon exhaled, glancing at the pendant. A slow smirk curled his lips. "And here I thought this thing was cursed."

    His gaze flickered back to her, sharp and unyielding. "Why should I give you anything?"

    Liang Rui moved first.

    Juwon''s instincts screamed. He barely twisted in time as a blurred strike shot past his ribs, missing by inches.

    She was fast. Too fast.

    He could only dodge, his body reacting on instinct, slipping through the gaps in her offense. She was faster, but he was sharper.

    "Not bad for someone who just crawled out of death," Liang Rui murmured.

    Juwon said nothing. His body was adapting, but he still wasn''t on her level.

    Her Qi flared violently, red tendrils swirling in her palm.

    "Let''s see you dodge this¡ªDemon Fang Strike!"

    She launched forward, her palm a crimson blur, aimed straight at Juwon''s heart.

    Juwon twisted, his footwork precise, but the moment her attack should have hit him¡­

    The Qi was absorbed.

    Not by him. By the pillar.

    Liang Rui''s expression twisted in shock. "What¡ª"

    The entire chamber trembled. The inscriptions on the pillar flared, cracks forming along its length.

    Juwon''s calm shattered. "Damn it, I haven''t even deciphered it yet!"

    Liang Rui took a step back, confusion flickering across her face. "This¡­ shouldn''t be happening."

    Then¡ªBOOM.

    A colossal pillar of Qi erupted from the stone, tearing through the cave ceiling, splitting the clouds above.

    A force unlike anything Juwon had ever felt.

    The shockwave knocked Liang Rui backward, slamming her into the cavern wall. She went still.

    But Juwon?

    He stood untouched.

    His fingers curled into a fist. The energy¡­ recognized him.

 08. Journey through the wilderness

    Juwon stood amidst the ruins of the shattered pillar; his breath steady despite the lingering unease coiling in his chest. Why did the energy from the pillar not affect him? Liang Rui lay unconscious nearby, completely overwhelmed by the blast. Yet, he remained untouched.

    Curiosity gnawed at him, and he knelt beside her. Her breathing was stable, but something puzzled him¡ªhe could sense the Qi within her fading, dissipating bit by bit with time. He had never been able to perceive something like this before. How did he know that?

    Juwon exhaled sharply. He had bigger problems.

    With the pillar''s explosion, one of the walls had crumbled, revealing an opening into the mountains. The tunnels leading back were gone, buried under layers of rock and debris. There was no way to return the way he came. His only relief was that at least he had a way out.

    Even if he could return, Hei Long Trading Company would never keep their promise of safety. He had entered without permission and emerged alone. There was no doubt in his mind¡ªthey would suspect he had taken something.

    Juwon scoffed, running a hand through his hair. "Hah! Only if I actually got something¡­"

    As he turned toward the exit, something caught his eye¡ªa faint golden glow, similar to the aura of his pendant.

    His steps slowed. He moved toward the rubble, shifting debris aside until he found it¡ªanother jade pendant. And beside it¡ª

    "What is this?"

    A book?

    He dusted off the cover, his gaze narrowing as he read the inscription.

    "Dragon Emperor''s Primordial Breathing Technique."

    Juwon flipped through the pages, scanning the introduction. The breathing techniques were divided into different stages based on mastery:

    - Initiation Stage

    - Foundation Stage

    - Core Expansion Stage

    - Draconic Burst Stage

    - Draconic Apex Stage

    - Dragon Sovereign Stage

    Juwon flipped through the pages, his brow furrowing. "I''ve never heard of something like this." He glanced at Liang Rui, still unconscious. "But then again, after what I saw from this little lady over here, I''m not surprised."A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

    His fingers tapped against the cover of the book. "None of this makes sense."

    Juwon let out a small breath. "Well, it''s not like I can practice it right away."

    He tucked the book and pendant away, turning toward the new path. His first priority was getting out of here.

    As Juwon stepped outside, the crisp mountain air filled his lungs. The sight before him was breathtaking. The towering peaks of Wudang stretched endlessly, bathed in the golden hues of the rising sun. Mist clung to the valleys below, weaving through the ancient forests like a living entity. The sky was painted in brilliant shades of orange and blue, a stark contrast to the cold stone caverns he had just left behind.

    Yet, he had no time to appreciate it fully.

    He descended into the forest, knowing that evading Hei Long was nearly impossible. With their vast resources, it was only a matter of time before they tracked him down. For now, his best option was to keep moving.

    Pulling out his phone, he quickly typed a message to someone, then tossed the device into the underbrush. No more tracking.

    By the time evening arrived, Juwon had been running for nearly twelve hours. His legs throbbed, his body felt heavy, and hunger gnawed at his stomach. He needed shelter.

    He knew the dangers of spending a night in the wilderness unprepared. Many plants were poisonous, and the wrong meal could leave him weak or worse. He had survived harsh conditions before, thanks to his excavation work, but something was different now.

    Twelve hours and all I''ve had were a few fruits. I should be starving. Yet¡­ I feel fine. That''s odd.

    He didn''t realize it yet¡ªbut his body had changed.

    At last, he spotted a cave. He wasn''t foolish enough to rush inside. He spent the next two hours watching, waiting, ensuring no predators claimed it as their den. When he was certain it was safe, he entered.

    The cave was filled with ant mounds, but that was manageable. A fire would keep them away.

    Juwon gathered dry branches and struck a flame, roasting a few fruits he had picked on the way. As the fire crackled, his thoughts drifted.

    "What was mother trying to teach me?"

    "And who were those shadowy figures?"

    They hadn''t harmed her in the dream, but something about them was wrong. He felt it deep in his gut¡ªthey were the ones who caused his mother that horrid expression.

    His fingers curled into fists. "I swear I''ll find them and¡ª" He stopped mid-sentence, his breath hitching. The words felt foreign, hollow. Would I really be able to? Would I even have the resolve?

    He paused, his own words shocking him.

    "¡­And what? Kill them?"

    A bitter chuckle left his lips. "Hah. Like I could kill someone."

    Yet, his chest tightened painfully at the thought. Why did his heart ache like this?

    Juwon exhaled, tilting his head to stare at the night sky beyond the cave entrance. "I don''t even know what happened¡­ but if I find them¡­ what then? Should i ask them for an explaination?" His chest ached, a strange mixture of anger and helplessness weighing on him.

    His fists clenched. A bitter, hollow feeling gnawed at him. "Revenge wouldn¡¯t even change anything, However"

    His father had told him his mother died in an accident. He never even saw her body.

    "Every instinct in me screams that was a lie"

    His gaze fell upon the book and pendant beside him. His mind calculated, measured.

    Juwon let out a slow breath, rubbing his temple before dragging a hand through his hair.

    "It doesn''t matter¡±.

    ¡°Whoever crosses their paths with me¡­.I will find them"

    His lips curled, but it wasn''t a smile¡ªit was something colder.

    " And I can only pray they survive me."

    Another hour has passed, Juwon had eaten, he had planned, and now it was time to rest.

    Then¡ª

    The bushes rustled outside.

    Juwon''s body tensed. He slowly rose to his feet, his senses sharpening. Something¡ªor someone¡ªwas out there.

    Two glowing eyes stared at him from the darkness beyond the cave.

    Juwon exhaled. "What a bad day to be alive"

 09. Void Break

    Juwon remained still, his breath measured as the glowing eyes remained fixed on him from the darkness beyond the trees. He didn''t move. He didn''t need to.

    Whatever was out there had been watching him for a while.

    The fire crackled behind him, casting long shadows across the cave''s entrance.

    The air was thick with humidity, the night wind carrying the distant sounds of the forest¡ªrustling leaves, the chirping of insects, and something else, something¡­ unnatural.

    His fingers tightened slightly, his body instinctively preparing to react. Before, he might have dismissed this as paranoia. But now? He knew better.

    A deep, guttural growl echoed from the underbrush. Not a wolf¡ªsomething larger. The glowing eyes stepped closer, revealing a massive bear, its fur darker than the night itself.

    Juwon exhaled slowly. "A bear? Of course, it had to be a bear."

    The beast reared up on its hind legs, its sheer size dwarfing him. He had no weapons. No plan.

    The bear lunged.

    Juwon barely managed to roll away, but not without consequence¡ªsharp claws raked across his side, tearing through flesh. Pain shot through him, but his mind remained clear. He was still standing.

    I should be dead.

    But he wasn''t.

    His movements felt lighter, stronger, faster. His body responded in ways he didn''t recognize¡ªor perhaps, ways he had forgotten.

    The bear lunged again, its massive jaws snapping toward him. Juwon reacted on instinct. His hands moved before his mind could process it¡ªgripping the beast''s lower jaw with one hand, its upper jaw with the other.

    With a roar of effort, he twisted.

    A sickening crack echoed through the forest. The bear collapsed, lifeless.

    Juwon staggered backward, panting. His hands trembled, not in fear, but in realization. I just killed a bear. With my bare hands.

    Pain flared up his side. His wounds were deep, his shirt stained with blood. He needed to do something before infection set in.

    Then he remembered.

    He had already studied the Dragon Emperor''s Primordial Breathing Technique during the hours he spent in the cave, trying to make sense of it. Now, it was time to put it into practice.

    He settled into a cross-legged position, shutting his eyes, his breathing slowing.

    "The Dragon Emperor''s Primordial Breathing Technique involves channeling Qi through the dantian, allowing it to gather like a golden river before branching into meridians," Juwon muttered to himself, recalling the text. "If done correctly, the Qi reinforces the body, accelerating healing and strengthening the core."

    He recalled the technique''s instructions¡ªQi must first flow through the dantian, gathering like a golden river before branching into meridians. The moment he focused, he felt it. The Qi.

    It flowed through him, winding through his meridians, exactly as the technique described. "Focus on the dantian first, let it pool, then push it outward steadily," he reminded himself, his mind fully immersed in the process. He directed the golden Qi into his dantian first, letting it pool before pushing it outward, reinforcing his core and accelerating the healing process.

    His wounds stitched together at an unnatural pace. His body was healing itself.The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    Juwon exhaled, opening his eyes. It worked.

    "This technique involves the use of primordial Qi. Apparently, the golden dragon Qi that I attained from the pendant was purified dragon Qi, and now it''s in my dantian.

    But this is still not the primordial qi required to practice this technique" He muttered to himself, feeling the energy stabilize within him. "Now, I will let the Qi from the second pendant into my body... Akh¡ªI''m already injured, and it''s straining my wounds even more... But I have to push through."

    As the Qi surged, his breath caught. "The golden Qi is running rampant due to the imbalance¡­ My natural Qi wasn''t interfering with the golden Qi until now. Until now, the two energies had coiled together like twin strands of DNA, weaving through my meridians in perfect harmony."

    A sharp pain shot through his chest. "But now that the amount of golden Qi is too much, there''s an imbalance¡ªUkh!" He spat blood, his body trembling. "I have to merge the two somehow..."

    Gritting his teeth, he forced his focus inward, guiding his breath, his Qi. Slowly, painfully, the two energies began to twist together, fusing into something new. His eyes flared open, not golden, not his own Qi, but something else¡ªa radiant white Qi of the purest form, laced with streaks of gold.**

    A scream tore from his throat. "God damn it¡ª!"

    Darkness consumed him.

    When he awoke, he was lying on his back, staring at the sky. His entire body ached, but the pain was gone.

    Juwon groaned, rubbing his forehead. "I should rename myself ''Pain'' with how much I''ve been knowing about it lately."

    Sitting upright, he closed his eyes and focused inward. His dantian¡ªhe could feel it now. The Qi within had changed.

    "So this is the Initiation Stage of the Dragon Emperor''s Primordial Breathing Technique, huh?" His brow furrowed as he concentrated further. "Qi is circulating freely, reinforcing my body without me even trying. This is what cultivation really feels like."

    Standing up, he clenched his fist, testing his strength. "Let''s see what this new strength of mine can really do."

    His gaze landed on a large boulder resting along the mountainside. Without thinking, he stepped forward, channeling Qi into his arm.

    "Dragon Fang Void Break!"

    Juwon thrust his fist forward, and for an instant, nothing happened. Then¡ªa white dragon-shaped Qi projection erupted from his shoulder, coiling around his arm before launching forward with his punch.

    He punched forward, and for a split second, nothing happened. Then¡ªthe boulder shattered into fragments, and the force didn''t stop there. The Qi carried forward, striking the mountain wall behind it, leaving a massive circular crack in the rock face.

    A deep, circular crack spread across its surface, the stone trembling from the impact. The sheer force of the attack sent shockwaves rippling through the air, shaking the surrounding trees. Birds, startled by the sudden explosion of power, burst from their perches, scattering into the sky in a chaotic flurry of wings.

    Juwon took a step back, eyes wide. "What¡­ the hell just happened?" His mind raced, trying to comprehend what he had just done.

    His breathing slowed as he stared at his hand. "This shouldn''t be possible... What kind of logic explains this? Does science even have an answer for this?"

    He slowly sat up, stretching his arms. "Well, at least I''m in one piece¡­ but how long was I out?"

    He pushed himself to his feet, shaking the stiffness from his limbs. "No point standing around. Let''s see where that bear came from."

    His gaze drifted to the bear''s tracks. Where did it come from?

    He followed the trail through the forest, his senses sharper than ever. Hours passed, and finally, he found something.

    A caravan. Wooden carts, overturned. Broken honeypots, their contents spilled across the ground.

    Juwon took a deep breath, closing his eyes for a moment. Qi Sense¡­ let''s see if this works.

    Extending his Qi outward, he felt it¡ªa presence lingering beyond the wreckage. Subtle, but definitely there.

    Juwon crept forward, his Qi guiding him toward the hidden figure. The signature was faint, almost masked, but now that he had sensed it, there was no mistaking it. There. Behind a tree, crouched in a pit, someone was concealing their presence.

    Juwon smirked slightly. "Not bad¡­ but not good enough."

    Juwon took a slow step forward. "You can come out now. It''s safe for now¡ªI''ve dealt with the bear."

 10. Draconic Mirage Steps

    Juwon watched as the figure hesitated before emerging from behind the tree. He was a young man in his early twenties, with unkempt brown hair and dirt-streaked clothes, his wide eyes filled with fear. A young man, probably in his early twenties, with dirt-streaked clothes and wide, fearful eyes, stumbled forward. His breath was ragged, and his hands trembled as if expecting another attack.

    "T-The bear... it''s really gone?" the young man stammered, scanning the area nervously.

    Juwon smirked, crossing his arms. "Unless it suddenly knows how to regenerate, yeah, it''s gone."

    The young man exhaled sharply, nearly collapsing in relief. "Thank the heavens... I thought I was done for."

    Juwon raised an eyebrow. "You were hiding in a pit. Not exactly the most dignified way to go."

    The young man shot him a look. "Hey, survival first, pride later. You think I wanted to be bear food?"

    Juwon chuckled. "Fair enough. What''s your name?"

    "Lin Feng, a friendly neighbourhood trader," he said, brushing off his clothes. "I''m a trader, or at least, I was before that monster destroyed my caravan."

    Juwon glanced toward the wreckage. "What were you transporting?"

    "Honey, mostly. High-quality stuff from a nearby village. I was taking it to trade in the next town," Lin Feng said, sighing. "Now, thanks to that beast, all I have left is sticky boots and a crushed cart."

    Juwon nodded. "Speaking of the next town, I need to get there. You wouldn''t happen to have a ride, would you?"

    Lin Feng gave him a wary look. "You save my life, and now you want a ride? You''re not planning to kidnap me, are you?"

    Juwon scoffed. "For that, you''d have to be a kid."

    Lin Feng sighed dramatically. "Fine, but you owe me a drink once we get there."

    Juwon smirked. "Deal."

    The journey to the village was uneventful but filled with lively conversation. Lin Feng, as it turned out, was quite talkative.

    "So, you just wander into bear-infested forests for fun?" Lin Feng asked, eyeing Juwon suspiciously.

    "Something like that," Juwon replied vaguely.

    "Mysterious. I like it. But seriously, you''re not from around here, are you?"

    "No. Just passing through."

    "Passing through after wrestling a bear to death with your bare hands?" Lin Feng laughed. "That''s not exactly normal."

    Juwon smirked but said nothing.

    They arrived at Chenjiapu Village, a small settlement nestled in the mountains. Lin Feng, knowing the area well, led Juwon to an inn. It was a modest lodging, nothing extravagant, but it would do.

    With what little blood-soaked money he had left, he handed it to Lin Feng, who smoothly handled the booking for him.

    The innkeeper, an older woman with streaks of silver in her tightly bound hair and piercing eyes that missed nothing, eyed him suspiciously.

    Her posture was rigid, her arms crossed over her chest as if daring him to cause problems. "You look like trouble."

    "And you look like someone who makes great tea," Juwon countered smoothly.

    She snorted, but before she could say anything else, Lin Feng flashed a wide smile and threw an arm around Juwon''s shoulder. "Actually, he''s the guy who saved me from a bear.This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.

    Wrestled it with his bare hands and everything!" He shot Juwon a sly look. "You should''ve seen it, innkeeper. It was like something out of a legend!" "Flattery won''t get you extra blankets, but if you did wrestle a bear, at least you''re not just another runaway looking for a cheap bed."

    Juwon sighed, shaking his head as he took the key. "You''re really overselling it, Lin Feng. I just did what needed to be done." "I''m going to get some rest. Try not to get eaten while I''m gone."

    "No promises!" Lin Feng called after him.

    In his room, Juwon sat cross-legged, exhaling slowly. He focused inward, feeling the flow of Qi within his body. His cultivation had advanced.

    Unknowingly, he had reached the eighth-layer peak of Qi Awakening. He didn''t understand cultivation realms, but he could feel it¡ª"I am getting stronger".

    He flipped open the book he had taken from the ruins. The Celestial Dragon Steps. Below that, another passage caught his eye¡ªDragon Fang Void Break.

    "Dragon Fang Void Break is a technique that channels Qi explosively, condensing it into a single strike capable of overwhelming defences and even breaking apart spaces. However, the immense strain on the user''s Qi reserves means it can only be used sparingly before complete depletion."

    Juwon frowned. "So that''s why I collapse after two uses¡­ my body isn''t ready to handle the drain yet." A footwork technique designed to manipulate movement using controlled bursts of Qi.

    "Let''s see what this can do."

    Standing up, he attempted the first movement. The moment his foot touched the ground, the tiles beneath him cracked.

    Juwon grimaced. "Yeah¡­ maybe not inside."

    Without hesitation, he jumped out of the first-floor window, landing effortlessly before heading into the forest. Reaching a clearing much sooner than he expected, Juwon was reminded that he wasn''t just an ordinary man anymore. His speed had increased, his endurance felt limitless. He was a martial artist now.

    "Alright, let''s try this again."

    The Celestial Dragon Steps had six stages based on individual mastery:

    1. Draconic Mirage Step

    2. Void-Drifting Step

    3. Dragon Tyrant''s Stomp

    4. Sovereign Ascension

    5. Temporal Shift Step

    6. Star-Walking Technique

    Juwon started with the first stage¡ªDraconic Mirage Step.

    It involved five sequential movements, each regulating Qi flow through the body to create afterimages while moving. He attempted the first two steps, and instantly, a mirage of himself flickered beside him.

    His eyes widened. "This is tough¡­ but damn, this is something else."

    He pushed himself to try more but felt his Qi reserves draining at an alarming rate. Hours passed as Juwon pushed himself further, repeating the movements again and again. Sweat dripped from his brow, muscles ached, but he kept going, refining each motion.

    The first two steps became easier, and he even managed glimpses of the third before his Qi reserves plummeted.

    Only now did he realize how reckless he had been. Time had slipped away, and he had drained himself without considering the return trip.

    What had felt like a short dash earlier now stretched endlessly before him. Damn it¡­ I didn''t think it was this far. How could I be so reckless?

    Frustration welled up inside him¡ªhe prided himself on being meticulous, yet here he was, drained of Qi with a long trek ahead.

    "I swear, for someone who prides himself on being smart, this was downright stupid. Running on empty in the middle of nowhere? Brilliant."

    Exhausted, he forced himself to stumble back toward the inn. By the time he reached his room, he collapsed onto the bed, his body aching from the exertion.

    Morning came too soon.

    A knock at his door jolted him awake. He groaned, dragging himself to his feet and opening it to find Lin Feng standing there.

    The young trader looked nervous.

    Juwon raised an eyebrow. "You look like you need something."

    Lin Feng hesitated before nodding.

    Sensing his fearfulness, Juwon asked him to come inside. "Alright, let''s hear it."

 11. A Debt in Blood

    Juwon knew something was wrong the moment he saw Lin Feng''s face. The usually giddy trader, who had spent the last day cracking jokes and exaggerating stories, now sat hunched over, his fingers digging into the table, his whole body trembling.

    "Lin Feng," Juwon said, his voice steady. "What happened?"

    Lin Feng looked up, his eyes red and glassy. "They took her, Juwon¡­ They took my sister."

    Juwon''s expression darkened. "Who?"

    "The Black Viper Gang¡­ ruthless bastards," Lin Feng said, his voice breaking. "After my father passed away, we had nothing. My family took money from them to keep our business afloat. I thought I could repay it in time, but things only got worse."

    He gritted his teeth. "Business has been struggling. A group of bandits started demanding outrageous tolls to let my shipments pass. It drained everything we had."

    He wiped his face with his sleeve, trying to hold back sobs. "I wasn''t going to tell you¡ªI didn''t want to drag you into this. But¡­ you fought a bear. You¡­ give me hope."

    Juwon inhaled sharply. That look¡ªhelplessness, anger, despair. He had seen it before. He had felt it before.

    His chair scraped against the wooden floor as he stood. "Where are they?"

    Lin Feng blinked. "What?"

    "Where did they take her?" Juwon''s voice was cold now.

    Lin Feng hesitated. "An abandoned school on the outskirts of the village¡­ But Juwon, these guys¡ª"

    "I don''t care. Let''s go."

    The abandoned school stood against the night like a skeletal ruin, its walls cracked, windows shattered.

    The air reeked of damp wood and stale blood. A den for rats.

    Juwon stepped through the broken entrance, his gaze scanning the surroundings. The air was thick, but something felt different¡ªslower. These men moved as if in slow motion.

    His speed was on an entirely different level now. He could hear voices, laughter, the clinking of bottles.

    "Stay behind me," he told Lin Feng, his voice barely above a whisper.

    The first thug barely had time to register the intruder before Juwon moved. His footwork was instinctual, a blur as he sidestepped and drove his fist into the man''s gut. The thug choked, eyes bulging, before collapsing in a heap.

    Weak and Pathetic

    More came rushing in, this time four of them, wielding an assortment of weapons¡ªclubs, rusted blades, iron rods, and even a pair of chains. Juwon''s eyes sharpened.Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.

    They were slow. Incredibly slow. Every movement, every attack, seemed sluggish, almost as if they were telegraphing their moves seconds before executing them. His speed had risen to a completely different level.

    He weaved through their strikes like a specter. A thug swung wildly with a club¡ªJuwon tilted his head slightly, the weapon missing by inches before he grabbed the man''s wrist and twisted sharply, forcing him to his knees with a pained yelp. Another lunged forward with a rusted blade¡ªJuwon sidestepped, catching the man''s forearm and driving a knee into his ribs before tossing him aside.

    Before the others could react, four more entered from the side, shouting and charging in unison. This time, they were slightly more organized, spreading out to surround him.

    Juwon exhaled, feeling the raw power coursing through his veins. His body moved before his mind even processed their attacks. A thug with a rusted blade lunged first¡ªJuwon twisted to the side, effortlessly dodging before grabbing the man''s wrist and flipping him over his shoulder. The impact knocked the wind out of the thug as he crumpled to the ground.

    Another came at him with chains, swinging them wildly.

    Juwon ducked low, sidestepped to the right, and delivered a sharp Draconic Mirage Step, his figure blurring for an instant before appearing behind the thug.

    A swift chop to the neck sent him sprawling.

    The last two tried to rush him at once. Juwon anticipated their movements before they even committed, his heightened reflexes making them look sluggish.

    One thug raised a club overhead¡ªJuwon caught it mid-air with one hand, crushing the wood with sheer force, before sending the man flying backward with a devastating palm strike to the chest.

    The final thug hesitated, fear flashing in his eyes. Juwon smirked. "Smart choice." But something else caught Juwon''s attention.

    These men weren''t warriors; they were barely even fighters. Their moves were sloppy, slow, predictable.

    To Juwon, it was like watching children swing at a shadow they could never catch. He had been holding back without realising it.

    Juwon picked up a knife from one of the fallen underlings, flipping it between his fingers. He frowned¡ªsomething about their Qi was familiar. It was faint, almost negligible, but there was no mistaking it. It felt eerily similar to Liang Rui''s red Qi.

    They reached the main hall. A single figure stood at its center¡ªa man with sharp, wolfish features and a jagged scar running down his left cheek. Wei Tong.

    "Well, well," Wei Tong grinned, arms crossed. "I was wondering who was making all that noise. Didn''t expect a kid." His gaze flickered to Lin Feng and he sneered. "Oh, I see. You brought a friend to watch you cry?"

    Juwon''s eyes shifted past him. There.

    Behind him.

    A girl¡ªLin Xiulan. Or what was left of her.

    Skin shrunken, body frail, as if she had aged a hundred years overnight.

    Juwon moved to block Lin Feng''s view.

    "Lin Feng, don''t."

    But it was too late.

    Lin Feng pushed past him, staggering forward.

    "Xiulan!"

    He fell to his knees beside her, hands shaking as he touched her withered arm.

    "No¡­ no, no, no¡­"

    His cries filled the room.

    Juwon could only watch.

 12. Duel of Fate

    Slowly, Lin Feng turned to Wei Tong, his fists tightening. "Why?"

    Wei Tong smirked. "She was useful. We needed a furnace. She lasted longer than most, actually." He chuckled, as if recalling an amusing memory. "Who knew someone that fragile could endure so much?"

    His eyes gleamed with cruel amusement. "And the best part? This was always going to happen. Your little business was doomed the moment your father died, Lin Feng. Those ''bandits'' you kept paying tolls to? That was us. The Black Viper Gang was bleeding you dry from both ends. But even before that, we had our eyes on your sister. We saw it¡ªthe Yin Qi radiating from her. The debt was just an excuse." "Who knew someone that fragile could endure so much?"

    Juwon exhaled through his nose. "You used her to extract Qi."

    "Smart boy." Wei Tong clapped mockingly. "Qi extraction is an art, you know. The strong devour the weak. Isn''t that the natural order?"

    Lin Feng felt despair, eyes wide open, his forehead pressed against his sister''s frail body. His whole body trembled, his voice raw. He gasped, shaking his head violently. "No... no, no, no! This can''t be happening!"

    His fingers dug into the ground as the realization hit. "Everything... all of it... they planned this from the start?" His breath came in ragged gasps. "All this time, I thought I could fix things, that I could pay them back... but it was never about the money! They were always going to take her!"

    His voice cracked as he looked up at Wei Tong, eyes hollow with despair. "You destroyed my family! You ruined us, took everything, and now... Xiulan..." His voice dropped to a whisper, "And I just let it happen..."

    A broken laugh escaped his lips before it turned into another sob. "I was nothing but a fool... If I had just been able to pay off the debt on time... if I had worked harder, done more... my sister wouldn''t have had to suffer like this!" She was still breathing, but barely¡ªher lifeforce drained to the brink of death. His whole body trembled, his voice raw. "You¡­It was you. You destroyed my family, took everything¡ªand for what?!"

    Wei Tong continued, voice dripping with cruelty. "You should be proud, Lin Feng. Your sister may not be dead yet, but she was a perfect furnace, she held on for so long. In the end it''s thanks to her I have grown stronger"

    Juwon stepped forward, his breath slow and controlled. "I see. So you''re not just some thug."

    Wei Tong grinned. "A Qi Awakening brat thinks he can take me on? Fifth-layer Foundation Establishment? Kid, You don''t stand a chance."

    The moment their eyes locked, the fight erupted into motion.

    Juwon dashed forward, his muscles coiled with his new found strength, feet gliding with practiced ease. Wei Tong sneered, dark Qi flaring around him as he readied his counterattack.

    Juwon struck first¡ªa sharp jab aimed at Wei Tong''s jaw, a test of his opponent''s reflexes. Wei Tong twisted away, countering with a vicious knee strike aimed at Juwon''s ribs. Juwon dropped his elbow to block, feeling the shock rattle his forearm before stepping inward to retaliate with a short but powerful elbow strike of his own.

    Juwon didn''t remember much from his childhood, but one thing he did recall was the countless hours was forced into training in various martial arts by his father. Back then, his frail body had made the techniques feel pointless. But now, with his enhanced physique, every technique flowed with effortless precision. His expression shifted¡ªexcitement flickered in his eyes as he felt the rush of combat. The fluidity, the precision, the sheer thrill of movement¡ªit was exhilarating, unlike anything he''d ever experienced before.

    Wei Tong snarled, his hands snapping forward. Dark tendrils of Qi coiled around his fingers as he lashed out.

    Soul-Scorching Claw.

    Juwon twisted to the side, narrowly avoiding the strike, but the sheer force ripped through the stone floor behind him.

    He didn''t have time to marvel¡ªWei Tong was already moving again, following up with a brutal Qi-imbued palm strike.

    Juwon parried with his own key imbued palm, shifting his weight fluidly as he countered with a quick succession of low kicks and short-range strikes, keeping Wei Tong off balance. He had to keep up the pressure¡ªrelying solely on Qi techniques would drain him too quickly.

    This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.But Wei Tong wasn''t just some brute. He read Juwon''s rhythm, stepping back just enough to avoid another strike before slamming his foot down, sending a shockwave of dark Qi erupting beneath Juwon''s feet.

    Void Tremor Wave.

    Juwon rolled mid-air, using the momentum to push off a broken column, into a flying knee kick.

    Wei Tong defended and got pushed back.

    Wei Tong used another Soul-scorching Claw

    Draconic Mirage Step.

    Juwon''s form flickered, vanishing into the air as Wei Tong''s next attack struck nothing but an afterimage. Juwon reappeared behind the mirage missing Wei Tong''s attack by an inch drove his Qi-enhanced palm into Wei Tong''s face. The impact sent a shockwave rippling through the ruined hall, forcing Wei Tong to stumbled backwards.

    Wei Tong coughed, wiping blood from his lips, his smirk vanishing. "You..."Before Juwon could capitalize, another voice cut through the chaos.

    "Stop right there."

    A new figure stood at the entrance, clad in elegant blue and white robes, a jade talisman hanging from his sword hilt. His eyes were sharp, unreadable.

    Zhang Yuxian.

    His presence was imposing. He had a sharp, angular face, with piercing dark eyes that seemed to read through people instantly. His long black hair was tied back into a simple yet refined ponytail, and a faint scar traced the edge of his jaw, a subtle reminder that he was no stranger to battle.

    He swept his gaze across the scene before landing on Wei Tong. "Do not sully the holy mountains with your disgraceful acts."

    Then his eyes found Juwon. "And you¡ªyour Qi carries killing intent. Do not kill without reason."

    Wei Tong growled. "Enough! I''m taking this pipsqueak''s life!"

    He unleashed another demonic technique, stronger than before.

    Zhang Yuxian''s eyes flashed. "A demonic disciple?! How did you ge¡ª"

    Before Wei Tong could finish his attack¡ª

    BOOM.

    Half his face was gone. A golden-white dragon passed through the space where he stood, the force shaking the ground.

    "Dragon Fang Void Break."

    Silence. Wei Tong''s body crumpled, lifeless with half a face perplexed.

    Juwon turned, his stance still low, muscles coiled as if ready to strike again. His breath came slow but heavy, the lingering embers of battle flickering in his gaze. As he turned towards Yuxian, he wasn''t thinking about friend or foe¡ªrather acting on instinct. Onto the next fight.

    A silent force weighed down the air. Juwon didn''t intend it, but his presence alone made the space feel smaller. The stones beneath him had cracked from the force of his last attack, dust still swirling in the aftermath.

    Zhang Yuxian always thought he was above his peers of his age, an undisputed prodigy. But now, under Juwon''s presence, he was filled with awe and a hint of unease. His gaze flickered to the remnants of the golden-white dragon that had torn through Wei Tong. It hadn''t been an illusion nor mere projection¡ªthe purest form of Qi he had ever seen, a brilliant white Qi, lined with threads of gold, still lingered in the air like embers refusing to die. It was different from anything Zhang Yuxian had ever seen. Refined. Primal. Divine. The sheer majesty of it sent a shiver down his spine. How could someone so young manifest such raw, divine power?

    For the first time, Zhang Yuxian wondered if he was truly standing in the presence of something beyond his understanding.

    Thud!

    Lin Feng fell to his knees and let out a choked sob, his body trembling. "I failed her... I should have protected her... If only I was a better brother! I''am sorry"

    Zhang Yuxian narrowed his eyes, his previous thoughts momentarily pushed aside. "Crying won''t change anything," he said, his voice sharp but not unkind. "If you want to help her, we have to move now. Wu Dang sect can still save her"

    Lin Feng was still sobbing. Grieving.

    Juwon stepped forward and crouched beside Lin Feng, gripping his shoulder with quiet strength. "Lin Feng, this isn''t the time for regret. She''s still breathing¡ªstill fighting. We have a chance to save her, but we have to move now."

    Zhang Yuxian exhaled, his composure returning. But when his eyes landed on Lin Xiulan, his expression darkened. Her breathing was uneven, her lips pale. Each exhale came slower than the last, her body trembling as if desperately holding onto something just out of reach. A faint flicker of Qi barely clung to her form¡ªa dying ember struggling against the wind.

    His jaw tightened. A day. That''s all they had.

    "Enough grieving," he snapped. "She''s slipping away. If we don''t move now, she won''t last." His rare urgency struck harder than any order.

    The three prepared to move.

 13. The Mountains Hidden Wrath

    The cold night air carried the scent of damp earth and blood, the ruined hall bathed in pale moonlight filtering through broken windows.

    Juwon barely had time to process what had just happened. Lin Feng was still kneeling beside his sister, his body trembling, his sobs echoing through the desolate space. Xiulan''s skin was paper-thin, her breath shallow, her very existence hanging by a thread.

    Zhang Yuxian stepped forward, his sharp eyes scanning Xiulan''s frail body.

    "We need to move now," Zhang Yuxian said, his voice firm. "If we delay, she won''t last the night."

    Lin Feng''s head snapped up, his eyes wide and desperate. "You can save her?"

    Zhang Yuxian nodded. "Wudang''s branch in Chenjiapu Village has healers. But her condition is worse than simple Qi depletion."

    Juwon frowned, his jaw tightening. "What do you mean?"

    Yuxian hesitated before speaking. "We need Physician Bai to examine her. He will know more."

    The journey to the Wudang branch was a blur, the urgency in the air palpable. Zhang Yuxian led the way, his movements swift and precise. The village was eerily silent, the flickering lanterns casting long shadows against the worn stone streets. Juwon could feel the eyes of the villagers on them¡ªcurious, wary, and reverent toward the presence of a Wudang disciple.

    They reached a modest Daoist temple nestled against the cliffs, its wooden beams weathered by time yet standing resiliently.

    Incense smoke curled through the air, blending with the crisp mountain breeze. A few disciples clad in Wudang robes rushed forward as Zhang Yuxian barked orders.

    "Summon Physician Bai! Tell him it''s urgent!"

    Juwon followed closely as Lin Feng carried Xiulan inside. The temple''s inner hall was dimly lit, the glow of lanterns illuminating the intricate carvings along the wooden pillars. Within minutes, an elderly man entered, his presence exuding calm authority. Physician Bai. His face was lined with age, but his movements were precise, his every motion practiced with purpose. His sharp eyes swept over Xiulan''s frail form before he knelt beside her, pressing his fingers to her wrist.Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

    The room fell silent.

    After what felt like an eternity, Physician Bai exhaled. "This is beyond ordinary Qi depletion. Whoever did this wasn''t just harvesting her Qi¡ªthey were refining it, twisting its nature into something unrecognizable."

    Juwon''s fists clenched, a dark cloud settling over his thoughts. Hei Long¡­

    "Can she be saved?" Lin Feng whispered, his voice barely above a breath.

    Physician Bai nodded, but his expression remained grim. "She needs something strong to stabilize her Qi pathways¡ªLingzhi, and other powerful medicinal herbs. Without them, her meridians will begin to deteriorate, and she will lose the ability to contain Qi at all."

    Juwon exhaled. "Where can we find them?"

    Bai placed a small pouch of dried herbs before him. "These will help her for now, but it won''t last long. You need to seek out an herbalist in the village¡ªLao Chen. He can guide you to the valley deep within the mountains where Lingzhi and other rare medicinal herbs grow."

    Following Bai''s advice, Juwon visited the village''s herbalist, an elderly man named Lao Chen, whose keen eyes and wealth of knowledge had guided many seekers before him. Lao Chen sat across from Juwon in a modest, incense-filled room, scrutinizing him with a gaze that seemed to peel away all pretenses.

    "You seek Lingzhi and the mountain herbs? Hah, you have courage, I''ll give you that," the herbalist muttered, stroking his beard. "The valley holds what you need, but it is no place for the faint-hearted. The wolves there¡­ they are not what they used to be. Something changed five days ago."

    Juwon leaned forward. "What do you mean?"

    The herbalist sighed.

    "They have grown larger, their eyes burn like embers, and their aggression is unlike anything I''ve seen in decades. The land itself seems to have changed them. You''ll have to be swift and careful."

    Juwon processed this information, his mind already planning his approach. "Is there a safer route?"

    The herbalist chuckled, shaking his head. "No path in those mountains is safe, boy. But if you move with the wind and keep your Qi hidden, you might just get what you need without becoming a wolf''s supper."

    With that knowledge in mind, Juwon departed, unaware of the shadows moving against him.

 14. The Hunter and the Hunted

    Juwon moved swiftly through the dense forest, his senses sharpened as he followed the winding path toward the valley.

    The moon hung low in the sky, casting pale silver light over the towering trees. He kept his Qi suppressed, knowing that the dangers lurking in these woods extended beyond the wolves Lao Chen had warned him about.

    As he neared the valley, the atmosphere grew heavier, an unnatural stillness settling over the land. He paused, crouching low to examine the disturbed soil.

    Deep claw marks marred the ground, evidence of territorial disputes. Something had changed five days ago.

    A low growl echoed through the trees. Juwon tensed, his breath slowing as his eyes darted around the darkened terrain.

    Then, he saw them¡ªwolves, larger than any he had encountered before, their eyes glowing faintly with an eerie, golden hue. They moved differently, their bodies tense with an aggression that felt almost unnatural.

    He had no time to dwell on it. A rustling in the distance caught his attention, followed by the sound of approaching footsteps.

    He ducked behind a fallen log, focusing his Qi sense. A group was moving through the forest¡ªnot just any group, but men clad in the dark uniforms with their insignias glinting under the moonlight. Juwon exhaled slowly, his jaw tightened, and his breath came out in a sharp hiss. "Hei Long!!" he spat, the name dripping with disdain.

    From his hiding spot, Juwon observed the approaching figures. At the center of the formation were two men¡ªRen Shi, the younger, a scrawny figure with shoulder-length black hair that framed his sharp, fox-like features, his smirk dripping with arrogance. His older brother, Ren Jiao, stood beside him, a heavily muscled warrior with a chiseled jaw and a neatly trimmed beard, his cold, calculating gaze betraying no emotion. Brothers.

    Ren Jiao, clad in the signature dark robes of Hei Long operatives embroidered with silver insignias, let out a low chuckle.

    "All this effort for one man? Almost makes me think he''s worth something." He turned to his brother." "This mission should be easy enough," he mused.

    "Capture Seo Juwon alive, and I might finally get that promotion. If nothing else, the company will reward me with two Blood Essence Pills. Imagine what that will do for my cultivation. "What do you think, Ren Shi?

    Ren Shi rolled his eyes, flicking his unkempt hair back. "This is absurd. We brought all these people for what? Some common archaeologist guy? If I had known we were hunting a history professor, I would''ve brought a book instead of a sword." He sneered. "Still, he''s just an outsider. He doesn''t even understand the cultivation world. He''s not even a martial artist! What could he possibly do?" "This is ridiculous." He crossed his arms but then sneered.

    Juwon''s grip on his blade tightened. He let out a low chuckle, shaking his head. He thought to himself, All this effort, all these people¡­ for me? Damn, I didn''t realize I was this important. Should I start signing autographs?

    His smirk widened, his amusement barely masking the sharp focus in his eyes.

    He needed to act fast. Eight Foundation Establishment cultivators and a mid-Qi Refinement powerhouse stood between him and survival. A direct fight was out of the question.

    Juwon tilted his head, his smirk widening. His eyes flicked toward the wolves closing in.

    "Let''s see who''s really the prey here." Time for them to fight someone else instead.

    Juwon deliberately rustled the leaves around him before vanishing deeper into the forest. As expected, the younger brother and half the group reacted instantly, following the sound.If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

    But the wolves had already sensed them.

    Snarls erupted from the darkness as the massive beasts lunged at the pursuers, drawn by their Qi signatures.

    "W-Where did all these wolves come from?"

    Chaos followed¡ªshouts, steel clashing against fangs, bodies hitting the ground.

    Juwon didn''t waste time watching. He bolted in the opposite direction, but his moment of relief was short-lived.

    A pulse of Qi sent a chill through his spine. The mid-Qi Refinement cultivator had seen through his deception.

    A powerful force struck him from behind, sending him tumbling through the underbrush.

    Ren Jiao''s Hell''s Devouring Palm,

    a technique that not only carried brute strength but also drained Qi on impact. Juwon barely rolled to his feet before another blow came¡ªa palm strike aimed at his chest. He twisted, dodging at the last second, but the sheer difference in strength was clear.

    "Running won''t save you," the Ren Jiao sneered, stepping forward. "Your tricks might work on my subordinates, but they won''t work on me."

    Juwon gritted his teeth.

    Dragon Fang Void Break,

    but his opponent anticipated it, sidestepping effortlessly.

    A powerful kick slammed into Juwon''s stomach, sending him crashing against a tree. He spat blood, vision blurring. He had to retreat¡ªhe had no other choice.

    But before he could escape, another strike hit him. Faster. Stronger. Merciless.

    A barrage of strikes raining down his upper torso.

    Juwon constantly spitting blood each strike.

    His ears had started ringing.

    His vision blurry.

    Juwon''s body was failing. His Qi reserves were draining.

    Damn it¡­ My body won''t hold out. If I don''t do something fast, I''m done for."

    "I thought you demonic dogs only hunted in packs. Guess even that isn''t enough against him."

    Clang!!

    Ren Jiao was pushed back.

    A figure dropped from the treetops, sword gleaming under the moonlight.

    Zhang Yuxian.

    He stood between Juwon and the Hei Long enforcer, his aura fierce, unwavering.

    "I sensed a spy outside our Wudang sect branch office," Yuxian said, eyes narrowing. "What are you vile demons doing in Wudang territory?"

    Ren Jiao''s expression darkened. "You Wudang dogs just keep meddling, don''t you?"

    Yuxian smiled thinly. "Call it what you want. But your fight with him is over."

    Around them, Wudang disciples emerged from the trees, clashing with the remaining Hei Long members. One disciple weaved through enemy attacks using Cloud-Stepping Steps, while another unleashed Tai Chi Palm, redirecting an incoming strike with precise, effortless force. The fight ignited in an instant.

    Ren Shi lunged, his blade slicing through the air in a deadly arc, his unpredictable movements a hallmark,

    Heavenly Demonic Swordplay.

    Juwon''s eyes flicked to his footwork, anticipating the feint¡ªthen twisted his body just in time, sidestepping the strike. He exhaled sharply, his stance tightening.

    His expression calm. "You swing that thing like you''re trying to impress someone. but easy there, you almost made me break a sweat."

    "Let me handle this weakling!" Ren Shi growled.

    Juwon staggered slightly, his ribs screaming in protest, but he forced a smirk anyway. No way he''d let them see weakness. He wiped the blood from his mouth and scoffed, "Weakling? That''s funny¡ªso far, all I see is a spoiled brat who wouldn''t last a day without his brother watching his back."

    Ren Shi Swung again, this time faster. "You arrogant little prick!"

    Juwon ducked low, feeling the wind of Ren Shi''s blade pass inches from his scalp. His breath was ragged, his vision blurred at the edges, but his smirk never faded. ''That all you got? "You really don''t know when to stop embarrassing yourself, do you?"

    Ren Shi scoffed, "So what if you know martial arts. You think knowing some fancy techniques makes you my equal? Pathetic. You are still peak Qi Awakening realm while I am peak Foundation Establishment realm. It is impossible for you to beat me. I will show you what the gap in our cultivation realms bring "

    Juwon titled his head, "Cultivation realm?"

    Ren Shi sneered, shaking his head. "Wait¡­ you mean to tell me you are a martial artist, yet you don''t even know your own cultivation realm? This just keeps getting better."

    Juwon''s eyes narrowed. "Cultivation realms, huh? That''s what you''re so proud of?"

    Ren Shi groaned, dragging a hand down his face. "This is pathetic. Fighting you is a waste of my time."

    He dashed forward again. Juwon braced himself.

    Their real fight was about to begin.

 15. Dragons Wrath, Demons Despair

    The night air was thick with tension, the moon casting long shadows over the battlefield. Juwon and Ren Shi stood a few meters apart, the space between them charged with silent hostility.

    Ren Shi smirked, twirling his sword. "You¡¯ve been running this whole fight. What¡¯s wrong? Already tired?"

