Li Yun¡¯s smirk deepened as he turned to the rest of his group. ¡°Stay sharp. We¡¯ve drawn their attention, but now we dictate how this plays out.¡± He sheathed one of his swords, using his free hand to motion for silence as he crouched low, scanning the area.
The others followed his lead, though Xu Shuang¡¯s impatience was palpable. ¡°So what¡¯s next, fearless leader?¡± he muttered, just loud enough for Li Yun to hear.
Li Yun¡¯s crimson gaze flicked to Xu Shuang, his tone icy. ¡°The next step is making sure you don¡¯t blunder into the obvious ambush they¡¯re planning. Follow my lead, and we¡¯ll have their flag in no time.¡±
Bai Meixian tapped Li Yun on the shoulder, her voice low but urgent. ¡°The wind¡¯s shifting. There¡¯s movement about fifty meters ahead¡ªclose, but not directly on us.¡±
Li Yun nodded, processing the information swiftly. ¡°Perfect. They¡¯ve taken the bait. If we keep our distance and circle around, we¡¯ll avoid their ambush entirely. Tang Jiu, you¡¯re with me. Bai Meixian, stay with Xu Shuang and guard this approach. If anyone tries to backtrack to reinforce their flag, stop them. We¡¯ll take the long way around.¡±
Tang Jiu gave a curt nod, ready to follow without question, while Xu Shuang scowled but held his tongue. Bai Meixian offered a brief look of acknowledgment before turning to monitor the area, her wind techniques rippling faintly around her.
Li Yun led Tang Jiu deeper into the dense jungle, taking care to avoid snapping twigs or disturbing the underbrush. His focus was razor-sharp, his mind already piecing together the next steps. The terrain grew trickier, with roots snaking across the ground and moss-covered rocks making each step precarious.
Tang Jiu finally broke the silence, his voice a whisper. ¡°You¡¯re confident this will work?¡±
Li Yun didn¡¯t slow down, his tone calm but firm. ¡°Confidence is irrelevant. It¡¯s strategy. If we outthink them, we don¡¯t need to outfight them.¡±
Tang Jiu glanced at him, skepticism flickering in his eyes. ¡°And if they outthink us?¡±
¡°They won¡¯t,¡± Li Yun said simply, his tone leaving no room for doubt.
As they moved closer to the enemy¡¯s presumed location, Li Yun raised a hand, signalling for Tang Jiu to stop. The faint sound of voices drifted through the trees, followed by the rustle of movement. Li Yun crouched low, motioning for Tang Jiu to do the same. Peering through the foliage, they spotted a small group of enemy scouts¡ªthree boys, each armed with weapons, their eyes scanning the jungle warily.
Li Yun¡¯s mind raced, calculating the odds. ¡°Three scouts. Likely more waiting further back. If we take them down silently, we can slip past before they realize they¡¯ve lost their front line.¡±
Tang Jiu hesitated. ¡°You sure about this? If one of them gets away¡¡±
¡°They won¡¯t,¡± Li Yun interrupted, his voice cold. He unsheathed his second sword, his stance shifting as he prepared to strike. ¡°Stay here and cover me. If anyone escapes, cut them off.¡±
Without waiting for a response, Li Yun moved. His body was a blur as he darted through the shadows, his movements swift and precise. The first scout didn¡¯t even have time to react before Li Yun¡¯s blade struck, slamming the hilt into the boy¡¯s temple with brutal force. The scout crumpled silently to the ground, unconscious.
The second scout turned, his eyes widening in alarm, but Li Yun was faster. A sharp kick to the knee sent the boy sprawling, and a follow-up strike to the back of the head ensured he wouldn¡¯t get back up anytime soon. The third scout panicked, raising his weapon to shout, but Li Yun closed the distance in an instant, his sword slicing cleanly through the air. The flat of the blade struck the scout¡¯s throat, cutting off his cry and leaving him gasping for air as he collapsed.
Tang Jiu emerged from the shadows, his eyes wide. ¡°You¡ you took them all out that fast?¡±
Li Yun sheathed his swords, his expression impassive. ¡°No wasted movement. Let¡¯s go before reinforcements arrive.¡±
Tang Jiu followed, though he couldn¡¯t help but glance back at the fallen scouts. For the first time, he felt a genuine sense of awe¡ªand unease¡ªtoward Li Yun. The boy wasn¡¯t just confident. He was lethal.
As they pressed on, Li Yun¡¯s thoughts remained focused. The flag was close, and he intended to take it. By the time the enemy realized what had happened, it would already be too late.