    Juwon rolled his shoulders, exhaling slowly. "Running? No, just watching. You really don¡¯t think, do you? You just swing your sword like a puppet."

    Ren Shi¡¯s eye twitched. "Shut up!"

    With a furious growl, Ren Shi lunged forward, his blade slicing through the air in chaotic patterns¡ªHeavenly Demonic Swordplay. His movements were sharp, but they lacked the refinement of experience.

    He focused too much on the complexity of his techniques and not enough on the flow of the battle.

    Juwon danced between the strikes, slipping just outside of each attack¡¯s reach. He doesn¡¯t adapt. He just commits to his form, expecting it to be enough. Juwon¡¯s footwork was precise, shifting ever so slightly to expose openings.

    Ren Shi snarled, his frustration mounting. "Stop dodging!"

    Juwon smirked. "Why? You seem to be doing a great job hitting nothing."

    Ren Shi roared and executed Demon Fang Crescent Slash, sending a razor-sharp arc of Qi toward Juwon. He sidestepped, watching as the attack carved into a nearby tree.

    That move is predictable. He telegraphs his strikes too much.

    Ren Shi lunged again, this time attempting Nightmare Phantom Edge,

    a rapid feint followed by a thrust. Juwon leaned away at the last second, countering with a quick palm strike to Ren Shi¡¯s ribs, sending him staggering back.

    "Your techniques are impressive," Juwon said, rolling his wrist. "But you have no idea how to use them."

    Ren Shi¡¯s face twisted in anger. "I¡¯ll kill you!"

    They clashed again, but fatigue was beginning to creep into Juwon¡¯s limbs. This was his third fight today, and Ren Shi still had the advantage in sheer cultivation power.

    If I keep this up, I¡¯ll be the one collapsing first.

    Then, as fatigue threatened to consume him, realization dawned. Power alone wouldn¡¯t win this fight. Technique was not enough.

    He needed understanding. His mind sharpened, recalling everything he had witnessed¡ªQi wasn¡¯t just a force to be expelled, but something that could be shaped, refined, and directed seamlessly.

    Like the flow of Tao. He needed to move like the wind, to strike like lightning.

    Juwon focused his Qi¡ªnot into raw force, but into flow and refinement. He let go of rigidity, allowing the energy to course through his limbs as if it were a natural extension of himself.

    The dragon¡¯s power was not in its strength alone, but in how it moved¡ªfluid, precise, unstoppable.

    Ren Shi lunged again, but before he could react¡ª

    Juwon planted his feet, feeling the surge of Qi traveling from his dantian to his fist. But instead of expelling it outward, he condensed it around his knuckles, forming a shimmering layer of energy.

    The sudden burst of Qi created a flash of light, forcing Ren Shi¡¯s eyes to flinch shut for a fraction of a second.

    Before Ren Shi could react, his vision blurred. Another blinding flash erupted, not from Juwon¡¯s disappearance, but from the Qi itself. The moment he blinked to adjust¡ª

    Crack! A devastating punch crashed into his jaw, sending shockwaves through his skull.

    W-What¡ª?! His instincts screamed, but his body couldn¡¯t keep up. The next moment, another burst of light forced his eyes shut again¡ªright as another punch drove into his ribs.

    Crack! Another hit. His body lurched from the force.

    Then another.

    And another.

    The rapid succession of attacks came from everywhere at once. Each punch was faster than the last, each strike amplified by Qi compressing around his fists.

    Dragon Fang: Flash Fist Fury.

    Ren Shi could barely register the strikes between the bursts of light, his senses failing him as his body was battered from every direction.If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

    Ren Shi¡¯s body convulsed as a barrage of fists rained down on him, each strike sending shockwaves through his frame.

    His ribs cracked, his forearms became useless, his swollen eyes barely able to stay open. He couldn¡¯t see, couldn¡¯t react, couldn¡¯t understand what was happening.

    Thud!

    His legs gave out. He collapsed onto his knees, barely able to breathe.

    Ren Shi panicking and panting "Hufffff"" Huuffffffff"

    Juwon stood over him, looking unimpressed. "Pathetic."

    Few Minutes Earlier

    Blades clashed as Zhang Yuxian and Ren Jiao fought, their movements like streaks of lightning in the night.

    As Yuxian¡¯s Yin-Yang Reversal Slash met Ren Jiao¡¯s Demonic Tyrant Fist, a thunderous shockwave erupted, shattering the ground between them.

    The sheer force sent cracks spiderwebbing across the battlefield, scattering debris into the air. The force of their clashes cracked the earth, sending debris flying, while the sheer pressure of their Qi distorted the air.

    When Ren Jiao unleashed Hell¡¯s Devouring Palm, Yuxian twisted his blade, redirecting the force midair before countering with Heaven and Earth Resonance, sending Ren Jiao skidding backward.

    Ren Jiao narrowed his eyes, frustration mounting as he felt himself losing his edge. His strikes weren¡¯t landing cleanly, and Yuxian¡¯s fluid swordplay was slowly wearing him down. "Tsk. Annoying techniques, Wudang dog. You fight like you''re dancing through a storm."

    Yuxian smirked, sidestepping an incoming palm attack "And you fight like you have nothing but brute force to rely on. It¡¯s no wonder you don¡¯t understand the balance between strength and flow."

    Ren Jiao scoffed, wiping a thin trail of blood from his lip, his breath ragged from the relentless exchanges. "Balance? You mean stagnation! Strength is all that matters!"

    Yuxian''s blade shimmered as he executed Yin-Yang Reversal Slash, forcing Ren Jiao back several steps. "You keep talking about strength, but you''re the one struggling right now.

    Maybe you should start questioning yourself."

    Ren Jiao sneered. "That brat¡ªhe¡¯s nothing. Why does Wudang care so much about this kid? You¡¯re throwing away your resources for what? Some foolish sense of duty?"

    Yuxian smirked, twisting his blade to redirect an incoming strike. "That¡¯s the difference between us. You fight for greed. I fight for balance."

    Yuxian shifted forward, pressing his advantage, but before he could follow through¡ª

    A bloodcurdling scream filled the air, cutting through their duel like a blade.

    Both fighters turned.

    Ren Shi had fallen.

    Juwon grabbed Ren Shi by the face and lifted him effortlessly. His legs dangled helplessly, his swollen face barely recognizable from the relentless beating.

    Juwon smirked. "Gap in our cultivation? Fancy techniques? Let me show you one more of my fancy techniques then."

    Ren Shi¡¯s eyes widened in terror. He tried to struggle, but his body refused to move. Nothing worked.

    Juwon¡¯s grip tightened¡ªhe had already realized this long ago. When Physician Bai had explained Xiulan¡¯s condition, a thought had struck him.

    Instead of allowing Qi to explode outward chaotically, what if it could be twisted and curled into itself, condensing into a spiraling force? A force that didn¡¯t just break¡ªbut drilled through everything in its path.

    Golden-white Qi surged from behind Juwon¡¯s shoulder, taking the shape of a coiling dragon, its golden tint shimmering against the darkness.

    The dragon twisted and curled around his arm in a spiral, the energy becoming denser and more refined with each passing second.

    It started slow, the dragon¡¯s form sluggish at first¡ªthen it began to rotate faster, tightening like a screw about to pierce through steel.

    Ren Shi¡¯s eyes widened in pure horror. He felt it. The inevitability of what was about to come.

    The dragon coiled tighter, spinning violently before it dove into Ren Shi¡¯s mouth.

    Silence

    Juwon smirked, watching the fear in Ren Shi¡¯s eyes.

    Void Break: Draconic Damnation

    A grotesque cracking sound echoed as his meridians twisted under the sheer force of the spiraling Qi.

    His veins bulged unnaturally, his entire body convulsing as his own energy was ripped apart and reshaped into destruction.

    Blood burst from eyes, then his nose and then every pore on the body, his Qi center collapsing under the unbearable pressure.

    His body writhed helplessly in Juwon¡¯s grasp¡ªthen, with one final rupture¡ª

    "This is what happens when an indestructible Qi tries to destroy itself, it destroys everyone and everything in its path instead"

    Golden-white Qi surged through Ren Shi¡¯s body. His meridians twisted unnaturally, his own Qi betraying him as it collapsed and imploded from the inside. Blood erupted from his mouth, his entire body convulsing violently before¡ª

    His frame burst apart, reduced to nothing but crimson mist.

    "No, no, no, no, no, no, NOOOOOO!!"

    Ren Jiao¡¯s pupils dilated, his breath coming out in ragged gasps. His entire body trembled, and for the first time, his rage was overshadowed by something else¡ªgrief.

    His vision blurred, not just from anger, but from the tears welling in his eyes. His younger brother, the one he had sworn to protect, lay in ruins before him. His lips quivered, a broken whisper escaping, "Shi... no..."His voice cracked as he gasped, "Shi... I told you to stay behind... I told you..." But no voice answered him. No cries of defiance. Just silence.

    His body shook violently, the veins in his neck bulging as a primal roar tore from his throat. The air around him crackled with unrestrained energy, his Qi surging chaotically, consuming his reason.

    A dark crimson mist emanated from his skin, tendrils of berserk Qi lashing wildly at the ground. The earth beneath him splintered, unable to withstand the sheer force of his rage. His fingers curled into claws, his nails digging into his own palms as his muscles expanded unnaturally. His eyes, now entirely bloodshot, glowed with an eerie red light, his very presence exuding an overwhelming killing intent.

    His breath came out as a deep, guttural snarl. He wasn''t just angry¡ªhe was transforming into a mindless beast driven by vengeance and unrelenting bloodlust.

    He had lost control.

    He had gone berserk.

    Juwon exhaled, feeling his own body reaching its limits. He knew what was coming next.

    This was getting out of hand.

 16. The Demon Unleashed

    Ren Jiao knelt beside what remained of his brother, his breath coming in short, ragged gasps.

    His fingers clawed into the blood-soaked earth, trembling as if he could still grasp Ren Shi¡¯s fading presence.

    His shoulders shook, his grief manifesting in silent, uncontrollable tremors.

    Then, he screamed.

    The sound ripped through the battlefield, raw and unfiltered, carrying with it the weight of his loss.

    A crimson mist seeped from his pores, wrapping around his form like a suffocating shroud.

    His muscles bulged unnaturally, veins darkening and pulsing beneath his skin as his Qi surged, unchecked, through his body.

    Juwon staggered beside Yuxian, his own body screaming in exhaustion. "What¡­ what is happening to him?"

    Yuxian¡¯s grip on his sword tightened, his expression dark. "This is why I despise the demonic cults. They allow this madness."

    The Heavenly Demon Cult cultivated two distinct types of Qi.

    Demonic Qi, refined over generations, was controlled and structured, wielded by those who trained with discipline.

    The other was Blood Qi, but this Qi was different. Forged through horrific sacrifices, bloodshed, and unholy rituals, Blood Qi was not simply cultivated¡ªit was taken from the suffering of others.

    It forcefully strengthened the body, allowing its wielder to surpass natural limits, but at an unspeakable price.

    The power was immense, yet fragile.

    It was unstable, chaotic, and corrupting.

    For most, one misstep or moment of weakness meant an inevitable death by Qi deviation¡ªthe body collapsing under its own uncontrollable energy.

    But for a rare few, those with unnatural talent and resilience, the outcome was something far worse.

    Instead of dying, their very essence twisted, reshaping them into something beyond human¡ªa beast of carnage, a demon fuelled by endless bloodlust..

    This is why most blood qi cultivators cultivated a mind-calming technique to supplement this side effect such as Heart sutra.

    However, Ren Jiao had now crossed a line with no going back.

    His form twisted, his bones cracking audibly as his transformation reached completion.

    Once sharp and calculating, his eyes were now pure, unfiltered rage.

    There was no reasoning left. Only the hunt.This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

    He charged.

    The ground exploded beneath him as he shot forward like a demon unleashed.

    Juwon barely managed to sidestep, but even the displaced wind from Ren Jiao¡¯s sheer momentum knocked him off balance.

    Yuxian intercepted, his sword clashing against clawed fingers that had hardened into something unnatural.

    The impact sent a shockwave rippling through the battlefield.

    The battle descended into chaos.

    Ren Jiao¡¯s movements were erratic but devastating.

    His attacks weren¡¯t measured or tactical¡ªthey were pure destruction.

    Each swipe of his claws carved deep trenches into the earth.

    Juwon dodged on instinct, but his body felt like it was moving through molasses.

    Every fiber of his being screamed in exhaustion.

    Yuxian pivoted, adjusting his stance.

    Cloud-Stepping Steps.

    His movement became weightless, allowing him to reposition faster than the eye could follow. His sword lashed out, striking Ren Jiao across the back.

    Yin-Yang Reversal Slash.

    The force redirected Ren Jiao¡¯s motion, sending him staggering sideways.

    But it wasn¡¯t enough.

    Juwon gritted his teeth.

    Every fight today had pushed him beyond his limits.

    Every enemy was stronger than the last. Every battle demanded more.

    Ren Jiao¡¯s clawed hand came down, and Juwon barely twisted out of the way.

    He countered with a desperate spinning back kick, slamming his heel into Ren Jiao¡¯s ribs.

    The impact was solid¡ªbut ineffective. Ren Jiao barely acknowledged it, his eyes still locked on Juwon.

    Juwon¡¯s heart pounded.

    He¡¯s not even reacting. He¡¯s too far gone.

    Yuxian lunged forward, aiming for Ren Jiao¡¯s exposed side, but the berserker moved unpredictably, lashing out with a devastating palm strike.

    Yuxian barely managed to block, but the force sent him tumbling backward.

    "Juwon! We need to fall back!" Yuxian¡¯s voice was strained.

    Juwon tried to move, but his limbs felt like lead. He could barely gather enough Qi to keep standing.

    Then¡ªhis left eye went dark. A sharp, stabbing pain shot through his skull, and suddenly, the world tilted.

    His balance wavered, the battlefield becoming a disorienting mess of blurred motion.

    He tried to refocus, but his depth perception was gone¡ªhis body was betraying him.

    A cold wave of dread filled his chest. He staggered, instincts screaming at him. Too slow.

    A surge of killing intent exploded behind him.

    Ren Jiao¡¯s clawed hand tore into Juwon¡¯s shoulder.

    The pain was instant and overwhelming. Juwon gasped, blood bursting from his mouth.

    His knees buckled, his body barely holding together.

    Too weak.

    Ren Jiao let out an animalistic snarl, his other claw rising.

    This time, he wouldn¡¯t miss the heart.

    Yuxian lunged, sword flashing, but he wasn¡¯t going to make it in time.

    The air cracked.

    A figure moved faster than sight, a blade flashing between Juwon and death.

    The impact sent Ren Jiao flying backward, his monstrous form slamming into the rubble.

    Before him stood a figure, his silhouette calm and unmoving amidst the chaos.

    His presence alone seemed to command the battlefield, his stance effortless yet absolute.

    Juwon barely registered the new presence, "Who?" a shadow amidst the battlefield, his sword gleaming with a quiet authority.

    Even in his fading consciousness, he could tell¡ªthis was not a normal swordsman.

    A voice filled the air. "Ah, Yuxian, you really can¡¯t go five minutes without getting into trouble, can you? What would you do without your big brother watching over you?"

    Yuxian groaned.

    "Perfect timing, as always." His tone carried a familiar ease¡ªone that spoke of long-standing trust.

    "It''s not my fault you keep finding trouble you can''t handle." The figure rolled his shoulders, flashing a grin. "You know me, always happy to lend a hand¡ªespecially when it makes me look good."

    Yuxian tilted his head with a sigh "Yeah Yeah, less talking more fighting"

    He straightened, with a smile. "Guess we¡¯ll save the heartfelt reunion for later, huh? Try not to die on me before I get to gloat properly."

    Juwon¡¯s body finally gave out.

    The battlefield blurred, his consciousness slipping.

    Everything went black.

 17. Wudang Sect, The Gates of Dao

    Juwon¡¯s consciousness drifted between darkness and fleeting sensations.

    A dull ache weighed on his body, his limbs refusing to move. Slowly, awareness returned¡ªthe warmth of a bed, the scent of aged wood, and the faint sound of rustling leaves carried by the mountain breeze.

    His eyelids fluttered open.

    Before him stretched an awe-inspiring view. Through the large window beside his bed, the landscape unfolded¡ªrolling mist-covered peaks, ancient trees swaying in the wind, and a serene lake reflecting the sky like an endless mirror.

    The golden hue of sunrise bathed the world in an ethereal glow.

    Juwon¡¯s breath hitched slightly.

    He had read about this place before.

    "Enjoying the view?"

    A voice interrupted his thoughts, playful yet composed.

    Juwon turned to see a man leaning lazily against the wooden frame of the doorway, his arms crossed, an easy smirk on his face.

    The very presence of this man seemed effortless yet commanding.

    "Welcome to Wudang Sect, little brother."

    The man pushed himself off the frame, walking into the room with casual elegance.

    "Zhang Yunfei. Core disciple of Wudang. You must be the troublemaker Yuxian can¡¯t stop talking about."

    Juwon¡¯s gaze flickered back toward the lake. "Taichi Lake¡­?" His voice was hoarse.

    Yunfei chuckled. "Fascinating, isn¡¯t it? This is Tianzhu Peak, overlooking the Taichi Lake of Tianshan. Of course, normal people don¡¯t even realize this place exists. From here, you can see everything¡ªbut from down there, no one can see us. A little trick of nature, enhanced by careful design."

    Juwon frowned slightly.

    "But historically, Taichi Lake was created by the South-North Water Diversion Project, meant to combat water scarcity."

    Yunfei¡¯s brows rose, amusement dancing in his eyes. "Ah, so you really are a historian. You¡¯re right¡ªon paper. But long before modern construction, this area was already home to countless villages. Sects, martial arts schools, and their influence shaped history in ways most people will never know."

    Juwon¡¯s interest piqued. "You mean, Wudang was involved in this?"

    Yunfei nodded, gazing at the distant lake. "A long time ago, people migrated here, drawn by the sect¡¯s protection and prosperity. But as times changed, so did our approach.

    Today, under the guise of multiple private enterprises, Wudang built and maintains this lake¡ªnot just for our secrecy, but for the people." He turned to Juwon, smirking. "You don¡¯t need armies when you control the land and water itself."Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.

    Juwon silently absorbed the weight of those words. The true power of the sects wasn¡¯t just in their martial prowess¡ªbut in their control over infrastructure and history itself.

    After a moment, he exhaled and asked, "What happened to the demon?"

    Yunfei¡¯s smirk faded slightly. "It fled. The battle dragged on, but eventually, even its frenzied rage couldn¡¯t keep up. It disappeared into the forest¡ªnot out of strategy, but out of helplessness.

    Maybe its Qi had finally run too thin."

    Juwon¡¯s fingers clenched against the sheets. "You let it go?"

    "I prioritized bringing you back," Yunfei said simply. "Chasing a mindless beast into unknown terrain wasn¡¯t worth losing a brother over."

    Juwon remained silent.

    He wasn¡¯t sure if he agreed or not. But he was alive because of that choice.

    Yunfei stretched, glancing toward the door. "The sect leader wants to meet you. Along with the elders. Rest up¡ªyou¡¯ll need it."

    As Yunfei left the room, Juwon stared at the ceiling, his mind unraveling the weight of everything that had happened.

    "The killing¡­" Juwon whispered to himself. "The way my Qi flared¡­ It was like something primal inside me was clawing to get out, craving destruction."

    "How did I change so much?" His own voice felt distant, unfamiliar.

    Juwon''s palm covering his face, "I used to struggle with killing a spider¡­ but now, I¡¯ve slaughtered two people."

    "But why did it feel¡­ different?"

    "Liang Rui¡­ Her Qi was demonic, but I did not feel the same bloodlust towards her"

    "But Ren Shi and Wei¡­ Their Qi¡­ It felt vile, unnatural. My killing intent¡­ was stronger against them. It was like something inside me rejected their existence." He clenched his fists. "Why?"

    Before he could dwell on it further, a familiar voice rang out.

    "Look who¡¯s finally awake!"

    Yuxian strode into the room, arms crossed, a cocky grin plastered across his face.

    "I was starting to think you¡¯d sleep through the sect leader¡¯s summons. Guess even monsters need their beauty rest."

    Juwon huffed out a tired laugh. "Good to see you too."

    Yuxian dragged a chair closer and sat down, arms resting on the back of it. "You really had us worried, you know. You looked half-dead when we brought you in."

    Juwon smirked slightly. "Only half? That''s an improvement."

    Yuxian rolled his eyes. "Figures you''d joke about it. But seriously, you¡¯re lucky to be alive."

    Juwon looked out the window, the view of Taichi Lake calming his restless mind.

    "I suppose I should thank you, then. You and Yunfei."

    Yuxian waved a hand. "Yeah, yeah, don¡¯t get all sentimental on me now. Besides, I wasn¡¯t the one who dragged your unconscious body up the mountain. That was all him. He¡¯ll probably remind you of it every chance he gets."

    Juwon nods with a pleasant smile.

    Yuxian¡¯s expression softened slightly as he took a seat by the window. "You feeling alright?"

    Juwon exhaled, glancing at his hands. "Physically? I¡¯ll live. Mentally? That¡¯s a different story."

    Yuxian studied him for a moment before nodding. "Yeah, I get it. First real kills hit harder than you¡¯d think."

    Juwon looked up at him. "So, you too..."

    Yuxian exhaled, nodding.

    "Wudang Sect has many enemies. And since the government helps us a lot, they ask us to do their bidding in return¡ªbreeding even more enemies. I didn¡¯t expect to be thrown into the mix as a kid, but..."

    He leaned back, staring at the ceiling for a moment before smirking. "Ah well, guess that¡¯s a story for another time."

    Followed by a momentary silence.

    Juwon looked up at him. "How did you deal with it?"

    Yuxian leaned back. "You don¡¯t. Not entirely. You just keep moving forward. Sometimes, that¡¯s all you can do."

    Once again, silence settled between them, not uncomfortable, but heavy with unspoken thoughts.

    Then Yuxian clapped his hands together. "Alright, enough brooding. Sect leader¡¯s waiting, and trust me, you don¡¯t want to keep him waiting."

    Juwon let out a slow breath, pushing himself up. His body still ached, but he felt steadier now.

    "Wait¡ªwhat about Xiulan? The medicine she needed... was it found?" Juwon asked, his voice firm despite his exhaustion.

    Yuxian nodded. "Yeah, don¡¯t worry. The sect took care of it. She¡¯s being treated by our best healers. With the right herbs and techniques, she¡¯ll recover soon enough."

    Juwon exhaled, a weight lifting from his chest. "Good... that¡¯s good." He glanced at Yuxian. "Let¡¯s go."

    With that, they stepped out into the halls of Wudang, where fate awaited.

 18. The last Celestial Guardian

    Juwon followed Yuxian through the vast halls of Wudang Sect, each step bringing him closer to the unknown.

    The towering wooden pillars, inscribed with ancient Daoist scripture, exuded an aura of wisdom and judgment.

    Despite the stillness of the temple grounds, an overwhelming pressure weighed down on him¡ªa silent warning that those inside were far beyond anything he had faced before.

    At the very heart of the hall, seated atop an elevated throne, was the Sect Leader.

    His long silver hair, streaked with faint traces of black, flowed over his broad shoulders.

    His face, aged yet powerful, carried the gaze of a man who had seen eras rise and fall.

    His robes, layered in deep indigo and gold, bore the emblem of Wudang¡¯s legacy.

    His hands rested gently over the armrests, yet his very presence commanded absolute silence.

    This was a man whose mere presence could decide fates.

    Juwon and Yuxian stepped forward and bowed respectfully.

    "State your name, where you come from, and who your martial master is," the Sect Leader commanded.

    Juwon felt the weight of every gaze upon him. His mind raced. Stay composed. Turn lies into truth.

    He inhaled deeply, keeping his voice steady.

    "To the world, I am known as Seo Juwon¡ªan archaeologist. That is the name and identity I have carried. But my martial path was never meant to be known."

    A ripple of murmurs spread through the hall, but the Sect Leader remained silent, watching him.

    "And... your master?" The Sect Leader¡¯s voice was firm yet laced with curiosity.

    "Who guided you on this path?"

    Juwon met the Sect Leader¡¯s gaze, his mind calculating the best response.

    To fabricate a lie carelessly was to invite death, but revealing nothing was just as dangerous.

    "My master¡¯s name is not something I can speak carelessly, Sect Leader. His existence carried weight upon this world itself."

    The Sect Leader¡¯s brow raised slightly. "Even if I am asking?"

    Juwon¡¯s voice did not waver.

    "Even if you are asking, esteemed Sect Leader."

    Silence settled over the hall.

    The words carried an unshakable finality.

    The moment Juwon¡¯s Qi flared, a bright flame of Qi erupted from his palm, flickering with unnatural intensity.

    The air around it rippled as murmurs filled the hall¡ªthe sheer nature of his Qi was unlike anything seen before.

    A sharp voice cut through the tension.

    "Boy, do you realize who stands before you? The Wudang Sect Leader is among the most respected figures in this land, and yet you refuse to answer him?" Elder Shen Mu, a senior figure within Wudang, stepped forward, his sharp eyes filled with scrutiny and frustration.

    Juwon responded, "It seems I have been disrespectful, Sect Leader. I only wish for my master to rest in peace, undisturbed by the affairs of the living."

    The Sect Leader waved his hand. "It is the duty of a disciple to uphold his master''s honor, and I will not press further. However, I have heard from my disciples that your Qi is unlike anything seen before. I would like you to project it now, so we may witness it ourselves.".

    Juwon took a slow breath, then raised his hand.

    A bright flame of Qi erupted from his palm, flickering with unnatural intensity. The golden energy danced like a living force, neither purely violent nor entirely serene, pulsing in rhythm with his breath.

    Murmurs spread through the hall¡ªsome filled with awe, others tinged with uncertainty.

    Even among seasoned cultivators, few had ever witnessed Qi take on such a form., flickering with unnatural intensity.

    The air around it rippled as murmurs filled the hall¡ªthe sheer nature of his Qi was unlike anything seen before.The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    "How is that possible?" Elder Shen Mu¡¯s voice carried both disbelief and suspicion.

    "How can someone¡¯s Qi take this form? This was only spoken of in legends. Where did you learn martial arts?"

    Juwon remained silent for a fraction of a second, enough for his mind to weave possibilities.

    To admit the truth would be suicide, but revealing too little would make him an enemy of the sect.

    "Sect Leader," Juwon finally spoke, his voice measured, "it seems Hei Long believes I possess something of value to them. Whether that is my martial ability or something else, even I cannot say."

    The Elder¡¯s expression darkened. The air around him shifted as a thick, oppressive Qi filled the hall.

    "You dare withhold the truth? Speak up."

    Juwon¡¯s body screamed under the pressure. He had felt killing intent before¡ªbut this was different.

    His breath hitched, his muscles stiffening, but he forced himself to hold his ground.

    "Enough." The Sect Leader¡¯s voice cut through the room like a blade, dispelling the Elder¡¯s Qi instantly. "Elder Shen Mu, restrain yourself. The boy will answer in due time."

    The Elder took a step back, though his lingering gaze held clear hostility.

    The Sect Leader then turned to Juwon, his expression unreadable.

    "Do you even understand the power you wield?"

    A sudden wave of killing intent flooded the hall.

    It was suffocating. Ancient. As if the weight of history itself had descended upon Juwon.

    Juwon¡¯s mind raced. How do I survive this?

    Then, an idea struck him.

    He straightened, steadying his breath. Then, closing his eyes, he gathered what little Qi he had left and let it flare outward.

    A bright flame of Qi erupted from his palm, flickering with unnatural intensity. The air around it rippled as murmurs filled the hall¡ªthe sheer nature of his Qi was unlike anything seen before.

    Juwon recalled Yuxian¡¯s words after his fight with Wei Tong¡ªthe moment Yuxian had whispered in awe, ''Heavenly Dragon Emperor¡­'' That was where it began. He didn''t know the full truth, but he understood one thing¡ªperception was power.

    If Wudang held knowledge of the Celestial Guardians, then all he had to do was let them see what they already believed in.

    Then, the moment came.

    Juwon clenched his fist¡ªand this time, he did not hold back.

    Behind him, a massive spectral dragon head manifested, its piercing gaze sweeping over the hall.

    The energy twisted unnaturally¡ªimposing yet divine.

    Juwon¡¯s voice rang through the silence.

    "Heed my call¡­ For it is i who wield the power of the Dragon Emperor."

    For a heartbeat, nothing moved.

    Then, chaos erupted.

    The Sect Leader¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change, but his gaze sharpened.

    One of the Elders took a step forward, voice thick with disbelief. "Sect Leader¡­ could it be?"

    Without a word, the Sect Leader descended from his pedestal, walking toward Juwon.

    He stopped before him, then bowed his head slightly, bringing one fist to meet his palm.

    "Zhang Taichen, Sect Leader of Wudang, greets the last great disciple of the Celestial Guardians."

    Juwon stiffened, his mind reeling. Celestial what now? He had expected doubt, accusations even, but not this.

    Yuxian took a sharp breath, staring at Juwon as if seeing him for the first time.

    Yunfei, for once, had no witty remark.

    Elder Shen Mu immediately stepped forward, his expression shifting from disbelief to outright indignation.

    "Sect Leader! This is outrageous!! Are we truly accepting his words without question? He could be an imposter!"

    The Sect Leader¡¯s gaze sharpened, his voice like steel.

    "Do not disrespect the Qi of the Ancient Gods, nor question the bloodline of those who carried their will."

    Elder Shen Mu¡¯s hands clenched into fists. "Then-Then let him prove it! If he is truly the last disciple of the Celestial Guardians, let him demonstrate it in combat! Wudang does not bow to words alone."

    Sect Leader nodded with a sigh.

    A young Outer Disciple, Liang Fei, stepped forward, his face twisted in irritation. His sharp features were set in a deep scowl, his stance rigid with barely contained frustration. "I¡¯ll fight him." "I¡¯ll fight him."

    Juwon studied him, then shook his head. "No."

    Liang Fei scowled. "What? Are you looking down on me?"

    Juwon exhaled, meeting Liang Fei¡¯s glare with an unreadable expression.

    "It¡¯s not about looking down on you. I don¡¯t wish to harm a fellow Wudang disciple. Give me someone stronger."

    The Sect Leader chuckled, his gaze shifting between Juwon and Liang Fei.

    "Very well."

    The Sect Leader turned to the assembled disciples. His gaze swept over them before he spoke.

    "Luo Chen, step forward."

    From the ranks of the Inner Disciples, a tall figure emerged.

    Luo Chen, a well-respected Inner Disciple, moved with deliberate grace.

    His broad shoulders and toned physique were wrapped in the flowing robes of Wudang, though his presence carried none of the ostentation of others. His hair was cut short, unlike many of his peers, emphasizing his sharp jawline and focused gaze.

    His eyes, a piercing dark brown, studied Juwon with quiet intensity¡ªneither hostile nor friendly, but purely analytical, as if already calculating the upcoming battle. His sharp eyes measured Juwon with quiet intensity.

    The Sect Leader¡¯s voice carried across the vast hall, commanding absolute attention. "You will face him," he declared, gesturing toward Luo Chen. "Luo Chen is among the finest of Wudang¡¯s Inner Disciples.

    If you are truly worthy of the Celestial Guardian¡¯s legacy, then prove it before all of Wudang."

    The air grew thick with anticipation, disciples shifting in excitement as murmurs rippled through the crowd.

    Liang Fei scoffed, his arms crossing tightly over his chest, his lips curling into a sneer. "Talk is cheap. Let¡¯s see how long that arrogance lasts when you stand before Brother Chen."

    His voice carried through the hall, drawing whispers and quiet laughter from the surrounding disciples. Some nodded in agreement, while others watched Juwon with a mix of curiosity and doubt.

    The announcement sent a wave of energy through the sect, spreading like wildfire.

    The corridors buzzed with speculation, disciples whispering about the audacity of the challenge. By evening, the training grounds would be overflowing¡ªsome eager to witness history in the making, others simply wanting to see if the so-called Celestial Guardian would crumble under Wudang¡¯s might.

    Conversations buzzed in every corner of the hall, excitement and skepticism blending into an atmosphere thick with tension.

    Zhang Taichen stepped forward, his gaze sweeping over the assembled disciples, silencing the murmurs with his mere presence.

    "The match will be held at sundown in the Heavenly Ascendance Arena," he declared, his voice firm and absolute. "All disciples are permitted to observe. Let none say that Wudang does not recognize the weight of one''s words."

    In the midst of the roaring crowd, Seo Juwon stood motionless. Then, just for a moment, the corner of his lips curled into a smirk.

 19. The Breakthrough Before Battle

    The hall was silent as Zhang Taichen turned toward one of the Sword Pavilion¡¯s senior elders, a composed man with streaks of silver in his hair and a firm but collected demeanor.

    "Elder Huang Long, see to it that Seo Juwon is taken to a resting chamber. If he wishes, you may grant him access to the Sword Pavilion¡¯s cultivation chamber."

    Elder Huang Long stepped forward, bowing slightly. "Understood, Sect Leader."

    Turning to Juwon, he gave a slight nod. "Come with me."

    Juwon followed the elder through the winding corridors of Wudang, the murmurs of disciples fading as they left the main hall. The cool mountain air filtered through the open walkways, but Juwon remained focused. He had no interest in resting. There was still too much to refine before his match.

    After a few moments of walking, Elder Huang Long spoke. "You may rest in one of the guest chambers, or you may enter the cultivation chamber. The choice is yours."

    Juwon didn¡¯t hesitate. "The cultivation chamber. I need to refine myself before the battle."

    A small flicker of approval crossed Huang Long¡¯s face, but it was gone as quickly as it came. "Very well, but understand that while I can grant you entry, I cannot guide you. That is something you must earn."

    Juwon nodded. "That¡¯s fine."

    The elder studied him for a moment longer before exhaling. "Luo Chen is no ordinary opponent. He has trained under Elder Shen Mu, and the Phantom Shadow Pavilion is known for its precision. Shen Mu may¡­ ensure Luo Chen is well-prepared."

    Juwon smirked slightly. "It won¡¯t change the outcome."

    Huang Long raised an eyebrow. "You are confident. But tell me, how much do you truly understand about cultivation realms?"

    Juwon¡¯s mind worked quickly. Admitting his ignorance outright could raise suspicion. He chose his words carefully. "My training was¡­ unconventional. My master focused on martial refinement rather than structured cultivation teachings. I have learned through battle, not through classification."

    The elder¡¯s eyes flickered with intrigue. "A strange method, but not necessarily an ineffective one. Then let me clarify¡ªcultivation is not merely about amassing Qi. Each realm represents a transformation."

    Juwon listened intently. "Qi Awakening is about sensing and absorbing Qi. Foundation Establishment refines that Qi into a stable flow, strengthening both body and spirit. Core Formation takes that stability and condenses it into something greater¡ªa reservoir of power known as the Golden Core. And beyond that¡­ the transformation continues."

    Juwon nodded. "So, every stage is more than just a step up in power¡ªit¡¯s a shift in how Qi functions within the body."

    "Exactly," Huang Long confirmed. "And you are on the cusp of taking your first true step into the world of cultivators."

    They arrived at the cultivation chamber. Huang Long gestured toward the door. "Go. If you truly wish to stand against Luo Chen, refine yourself before battle."

    Juwon stepped inside without hesitation.

    <hr>

    The moment he entered, he felt it¡ªthe dense, untouched Qi circulating through the room. He settled into a seated position, closing his eyes, and began to breathe.

    In. Hold. Out.

    His mind sharpened, drawing upon the memories of his past fights. Wei Tong¡¯s brutality. Ren Shi¡¯s arrogance. Ren Jiao¡¯s overwhelming power. Each battle had taught him something, and now those lessons merged into one.

    "Wei Tong relied on brute strength, but he lacked refinement. Ren Shi had technique, but no adaptability. Ren Jiao¡­ his power was overwhelming, but it consumed him. What do I take from all of them? Strength means nothing without control. Technique without awareness is wasted. Power without restraint is destruction."Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

    His breath steadied as realization settled in. "I¡¯ve been fighting against my own limitations, but now¡­ now I understand. My martial path isn¡¯t about being the strongest¡ªit¡¯s about mastery, adaptation, and pushing beyond my own limits."

    His Qi surged, flowing in a steady cycle. This breathing technique¡­ it''s evolving. "I can feel it," he murmured. "The efficiency, the control¡ªit''s all changing." He could feel the refinements, the improvements.

    His Qi moved cleaner, more efficiently, spreading through his limbs and repairing the hidden injuries from battle.

    He performed his breathing technique for several hours.

    And then it happened.

    A tremor ran through his dantian, a shift so profound it felt as though a door had opened within him. His Qi surged, no longer unstable but controlled, flowing like an endless river. His entire being felt renewed, as though reforged from within.

    Foundation Establishment Realm.

    He exhaled, his body thrumming with newfound energy. So this is what it feels like. His dantian was no longer a simple vessel¡ªit was now a refined, stabilized core, cycling Qi without effort.

    He wasn¡¯t done yet.

    He stood, his muscles coiling with untapped strength. He clenched his fists, and without thinking, he began to test himself.

    He launched a series of rapid strikes, refining the variations of Dragon Fang Void Break. "Draconic Damnation¡­ Flash Fist¡­" he muttered, testing each with newfound fluidity. "It¡¯s like my body finally understands what I¡¯ve been trying to do all this time."

    He avoided the full execution¡ªhe had no intention of destroying the chamber¡ªbut instead focused on Flash Fist.

    Each strike came faster, cleaner. He could feel the difference.

    Then, he shifted his stance. Celestial Dragon Steps.

    Before, it had felt incomplete, like trying to run through knee-deep water. Now? It flowed.

    "Was it really this difficult before? Damn, no wonder I was struggling so much. I was basically forcing my body to move instead of letting it guide me." His footwork came effortlessly, and as he executed Draconic Mirage Step, five afterimages flickered into existence.

    Juwon was excited, "Now, onto the next one."

    He focused, letting his Qi sink into his steps, performing the moves he saw within the dusted tome. "Now, let''s push further. If I can master this¡­"

    Void Drifting Steps.

    He vanished¡ªonly for an instant¡ªreappearing a few feet away.

    A short range, nothing compared to its full potential, but it worked.

    "What¡ªwhat just happened?" His breath was uneven, his senses struggling to adjust.

    "I moved through space¡­ but I didn¡¯t just step¡ªI broke into it. This¡­ this is different." His Qi wavered slightly¡ªit drained him more than expected. "Damn, just three times and I¡¯m already near empty? So this technique isn¡¯t just about movement¡­ the energy cost is insane."

    He tested it twice more before stopping, realizing that using it a fourth time would deplete him entirely.

    So this is my limit for now.

    He exhaled, letting the energy settle. "Not bad," he muttered. "But it¡¯s still draining too much Qi. Three uses¡­ I need to improve this." He once again sat in a lotus position, allowing his breathing technique to replenish his Qi over the next two hours. His Qi had transformed.

    His breathing technique had ascended to the Foundation Stage, syncing with his body in a way it never had before.

    Unlike others, his breathing technique could be used in battle, allowing slight regeneration during combat. It wasn¡¯t much now, but as his cultivation grew, so would its potential.

    <hr>

    A few hours earlier

    Outside the chamber, the energy spillover was impossible to ignore.

    A deep pulse reverberated through the sect, sending ripples of Qi outward like shockwaves in a still lake. The air grew heavier, charged with raw energy that made even seasoned disciples pause mid-practice.

    Some disciples instinctively took a step back, unsettled. Others leaned in, eyes widening. Qi fluctuations from breakthroughs were normal¡ªbut this? This was something else entirely.

    Yuxian sat with Yunfei on a raised balcony overlooking the training grounds, his hands resting behind his head as he felt the shift in the air. The pulse of energy sent a shiver down his spine before settling into a steady, commanding presence.

    He grinned. "He really did it."

    Yunfei, standing beside him, gave a small nod. "Haha who extrudes such presence when breaking through to foundation establishment?¡­It seems like my little brother has found a monster this time"

    Below them, murmurs spread like wildfire as disciples turned toward the cultivation chamber, their expressions ranging from awe to outright disbelief. Qi flared from the sealed doors, rippling outward like waves across the sect.

    Elder Shen Mu, observing from afar, narrowed his eyes. His fingers tapped idly against the wooden railing. "Tch¡­" His gaze darkened. "It seems I underestimated him. That changes things." The elder walked away with haste as though to prepare for the unexpected. "If this boy keeps advancing at this rate¡­ we may have a problem."

    The doors to the chamber creaked open, Juwon stepped outside, and a messenger disciple stood before him.

    "Seo Juwon, the Sect Leader has summoned you to the Heavenly Ascendance Arena for your bout with Luo Chen"

    Juwon stepped forward, his heartbeat steady and a subtle smirk

    "Time to surprise the Wudang sect a little more."

 20. The Trial by Combat

    The Heavenly Ascendance Arena stood at the heart of Wudang sect, a grand circular battleground surrounded by towering stands.

    Hundreds of disciples had gathered, their murmurs blending into an anxious hum.

    Above them, seated on an elevated platform, were the sect elders, their gazes sharp with anticipation.

    At the highest point, Sect Leader Zhang Taichen sat, his expression unreadable as he observed the unfolding events.

    Juwon walked steadily toward the stage, his footsteps echoing across the stone floor. His presence drew a mix of reactions¡ªsome skeptical, some intrigued, and others outright hostile.

    "He¡¯s just an outsider. Does he really deserve this match?"

    "But he broke through to Foundation Establishment in record time. That¡¯s not normal."

    "Even if he¡¯s talented, Luo Chen is an elite at the mid Foundation Establishment realm while Seo Juwon just reached Foundation Establishment. This won¡¯t be easy."

    <hr>

    In the distance, Shen Mu stood beside Luo Chen, his voice low. "You know what to do. An outsider, yet he is given such honor? That alone is troubling. If things don¡¯t go our way, make sure he doesn¡¯t walk away from this unscathed."

    Luo Chen hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Yes, Elder."

    <hr>

    Juwon stepped onto the platform, standing across from Luo Chen. The tension was palpable.

    Luo Chen exhaled sharply, his gaze fixed on Juwon. "You don¡¯t have to do this," he said, his voice low but firm. "This will not end well for you. Even if you are not honored as a guardian, you will still be treated as a guest in Wudang. Walk away now, and you can leave with dignity."

    Juwon let out a short, humorless chuckle. "With the techniques I hold? And your elder¡¯s viciousness? Yeah right. I suggest you stop wasting my time and just come at me."

    Luo Chen¡¯s expression hardened.

    He shook his head, his grip tightening around his sword. "You brought this upon yourself."

    Elder Huang Long raised his hand. "This match will be fought under standard sect rules. No killing. Victory is determined by a clear defeat or surrender. If the match is prolonged, the Sect Leader will call the result. Begin!"

    Luo Chen moved first, vanishing into shifting mirages as he executed Cascading Afterimage Steps.

    A dozen blurred figures surrounded Juwon in an instant, each moving in tandem, making it impossible to tell which was real.

    Juwon remained still, his eyes narrowing with an arrogant smirk. "Illusions? Wow, but I can do that too."

    Luo Chen struck from behind, his sword slicing through the air in a Phantom Veil Slash.

    But Juwon had already moved. Draconic Mirage Step. A flicker, a blur¡ªhis afterimage shattered as he reappeared a few feet away, completely untouched.

    Gasps rippled through the crowd.

    "He dodged it? Even against Luo Chen¡¯s Phantom Steps?"

    Luo Chen¡¯s expression darkened. His blade flicked outward, unleashing a flurry of Shadow Fang Strikes¡ªbut Juwon didn¡¯t retreat. Instead, he shifted forward, weaving through the attacks with precision. His footwork had evolved.

    Then came the counterattack.

    Juwon¡¯s fist blurred, striking out with Flash Fist.

    Luo Chen barely twisted away in time, but not before the sheer force of the strike sent cracks through the arena floor.

    The battle had only begun, but already, the difference in their combat strength was clear.

    <hr>

    If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    "He¡¯s¡­ overwhelming him," Yunfei observed, watching from the balcony.

    Yuxian smirked. "Of course. Did you think Juwon would struggle against someone in the same realm?"

    Luo Chen gritted his teeth. He had expected Juwon to be strong, but this¡ªthis was something else entirely. His strikes were relentless, his footwork unreadable.

    No matter how many times he tried to create an opening, Juwon was always one step ahead, his attacks growing sharper, heavier.

    Luo Chen feinted left and twisted his sword downward in a sweeping arc, aiming to catch Juwon off guard.

    But Juwon stepped into the attack instead of away, parrying the blade with his forearm before driving his knee into Luo Chen¡¯s ribs.

    Luo Chen gasped, staggering back.

    Juwon gave him no time to recover.

    He slid forward, his movement fluid like flowing water, and delivered a devastating roundhouse kick to Luo Chen¡¯s side.

    The impact sent him skidding across the stage, his boots scraping against the stone floor.

    Luo Chen barely managed to recover before Juwon was on him again.

    A flurry of blows followed¡ªa left hook, a spinning back elbow, and a downward hammer fist. Fists laced with Flash Fist, kicks coated in primordial qi.

    Luo Chen deflected the first strike, dodged the second, but the third slammed into his shoulder, forcing him down to one knee.

    Luo Chen''s breathing turned ragged. He couldn''t land a decisive blow. His strikes were relentless, his footwork unreadable.

    No matter how many times he tried to create an opening, Juwon was always one step ahead, his attacks growing sharper, heavier. Luo Chen''s breathing turned ragged. He couldn''t land a decisive blow.

    Doubt crept into his mind. No, this can''t be happening. He tightened his grip around his weapon. If I don''t stop him now... I won''t be able to stop him at all.

    For the first time, hesitation flickered across his face. He took a sharp step back, eyes darting toward Elder Shen Mu in the stands. His mentor¡¯s face remained cold, but his fingers curled slightly¡ªa signal.

    Luo Chen swallowed hard.

    His fingers trembled before they darted toward his sleeve.

    A thin, nearly imperceptible weapon slipped into his grasp

    Thousand Phantom Needle¡ªa legendary needle, laced with poison that disrupts qi flow within the meridians making them explode.

    He hesitated, his conscience warring within him. He hadn''t wanted this. Not like this.

    But Juwon was still advancing.

    Luo Chen clenched his jaw, his eyes flashing with forced resolve. "I didn¡¯t want to do this¡­ but you leave me no choice."

    His hand flicked to his sleeve, and before anyone could react, a thin needle shot out¡ªcoated in a venomous, near-invisible poison.

    Juwon felt the prick against his shoulder before he even saw it. His body stiffened. His vision blurred.

    The crowd gasped.

    Juwon staggered slightly, his breath coming out ragged. His limbs felt heavy, sluggish.

    Poison.

    The crowd fell into stunned silence.

    A voice cut through the air, sharp and cold. "Kill him." It was Elder Shen Mu.

    Juwon tried to move, but his body wouldn¡¯t respond properly.

    His Qi circulation was in disarray. He barely managed to take a defensive stance, each step each movement weighed heavy.

    Luo Chen, gritting his teeth, lunged forward with a kick to Juwon''s ribs.

    The impact was brutal.

    Juwon was sent flying, crashing hard against the stone floor. Smoke and dust erupted around him.

    <hr>

    "Tch, I told you," Shen Mu sneered, stepping forward. "He was a fake. A fraud. The Celestial Guardians are long dead¡ªthis outsider is nothing but a pathetic liar."

    "Elder Shen Mu!" Zhang Taichen¡¯s voice boomed across the arena, his expression dark. "It is forbidden to use hidden weapons in sect duels!"

    Shen Mu turned, his tone smooth yet unwavering. "Yes, esteemed sect leader." While bowing down, wearing a sly smirk. "In sect duels between disciples. But Juwon.... is not a disciple of Wudang. And you, Sect Leader, were the one who demanded he prove himself."

    Yuxian¡¯s Qi surged in fury. "You coward! You poisoned him and still call this a fair fight?!"

    Yunfei placed a hand on Yuxian¡¯s shoulder, stopping him. "Not now," he murmured, his voice unusually serious.

    Murmurs rippled through the crowd.

    "He¡¯s right. If he was truly a Celestial Guardian, would he really die to mere poison?"

    "But what if he was a Celestial Guardian?"

    "Tch, but we could have taken in such a talent¡­ Why did the Sect Leader send him to die?"

    Sect leader frowned "So that''s how you are playing it elder"

    <hr>

    Then, suddenly¡ªA wave of energy surged through the arena.

    The smoke was blasted away, revealing Juwon standing in the center of the battlefield, completely unharmed.

    Silence. Absolute silence.

    The entire sect watched in stunned disbelief.

    Juwon¡¯s hand was wrapped around Luo Chen¡¯s throat, effortlessly lifting him off the ground.

    His breath was heavy, his vision sharp despite the lingering effects of the poison. His entire body radiated fury.

    A deep growl rumbled from his throat. "You." His grip tightened. "What did you do to my body?"

    A surge of energy swirled behind him.

    From his shoulder, a dragon emerged, coiling around his arm, its form shimmering with raw, unrestrained Qi.

    The energy spiraled faster, the air around it distorting violently as if space itself was trembling under its presence. The dragon¡¯s mouth opened, its spiraling form drilling forward toward Luo Chen¡¯s neck.

    The audience froze, their eyes locked onto the impossible sight. The sheer force emanating from Juwon¡¯s body made even the elders lean forward, their expressions shifting from doubt to disbelief.

    Luo Chen¡¯s breath came in shallow gasps. He knew what was coming. "I¡ªI was only doing what Elder Shen Mu asked¡ª"

    "You insolent fool!" Shen Mu shot forward, his Qi exploding outward as he launched toward Juwon.

    Juwon¡¯s gaze snapped toward him. Without a second thought, he threw Luo Chen aside and faced the elder directly.

    "Elder, don¡¯t¡ª!" Zhang Taichen stood from his throne.

    "Brother! No!" Yuxian shouted, trying to move.

    Yunfei stopped and exhaled, his expression unreadable. "It¡¯s too late."

    Juwon inhaled. Deeply. Eyes Closed.

    And as he opened them with qi bursting out from his eyes.

    ¡ªhe roared.

    Heaven Devouring Dragon Roar

 21. Roar of the Dragon

    Elder Shen Mu lunged forward, his Qi-infused palm strike aimed directly at Juwon¡¯s heart.

    The force behind it could shatter boulders, but Juwon remained still. His eyes, dark and piercing, held no fear¡ªonly calculation.

    Then¡ªhe inhaled deeply.

    A sound unlike anything heard before tore through the arena. A deep, resonating roar, not of man, but of something far older, far more terrifying. The very air trembled, carrying the weight of ancient dominion.

    <hr>

    The Heaven-Devouring Dragon Roar erupted from Juwon¡¯s core, a formless yet overwhelming force shaking the entire sect grounds.

    The shockwave crashed into Shen Mu¡¯s strike, erasing his gathered Qi instantly. His attack, once filled with lethal intent, became nothing but a powerless touch against Juwon¡¯s chest.

    A beat passed. Then, the true effects of the Dragon Roar rippled outward.

    - Half the outer disciples crumpled, their organs rattled from the shock.

    - Inner disciples staggered, covering their ears as some coughed up blood.

    - Senior disciples held their ground, yet even they felt an unbearable weight pressing upon them.

    - Elders narrowed their eyes, their expressions unreadable, but their bodies stiff with restrained tension.

    The entire sect bore witness to something that should not exist in this era.

    Shen Mu¡¯s face twisted in confusion. His Qi was gone, his body refusing to move under the sheer dominance of Dragon¡¯s Killing Intent.

    He could see a massive, spectral dragon head materializing behind Juwon, its golden eyes burning with an ancient fury, its maw wide open, ready to rip his head off.

    A primal, ancient fear clawed at his soul, reducing him to nothing more than prey before an apex predator.

    Terrified.

    He tried to step back. He had to step back.

    But a firm grip tightened around his forearm.

    Juwon¡¯s lips curled into a slow, terrifying smirk. His voice was low, mocking.

    ¡°Caught you.¡±

    Before Shen Mu could react, Juwon¡¯s palm was slowly and calmly kept against his chest.

    Utter silence

    A surge of golden Qi erupted.

    Dragon Claw: Dragon¡¯s Wrath!

    The primordial Qi could not be seen outside of Juwon''s hand. However, there was a faint yellow glow inside the elder''s torso. Suddenly, a shockwave of raw force exploded from Juwon¡¯s strike, engulfing Shen Mu¡¯s torso.

    The elder¡¯s body was launched backward like a ragdoll, crashing into the stone ground with a thunderous impact. The elder spat blood. "Ugh"Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.

    Dust and debris scattered as the elder coughed violently, blood splattering against his robes. His chest burned; the imprint of Juwon¡¯s palm seared into his skin.

    Juwon exhaled, lowering his hand.

    ¡°I want you to remember. If not for the respect for Sect Leader, I could¡¯ve taken your arm.¡±

    Murmurs filled the air.

    The sect had never seen anything like this.

    Shen Mu, panting, forced himself upright. His fingers clenched the stone beneath him, his voice a breathless whisper.

    ¡°I have to kill him¡­ we have to kill him.¡±

    His Qi surged again, his killing intent fully ignited.

    But before he could attack, a blinding golden flash split the battlefield.

    Sect Leader Zhang Taichen had landed.

    His mere presence silenced the entire arena.

    ¡°Enough.¡±

    The authority in his voice made Shen Mu hesitate.

    Yet, his rage was not extinguished.

    ¡°Sect Leader, do you intend to take his side? How preposterous! He nearly killed a disciple! And now an elder?¡±

    The crowd was split.

    Some disciples nodded, others murmured uncertainly.

    Liang Fei scoffed, his voice laced with disdain.

    ¡°Yes, Sect Leader! How can we allow an outsider to challenge the very foundation of Wudang? He has no lineage, no right! Are we to simply accept him among us?¡±¡±

    Another voice interjected, calmer but firm. ¡°But is that not what we all witnessed? Both of them fought with deadly intent. Should we ignore that and act as if only he is to blame?¡±¡±

    Liang Fei sneered, his frustration mounting. ¡°So what if they fought? The burden of proof was on him! He had to demonstrate beyond doubt that he is a Celestial Guardian! And yet, no matter how strong he is, he remains an outsider! Are we truly so quick to abandon tradition?¡±¡±

    Zhang Taichen¡¯s gaze hardened, his expression one of unwavering authority as he stepped forward, the weight of his presence pressing upon the sect like an immovable mountain.

    ¡°You had no place in this fight, Shen Mu.¡±

    His voice was calm, but the disappointment beneath it was unmistakable. ¡°And I witnessed it myself¡ªthe Thousand Phantom Needle. Your own hidden weapon, laced with lethal intent. A weapon meant not to test, but to kill."

    "You intended to kill him from the very beginning. I am willing to overlook this foronce. But do not test my patience¡±

    Shen Mu flinched, his face contorting between defiance and forced submission, his pride battling against the undeniable truth before him.

    His fists trembled at his sides, his knuckles white from the force of his grip, yet no words came to defend himself.

    The truth had been laid bare for all to see.

    With a sharp, deliberate turn, he flung his robes with frustration, striding away with rigid movements, every step a barely contained storm of fury.

    ¡°Mph¡­ This is outrageous.¡± His voice, though muttered, carried across the silent courtyard, laced with bitter resentment and humiliation.

    Yet, even as he retreated, the embers of his fury simmered beneath his skin, unresolved and dangerous.

    <hr>

    Zhang Taichen turned toward the sect, his voice calm yet absolute

    ¡°All of you¡ªdid you feel it? Did you see it? That was no ordinary Qi technique.¡±

    The murmurs in the crowd grew louder, uncertainty spreading.

    ¡°The boy unleashed a true Dragon¡¯s Roar¡ªa technique passed down to our ancestral guardian by the True Dragon Gods themselves.

    ¡°This is no mistake. No illusion. What we witnessed today is the power of our history¡ªof our legacy. And this boy, whether he willed it or not, has proven something undeniable."

    A pause.

    He let the weight of his next words settle deep into their bones.

    ¡°For centuries, the Guardians have protected this land. They stood beside Wudang, defending its people, preserving its traditions. And now, a Guardian has returned.¡±

    The silence was deafening. Eyes widened, breaths held.

    ¡°No matter how young he may be, no matter where he came from, it is our duty to uphold their honor. This moment marks a new era. This moment marks a celebration.¡±

    His voice rose, ringing out across the sect.

    ¡°This marks the return of our Guardian¡ªprotector of the mainland!¡±

    Juwon, barely standing, felt his vision blur. His body had reached its limit.

    As the weight of expectation settled onto his shoulders, his mind wavered.

    He saw the crowd bowing in respect and adoration.

    His lips barely moved as the world faded to black.

    ¡°But I can¡¯t be bound to¡ª¡±

    His body collapsed.

    And darkness took him.

 22. The Unfolding Mystery and Qi Serum

    Juwon groaned as his consciousness returned, the familiar weight of exhaustion pressing down on him. His body ached. He had collapsed. Again.

    ¡°Not again¡­ Is this going to happen every time I fight now?¡±

    A familiar voice, laced with amusement. ¡°Good thing you have us to protect you.¡±

    Juwon cracked one eye open to see Yuxian grinning down at him. ¡°Yeah, yeah, says the guy who stood there watching me almost die at his elder¡¯s hands.¡±

    ¡°Hey, we were too far away, man,¡± Yuxian defended, with puppy eyes. ¡°Besides, you handled yourself just fine.¡±

    Juwon sighed, shaking his head with a smirk. ¡°Glad to see you guys.¡±

    ¡°Enough chitchat,¡± Yunfei interrupted, arms crossed. ¡°Get up and get ready. Sect Leader is calling you.¡±

    Juwon groaned again, rubbing his temples. ¡°I¡¯m having d¨¦j¨¤ vu, huh?¡±

    <hr>

    Elder Huang Long led Juwon through a secret passage that wound deep into the mountains.

    The tunnel, carved smoothly from stone, twisted and turned before opening up to a flight of ancient stairs leading to a secluded courtyard high up in the peaks.

    Beyond it lay the Sect Leader¡¯s residence.

    Juwon¡¯s expectations of grandeur were immediately shattered though, when he stepped forward.

    Zhang Taichen''s residence was an architectural paradox¡ªsleek glass walls, minimalist furniture, and an infinity pool that overlooked the mountains, blending modern luxury with ancient seclusion.

    The scent of fresh tea mixed with the crisp mountain air, creating an ambiance more suited to a high-end retreat than the abode of a revered sect leader.

    <hr>

    Zhang Taichen, the ever-imposing Sect Leader of Wudang, was lounging in an open-button shirt, sunglasses perched lazily on his nose, with some shorts on, and a steaming cup of tea in hand. He stood near a pool, its crystal waters reflecting the mountain peaks beyond.

    ¡°Oh, hey, Juwon! Welcome to my humble abode. I¡¯ve brewed some tea¡ªit¡¯s on the table. Help yourself. Or should I say, ¡®Elder Guardian¡¯ now?¡±

    Juwon blinked, then deadpanned. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I think I got the wrong place.¡±

    ¡°Hey, hey, hey, Its me! I am the Sect Leader,¡± Zhang Taichen protested, pushing his sunglasses up.

    Juwon gave him a long look. ¡°Seriously, what happened to the all-powerful, stoic Sect Leader we all saw? The one with the stone-cold face? Now you are here looking like you¡¯re on vacation.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s me at work,¡± Zhang Taichen said, sipping his tea. ¡°This is just me at home.

    ¡­ *after a moment of silence and a weird look from Juwon*¡­

    What? I can''t be serious all the time. I''ll get wrinkles.¡±

    Juwon raised a brow. ¡°Also, what¡¯s with the Wi-Fi setup? You seriously have internet up here?¡±

    ¡°Do you have any idea how much it costs to redirect satellites for reception up here?¡± Zhang Taichen scoffed.

    Juwon rolled his eyes. ¡°Whatever, rich guy. Now let''s get to the point. What did you call me here for, esteemed gang boss?¡±

    Zhang chuckled. ¡°Two things. First, I want you to understand Wudang Sect properly.¡±

    Juwon groaned, rubbing his temples. ¡°Oh no, here comes a lecture.¡±

    Zhang smirked. ¡°Yes, and you should listen. Wudang isn¡¯t just one unified, harmonious group of martial sages meditating under waterfalls. It¡¯s a sect of factions, each with their own ideologies, ambitions, and power struggles.¡±

    Juwon arched an eyebrow. ¡°Factions? You mean to tell me you guys aren¡¯t just monks sipping tea and contemplating the Dao?¡±This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

    Zhang chuckled. ¡°Oh, we do that too. But power breeds politics. Wudang is divided into five major pavilions, each with a different approach to cultivation and their own sphere of influence.¡±

    He took a sip of tea before continuing. ¡°The Heavenly Sword Pavilion is Wudang¡¯s martial vanguard. They train the best swordsmen, uphold discipline, and believe in absolute mastery over sword. Their strength of the sword techniques are comparable to Mount Hua¡¯s.¡± Taichen¡¯s nose held up high ¡°I¡¯m quite proud of them! In fact I was the pavilion master there once before I stepped up to be the sect leader¡±

    Juwon¡¯s eyes held in thought before he spoke, ¡° Oh so that¡¯s the reason Yuxian and Yunfei are trying to look like you. You know you are a bad influence in terms of style¡±

    ¡±Hey I have to look the part man, Anyways¡ª¡°

    ¡°The Phantom Shadow Pavilion,¡± Zhang continued, ¡°specializes in deception, speed, and assassination techniques. Their disciples move unseen, strike before their enemy realizes it, and ensure Wudang¡¯s enemies don¡¯t get a second chance.¡±

    ¡°The Ironclad Pavilion is all about endurance and unarmed combat. No weapons¡ªjust raw, physical power. They believe a true cultivator¡¯s body should be as unbreakable as their will.¡±

    ¡°The Stormbringer Pavilion wields spears and polearms, dominating large-scale battles. They believe in overwhelming force and battlefield control, ensuring Wudang¡¯s supremacy in war.¡±

    ¡°And finally, the Supreme Harmony Pavilion. They are ones akin to actual monks who focus on Qi manipulation, energy refinement, and healing. They are the backbone of Wudang¡¯s longevity, responsible for maintaining the sect¡¯s internal strength.¡±

    Juwon sighed, stretching his arms. ¡°So what you¡¯re saying is, Wudang is a fancy martial arts academy with rival cliques and power struggles. Great.¡±

    Zhang winked. ¡°Now you understand why I need an infinity pool.¡±

    ¡±Hah! No¡±

    Juwon leaned back. ¡°Let me guess¡­ Elder Shen Mu is one of the ring leaders of the ¡®Kill Juwon Club¡¯?¡±

    Zhang nodded. ¡°Correct. As the master of the Phantom Shadow Pavilion, he thrives on political maneuvering. His ambition is no secret¡ªhe wants more power, and he sees you as a disruption to his plans.¡±

    Juwon frowned. ¡°Then why keep him around?¡±

    Zhang¡¯s gaze turned sharp. ¡°Because keeping the snake where you can see it is safer than letting it slither in the dark.¡±

    Juwon hummed in thought. ¡°Fair enough.¡±

    Then, Zhang¡¯s expression shifted. ¡°The second reason I called you here¡ªwhat exactly happened with Hei Long?¡±

    Juwon exhaled. ¡°They were looking for some kind of pillars. They thought I might know about them.¡±

    Zhang¡¯s fingers paused on his cup. ¡°Pillars, huh?¡±

    Juwon¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°Sect Leader, do you know something?¡±

    Zhang looked at him for a moment before responding. ¡°Not enough. But I do know that five days before you arrived, something changed.¡±

    Juwon frowned. ¡°Changed how?¡±

    ¡°you need to see this¡±

    Zhang headed inside, picking up the remote and turning on the TV.

    <hr>

    "News Highlights: A recent breakthrough in science has brought new insight into mysticism. The emerging conglomerate of multiple private corporations under a single parent company has, through joint efforts, introduced Qi Serum into the market.

    This serum acts as a doping agent, granting superhuman capabilities to those who consume it¡ªgiving some the ability to leap supernatural distances and others the strength to shatter stone with their bare hands.

    Scientists, historians, and scholars alike confirm that this serum is based on ancient technologies beyond current comprehension."

    The news anchor continued,

    "Despite the government¡¯s consistent threats to ban the product, the Hei Long Corporation¡ªthe fastest-growing company in the world¡ªstates that this is the next step in human evolution. Holding this from public will always put them under the government¡¯s mercy. This statement from Hei Long has caused public uproar.

    The government, they claim, simply wishes to monopolize Qi Serum for military use.

    The Hei Long ultimatum stands: either the serum is made available to all, or it will be sold exclusively to select enemy nations.

    Tune in tonight at 8 PM for an exclusive interview with one of Hei Long¡¯s chief representatives and the daughter of the corporation¡¯s CEO, Liang Rui."

    <hr>

    Juwon¡¯s eyes widened. "What? Liang Rui? Qi Serum? Are they seriously talking about injecting Qi into people? To increase their Qi capacity? But if they do that¡­ in a few months'' time¡ª"

    Zhang¡¯s expression darkened. "Their meridians will explode from excessive strain. Blood will pour from every pore in their body, ultimately disintegrating them."

    Juwon frowned. "But why? If they have something like this and want to monopolize it, why would they get rid of their own customers? It doesn¡¯t make sense."

    Zhang¡¯s eyes narrowed. "Unless¡­"

    Juwon¡¯s mind raced. "They don¡¯t want to sell Qi itself¡ªthey want to sell the techniques to control it."

    A small smile tugged at Zhang¡¯s lips. "You¡¯re a smart one."

    Juwon exhaled sharply. "Their true customers were always governments. When ordinary people start collapsing, the government will be forced to step in, and they¡¯ll have no choice but to buy Hei Long¡¯s solution. At that point, Hei Long won¡¯t just control Qi distribution¡ªthey¡¯ll control who lives and who dies."

    Zhang nodded. "Five days before you arrived, I sensed a shift in the Qi around Wudang. The mountains became greener, Taichi Lake brims with Qi, and disciples started breaking through more easily. Even I reached Peak Nascent Soul Realm.¡°

    Zhang leaned back. ¡°For the past year, Qi levels in this region were depleting. I sensed it but couldn¡¯t determine the cause. Hei Long had been active in this area for years, and their movements suggested they were doing something to manipulate the Qi flow.¡±

    He placed his cup down. ¡°Then you arrived. With the purest form of Qi I¡¯ve ever seen, speaking only of legends. The moment you came, Qi in the atmosphere didn¡¯t just return¡ª

    it surged. Whatever Hei Long was doing to drain the Qi, your presence disrupted it¡±

    Juwon sat silently, processing. ¡°So¡­ you''re saying that me being here, means I somehow stopped whatever Hei Long was doing?¡±

    Juwon thought to himself¡ªDid the qi surge happen after energy burst from the pillar of Zhang Sanfeng? Then what was depleting the Qi ? Was it Hei Long?

    Zhang nodded. ¡°Exactly. And now you¡¯re going to Qinghai.¡±

    "What?"

 23. The Dragons Inheritance

    Juwon stood on the gallery of Zhang Taichen¡¯s residence, staring at the endless mountains stretching into the horizon.

    The discussion about Hei Long had left him unsettled. Just what were they planning?

    The sound of shuffling footsteps behind him broke his thoughts. Zhang Taichen walked up, now dressed in his usual robes, the carefree image from earlier replaced by a more contemplative expression. He carried two cups of tea of which, he handed one to Juwon.

    ¡°We need to talk about Qinghai,¡± Zhang said, leaning against the railing. ¡°There¡¯s more to this than just Hei Long¡¯s involvement¡±

    Juwon sipped his tea, raising an eyebrow. ¡°I figured. What¡¯s happening there?¡±

    Zhang sighed. ¡°We received a distress call in one of our private companies five days ago. It came from Kunlun Sect¡ªcalling for a Wulin Summit.¡±

    Juwon nearly choked on his tea. "Kunlun? You mean the mythical legendary sect hidden deep in the frozen abyss of the Kunlun Mountains? The one that treats outsiders like a disease and never reaches out to anyone? You mean they are real?"

    Zhang nodded. ¡°That¡¯s the one. Which is why, at first, we thought it was a hoax. Kunlun has remained isolated for centuries. Even if I personally went to their gates, they would hesitate to let me in.

    For them to suddenly send a distress call?¡± He shook his head. ¡°It was unheard of.¡±

    Juwon frowned. ¡°But you confirmed it?¡±

    Zhang took a slow sip of tea before answering. ¡°Initially, we didn¡¯t act on it. We thought it might be someone impersonating Kunlun Sect to lure us into a trap. After all, the righteous sects have maintained secrecy for generations¡ªnobody knows where they all reside anymore.¡±

    Juwon narrowed his eyes. ¡°Why?¡±

    Zhang¡¯s gaze turned distant. ¡°A long time ago, after a certain event. The sects and martial schools agreed to withdraw from public knowledge, becoming mere myths in the eyes of the world. Even we at Wudang only know the general regions where some sects might be, but Kunlun?¡± He chuckled bitterly. ¡°That¡¯s another level of secrecy.¡±

    Juwon exhaled. ¡°And yet, they¡¯re calling for help.¡±

    Zhang set his cup down. ¡°Yes. And if Kunlun is reaching out, then whatever is happening in Qinghai is far worse than we thought.¡±

    <hr>

    "Then-" Before Juwon could respond, a news broadcast from the nearby television interrupted them. The urgent voice of the reporter filled the room.

    ¡°BREAKING NEWS: Chaos unfolds near a Hei Long facility in Qinghai as an enormous feathered beast was sighted descending from the Qilian Mountains. Witnesses describe the creature as so massive that its shadow alone darkened the land, towering at an estimated 50 feet. Several Hei Long employees were seen near the massive creature, though their intentions remain unclear. Reports indicate multiple other unidentified beasts emerging from the forests, prompting alarm among locals. Authorities have officially closed off Kanbula National Park and restricted access to the Qilian Mountains, urging civilians to avoid the region following a string of violent encounters with these unknown entities. The authorities have also linked the beast¡¯s presence to a growing number of missing person reports, raising fears that these creatures may be responsible for recent disappearances.¡±"

    Juwon turned to Zhang, eyes widening. ¡°What the hell is that?¡±

    Zhang, however, had gone still. His fingers clenched his cup, his relaxed demeanor vanishing. He whispered, almost to himself¡ª

    ¡°Divine Beasts of the legend?¡±

    Juwon blinked. ¡°Divine Beasts? You mean like the mythical creatures in ancient texts?¡±

    Zhang exhaled sharply. ¡°Not mythical. Real.¡±

    He turned to face Juwon fully. A nervous laughter covered his face ¡±Haha first that Qi Serum and now Divine beasts? What in the world is goin on¡±

    ¡°Divine Beasts are tied to the ley lines of the world. Their presence means something is seriously wrong with the natural Qi flow. Also, the divine beast causes nearby animals to transform into frenzied, mutated versions of themselves¡ªstronger, faster, and far more aggressive, as if they are absorbing its Qi-infused presence.¡±

    Juwon frowned. ¡°So Hei Long¡¯s activities are messing with the balance of Qi in the world¡±

    Zhang nodded grimly. ¡°For centuries, Qi has cycled naturally through the world. But five days ago¡ªjust before you arrived¡ªit surged back into Wudang. That shouldn¡¯t have happened unless something unnatural had been disrupting it.¡±Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.

    Juwon tensed. ¡°You think I had something to do with it?¡±

    Zhang studied him carefully before responding. ¡°It¡¯s one of two possibilities. Either your presence alone was enough to break whatever Hei Long was doing¡­ or you did something you¡¯re not telling me.¡±

    He held up a hand before Juwon could protest. ¡°And I¡¯m not going to press you on it. If you have your reasons, I¡¯ll respect that. But either way, the Qi surge confirmed one thing¡ªHei Long was actively draining Qi from this land. And you stopped it¡±

    Juwon crossed his arms. "And now it¡¯s happening in Qinghai. Which means Hei Long¡¯s influence is growing."

    Zhang nodded. "Exactly. If Hei Long is involved, then their ambitions run deeper than we thought."

    He paused, his expression darkening. "Hei Long. They¡¯ve been systematically draining Qi from the land, manipulating ley lines, and now Divine Beasts are appearing. And about the last Wulin Summit? That was called to stop the Heavenly Demonic Cult."

    Juwon¡¯s fell silent, the pieces clicked together. "Wait... are you saying Hei Long is¡ª"

    Zhang exhaled. "It¡¯s only a theory for now, but it¡¯s too much of a coincidence. Hei Long might not just be an ambitious corporation; they could be an extension of the Heavenly Demonic Cult itself."

    <hr>

    Zhang took a deep breath. ¡°That¡¯s why you¡¯re going to Qinghai.¡±

    Juwon scoffed. ¡°Right, because I totally blend in at these things.¡±

    Zhang smirked. ¡°You won¡¯t be going as yourself. Your mission is reconnaissance. You¡¯ll be infiltrating the Wulin Summit as an observer. We need to know exactly what¡¯s happening, and more importantly, what Hei Long¡¯s next move is.¡±

    Juwon frowned. "A Wulin Summit? And that''s supposed to mean something to me?"

    Zhang nodded. "It is a gathering of the most powerful sects in the martial world. When one is called, it means something big is happening. The last time the Wulin Summit was held, it was to stop the Heavenly Demonic Cult."

    Juwon¡¯s fingers twitched at the name. ¡°¡­And we won.¡±

    ¡°Barely,¡± Zhang corrected. ¡°The Guardians played a major role in that victory. And now, history may be repeating itself.¡±

    Juwon exhaled. "Let me guess¡ªThe demon cult has an history of manipulating and infiltrating the righteous sects?."

    Zhang sighed. ¡°You¡¯re learning fast. Some sects will use this crisis to gain influence. Others might be aligned with Hei Long in secret. That¡¯s why I need you to observe without being recognized.¡±

    Juwon hesitated before nodding. ¡°Fine. But I have one question¡ªwhat happens if I do get recognized?¡±

    Zhang set down his empty cup. ¡°Then you improvise. And don¡¯t get killed. Previous guardians were powerful enough to protect themselves. But you are weak right now¡±

    Juwon rolled his eyes. ¡°Great advice, thanks.¡±

    Zhang chuckled. "Get some rest. In the morning, before you leave for Qinghai, there''s somewhere I want to take you."

    As Juwon turned to leave, his mind raced. Kunlun¡¯s distress call. The Wulin Summit. Hei Long. Divine Beasts. Whatever was happening in Qinghai¡­

    <hr>

    Juwon didn¡¯t return to his quarters immediately.

    Instead, he made his way to one of Wudang¡¯s secluded training grounds, an open-air platform overlooking the valley. The moonlight bathed the stone floor in a pale glow as he sat cross-legged, exhaling slowly.

    He recalled Zhang¡¯s words¡ªPrevious Guardians were powerful enough to protect themselves. But you are weak right now.

    Juwon clenched his fists. Weak? Maybe. But that wouldn¡¯t last. He sat cross-legged, exhaling slowly as he cycled Qi through his body, refining his control.

    His movements sharpened as he practiced Celestial Dragon Steps, his afterimages flickering more distinctly. He ended with Dragon Fang Void Break, his fist sending a controlled shockwave across the platform. It wasn¡¯t enough¡ªbut it was progress. he repeated this for several hours..

    Juwon exhaled sharply, wiping sweat from his brow. One day at a time.

    As dawn¡¯s first light crept over the horizon, Juwon finally stood. His breathing was steady, his body lighter. He wasn¡¯t strong enough yet, but soon, he hopes to be.

    <hr>

    As Juwon made his way back, Zhang was already waiting for him at the entrance to a secluded path.

    Without a word, the Sect Leader motioned for him to follow. They walked in silence, deeper into Wudang¡¯s restricted grounds, until they reached an ancient stone gate covered in inscriptions.

    "This place is only accessible to Sect Leaders," Zhang explained. "But it was never meant for Wudang."

    Juwon studied the massive structure.

    The runes pulsed faintly, reacting to his presence. "Then who was it meant for?"

    Zhang placed a hand on the gate. "A Guardian."

    At his words, the engravings flared with golden light. The gate trembled, as if recognizing something within Juwon. He instinctively reached out, channeling his Qi. A deep resonance stirred within the chamber, and with a heavy groan, the stone doors began to open.

    Inside, a vast chamber stretched before them, its walls lined with murals depicting battles long forgotten. At the center stood a pedestal, atop which rested a fragmented jade

    inscription glowing faintly with residual energy.

    Zhang gestured toward it. "The technique on this inscription was tugged away centuries ago. The past Guardians could not use it."

    Juwon frowned. "Why?"

    "Because it required the blood of a True Dragon," Zhang said, watching him closely.

    "It was left here in hopes that one day, a Guardian would appear who could finally master it."

    Zhang exhaled, a rare look of reverence crossing his face. "This chamber has existed for generations, waiting for a Guardian who could awaken it. Every Sect Leader before me has brought potential candidates here, yet none could activate the inscriptions."

    Juwon reached out instinctively, but the moment his fingers brushed against the jade fragment, golden inscriptions flared to life, swirling into the air before streaming directly into his body.

    His breath hitched as an overwhelming flood of knowledge poured into his mind.

    His body reacted on its own, his legs folding into a lotus position as his breathing deepened.

    The inscriptions weren¡¯t just words¡ªthey were energy, merging with his Qi as if they had been waiting for him all along.

    Zhang stepped back, eyes widening. "A-A lost technique of learning martial arts?¡­ where inscriptions merge directly with the Qi of a compatible user.¡±

    Zhang exhaled with excitement ¡° You..You were found worthy."

    The jade¡¯s knowledge settled within him. The technique: Dragon Vein Convergence. A method of refining Qi through the dragon veins, amplifying one¡¯s cultivation efficiency beyond conventional limits. The initial mastery allows the user to manipulate Qi within the lei lines. The effect of complete mastery are still unknown.

    But more than that, it was meant for a Guardian¡ªa technique no one before him had been able to practice.

    Zhang let out a slow breath, his ancestral duty finally fulfilled. "A True Dragon successor¡­ Wudang will never be the same again."

    ¡°Our ancestors wishes came true¡±

 24. The diverging path

    The morning sun cast golden hues over Wudang''s towering peaks, the crisp mountain air carrying a sense of quiet urgency.

    Juwon strode toward the grand conference hall, his mind already preparing for the mission ahead. Zhang Taichen had summoned him, along with the head elders, to finalize the details of their departure to Qinghai.

    Stepping inside, he was greeted by the imposing presence of Wudang¡¯s highest-ranking figures. Sect Leader Zhang Taichen sat at the head of the room, his usual relaxed demeanor replaced by a look of contemplation. Beside him, the Pavilion Masters of Wudang, each a formidable force in their own right, listened intently as the discussion began.

    Zhang Taichen tapped the armrest of his chair. Zhang Taichen leaned forward, his fingers drumming against the polished wood of the conference table. "The situation in Qinghai is spiraling faster than we anticipated. The Kunlun Sect has called for a Wulin Summit. That alone is an anomaly¡ªwe all know Kunlun has avoided external affairs for centuries. If they¡¯re reaching out now, the threat must be dire."

    Elder Shen Mu scoffed, adjusting his robes. "And how, exactly, do we know this isn¡¯t a ploy? Kunlun operates in shadows. They guard their secrets as fiercely as we do ours. What proof do we have that this isn¡¯t just another attempt to manipulate the martial world?"

    Elder Wang Jianhong, pavilion master of the Heavenly Sword Pavilion sighed. "Paranoia will not serve us here, Shen Mu. The resurgence of Qi, the sudden emergence of Divine Beasts¡ªthese are not mere coincidences. Something is disrupting the balance. If Hei Long is behind this, we cannot afford to ignore it."

    Zhang Taichen nodded. "Precisely. That is why Wudang will be officially attending the Wulin Summit. However, an official presence is not enough. We need people in the shadows, uncovering what lies beneath."

    The gathered elders exchanged glances. Elder Wang Jianhong, ever composed, stroked his beard thoughtfully. "A covert team¡­ That is a wise decision. Who do you have in mind?"

    Zhang Taichen¡¯s gaze swept over the room before settling on Juwon. "I will be assembling a secondary force¡ªone separate from the main delegation. Core disciples from each pavilion will accompany Juwon. Their mission will be twofold: First, confirm whether Hei Long is truly affiliated with the demonic cult and uncover their objectives. Second, we must ensure that none of the sects within the Martial Alliance have already fallen under their influence."

    Shen Mu¡¯s sharp laugh cut through the room. " Haha And let me guess¡ªthis is where Juwon comes in? You expect me to simply hand over one of my best core disciples to follow him? Juwon, talented as he is, remains an outsider to our sect. You cannot expect loyalty from men who do not recognize him as their leader.".

    Elder Wang Jianhong spoke before Juwon could. "That is a fair concern. Strength alone does not equate to leadership. However, if he proves himself, then even Phantom Shadow Pavilion disciples will have no choice but to acknowledge him."

    Juwon smirked, leaning back slightly. "Then let them recognize me." His voice carried a quiet confidence, unfazed by Shen Mu¡¯s skepticism. "I don¡¯t need blind loyalty. I need people who can think for themselves and adapt. We¡¯re not walking into Qinghai as Wudang disciples. We¡¯re going as investigators¡ªand survivors."

    Shen Mu¡¯s gaze sharpened. "Big words, but words alone do not lead warriors into battle. Why should my disciples trust you?"

    Juwon met his gaze evenly. "Because when the time comes, I won¡¯t be asking them to trust me. I¡¯ll be proving that I¡¯m worth following."

    A brief silence followed.

    Then, Elder Mo Xinghe of the Supreme Harmony Pavilion chuckled, stroking his long beard. "Haha Interesting. You remind me of a young Taichen."

    Sect Leader sent out a faint cough, "The Kunlun Sect¡¯s distress call was unprecedented. If they are calling for a Wulin Summit, then we must assume the threat is real. The official delegation, including myself and the head elders, will attend as representatives of Wudang.¡±

    The elders nodded in understanding, but Taichen continued, his gaze shifting toward Juwon. ¡°However, we cannot rely on official channels alone. We must ensure we are not walking into a trap. That is why we are sending a second, covert team.¡±

    Juwon leaned forward slightly, listening.

    ¡°Core disciples from each pavilion will accompany you,¡± Zhang Taichen continued, his gaze sweeping across the gathered elders. "Which means powerful warriors will accompany you. However, you must build up your own strength and prove yourself in this mission. If push comes to the shove, it would be up to the disciples if they want to follow you or abandon, you"

    Juwon nodded. ¡°Understood.¡±

    Shen Mu¡¯s fingers drummed against the table; his dissatisfaction barely concealed. "The Phantom Shadow Pavilion is not in the habit of sending its finest to be commanded by outsiders," he said, his tone edged with steel. "If my disciple is to accompany this mission, I expect assurances that he will not be treated as a mere subordinate."

    Zhang Taichen gave a knowing smirk. "A mission like this does not require formal leadership. It requires capability. If Juwon proves his strength, they will follow. If he does not, they will make their own decisions. Isn¡¯t that how your pavilion operates, Shen Mu?"

    The elder scoffed but did not argue further. The other pavilion masters, watching the exchange, seemed to silently accept the arrangement, though a few exchanged wary glances.

    Just as the meeting was concluding, a commotion echoed from outside the hall.If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    <hr>

    A voice¡ªfrustrated and persistent¡ªarguing with a guard.

    ¡°I need to see brother Juwon! Let me through!¡±

    The entire hall turned toward the disturbance, some elders raising their brows at the audacity of the interruption. A junior disciple rushed in, bowing hastily before speaking.

    "Sect Leader¡­ there is a man outside demanding to see Senior Brother Juwon."

    Juwon¡¯s brow furrowed at the familiar voice. He turned toward the entrance and found none other than Lin Feng, dressed in travel-worn clothes, waving off a Wudang guard trying to push him back.

    Juwon smirked, shaking his head. ¡°He¡¯s with me.¡±

    The guard hesitated but stepped aside, and Lin Feng rushed forward. His expression was an odd mix of relief and frustration. ¡°Brother Juwon! You¡¯re really here!¡±

    Juwon chuckled. Juwon smirked, arms crossed. "Where else would I be, little brother? You look like you ran across half the mountain just to find me."

    Lin Feng exhaled sharply. ¡°I heard you were leaving Wudang" Lin Feng took a deep breath, his eyes filled with resolve. "Let me go with you. Whatever happens, I won¡¯t slow you down."

    Juwon¡¯s smirk faded, replaced by a look of quiet seriousness. "No."

    Lin Feng clenched his fists, his jaw tightening. "Why not? I don¡¯t want to just stand around anymore!". Let me come with you.¡±

    Juwon¡¯s smirk faded. ¡°No.¡±

    Lin Feng clenched his fists. ¡°Why not? I won¡¯t slow you down!¡±

    Juwon sighed. ¡°This isn¡¯t a merchant¡¯s errand, Lin Feng. This is the path of a martial artist. It¡¯s dangerous.¡±

    ¡°Brother Juwon¡­ Then I will follow the path of a martial artist!¡± His forehead nearly touched the ground as his knuckles pressed against the stone floor. ¡°I refuse to stay weak! I refuse to live knowing that if you hadn¡¯t been there, I would have lost everything!¡±

    Silence fell over the hall. The elders exchanged glances, some indifferent, others intrigued. But Lin Feng didn¡¯t care about them¡ªhis gaze was locked solely on Juwon, eyes burning with unshakable resolve.

    ¡°I don¡¯t care what it takes. I will follow this path, even if it kills me.¡±

    The weight of his words lingered in the air. For a moment, even Juwon was caught off guard by the sheer intensity of Lin Feng¡¯s determination.

    Juwon hesitated. He had seen determination in Lin Feng¡¯s eyes before, but this time, it was different. This wasn¡¯t desperation¡ªit was conviction. Still, without a foundation in Qi cultivation, Lin Feng would never survive.

    He turned toward Sect Leader Zhang Taichen, wordlessly asking for his input.

    Zhang Taichen¡¯s gaze darkened in thought. After a moment, he called out, ¡°Summon Physician Bai.¡±

    A disciple rushed out of the hall. The other Pavilion Masters, having settled the matters of Qinghai, began to take their leave, uninterested in the affairs of an outsider.

    Only Mo Xinghe and the Sect Leader remained, their expressions unreadable as Lin Feng remained kneeling before Juwon.

    Moments later, Physician Bai entered, his hands folded behind his back. His gaze flickered toward Lin Feng, recognizing him immediately, but he said nothing.

    ¡°Sit in a lotus position, we will have to check if you are suited for martial arts¡± Bai ordered, his voice calm but firm. Lin Feng obeyed, steadying his breath as the physician knelt behind him.

    Placing a palm on Lin Feng¡¯s back, Bai closed his eyes, his Qi gently flowing into Lin Feng¡¯s meridians. At first, everything seemed normal¡ªuntil he reached Lin Feng¡¯s core.

    Bai¡¯s eyes snapped open, his breath hitching. His hand trembled slightly, his brows furrowing deeper with every passing second.

    ¡°This¡­ this is impossible¡­¡± Bai murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

    ¡°Impossible¡­ This boy¡¯s meridians should have collapsed long ago!¡± Bai muttered. ¡°His body is flooded with Yin Qi, far beyond what any normal person should be able to handle¡­ and yet, he is completely stable. "Ive only heard about this in legends"

    Juwon¡¯s gaze sharpened. ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    Bai slowly withdrew his hand, staring at Lin Feng as if seeing him for the first time. Then, in a voice edged with disbelief, he spoke:

    ¡°He is a True Yin Vessel.¡±

    The room fell silent. Even Zhang Taichen raised an eyebrow, while Elder Mo Xinghe, who had remained quiet until now, finally took a step forward.

    ¡°A Perfect Yin Vessel Constitution¡­¡± Mo Xinghe murmured. "Are you sure elder Bai?"

    Elder Bai nodded.

    Mo Xinghe is in disbelief, ¡°It has been centuries since one was last seen. And for a man to possess it?¡±

    Juwon folded his arms. ¡°Someone please explain.¡±

    Bai exhaled. ¡°Throughout history, certain individuals have been born with unique constitutions¡ªbodies that resonate with Qi in ways that defy logic. Your own Perfect Martial Body is one such rarity.¡±

    Juwon¡¯s eyes flickered with understanding.

    ¡°A True Yin Vessel, however, is far rarer. It is a body that can generate, refine, and command Yin Qi effortlessly. Normally, men struggle to cultivate Yin techniques because their constitutions lean toward Yang energy. But Lin Feng¡­ his Yin Qi is already flowing naturally. If he learns to control it¡­¡±

    Juwon grinned. ¡°Then I¡¯ll find him a martial art worthy of it in my travels.¡±

    ¡°There is no need for that,¡± Mo Xinghe spoke, stepping forward. He turned to the Sect Leader, then dropped to one knee with his one palm meeting his other fist.

    ¡°Esteemed Sect Leader, this elder wishes to take this fledgling as a disciple.¡±

    Lin Feng¡¯s eyes widened, his breath catching. "So can i become a martial artist and help brother Juwon?"

    Juwon exhaled, his gaze flickering with a mix of surprise and amusement. "Looks like you were always meant for this path, little brother."

    Elder Bai, still stunned, murmured to himself, "A True Yin Vessel... It has been centuries since we¡¯ve seen one. And for it to manifest in a man? This defies all understanding.". Zhang Taichen rubbed his chin, watching Mo Xinghe curiously. ¡°You¡¯re willing to personally train him?¡±

    Mo Xinghe nodded. ¡°This boy¡¯s constitution is both a gift and a curse. Yin energy can be powerful, but it is also corrosive¡ªnot just to the body, but to the mind. Without proper guidance, he could become cold, ruthless¡­ emotionless. His body is fine due to his natural balance, but his resolve must be tested.¡±

    Zhang Taichen considered for a moment, then smirked. ¡°I see. Then I assume you¡¯re changing your plans, Elder Mo?¡±

    Mo Xinghe nodded. ¡°I will not be attending the Wulin Summit. Instead, I will take Lin Feng far to the east, to the Icy Tianshan Mountains.¡±

    Juwon raised an eyebrow. ¡°Why there?¡±

    Taichen¡¯s smirk widened. ¡°Because the Frozen Jade Palace was there. It was once home to a sect of women cultivators who pushed Yin cultivation to the absolute extreme. Their teachings have long been lost, but perhaps¡­¡± He turned to Lin Feng. ¡°You might find something useful in those ruins.¡±

    Lin Feng hesitated. ¡°But¡­ I want to go with brother Juwon.¡±

    Juwon sighed, placing a hand on Lin Feng¡¯s shoulder, a rare warmth in his expression. "You have a long road ahead, little brother. But if you survive this, if you endure it¡­ I¡¯ll be waiting for you.". ¡°But not yet. You¡¯re not ready.¡±

    Lin Feng clenched his fists but slowly nodded. ¡°Then I¡¯ll train. I¡¯ll grow strong. And when the time comes, I¡¯ll stand beside you.¡±

    Juwon grinned. ¡°I¡¯ll hold you to that.¡±

    The two clasped forearms, a silent promise passing between them.