Li Yun and Tang Jiu pressed forward, their surroundings growing quieter with each passing step. The dense jungle canopy filtered the sunlight into patches of dim light that danced on the forest floor, but neither of them was distracted by the beauty of the illusion formation. Every sound, every shift of the wind, could signal danger.
Tang Jiu finally broke the silence. ¡°You know, I hate to admit it, but that was impressive back there. Taking down three scouts without so much as a scratch? You don¡¯t fight like someone who just started cultivating.¡±
Li Yun glanced at him, his crimson eyes gleaming faintly. ¡°Survival doesn¡¯t wait for cultivation. You either learn fast or you die.¡±
Tang Jiu frowned at the weight of those words but didn¡¯t press further. He had a feeling Li Yun¡¯s past wasn¡¯t something easily pried open, and he wasn¡¯t eager to test his temper again. Instead, he turned his attention back to their surroundings, scanning for any sign of the enemy.
It wasn¡¯t long before they stumbled upon a clearing that gave them a view of their destination. Just beyond the thick brush, a makeshift fortress had been constructed from felled logs and vines. It wasn¡¯t elegant, but it was sturdy and defensible. The flag they were after stood proudly in the center, a vibrant blue that fluttered lightly in the artificial breeze.
Li Yun crouched low, motioning for Tang Jiu to do the same. ¡°There¡¯s our target,¡± he murmured, his voice barely audible. ¡°Looks like they¡¯ve set up a stronghold around it.¡±
Tang Jiu narrowed his eyes, observing the movements of the enemy team. About a dozen figures patrolled the perimeter, with several more stationed near the flag. Most carried basic weapons, but a few had an air of confidence that suggested some skill.
¡°This won¡¯t be easy,¡± Tang Jiu muttered. ¡°Even if we take out the outer guards, they¡¯ll swarm us before we can get close to the flag.¡±
Li Yun smirked, his expression unreadable. ¡°That¡¯s only if they see us coming.¡±
Tang Jiu gave him a skeptical look. ¡°And how exactly do you plan to avoid that? Walk in and ask politely for their flag?¡±
Ignoring the sarcasm, Li Yun unsheathed one of his swords, the faint red aura of his martial art activating as he traced a path with his eyes. ¡°I¡¯ll draw their attention. You find an opening and get to the flag. Once you grab it, don¡¯t stop running.¡±
Tang Jiu blinked in disbelief. ¡°You¡¯re seriously planning to take on all of them by yourself?¡±
¡°Not all of them,¡± Li Yun replied calmly. ¡°Just enough to make them forget about you.¡±
Tang Jiu hesitated, the weight of the plan sinking in. It was reckless¡ªborderline suicidal¡ªbut there was something about the way Li Yun carried himself, the unwavering confidence in his voice, that made it hard to argue. Finally, he nodded. ¡°Fine. But if you die, don¡¯t expect me to carry your body back.¡±
Li Yun chuckled softly. ¡°If I die, at least I¡¯ll take a few of them with me.¡±
Without another word, Li Yun stepped forward, his movements fluid and silent as he closed the distance to the clearing. Tang Jiu stayed behind, hiding in the underbrush and waiting for his moment.
The first enemy guard barely had time to react as Li Yun appeared out of the shadows, his blade flashing in the sunlight. The flat of the sword struck the guard¡¯s weapon hand with brutal precision, disarming him instantly. A quick follow-up strike to the side of the head sent the guard sprawling to the ground.
¡°Who¡¯s next?¡± Li Yun called out, his voice cold and cutting as he stepped into the clearing. The remaining guards turned toward him, their expressions a mix of shock and fury.
¡°You¡¯ve got some nerve, coming here alone,¡± one of them growled, stepping forward with a spear in hand. ¡°You think you can take us all on?¡±
Li Yun smirked, his crimson eyes glinting dangerously. ¡°I don¡¯t think. I know.¡±
The guards rushed him, weapons raised, but Li Yun was already moving. His swords danced through the air, parrying strikes and countering with ruthless efficiency. Each movement was calculated, each strike aimed to incapacitate rather than kill, but the force behind his attacks left no doubt about his intent.
The chaos of the fight drew the attention of the inner defenders, pulling them away from their positions near the flag. Tang Jiu took a deep breath, his heart pounding as he saw his opportunity. Staying low, he darted through the underbrush, weaving around the distracted guards as he made his way toward the flag.