    Zhang Taichen waved them off. ¡°You¡¯ll leave tomorrow. Mo Xinghe will teach you the basics on the way.¡±

    Juwon exhaled as he watched Lin Feng step back, determination burning in his eyes. Their paths were diverging, but he knew one thing for certain¡ªone day, they would stand side by side again, not as a merchant and a warrior, but as brothers in arms.. Their paths were separating, but he had no doubt¡ªone day, they would cross again.

 25. The Journey Begins

    The halls of Wudang were quieter than usual. Though the sun had barely risen, Juwon sat cross-legged in his chamber, his breathing steady as he circulated his Qi.

    His cultivation had become instinctual, woven into his daily routine. After weeks of refinement, he could feel it¡ªhis Qi had deepened, his core stabilizing as he quietly stepped into the Third Layer of Foundation Establishment¡ªstill within the early stage, but steadily progressing. He wasn¡¯t chasing power in this moment¡ªonly ensuring his foundation remained unwavering. With the mission ahead, his strength had to be absolute.

    A knock at the door interrupted his meditation. Rising to his feet, he opened it to find a junior disciple bowing respectfully. ¡°Senior Brother Juwon, the Sect Leader has summoned you to the main hall.¡±

    Juwon nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll be there shortly.¡±

    The grand hall of Wudang was filled with an air of solemnity. Zhang Taichen stood at the center, his presence commanding as always, while the Pavilion Masters took their seats. Only a handful of elders remained, making it clear that this meeting was not for all ears.

    Juwon¡¯s gaze swept over the assembled disciples, taking in their expressions as Zhang Taichen introduced each of them. They stood with distinct presences, their uniforms embroidered with symbols representing their Pavilion¡¯s philosophy.

    Luo Qing (Early Core Formation, 3rd Layer) ¨C Phantom Shadow Pavilion

    His black robes hung loosely, shifting unnaturally with his every movement, as if he were always fading into the background. A silver-threaded serpent coiled near the hem of his sleeves, fangs bared as if ready to strike. His sharp blue eyes flickered with quiet amusement, his silver-streaked black hair falling lazily over his face. He leaned against a pillar, smirking. "So this is who we¡¯re following? An outsider? A guest? A¡­ tourist?"

    Yan Huai (Mid Core Formation, 2nd Layer) ¨C Stormbringer Pavilion

    His scarred hands rested on the hilt of his glaive, a weapon as tall as he was. The golden eagle emblazoned on his chest seemed to spread its wings as he shifted. His long red hair, tied into a warrior¡¯s braid, gave him the air of someone always on the move, never at rest. He gave Juwon a curt nod¡ªnot out of respect, but as an unspoken challenge.

    Xu Weishan (Mid Core Formation, 5th Layer) ¨C Ironclad Pavilion

    A living fortress. His bronzed skin looked tough enough to crack stone, his muscular arms crossed over his chest like an immovable wall. His robe¡¯s sleeves were short, exposing forearms wrapped in thick iron bracers, and on his back, a roaring black tiger was embroidered, caught mid-leap. He said nothing, his stance alone carrying his thoughts: Prove yourself, or get out of my way.

    Bai Xueling (Early Core Formation, 3rd Layer) ¨C Supreme Harmony Pavilion

    Her pale-blue robes flowed seamlessly, as if the wind itself adjusted for her presence. The delicate white crane woven into her collar stood in stillness, much like her. Her silver eyes carried no hostility, just quiet calculation, as if she were already judging every possible outcome before Juwon had even spoken.

    Zhen Yu (Early Core Formation, 4th Layer) ¨C Heavenly Sword Pavilion

    His long, dark blue hair cascaded neatly over his pristine white robes lined with golden trim. A soaring azure dragon was embroidered near the hem, its scales stitched with masterful precision¡ªpristine, like it had never known battle. His piercing green eyes held no emotion, but his fingers twitched subtly near the hilt of his sword, as if always expecting a reason to draw.If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    Juwon exhaled slightly. So even in Wudang, beasts fought for dominance.

    <hr>

    Zhang Taichen tapped the table, his gaze sharp. ¡°The Wulin Summit is in two months. Officially, Wudang¡¯s delegation will attend, as we always do. However¡ª¡± he leaned forward slightly, ¡°¡ªyou all know better than to take this at face value.

    The government monitors these summits, ensuring that no sects unite against them. That is their stated purpose.¡±

    Elder Huang Long exhaled through his nose. ¡°And their true purpose?¡±

    Taichen¡¯s fingers tapped again. ¡°We suspect corruption. Hei Long¡¯s influence within the political world is growing. If they have their hands inside the summit as well, they could use it to further their own power.

    That is why Juwon and his group are being sent to Qinghai¡ªnot just to investigate Hei Long¡¯s activities, but to determine just how far this corruption spreads.¡±

    Juwon folded his arms. ¡°So we¡¯re not just watching Hei Long. We¡¯re watching the government.¡±

    Taichen smirked slightly. ¡°Precisely.¡±

    Bai Xueling¡¯s silver eyes flickered with thought. ¡°If we do find evidence of their involvement, what then?¡±

    ¡°First, report it! Then We act accordingly,¡± Taichen said simply. ¡°But first, you must confirm it.¡±

    Luo Qing sighed loudly, leaning against a pillar. ¡°Great. And how exactly are we supposed to get to Qinghai without alerting every damn eye in the sky? Flights are monitored. Even civilian travel is restricted in some places.¡±

    Taichen nodded. ¡°Hei Long controls large portions of Qinghai¡¯s airspace. Their private facilities are spread throughout the mountains, and unauthorized flights risk immediate detection. The government¡¯s security network only makes things worse.¡±

    Yan Huai scoffed. ¡°So we drive? That¡¯s still a seventeen-hour trip.¡±

    ¡°Longer,¡± Taichen corrected. ¡°Because your vehicles will have altered registration. Civilians will see you as private contractors.

    Avoid government checkpoints if possible¡ªany delay could alert Hei Long."You¡¯ll make multiple stops¡ªintelligence gathering, resource acquisition, and¡± his gaze flicked toward Juwon, ¡°opportunities for growth.¡±

    Juwon raised a brow. ¡°You want us to get stronger along the way?¡±

    Xu Weishan, ever silent, finally spoke, his deep voice steady. ¡°You want us to make this journey meaningful, not just strategic.¡±

    ¡°Exactly.¡±

    A brief silence settled over the room before Zhen Yu crossed his arms. ¡°And what about our mission in Hei Long¡¯s research facility of Qinghai? Are we expected to raid it?¡±

    Taichen smirked. ¡°No. That would be reckless. Your mission is to observe, infiltrate, and gather intelligence. We have marked several Hei Long locations along your path.

    Some are factories, others research centers, and one in particular¡ªa hidden facility deep in the mountains¡ªis our primary concern. If we are correct, it could hold the key to understanding their true purpose.¡±

    Luo Qing¡¯s gaze sharpened slightly. ¡°And what do we do if we find demonic cult disciples inside?¡±

    The room fell silent for a moment before Taichen spoke. ¡°If they are indeed affiliated with the demonic cult, then they are our enemy. You will deal with them as necessary.¡±

    A low hum of acknowledgment passed through the disciples. Juwon remained still, processing the weight of their task.

    Then, Taichen pulled something from beneath the table¡ªa sleek, black bulletproof vest. He tossed it to Juwon, who caught it with a raised brow. ¡°You¡¯ll be needing this.¡±

    Juwon looked at the vest, then back at Taichen. ¡°Expecting an ambush?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Taichen said. ¡°But you are still in the Foundation Establishment Realm. Bullets can kill you.¡±

    Juwon blinked. ¡°Excuse me?¡±

    The Sect Leader¡¯s expression remained neutral. ¡°Once a cultivator reaches the Core Formation Realm, their body becomes naturally resistant to small firearms. Bullets may slow them down, but they won¡¯t be fatal. Nascent Soul cultivators? Unless you have high-caliber explosives or specialized anti-cultivator weaponry, modern firearms are useless against them.¡±

    Juwon turned the vest over in his hands. ¡°And yet, I¡¯m not Core Formation.¡±

    Taichen nodded. ¡°Exactly. Until then, I suggest you keep this on.¡±

    Juwon smirked slightly but slid the vest under his robes without argument.

    ¡°Now,¡± Taichen said, ¡°you have your mission. Do not waste this opportunity. Your first vehicle is on standby outside the sect gates.¡±

    With that, the meeting was concluded. The disciples gathered their gear, making final preparations for departure.

    With their plan in place, the group left the hall and gathered at the sect gates.

    ¡°Be careful who you trust,¡± Taichen said one last time. ¡°And Juwon¡ª¡± his gaze sharpened. ¡°Do not disappoint me.¡±

    Juwon gave a small nod, then turned to his team.

    ¡°Let¡¯s move.¡±

    And with that, they stepped into the unknown.

 26. The Campfire that breaks the Ice

    The sun dipped lower over Wudang¡¯s mountain range, casting a golden glow over the sect¡¯s private road. Juwon and his team made their way to the vehicles awaiting them¡ª two matte black SUVs with reinforced exteriors, tinted windows, and non-traceable license plates.

    Their sleek but durable build made them ideal for the journey ahead.

    Yan Huai of the Stormbringer Pavilion whistled, running a hand over the hood.

    His scarred hands, proof of countless battles, traced the surface with appreciation. "Damn. Wudang really knows how to treat its disciples. Was half-expecting some run-down jeeps."

    Juwon smirked. "Taichen doesn¡¯t do half-measures. These are armored, off-road capable, and have signal scrambling tech. Even if Hei Long has drones, tracking us won¡¯t be easy."

    Zhen Yu of the Heavenly Sword Pavilion crossed his arms. His pristine white robes, untouched by dust, stood in stark contrast to the rugged setting.

    "Even so, we can¡¯t just rely on tech. We need to keep changing routes. If they anticipate our movements, we¡¯ll be walking into a trap."

    Luo Qing of the Phantom Shadow Pavilion leaned against the SUVs, arms crossed. His black robes blended into the growing shadows, his piercing blue eyes flickering with amusement. "So, are we actually following a plan, or are we just making it up as we go?"

    Bai Xueling of the Supreme Harmony Pavilion pulled out her phone, her silver eyes scanning the screen with calculated precision. "The first location is set. Xiangxi, a remote mountain village on the border of Hunan and Guizhou. Wudang¡¯s intelligence suggests an old Hei Long facility was abandoned there years ago. We may find leftover data or hidden activity."

    Xu Weishan of the Ironclad Pavilion, a towering figure with bronzed skin, finally spoke. "And if it¡¯s not abandoned?"

    Juwon tapped his phone, checking the map. "Then we adapt. We aren¡¯t here to cause unnecessary fights. If the facility is occupied, we observe first and gather intel."

    Zhen Yu sighed. "Assuming they don¡¯t recognize us. Wudang disciples aren¡¯t exactly subtle."

    Juwon smirked. "That¡¯s why we will be wearing something more fitting." He gestured to their outfits¡ªsleek, black tactical suits, reinforced yet flexible, designed for both movement and protection.

    Each was subtly customized with lightweight armor plates and concealed compartments for hidden weapons and tools. "No sect robes, nothing that screams ''Wudang.'' We move as professionals." He gestured to the vehicles. "Get in. We¡¯ll go over the details on the way."

    <hr>

    The SUV roared to life, engines rumbling as they left Wudang¡¯s isolated roads and merged onto the main highway.

    As they descended into the real world, the air in the car shifted, they were finally beyond Wudang¡¯s protection.

    Juwon sat in the passenger seat of the lead SUV, with Luo Qing at the wheel. Bai Xueling and Zhen Yusat in the back, while Yan Huai and Xu Weishan, followed in the second vehicle. A tense silence lingered until Luo Qing, ever the instigator, broke it.

    "Alright, I have to ask¡ªwhat exactly makes you qualified to lead this mission?" His tone was light, but there was an edge beneath it.

    Juwon didn¡¯t react immediately, letting the words settle. "You don¡¯t have to follow me. You can walk to Qinghai instead."

    Luo Qing smirked, drumming his fingers against the steering wheel. "That¡¯s not an answer. You¡¯re weaker than most of us, newer to Wudang, and yet Taichen hands you command like a gift. You sure you don¡¯t have some¡­ connections?"

    Zhen Yu exhaled sharply. "Here we go."

    Bai Xueling didn¡¯t even look up. "It doesn¡¯t matter how he got the position. We have a mission."

    Yan Huai¡¯s voice crackled through the radio from the second SUV. "I say we just let him prove himself. He screws up, we take over."

    Juwon finally spoke. "I don¡¯t need anyone¡¯s permission to prove myself. You¡¯ll figure it out soon enough."

    Luo Qing chuckled but said nothing more.

    <hr>

    As the sky darkened, the SUVs turned onto a dirt road leading deep into the wilderness. Juwon checked the map on his phone before glancing out at the terrain. "It''s another two hours to Xiangxi. Let¡¯s set up camp here for the night." The air grew colder, the hum of insects replacing the distant rumble of the highway.

    The group worked quickly, gathering wood and setting up a small campfire. The glow of the flames cast flickering shadows on their faces as they settled in for the night.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

    With no nearby towns and the terrain becoming too rough to continue, they decided to make camp for the night in a secluded clearing near a gently flowing river.

    The air grew colder, and the distant outline of Xiangxi Village appeared against the mountains.

    Seated around the fire, the group slowly relaxed, the flickering flames adding a strange warmth to their otherwise serious mission.

    The conversation turned lighter as the hours passed, the initial tension easing. Yan Huai, ever the talker, stretched his arms behind his head and grinned. "Alright, since we¡¯ve got hours to kill, let¡¯s make this less miserable. Someone tell me something interesting. Tragic backstory? Secret techniques? Embarrassing moments from training? Or are we all just going to pretend we¡¯re emotionless warriors?"

    Zhen Yu scoffed. "You just want gossip. Should¡¯ve figured. If you put half the effort you put into it into your training you would have been an elder?"

    Yan Huai scoffed. " Oh then why aren¡¯t you an elder yet you stuck up martial fanatic. Hehe..Obviously. Who doesn¡¯t like a good story? The kind that makes you question your life choices. Like, say, a certain someone¡¯s disastrous first attempt at swordplay?" He wiggled his brows dramatically, earning an eye-roll from Zhen Yu.

    Zhen Yu scoffed. "You¡¯re not seriously bringing that up."

    "Oh, but I am," Yan Huai grinned. "Tell me, fearless swordsman, how exactly does one end up cutting their own belt mid-duel and spending the rest of the fight trying to hold their pants up?"

    Zhen Yu scoffed again, "You wanna fight you moron?"

    Yan Huai stepped up clashing his forehead with Yu¡¯s , ¡°Bring it on you asshole¡±

    Juwon sighed, ¡°Hah! you two seem like best friends or something¡±

    Both of them angrily, ¡°We are NOT¡±

    Luo Qing, lazily gripping the wooden log he is sitting on, glanced at Bai Xueling. "Xueling? Ever lost a duel?"

    She barely spared him a glance. "No."

    ¡°Want to taste your first defeat?¡±

    ¡±I won¡¯t¡±

    Yan Huai chuckled. "Wow, scary. What about you, fearless leader? Bet you¡¯ve got at least one humiliating loss tucked away. Maybe a grand tumble off Wudang¡¯s sacred peak?"

    Juwon smirked. "Losses? Just lessons disguised as setbacks. The real mistake is not learning from them."

    Juwon laying down on the logs of wood with a hand on his forehead, gave out a faint smile, ¡°What a rowdy bunch¡±

    They continued talking, eventually breaking some ice between them. Laughter breaking through the usual tension.

    Bai Xueling, despite her usual restraint, let out the faintest chuckle, while Xu Weishan shook his head as if questioning how any of them had survived training at all.

    Though no one would admit it, the conversations gradually eased the weight of the mission ahead. After a while, as the fire crackled and the night deepened,

    Juwon leaned back against a log and glanced around the group. "Since we''re killing time, I¡¯m curious¡ªwhy did you all start learning martial arts?"

    Yan Huai grinned. "Simple. I like hitting things and being the strongest. Turns out Wudang liked that attitude."

    Zhen Yu smirked. "Refinement. Discipline. The sword is an extension of the self. I wanted to master something absolute."

    Xu Weishan spoke without hesitation. "To protect my family."

    Bai Xueling remained silent for a moment before replying in her usual calm tone. "It was expected of me."

    Luo Qing exhaled sharply, keeping his eyes on the road. "Because I had no other choice." Though no one would admit it, the conversations eased the weight of the mission ahead.

    <hr>

    As the fire burned lower, they decided to take turns keeping watch while the others rested. Juwon, unable to sleep, heard the faint sound of flowing water in the distance.

    Trusting his instincts, he stood and quietly walked toward it, sensing the presence of a river not far from their camp.

    <hr>

    Later that night, when the others had settled around the fire or in their tents, Juwon walked toward the river.

    The moon reflected off the water, casting a silvery glow over the clearing. He sat cross-legged on a flat rock near the riverbank, inhaling deeply as he began to cultivate.

    His Qi flowed smoothly, merging with the natural energy around him. The sounds of the night faded as he focused inward, refining his foundation.

    A soft rustle behind him broke his concentration.

    Bai Xueling stood a few paces away, her silver eyes calm as they reflected the moonlight. "You don¡¯t sleep much, do you?"

    Juwon smirked but kept his posture. "I rest when I need to. This journey is too important to waste time. Unlike some people I train even when I''m not ''expected'' to"

    She stepped closer, arms folded. "I meant what I said before. Martial arts was expected of me. The

    Bai family has two branches¡ªone devoted to medicine, the other to combat. I was born into the latter."

    Juwon opened his eyes slightly. "So you never had a choice?"

    Bai Xueling exhaled softly. "Not really. But expectation and reality are different things. Just because something is expected of you doesn¡¯t mean you resent it." She tilted her head. "What about you?"

    Juwon considered his answer before replying. "I was never meant for this world. I was dragged into it." He exhaled slowly, looking at the moon¡¯s reflection on the water. "There were times I almost died. Arm severed; legs broken. I thought none of this mattered. That only path meant for me was death. But whether it was fate or misfortune, I am alive and I ended up here. And if I''m here, then I refuse to walk blindly. If this world wants me in it, I¡¯ll carve my own path."

    Bai Xueling watched him, her silver eyes unreadable. "A path chosen, rather than given."

    Juwon smirked. "Isn¡¯t that what separates us from those who only follow expectations?"

    Before Bai Xueling could respond, a deep, guttural growl echoed through the trees. The air tensed.

    A shadow moved beyond the treeline, eyes glinting unnaturally in the dark. Something was watching them.

    A faint growl of a beast can be heard behind the trees along with a pair of red glowing eyes in the shadows.

    Juwon slowly rose to his feet, his Qi already circulating. "Hah, that''s another Deja Vu for ya!"

    Xueling''s fingers flexed slightly, ready to move. Whatever it was, it wasn¡¯t normal.

    A dark aura was emanating from behind the trees.

 27. The beast of Xiangxi

    A guttural growl rolled through the trees, deep and reverberating, sending a chill through the humid night air.

    Juwon and Bai Xueling stood motionless by the riverbank, their senses sharpening. The once-serene moonlit clearing now felt suffocating, the shadows between the trees stretching unnaturally.

    Juwon¡¯s smirk faded, his muscles tensing. "That doesn¡¯t seem like a normal wild animal."

    Bai Xueling¡¯s silver eyes flickered as she focused, her Qi subtly flowing beneath her skin. "It isn¡¯t."

    The underbrush trembled, branches snapping under unseen weight. Then, from the darkness, it stepped forward¡ªa creature unlike anything they had seen. It had once been a black leopard, but its body was grotesquely altered.

    Dark veins pulsed along its hide, its eyes glowing an unnatural shade of crimson. Its claws, longer than they should be, gleamed under the moonlight, and its breath came out in ragged, unnatural puffs of air.

    Juwon narrowed his eyes. A mutated beast.

    Behind them, the flickering light of the campfire barely reached through the thick foliage. The others were likely still resting, unaware of what lurked beyond the treeline.

    "We need to take this thing down before it reaches camp," Bai Xueling said, already shifting into a defensive stance.

    Juwon cracked his neck, rolling his shoulders. "Guess I¡¯ll finally see how Wudang¡¯s perfect duelist fights."

    Bai Xueling didn¡¯t rise to the bait. "Stay focused."

    The beast tensed, its muscles coiling like a spring. Then, in the blink of an eye, it lunged.

    <hr>

    At the Campfire

    Back at the camp, Yan Huai lazily tossed a twig into the fire, watching the embers flicker. "You hear that?"

    Xu Weishan, who had been resting against a tree with his arms crossed, opened one eye. "Hear what?"

    Zhen Yu had his sword resting across his lap, eyes still sharp despite his relaxed posture. "Something¡¯s moving in the forest. Too heavy to be wind."

    Luo Qing, who had been keeping watch, stood up, adjusting his tactical suit. "Juwon and Bai Xueling aren¡¯t here. Either they wandered off for a midnight stroll, or¡ª"

    A roar shook the ground, cutting him off.

    Yan Huai shot to his feet. "Alright. Midnight stroll theory is dead."

    Xu Weishan was already moving, his iron bracers clanking as he rolled his shoulders. "We need to back them up."

    Luo Qing smirked, drawing his daggers. "Let¡¯s see if fearless leader can handle himself first. If not, we¡¯ll clean up his mess."

    <hr>

    The Fight Begins

    The mutated leopard was fast¡ªtoo fast. It swiped at Juwon with unnatural speed, its claws slicing through the air just as he dodged, feeling the rush of displaced wind against his face.

    Its attacks were erratic, but they carried lethal intent.

    Bai Xueling moved like a ghost, her robes barely shifting as she sidestepped a strike. Her hand glowed faintly with Qi, forming a blade-thin edge of energy as she countered, slicing a tiny bit of the beast¡¯s shoulder.

    The leopard screeched, stepping back momentarily. Its wounds however minimal, began to stitch themselves together unnaturally fast.

    Juwon clicked his tongue. "Regeneration? That¡¯s annoying."

    Bai Xueling nodded. "This isn''t a normal mutation. Something¡ªsomeone¡ªdid this."

    The beast lunged again, but before it could reach them, a whirling glaive shot through the air, embedding itself into the ground just inches from its claw.

    Yan Huai¡¯s voice rang out through the clearing. "Alright, alright. Can¡¯t let you two have all the fun."

    The rest of the team had arrived.

    Luo Qing twirled his daggers, stepping into the moonlight. "Think this thing bleeds?"

    Zhen Yu unsheathed his sword with a sharp, clean sound. "Let¡¯s find out."

    Juwon took a deep breath, then smirked. "Alright, teamwork test starts now. Let¡¯s put this thing down."

    <hr>

    The battle erupted in a blur of movement. Juwon quickly realized something¡ªwhile he was strong, his attacks needed buildup. His Qi had to flow through his meridians, but the others? They moved as if Qi was an extension of their very being.

    Zhen Yu struck first, his Crescent Sever flashing in the dark¡ªa sword arc too fast to follow. There was no delay, no Qi buildup, just an instantaneous release of power. The beast shrieked as the energy blade cut deep.

    Juwon¡¯s eyes widened. Instant Qi activation. Hah so that¡¯s the difference.

    Before the beast could react, Xu Weishan planted his feet, his Qi Aura expanding around him like an invisible pressure field.

    The moment the leopard stepped within range, its movements slowed slightly, as if pushing against an unseen force.

    Another difference.

    Core Formation cultivators suppress everything around them.

    Luo Qing vanished into the shadows, then reappeared behind the beast, daggers glowing faintly. "Let¡¯s test this thing¡¯s reflexes." He vanished again, his Phantom Veil Steps leaving afterimages as he struck the beast¡¯s legs, cutting tendons and weakening its stance.Stolen novel; please report.

    Bai Xueling barely moved as the beast lashed out at her. With the flick of her wrist, she activated Heaven¡¯s Mirror Formation, a transparent barrier forming in an instant.

    The beast¡¯s own force rebounded, sending it staggering backward.

    Juwon exhaled sharply. "They aren¡¯t just stronger¡ªthey fight on a completely different level."

    His realization hit like a hammer. Foundation Establishment cultivators store and refine Qi. Core Formation cultivators command it. Their Qi didn¡¯t need time to gather¡ªit was instant. Their presence alone suppressed weaker enemies.

    Their bodies had adapted, naturally reinforcing them against attacks. Whereas for Foundation establishment, reinforcements are made utilising the Qi in the meridians.

    This¡­ this is Core Formation.

    But there was no time to think further. The beast roared again, its wounds sealing even faster than before.

    Juwon¡¯s smirk returned. Fine. If they wanted to show off what Core Formation could do, he¡¯d show them how a Foundation Establishment cultivator fights against the odds.

    But before he could move, the beast did something no one expected¡ªits Qi flared.

    A deep hum resonated through the air as the mutated leopard¡¯s body began to glow faintly with dark blue energy.

    A sudden surge of Qi formed at its core, and without warning, it opened its maw and unleashed a howling blast of wind, followed by a crackling arc of lightning, tearing through the ground with terrifying force.

    Bai Xueling¡¯s eyes widened. "That¡­ that was wind and lightning Qi?¡±

    Yan Huai barely dodged, rolling to the side. "Since when can animals use Qi like that?!"

    Zhen Yu¡¯s grip on his sword tightened. "Can you even call that an animal now? It more resembles the Qi beasts of the legends. What is happening to this forest?"

    Juwon narrowed his eyes, focusing on the beast¡¯s movements. "It seems this world is not aware of Qi beasts as of yet," he muttered under his breath.

    In the far future, beasts like this will be ranked from the lowest Qi beasts ranked 9th to the highest Divine Beasts ranked 1st.

    But right now, Juwon and the others are dealing with a Rank 5 Qi beast.

    Which is nearly impossible to defeat without a Nascent Soul cultivator.

    <hr>

    They fought for hours. The mutated leopard was relentless, its Qi attacks pushing them to their limits.

    It wielded wind like a living blade, sending countless slicing torrents through the battlefield. The Wudang disciples struggled¡ªdodging, countering, but unable to land a decisive blow.

    And even when they do, they are unable to pierce its skin which is almost as hard as steel.

    Xu Weishan blocked a direct strike with his Iron Wall Guard, barely holding his ground as the Qi-imbued claws crackled with lightning, sending jolts through his reinforced arms.

    Bai Xueling¡¯s Reversal Flow redirected an incoming gust of razor-sharp wind, sending it crashing into a tree, but the beast adapted too quickly.

    Eventually their wounds piled up. Their Qi drained. However the same cannot be said about Juwon. With his breathing technique applied while fighting Juwon is able to recover to some extent. However even that has it¡¯s limits.

    Luo Qing cursed under his breath. "This thing¡¯s healing too fast. If we can¡¯t kill it in one blow, we¡¯re just wasting our strength."

    Juwon wiped blood from his mouth, his body covered in bruises and claw marks. He was the only one still keeping up, still moving like he hadn¡¯t slowed down at all.

    Yan Huai glanced at him between ragged breaths. "How the hell do you have so much stamina?"

    Zhen Yu, panting, nodded. "Are you even human?"

    Juwon cracked his neck. "However it seems that is not enough to take on this oversized house cat." He flexed his fingers, feeling the Qi surging through his body despite his exhaustion. His reserves should have run dry by now¡ªbut they hadn¡¯t.

    <hr>

    Juwon and the Stormclaw Leopard clashed repeatedly, exchanging brutal blows in a blur of movement.

    The beast''s razor-sharp claws raked through the air, missing Juwon by inches as he weaved through its strikes.

    His fists met hardened flesh, delivering powerful blows that barely seemed to slow the beast down.

    A sudden burst of wind-enhanced speed sent the leopard behind him in an instant, its claws barely grazing his side as he twisted away.

    Juwon countered with a sharp elbow strike to its ribs, but the beast retaliated with a vicious swipe, forcing him back.

    Bolts of crackling lightning surged from the leopard¡¯s fangs as it roared, the force sending shockwaves through the battlefield.

    Juwon barely dodged the deadly arcs, his Qi flaring as he launched forward with a sharp knee to the beast¡¯s jaw. The leopard staggered but recovered instantly, its bloodshot eyes locking onto him.

    The leopard countered with a Qi infused claw, Juwon got pushed back making him Trop a knee. Then, Juwon¡¯s stance shifted. He loosened his shoulders, breathing hard, even coughing, letting his arms slacken just slightly.

    The beast¡¯s eyes flickered with predatory instinct, sensing weakness. Juwon exhaled sharply, a trickle of blood escaping his lips. In that moment, the beast lunged¡ªits massive jaws opening wide, fangs flashing as it went straight for the kill.

    Juwon didn¡¯t dodge.

    Instead, he thrust his left forearm forward, letting the beast sink its teeth into him. Blood erupted as the fangs tore through flesh, but Juwon gritted his teeth and locked eyes with it.

    Then he grinned. "Caught you, kitty."

    He moved his right hand below the beast''s lower jaw, an uppercut, his Qi surging violently.

    Dragon Fang Void Break.

    A deafening shockwave exploded as Juwon¡¯s fist connected with the beast¡¯s chin, the force disintegrating its entire skull in an instant.

    Blood, bone, and brain matter splattered across the battlefield.

    The lifeless body collapsed to the ground, its Qi flaring one last time before fading.

    Silence.

    The Wudang disciples stared in shock.

    "We¡­ we couldn¡¯t even leave a scar on its head¡­" Luo Qing muttered, his voice barely audible.

    Yan Huai, still catching his breath, shook his head. "That was¡­ brutal."

    Juwon exhaled, finally stepping back. He ignored the pain in his left arm, rolling his shoulders like nothing had happened. "Good teamwork."

    <hr>

    Juwon closed his eyes, activating Qi Sense to check for any remaining threats. Nothing. But then¡ªsomething inside the beast¡¯s corpse caught his attention.

    He walked forward and placed a bloodied hand over its chest, feeling the residual energy inside. Instead of dispersing back into nature, the Qi inside its heart¡­ was solidifying, crystalising?

    Juwon didn¡¯t hesitate.

    He reached into the beast¡¯s chest cavity and ripped open its heart.

    <hr>

    A small, pulsating Qi Crystal sat inside, glowing faintly. Pure, condensed energy.

    "What¡­ what the hell is that?" Zhen Yu asked, voice tinged with disgust covering his nose with his right hand.

    Juwon rolled the crystal between his fingers. He thought "Qi crystalised into its purest form huh?" "Interesting, it seems much is to be learnt about Qi beasts"

    The others looked at him, some confused, others outright revolted.

    Luo Qing wrinkled his nose. "You just dug that out of its heart. And you¡¯re keeping it?"

    Juwon smirked, pocketing it. "Muddy hands often bring great fortune"

    They stood in silence, the realization settling in.

    Tonight, they hadn¡¯t just faced a mutated beast.

    They had encountered the first Qi Beast in recorded history.

    And something told Juwon¡ªthis was only the beginning.

    ¡±Let¡¯s head back to camp¡±

 28. The Night Hunt

    The camp was silent, save for the crackling of the dying fire and the distant hum of insects. The battle had taken its toll, and the exhausted disciples had collapsed into sleep.

    But Juwon sat cross-legged by the river, his breathing calm, his wounds already sealing as Qi surged through his body.

    The Qi Crystal rested in his palm, faintly pulsing with stored energy. Juwon exhaled, rolling it between his fingers.

    "Let¡¯s try this," he muttered, curiosity flickering in his gaze.

    This method of cultivation was unknown¡ªthere had never been Qi Beasts in this world before, and no one had attempted to cultivate using their cores. He closed his eyes, guiding his Qi to interact with it.

    His dantian started absorbing the Qi within the crystal.

    The moment the energy surged into him; his entire body screamed in protest. His meridians burned, his muscles tightened painfully, and a sharp ache spread through his bones.

    The sheer density of Qi was too much for a normal body to handle¡ªhis blood vessels strained, his meridians threatened to tear apart, and blood seeped from the corner of his mouth.

    But Juwon gritted his teeth, refusing to stop.

    His vision blurred, but his determination remained unshaken. ¡°Do your worst,¡± he growled under his breath. ¡°I¡¯ve had much worse.¡±

    With sheer willpower, he forced the raging Qi into submission, refining the foreign Qi, grinding his way through the torment as his foundation expanded.

    Each second felt like an eternity of agony, but the result was undeniable¡ªhis Qi surged, stabilizing at an entirely new level.

    Refining Qi from external sources is not a lossless process. Just like how a motor engine leaves residue after utilising the fuel, no matter the quality of the fuel. Also, the quality of the fuel does not make the engine of the same quality even though it can make it better. The same is the case with one''s body.

    The system that comprises of one''s body, meridians and the dantian does not refine the fuel that is the Qi from external sources fully and a good amount of Qi is lost in nature. Nor does the quality of the external Qi create the body anew.

    However, Juwon had the perfect martial body and a dantian which is already refining the purest form of Qi. Juwon could refine the qi of the beast without any losses.

    And then it happened.

    A surge of power erupted within him, his Qi condensing, breaking through five levels in a single leap. From the Third Layer, he skyrocketed straight to the Eighth Layer¡ªPeak Foundation Establishment. His foundation grew stronger, his meridians expanded, and deep within his dantian, he felt something stir¡ªa small white core beginning to take shape.

    Peak Foundation Establishment (8th Layer).

    He exhaled, opening his eyes. He was close. Too close to Core Formation. But he needed more. It seems all the Qi in the world would not get him to form a full core. He requires something else. Something more substantial.

    Juwon stood, activating Qi Sense, "What the-?" His perception range has even expanded than before. He could sense everything within the range of his qi sense, but even more surprising was that he could even sense the qi circulation circuits within the earth, the trees, the plants and all types of creatures.

    The traces of other mutated beasts lingered on the air, though none were as majestic as the one they had just fought.This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.

    His smirk widened.

    "Haha i guess I was right! It''s time for a hunt."

    He tried to sense the camp. All the disciples were already asleep.

    Juwon gave out a big sigh "Huh? Look at those guys. Sleeping on their bellies."

    "You better pray to God for what comes next, you bozos"

    <hr>

    Luo Qing was having a great dream¡ªprobably about robbing someone blind¡ªwhen a rough shake on his shoulder jolted him awake. He blinked blearily, only to see Juwon standing over him, looking completely refreshed despite the brutal fight from before.

    "Get up. We¡¯re going hunting."

    Luo Qing stared. "We¡¯re¡­ what?"

    "Get up all of you"

    Across the camp, Yan Huai groaned, burying his face in his arms. "I swear, if this isn¡¯t an emergency, I¡¯m throwing you into the river."

    Zhen Yu sat up, rubbing his temples. "Juwon, it¡¯s the middle of the damn night."

    "And?" Juwon crossed his arms. "You wanted more battle experience, didn¡¯t you?" He gestured toward the darkened forest. "There are still Qi Beasts out there. We can¡¯t let them roam freely."

    Xu Weishan grunted as he stretched, his massive frame still sore from before. "This is insane."

    Yan Huai complained, "Cant we do this in the morning?"

    Juwon''s expression unreadable, "No"

    Bai Xueling sighed, already standing up. "It¡¯s also logical. If we leave them alone, they might attack a village or two."

    Luo Qing groaned, pulling himself up. "Fine, fine. But if I die from exhaustion, I¡¯m haunting you."

    Yan Huai, still half-asleep, muttered, "Not even the demons work like this¡­"

    The forest soon became a battleground.

    Juwon led the charge, tracking Qi Beasts with near-pinpoint accuracy. The team faced smaller but uniquely mutated creatures¡ªeach requiring different strategies to take down. Some bat-like beasts had hardened scales, some emitted toxic mist, and a few tiger like beasts possessed minor elemental Qi abilities. Some attacked in packs while some were lone rangers.

    One after another, they hunted them down. Fangs clashed against steel, claws met reinforced bracers, Qi techniques illuminated the night.

    Each Qi beats was of atleast 7th or 8th rank. These were not on the same level as the panther before, however each one was capable of handling an early core formation practitioner with ease.

    But the real horror wasn¡¯t the fight¡ªit was what Juwon did afterward.

    Luo Qing wiped sweat from his brow as Juwon knelt beside a fallen Qi Beast and, with practiced ease, ripped its heart open with his bare hands.

    "Oh, come on!" Yan Huai gagged. "Do you have to do it like that?!"

    Zhen Yu looked mildly horrified. "We are martial artists, not butchers."

    "Correction¡ªhe is a serial killer," Luo Qing said, watching in disgust as Juwon retrieved yet another glowing Qi Crystal. "Look, he''s collecting trophies of his kill."

    Juwon didn¡¯t even flinch. "If you want to throw away priceless resources, be my guest."

    Yan Huai threw up his hands. "You know, most people use bags. Normal people."

    "Bring the sacks." Juwon deadpanned.

    Xu Weishan sighed. "Why do I feel like we¡¯re on a criminal operation?"

    The complaints continued, but not once did anyone refuse. Trust had already begun to form. Even if they protested, they followed Juwon¡¯s lead.

    <hr>

    By the time they returned to camp, the team was battered and exhausted, but their haul of Qi Crystals was substantial. Juwon sat down, examining one of them under the firelight, its glow pulsing faintly.

    "Alright, gather around. Pour your Qi into it."

    Luo Qing frowned. "What exactly are we doing?"

    "Just do it."

    One by one, the Wudang disciples hesitantly observed the crystal.

    Juwon watched as it pulsed faintly, its glow dimming ever so slightly with each passing moment.

    The Qi within was slowly dissipating, being drawn into the world as if it had never existed.

    Bai Xueling¡¯s eyes widened. "It¡¯s¡­ pure Qi crystallized."

    Juwon nodded, "I also noticed recently. When a Qi beast dies, its Qi expels impurities, leaving behind only this."

    Yan Huai leaned in, suddenly intrigued. "So, if we cultivate this¡­we get stronger in return, it just disappears?"

    Zhen Yu¡¯s gaze flickered between Juwon and the crystal. "You knew this would happen."

    Juwon smirked. "Had a hunch. Once it¡¯s absorbed, it won¡¯t exist anymore¡ªlike refining raw Qi straight into the body."

    Luo Qing exhaled, shaking his head. "First, you rip these out of beasts¡¯ hearts, now you¡¯re telling us they¡¯re basically portable energy banks?"

    Juwon shrugged. "Told you, Muddy hands often bring great fortune."

    The realization settled over the group. Qi Crystals weren¡¯t just rare¡ªthey were a game-changer.

    A resource that could potentially alter the future of cultivation itself.

    "So what do we call these things?" Yan Huai asked.

    "Qi Beast Cores?" Xu Weishan suggested.

    "Too crude," Bai Xueling murmured.

    Zhen Yu tapped the crystal thoughtfully. "Qi Crystals. Simple, elegant, and fitting."

    Juwon nodded. "Qi Crystals it is."

    And thus, an era-defining resource was officially named.

    <hr>

    As the embers of their campfire flickered in the night, Juwon leaned back, gazing at the darkened sky. They had made history tonight.

    But deep down, he knew¡ªthis was only the beginning. The world he knew before is ceasing to exist.

 28. Off to Xiangxi

    The first light of dawn seeped through the dense forest canopy, illuminating the damp ground still marred by last night¡¯s battle.

    The Wudang disciples stirred, groaning as their bodies protested the abuse from hours of Qi Beast hunting.

    The smell of smoldering embers and morning dew filled the air, but the real weight pressing down on them wasn¡¯t fatigue¡ªit was realization.

    They had just made history.

    Juwon, however, sat at the edge of the camp, completely refreshed, absentmindedly rolling a Qi Crystal between his fingers.

    He had cultivated overnight, absorbing to the very last drop of the crystal¡¯s energy, upgrading his cultivation.

    His body still ached, but his Qi pulsed with newfound strength.

    He was at the Peak of Foundation Establishment¡ªand just on the edge of Core Formation.

    He let out a slow breath, Qi Sense expanding farther than ever before, tracing the energy circuits within the earth, the trees, and even the smallest creatures around him. The world was more alive than ever.

    Juwon smirked. That¡¯s new.

    Yan Huai stretched with an exaggerated groan. "Alright, fearless leader, where to next? Or are we just going to follow your ¡®Qi Beast serial killer¡¯ instincts again?"

    Luo Qing, still sprawled out in his bedroll, lazily raised a hand.

    "More importantly, when do we report this? Wudang is going to lose its collective mind when they find out Qi Crystals exist."

    Bai Xueling, who had been scanning through their burner phones, finally spoke. "We have to report it eventually. But¡­ how much do we tell them?"

    Luo Qing, ever the opportunist, twirled a Qi Crystal between his fingers. "Well¡­ maybe not everything. Why should we report all of them?" His eyes gleamed with mischief. "We keep what we found and only mention the discovery, not the quantity."

    Zhen Yu gave him a flat look. "That¡¯s literally just lying."

    "No, it¡¯s called self-preservation," Luo Qing shot back. "Think about it. If we hand everything over, we lose an opportunity to strengthen ourselves. And let¡¯s be honest¡ªwho¡¯s getting these first? Us or the Elders?"

    Yan Huai shrugged. "He¡¯s got a point. What if we need them later?"

    Xu Weishan shook his head. "The sect should decide what¡¯s done with the Qi Crystals."

    "Oh yeah? And if they take them all for Nascent Soul cultivators? What then?" Yan Huai countered.

    The discussion escalated, voices overlapping, until Juwon, who had been silent the entire time, finally spoke.

    "Stop uselessly arguing."

    The weight of his voice cut through the debate instantly. Silence fell.

    Yan Huai, ever the dramatic, exhaled in relief.

    "Oh, thank god. I thought we were about to have an actual war."

    Luo Qing clicked his tongue. "Fine. Whatever. But don¡¯t expect me to just hand these over like an offering."

    Yan Huai smirked. "Then listen to what the leader says and save them for the sect."

    Luo Qing¡¯s expression darkened. "Oh, shut up. He didn¡¯t even say that."

    Juwon finally looked up, his smirk returning. "Who said anything about giving them to Wudang?"

    The air froze.

    The disciples stared at him like he had just insulted their ancestors.

    "I¡¯m an outsider," Juwon continued. "By default, half the spoils belong to me anyway. But I¡¯m not unreasonable.Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.

    If anyone has a problem with this, speak up. Otherwise, I propose a fairer way¡ªwhoever contributes the most gets the most."

    Luo Qing¡¯s brain visibly short-circuited. "Oh, you sneaky¡ª"

    Juwon smirked. "Now that I¡¯ve broken through, none of you are beating me for top contributor.

    So, let¡¯s see what you¡¯re really worth."

    Luo Qing groaned. "Great. We¡¯re being scammed."

    Yan Huai laughed. "I kind of respect it, though."

    Xu Weishan sighed. "We still have to report this."

    Juwon shrugged, pulling out one of the three burner phones. "I¡¯ll handle it. I¡¯ll call the Sect Leader myself."

    "Wait¡ª!" Bai Xueling started, but it was too late.

    Juwon had already hit the dial.

    <hr>

    Wudang Sect ¨C Zhang Taichen¡¯s Private Residence

    Steam rose from a jade teacup, wisps of heat curling into the morning air. Zhang Taichen, Wudang¡¯s Sect Leader, lounged poolside, eyes half-lidded in absolute relaxation.

    The phone rang beside him. He lazily picked it up without looking at the number.

    "Yeah, Taichen this side."

    A familiar voice greeted him. "Hey, Taichen. We just found out Qi Beasts exist. Oh, and they leave behind crystallized Qi in their hearts. We call them Qi Crystals now. These crystals hold pure qi inside which any ordinary disciple can refine up to 20% before wasting it, while I, can obviously refine up to 80% due to my true vessel body"

    Juwon decided that it would not be wise of him reveal about that the nature of his body allows him to completely absorb the Qi.

    The Sect Leader while sipping his tea, "Oh I see"

    and suddenly

    his eyes cracked open, he chocked on his tea and leaned forward "What Qi.... beasts of the legends? Qi Crystals that help cultivation?.....This is ...all to sudden!! but...Thats amazing news Juwon."

    Taichen, calmed himself and started sipping his tea again, "Why are you still on the line? Is something bothering you?"

    "Oh, its nothing, I just wanted you to know I¡¯m not giving Wudang a single crystal."

    Taichen choked on his tea.... for the second time.

    Back at the camp, the disciples froze in horror.

    Zhen Yu mouthed silently. Did he just call the Sect Leader by name?

    Meanwhile, Taichen wiped his mouth, sighing. "Man, come on. Aren¡¯t we friends? You know I¡¯m stuck at Peak Nascent Soul Realm. Help a brother out will ya"

    Yan Huai nearly fell over. "Brother?!"

    Luo Qing held his head. "Connections. Of course, it was connections. The Sect Leader himself¡­" He groaned. "We never stood a chance."

    Zhen Yu shook his head. "Isn¡¯t..... the Sect Leader supposed to be ancient? Why is he talking like that?!"

    Juwon smirked. "Who are you kidding? You just broke through. You¡¯re nowhere near stuck. Focus on stabilizing your realm or go fight a Qi Beast yourself, you prick. We¡¯re putting our lives on the line out here."

    Bai Xueling almost faints "He said prick" only for Luo Qing to catch her.

    "Although..." Juwon¡¯s grin widened.

    Taichen leaned forward. "Although?"

    "If my predictions are right, I¡¯ll send you a whole Qi Beast farm."

    Juwon paused, then continued. "Or even better¡ªmake the mountains around Wudang a Qi Beast farm."

    Taichen grinned beyond his eyes. "Now now, brother you do get it."

    A moment of silence.

    Then, both of them burst out laughing."Bwaahhahaha" "Bwahaha"

    Yan Huai, Bai Xueling, Zhen Yu, and the rest stared in deadpan silence. -Brothers Indeed

    Then, suddenly¡ªa third voice joined in. "Pfhahaha"

    Yan Huai blinked. "Wait a second¡ªWHY ARE YOU LAUGHING, LUO QING?!"

    Luo Qing immediately stopped, clearing his throat. "Ahem. I was¡­ lost in thought."

    Juwon smirked. "Right. Keep telling yourself that.

    Now pack up¡ªwe¡¯re heading for Xiangxi."

    <hr>

    The disciples exchanged glances, still trying to process everything.

    Yan Huai , shaking his head with a sigh. ¡°Alright, fearless leader. What¡¯s next? Are we actually heading to Xiangxi, or do you plan on robbing a few more Qi Beasts before breakfast?¡±

    Juwon stretched lazily, rolling his shoulders. "As much as I¡¯d love to, we have work to do. Pack up, we¡¯re moving out. Also, I don''t think there are any left in the vicinity"

    Zhen Yu nodded "Qi Beast Serial Killer indeed"

    Xu Weishan seemed curious, "But how were you precisely sensing the qi beasts yesterday? Even us core formation practitioners couldn''t sense half of them"

    Juwon winked "Now that''s a trade secret"

    The team quickly began dismantling the camp, still grumbling about being woken up at dawn.

    Soon everyone parched up the SUVs ready to leave for Xiangxi. Bai Xueling, who had recovered from her near-fainting spell, glanced at Juwon.

    ¡°We¡¯ll reach Xiangxi in a few hours. What¡¯s the plan when we arrive?¡±

    Juwon looked at the map displayed on the dashboard of the SUV.

    "First, we check in with the village. They might have seen something unusual before Hei Long abandoned their facility.

    Second, we confirm if there¡¯s any lingering Qi activity in the ruins. Hei Long has to be connected with the Qi Beasts somehow."

    Luo Qing scoffed. "You make it sound easy. Villagers aren¡¯t just going to open up to a bunch of outsiders."

    Juwon smirked. "That¡¯s why we have Bai Xueling."

    She raised an eyebrow. "Excuse me?"

    Juwon gestured vaguely. "You have that... cold yet trustworthy aura. Like someone who knows exactly what they¡¯re doing. Plus, you¡¯re the least terrifying person in this group."

    Yan Huai nodded. "Yeah, compared to Juwon, who rips Qi Crystals out of corpses with his bare hands, Luo Qing, who looks like he¡¯d rob you blind, and Xu Weishan who looks like he will just fight without a reason, You and I are the only good options we have Xueling"

    Xueling said with a straight face, "They will just kick you out because you are annoying Huai"

    "Ouch, that hurt"

    Bai Xueling sighed. "Alright I''ll be our spokesperson."

    Zhen Yu sheathed his sword and leaned against the SUV. "What if Hei Long left more than just traces? What if something¡ªor someone¡ªis still there?"

    Juwon¡¯s smirk didn¡¯t waver. "Then we make sure they regret staying behind."

    The engines roared to life as the SUVs rolled out, the thick forest giving way to winding mountain roads.

    As they descended toward Xiangxi, mist clung to the valleys below, shrouding the village in an eerie stillness. The real mission was about to begin.

 29. Saviour of the Tribe

    The mist thickened as the SUVs rumbled down the rugged dirt path leading into Xiangxi. The towering forests that lined the road swayed gently, their ancient presence looming over the quiet valley.

    The once-lively banter among the Wudang disciples had faded, replaced by the eerie silence of a village long forgotten by time.

    Juwon sat in the front passenger seat, resting his elbow against the window. His Qi Sense pulsed outward, feeling the currents of energy within the land.

    Something was off.

    Juwon noticed something. The Qi here didn¡¯t just exist¡ªit moved unnaturally, shifting beneath the surface like unseen veins pumping through the earth.

    Juwon¡¯s fingers tapped idly against his knee. Interesting.

    Yan Huai let out an exaggerated sigh from the backseat. "Alright, this is way too quiet. Someone say something before I start thinking this place is haunted."

    Luo Qing smirked, adjusting his jacket. "If it is, I vote we leave Juwon behind as bait. He attracts trouble anyway."

    Juwon didn¡¯t even look at him. "You can try. Just don¡¯t expect me to save you when the ghost picks you instead."

    Zhen Yu chuckled. "Knowing him, he¡¯d negotiate with it and somehow make a profit."

    The conversation was cut short as the SUVs slowed to a stop at the edge of the village. A handful of villagers stood in silence, watching them from afar.

    Their faces were tense, their postures wary. A few older men and women exchanged hushed whispers, while some of the younger villagers gripped tools, as if ready to defend themselves.

    Juwon stepped out first, stretching slightly.

    The moment his boots hit the dirt road, the tension in the air thickened. The villagers weren¡¯t just cautious¡ªthey were afraid.

    The hunched elder, his sharp, sunken eyes filled with quiet suspicion, stepped forward. "Leave. We have nothing to do with outsiders."

    Bai Xueling, ever composed, stepped forward with a slight bow. "We mean no harm. We¡¯re just looking for information¡ª"

    "You shouldn¡¯t be here." The elder cut her off, his voice sharp but restrained.

    Luo Qing sighed, folding his arms. "We¡¯re just here to investigate Hei Long¡¯s old facility."

    The moment those words left his lips, everything changed.

    A woman gasped, clutching her child and pulling them behind her. Several younger men tensed, gripping their tools like weapons. One older man spat at the ground, his face twisting with raw hatred.

    The elder¡¯s face darkened instantly. "Don¡¯t say that name here," he snapped. "You have no idea what you¡¯re bringing back."

    Bai Xueling raised a hand, her voice steady but calm. "We¡¯re not here to bring anything back. We¡¯re from Wudang. We came to investigate Hei Long¡¯s past activities and stop them before they cause more harm."

    For a moment, the villagers hesitated. But the elder only scoffed. "Stop them? You? Wudang? Where were you when they took our children?"

    Bai Xueling concerned, "Children? I don''t understand?"

    The elder¡¯s dark eyes bore into him. "Understand? What¡¯s left to understand? They came, they took from us, and they left behind nothing but the living dead."

    A heavy silence followed.

    The elder Yun Ji''s hands clenched at his sides, his voice barely above a whisper. "Our children. What did they ever do to end up like that."

    A heavy silence fell upon the group.

    Mothers were wailing. The men started clenching their fists.

    Bai Xueling¡¯s gaze sharpened. "What happened here?"

    Yun Ji¡¯s voice trembled with barely contained fury. "Would you leave us alone if we showed you?"

    Juwon nodded.

    <hr>

    The Clinic of the Living Dead

    The elder, who introduced himself as Yun Ji, led them through the winding paths of Xiangxi, past aged wooden houses and quiet, watching eyes.

    Finally, they reached a small, well-maintained building¡ªthe village clinic.

    Inside, the scent of medicinal herbs mixed with something stale, something unnatural.

    Rows of beds lined the walls, each occupied by a child, unmoving, their breathing shallow. Their skin was pale, almost translucent, their bodies thin from prolonged stillness. Their skin had shrunken as if there were no muscles left within their bodies.

    Luo Qing muttered under his breath. "This is¡­ worse than I expected."

    Bai Xueling examined one of the children, her silver eyes narrowing. "Their meridians are intact, but their Qi¡­ it¡¯s nearly gone. It¡¯s as if something drained them dry."

    Zhen Yu crossed his arms. "This is.......terrible."

    Huai''s expression darkened. His teeth clenched to his lips almost bleeding them. His eyes teeming with anger "Who did this?"

    Juwon remained silent, his eyes fixed on the still form of a frail-looking boy, no older than six.

    Yun Ji placed a hand on the boy¡¯s forehead. "This is Yun Tian, my grandson. He was the first taken. If you can help¡­" His voice faltered. "No, I''m sure nobody can help them at this point."

    Wudang disciples were all looking down gritting their teeth blaming their helplessness as children not even teenagers yet laid there not living but not dying either.

    That''s when Juwon knelt beside the boy and closed his eyes, activating Qi Sense.The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

    What he saw made his breath catch.

    The boy¡¯s Qi was not completely gone¡ªit was still there, but faint, scattered like embers in dying ash. But as Juwon focused, he felt something eerily familiar about it. The flow, the composition¡ªit was similar to his own, yet refined in a way he had never encountered before.

    What''s up with this village. Their Qi is as pure as mine yet of a different nature

    And beneath the village, stretching deep into the earth, he felt something powerful.

    A realization struck him¡ªthis Qi, just like his, was connected to the worldly Qi present within the earth.

    The children hadn¡¯t just been drained; their connection to the natural Qi cycle had been disrupted.

    His eyes snapped open. "Their Qi... it¡¯s not gone. It¡¯s broken."

    Juwon exhaled, his gaze unwavering as he met Yun Ji¡¯s eyes.

    "Yun Ji, was it? I need your full cooperation."

    The village elder frowned, confusion flickering across his face. "What?"

    Juwon¡¯s voice remained steady. "If you''re willing to pay the price, I will help these children."

    His tone carried absolute confidence, yet theWudang disciples exchanged uncertain glances.

    Juwon was no physician¡ªwhat was he thinking?

    Luo Qing suddenly stepped forward, grabbing Juwon by the collar, his voice low and furious.

    "Don¡¯t you dare play with the lives of innocent children!" His grip tightened. "There are other ways to get information! We can sneak in¡ª"

    Thud!

    A sudden weight crashed to the floor.

    Yun Ji had dropped to his knees. His old, trembling hands clutched the hem of Juwon¡¯s clothes, his voice shaking.

    "If you can save them... if you can bring even one of them back..." His forehead pressed against the dirt. "The Miao tribe¡ªwho have survived for thousands of years as the Shamans of the South¡ªwill serve you as our master."

    The room fell into absolute silence.

    Luo Qing¡¯s fingers slackened. Juwon himself froze.

    He had expected hesitation, resistance, even bargaining. But this?

    Juwon shoved off Luo¡¯s grip and knelt beside Yun Ji, placing a firm hand on his shoulder.

    A warm smile tugged at his lips. "You don¡¯t need to go that far. Just let us stay here for a while."

    Then, he stood, his gaze shifting to the unconscious child.

    His expression turned serious. "Also... I¡¯m not even sure I¡¯ll succeed."

    He turned back to Yun Ji, his tone softer yet unwavering. "But I can promise you one thing¡ªI¡¯ll give it everything I¡¯ve got. Even if it¡¯s the last thing I do."

    A quiet gasp rippled through the villagers. Hope, a long-dead ember, flickered back to life in their weary eyes.

    Yun Ji nodded, a single tear rolling down his cheek. His voice cracked, yet his smile remained. "ummHmm Th-Thank you."

    Yan Huai, watching the scene unfold, let out a sigh before grinning. "Hehe so, the demon does know how to smile."

    Xu Weishan crossed his arms, his deep voice rumbling. "He looks handsome when he smiles¡ªjust like me."

    Luo Qing scoffed, deadpan. "Your smile scares people, big guy. Last time you smiled, someone reported an ogre in the halls."

    Xu Weishan scowled. "Come here, you brat. I¡¯ll eat you alive."

    Luo Qing took a step back, smirking. "See? My point exactly."

    Amidst the laughter, Bai Xueling¡¯s heart pounded.

    Something about this moment¡ªabout Juwon himself¡ªfelt far too important to ignore.

    <hr>

    Dragon Vein Convergence

    Juwon placed his palm on Yun Tian¡¯s back while several men from the village held him in a lotus position.

    Activate Dragon Vein Convergence.

    At first, nothing happened. Then, the Qi around him shifted. It wasn¡¯t just his own¡ªit was the land itself, responding to him. Qi flowed from beneath, into him, not as power, but as something alive. It was as though a new circuit has formed. The Qi from the land flowed seamlessly.

    "I read about this in the Primordial Breathing Technique!" The key circuits of the earth "

    "The dragon veins"

    The moment he touched Yun Tian¡¯s Qi, he understood. It was similar to his own, but changed¡ªaltered by generations of cultivation.

    Yun Ji asked with concern, "Can my grandchild be saved?"

    Juwon blurted, "Do not interrupt me!"

    Yun Ji nodded and stepped back.

    Juwon thought, What if¡­ instead of refining Dragon Vein Qi into my own, I altered it? Matched it to his? Can I even refine other people''s Qi?

    "Let me try something here"

    He took a tiny sliver of Yun Tian¡¯s Qi, analyzing its structure, its nature. Then he drew in a thread of Dragon Vein Qi, keeping the amount small, controlled. He let his own Qi act as a mediator, only melding and not merging into the two Qis.

    The result was immediate. A new Qi was formed. The newly refined Qi felt different¡ªit was Yun Tian¡¯s, but restored, stronger, more complete.

    Juwon exhaled sharply.

    Hah! It worked.

    Everyone else looked confused, nothing had happened yet.

    Now for the real test.

    He sat behind Yun Tian, adjusting his position.

    "Hold him steady."

    The villagers hesitated, but two men carefully supported the child in a lotus position.

    Juwon placed both hands on Yun Tian¡¯s back and took in more Dragon Vein Qi.

    "This might hurt a little"

    Then, he took more of the boy¡¯s remaining Qi.

    Yun Tian''s body started shrinking more, looking like elderly.

    The elder tensed. "What are you doing?! You¡¯ll kill him!"

    Wudang disciples moved on instinct, hands reaching for their weapons.

    Bai Xueling held up a hand. "Wait. Trust him. We''ve seen him pull miracles before"

    Juwon gritted his teeth, Qi compressing within him, forming a hollow sphere at the center of his dantian. Within this sphere, he left an empty space, allowing both the Dragon Vein Qi and Yun Tian¡¯s Qi to swirl inside. The energies clashed at first, the powerful raw Qi from the Dragon Vein resisting the altered Qi of the boy.

    The sphere trembled, unstable, as wild currents of energy fought for dominance.

    Juwon gritting his teeth, ¡°so this is the resistance on a larger circuit?¡­However¡±

    Juwon tightened his focus, his own Qi acting as the mediator, guiding the two forces into balance. The chaotic surges slowly began to rotate in harmony, merging and refining into something entirely new¡ªan enhanced, purified version of the Qi that once flowed through Yun Tian¡¯s body. A sudden backlash erupted, sending a shockwave through his meridians¡ªJuwon coughed blood, his veins burning from the strain.

    The resistance stopped.

    A sudden pulse of radiant energy burst outward from Yun Tian¡¯s body, the purified Qi rushing through his meridians like a long-dried river suddenly flooded with life.

    His once pale lifeless skin flushed with warmth, a faint golden light briefly outlining his form as the energy reconnected with his body. The stagnant Qi within him ignited, reigniting his dormant life force.

    A sudden stillness settled over the clinic, the weight of anticipation pressing down on everyone like a storm about to break.

    Then¡ªhe took a breath.

    Not a weak, fragile gasp, but a deep, steady breath, his chest rising and falling with newfound strength.

    A ripple of disbelief swept through the room.

    His fingers twitched, once limp hands clenching slightly as warmth returned to his body.

    His eyelids fluttered, as if struggling to remember how to open.

    Then¡ªhe let out a small, groggy yawn.

    For a moment, silence reigned.

    Then, chaos.

    A woman collapsed to her knees, sobbing uncontrollably. An older man clutched his chest, murmuring prayers under his breath. Villagers surged forward, hands covering their mouths, their eyes wide with tears.

    "T-Tian''er?"

    The elder¡¯s voice cracked, filled with a fragile mix of hope and fear.

    The boy blinked, his gaze hazy but alive. He turned toward the familiar voice and mumbled,

    "Grandpa...?"

    Yun Ji staggered forward, his hands trembling as he cupped the boy¡¯s face. "You¡¯re awake¡­ You¡¯re awake!" His voice broke as he pulled Yun Tian into his arms, clutching him like he never wanted to let go.

    Juwon exhaled, wiping the blood from his chin as he leaned back slightly. He felt the weight of what had just happened¡ªnot just on his body, but in the air itself.

    The room was still a whirlwind of emotions when his voice cut through the noise.

    "One down." He rolled his shoulders, looking at the rest of the unconscious children. "Let¡¯s keep going."

    The room stilled.

    Bai Xueling stared at him, stunned.

    Luo Qing ran a hand through his hair, muttering,

    "Alright. Maybe he really is a demon..."

    Yan Huai sighed, shaking his head. "Damn it. Here we go again..."

 30. The Dance of the Shamans

    The weight of a miracle

    Inside the clinic, the air was thick with tension.

    The moment Yun Tian¡¯s breathing steadied, the quiet murmurs of disbelief turned into shouts of realization.

    One child stumbled outside, then another. Before long, the entire village was awake, their voices rising in hushed awe. Word spread like wildfire¡ªone of their own had been saved.

    By the time Juwon finished stabilizing his Qi, nearly the entire village had gathered outside. Some stood in stunned silence, others clutched their loved ones, eyes wide with something between hope and fear.

    Now, as he stepped forward, all eyes were on him.

    What Juwon had accomplished was something completely unheard of, even in the ancient history of cultivation. Normally, it is impossible for one to cultivate on behalf of another¡ªonce Qi is transferred, it loses its original ownership, merging with the recipient''s Qi and becoming something entirely new.

    However, by applying Dragon Vein Convergence, Juwon achieved the unthinkable. The technique allowed him to form temporary Qi circuits that could retain the original Qi''s identity, keeping it "alive" and untainted until it was ready to be returned. As long as Juwon could isolate Yun Tian¡¯s Qi, preventing it from merging with his own, and stabilize new Qi pathways within his own dantian, he was able to refine another person¡¯s Qi¡ªa method that had never been recorded before.

    This revolutionary technique would later become known as:

    Dragon Vein Convergence: Transfiguration

    He wiped the blood from his mouth, exhaling as he leaned against the wooden doorframe of the clinic. His body ached, his meridians still throbbing from the sheer effort of what he had just done. But none of that mattered.

    Because Yun Tian had opened his eyes.

    A miracle had unfolded before their eyes, and the people of the Miao tribe knew it.

    Slowly, one by one, the villagers knelt on one knee before Juwon, their hands placed over their hearts in solemn respect. The movement was silent, synchronized¡ªnot just gratitude, but a pledge.

    Juwon, still catching his breath, blinked at them. "Uh¡­ what¡¯s going on?"

    Yun Ji, standing at the forefront, lowered his head. ¡°Young Master, the Miao tribe owes you a debt that can never be repaid. You have restored what even the greatest healers could not. From this day forth, we are in your service.¡±

    Juwon¡¯s brows furrowed. "Hold on, hold on¡ªI don¡¯t need any of that. You don¡¯t have to serve me."

    Yan Huai let out a sharp whistle. "Oho, fearless leader. You¡¯re stacking up followers now? Next thing we know, you¡¯ll have your own sect."

    Luo Qing crossed his arms, smirking. "Guess we should start calling you Young Master too. Maybe even start bringing you tea in the mornings."

    Xu Weishan grunted. "Tch. Better him than you, Luo. You¡¯d probably demand silk robes and a throne."

    Juwon groaned, rubbing his temples. "You lot are impossible."

    Juwon groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Now shut up, all of you."

    Despite his protest, the villagers remained in place. Yun Ji raised his head, his eyes unwavering. ¡°Young Master, you may refuse the title, but you cannot refuse the hearts that have already chosen to follow you.¡±

    Bai Xueling observed quietly from the side, her expression unreadable.

    Finally, Juwon exhaled. "Fine. Just¡­ stop kneeling, alright?"

    The villagers exchanged glances before slowly rising, but the reverence in their eyes remained.

    Bai Xueling, arms crossed, sighed. "Wudang has found a gem of a disciple."

    At that, Luo Qing let out a dry laugh. "A gem? You do know he¡¯s not actually from Wudang, right?"Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.

    The villagers froze in confusion. "What?"

    Zhen Yu smirked, taking a sip of water. "He just arrived some time ago. Technically, he¡¯s an outsider."

    Yan Huai grinned. "Sure, he¡¯s a Guardian, which means he holds the same rank as a Head Elder, but their role is different."

    Yun Ji frowned. "A Guardian¡­ one who does not belong to a sect, but protects the land and its people¡­"

    Juwon sighed. "You guys talk too much."

    After a long silence, Yun Ji smiled. "We will speak more after you¡¯ve rested. But first¡ªlet us celebrate. Tonight, the Miao feast in your honor."

    The Wudang disciples perked up.

    Yan Huai¡¯s grin widened. "Now that is something I can get behind."

    Luo Qing smirked. "As long as they have strong drinks, I won¡¯t complain."

    Juwon, still exhausted, sighed. "I don¡¯t think I have much of a choice, do I?"

    Yun Ji chuckled. "Not at all."

    <hr>

    The Miao Feast ¨C Celebration Under the Stars

    The village square was alive with laughter and music. A massive bonfire burned bright at its center, casting flickering shadows as the villagers danced in rhythmic steps around it. The Wudang disciples, initially hesitant, had quickly abandoned their formality¡ªYan Huai and Luo Qing were already drinking with the Miao warriors, while Xu Weishan found himself in a fierce drinking contest against a seasoned elder all while munching away on some boiled sweet potatoes.

    Juwon, however, sat with Yun Ji at a quieter table, a copper cup filled with Horn Spirit wine in his hand. He took a slow sip, savoring the rich, smoky taste that lingered on his tongue. Hah looks at those Wudang guys drowning in wine-

    "Horn Spirit, huh?" Juwon mused, tilting the cup slightly. "I¡¯ve read about this. Said to be brewed with sacred herbs and aged in ox horns. Some historians think it was once reserved for warriors before battle."

    Yun Ji chuckled. "Horn Spirit is an old tradition. Brewed from the sacred herbs of the mountains, aged in ox horns. A single sip is said to clear the mind and sharpen the soul."

    "Historians aren¡¯t too far off. It sharpens the senses, steadies the heart. Our ancestors believed that a warrior should never enter battle clouded by fear. A single sip grants clarity."

    Juwon swirled the liquid thoughtfully. "It¡¯s strong, but smooth. A drink with history."

    "Back when I was an archaeologist, I tried many times to get in contact with your people. The government never gave us a permit. They always said it was to protect cultural heritage, but I knew better. There¡¯s something about the Miao that they didn¡¯t want outsiders to see."

    Yun Ji chuckled, setting his cup down. "And now you are here, drinking Horn Spirit, sitting in the heart of that mystery."

    Juwon smirked, raising his cup slightly. "Fate has a sense of irony, doesn¡¯t it?"

    Yun Ji nodded, his expression turning thoughtful. "Perhaps. Or perhaps the world moves as it should, guiding those who seek knowledge to where they are meant to be."

    Yun Ji smiled knowingly. "Or perhaps, you already carry the clarity our ancestors sought." The aroma was rich and smoky, its taste both smooth and fiery. He raised his cup, meeting Yun Ji¡¯s gaze.

    As they spoke, a small figure approached. Yun Tian, still weak but awake, stood hesitantly beside Juwon. "Young Master¡­ thank you." His voice was soft, but the gratitude in his eyes was unmistakable.

    Juwon smiled, reaching out to ruffle the boy¡¯s hair lightly. "Just focus on your health for now, alright? That¡¯ll be thanks enough."

    A soft giggle interrupted them as a few young Miao women approached, carrying a clay jug. One of them, cheeks flushed, hesitated before speaking. "Young Master, may we pour your wine?"

    Juwon chuckled, pushing his cup forward. "Of course."

    The girls giggled as they carefully refilled his drink before scampering away, whispering among themselves.

    From across the fire, Bai Xueling watched the scene unfold. Her fingers lightly touched her chest as an unfamiliar sensation settled in her heart. What was this?

    Before she could dwell on it, a drunken voice slurred beside her.

    "Forget it, Lingling," Yan Huai grinned, swaying slightly. "He¡¯s a man that will reach heights beyond our comprehension. He¡¯ll always be in battles we can only watch from afar. Following him¡­ will bring suffering."

    Bai Xueling turned, brows knitting. "What do you mean I-?"

    Yan Huai exhaled, gaze fixed on Juwon. "Hah but if you really want to¡­ you might have to leave Wudang."

    Her eyes widened slightly, gaze shifting back to Juwon.

    Before she could respond, a deep blowhorn echoed from the bonfire.

    Juwon looked up, then glancing at Yun Ji. "I reckon something¡¯s about to happen?"

    Yun Ji smiled, taking a sip of his own drink. "Keep watching. You wouldn¡¯t want to miss this."

    Drums began to play¡ªslow at first, then rising in tempo. The Miao, young and old, stepped forward, forming perfect lines. Then, they danced around the campfire forming multiple inner and outer circles.

    Juwon¡¯s breath hitched. He couldn¡¯t believe it.

    With every step, every precise movement of their hands, the Qi in the air rippled and surged, as though responding to their call. When they moved left, Qi followed in a smooth, undulating wave, bending like the currents of a vast unseen ocean. When they raised their hands, the energy coiled and spiraled upward, intertwining in shimmering threads before dispersing like drifting embers. Hundreds¡ªno, thousands¡ªof Qi circuits formed and dissolved, creating a constantly shifting network that wove through the dancers like a living, breathing entity. The entire performance was more than just a dance¡ªit was an ancient ritual, a manifestation of the land¡¯s hidden power, an unspoken language of Qi itself.

    The Wudang disciples, unable to see the flow of Qi, simply cheered at the beauty of the performance.

    But Juwon? He could see everything.

    He shot to his feet, his heart pounding. ¡°This¡­ this is¡­¡±

    Yun Ji took a soft sip, his smile deepening. ¡°So, it is true. Young Master was chosen to be blessed by this world.¡±

    "The Miao have a bright future"

 31. The Tale of the First Shaman (Part 1)

    The Echoes of the Dance

    Juwon stood still as the last echoes of the Drum Dance faded into the night. The Wudang disciples had long since moved on, drinking and laughing with the Miao people, but Juwon remained rooted in place. His mind reeled from what he had just witnessed¡ªthis was not mere movement, nor was it simple Qi manipulation.

    The dance was alive.

    His gaze shifted toward Yun Ji, who had been watching him closely, as if waiting for Juwon to say something. The elder¡¯s expression was calm, but his eyes held something deeper¡ªan understanding that Juwon had seen what others could not.

    Juwon exhaled; his voice low. ¡°That wasn¡¯t just a dance, was it?¡±

    Yun Ji chuckled, shaking his head. ¡°Not to us. To the Miao, it is far more than mere tradition. It is the retelling of a legend¡ªone we have carried through generations.¡±

    Juwon frowned. ¡°A legend?¡±

    Yun Ji nodded. ¡°Yes. The tale of the first shaman¡­ the first descendant of the dragon.¡±

    Juwon¡¯s eyes widened slightly. ¡°A dragon?¡±

    Yun Ji smirked. ¡°Surprised? Would you like to hear the tale? It might take a bit of your time young master.¡±

    Juwon hesitated, then nodded, curiosity flickering in his gaze. ¡°Go on.¡±

    Yun Ji¡¯s voice softened, his eyes reflecting the firelight. ¡°Then listen well, Young Master. Our story begins long before history was written¡ªbefore kings and empires, before gold held value in a man¡¯s hand. It was during the Longshan Era, in the untamed lands of Xiangxi, where the rivers raged and the mountains stood untouched, that a lone orphan walked the earth¡­"

    <hr>

    A Lost Era: The Birth of the First Shaman

    The land was wild. Untamed rivers carved through valleys, and forests stretched endlessly, hiding secrets older than mankind. The rains were relentless, reshaping the land with their fury, forcing people into scattered settlements, where the strong ruled and the weak were forgotten.

    And in the shadows of this harsh world, there was a boy.

    His name was Wu Shen.

    To the world, he was nothing. A nameless child who survived by stealing from farms and outwitting the guards of the village elites. He had no home, no family¡ªonly the orphans who huddled together for warmth in the alleys, sharing what little food they could find.

    ¡°Big Brother Wu Shen!¡± A young voice called from behind him, barely above the noise of the bustling market.

    Wu Shen turned sharply; his hands full of stolen root vegetables. He grinned and tossed a radish toward Ba Shu, a burly but kind-hearted boy who always acted tougher than he was.

    ¡°Did you really steal from the same farm again?¡± Yu Lan, the eldest girl in their group, whispered sharply, her eyes scanning the crowd for guards.

    Wu Shen smirked, biting into a berry. ¡°If they were smarter, they wouldn¡¯t leave their crops unattended.¡±

    Ba Shu laughed, stuffing a radish into his mouth. ¡°One day, you¡¯re going to get caught.¡±

    Little Mu, the youngest of them all, clung to Wu Shen¡¯s sleeve. ¡°Big Brother, will we always have to run?¡±

    Wu Shen hesitated.

    For the first time, he had no answer. The question weighed on him, heavier than any burden he had carried before. He wanted to say they would find a way, that they would carve a future free of hunger and fear. But the words never came.

    <hr>

    A Risky Heist and a Narrow Escape

    That night, Wu Shen snuck into the same farm again, confident in his routine¡ªonly this time, he failed to notice the guard posted nearby.

    ¡°Got you, you little rat!¡± the guard bellowed, lunging toward him.

    Wu Shen barely managed to slip out of his grasp, sprinting toward the market. ¡°Come back here, you rat!¡± the guard shouted, his heavy boots pounding behind him.The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

    He darted between stalls, knocking over baskets of fruit as vendors cursed at him. With practiced ease, he leaped onto a bamboo scaffold, climbed a stack of crates, and vaulted over a clay rooftop. The night wind rushed past him as he scaled the building''s uneven bricks, finding momentary safety atop the rooftops.

    Once he was sure the guard had given up, Wu Shen exhaled and dropped back into the alley, where his siblings were waiting.

    ¡°You nearly got caught!¡± Yu Lan scolded.

    Wu Shen smirked. ¡°But I didn¡¯t.¡±

    His stomach growled audibly, and Ba Shu smirked. "Guess all that running made you hungry."

    Wu Shen tossed the bag of stolen vegetables onto the ground and sat beside them. "Let¡¯s eat before it gets cold."

    The small group gathered around, peeling radishes and dividing the spoils. Yu Lan took a cautious bite, her expression softening. "It¡¯s fresh today."

    Little Mu nibbled on a carrot, swinging his legs. "Big Brother, one day will we have food like the landowners?"

    Wu Shen ruffled his hair. "One day. But for now, this is enough."

    As they ate in silence, savouring their small victory, Yu Lan sighed. "We can¡¯t keep doing this. Sooner or later, they¡¯ll catch you."

    ¡°We should find work under a master,¡± Ba Shu suggested.

    Wu Shen scoffed "Hah? brats like you? Do you think it''s easy being a labourer? Have you seen how they treat labourers these days? "

    Wu Shen flicked a finger against Ba Shu¡¯s forehead. ¡°Stop having weird thoughts, alright?"

    "Besides, I¡¯ve already talked with Master Shan¡¯s attendant. He agreed to speak to Master Shan about letting me work on their farm. Master Shan treats his labourers well, so I¡¯ll get four people¡¯s worth of rice and milk daily¡ªI can share it with you guys¡±

    Ba Shu grinned. ¡°That¡¯s more food than we¡¯ve ever had.¡±

    "And that¡¯s exactly why there¡¯s no ¡®we¡¯ in this. I¡¯ll handle the work¡ªat least until you all grow up enough to take care of yourselves. Understood?"

    Everyone nodded.

    Wu Shen grinned, holding his fist to his chest. "Yes, and soon, this big brother will work hard while you little rascals wait for me in a warm brick house with full bellies. Just you wait, I¡¯ll make sure of it."

    Their moment of peace was shattered by the sound of marching footsteps.

    Master Wei scoffed, "Hmph brick houses? and you rats?"

    <hr>

    The Fall & The Promise

    They came with torches that cast flickering shadows on the alley walls, with ropes that dangled like nooses, and with chains that clinked ominously with each step. Master Wei stood before the captured orphans, his cold gaze sweeping over them like they were cattle. "These wretched brats have been stealing from my land for too long," he spat, gripping the hilt of his dagger. "They belong in the fields, earning back what they''ve taken."

    The guards yanked the children by their arms, dragging them toward waiting carts. Wu Shen struggled violently, his feet kicking up dust as two men held him firm. "Let me go!" he screamed, his voice breaking.Wu Shen stirred hours later, hay clinging to his battered skin. His body screamed in pain. Chains rattled as he turned his head.

    Wu Shen stirred hours later, hay clinging to his battered skin. His body ached from the relentless labor, his wrists sore from the tight ropes binding them. He glanced around the dimly lit barn, where his siblings lay curled up, exhausted and bruised.

    He clenched his fists. He had to get them out.

    In the dimly lit barn, Wu Shen sat hunched over, his back pressed against the rough wooden wall. The stench of sweat, damp hay, and blood filled the air. His wrists throbbed from the tight ropes binding them, but he ignored the pain.

    "We can¡¯t stay here," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

    Yu Lan glanced at him, her face shadowed by exhaustion. "Do you have a plan?"

    Wu Shen took a deep breath. "Tonight, during the shift change. The guards rotate near the west fence, and there¡¯s a loose section. We slip through, follow the river upstream, and disappear into the forest."

    Ba Shu furrowed his brow. "What about Little Mu? He¡¯s too small to keep up."

    Wu Shen¡¯s jaw tightened. "I¡¯ll carry him if I have to. We can¡¯t wait any longer. If we don¡¯t leave now, we may never get another chance."

    Yu Lan exhaled shakily and nodded. "Then we do it tonight."

    Ba Shu forced a smirk. "Risky as hell, but I¡¯d rather die running than rot in this place."

    The night came.

    They moved quietly, slipping toward the fence, their hearts pounding. Just as Wu Shen reached the gap, a guard¡¯s voice rang out.

    "They''re escaping!"

    Wu Shen had already slipped through the gap in the fence, his feet landing softly on the damp earth outside. His heart pounded as he turned back, expecting to see the others right behind him. But they weren¡¯t.

    Panic surged through him as he saw Ba Shu struggling, his arms pinned by two guards, while Yu Lan desperately tried to shield Little Mu. Wu Shen took a step forward, his mind screaming at him to run back, to help. But before he could move, more guards swarmed the orphans, dragging them away.

    "Go!" Ba Shu roared, blood trickling from his forehead. "You¡¯re free! Don¡¯t waste it!"

    Wu Shen clenched his fists, his breath ragged. "I won¡¯t leave you!"

    Master Wei stepped forward, his eyes cold and mocking. "A rat that escapes its cage is still a rat. Watch closely, boy. This is what happens when you defy those above you."

    With a wicked grin, he raised a thick wooden staff and brought it crashing down onto Ba Shu¡¯s back.

    "Ba Shu!" Wu Shen screamed, his entire body trembling.

    Ba Shu coughed, blood trailing from his lips, but somehow, he still smiled. "Run, brother¡­ find us later¡­ they don''t intend to kill us, we¡¯ll be waiting."

    Wu Shen¡¯s nails dug into his palms as tears blurred his vision. He wanted to fight. He wanted to save them. But Yu Lan¡¯s desperate gaze locked onto his, her silent plea cutting deeper than any wound.

    Wu Shen''s heart filled with rage, and he gritted his teeth "Wei!"

    "I will kill you"

    Master Wei chuckled, "Haha I am right here kid"

    With a final, anguished cry, Wu Shen turned and ran, his heart burning with fury and grief.

    "I will be back Ba shu, Yu Lan, Mu¡­ wait for me!"

    Ba Shu grinned despite the blood on his lips. "Run, brother. We¡¯ll be fine."

    "And Wei-"

    Blood dripped from Wu Shen''s mouth while he bit his lower lip out of fury.

 32. The Tale of the First Shaman (Part 2)

    A Desperate Flight

    Wu Shen ran.

    Each breath burned his lungs, each step sent shockwaves of pain through his battered body. His wounds stung, dirt and sweat mixing into the cuts that covered his arms and legs. The cold night air did nothing to soothe his agony. It only reminded him how alone he was.

    But he didn¡¯t stop. He couldn¡¯t.

    Ba Shu¡­ Yu Lan¡­ I will come back for you.

    The ground beneath his feet was treacherous, uneven with jagged stones. The darkened trees loomed like silent sentinels as he sprinted into the wilderness, each step taking him further from the life he had lost and deeper into the unknown.

    A sharp pain shot through his ribs, forcing him to stumble. He gritted his teeth, pushing forward. Every muscle in his body screamed for him to stop, to collapse, to rest¡ªbut he knew the moment he did, he would never get back up again.

    His thoughts raced. Wei wants them alive. He needs them for labor. That means they won¡¯t die¡ªnot yet.

    That didn¡¯t mean they weren¡¯t suffering.

    The thought ignited a fury deep inside him, burning hotter than the pain. I will save them. I will destroy Wei.

    But first, he had to survive.

    <hr>

    The Hunt in the Wilderness

    A rustle in the distance made Wu Shen freeze.

    Two golden eyes glowed in the darkness. A low growl rumbled through the trees.

    A tiger.

    Wu Shen pressed himself against the bark of a tree, barely breathing. The beast prowled forward, sniffing the air, muscles tensed like coiled steel.

    It¡¯s searching for prey.

    His heart pounded. If he moved now, it would be on him in an instant.

    Seconds passed like eternity before the tiger finally turned away, vanishing into the underbrush.

    Wu Shen let out a slow, shaky breath. I can¡¯t stay here.

    His feet carried him higher into the mountains, climbing through thick forest and jagged cliffs. His body ached for rest, but sleep would be a death sentence. He had to find somewhere safe.

    His exhaustion made him careless.

    The first warning was the snap of a branch.

    Then came the deep, guttural growl.

    A bear.

    Wu Shen¡¯s body moved before his mind could catch up. He ran.

    Branches snapped beneath his feet as he weaved through the dense foliage, his breath ragged. The bear was relentless, its roars shaking the very trees around him. Each monstrous step of the beast sent vibrations through the ground, closing the distance between them.

    His lungs burned, his legs screamed, but he forced himself to go faster. In a desperate move, he made a sharp turn around a thick tree, hoping to disorient the beast. The bear skidded, unable to stop its momentum, crashing shoulder-first into the trunk with a thunderous crack.

    For a moment, Wu Shen thought he had a chance¡ªbut then pain seared across his back. A heavy claw had grazed him, tearing into his flesh. A strangled cry left his lips, but he couldn¡¯t stop. His vision blurred as warm blood seeped through his clothes.A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

    Then, through the trees, he saw it¡ªa glow, flickering in the distance. An opening.

    With the last of his strength, Wu Shen lunged forward. He dived through the gap just as the bear let out another roar, but as soon as it reached the clearing, it froze. The beast let out a low, fearful growl before turning and retreating into the darkness, as if it had sensed something far worse ahead.

    And then¡­ silence.

    Wu Shen lay on his back, gasping for breath. When he finally looked up, his eyes widened.

    He had emerged into a massive clearing. A lake stretched before him, its surface perfectly still, reflecting the moonlight. Across the water, a mountain towered so high it blocked half the sky. Mist curled at its peak, an unnatural stillness hanging over the land.

    Wu Shen¡¯s skin prickled.

    Something greater lurked here.

    Something that even beasts of the forest feared.

    <hr>

    Days of Solitude

    Wu Shen did not leave.

    He couldn¡¯t leave. He had no food, no energy, and nowhere else to go.

    The lake provided fresh water, and the surrounding trees bore fruit. Though it kept him alive, the constant hunger gnawed at him, his body growing weaker from the lack of real sustenance.

    But nothing emerged from the cave.

    At first, he thought it was a lair, a den of something far worse than a bear. But as time passed, doubt crept in.

    Is anything even in there?

    Curiosity gnawed at him.

    On the fifth day, the curiosity finally pushed him to find out.

    <hr>

    The Cave of the Spirit Dragon

    The climb was brutal. The rocks were steep, the path treacherous, but Wu Shen forced himself forward. His hands bled from gripping jagged edges, but he didn¡¯t stop. He needed to know.

    At last, he reached the entrance.

    The air inside was thick and heavy, carrying a strange energy he couldn¡¯t name.

    Wu Shen took a cautious step forward.

    The cave was massive¡ªfar larger than it had seemed from the outside. Shadows danced along the walls, and in the center, illuminated by a shaft of moonlight, something stirred.

    Wu Shen¡¯s breath caught in his throat.

    A creature unlike anything he had ever seen before.

    It was a beast of impossible grandeur, yet marred by suffering. Its golden-white scales, though still shimmering faintly in the dim light, bore deep scars that traced the passage of time and battles long past. Its massive body lay coiled, its breath slow and labored, every exhale carrying the weight of exhaustion.

    Wu Shen had never seen such a creature before. Its form was unlike any beast he had ever known¡ªits body long and sinuous, more like flowing rivers than rigid muscle. Massive antlers curled like ancient tree branches upon its head, and whiskers as thin as mist danced with each breath. The sheer presence of it made his chest tighten, as if he stood in the presence of something beyond mere life.

    Its massive body remained still, chest rising and falling in deep, labored breaths. Wu Shen, driven by equal parts curiosity and exhaustion, took a cautious step forward.

    The silence was deafening.

    Then, as Wu Shen approached it,

    its eye opened.

    A massive, golden slit locked onto him.

    Its eyes were larger than Wu Shen himself.

    Wu Shen stumbled back, his entire body stiff with fear. The dragon¡¯s presence alone made the cave tremble.

    Then it moved.

    The dragon uncoiled, rising slowly. It sat up, towering over him, and let out a deafening roar.

    The force sent Wu Shen crashing against the cave wall. He gasped as pain shot through his body, coughing up blood. But even through the haze of agony, he saw something.

    It wasn¡¯t just anger.

    It was pain.

    The dragon¡¯s body bore wounds that had never healed. It was suffering.

    Wu Shen coughed, wiping the blood from his lips. His body trembled, not from fear, but from something else. Recognition.

    The dragon roared again, but this time, he did not cower.

    He stepped forward.

    Through the weight of his pain, through the grief in his heart, he looked up at the mighty creature before him and whispered:

    ¡°Are you... lonely?¡±

    The dragon¡¯s breathing slowed, its golden eye narrowing as if processing the words. The air in the cave grew thick, heavy with something unspoken.

    Wu Shen swallowed hard, his voice trembling. ¡°Are you longing for your people?¡±

    The dragon did not move, but something in its massive frame shifted¡ªa hesitation, a crack in the fierce exterior it had shown moments before.

    Tears welled in Wu Shen¡¯s eyes. His chest ached, not just from exhaustion, but from something deeper. ¡°I should have stayed¡­ I should have fought harder... I-I don¡¯t know what to do anymore¡­¡±

    His voice broke, the weight of grief overwhelming him. His body trembled as sobs escaped his throat, his pain no longer something he could contain. He fell to his knees, fingers gripping the cold stone beneath him.

    Then, something incredible happened.

    The dragon, once roaring with fury, slowly lowered its head. Its breath, warm and strangely comforting, washed over Wu Shen¡¯s face. Its massive snout came closer, closer¡ªuntil it gently pressed against his forehead.

    A warmth unlike anything Wu Shen had ever known spread through him.

    For the first time in its long existence, the dragon did not stand alone.

    And for the first time in his life, neither did Wu Shen.

 33. The Tale of the First Shaman (Part 3)

    The Echoes of the Mountain

    Several weeks had passed.

    The village beneath the mountain had been facing many difficulties in recent days. A deafening roar would echo from the peaks, sending weaker beasts into a frenzy. Driven by fear, they would descend into the village, forcing the guards hired by the village chief to fend them off time and time again.

    This afternoon, another roar shook the skies.

    <hr>

    A Familiar Routine

    "ROAR!"

    "Yeah, yeah, I got it! I''ll get my clothes back now, okay? Will you stop roaring every time you''re upset with me? I''m sure the beasts in the mountains are having a heart attack every time you do this."

    A young boy, barely thirteen years of age, sat shirtless in a cave, casually munching on a fruit while facing an enormous, majestic creature¡ªa dragon. His wild black hair, thick as the roots of an ancient tree, hung loosely over his shoulders, and his lean frame had begun to show the strength he had unknowingly developed over the past weeks.

    "But why do I have to hang my clothes to dry all the way down the mountain? We have plenty of sunlight here! Did you know how many animals have chased me till now? The first time I went down, I was chased by a wild dog. The second time, a scorpion bit me. And the way up isn''t any better¡ªI''m convinced that stupid bear never leaves because I''m his favorite dish!"

    The dragon before him, coiled in her usual resting spot, suddenly shimmered. Her form shifted, becoming more ethereal until she appeared as a woman in her late forties, graceful and regal, yet undeniably fierce. Despite her apparent age, her beauty was eternal. Her long, silvery hair cascaded down her back, shimmering like strands of moonlight. Her eyes, deep and luminous, held the wisdom of centuries, their golden hue flickering with untold stories. Each delicate feature, from the graceful arch of her brows to the faint, knowing smile that played upon her lips, radiated an ethereal elegance that defied time itself.

    "You will learn the importance of this soon enough, my youngling," she said with a knowing smile. "But until then, you must trust me."

    Wu Shen groaned dramatically, stretching his arms. "Ahhh, I swear you''re going to get me killed someday..." He then sighed, getting up with a grin. "Alright then, grumpy bear, here I come."