Meanwhile, Li Yun continued his onslaught, his every move a blend of precision and power. He sidestepped a wide swing from a halberd, slamming the hilt of his sword into the wielder¡¯s stomach before sweeping his legs out from under him. Another guard lunged at him with a dagger, but Li Yun twisted away, delivering a sharp kick to the attacker¡¯s knee that sent him collapsing with a pained cry.
¡°Is this the best you¡¯ve got?¡± Li Yun taunted, his voice dripping with disdain. ¡°No wonder you¡¯re on defense. You¡¯d be useless on the front lines.¡±
His words had the desired effect, goading the remaining guards into attacking recklessly. It was exactly what Li Yun wanted. Their lack of coordination made it easier for him to control the flow of the fight, keeping them off balance and unable to regroup.
Tang Jiu reached the flag, his hands shaking slightly as he grabbed the pole and yanked it free from its base. The sound of wood splintering drew the attention of the few remaining defenders, but it was too late. Tang Jiu was already running, the flag clutched tightly in his hands.
¡°Fall back!¡± Li Yun shouted, his voice cutting through the chaos. Tang Jiu didn¡¯t need to be told twice. He sprinted toward the jungle, the shouts of the enemy fading behind him as he disappeared into the trees.
Li Yun gave one last glance at the remaining guards, a faint smirk playing on his lips. ¡°Thanks for the warm-up,¡± he said before turning and vanishing into the shadows.
By the time the enemy realized what had happened, it was too late. Tang Jiu was long gone, and Li Yun was nowhere to be found. The jungle swallowed them both, leaving only confusion and frustration in their wake.
Chapter 13: Capture The Flag Finale (Sect Exam Part 3)
Li Yun¡¯s feet pounded against the forest floor, his senses on high alert as he and Jiu Tang sprinted through the dense jungle. Behind them, the chaotic shouts of their pursuers echoed through the trees, growing fainter as the pair widened the distance. Jiu Tang clutched the blue flag tightly, his breath coming in ragged gasps, while Li Yun¡¯s expression remained cold and calculating.
¡°They¡¯re persistent,¡± Jiu Tang muttered between gulps of air, glancing over his shoulder. ¡°But we¡¯ve got the lead.¡±
¡°Not for long,¡± Li Yun said sharply, his crimson eyes narrowing. They glowed faintly in the dim light, like embers smoldering in a dying fire, holding an intensity that seemed to pierce through the dense jungle. ¡°Their attack team isn¡¯t far behind. I can hear them closing in.¡±
The distant rustling grew louder, accompanied by heavy footsteps and shouted orders. The enemy¡¯s attack team was gaining ground. Li Yun clenched his jaw, his mind racing for a solution. Suddenly, the dense canopy of trees broke, revealing an open clearing up ahead. The terrain shifted abruptly to flat grassland, the bright sunlight blinding after the shadowed jungle.
¡°This is bad,¡± Jiu Tang hissed, realizing the lack of cover made them vulnerable. ¡°They¡¯ll catch us here.¡±
Li Yun slowed his pace, his eyes scanning the clearing with a calculating gaze. ¡°Good,¡± he muttered under his breath. ¡°Let them.¡±
Jiu Tang hesitated, confusion flickering across his face, but before he could question Li Yun¡¯s intent, the enemy burst into the clearing. Fourteen figures, led by a tall, sharp-eyed young man wielding a silver-edged glaive, emerged from the treeline. His regal demeanor and arrogant smirk marked him as their leader.
¡°Stop running and hand over the flag,¡± the leader demanded, his voice dripping with authority. ¡°Or I¡¯ll cripple you both where you stand.¡±
Li Yun stopped in his tracks, his swords glinting faintly in the sunlight as he turned to face the enemy. His calm demeanor only seemed to enrage the leader further.
¡°You¡¯re bold for a commoner,¡± the leader sneered, raising his glaive. ¡°Do you even know who I am? I¡¯m Xue Han, son of the illustrious Xue family, whose reach and power extend far beyond what a lowly peasant like you could comprehend. To stand before me with such audacity... it¡¯s laughable. Defy me, and I¡¯ll make sure your families are wiped from existence, their names forgotten.¡±
At this, Jiu Tang stiffened. A flicker of fear crossed his face, but it quickly turned to defiance. ¡°You must not know who you¡¯re threatening,¡± he said, his tone mocking. ¡°This here is Li Yun.¡±
Xue Han faltered for a moment, glancing at Li Yun. His gaze hardened again, though, as he scoffed. ¡°I don¡¯t care who he is. Both of you will fall here unless you surrender.¡±
Li Yun chuckled, his laughter low and menacing. ¡°Your life was over the moment you were matched against me.¡± His tone was icy, his words cutting deeper than any blade. ¡°If I were you, I¡¯d pick a god and start praying. I don¡¯t give second chances.¡±
The tension in the air was palpable. Xue Han¡¯s confident fa?ade wavered as Li Yun¡¯s bloodlust began to seep into the clearing like an oppressive fog. The atmosphere grew heavy, and even the enemy¡¯s strongest fighters felt an involuntary chill run down their spines. Jiu Tang, standing beside Li Yun, took a cautious step back, his earlier contempt for the commoner replaced by a deep unease.