    <hr>

    A Glimpse from the Shadows

    Descending the mountain had become easier than before. Wu Shen was no longer the desperate, exhausted boy who once fled through these lands. His steps were lighter, his movements sharper. He weaved through the trees, his senses attuned to every small motion, every sign of life around him.

    But today, he had a different purpose.

    Instead of merely collecting his clothes, Wu Shen found himself sneaking toward the fields where the laborers toiled. His heart pounded as he saw them¡ªhis siblings, working hard under the watchful eyes of their masters.

    Ba Shu, always the loud one, was silent now, his face hardened. Yu Lan worked diligently, yet Wu Shen could see it¡ªthe stiffness in her shoulders, the exhaustion in her movements. Little Mu, too small for real labor, was forced to carry water buckets almost as heavy as himself.

    His blood boiled.The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

    They weren¡¯t being beaten mercilessly, but their suffering was clear. They were given the bare minimum of food, forced to toil under the scorching sun, and treated as lesser beings by the senior laborers. The guards struck them when they faltered, their cruelty masked as discipline.

    Ba Shu clenched his jaw as he hauled heavy sacks, his once-loud spirit now reduced to silent determination. Yu Lan moved with precise, mechanical motions, her exhaustion hidden behind a hardened mask. Little Mu, barely able to lift the water buckets assigned to him, struggled under their weight, his tiny hands blistered and raw.

    Wu Shen clenched his fists so hard his nails dug into his palms. He wanted to run to them, to fight, to take them away now.

    But he knew he couldn¡¯t.

    He wasn¡¯t strong enough. Not yet.

    He had not only his siblings to protect now, but someone else waiting for him atop the mountain. He clenched his fists, realizing that his family had grown. Not just the ones in the village, but the one waiting for him in the cave. He had one more person to protect now.

    He turned away, his vision blurred with unshed tears.

    "Wait for me," he whispered, his voice almost breaking. "Just a little longer."

    <hr>

    The Return to the Peak

    The climb back up the mountain was different this time.

    The beasts that once chased him were still there, but now he evaded them effortlessly. Poisonous insects tried to sting him, but he was already gone before they could react. Even the snakes that slithered through the rocks seemed slower to him now.

    When he finally reached the cave, his heart was still burning with rage and sorrow.

    The dragon, still in her human form, was waiting for him, her golden eyes narrowing slightly as she studied his face. She could sense something was different, the weight of emotions clinging to him like an unseen shroud.

    "Youngling, come sit beside me," she said softly.

    Wu Shen hesitated before approaching. To his surprise, she placed his head on her lap, stroking his hair like a mother comforting her child.

    "You are troubled," she observed.

    Wu Shen closed his eyes, exhaling. "I saw them today... my siblings. They''re alive, but they''re suffering." He clenched his fists. "I wanted to take them back. But I can¡¯t. Not yet."

    The dragon hummed, as if weighing his words. "So crude with children?" She clicked her tongue. "Should I just burn them?"

    Wu Shen let out a small laugh, despite himself. "If you go, there won¡¯t even be bones left."

    She chuckled. "That is true."

    For a moment, silence stretched between them. Then, she spoke again.

    "You¡¯ve been here for weeks," she said. "And yet, you never once asked for my name."

    Wu Shen blinked, then sat up sheepishly. He hesitated for a moment before saying, "I guess¡­ I never thought much about names before. Back in the village, names didn¡¯t mean much; survival did. But ever since I came here, I¡¯ve realized something... A name isn¡¯t just what others call you, it¡¯s the echo of the bonds you forge, the moments you share. It¡¯s not about history remembering you, but the people who hold you in their hearts. Maybe that¡¯s why¡­ I want to remember yours."

    The dragon¡¯s golden eyes flickered with something unreadable before her lips curved into a pleasant smile. "Is that so?"

    She smiled. "Every dragon has a true name. When a dragon shares their name with another, it is a pledge¡ªan oath of trust." She looked at him, eyes gleaming. "My name is Ling Hua.."

    Wu Shen felt the weight of her words settle over him. "Ling Hua..." he repeated. "What does it mean?"

    "Spirit Blossom," she replied. "A name that signifies life, renewal, and the connection between the heavens and the earth."

    Her expression darkened slightly. "Some bad people were after me¡­ and they still are. I am merely hiding away, waiting. From where I come from, grudges are not easily let go. And I have one of my own."

    Wu Shen, despite himself, reached out. "Then I¡¯ll help you. If you have a grudge, we¡¯ll fulfill it."

    Ling Hua didn¡¯t reply. She only smiled faintly.

    "There now, my child. I have told you about myself. "

    She stood; her gaze sharp. "Very well. It is time. You have learned spirit resonance.

    "Spirit resonance?"

    Ling Hua chuckled before she put her hand Infront of Wu Shen "I will teach you in a way that you won''t forget"

    Wu Shen looked up. "What way?"

    She smirked. "Let¡¯s dance."

    "Huh? Dance? Dance will make me stronger?"

    Ling Hua¡¯s eyes twinkled with amusement. "Child, this is the only way you will understand."

    Wu Shen groaned. "You are definitely going to get me killed¡­"

    And so, the true lessons began.

 34. The Tale of the First Shaman: Shennong

    The Spiritual Growth

    More than ten months had passed.

    The mountain, once a place of fear and mystery, had become Wu Shen¡¯s home. His days followed a strict routine¡ªtraining, meditating, and seeking harmony with the world around him in the morning and hunting in the evening and he spent the nights, talking about his daily life as a human before he came to the mountains and met Ling Hua.

    However difficult that may sound, the days he spent were mostly pleasant, apart from the daily visit to the farms to watch over his siblings'' lives.

    He spent hours within the dense forests, attempting to wield Spirit Resonance, feeling the pulse of nature through the flow of Qi. Most days, he failed.

    But today was different.

    Wu Shen sat on a moss-covered stone, surrounded by the sounds of rustling leaves and whispering winds. His breaths were long and controlled, his fingers brushing against the damp soil as he reached out¡ªnot physically, but through something deeper.

    A single leaf trembled, then detached from its branch. Instead of falling, it floated, dancing in the air as though obeying his silent command. He was controling the winds.

    His eyes flickered open, and a slow grin spread across his face. "Heh¡­ finally."

    He stood, stretching his limbs, the excitement barely contained. "Ling Hua is going to be so pissed I took this long¡­ but wait till you see how I finally mastered it."

    He then stood at a peak looking down at the village, "I am nowhere near strong enough to face Wei and his guards though". A mist of anger engulfed him

    With a renewed confidence, he started his descent toward the village, unaware of the storm brewing below.

    <hr>

    The Gathering of Greed

    A few hours heartier

    Deep within the village, a meeting was taking place. The town hall was filled with the elites of the village¡ªwealthy landowners, warriors, and elders¡ªall gathered under the flickering glow of lanterns.

    A hooded figure sat among them, his voice smooth as silk yet laced with dark intent. "A serpent sleeps atop the mountain. A monster, wounded and ripe for the taking."

    "A serpent?" one of the village warriors scoffed, gripping the hilt of his blade.

    The stranger chuckled. "Not just any serpent. Its blood grants strength beyond mortal men. Its scales can forge weapons that will never break."

    Murmurs of excitement rippled through the crowd. Serpent blood¡ªnear-immortality. Power beyond belief.

    "I''ve heard of this... In the northeast, a man named Fuxi has long been said to appear with a serpentine body and near-immortality! Legend has it that he gained these abilities after receiving a dragon''s blood as a gift from the heavens."

    Everyone looked at each other.

    Then village chief leaned forward. "You claim it is weak? How can we be sure?"

    "Because something has already wounded it," the stranger replied. "Something greater. And now it is dying."

    The greed spread like wildfire.

    "If the rumors are true¡­ imagine the power it holds!" one villager exclaimed.

    "A single drop could make us stronger than an army!" another added.

    The hooded figure grinned widely and said, "Then I shall share my weapons with you. Your regular wooden clubs won¡¯t even scratch it."

    At his signal, a worker dragged forward a sack and opened it, revealing spears tipped with gleaming black metal.

    "Ohh¡­ I¡¯ve never seen anything like this," one villager murmured in awe. "But why are you helping us?", Master Wei asked.

    The hooded figure¡¯s expression darkened. "Let¡¯s just say¡­ it¡¯s an abomination that should not exist. And I cannot defeat it alone haha."

    "Then we move right away, We cannot let such a monstrosity dwell near our village"

    <hr>

    The Realization

    Back in the present.

    Wu Shen had just arrived in the village to retrieve his clothes and check on his siblings, when he caught snippets of conversation drifting from a group of villagers gathered near a well.

    "I still can¡¯t believe it. A true serpent?" one man muttered.

    "Not just any serpent," another replied in hushed excitement. "They say it was gravely wounded in battle, and its blood can grant immense strength and extend life."Wu Shen furrowed his brows, intrigued. A serpent?

    "And its scales," an older man added, his voice filled with greed, "can forge weapons that never break."

    "They say its atop the mountain in a cave besides a lake"

    A chill crawled up Wu Shen¡¯s spine.

    "The chief and the elites left hours ago," a woman whispered. "By now, they might¡¯ve already killed it."

    The realization struck him like lightning. His body tensed, his breath hitched.

    His blood ran cold.

    His heart stopped.

    Then, without hesitation, he ran.

    "No, this can''t be happening"

    <hr>

    The Tragedy on the Mountain

    When Wu Shen finally reached the peak, the air was thick with the scent of blood and smoke. His breath hitched as his eyes locked onto the sight before him¡ªhe was too late.

    Ling Hua lay motionless upon the earth, her once-pristine golden-white scales soaked in crimson. Spears impaled her massive form, her breath ragged, her mighty wings tattered. She had not even fought back.

    Wu Shen¡¯s knees buckled.

    "No¡­ no, no, no¡­"

    His voice was barely a whisper, shaking with disbelief.

    A cruel laugh shattered the silence.

    "Well, look who it is."

    Master Wei smirked, stepping forward. "The rat that escaped. Did you think you could outrun your past?" He nudged a bloodied spear with his boot. "It seems fate had other plans."If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

    Wu Shen barely heard him. He stumbled forward, pressing his forehead against Ling Hua¡¯s massive snout, his hands trembling.

    "Why¡­ why... why didn¡¯t you change into your human form? They wouldn¡¯t have found out¡­ you wouldn''t have-"

    A weak chuckle escaped her lips. "I already had my days numbered, my child¡­ It takes too much Qi to hold my human form¡­ and I did not wish to waste my last moments pretending."

    Her golden eyes softened as she looked at him, her frail body then pressed against Wu Shen, her voice weak but filled with warmth.

    "I have lived too long, Shen¡­ I once believed I had everything, that I deserved everything. I got conceited and the heavens punished me for it. But then, in the midst of the chaos... I met you¡­"

    Wu Shen¡¯s breath hitched, his fingers trembling against her bloodstained scales.

    "I know we have only known each other for almost an year... but for someone dying like me.. It was an eternity-" Ling Hua spat blood

    Wu Shen¡¯s voice trembled. "Stop talking! Just tell me how to fix this¡­ Tell me¡­ how¡­ You can roar at me all you want after¡ªbut listen to me this one time... please, tell me!"

    Ling Hua¡¯s lips curled into a faint smile as she weaved her head.

    "My child, you were never mine by blood, but in my heart, you will always be my son."

    Her voice wavered, "I once wanted to own the heavens¡­ but now¡­ I would give anything¡ªeverything I have¡ªjust to spend more time with you, my child." Ling Hua grinned with a tear rolling down her eye "What good is heavens when I have you"

    Tears streamed down Wu Shen¡¯s face. "Please tell me¡­ please¡­"

    Ling Hua spat blood but still had the same serene, knowing smile she always had.

    "Promise me, my child¡­ Lend your hand to those in need, but never grant forgiveness where it is undeserved. Mercy is a gift, not an obligation. I once believed otherwise¡­ and it led me to ruin. The world will try to shape you, bend you to its will¡ªbut do not let it steal who you are. Stand firm in your convictions, for they will be your shield when all else falls away."

    Her claws trembled as she reached for him, her lips parting, her final words escaping in a whisper.

    "If you could call me¡ª"

    "MOTHER!"

    Wu Shen¡¯s scream tore through the heavens, raw and filled with grief. The earth itself trembled, as if mourning with him. A golden light erupted, rippling outward, shaking the mountains to their core.

    Ling Hua¡¯s eyes widened slightly¡ªthen softened with pride.

    Then,

    a voice cut through the moment, followed by claps echoing within the cave.

    "What a touchy moment"

    "But this won¡¯t do¡­ this won¡¯t do at all."

    <hr>

    The Arrival of Chiyou

    A shadow descended from the sky, blotting out the moon like an ominous specter. Chiyou had arrived.

    His presence was suffocating, a dark tide of malevolence that seemed to pull at the very air. His frame was broad, his posture unwavering, clad in black robes engraved with ancient symbols that pulsed with a deep crimson glow. His face, partially obscured by a twisted mask, revealed piercing blood-red eyes that shimmered with an unsettling hunger.

    Ling Hua''s eyes gleamed with anger, "So it was you"

    Chiyou let out a menacing laugh, "Haha, Did you think you could run away from my master?" His grin twisted into something far more sinister as he curled a lock of his hair around his finger. "I was given a command¡ªto follow you to the very depths of hell if I must."

    Twin weapons gleamed in his hands¡ªmassive curved blades, their edges tainted with an eerie, pulsating aura. The same cursed metal that had impaled Ling Hua¡¯s body. Wisps of dark energy, the color of dried blood, slithered along the weapons like living tendrils, feeding off the suffering in the air.

    Wu Shen rose to his feet, his face a mask of unreadable calm. Yet, anyone who dared meet his gaze would see the storm brewing within¡ªthis was no ordinary foe for him. This was his archnemesis.

    "Was it you behind all of this?"

    Chiyou chuckled, "And what if i was?"

    "I.. will make you pay for this"

    Chiyou exhaled slowly, tilting his head as if studying Wu Shen, amusement flickering across his expression. "Huh? Haha! A mere boy like you¡­? Interesting."

    With a flicker of movement, he lunged¡ªhis speed inhuman, his aura a wave of suffocating darkness.

    His dark robes billowed. Blood-red energy pulsed from his blades, thick with an ominous aura. Blood Qi

    Wu Shen barely had time to react before agony erupted in his stomach¡ªChiyou¡¯s blade had already sliced through him.

    "Hah! Too weak If you ask me" Chiyou sneered.

    Wu Shen collapsed, blood pooling beneath him. "Ugh"

    "Shen!" Ling Hua¡¯s voice trembled with rage and sorrow. "You"

    Chiyou chuckled darkly, the sound laced with menace. "I know what you were trying to do¡­ Did you think we would just sit back and let you form a bloodline pact here."

    A cruel laugh rumbled from Chiyou¡¯s chest as he tugged at his hair, stepping closer to the massive dragon with an ominous grin. " That''s the brat you chose right? Too bad it¡¯s already too late. After you fall, I¡¯ll make sure that brat suffers through the very depths of hell before he breathes his last."

    A weak, almost mocking laugh escaped Ling Hua¡¯s lips.

    Chiyou¡¯s brow furrowed in confusion. "Huh? What''s so funny?"

    Ling Hua¡¯s smile deepened, her gaze unwavering. "Too late¡­ Yes. But not for me. For you."

    A surge of azure energy exploded from Chiyou''s back, crackling through the air.

    His eyes widened in shock as he turned. There, amidst the chaos, lay Wushen''s battered form, his body enveloped in a fierce glow of azure flames. The flames flickered and twisted, their heat both fierce and gentle, as they seared over his wounds, causing them to tremble and heal of their own accord.

    Chiyou¡¯s eyes narrowed. "You bit¡ª"

    Before he could finish, Ling Hua¡¯s body began to glow, her form fading into golden ether. The energy surged forward, wrapping around Wu Shen¡¯s forearm, forming a coiling dragon insignia.

    The black spears impaling her fell, clattering onto the earth like lifeless twigs.

    Chiyou turned back toward Wu Shen¡ª

    But Wu Shen was already there. Staring at him

    With a cold, emotionless gaze, his palm struck Chiyou''s ribs with a force that seemed to shake the very earth beneath them. In an instant, a torrent of energy, shaped like a twisting dragon, erupted from his hand, sending Chiyou flying through the air, his body hurtling off the mountain¡¯s edge like a ragdoll.

    As he was falling off the cliff,

    "Shen, was it?!" Chiyou¡¯s grin spread wide, his eyes burning with fury. With a primal roar, he screamed into the abyss, "THIS ISN¡¯T OVER! You better count your days, you bastard!"

    And with those words, he vanished.

    The pressure emanating from Shen''s attack was enough to knock back everyone else to the ground. Elites looked at Shen terrified.

    But then,

    Wu Shen dropped to his knees, tilting his head back to the sky, and let out a scream so raw, it almost was heard as a roar, so filled with grief and fury, that the very air trembled. "AAAHHHH!"

    His voice, hoarse from crying, carried a weight that made the onlookers shudder. "Why has this land always taken from me?! What have I done to deserve this punishment?! If this is my fate¡­"

    -A massive sigh

    Silence fell. A stillness, thick and suffocating, settled over the battlefield. Wu Shen remained kneeling, his head now bowed, his hair hiding his face as tears dripped onto the bloodied ground.

    Then, his voice came again, but quieter, colder.

    "I will bare my fangs at such fate¡­ I will take everything from this land¡ªits people, its food, its shelter. If something is taken from me, I will take from the land even more."

    He lifted his head, eyes dark with determination, as he turned toward Master Wei. He rose to his feet, his movements slow, deliberate, like a storm about to break.

    Every elite, including Wei, instinctively took a step back, fear creeping into their expressions.

    Wei was the one to speak first, " Wh-What do you think you are doing? Yo-You think you will get away with this ?"

    Then Wu Shen disappeared

    In Wei''s eyes, The world started tilting upside down,

    "Hu-Huh?"

    Wu Shen was standing behind him,

    While his head rolled away

    A silence fell in the room,

    "H-how could you --Master Wei was"

    Screams from the elites followed but none dared to run away.

    As they started stepping back,

    Shen''s eyes met with theirs,

    "No need to be afraid¡­ I haven¡¯t taken anything from you¡­ Yet."

    "Release my siblings from his farm"

    Master Wei''s attendant stammered, his confidence crumbling. "B-but¡­"

    Wu Shen took another step forward, his gaze piercing. With one step he was already standing besides the attendant "If you want to keep your head on your shoulders, you will listen."

    Absolute Authority

    This is what they all felt that day. The lands which had yet to see a ruler were ruled by the elites till now. With the resources they had, they assumed none of their actions could have any consequences.

    What brought an end to that was a display of power unbending to the resources they had.

    The power to rule this land.

    Wei''s attendant paled before quickly barking out orders. Within moments, Wu Shen¡¯s siblings were freed.

    Wu Shen clenched his fist and raised it high. "From this moment onward, I will step on this land, and wherever I step, shall be united under my name."

    All the elites had no more doubts in their minds.

    They cleared the pathway, bowing their heads as Shen walked out.

    And from that day, not many knew of the name Wu Shen.

    Whoever knew of his name would call him:

    Shennong, The Yan Emperor.

    His siblings, Ba Shu, Yu Lan, and Little Mu, were later ordained as generals of his growing army, their loyalty unwavering.

    It was also Shennong, who later discovered the shamanic path as we know of today.

    Shennong and Chiyou would meet again¡ªbut that.... was a story for another time.

    <hr>

    The golden glow of the past faded, and the crackling of the campfire filled the silence. The weight of the story still lingered in the air. The wind carried the soft sounds of night, broken only by a few muffled sobs.

    A loud sniffle. Then the sound of someone blowing their nose against a cloth.

    "Come to think of it¡­" Sobs "Wasn¡¯t he an orphan?" Blows nose "Ling Hua was always the only mother to him¡­" Sobs

    Juwon turned toward the source of the noise, his lips twitching in amusement as he saw Yan Huai rubbing his nose with the sleeve of his robe. "Didn¡¯t take you for a cry-baby, Huai. Btw since when were you here?"

 35. The Path to Hei Long

    A New Journey Begins

    A loud sniffle. Then the sound of someone blowing their nose against a cloth.

    ¡°Come to think of it¡­¡± Sobs ¡°Wasn¡¯t he an orphan?¡± Blows nose ¡°Ling Hua was always the only mother to him¡­¡± Sobs

    Juwon turned toward the source of the noise, his lips twitching in amusement as he saw Yan Huai rubbing his nose with the sleeve of his shirt. ¡°Didn¡¯t take you for a cry-baby, Huai.¡±

    Yan Huai coughed, quickly wiping his eyes. ¡°Tch. Dust in the air.¡±

    Juwon chuckled before turning his gaze toward Yun Ji. The elder had been watching him carefully, as if waiting to see how he would react.

    Juwon glanced at Yun Ji, something lingering in his mind. "Yun Ji¡­ you said Shennong paved way for the shamanic path but what exactly is shamanism?"

    Yun Ji smiled, as if he had been waiting for the question. "To understand that, we must first understand Qi itself. Different cultures have always sought to define it in their own way. The people of the East call it Qi, the Japanese call it Ki or Reiki, in Polynesian cultures it is known as Mana, and the Greeks once believed in Pneuma¡ªthe breath of life. No matter the name, it is the very essence that flows through all things."

    Juwon listened intently as Yun Ji continued. "Qi can be harnessed in many ways. Martial artists refine and store it within their dantian, strengthening their bodies and techniques. But shamans¡­ they do not store Qi like martial artists do."

    Juwon raised an eyebrow. "Then how do they use it?"

    "A shaman acts as a conduit," Yun Ji explained. "Their Qi is not meant to be contained but rather to communicate with the spirits of the world. Spirits, in turn, control the Qi of nature itself. That is the essence of the Shamanic Path. A martial artist uses Qi to empower themselves, while a shaman guides the flow of Qi through spirits to shape the world around them. And that''s why to a martial artist, shamans look like your regular civillians"

    Juwon processed the information, intrigued. "So, while martial artists cultivate to increase their own Qi reserves, shamans cultivate to purify their Qi and increase their connection to spirits?"

    Yun Ji nodded approvingly. "Exactly. Shamans are not limited by the Qi within their bodies. Instead, they influence the Qi of the world through spirits. But this also means they are vulnerable¡ªif they lose their connection to spirits, they are powerless."

    Juwon exhaled, his mind racing. "Then what Hei Long is doing¡­ they''re trying to replicate this connection artificially?"

    Yun Ji¡¯s expression darkened. "I don''t know, but if that''s the case, that is what makes them dangerous."

    Juwon exhaled, leaning back on his hands. "Tomorrow, we head for Hei Long¡¯s facility."

    Yun Ji suddenly stepped forward, lowering his head into a deep bow. "Young Master, I have a favor to ask of you."

    Juwon frowned. "Stand up, Yun Ji. What is it?"

    Yun Ji remained bowed. "Please, allow me and a small team of Miao warriors to accompany you to Hei Long¡¯s facility."

    Juwon¡¯s eyes narrowed. "Why? What do you intend to do there?"

    Yun Ji exhaled slowly, lifting his head. "There are families in this village who never saw their children return. We need closure. We need to know what happened to them."

    Juwon studied him for a moment, then sighed. "Fine. But be ready by dawn. We leave at six."

    "Six?!" Yan Huai groaned. "It¡¯s already late, and everyone¡¯s drunk! You expect them to be battle-ready?"

    Juwon smirked. "Not my problem."

    Yan Huai shook his head. "Here we go, guys. The demon is back in action¡­"

    Luo Qing leaned against the SUV with a smirk. "At this rate, we should start calling him General Juwon. Who else would march a group of half-drunk warriors at sunrise?"

    Juwon raised an eyebrow. "I don¡¯t recall giving you permission to complain."

    Luo Qing chuckled. "Just stating facts."

    "Facts won¡¯t save you if you''re late tomorrow," Juwon shot back.

    Meanwhile, Bai Xueling adjusted her weapon, her sharp gaze flickering between Juwon and Yun Ji. "So, these outposts¡­ do we expect resistance, or is this just reconnaissance?"

    This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    Yun Ji nodded. "If they¡¯re abandoned, there may be traps left behind. But if not¡­ then whoever is still there won''t welcome us."

    Luo Qing exhaled, rolling his shoulders. "Finally, some action. I was getting bored."

    Juwon smirked. "Then let¡¯s hope you¡¯re still eager when we get there."

    <hr>

    Traces of a Dark Experiment

    The SUVs rumbled as they navigated through rough mountain paths, their tires kicking up dust as the first outpost came into view. It was a small, fortress-like structure, built into the mountainside, its walls reinforced with steel, though signs of damage were visible.

    "Something¡¯s wrong," Bai Xueling muttered. "The air here¡­ it¡¯s different."

    Juwon stepped out, eyes scanning the surroundings. "Let''s move in carefully."

    Inside, they stepped into a dimly lit corridor that expanded into a vast hall. The ceiling stretched high above them, supported by rusted steel beams, while exposed pipes lined the walls, hissing faintly with lingering pressure. Faint emergency lights flickered, casting eerie shadows across the cold metal flooring.

    Luo Qing frowned, "Tch, so they have abandoned this outpost already"

    Yan Huai picked up a syringe from the ground, his brow furrowing. "The hell were they doing here?"

    Luo Qing inspected a large cylindrical device in the centre of the room. "Looks like this thing was used for something... but what?"

    Lou Qin observed the remains of shattered vials and scattered notes. "What a bunch of twerps. They didn''t even bother cleaning up."

    "Good for us," Bai Xueling said as she pulled a half-burned document from the rubble.

    Juwon took the paper, scanning the half-destroyed text. Though much of it was unreadable, one word stood out clearly: SERUM.

    His grip tightened as he looked a door in the dark. "Let''s explore further."

    The air was thick with an unnatural stillness, as if the land itself had been scarred by what once took place here.

    Juwon¡¯s gaze remained fixed on the dark metal door at the far end of the corridor.

    "Let''s go"

    Taking a deep breath, he pressed his palm against the panel. A low hum vibrated through the air, followed by the groan of rusted hinges as the door slowly slid open.

    Inside the Facility ¨C The Forgotten Lab

    As they stepped inside, the full extent of Hei Long¡¯s technology became evident.

    Rows of glass containment pods lined the walls, each one shattered from within. The thick liquid inside had long dried, leaving behind eerie outlines of what once occupied them. Some held remnants of skeletal structures¡ªnot quite human, not quite beast. Others were empty, but deep claw marks scarred the interiors.

    Juwon¡¯s fingers traced the edge of one pod, stopping when he felt something wet. Fresh blood. His expression didn¡¯t change.

    Juwon¡¯s eyes flicked to a set of deep, jagged claw marks on the steel floor, leading toward a broken door at the far end of the lab. He exhaled. ¡°Let¡¯s keep moving.

    Nightfall at the Outpost

    Juwon and his group searched the entire vicinity, their boots crunching against the debris-littered floor. The deeper they looked, the more unsettling the remnants became.

    With no immediate danger, they got back out towards the entrance and set up camp within the enclosed courtyard of the outpost. The ruined walls provided some shelter, while the open terrain gave them clear visibility in case of attack.

    The fire crackled softly, casting flickering shadows against the broken stone. Around it, the group settled¡ªsome tending to their weapons, others lost in thought. The Miao warriors kept their distance, their reverence toward Juwon still palpable.

    Luo Qing stretched lazily. ¡°So, fearless leader, what¡¯s the plan?¡±

    ¡°We move at dawn,¡± Juwon said. ¡°This place has nothing left for us.¡±

    ¡°No complaints there,¡± Yan Huai muttered. ¡°I¡¯d rather not wake up to some failed Hei Long experiment breathing down my neck.¡±

    Bai Xueling remained silent, watching the flames.

    Zhen Yu sharpened his sword, his movements slow and methodical. ¡°There¡¯s more to this than what we¡¯re seeing. Hei Long wasn¡¯t just conducting experiments¡ªthey were searching for something. Maybe they found it, maybe they lost control of it. Either way, I doubt we¡¯ve seen the worst of it.¡± Xu Weishan grunted in agreement, cracking his knuckles. ¡°If they left something behind, we¡¯ll find it at the next site. Whatever they were doing here, it wasn¡¯t meant to be discovered.¡±

    Juwon moved to the top of a pillar by the corner of the wall and sat cross-legged, attempting to cultivate. He drew in his Qi, guiding it through his meridians, expanding it, condensing it¡ª

    But nothing changed. He already had more Qi than any foundation establishment practitioner

    "What am I lacking here?"

    He frowned. He had more Qi than ever. He could already compress it into an almost perfect sphere¡ªyet, somehow, he knew that wasn¡¯t enough. It wasn¡¯t just about forming a sphere. How do you form a core? What is even a core?

    For the first time in a while, he felt stuck.

    Juwon cultivated for the next few hours.

    Juwon closed his eyes, attempting to steady his breathing. The silence of the night pressed in, broken only by the occasional crackling of the fire. His thoughts churned, frustration creeping in.

    Just then, soft footsteps approached. Bai Xueling stopped a few feet away, arms crossed. "Still struggling?"

    Juwon cracked an eye open. "That obvious?"

    She sat down beside him, her gaze locked on the distant horizon. "You¡¯re thinking about Core Formation, aren¡¯t you?"

    Juwon exhaled. "Yeah. I can feel my Qi at its peak, but... something''s missing. It¡¯s not just about condensing energy into a sphere, is it?"

    Bai Xueling was silent for a moment before speaking. "No. Core Formation isn¡¯t just about shaping Qi into a core¡ªit¡¯s about transformation. It¡¯s about reshaping yourself along with it."

    Juwon frowned. "So what, I just will myself into evolving?"

    She gave him a small, knowing smirk. "If only it were that simple. You need to understand what it means for you to take that step. No one can tell you that part."

    Juwon mulled over her words, watching the fire dance in the wind. "Figures. No easy answers."

    Departure at Dawn

    As the first rays of dawn crept over the ruined walls, Juwon rose, stretching the stiffness from his limbs. The Miao warriors were already awake, their supplies packed.

    Yun Ji approached, his expression unreadable. ¡°Where do we go next?¡±

    Juwon fastened his cloak. ¡°The second outpost.¡±

    Luo Qing groaned. ¡°Alright Let¡¯s go¡±

    With that, they set off, leaving behind the remnants of Hei Long¡¯s twisted experiments and stepping toward the unknown.

 36. The gates to hell

    Journey Through the Forest

    The journey down the mountain was quieter than expected. The dense canopy above let in only fractured beams of sunlight, giving the entire forest an almost ethereal glow. The air was thick¡ªnot with humidity, but with Qi, more concentrated than before. The leaves were vibrant, pulsing faintly, the roots of the towering trees weaving together as if forming a natural barrier.

    Juwon¡¯s eyes narrowed. "Was it always like this before?¡±

    Yun Ji, walking beside him, nodded. "Something changed a few days ago... The land was in decline before, its Qi scattered and weak. But now, it''s as if it''s been reborn."

    Juwon remained silent. He had suspected as much, but hearing it confirmed only made the weight on his shoulders heavier.

    Yan Huai whistled, kicking aside a root that had broken through the old dirt path. "Great. More Qi means more Qi beasts. That¡¯s just what we needed."

    As they moved deeper, the well-worn path became more evident. The way was clear, unnaturally so.

    Luo Qing frowned. "This path... it¡¯s been used frequently. Hei Long must have had this for transport between outposts."

    Zhen Yu, scanning the treetops, added, "But it should¡¯ve been overrun by now. With this much Qi, the beasts should have reclaimed it. Something¡¯s keeping them at bay."

    Juwon exhaled, adjusting his stance. "We don¡¯t have time to find out. We keep moving."

    <hr>

    Shennong¡¯s Legacy and the Prophecy

    After a long silence, Juwon spoke, his voice measured. "There was something I couldn¡¯t ask before."

    The group turned to him, sensing the shift in tone.

    He looked at Yun Ji. "If Shennong was the first shaman, and the Miao people are his descendants, why are you all living in these remote mountains, hidden from the rest of the mainland?"

    Yun Ji let out a slow breath. "Because those who first revered us also coveted our power. And those who envied us¡­ sought to destroy us." He paused, before continuing, "In time, greed turned to resentment. Rival factions within our own bloodline were manipulated into fighting each other. What began as a struggle for leadership became a war for survival. Ultimately, the Miao retreated here¡ªto Shennong¡¯s birthplace, the only place we could still be free."

    Juwon¡¯s expression darkened. "The government was involved, weren¡¯t they?"

    Yun Ji nodded. "They took our techniques, slaughtered our elders, and left only the young behind¡ªthose who knew nothing, those who couldn¡¯t pass on our knowledge. The only thing that survived was the Drum Dance because it was never just a technique. It was a ritual, passed down through generations. It stuck with us¡­ and it was foretold."

    Juwon frowned. "Foretold?"

    Yun Ji let out a short chuckle before turning serious. "Yes. One of our greatest shamanic chiefs left a prophecy long ago."

    His voice dropped into a solemn rhythm as he recited:

    <blockquote>

    The chosen, marked by the dragon¡¯s breath,

    With Qi that eclipses the stars at dawn,

    Shall rise when the world trembles in its twilight,

    From the sacred ground where the first spirit spoke.

    </blockquote>

    Juwon¡¯s mind pieced it together almost instantly. "And I''m guessing that¡¯s why the Miao, a migrating tribe, have remained in Xiangxi after centuries of wandering."

    Yun Ji gave him a knowing look. "And this is where we must be."

    <hr>

    The Second Outpost ¨C A Gate to Horror

    The dense forest soon gave way to another mountain range, towering cliffs enclosing what looked like an unnatural formation¡ªa tunnel carved straight into the rock. In the distance, you could see the outpost, sitting right in the middle of two towering cliffs. The entrance loomed before them, its steel-plated walls blending into the darkened stone. Dim industrial lights flickered along the tunnel''s ceiling, casting eerie, shifting shadows against the damp walls. The faint hum of inactive machinery lingered in the background, an unsettling reminder of the facility¡¯s former activity.

    They drove forward cautiously, the tunnel stretching deeper than expected.

    Yan Huai tapped his fingers on the dashboard. "How much money did Hei Long pour into all of this?"

    Zhen Yu, arms crossed, frowned. "Something doesn''t add up. You don¡¯t just leave behind infrastructure this advanced unless something went terribly wrong."

    Xu Weishan nodded. "Or unless you no longer need it. What if they moved to a bigger operation? One we haven''t found yet."

    Juwon finally spoke, his voice low. "Or something forced them to leave. Something they couldn''t control."

    The thought settled uneasily among them, leaving an eerie silence as the tunnel stretched deeper ahead, its darkened walls seeming to swallow their words.

    Then, they reached the door.

    A monstrous steel gate, large enough to house an entire fortress. The left half had been violently severed, the upper portion missing entirely, as if something had cut through it effortlessly. The right half remained intact, towering over them like an unmoving sentinel.

    Bai Xueling stepped forward, pressing a hand against the jagged remains. "This... Something cut through it."

    Luo Qing whistled low, shaking his head. "Well, that¡¯s new. Any bets on whether we regret coming in here?"

    Yan Huai let out a nervous chuckle, but his grip on his weapon was white-knuckled. "I swear, if another mutated abomination jumps out at me, I¡¯m quitting life."

    If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.

    <hr>

    Inside the Facility ¨C The Breeding Grounds

    The moment they stepped inside, the stench of blood hit them.

    The first chamber was eerily empty¡ªexcept for a massive machine standing in the center. It was sleek, almost pristine compared to the rest of the facility, its surface lined with intricate tubes and embedded control panels, some still faintly flickering with residual energy. Along the far walls, rusted metal platforms and broken consoles were scattered, some overturned as if in a desperate evacuation. The air was stale, carrying a faint metallic tang mixed with something more unsettling¡ªrotten blood.

    And then they saw it.

    The scene told a story¡ªone of panic, of desperation. As they advanced, they found bodies, dressed in tattered lab coats, some slumped against consoles, others sprawled lifeless on the floor. A few were missing limbs, some reduced to only their lower torsos, as if something had ripped them apart mid-stride.

    Xu Weishan kept his calm, his gaze sweeping over the carnage. "This wasn''t just a massacre¡­ this was a hunt. They were prey."

    Yan Huai exhaled sharply, his bravado giving way to unease. " They tried to run, but something¡­ something didn¡¯t let them."

    Bai Xueling¡¯s fingers tightened against her sleeve as she whispered, "What could do this? "

    Juwon knelt beside a lifeless researcher, brushing over a cracked ID badge, smeared with dried blood. His voice was cold, but beneath it, a storm brewed. "They clearly stepped out of their boundaries"

    Yun Ji¡¯s hands trembled at his sides. "This doesn''t seem like a human''s job."

    Zhen Yu studied the bullet-riddled walls and the scattered casings at his feet. "It seems like... They did try to fight back... but it wasn¡¯t enough."

    "Let''s move" Juwon, clenching his fist stepped ahead.

    Dim overhead lights flickered inconsistently, casting erratic shadows across the floor. To their left and right, two doorways led deeper within, their edges scorched, as though something had forcibly breached them. Near the machine, thick cables snaked along the floor, some severed, their inner wiring frayed and exposed, sparking occasionally.

    They went inside the right door. It was a dim tunnel with massive glass panes on one side. The other side was dark.

    As they moved forward, Yan Huai peered through a glass wall on their left¡ªthen stepped back abruptly.

    "What the¡ª"

    The others followed his gaze.

    Beyond the glass, the floor was littered with shattered eggshells¡ªsome cracked open cleanly, others splattered with blood.

    Zhen Yu¡¯s grip on his sword tightened. "Beasts¡­ they were breeding something here."

    Yun Huai sighed, "Were they trying to create spirit beasts?"

    They pressed forward. At the end of the tunnel, the corridor opened into a larger containment area¡ªand the moment they stepped inside,

    horror gripped them.

    Xu Weishan turned away sharply, his fists clenched.

    Yan Huai bent over and vomited.

    Bai Xueling stifled a scream, her hand covering her mouth.

    The Miao warriors behind them began weeping, some dropping to their knees.

    Juwon¡¯s gaze locked onto the capsules at the center of the room.

    Inside, floating in thick, murky liquid, were severed body parts¡ªsmall, delicate, unmistakably human.

    Yun Ji sank to the floor, his hands trembling. "Ch-Children¡­ they used children."

    Juwon¡¯s grip tightened around a nearby metal pipe¡ªuntil it snapped in half. His voice was dangerously low. "Do they think of human lives as cannon fodder?"

    Xu Weishan grumbled, "How dare they... and to little children"

    Zhen Yu¡¯s eyes darkened. "I-I am sure of it. This.... This is no mere organization. Their methods, their relentless hunger for power¡ªthis is the very essence of the Heavenly Demon Cult."

    While everyone was still processing the scene that unfolded, Juwon¡¯s expression darkened, his fists clenched so tightly his knuckles turned white. His voice, laced with quiet fury, cut through the silence like a blade. "Listen well, all of you."

    Juwon turned to his team, his voice cold. "If any of you fail to kill even a single Hei Long employee you come across¡ªI will kill you myself."

    "From now onwards it''s their heads or ours"

    No one argued.

    He turned to Yun Ji and the Miao warriors. "I am sorry you had to see this. Rest assured, I... will avenge them."

    Yun Ji¡¯s voice trembled. His knuckles turning white as his breath shuddered. "We allowed this to happen¡­ we let them do this to our people." His eyes burned with a quiet rage. "No more." "No need to feel sorry. It was our weakness that led to this."

    Juwon¡¯s fists clenched, his entire body trembling as a slow, burning rage crawled up his spine. His voice, colder than the steel around them, cut through the tense silence. "No more second chances. No more mercy. We end this¡ªevery last one of them."

    <hr>

    The Unsettling Presence

    Juwon exhaled, rubbing his temples. "Let¡¯s head outside. If we stay any longer, this will only traumatize the young Miao people."

    Yun Ji, still visibly shaken, looked up. "No. We need to continue. We need to understand what happened here. We need closure."

    The other Miao warriors nodded in agreement, their faces filled with both sorrow and determination.

    Juwon studied them for a moment before sighing. "Fine.¡±

    They proceeded deeper into the facility, stepping into an even larger hall. In the center stood a massive containment pod¡ªThe pod was broken in half..

    Xu Weishan scanned the area, his expression hard. "Whatever was inside¡­ It must have been enormous."

    Luo Qing examining the pod, "Well, it must be long gone now"

    Juwon frowned, examining the surroundings. He walked toward a large casket near the side of the machine, its surface coated in dust.

    He wiped it clean, his eyes widening as he read the inscription.

    "A fossil?" He muttered under his breath. He looked around, searching for any documents. Finding a scattered pile of papers, he rifled through them until one caught his eye.

    He read aloud, "Pterodactyl fossil... transported from Scotland?" He paused, his mind racing. "I remember hearing about a fossil disappearing from the National Museum of Scotland. The authorities and the museum refused to give any explanations."

    The group exchanged uneasy glances.

    Bai Xueling whispered, "What were they trying to do here?"

    Juwon clenched his jaw, a thought forming. No¡­

    He straightened. "We have to move."

    "We haven¡¯t even rested yet!" Luo Qing complained.

    Yun Huai kept his hand on Juwon¡¯s shoulder, while leaning in ¡°Let''s take it easy for now. Think about the Miao people. They¡¯ve had a rough day¡±

    For the first time Huai noticed urgency on Juwon''s face, ¡°Listen to me this is not the tim¡ª¡±

    A deep, guttural vibration rumbled through the walls¡ªa sound so vast and primal that it sent shivers through their bones.

    Then, it came.

    ROAR!

    The air shook, and a deafening blast tore through the facility. Juwon¡¯s vision blurred for a split second. The Miao warriors collapsed, clutching their heads in agony. Even Zhen Yu¡ªone of the most disciplined¡ªstaggered backward, his sword trembling in his grasp.

    Juwon gritted his teeth, forcing his Qi to stabilize as the shockwave passed.

    That was no ordinary beast. Something massive had just woken up.

    He scanned the cracks spreading above them¡ªif they didn¡¯t leave now, they¡¯d be dead.

    ¡°MOVE!¡± Juwon¡¯s voice rang out, cutting through the chaos like a blade. ¡°RUN TO THE ENTRANCE! NOW!¡±

    "Otherwise, we all will be buried here!"

    <hr>

    The Eminent Shadow

    In a dimly lit room, a looming presence sat in the dark. The only light came from the faint glow of a tablet resting on the table before him. Steam curled from a delicate porcelain teacup in his hand, its fragrance rich but untouched.

    A soldier¡¯s voice crackled through the speaker.

    "Sir, they were recently spotted near the Yanzhai outpost. One of the cameras that are still operational there captured these faces."

    The figure leaned forward, tapping the screen with a slow, deliberate motion. The footage zoomed in, revealing Juwon and his team navigating the ruined facility.

    A slow chuckle echoed through the room. Then, soft at first, it grew into a full-bodied laugh, rich with amusement and something far darker.

    "So¡­ that''s the new guardian? A stray dragon indeed"

    The voice was smooth, confident¡ªthe voice of a ruler who had seen a thousand battles and emerged victorious from each one.

    He lifted the cup, swirling the tea within. "Good¡­ very good." He took a sip, savouring the moment. "Let¡¯s see how long you last before you break, little Guardian."

    The screen dimmed.

    Inside the chamber, a row of shadowed figures came into light as they knelt in silence, waiting for their master¡¯s next move.

    The Demon Lord himself had taken notice.

    And the hunt had begun.

 37. The Dark Wyvern

    The facility shook violently as the ceiling began to cave in, metal beams snapping like brittle twigs. Alarms blared, their shrill cries swallowed by the roar that still echoed through the crumbling structure. Dust filled the air, making it harder to see, harder to breathe.

    "MOVE!" Juwon shouted, leading the charge toward the entrance.

    The floor cracked beneath their feet as they sprinted forward, dodging chunks of falling debris. The flickering emergency lights cast erratic shadows on the walls, making everything feel even more unstable. The entire structure was seconds away from complete collapse.

    Juwon was the first to reach the exit door¡ªa towering metallic frame that led into a massive tunnel road. The dim lighting flickered above, illuminating two SUVs parked near the entrance, their engines still warm from recent use.

    The moment the last person made it through, the facility behind them gave way. A deafening crash rang out as the entire underground lab collapsed, sending a wave of dust and rubble outward.

    Juwon coughed, scanning the group quickly. "Is everyone out?!"

    Luo Qing, shielding Yun Ji and the Miao warriors, gave a tense nod. "We''re all here!"

    Huai exclaimed, breathless, "Huff... Whatever is out there is either massive, or at least capable of destroying the whole Hei Long facility."

    Zhen Yu nodded. "We need a plan."

    Juwon turned to Qing. "Take the Miao people and head back to the village. Now."

    Luo Qing¡¯s brows furrowed. "What? And leave you guys here?!"

    "We don¡¯t have time for this!" Juwon snapped. "If we all try to escape together, that thing will hunt us down. We need to split up¡ªyou take them, and we¡¯ll draw it away."

    Yun Ji clenched his fists. "You''re making yourself bait."

    Juwon gave a sharp, knowing smirk. "You¡¯re only going to get in our way. Just go."

    Luo Qing hesitated for only a moment before nodding. "Damn it. Try not to get yourself killed."

    Just as they started loading into the SUVs, the tunnel walls trembled.

    Cracks raced across the ceiling, dust and pebbles raining down on them.

    Juwon¡¯s eye twitched. "You¡¯ve got to be kidding me."

    "EVERYONE, INTO THE CARS! NOW!" he yelled.

    The team scrambled into their vehicles. Juwon, Yan Huai, Bai Xueling, Zhen Yu, and Xu Weishan piled into one, while Luo Qing and the Miao warriors took the other.

    As soon as the engines roared to life, the tunnel started collapsing behind them.

    Yan Huai slammed his foot on the accelerator. The SUV shot forward, narrowly dodging falling steel beams and massive chunks of concrete. The roar of destruction followed them, the tunnel caving in mere meters behind their tires.

    "This tunnel is going down!" Zhen Yu yelled over the noise.

    "JUST DRIVE!" Juwon barked.

    The moment they burst out into open air, the two SUVs split up¡ªone taking the north road, the other veering south.

    Then, the sky darkened.

    <hr>

    The Shadow Above

    A massive shadow loomed over the forest path. The sunlight dimmed as something enormous flew overhead, its presence alone enough to send shivers through their bones.

    Juwon looked up.

    His breath caught.

    A Wyvern?

    Pitch-black scales. Red eyes, burning with a malevolence, like the last embers of a dying inferno. They glowed with an eerie, pulsating light.... Black flames trailing from behind its neck to the edges of its wings. The very air around it seemed to distort with heat, wisps of dark smoke curling from its form like living tendrils.

    It was massive¡ªeclipsing the sky, its wings outstretched like an endless stormcloud.

    A Rank 4 Qi Beast.

    "That¡¯s¡­ huge." Bai Xueling whispered, her voice barely audible.

    The Wyvern''s neck tilted towards the SUV driven by Luo Qing.

    "Shit¡ªIT¡¯S LOCKED ONTO THEM!" Yan Huai shouted. "JUWON!"

    "I Know"

    Juwon reached into the dashboard, his fingers wrapping around the cold grip of a pistol.

    He pulled it free, steadying his breath as he took aim.

    A single shot rang out¡ªthe bullet didn''t even reach the beast.*

    BUT the sound was enough.

    The beast¡¯s gaze shifted to him.

    "That''s right, Eyes on me"

    "DRIVE! NOW!" Juwon roared.

    Yan Huai slammed on the gas. The SUV shot forward as the Wyvern let out an earsplitting shriek.

    Then, it breathed.

    The Inferno Unleashed

    A torrent of black fire poured from the Wyvern¡¯s maw.

    A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

    The flames weren¡¯t normal¡ªthey didn¡¯t just burn. They devoured.

    The trees caught fire, exploding into a cascade of embers before disintegrating instantly. The very ground itself cracked, warping under the unnatural heat.

    The SUV swerved violently as Yan Huai fought to keep control. The Wyvern¡¯s shadow flickered across the burning wreckage as it soared overhead, its black flames still trailing from its maw.

    "That fire¡¯s consuming everything!" Bai Xueling gasped, gripping the door handle as the vehicle jolted over uneven terrain.

    "It¡¯s not normal fire," Zhen Yu muttered, bracing himself against the dashboard. "It¡¯s¡­ corruption."

    Xu Weishan cursed, glancing in the rearview mirror. "We can¡¯t outrun this forever! How the hell do we shake a flying beast?!"

    Juwon steadied himself, eyes flickering between the collapsing road and the looming Wyvern. "We don¡¯t. We make for the final outpost and find cover!"

    He narrowed his eyes, then smirked. "Or better yet¡­ we push this bastard onto Hei Long."

    Yan Huai didn¡¯t argue. He gripped the wheel and pushed the SUV to its limits.

    The Wyvern hovered high above, its wings flapping in slow, deliberate motions, maintaining its dominance over the battlefield.

    It watched, tracking the SUV¡¯s movements, its glowing red eyes flickering with eerie intelligence.

    Then, it roared again¡ªa deep, guttural sound that sent shockwaves through the ground.

    It opened its mouth.

    Xu Weishan¡¯s eyes widened as he gripped the seat. "I don¡¯t think we can dodge this one!"

    Juwon¡¯s heart pounded. "Everyone, brace for impact!"

    The black flame surged forth from the wyvern''s mouth, an all-consuming inferno, final and absolute.

    The Wyvern''s breath gathered again¡ªa void of darkness forming at its core.

    Then, silence.

    The air twisted. The trees groaned. Then¡ª

    BOOM.

    A streak of fire slammed into the ground just behind them, the force of the explosion sending the SUV airborne.*

    The world flipped.

    For a moment, everything slowed. The SUV spun through the air, weightless, as shards of glass caught the glow of the raging inferno behind them. The deafening crack of metal twisting filled their ears, followed by the sickening crunch of impact. Trees splintered, the ground tore apart, and then¡ª

    A bone-jarring slam.

    The SUV was airborne again, tumbling violently through the sky as its occupants were thrown from its shattered frame.

    Juwon¡¯s world spun in a chaotic blur¡ªglass shards catching the fiery glow behind them, the deafening rush of wind drowning out all sound.

    Juwon got shot out of the SUV.

    For a split second, mid-air, Juwon turned his head.

    Huai had crashed against a thick tree trunk, blood erupting from his mouth as he slammed into the bark with brutal force.

    Xu Weishan''s hand twitched slightly, emerging from the wreckage of the overturned SUV, fingers curling weakly as if grasping for something¡ªanything. The rest of his body remained unseen.

    Juwon¡¯s breath caught as his own trajectory sent him toward a lake.

    The cold expanse rushed up to meet him, and before he could brace¡ª

    SPLASH!

    The water swallowed him whole, darkness consuming everything as the force dragged him deeper into the abyss.

    <hr>

    The Crash

    Juwon crashed into the water surface, the impact knocking the air from his lungs. He barely registered the pain before he was submerged.

    The cold shock of water wrapped around him.

    Juwon¡¯s body screamed in protest, the shock of icy water ripping the breath from his lungs. Smoke still burned in his throat. He kicked upward, arms sluggish, the weight of exhaustion dragging at his every move. When he finally broke the surface, he gasped, coughing violently, the cold air a slap against his burning lungs. He pulled himself onto the muddy shore, coughing violently. Where were the others?

    Then, the sky darkened again.

    He looked up.

    The Wyvern descended, its hulking form standing as tall as a mountain.

    Juwon could only watch as the beast inhaled deeply

    Juwon screamed, "Nooooo!"

    ¡ªThe wyvern exhaled a wall of black flames.

    The entire forest ignited.

    Juwon gritted his teeth, his fingers digging into the dirt.

    Were his teammates even alive?

    Juwon¡¯s mind raced, panic clawing at his chest. He had seen Huai crash, seen his body slam against that tree¡ªwas he still breathing? And the others? Where were they? Had they even made it out of the wreckage?

    The Wyvern let out a final, ear-splitting roar, the roar sounded more like a screech. The creature had exerted its dominance.

    Juwon clenched his fists, watching the destruction unfold. His breath came in ragged gasps as his eyes darted across the inferno, desperately seeking any sign of life. He moved into the forest.

    His heart pounded.

    Was this it? Had he dragged them all into an unwinnable battle? Had he led them to their deaths?

    The flames burned. The sky cracked. And the beast loomed above him. For a moment, it remained motionless, as if admiring its own destruction. Then, with a deep, guttural growl, the Wyvern slowly flapped its wings, lifting itself back into the sky. Its red eyes flickered as it surveyed the devastation one last time before ascending higher, disappearing into the smoke-filled heavens.

    <hr>

    The Aftermath

    Juwon stumbled forward, heading toward the spot where the SUV had landed. Smoke curled from the wreckage, the twisted metal still glowing from residual heat. His breath was ragged as he moved, eyes scanning frantically.

    Then he remembered¡ªXu Weishan¡¯s hand.

    He rushed to the overturned SUV, grasping at the melted metal door and pulling it outward with everything he had. The metal groaned, resisting for a moment before finally giving way.

    Inside, Xu Weishan lay slumped, blood trailing from a wound on his forehead. His chest was rising and falling¡ªhe was alive, but barely.

    Juwon reached in. "Come here, buddy. Give me your hand."

    Xu¡¯s eyelids fluttered open, his voice barely a whisper. "What... happened?"

    Juwon gritted his teeth. "Let¡¯s get you out first."

    With a deep breath, he pulled Xu Weishan¡¯s heavy body out of the wreckage, dragging him away from the burning car.

    They barely made it a few meters before¡ª

    BOOM!

    The SUV exploded, the shockwave throwing both of them through the air. Juwon hit the ground hard, his vision blurring as the world spun around him.

    His consciousness flickered. He could hear voices¡ªurgent, worried¡ªbut they sounded distant, as if underwater.

    Then¡ª

    Darkness.

    Juwon lost consciousness.

    <hr>

    The Village

    Juwon¡¯s eyes fluttered open. A dim, flickering light danced across the wooden ceiling above him. His limbs felt heavy, his muscles sore.

    He blinked a few times before realization sank in¡ªhe was in a hut, resting on a woven mat.

    Sitting across from him, one figure had his chin placed on his arm, which rested on his knee. His sharp gaze watched Juwon with an air of amusement.

    Yuxian.

    Standing just behind him, arms crossed, was another familiar face. Yunfei.

    Juwon exhaled. "Of all people..."

    Yuxian smirked. "Good morning to you too. Didn¡¯t expect to see me so soon?"

    Juwon¡¯s gaze hardened. "What happened? What are you doing here?"

    Yuxian raised an eyebrow, his smirk fading into something resembling irritation. "That¡¯s the first thing you ask? Not ¡®Glad to see you¡¯? Not ¡®Thanks for coming to see me''¡¯?"

    Juwon exhaled, rubbing his temple. "I just woke up in a place I didn¡¯t expect, after nearly getting incinerated by a wyvern. Forgive me if my first thought isn¡¯t celebrating a reunion."

    Yuxian clicked his tongue, leaning back. "Typical. Ungrateful as ever."

    Yunfei spoke first, his voice calm but firm. "Bai Xueling called for reinforcements. She was in better shape than the rest of you and managed to stabilize Xu before we arrived."

    Juwon sat up slowly, his body protesting with every movement. "And the others?"

    Yuxian¡¯s smirk faded slightly. "Xu Weishan is in critical condition. Yan Huai is still unconscious but recovering. Luo Qing and Yun Ji returned to you gues as soon as the Wyvern flew away¡ªthey found Bai Xueling tending to you all while she was still bleeding herself. She wouldn¡¯t stop treating you, even while injured."

    Juwon clenched his jaw. "So she saved us all."

    Yunfei nodded. "And almost killed herself in the process."

    Silence settled over the room. Juwon leaned forward, rubbing his temples. The last thing he remembered was the explosion¡ªthe rest was a blur.

    Yuxian stretched lazily. "You always find yourself in the worst situations, don¡¯t you?" He eyed Juwon. "So, what¡¯s next?"

    Juwon exhaled sharply.

    He met Yuxian¡¯s gaze, his expression hard. "There are many things we need to talk about."

    "But the most important of it all, is Heavenly Demonic Cult!"

    Yuxian and Yunfei''s expression darkened.

    <hr>

 38. The Shadows of Power

    The discussion had already begun.

    Juwon sat cross-legged, arms resting on his knees, as Yuxian and Yunfei vented their frustration. Their voices echoed within the wooden hut, barely contained fury lacing each word.

    "Hei Long, the Heavenly Demon Cult... all of them should be wiped off the face of the earth," Yunfei spat, his fist tightening. "The people they¡¯ve butchered, the lives they¡¯ve ruined¡ªit¡¯s beyond redemption."

    "You saw that monster! A wyvern!" Yuxian added, rubbing his temples in frustration. "What the hell is going on in these mountains? For now, at least, the beast remains deep within the mountains... but for how long. This is like something out of a fairy tale." He exhaled sharply, shaking his head. "I knew Hei Long was involved in shady business, but this? This is beyond comprehension."

    Juwon, leaning back slightly, arched an eyebrow. "Really? Qi manipulation, flying swords, and energy projection are fine, but a giant flying lizard is where you draw the line?"

    Yuxian glared at him.

    Before Yuxian could fire back, the sound of soft footsteps entered the hut. Bai Xueling had arrived, her calm presence easing the tension in the room.

    Juwon turned to greet her, but before he could speak, her fingers gently wrapped around his wrist. The warmth of her touch startled him.

    The room fell into silence.

    Juwon felt his body tense slightly as an unfamiliar awkwardness settled over them. Bai Xueling, too, seemed to notice, her grip faltering for a split second before she composed herself.

    "You¡¯re alright?" she asked softly.

    Juwon cleared his throat. "Yeah. Nothing serious."

    Yuxian, observing the exchange, smirked. "Oh? Since when did you start caring so much, Xueling?"

    Bai Xueling shot him a glare, but the slight pink tinge to her cheeks did not go unnoticed.

    "Shut up, Yuxian," she muttered.

    Yuxian chuckled, but before he could tease further, Yun Ji entered, his expression serious. "We need to talk about the third outpost. We don¡¯t have much time."

    <hr>

    The Arrival

    The discussion was still ongoing when the sound of whirring blades cut through the air. The entire village stirred, heads turning toward the sky. The rhythmic thump-thump-thump of helicopter rotors echoed across the valley.

    Juwon tensed, immediately recognizing the sound of military-grade helicopters.

    "Everyone, mix into the crowd," Juwon ordered under his breath.

    The villagers gathered as the two helicopters descended into the center of the village. A gust of wind kicked up dirt and leaves as the aircraft touched down, the rotating blades slowing. Armed soldiers disembarked swiftly, securing the area.

    From the lead helicopter, a figure stepped out. General Wei Zhennan.

    Juwon¡¯s eyes narrowed as he observed the man. He was no ordinary soldier. He was a Core Formation practitioner. Late-stage, at that. His presence was imposing, his uniform crisp, and his piercing gaze scanned the crowd with calculated precision.

    Beside him, another figure followed, his demeanor more restrained but no less sharp. Colonel Han Xiqing, Early Core Formation. He moved with the grace of a seasoned fighter, his eyes locked onto the crowd as if searching for something¡ªor someone.

    "We seek the chief of this village," General Wei declared, his voice firm yet lacking hostility.

    Yun Ji stepped forward. "I am Yun Ji, leader of this village. What brings the military to our home?"

    General Wei studied him carefully before speaking. "There have been reports of unusual phenomena in this region¡ªstrange creatures, anomalies in the forest, and... significant energy bursts. We are here to investigate."

    Yun Ji remained calm. "Strange creatures? We live in harmony with the land. The animals move as they always have."

    The general¡¯s gaze didn¡¯t waver. "And the forest fires? What caused them?"

    "We know nothing of it," Yun Ji replied smoothly.

    Juwon watched closely. The general wasn¡¯t convinced. The conversation drifted into small talk about the Miao tribe¡¯s customs, people and traditions but Juwon¡¯s instincts told him this man was more observant than he let on.

    Then, General Wei¡¯s eyes flickered to the crowd¡ªand landed on Juwon.

    "That one. Bring him here."

    Colonel Han moved instantly, walking towards Juwon.

    Juwon cursed internally but remained composed. As the soldiers motioned for him to step forward, he subtly signaled the Wudang disciples to retreat and hide.

    "A Korean?" General Wei mused, looking him over. "What¡¯s a foreigner doing in these remote mountains?"

    Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    Juwon gave an easy smile. "I¡¯m a historian, hired for excavation activities."

    The general¡¯s gaze sharpened. "Excavations? I don¡¯t recall any authorized historical digs in the Xiangxi mountain ranges."

    Juwon shrugged. "I was hired by Hei Long for extensive research within their facilities."

    At the mention of Hei Long, the general¡¯s expression changed. The suspicion in his tone faded slightly, replaced by intrigue.

    "Hei Long, you say?" The general paused before nodding. "Interesting. We¡¯ll be setting up surveillance in this area. If you plan on staying here, report any anomalies to us."

    "Actually," Juwon interjected, "I won¡¯t be staying long. I¡¯ll be heading to the outpost soon for further research."

    General Wei studied him before nodding. "Very well." But as he turned back toward the helicopters, he murmured to Colonel Han, "Get me files on this Seo Juwon. I want to know who he really is."

    <hr>

    The Path

    The night was still, the crisp mountain air carrying the faint crackling of torches from the Miao village. Juwon sat alone, legs crossed beneath him, his breathing steady but his mind turbulent. No matter how much he tried, he could not push past the barrier in his cultivation.

    He exhaled sharply, frustration bubbling under his skin. Why? Why couldn¡¯t he break through? His Qi moved within him, circulating as he had done thousands of times before, but something was missing. Something wasn¡¯t clicking.

    The soft sound of footsteps interrupted his thoughts.

    Bai Xueling approached, her presence calm, her silver robes flowing gently in the evening breeze. Without a word, she sat beside him.

    "Still stuck?" she asked after a moment.

    Juwon smirked, though there was little humor in it. "I¡¯m doing everything right, but it¡¯s like trying to grab mist¡ªit just slips through my fingers."

    Bai Xueling studied him before speaking. "That¡¯s because you¡¯re trying to force it. Cultivation isn¡¯t about brute strength. It¡¯s about understanding."

    Juwon exhaled. "Easy for you to say."

    She chuckled softly. "That¡¯s because I learned a long time ago¡ªQi isn¡¯t something to be commanded. It¡¯s something to be guided. After all its a reflection of who we are"

    Juwon frowned, turning her words over in his mind. "Guided..."

    Bai Xueling nodded. "You keep trying to impose your will over Qi, but what if instead, you listen to what it¡¯s trying to tell you? You¡¯re seeking power, but have you thought about why you need it? What you truly fight for?"

    "What I fight for huh? Isn''t that simple? It''s because I can"

    "My life was always about taking action, I lost my mother, when I was young. And my father? Hah I don''t even remember how he looks like. Apparently, he is in the US somewhere enjoying luxuries while I was running around looking for scraps to live by. I was abandoned. But if my life as an orphan has taught me one thing, it''s that the world doesn''t stop for anyone. It''s the people who get left behind who are the ones at fault. World rewards taking action. And that''s what I lived by till now"

    Xueling looked at Juwon staring at the moon, "I am sorry to hear that"

    "Well, so if my Qi reflects who I am, it won''t stop here."

    Bai Xueling smiled "I heard the core that you form is different and unique for everyone. I wonder what yours would look like"

    Something inside Juwon shifted.

    His breath stilled. His mind expanded. He could feel it now¡ªthe natural flow of Qi, not something to be controlled, but something to be embraced. It was as if the missing piece had finally fallen into place.

    A pulse of energy surged through him.

    His sea of Qi roared to life.

    Bai Xueling¡¯s eyes widened slightly as she felt the shift. "You¡¯re... breaking through?"

    Juwon grinned, exhilaration flooding through him. "I think I finally get it."

    "Xueling, I will be back in the morning."

    Xueling nodded with a smile.

    As he closed his eyes, he let go of the restraint that had held him back. His Qi condensed, refining itself at an astonishing rate. Deep within his Dantian, a luminous white lotus began to bloom, each petal radiating a brilliance akin to the sun. Its glow intensified, pulsing in rhythm with his breath, as if resonating with the very essence of his being. His core burned with power, blazing a trail into the Core Formation realm, marking an unshakable step forward in his path of cultivation.

    For a moment, everything was silent.

    Then¡ª

    A sudden boom erupted from within him as his Qi stabilized. Juwon exhaled, feeling the new strength coursing through his veins.

    He had finally stepped into Core Formation.

    <hr>

    The Morning Meeting

    The next morning, the so-called "conference hall"¡ªa simple round table inside a small house¡ªwas filled with murmurs of discussion. The Wudang disciples, Yun Ji, and the Miao warriors were deep in talks about their next steps.

    Then, Juwon entered.

    His hair had grown out slightly, his physique more defined, lean yet powerful. He wore only loose pants, a towel draped over his shoulder, beads of water still clinging to his skin from his morning training.

    All conversation stopped.

    "Did I miss anything?"

    Eyes widened as everyone stared at him.

    "Mere weeks... and he¡¯s already Core Formation?" Yunfei whispered in shock.

    It was unheard of. "A godlike talent."

    But Yunfei¡¯s expression turned serious. "This kind of rapid advancement... be careful, Juwon. Some people push for strength too fast and lose sight of the Dao. It leads to stagnation."

    Juwon smirked. "Not me. My path is clear."

    Meanwhile, Luo Qing and Yuxian exchanged glances before turning to Bai Xueling¡ªwho had turned her head away slightly, her cheeks flushed at the sight of Juwon¡¯s shirtless figure.

    "Oh?" Luo Qing teased. "Xueling, are you blushing?"

    Yuxian grinned. "Well, well, looks like someone is flustered."

    Bai Xueling glared at them. "Shut up."

    Juwon sighed, shaking his head. "Enough. Let¡¯s focus. What¡¯s the plan?"

    Yun Ji cleared his throat, drawing the room¡¯s attention. "Young Master, you mentioned heading to Qinghai after your investigation. I believe you should reconsider. The situation has deteriorated beyond what we expected. The government will soon get involved. We Miao intend to leave this place before that happens."

    Juwon raised an eyebrow. "And what about the legacy?"

    Yun Ji chuckled, shaking his head. "Young Master jests! We have always been a migrating tribe. Legacy means little if it comes at the cost of lives."

    He leaned forward. "I propose we travel to Qinghai together. We have trusted contacts who transport goods across the mountains. Their trucks will take us there while you and your people travel separately in your SUVs."

    Juwon placed both hands firmly on the table, his expression unreadable. "No. We won¡¯t be leaving for Qinghai just yet. I need to get to the bottom of this."

    Yun Ji frowned. "But Young Master¡ª"

    Juwon cut him off, his tone final. "When I say ¡®we,¡¯ I mean myself and the Wudang disciples. You and the Miao should go to Qinghai as planned. Meet us in Qilian County six weeks from now."

    Luo Qing interjected, his voice laced with concern. "You''re bringing them into this by introducing them to the Martial Alliance?"

    Juwon met his gaze evenly. "They are already a part of this. Unless, of course, they choose otherwise."

    He turned to Yun Ji, waiting for his response.

    Yun Ji inhaled deeply before nodding. "We would be honored if Young Master allowed us to accompany him."

    Juwon gave a slight nod. "Then tell me about the final outpost."

    "The final outpost lies deep within Wuling Mountain¡ªa four-and-a-half-hour journey from here. That mountain is also where the Mountain Sage, a Spirit Venerable Shaman, lived centuries ago."

    Juwon frowned. "What¡¯s the deal with the spirits?"

    Yun Ji exhaled. "You¡¯ll find out soon enough."

    <hr><hr>

 39. Entering Wuling Mountain

    The sun had barely begun to rise, casting a golden hue over the mist-covered village. The crisp morning air carried the scent of damp earth, mingling with the faint aroma of burning wood from the villagers'' cooking fires. Juwon stood at the edge of the settlement, arms crossed, watching as the final preparations unfolded.

    Luo Qing tightened the last strap securing a bundle of supplies onto the Miao caravan. His movements were precise, his expression calm, but there was something behind his gaze¡ªreluctance, perhaps. He turned to Juwon, exhaling through his nose. ¡°Looks like this is where we part ways.¡±

    Juwon studied his face, sensing the weight of the decision. ¡°You don¡¯t have to go with them.¡±

    Luo Qing scoffed, shaking his head. ¡°Someone has to make sure the Miao reach Qinghai safely. And besides, if I don¡¯t go, I might either kill you or kill myself due to all the overwork¡±

    Yuxian smirked from the side, arms folded. ¡°You¡¯ll miss us, won¡¯t you?¡±

    Luo Qing rolled his eyes but didn¡¯t refute it. ¡°Just try not to get yourselves killed before we meet again.¡±

    Nearby, Physician Bai finished his final checks on Yan Huai and Xu Weishan, both still too injured to continue. Xu, lying on a makeshift stretcher, forced a smirk despite the pain. ¡°Guess I won¡¯t get to see how this all plays out.¡±

    Juwon gave him a curt nod. ¡°Heal first. There will always be another battle.¡±

    With that, Juwon, Yuxian, Yunfei, and Bai Xueling turned toward the towering peaks of Wuling Mountain.

    The Journey Through Wuling Mountain

    The road to Huayuan County was uneventful, but the air inside the car felt heavy. Yuxian, from the passenger seat, tapped the window idly. "Gotta admit, it''s strange being back in civilization after all that."

    Juwon glanced at the crowded streets as they entered the county. Vendors shouted their wares from roadside stalls, the scent of sizzling meat mingling with fresh fruit. The hustle of traders, travelers, and workers filled the air with a restless energy. "Yeah," Juwon muttered. "Feels like a different world."

    After checking into a modest hotel under the guise of researchers, they gathered in the lobby. Bai Xueling stretched her arms. "We should split up¡ªget supplies, listen in on anything unusual. No reason to waste the stop."

    Juwon nodded in agreement pointing towards a poster outside their hotel. "Meet back at this bar in the Fenghuang Ancient Town this evening. We¡¯ll regroup and share what we¡¯ve learned."

    As night fell, they reconvened in a dimly lit bar, the rich aroma of alcohol mixing with tobacco smoke. Yuxian set down a small satchel filled with travel essentials, while Bai Xueling dusted off her sleeves. "People in town are suspicious," she noted. "A few shopkeepers were tight-lipped when I asked about the mountain."

    Yunfei nodded, lowering his voice. "Same here. It¡¯s not just rumors¡ªlocals believe something unnatural is happening up there. Some of the traders mentioned seeing large convoys of trucks heading toward the mountains late at night. They were carrying something... glowing. No one knows what it is."

    Juwon leaned back in his chair, listening as the conversations around them wove into the background hum¡ªuntil a sharp voice cut through it. Yuxian clinked his glass against Yunfei¡¯s. "Finally, a place where we don¡¯t have to worry about being burned alive or stabbed in our sleep."

    Juwon leaned back, scanning the room. The low hum of conversation filled the space¡ªuntil a sharp voice cut through it.

    "Those bastards! They took her!" A middle-aged man slammed his fist against the table, his face red with drink and fury. "Dressed in black, with that damned yellow insignia!"

    Juwon¡¯s grip on his glass tightened. A yellow insignia?

    "You reported it?" his companion asked hesitantly, a wiry man with tired eyes.

    "To who? The police?" The man scoffed bitterly. "They laughed at me. Told me to forget it. They didn¡¯t even write it down!"

    Yuxian glanced at Juwon. "What do you think?" His voice was low, but the weight behind it was clear.

    Juwon exhaled slowly, setting his drink down. "Its definitely them. We need to find out the route these trucks are taking." He turned to Yunfei. "Did they mention where they were headed?"

    Yunfei nodded. "Yeah. Most of them take the old road leading into the northern pass. Locals say they disappear into the mountains after that. No one sees them return."

    Bai Xueling frowned. "And no one finds that suspicious?"

    "People are scared," Yunfei replied. "Some think it''s illegal mining, others whisper about secret research labs. But no one questions it openly."

    Yuxian leaned forward, raising an eyebrow. "Are we sure this is Hei Long?"

    Juwon shrugged. "We¡¯ll know soon enough. Either way, we¡¯re following those trucks. Let¡¯s get back to our rooms. We¡¯ll head out once rested"

    The team went back to the hotel and rested before they departed for the northern pass.

    Juwon pulled the car to the side of the road, switching off the headlights as they settled into a concealed spot behind a thicket of trees. "We''ll wait here and watch for them to pass first," he murmured. Yuxian, sitting in the passenger seat, leaned forward, peering through the windshield. "But we don¡¯t know if these trucks pass through every day. What if tonight is not the night?"

    "Then we go the facility without proper surveillance. But I hope we can follow them. Either way keep the headlights low, maintain distance, and don¡¯t draw attention," Juwon replied, gripping the wheel.

    Minutes later, the distant rumble of heavy engines approached. One by one, massive trucks rolled past, their tires crunching against the gravel road.

    Bai Xueling, watching intently, narrowed her eyes. "Look at the insignia. Hei Long."

    Juwon¡¯s gaze followed hers. There it was¡ªfaint, almost as if someone had tried to scrape it off, but still visible enough to confirm their suspicions. "So it''s them after all," he muttered.

    The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.

    Yunfei exhaled. "That settles it. We follow." The journey took them down an old, winding road leading into the northern pass, the headlights of the trucks illuminating the darkened path ahead. Their movements were precise, organized. Whoever was operating this route knew exactly what they were doing.

    After miles of following the trucks deeper into the remote countryside, Juwon pulled the car to a stop at a hidden vantage point. From there, they watched as the convoy reached a heavily secured checkpoint, disappearing behind a reinforced steel gate built into the mountainside.

    Yuxian let out a low whistle. "Well, that¡¯s not suspicious at all."

    "Looks like a private facility," Bai Xueling murmured, scanning the area through a pair of binoculars. "Guards, armed patrols... not your typical operations."

    Juwon leaned forward, his grip tightening around the pistol in his hand. He exhaled sharply, scanning the checkpoint with narrowed eyes. "We¡¯re not getting in this way. We need another route."

    They drove back, opting to circle around the region and find another entrance. As they neared Wuling Mountain, the shift in atmosphere became undeniable.

    As they crossed into the dense forest, an unnatural silence blanketed the land. The usual sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves were gone, replaced by an eerie stillness. The air itself felt thick, pressing against their skin. Juwon frowned as he flexed his fingers, sensing the disruption.

    They proceeded cautiously, and as they neared the third outpost, mercenaries patrolled the fences, their movements sharp and disciplined, their weapons held with an ease that spoke of experience. Cargo trucks rumbled in and out of the compound, their contents concealed under heavy tarps, but the faint clanking of metal suggested something more than simple supplies.

    The Split

    As they neared the facility, Juwon crouched behind the cover of dense foliage, his sharp gaze scanning the imposing compound. The structure was built for defense¡ªa fortress carved into the mountainside, reinforced with steel barriers and towering watchtowers. High floodlights swept the area, cutting through the night, while sniper nests were stationed at key vantage points. The outer fence, lined with razor wire, was guarded by heavily armed mercenaries, each carrying advanced weaponry and communication gear. Beyond the fence, several warehouse-like buildings loomed in the darkness, their purpose unknown. A large central structure, more refined in design, sat deeper within, likely serving as the command center. Everything about the facility screamed high-level operations, secrecy, and danger. The place was heavily fortified¡ªwalking in was suicide.

    "We can¡¯t just waltz through the front gate," Juwon muttered, his voice low. "We¡¯ll have to split up and find alternate routes."

    Bai Xueling, tightening the strap of her bag, pointed toward the jagged cliffs in the distance. "Yunfei and I will take the high ground. If there''s an opening, we¡¯ll have a clear vantage point to track their movements and maybe even find a way inside."

    Yuxian¡¯s eyes narrowed as he surveyed the dense forest to their right. His gaze settled on a barely visible tunnel entrance, partially hidden beneath overgrown roots and crumbling stone. "That leaves us with the tunnel. But are we sure it¡¯s even stable? If it¡¯s caved in or compromised, we could get trapped."

    Juwon adjusted the pistol in his grip, the cold metal a reassuring weight. "It¡¯s a gamble, but it¡¯s our best shot. If the tunnel is intact, it should lead us close to the inner facility without detection. If not¡­ we¡¯ll improvise."

    Yuxian scoffed, shaking his head. "You always say that. Doesn¡¯t make me feel any better."

    Juwon smirked. "Then don¡¯t think about it too much."

    "Easy for you to say." Yuxian exhaled before shifting his stance. "Alright, let¡¯s move before someone spots us."

    As Bai Xueling and Yunfei moved toward the cliffs, Bai glanced back at Juwon. "What exactly are we looking for?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

    Juwon didn¡¯t hesitate. "Any documented evidence¡ªblueprints, designs, research logs. Anything that tells us what they¡¯ve been doing here. If we¡¯re lucky, we might even find samples of their experiments."

    Yuxian smirked, adjusting his grip on his weapon. "Lucky? You mean if we don¡¯t find something horrifying?"

    Juwon exhaled sharply. "Either way, we need to know."

    Yunfei asked, "And what if things go south?"

    Juwon smirked, his grip tightening on his pistol. "Simple. Stay alive, regroup at the hotel. No heroics, no unnecessary risks¡ªeach of us gets out however we can. Maybe smoke a few Hei Long in the process"

    Everyone nodded.

    Without another word, they split off in their respective directions, vanishing into the shadows of the night.

    As they moved into position, a sudden burst of static crackled through their earpieces. Bai Xueling''s voice came through, faint and distorted, ¡°We¡¯re in position¡ª¡± before cutting off completely.

    Juwon tapped his earpiece, frowning. "Comms are down."

    Yuxian exhaled sharply, flexing his fingers. "That¡¯s never a good sign." His tone was light, but there was an undercurrent of unease.

    Juwon¡¯s grip on his pistol tightened. The facility loomed ahead, its watchtowers cutting through the night like silent sentinels. Floodlights cast long, shifting shadows across the steel barriers. He exhaled slowly, steadying his breath.

    "No turning back now. Proceed with caution, and stay sharp."

    Yuxian smirked, rolling his shoulders. "Wasn¡¯t planning on getting caught."

    With a final glance at one another, they melted into the darkness, the cold mountain air thick with the weight of the unknown.

    <hr>

    The Infiltration

    Yunfei and Bai Xueling reached the edge of a rugged cliff, crouching low behind the thick foliage. A gnarled tree jutted out precariously over the drop, its vines hanging like lifelines into the darkness below. Directly beneath them, a watchtower stood¡ªits lone guard oblivious to the two figures above.

    Yunfei exhaled, testing the strength of the vine before gripping it tightly. "I''ll go first." Without hesitation, he began descending, his body moving fluidly despite the swaying of the vine.

    The wind howled softly against the cliffside. As Yunfei lowered himself, his feet dangled just inches from the watchtower¡¯s circular roof. He stretched, straining to reach it¡ªjust a little more.

    Then, with a sharp snap, the vine tore apart.

    Yunfei¡¯s eyes widened as the weightlessness hit him, the ground rushing toward him¡ªonly for a firm grip to catch his wrist mid-fall.

    "Got you," Bai Xueling¡¯s voice was steady as she hung from her own vine, her fingers locked tightly around his arm.

    For a second, Yunfei just blinked at her. "You know, you could''ve let me drop just a little¡ªmake me feel like I earned it."

    Bai Xueling rolled her eyes, adjusting her grip. "Or I could just save you the trouble and make sure you don¡¯t break your neck."

    He grinned. "Fair enough."

    With a swift movement, she lowered him safely onto the watchtower roof before following right after.

    Yunfei hung himself on the edge of the watchtower and jumped into it as he used this momentum to twist the neck of the Hei Long soldier standing guard inside the tower.

    The two now deep in enemy territory.

    <hr>

    The Other Side

    Juwon and Yuxian moved cautiously through the narrow tunnel, the air thick with dampness and decay. The stench was unbearable.

    Yuxian covered his nose with the back of his sleeve. ¡°I swear, I¡¯ve fought in blood-soaked battlefields that smelled better than this.¡±

    Juwon smirked, stepping over a puddle of stagnant water. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Not used to a little authentic underground experience?¡±

    Yuxian shot him a look. ¡°This isn¡¯t ¡®authentic.¡¯ This is a violation of human rights.¡±

    A faint rustling echoed through the tunnel, followed by the high-pitched squeaks of rats skittering along the walls. Juwon¡¯s eyes narrowed. They weren¡¯t normal.

    Their bodies were slightly larger, their fur coarser, their claws sharper¡ªa clear resemblance to low-rank Qi beasts. Though they didn¡¯t appear aggressive, they moved with a strange awareness, their beady eyes watching the intruders with something bordering on intelligence.

    Yuxian slowed his steps. ¡°Even the rats are evolving¡­¡±

    Juwon exhaled. ¡°It¡¯s not just them. The entire ecosystem is shifting. Even harmless animals are turning into beasts.¡±

    Yuxian shook his head, keeping his voice low. ¡°If this keeps up, we¡¯ll be dealing with creatures far worse than oversized rats.¡±

    Juwon glanced at him. ¡°Unholster your weapon.¡±

    Yuxian raised an eyebrow. ¡°You are expecting company?¡±

    Juwon gestured ahead, where a rusted metal ladder led up to a sealed hatch¡ªtheir exit to the surface. He placed a hand on the damp rungs, testing their stability. ¡°I don¡¯t take chances.¡±

    Without another word, Yuxian slid his weapon free, his fingers tightening around the hilt as they prepared to climb.

 40. Infiltration

    The cold, damp air clung to Juwon¡¯s skin as he and Yuxian emerged from the sewage tunnel. The heavy metal grate they had pried open behind them gave a quiet groan as it settled back into place. The scent of rot and mildew still lingered in their noses, but the urgency of their mission left no room for complaints.

    Ahead of them, the dimly lit maintenance corridor stretched into the unknown. The floor was lined with metal grates, and faint overhead lights flickered sporadically. Muffled footsteps echoed through the hall, along with the occasional chatter of soldiers patrolling the area.

    Yuxian wiped his hands on his pants, grimacing. ¡°Next time, we find an entrance that doesn¡¯t involve crawling through filth.¡±

    Juwon gave him a smirk. ¡°Sure why don¡¯t we go through the front door.¡±

    They moved swiftly but carefully, keeping close to the walls, their eyes scanning every movement. Guards armed with rifles patrolled in steady patterns, their boots clicking against the polished floor. Occasionally, scientists in white coats passed by, engrossed in their tablets or hushed conversations.

    Juwon glanced upward and frowned. No cameras. That was unusual. A facility this well-guarded should have surveillance. He exchanged a look with Yuxian, who had noticed it too.

    ¡°Why are there no cameras?¡± Yuxian whispered.

    ¡°Either they think their security is airtight, or they don¡¯t want recordings of whatever¡¯s going on here.¡± Juwon¡¯s voice was low, but the weight in his words was clear.

    They moved swiftly from corner to corner, timing their movements to evade the guards'' vision. Eventually, they reached a side door labeled ¡®Rest Facility¡¯ and slipped inside. The scent of sterilized air hit them immediately, followed by the quiet murmur of voices.

    Inside, two men in white lab coats stood near the sinks, engaged in conversation.

    ¡°We¡¯ve had to increase the energy output to keep the mutations stable.¡± One of the scientists was saying, shaking his head. ¡°The last batch deteriorated too quickly. If we don¡¯t refine the containment process, we risk losing everything.¡±

    The other sighed, rubbing his forehead. ¡°And the test subject? Any progress?¡±

    ¡°Still in stasis. Whatever they did to it, it refuses to wake up.¡±

    Juwon and Yuxian exchanged a glance. No words were needed. In perfect sync, they struck.

    Yuxian grabbed one scientist, swiftly pressing a pressure point that sent the man crumpling silently to the floor. Juwon struck the other with a precise blow to the neck, knocking him out before he could react.

    The bodies were dragged into a stall, and within minutes, Juwon and Yuxian were adjusting the lab coats over their clothes.

    ¡°These barely fit,¡± Yuxian muttered, tugging at the tight sleeves. ¡°I swear these scientists must be tiny.¡±

    Juwon adjusted his collar, checking himself in the mirror. ¡°You look fine. Just don¡¯t open your mouth.¡±

    Yuxian scoffed. ¡°Like you¡¯re any more qualified to be a scientist.¡±

    They left the restroom and entered the main hallway. The facility stretched out before them¡ªa long corridor lined with glass panels on one side, and sealed laboratory doors on the other. Through the reinforced glass, rows of massive eggs rested inside containment pods, each connected to a glowing central chamber by thick, pulsating tubes.

    Yuxian¡¯s jaw tightened. ¡°What the hell are they doing?¡±

    Juwon¡¯s gaze remained locked on the chamber, studying the tubes. ¡°It¡¯s the same as before. They¡¯re feeding some energy into the eggs¡­?¡±

    They had no time to linger. They continued forward until they reached a large room filled with computers and stacks of documents.

    Juwon smirked "Bingo! Whatever is in there should help us expose these pricks and slow them down"

    But there was a problem.

    The room was locked.

    Juwon clicked his tongue. ¡°We need an access card.¡±

    Yuxian glanced toward the heavier-set doors at the end of the hallway. ¡°Then we need to find someone important enough to have one.¡±

    Across the door, was the silhouette of a man in a different set of uniform possibly of higher rank. On his Belt hung a black key card.

    Juwon nodded. ¡°Stay here, keep watch. I¡¯ll get us that card.¡±

    Without another word, he moved toward the large double doors and slipped inside.

    Juwon¡¯s Fight Begins

    The room was massive, a grand conference hall with a spiral staircase leading to an upper level. A few guards patrolled the room, one of them standing near a desk with an access card clipped to his belt. Juwon moved swiftly, slipping behind a row of chairs as he approached his target.

    Then, something felt¡­ off.

    The air shifted.

    Before Juwon could react, the guard turned, gave an evil smile¡ªand vanished into mist.

    The walls of the room rippled like water, the furniture warping, bending in unnatural ways. The ceiling stretched infinitely, then collapsed inward. The entire space was an illusion.

    And then, a voice.

    ¡°I was wondering when you¡¯d arrive.¡±

    A figure materialized from the distortion of the mist, his blood-red robes flowing like ink in water.

    His presence alone sent a sharp chill through Juwon¡¯s body.

    The figure removed his hat and bowed in courtesy, but the gesture felt mocking rather than respectful. He straightened, revealing sharp, angular features, high cheekbones, and piercing silver eyes that glowed faintly in the dim light. His skin was pale, almost ghostly, as if he had spent too much time in the shadows.

    His long, jet-black hair was tied back neatly, but strands floated unnaturally, as if weightless in the mist that clung to him like a second skin

    A faint, almost amused smirk tugged at his lips. When he spoke, his voice was smooth yet hollow, carrying the weight of certainty.

    "Welcome, young guardian. The name is Shen Tianyu. Silent Fang of the Death Mark Unit¡­."

    "Of the Heavenly Demonic cult"

    This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.

    Juwon smirked, ¡°So you damned cultists finally decided to come out of the woodworks?¡±

    Shen Tianyu smirked, his voice unnervingly calm.

    ¡°Haha the demon king says hello. But you will never be able to say it back. This will be your end.¡±

    A blaring alarm shattered the air.

    Juwon turned towards the entrance just in time to see a guard running toward Yuxian, shouting. ¡°INTRUDER! Get him¡±

    Red sirens blared across the facility.

    Juwon moved, but before he could take a step toward Yuxian, Shen Tianyu was already in front of him, blade gliding toward his throat.

    The trap had been sprung.

    Yuxian¡¯s Fight Begins

    Yuxian barely had time to react before the first guard lunged at him. Instinct took over. He sidestepped, his fist colliding with the man''s jaw, sending him sprawling against the wall. The guard groaned, but before Yuxian could finish him, more footsteps pounded toward him.

    The red alarms have brought the soldiers to Yuxian.

    Yuxian barely gave the second guard a moment to react before delivering a brutal elbow to his ribs, sending him crashing into a nearby console. Another soldier lunged forward, rifle raised, but Yuxian pivoted, grabbing the man''s arm and twisting it until a sickening crack echoed through the hall. The guard dropped instantly.

    "Come on," Yuxian muttered, shaking the sting from his knuckles. "Is that all you''ve got?"

    More soldiers rushed in. Yuxian smirked, shifting his stance. He moved like flowing water, each strike landing with precision, each motion effortless. The guards came at him in waves in the narrow hallway, but they fell just as fast. He sent one flying with a knee to the chest, ducked under a wild swing, and planted a sharp kick into another''s face, sending blood splattering against the wall.

    But then, he noticed something shift.

    The guards stopped attacking directly, moving back into formation. Half of them crouched, while the rest raised their MK47s, barrels aimed directly at him.

    Yuxian blinked, raising a finger. "Wait guns? That¡¯s not fair, timeout. Let¡¯s talk about this."

    The next second, bullets tore through the air. Yuxian barely managed to leap behind cover, his heart pounding. The walls behind him shredded under the relentless gunfire.

    "Oh, come on! Since when do cultists use automatic weapons?!" he muttered before sprinting toward the only exit¡ªa nearby window.

    With no time to hesitate, Yuxian lunged forward and crashed through the glass, tumbling into what seemed to be an enclosed chamber. The moment he landed, he realized his mistake.

    Walls surrounded him on three sides. A dead end.

    He turned back toward the broken window, hand raising instinctively¡ª"Hehe, you got me guys. Please don''t kill me"

    As the soldiers start pointing the gun at him, Yuxian said, "I guess this is it then"

    before they could react, the soldiers behind him convulsed, their bodies stiffening as if gripped by an unseen force.

    Their bodies convulsed; their faces twisted in agony as an unseen force drained them. Their skin shrivelled, eyes rolling back, as their very life force was sucked away.

    A slow, deliberate breath echoed from the back of the chamber.

    "What the-?"

    Yuxian clenched his fist, his muscles coiling with tension.

    A figure stood in the darkness, absorbing the dying soldiers¡¯ essence.

    His opponent had finally revealed himself.

    A faint glow pulsed within the dimly lit chamber, the eerie radiance casting elongated shadows across the walls.

    The figure at the far end stood unnaturally still, his presence exuding a quiet, suffocating menace. As the last wisps of life drained from the soldiers¡¯ corpses, he took a slow step forward, his breath measured, his aura oppressive.

    The man was tall and lean, clad in dark robes embroidered with faint gold threads that shimmered like dying embers. His face was gaunt but sharp, his eyes sunken yet gleaming with an unnatural red hue. A long braid of jet-black hair cascaded over his shoulder, resting against the intricate sigil branded into his exposed collarbone¡ªa twisted insignia of the Hei Long.

    A smirk played at the edges of his thin lips. ¡°Not bad, Wudang dog. You made it this far. Master was right to send us here¡±

    Yuxian straightened, rolling his shoulders, his breath steady despite the oppressive atmosphere. ¡°Another robed lunatic spouting cryptic nonsense? You guys really need to diversify.¡±

    The man ignored the remark, his fingers flexing slightly as threads of dark Qi coiled around them, pulsing with a sickly light. ¡°You should feel honored. The Heavenly Demon King deemed you worthy of an execution.¡±

    Yuxian exhaled through his nose, cracking his knuckles. ¡°Yeah? Well, I¡¯ll try my best to disappoint him.¡±

    A slow chuckle rumbled from the man¡¯s chest, but it carried no warmth. Then, without warning, the scene shifted.

    Illusion mystified

    Juwon barely had time to process the rising alarm before Shen Tianyu struck. The assassin¡¯s form flickered, his body dissolving into the mist-like aura surrounding him before reappearing inches away from Juwon¡¯s blind spot. His dagger gleamed under the dim conference hall lighting, aimed for Juwon¡¯s ribs.

    The walls around them warped, stretching and contracting like a living nightmare. The floor beneath them seeming to pulse like a heartbeat.

    Juwon barely had time to react before the room darkened, as if the light itself had been swallowed. A dense mist spread from Shen Tianyu¡¯s feet, curling around the ground like creeping tendrils, distorting the air with a strange, wavering haze.

    A flicker¡ªShen Tianyu appeared to Juwon¡¯s left, his dagger slicing forward. Juwon raised his arm to block¡ªonly to feel nothing.

    His eyes widened as the image of Shen Tianyu dissolved into the mist. An illusion.

    A whisper of movement came from behind. Juwon twisted, barely dodging a real strike aimed at his spine. The cold edge of the dagger scraped against his coat, cutting the fabric but missing flesh by a hair¡¯s breadth.

    Shen Tianyu¡¯s smirk was visible even through the haze. ¡°Perception is such a fragile thing.¡±

    Juwon smirked, rolling his shoulders as he kept his stance firm.

    "You cultists love your theatrics, but let¡¯s cut through the nonsense. What exactly does your so-called ''Heavenly Demon Cult'' really want?"

    Shen Tianyu''s smirk deepened, his silver eyes gleaming through the shifting mist. "Ah, curiosity. The first sign of weakness. It¡¯s always amusing how the ones marked for death suddenly want to understand the world."

    He took a slow step forward, his movements eerily smooth, his voice laced with quiet amusement. "But since you¡¯ll be dying soon, I suppose a parting gift is in order."

    Juwon tightened his grip, his stance firm. "I¡¯m listening."

    "The Heavenly Demon Cult exists for one purpose: to tear down the stagnant world you martial sects'' worship so blindly," Shen Tianyu said, his voice dripping with disdain. "Did you know this world was not always devoid of gods? This world once belonged to the strong. Strength that is only seen in the legends and myths, was once free for the taking. Before the Great Ancient War that is. We would like to turn back the world to how it was meant to be. Of course, only in such a way that we reign as the strongest. Hahaha "

    Juwon scoffed. "So, you''re just another group of lunatics playing god?"

    "God?" Shen Tianyu laughed softly. "No. Gods demand worship. What we demand is obedience."

    Juwon''s fingers twitched. "And these experiments? The Qi beasts? The humans you¡¯re tearing apart in the name of power?"

    Shen Tianyu chuckled. "Sacrifices. The weak are meant to serve the strong. It¡¯s an honour to be sacrificed for the demon king don¡¯t you think?"

    Juwon¡¯s smirk vanished. "You¡¯re right about one thing."

    Shen Tianyu arched an eyebrow. "Oh? Enlighten me."

    Juwon¡¯s eyes gleamed with cold resolve. "You¡¯re not gods to this world. You¡¯re parasites. And I will happily pull you out"

    Shen Tianyu¡¯s expression didn¡¯t falter, but the air around him shifted, the mist pulsing as his aura flared. "Then come, Juwon. Let¡¯s see if your fists hit harder than your words."

    Without warning, Shen Tianyu lunged, his form flickering like a mirage. The mist followed his movements, curling unnaturally, making it impossible to discern his true position. Juwon barely had time to react before a blade slashed toward his side. He twisted, redirecting the strike with his forearm, but the force behind it sent a jolt through his bones.

    Juwon retaliated instantly, stepping in with a sharp elbow aimed at Shen Tianyu¡¯s ribs. The impact landed¡ªor so he thought.

    The moment his strike connected, Shen Tianyu¡¯s body dispersed into mist, reforming just behind him. An afterimage of mist.

    A chuckle echoed through the mist, cold and taunting. "Wrong Move," Shen Tianyu''s voice whispered from all directions.

    Juwon barely turned before a sharp sting blossomed across his side. Blood dripped. His eyes widened slightly as he glanced down to see a light blade coming out of his ribs. Shen Tianyu stood behind him, blade in hand, amusement glinting in his silver eyes.

    "You expected that to work, didn''t you?" Shen Tianyu let out a laugh.

    Juwon exhaled, the sting already dulling as he steadied himself. His body felt loose on Shen¡¯s blade¡ªtoo loose.

    Shen Tianyu''s grin widened, sensing weakness. "Slowing down already? That was disappoint¡ª"

    Before he could finish, Juwon¡¯s voice came from behind him. "Wrong Move."

    Shen Tianyu¡¯s eyes widened as the Juwon standing before him shimmered and faded into nothingness.

    An....afterimage?

    Draconic Mirage Steps

    The real Juwon struck. A sharp, precise palm thrust crashed into Shen Tianyu¡¯s sternum, sending him skidding backward through the mist. The assassin barely managed to stabilize himself, coughing as he glared at Juwon, whose smirk had returned.

    Shen Tianyu''s smirk faltered slightly as his eyes darted between the shifting figures. ¡°Oh? You can dance too?¡±

    Juwon rolled his shoulders cracking his neck, "What? You thought only you could use illusions?"

    ¡± Interesting¡± Tianyu smirked, his blade vanishing into mist. His hands pulsed with dark Qi as he cracked his knuckles.

 41. A Slaughter in the Mist

    Juwon used the moment of confusion to strike¡ªone feint hook, then a sharp pivot. A blur of motion, a fist in the uppercut motion aimed at Shen Tianyu¡¯s jaw.

    Tianyu retaliated with a hook. Both hit each other at the same time. But no impact was felt.

    It was a mirage of mist from Shen Tianyu and an afterimage from Juwon.

    As the afterimages faded away, both their fists clashed.

    The air vibrated from the force of their clash, the mist thickening between them.

    For the first time, both fighters grinned at each other.

    "Let¡¯s see who reads the other first."

    Juwon¡¯s instincts screamed at him, and he barely managed to duck as a flying dagger whizzed past his ear, slicing a thin red line across his cheek. He felt the warmth of his own blood, but there was no time to dwell on it. He twisted, sweeping his leg toward Shen Tianyu¡¯s ankles, only for the assassin to dissolve into mist once more, his laughter echoing in the haze.

    ¡°Still chasing shadows? You¡¯ll tire long before I do.¡± Shen Tianyu¡¯s voice slithered through the fog, his form flickering in and out of sight.

    Juwon cracked his knuckles, grinning in a menacing way. "Okay, I¡¯ve played with you enough. Time for your slaughter."

    Meanwhile, Shen Tianyu smirked. ¡°You are not bad. But let''s see how you handle this¡ª¡±

    He raised his hand, and the mist around them surged violently, condensing into a razor-thin crescent.

    ¡°Phantom Severance Slash.¡±

    The attack shot forward, a slicing arc of mist-bound Qi aimed directly at Juwon¡¯s chest.

    Juwon¡¯s eyes narrowed. There was no dodging¡ªit was too fast. Instead, he channeled Qi into his right fist, reinforcing it as he still went through with the punch.

    Dragon Fang Void Break

    The moment the Phantom Severance Slash connected; a deep shock reverberated through his fist.

    However, it was Tianyu¡¯s hand that got crushed under the weight of Juwon¡¯s punch.

    A sharp scream could be heard as Tianyu was thrown away, rolling on the floor with his hands deformed, his fingers twisted and his hands blood red, all while screaming in pain.

    As Tianyu raised his head, he saw Juwon standing in the dark with two giant red eyes glowing through the mist. Almost like a giant dragon.

    "S-so you are one of the crazy ones too. You are just like them. Talent beyond your years and blood lust like never seen before. The demon king''s personal elite unit, The Nightmare Sentinels.

    Tianyu, let out a breathy chuckle, blood trailing from the corner of his mouth. "Slaughter me eh? You righteous sects always act like you stand above the rest, but in the end, you''re no different from us," he rasped. "Preaching justice while drowning in blood. Tell me, will you hesitate when you tear me apart? Or will you enjoy it just like we do?"

    Juwon paused. His fingers twitched slightly, but his expression remained unreadable.

    ¡°It should have worked,¡± he spat. ¡°We had the resources. We had the techniques. Everything was in place. If the shamanic experiments went as planned¡­ it would be you lying in the dirt right now, Juwon.¡±

    Juwon''s fist clenched, "Experiments?"

    His breathing was ragged, but his voice held a bitter edge. ¡°But no. Something was missing. Something none of us could figure out. And now here you stand, acting like you¡¯re any different. This is unacceptable. You should have died by my hands. I should have gotten my sweet promotion¡±

    Juwon groaned, "Tell me! Were you personally involved with the Miao children?"

    As Tianyu coughed, blood staining his lips, his grin widened "Oh? So, you met them? those Miao children? Hahaha, I remember the first batch we processed. Do you know most humans remember their loved ones when they face death? But there are always some who go completely blank, their minds unable to comprehend pain. That is what happened to those children as well Juwon." "Some of those children screamed for their mothers "mewwmyyy"." Tianyu said in a mocking way.

    "Some were so scared they couldn¡¯t even scream. Hahaha But regardless of how they reacted¡­ you¡¯d be surprised how quickly they were broken apart Juwon."

    Something inside Juwon snapped.

    The mist around him trembled as an unseen pressure filled the space. His Qi surged outward, twisting with something deeper¡ªsomething primal.

    Tianyu¡¯s smirk vanished as his instincts screamed at him. His body shivered as a foreign presence loomed over him¡ªnot Juwon, but something far older, far more terrifying.

    A dragon¡¯s gaze.

    Juwon stepped forward, his voice a whisper of restrained fury. ¡°Say that again.¡±

    Tianyu¡¯s throat locked up. He tried to force a grin, but his lips refused to move.

    This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

    ¡°Go on,¡± Juwon continued, his crimson eyes glowing. ¡°Tell me more.¡±

    Tianyu felt his chest tighten, as if an enormous claw had wrapped around his lungs. The mist thickened¡ªnot by his own will, but as if the world itself recoiled from the presence before him.

    The air boomed as Juwon vanished and reappeared in front of Tianyu, his foot pressing down on the assassin¡¯s mangled hand. The sickening crunch of bones breaking echoed through the battlefield.

    Tianyu screamed."A-aaaaaaaaaah! you bastard!"

    ¡°The Miao children. The ones Hei Long took,¡± Juwon said, his voice dangerously low.

    Tianyu froze. His pupils shrank, fear crawling into his expression.

    Juwon leaned down, his voice lowering to a whisper.

    "Do you know what they looked like when I found them?" he said, his tone eerily calm. "Skin shrivelled. Their eyes hollow. Drained to their very bones. Those were the ones I was able to save. Dont get me started on the ones we found in the outpost."

    Tianyu¡¯s breath turned ragged.

    "They must have screamed, right Tianyu." Juwon¡¯s fingers twitched. "Begged for help right?" His eyes burned brighter. "I remember them I remember what was left of them."

    Tianyu tried to shake his head. "I-I just followed orders!"

    Juwon exhaled sharply. "Yeah," he murmured, his voice taking on a chilling edge. "But now I''m curious... which one are you, Tianyu? Are you the type to scream mommy? Or the type to die in silence?" He tilted his head, his crimson eyes burning brighter.

    "Ah... I see now. I think I am starting to understand the thrill you cultists crave. Tianyu"

    The Domination

    Tianyu trembled, his breath ragged as he stared at Juwon. The pressure in the air was suffocating, and his body refused to move. He coughed, forcing a strained chuckle. "Tch... you really are something else." His voice wavered, but he forced himself to speak. "But no matter how strong you are, no matter how much rage burns inside you, you still bleed. And that means you can still die."

    Desperation flickered in his eyes as he suddenly clapped his remaining hand together, his Qi flaring violently.

    "Phantom Labyrinth!"

    The entire battlefield shifted. A powerful force erupted from Tianyu¡¯s collapsing Qi, sending Juwon skidding backward as the ground beneath him twisted unnaturally. The mist solidified, stretching into an endless maze of reflections¡ªcopies of Juwon flickering in and out of existence.

    From every direction, Tianyu''s voice echoed. "Let''s see you escape this!"

    Juwon halted, his eyes scanning his surroundings. Every step he took, the mirages shifted, twisting reality around him.

    Tianyu¡¯s whispers slithered through the air. "You''re strong but lets see how you beat yourself"

    Suddenly, a phantom dagger sliced across Juwon¡¯s arm. Then another from behind. Then another.

    Juwon dodged, but the moment he countered, a copy of himself materialized behind him, its fist already in motion.

    Dragon Fang Void Break.

    Juwon''s ribs shattered under the force of his own technique, sending him rolling across the battlefield. Pain exploded through his torso as he forced himself back to his feet, blood dripping from the corner of his mouth.

    "Ugh! What is happening?" Juwon panted.

    His breath came ragged as he barely had time to react¡ªanother copy''s hand shot toward his face, its palm inches from his eyes.

    Dragon Claw: Dragon¡¯s Wrath.

    "Hahaha, you are a dead man talking, Juwon. This is my labyrinth! A domain where even the strongest are reduced to nothing but prey. Once you enter, your Qi signatures are scattered, fragmented, turned against you. You may be stronger, but what happens when you must battle a legion of yourself? How long before you crumble under your own perfection? Hahahaha!"

    Juwon¡¯s instincts screamed. He activated Void Drifting Steps, vanishing just as the attack connected, reappearing several meters away. His heart pounded as he sprinted around the battlefield, dodging incoming attacks while scanning for an exit¡ªor for Tianyu himself. But both were nowhere to be found.

    A streak of light flickered in his peripheral vision¡ªanother attack.

    Rendering Slash.

    A crescent-shaped blade of Qi flew toward him, launched by yet another clone. Juwon barely twisted in time to avoid it, feeling the heat of the attack as it sliced through the air beside him.

    His mind raced. I¡¯m capable of that? A smirk tugged at his bloodied lips. Interesting¡­

    He kept running, dodging, occasionally blocking attacks as they came from all directions. The sheer relentlessness of the assault forced him to stay on the defensive.

    Then, a realization struck him. His breathing steadied. Oh yeah¡­ Aren''t I Core Formation now?

    His eyes gleamed as he recalled something from the Celestial Dragon Steps¡¯ ancient text. What did the book say¡­?

    He slowed to a stop, his body loose, relaxed. His heart pounded in rhythm with his breathing. He exhaled deeply.

    Then, he closed his eyes.

    At least 20 copies of Juwon lunged towards him who remained in the center with eyes closed and his hands behind his back.

    For the first time, Tianyu laughed.

    "Hahaha Thats it. Give up Juwon. There is nowhere to run. This is the end for you. Hahaha"

    "Master, I''ve done it"

    Dragon Tyrant¡¯s Stomp ¨C Juwon Breaks Free

    Juwon closed his eyes, inhaling deeply. He had attempted this before¡ªfailed before. But now, his foundation was stronger, his control absolute.

    Then, he stepped forward. Not physically, but through the sheer force of his will.

    A deep pulse of Qi rippled outward, not just shaking the air but distorting the battlefield itself.

    Tianyu¡¯s smirk vanished. "W-What¡ª?"

    Juwon¡¯s form didn¡¯t disappear¡ªhe planted his foot firmly on the ground.

    Dragon Tyrant¡¯s Stomp: Void Wave.

    A white lotus bloomed behind him, ethereal and radiant. The moment his foot struck the ground, a massive shockwave of dimensional energy erupted outward, twisting space itself. The battlefield trembled as cracks formed in the ground, and the Phantom Labyrinth shattered instantly.

    Tianyu gasped. He was seen in the corner of the room, clutching his chest as blood trickled from his lips. "Impossible¡ª!"

    Juwon¡¯s figure blurred forward, appearing before Tianyu with a menacing gaze.

    "Your illusions don¡¯t matter anymore. Lets get this over with Tianyu"

    Before Tianyu could react, Dragon Fang Void Break crashed into his chest, sending him flying backwards.

    Tianyu gasped, coughing up blood as he hit the wall, his body crumbling under the sheer force of Dragon Fang Void Break. His vision blurred, pain screaming through every nerve.

    But before he could even process what had happened¡ª

    Juwon was already there.

    His figure flickered like a phantom, appearing before Tianyu in an instant. One hand shot forward, fingers wrapping around Tianyu¡¯s throat like a steel vice.

    SLAM!

    Tianyu¡¯s back crashed against the cold, unyielding wall, the impact cracking the stone behind him. His legs dangled helplessly, his breath choking as Juwon¡¯s grip tightened.

    Juwon¡¯s eyes glowed a deep, menacing crimson, his expression unreadable. The mist that once clouded the battlefield had fully dissipated, leaving only raw, suffocating pressure in its wake.

    "Just a tip before i send you off. Who told you I am righteous? " Juwon muttered, his voice calm.

    "Huh? Ugh" Tianyu gasped

    Tianyu¡¯s hands clawed at Juwon¡¯s wrist, his body convulsing. His once-arrogant smirk was gone, replaced by wide, panic-stricken eyes.

    Juwon¡¯s fingers tightened further.

    "Now," Juwon whispered, tilting his head slightly. "Let''s see how quickly you break."

    "N-No M-mas-"

    Draconic Damnation

    Only screams could be heard from the room as Tianyu disintegrated into the mist. But this time it was blood red.

 42. The Hunter and the Prey

    Juwon stood still amidst the lingering crimson mist, the remnants of Tianyu¡¯s existence dissolving into the air. The acrid scent of blood filled his lungs, but his breath remained steady. He lifted his hand, wiping his face with the back of his sleeve, smearing the warm crimson streak across his cheek. His fingers twitched slightly from the aftershock of his attack, but his body was already adjusting, stabilizing.

    Then, the silence broke.

    A faint ringing echoed through the ruined chamber.

    Juwon¡¯s eyes flickered toward the sound. A phone, tucked away in a corner, its screen glowing softly amidst the destruction.

    His lips curled slightly. How convenient.

    He walked toward it, boots splashing lightly in the pool of blood beneath him. As he picked up the device, a voice, sharp and authoritative, cut through the receiver.

    ¡°What¡¯s the status?¡±

    Juwon let out a slow, amused exhale before bringing the phone to his ear. His voice was calm, almost bored. ¡°The status?¡± He chuckled. ¡°Tell your king he needs to step down himself if he wants to even touch my hair.¡±

    Silence.

    Then, a sharp intake of breath. The voice on the other end hardened. ¡°Who the hell is this?¡±

    Juwon wiped the last of the blood from his chin, leaning against the nearest wall. ¡°Oh? Didn¡¯t recognize my voice? Guess your golden boy didn¡¯t report in.¡±

    A hiss of static crackled through the phone, followed by the barely restrained fury of the man on the other end. ¡°Where is Tianyu?¡±

    Juwon exhaled dramatically, tilting his head. ¡°Tianyu? Ah, the guy who kept running his mouth? Hold on, let me show you something.¡±

    He pressed the video call button on the phone, linking the video feed to the Hei Long Command Center.

    <hr>

    Hei Long Command Center

    Deep within an underground bunker in a distant country, a high-tech war room flickered to life. Massive screens lined the walls, displaying global security feeds, mission reports, and encrypted communications.

    At the center, the Death Mark Unit Commander stood rigid, his scarred face twisted in fury. Around him, elite Hei Long officers exchanged uneasy glances, the tension in the room thick as static.

    Then¡ª

    The screen changed.

    A pool of blood. A shredded uniform. A severed hand, fingers still twitching.

    The command room fell into a suffocating silence.

    A few officers shifted uncomfortably. Some averted their eyes. Others stole nervous glances at one another, unease creeping into their once-stoic faces.

    The commander¡¯s jaw clenched so tightly it threatened to snap. His breathing turned ragged, his grip on the table tightening.

    Juwon¡¯s voice, laced with mocking amusement, broke the silence.

    ¡°There¡¯s your precious talent.¡±

    A vein bulged at the commander¡¯s temple, his face turning an unhealthy shade of red. ¡°You¡­ you bastard¡­!¡±

    Juwon tilted his head, a lazy smirk playing on his lips. His blood-streaked grin widened as he leaned closer to the camera. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Not the sight you were expecting?¡± His voice dropped to a whisper, venomous and taunting.

    ¡°You should be proud. Your prodigy didn¡¯t run. He fought. He bled. He screamed.¡±

    Juwon chuckled darkly, his voice low and measured. ¡°And now, he¡¯s nothing but a stain on this floor.¡±

    The commander¡¯s breathing was ragged, erratic, his knuckles white as he gripped the console. His body trembled¡ªnot just with rage, but with something more insidious. "You have no idea who you are messing with. The demon king will not let go of this resentment".

    Juwon leaned in, his glowing eyes locking onto the camera, almost looking uninterested. ¡°Your king has no place in this world.¡± He let the words settle, slow and deliberate. ¡°And I will make sure of it. Because I am coming for him next¡±

    The screen went black. The call was cut.

    <hr>

    The Heavenly Demon Cult¡¯s Throne Room

    Directly above the command centre, all the way on the other side of the globe in a country distant from China, a grand, shadowed chamber stretched infinitely in all directions, its architecture carved from obsidian and dragon bone.

    At the centre sat The Demon King.

    His fingers tapped rhythmically against the armrest of his throne, the sound echoing softly through the vast hall. His face remained obscured, but his blood-red eyes gleamed like dying embers in the darkness.

    Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.

    A single figure knelt before him, his head bowed low in subservience. ¡°Your Majesty¡­ they were unsuccessful.¡±

    Silence.

    The air itself seemed to hold its breath.

    Then¡ª

    A low chuckle. Slow, deliberate.

    Then deeper.

    Then louder.

    The Demon King threw his head back and laughed.

    ¡°Hah¡­ Hahaha¡­ HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!¡±

    His laughter rolled through the chamber like distant thunder, filling every corner with its weight.

    The kneeling subordinate stiffened, his muscles coiling with tension.

    The laughter ceased abruptly, the shift in energy suffocating.

    A new voice cut through the chamber¡ªsharp and filled with barely contained rage. The Death Mark Unit Commander¡¯s face flickered onto a nearby holographic screen.

    ¡°Your Majesty! Your Majesty! We should send Hei Long reinforcements immediately¡ª¡±

    The Demon King raised a hand.

    Instantly, silence.

    His voice dropped into a dangerous growl.

    ¡°And what?¡±

    The commander swallowed hard. ¡°¡­We will avenge Tianyu and¡ª¡±

    The Demon King leaned forward slightly. His voice, dripping with disappointment, was barely above a whisper.

    ¡°Look at you. A few insects have riled you up so much. The Heavenly Demon Cult have always followed the way of the strong."

    "They....were just weak.¡±

    The commander¡¯s breath hitched, his eyes darting away for just a fraction of a second.

    The Demon King exhaled, leaning back into his throne, placing his hand on his chin. His voice returned to its usual, smooth timbre.

    ¡°Still¡­ I have a feeling we will clash soon.¡± He let the words settle, his lips curving into a slow, knowing smile. ¡°Keep watching for now.¡±

    The screen faded to black.

    <hr>

    Yuxian¡¯s Desperate Fight ¨C A Battle Against Xuan Mo

    The adversary stood motionless; his red eyes gleaming in the dim chamber. The lifeless bodies of drained soldiers lay at his feet, their Qi siphoned into his own. A faint, eerie hum resonated from his form, the remnants of their stolen energy coiling around him like living shadows.

    Yuxian gripped his sword tightly, analyzing Xuan Mo¡¯s stance. Every instinct screamed at him¡ªthis man was no ordinary executioner.

    ¡°You really like making an entrance, don¡¯t you?¡± Yuxian muttered, forcing a smirk.

    The figure''s thin lips curved into an amused smile. ¡°I am Xuan MO Executioner of the Death Mark Unit. You should feel honored. The Heavenly Demon King deemed you worthy of my execution.¡±

    Yuxian exhaled sharply, rolling his shoulders. ¡°Yeah? Well, I¡¯ll try my best to disappoint him.¡±

    Xuan Mo moved first, his body gliding forward unnaturally, as if carried by the very shadows of the room.

    Yuxian barely had time to react before a dark palm strike shot toward his chest. He twisted just in time, feeling the raw force of Qi barely graze his ribs, the air around the attack crackling.

    Yuxian retaliated immediately.

    His sword flashed, the edge shimmering with condensed Qi as he executed Heavenly Crescent Fang, aiming straight for Xuan Mo¡¯s exposed flank.

    The blade met resistance¡ªnot from flesh, but from a dense, swirling barrier of dark energy that pulsed around Xuan Mo¡¯s body.

    Before Yuxian could adjust, a sharp pain erupted in his wrist. He looked down to see Xuan Mo¡¯s fingers pressed lightly against his arm¡ªBone-Corrosion Palm. A sickly heat spread through his bones, a deep ache forming almost instantly.

    Gritting his teeth, Yuxian kicked off the ground, flipping backward to create distance.

    <hr>

    Without warning, Xuan Mo flicked his wrist, and dark Qi oozed from his fingers like thick, corrosive ink, spreading into the air with a sickly shimmer.

    Yuxian dashed forward, but the moment he entered Xuan Mo¡¯s radius, his limbs felt heavier¡ªhis movements sluggish. His breath hitched as he realized what was happening.

    The Hollow Suppression Field.

    A crushing force weighed down on his Qi flow, making it harder to circulate energy efficiently. Yuxian gritted his teeth, forcing his energy through sheer willpower.

    ¡°Not bad,¡± Xuan Mo mused, stepping forward. ¡°But I wonder¡ªhow long can you last?¡±

    Yuxian didn¡¯t respond. Instead, he activated Heavenly Crescent Fang, his sword flashing in a bright arc as he slashed through the suppressive energy.

    The blade sank into Xuan Mo¡¯s chest.

    A direct hit.

    For a moment, Yuxian thought he had gained the upper hand. But then¡ª

    Xuan Mo smiled.

    Before Yuxian could react, a pulse of Bone-Corrosion Palm erupted from Xuan Mo¡¯s wound.

    Yuxian¡¯s wrist fractured instantly, a searing pain lancing up his arm. He barely managed to stumble back, gasping as the sensation of decay spread through his bones.

    ¡°Predictable,¡± Xuan Mo whispered.

    <hr>

    Yuxian knew he had to turn the fight around quickly. He suppressed the pain and saw an opening¡ªXuan Mo¡¯s left flank was exposed. If he could just land a decisive strike¡­

    Summoning the last of his strength, Yuxian lunged forward, blade aimed for Xuan Mo¡¯s heart.

    A flash of crimson light.

    Before Yuxian¡¯s blade could land, dark Qi exploded from Xuan Mo¡¯s chest¡ªit was a trap. A tendril of black energy pierced into Yuxian¡¯s ribs, locking his Qi flow.

    His body convulsed. His sword slipped from his grip. His legs gave out beneath him.

    Xuan Mo stepped forward, placing a cold hand against Yuxian¡¯s throat. His grip was light¡ªmocking. ¡°Did you really think you could keep up?¡± he whispered.

    "Do you know why you couldn''t beat me? It is because I have a core"

    Xuan Mo raised his other hand. Within his hand, he curled a sphere of Qi resembling dark mud.

    "Once you are able to form a core you are able to give your Qi unique properties. This is of course apart from the fact that our Qi applications are more efficient and the amount of Qi we can hold is higher as well. The difference between a core formation practitioner and foundation establishment is difference between heaven and earth"

    Yuxian was struggling to breathe. His neck started turning gray.

    Yuxian¡¯s vision blurred. He tried to move, tried to summon Qi¡ªbut nothing responded.

    His heartbeat faltered.

    "Ugh! I guess........This is it huh¡­"

    <hr>

    Juwon¡¯s Arrival

    CRASH!

    The wall behind them exploded, sending debris flying.

    Both Yuxian and Xuan Mo turned in shock.

    Juwon was seen through the smoke, standing atop two Hei Long soldiers, two crushed beneath his boot, then one dangling helplessly from his grip.

    His crimson eyes glowed through the dust, his face smeared with blood, his knuckles still dripping from his last kill.

    Juwon effortlessly lifted the Hei Long soldier, then snapped his neck with a sickening crunch.

    Xuan Mo¡¯s smirk vanished.

    Juwon smirked, "I leave you alone for a few minutes and I find you in this state?"

    Yuxian struggled to smile, "I am not a monster like you, idiot"

    Mo''s voice was low, uncertain for the first time. ¡°You¡­ I heard Tianyu was facing you¡­ What happened to Tianyu?¡±

    Juwon tilted his head, stepping over the fallen soldiers and cracking his knuckles.

    His voice was almost playful. ¡°Step over here. This father will send you over to him.¡±

    Xuan Mo¡¯s fingers twitched. A bead of sweat rolled down his temple.

    <hr>

 43. The Samsara

    The Remnants of Defiance

    Dust still danced in the air, illuminated by shafts of late afternoon light breaking through the shattered ceiling. Broken tiles littered the battlefield, and the stench of scorched Qi clung to the air like smoke after a storm.

    Juwon walked towards Xuan Mo, ¡°Oh, I can sense Yunfei and Xueling nearby. But I can¡¯t sense any other demon practitioner. Did they only send the two of you? Hah what a joke¡±

    Xuan Mo stumbled backward. The veins along his temples bulged, his eyes wide and desperate, but he still tried to hide his panic behind a cracked mask of arrogance.

    "You-You have numbers right now.. so what?¡­ You think you¡¯ve won?!" he spat, his voice wavering as he backed away. "Keep acting high and mighty¡ªjust wait until my reinforcements get here. Let¡¯s see how arrogant you are then!"

    Juwon stepped through the debris calmly, the heavy silence parting around him like waves before a prow. He wiped a streak of blood from his knuckles, his face unreadable save for the faintest smirk tugging at his lips.

    "Oh, you mean the Hei Long reinforcements?" he said with a voice like the edge of a cold blade. He leaned slightly forward, lowering his tone mockingly. "Funny you should mention them. I did have a chat with your commander. Do you want to know who they asked for ?¡±

    Xuan Mo¡¯s breath caught in his throat.

    "They asked for Tianyu. You heard it. They didn¡¯t even care you were here Hah. Seems like they would rather abandon you"

    The words struck like thunder.

    "Lies!" Xuan Mo barked, trembling. "Impossible¡­ They would never¡ª"

    ¡°Yeah? let me see how talentless you are"

    <hr>

    The Last Desperation

    Xuan Mo¡¯s snarl twisted into fury. He surged forward, one hand brimming with corroded black Qi.

    Bone-Corrosion Strike!

    The air hissed and cracked as his palm slashed toward Juwon¡¯s neck.

    But Juwon disappeared¡ªVoid Drifting Step, a ripple of spatial distortion left behind in his wake.

    He countered with precision.

    Dragon Fang Void Break! ¡ª A resounding crack echoed as his fist collided with Xuan Mo¡¯s ribs, sending the man flying into a half-shattered pillar. The stone cracked further, dust and debris raining down.

    Juwon approached slowly, stepping over rubble like it was nothing. Xuan Mo coughed violently, blood trailing from his lips. Juwon held Mo¡¯s neck against the pillar.

    "So you can corrode things. It''s pretty cool, but quite a pity that you have to consciously touch me to get me"

    As Juwon was speaking Xuan Mo smiled while he held the hand which was lifting him up. ¡°Corrosion Palm¡±

    But! Nothing happened. Juwon smirked.

    Xuan Mo now panicked, ¡°Why is your Qi not deteriorating?¡±

    Juwon smirked, ¡°Oh did I forget to mention? My core is special you see. It has the effect of purification.¡±

    "Anyways, this ends when you say it ends," Juwon said, his tone low, calm. "Tell me where your cult is hiding¡­ and you might live to see tomorrow."

    Xuan Mo''s eyes burned with defiance. "I¡¯ll die before I betray the Demon Cult!"

    Juwon¡¯s hand closed around his throat.

    SLAM.

    He pinned him against the pillar, one-handed. The impact shook the floor.

    "That," Juwon growled, his eyes glowing faintly, "can be arranged."

    ¡°Akh! You- I will kill you all¡±

    Xuan Mo gasped, his hand shaking as it slipped into a hidden pouch. "You¡­ you forced my hand. Don¡¯t regret what happens next."

    Juwon raised a brow. "Regret?"

    In a single, desperate motion¡ªXuan Mo swallowed a blood-red bead.

    The transformation began immediately.

    Juwon''s expression hardened. He slammed Mo back into the wall one last time, his knuckles glowing faintly with restrained Qi. "These insane bastards."

    Xuan Mo coughed, blood trailing from the corner of his mouth, but his eyes gleamed with unhinged delight. "Too late..." he rasped, his voice beginning to distort, becoming deeper¡ªless human. His pupils dilated into vertical slits, and his sclera turned pitch black. A crimson aura surged from his core, coiling around him like wildfire.

    "See you in hell," he growled¡ªthough it no longer sounded like Mo. It was something else speaking through him.

    A blast of crimson gas exploded outward, the air distorting violently as if torn apart by rage itself. The sheer pressure forced Juwon to leap backward, his body instinctively bracing as the corrupted energy flooded the battlefield.

    From within the haze, the outline of a monster began to emerge.

    <hr>

    The Monster Within

    A painful SCREAM.

    ¡±Ahkh-AAAAAA¡±

    His scream split the air.

    Xuan Mo¡¯s body convulsed violently, muscles spasming. His bones cracked like dry timber, his limbs elongating, thickening. Blackened horns burst from his skull. His flesh rippled and tore, reshaping into something twisted. Claws erupted from his hands, fangs from his mouth.

    The dark Qi that poured from his core pulsed like a living entity.

    Juwon exclaimed while he held up his hair, "Hah not this again. Its a bad idea to keep you pigs alive I guess"

    Then came the roar.

    A deep, ear-splitting bellow that shook the chamber to its foundation.

    From behind the dust¡ªtwo figures sprinted into view.

    "WHAT the actual hell?!" Yunfei skidded to a stop, drawing his sword in a blur.

    ¡±So you guys finally decided to arrive Huh?¡± Juwon exclaimed.

    "Focus," Bai Xueling said coldly, stepping forward. Her stance shifted¡ª

    Mountain Rooted Stance. Her feet anchored into the stone, her Qi forming a subtle barrier of icy pressure around her.

    The beast lunged, claws raised.

    "Spread out!" Juwon barked.

    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

    Yunfei moved first.

    Heavenly Lightning Sword! ¡ª His blade shimmered with electric light as he slashed horizontally, arcs of lightning slicing into the beast¡¯s flank.

    The creature roared, barely flinching, then retaliated with a wild backhand. Yunfei was flung across the room, crashing into a wall. But the crash itself was not as dreadful as the black blood Yunfei spat out. His Qi was corroding.

    "Yunfei!" Xueling shouted, weaving past a clawed strike.

    Her body glided like water¡ªEthereal Flow Art. She twisted and spun, her form fluid, blades flashing like silver wind. She struck joints, tendons, weak spots¡ªbut the beast¡¯s hide was too dense. A sweep of its tail knocked her back, though she landed gracefully, skidding on her feet.

    "This is not working!" she said, panting.

    Yuxian charged in,

    ¡±First wyverns then demons? What the hell is happening?¡± his blade glowing.

    Heavenly Crescent Moon! ¡ª A crescent arc of Qi flew toward Mo¡¯s exposed back. It struck¡ªthen fizzled.

    The beast turned, eyes glowing red.

    ¡°Uh oh¡± Yuxian closed his eyes.

    A blur intervened.

    Juwon.

    His fists became a flurry of light¡ª

    Flash Fist Fury!

    A barrage of six rapid punches, each one bursting with shockwaves, pummeling the beast backward.

    Yuxian coughed, eyes wide. ¡°He¡¯s¡­ almost Peak Core Formation now!¡±

    Juwon stood between them and the beast.

    ¡°Stay behind me.¡±

    <hr>

    The Battle Unfolds

    The battlefield trembled beneath the weight of the corrupted creature that had once been Xuan Mo. Its form, barely resembling anything human now, pulsed with malignant Qi. Blood-soaked talons dragged grooves across the floor as its hunched frame flexed, muscles swelling with unstable energy. The air itself recoiled around it, warping slightly as if reality was trying to reject its existence.

    Juwon steadied his breath, eyes fixed on the monster, his body subtly shifting into stance. Across the chamber, his comrades took position, silent, focused. There were no orders now¡ªonly instinct.

    Yuxian moved first.

    His sword gleamed as he surged forward, boots cracking shattered tiles underfoot. With a deep inhale, he stabilized his footing and activated one of his foundational techniques passed down through the Heavenly Sword Pavilion¡ªCloud-Piercing Edge.

    With a shout, he slashed upward, and a razor-thin arc of wind-infused Qi tore through the air, sharp and fast enough to split stone.

    But with a flick of its wrist, the creature batted the technique aside, redirecting the energy into the wall behind it, where it exploded in a burst of blue flame.

    Before the flash faded, the creature moved.

    Yuxian had no time to move.

    Its mouth opened, and with a mechanical click, a pulse of Qi condensed in its throat.

    The creature disappeared only to appear in front of Yuxian picking him up with both hands.

    A Gas of corrosive Qi aimed at his face.

    ¡°YUXIAN!¡±

    Yuxian, even before Juwon came in was affected multiple times by the decaying affect of Xuan Mo¡¯s techniques. But now,

    The crimson gas struck him in the face like a battering ram, rendering him motionless.The creature then threw him across the open hallway. He hit the wall hard¡ªthen crumpled, limp and unmoving.

    Xueling screamed his name as she rushed to his side, her Qi flaring.

    ¡°Hold on,¡± she whispered, sliding to her knees.

    Her palms glowed a pale silver, her fingers tracing intricate lines in the air as she activated

    Heaven¡¯s Tranquil Pulse, a technique from the Supreme Harmony Pavilion. Gentle waves of soothing Qi flowed into Yuxian¡¯s chest, slowing his erratic breathing, calming the disruption in his meridians.

    ¡°Stay with me. Just breathe.¡±

    The beast turned toward them.

    ¡°No¡±, Juwon moved.

    But not fast enough.

    The creature vanished from sight in a blur¡ªand reappeared behind Xueling.

    A clawed hand slammed into her back.

    The explosion was immediate.

    Corrupted Qi detonated at point-blank range, sending Xueling flying like a broken arrow. Her body rolled once¡ªtwice¡ªthen stilled. The room fell into a breathless silence.

    Yunfei screamed as he provided Juwon with cover.

    Juwon jumped to her side in seconds, breath caught in his throat. He flipped her gently onto her side, hands trembling.

    She was still breathing¡ªbut barely.

    With dread building in his chest, he pulled up the back of her robe.

    And froze.

    Veins of black corruption were spreading outward from the impact point, pulsing like a disease. Her skin had turned an unnatural shade, and the flesh around her shoulder was beginning to rot.

    He gritted his teeth. ¡°You bastard¡±

    A crash drew his attention. Yunfei had been thrown through a collapsed pillar, his sword clattering beside him. The beast roared, limbs flailing with chaotic rhythm, and sent a tendril of Qi lashing across the room.

    Juwon never fought while protecting others. This lack of experience created a panic. But meanwhile,

    The beast caught Juwon across the ribs.

    Pain seared through his side. He gasped, staggering to one knee, blood leaking from the corner of his mouth.

    His fingers twitched. His vision blurred.

    Then came the sound of boots¡ªmetal, heavy.

    Hei Long soldiers flooded in through the far corridor.

    ¡°Well, well,¡± one of them said, raising his rifle. ¡°Looks like we caught the last act.¡±

    Another laughed, his weapon cocking with mechanical finality. ¡°Kill them all. Then we take the body. Easy pay.¡±

    Juwon¡¯s fingers twitched as he fought to push himself upright, but his limbs felt shackled by molten iron. The corruption crawled under his skin like a thousand needles dipped in fire, biting into his meridians, flooding his core with rot.

    He was almost out of Qi to resist.

    His breathing grew shallow, rasping against the agony that coiled in his ribs.

    But the creature moved.

    The creature had turned towards the soldiers and the soldiers were confused.

    And then¡ªit leapt.

    It was not combat. Not anymore.

    It was butchery.

    The first soldier didn''t even manage to scream. One blink, and his torso was gone, carved clean from his hips. A fountain of blood followed, staining the steel walls in a violent arc.

    "Wait! weren''t you with us?"

    ¡±Doesnt matter just shoot¡± Another shouted.

    Gunfire thundered, brief and useless. Bullets tore through air, never flesh. The beast disappeared and appeared behind their back. Every breath it took came with death. Every motion was poetry in slaughter.

    A man tried to run. His scream cut short as a claw impaled his spine. Limbs spun. Throats opened. Ribcages collapsed inward like crushed paper.

    By the time silence returned, there were no soldiers left¡ªonly meat. The ground was slick. The air tasted like iron.

    The beast exhaled, releasing a low, throaty growl that misted the floor with decay.

    Then¡ªit turned.

    Toward Yunfei.

    The swordsman was crouched, one knee bent, blade dragging as he tried to rise. Blood trickled from his forehead, his breathing shallow.

    The creature reached him in a blur, faster than thought.

    Its massive claw coiled around Yunfei¡¯s neck, lifting him with ease. His legs dangled. His hands clawed at the vice around his throat. His blade slipped from his fingers.

    The other hand curled into a monstrous fist.

    The beast was preparing to punch through his heart.

    Juwon saw it all¡ªparalyzed.

    His vision tunneled. The scream in his throat choked on his own blood. He clawed at the stone beneath him, trying to drag himself forward. He couldn¡¯t. Not this time.

    "No! Not again" "Not like this", Not when i just gained some strength"

    His eyes closed. Helpless to do anything.

    Then¡ª

    A memory.

    A warm hand brushing dirt from a scraped knee. The scent of barley fields. A boy crying beneath an old fig tree.

    She knelt beside the swing set, the sun casting long shadows over the dusty yard.

    His knee was scraped, blood trickling down, and tears clung to his lashes as he sniffled.

    She gently dabbed the wound with the edge of her sleeve, blowing softly over the sting. Then, with a warm, patient smile, she tapped his chest lightly.

    "It doesn¡¯t matter how you fall, my little heart," she said, brushing the dirt from his knee as the scent of wildflowers drifted on the breeze. "You know, even these flowers sink beneath the mud before they rise to bloom. So will you bloom for mumma?"

    He remembered her smile¡ªsoft, the way her fingers brushed against his cheek like falling petals, the way her voice cracked when she whispered things too big for a child to understand.

    The memory blurred again, vision is changing¡ª

    FLAMES.

    He was older, but still a kid. The hallway burned orange as fire consumed the mansion around him. Smoke coiled like serpents through broken beams. The ceiling groaned. Voices shouted. The walls screamed.

    ¡°Cough! Cough! Mommy! Where are you?!¡±

    The child¡ªstaggered through collapsing halls, choking on ash and fear.

    Then he saw someone closing the door, arms stretched. Strong. Familiar.

    A man in a black coat, his face is a blur, swept him up.

    ¡°It will be alright,¡± the man said. ¡°Just hold on.¡±

    A CRASH

    They jumped out a window.

    They ran.

    Gunshots echoed behind them¡ªshouts and voices the kid couldn''t understand.

    The memory starts getting blurry almost gitchy.

    ¡°Y*n*m¡­ I won¡¯t let **** find you! When you reach Seoul, tell J***** you are th son of J**g*u*i**." The man turned to the carriage master.

    ¡°Take him through the forest.You know the location right?¡±

    ¡°Then the man brushed the kid¡¯s hair. You must survive. You are our only hope.¡± The man smiled, ¡°Don¡¯t worry I¡¯ll join you in a bit.¡±

    The man¡¯s voice was strained. A promise whispered through fire.

    Then¡ªdarkness.

    Now, lying broken in the dust, pain crushing his lungs and vision swimming in and out of darkness.

    Juwon''s eyes opened.

    Silver light poured from his pupils. His hair blazed white at the ends. His Qi didn¡¯t rise¡ªit thundered.

    Dragon Vein Convergence

    The earth cracked beneath him, as the earth itself poured its Qi into his core.

    A lotus appeared appeared at his footstep.

    The lotus bloomed.

    The Lotus of Samsara.

    Each petal broke off into multiple smaller petals.

    It was a storm of light, a bloom etched into the very air, each small petal shimmering with Qi so dense it left spiraling trails of color in its wake. They spun. The petals hummed with an ancient resonance, the sound like a choir of echoing bells buried deep within the fabric of reality.

    They wove a cyclone above Juwon¡¯s head, circled his body like sentinels, burned through the corruption clinging to his skin. Their motion was precise, rhythmic¡ªlike the breathing of the earth itself.

    The chamber lighted up; light shimmered from the lotus as if it were inhaling the world. The scent of ash faded. The blood in the air stilled. Thousands of small petals drifting downwards in a gentle motion.

    And the beast¡ªfor the first time¡ªstood frozen, not from fear.

    But reverence.