¡°Enough of this!¡± Xue Han barked, his voice cracking slightly. ¡°Take them down!¡±
As the enemy team surged forward, Li Yun¡¯s lips curved into a devilish smirk. ¡°Watch closely,¡± he murmured to Jiu Tang. ¡°This is how you hunt prey.¡±
With a burst of speed, Li Yun launched himself at the oncoming attackers, his movements a blur. His first strike was devastating¡ªa clean slash to the leg of the nearest opponent, the blade slicing through muscle and sinew with terrifying precision. Blood sprayed across the grass as the boy crumpled to the ground, screaming in agony.
Another enemy swung a heavy mace toward Li Yun¡¯s side, but he sidestepped effortlessly, driving the hilt of his sword into the attacker¡¯s throat. The sound of cartilage crunching was sickening, and the boy dropped his weapon, clutching his neck as he collapsed.
¡°You¡¯re all talk,¡± Li Yun taunted, his voice calm and controlled even as chaos unfolded around him. ¡°Where¡¯s that noble strength you were bragging about?¡±
A third attacker lunged at him with twin daggers, their movements fast but unrefined. Li Yun parried both strikes with one sword, his other blade carving a deep gash across the boy¡¯s arm. The dagger wielder stumbled back, blood pouring from the wound as he howled in pain.
The grass beneath them was soon slick with blood as Li Yun systematically dismantled his opponents. Each strike was deliberate, each movement calculated to incapacitate without killing. Yet the sheer brutality of his attacks left no doubt¡ªhe was sending a message.
Xue Han watched in horror as his team fell one by one. ¡°Stop him!¡± he shouted desperately, his grip tightening on his glaive. ¡°Don¡¯t let him¡ª¡±
Before he could finish, Li Yun closed the distance between them. Xue Han barely managed to raise his weapon in time to block the first strike, but the force of the blow sent him stumbling backward. Li Yun pressed the attack, his relentless assault leaving no room for Xue Han to recover.
With a final, bone-shattering strike, Li Yun drove the pommel of his sword into Xue Han¡¯s chest, sending him crashing to the ground. Blood dripped from Xue Han¡¯s mouth as he struggled to breathe, his glaive lying uselessly beside him.
Li Yun knelt beside the defeated leader, his voice low and menacing. ¡°You walked into a tiger¡¯s mouth head first,¡± he whispered, his crimson eyes glowing faintly. ¡°And you didn¡¯t even realize it.¡±
Xue Han¡¯s face twisted in fear and pain, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth as he struggled to draw breath. His trembling hands clenched the dirt beneath him, but the fight had long since left his body. Li Yun stood over him, his swords still glinting with fresh blood. The aura of menace that radiated from him was palpable, suffocating.
Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.
Li Yun¡¯s gaze swept across the battlefield. The broken and bloodied bodies of Xue Han¡¯s team were scattered like fallen leaves, their groans of pain mingling with the stillness of the jungle. The once-proud group of ¡®geniuses¡¯ had been reduced to trembling wrecks, unable to even meet Li Yun¡¯s eyes.
From the treeline, Li Yun¡¯s own team emerged cautiously. Their expressions were a mixture of awe, disbelief, and unease as they took in the scene before them. Jiu Tang, who had fought alongside Li Yun earlier, stopped short, his face pale as he looked at the carnage. Bai Meixian clutched her sleeves tightly, her usual composed demeanor faltering as she stared wide-eyed at the blood-soaked ground. Even Xu Shuang, normally brash and cocky, stood frozen, his mouth slightly agape as he processed the overwhelming display of power.
¡°Li Yun!¡± Bai Meixian¡¯s voice was unsteady as she called out, the hesitation in her tone betraying the fear that lingered beneath her admiration. ¡°Are you¡ alright?¡±
Li Yun didn¡¯t answer immediately. Instead, he bent down and wiped the blood from his blades on Xue Han¡¯s tunic, his movements deliberate and unhurried. He sheathed his swords with a practiced motion, his crimson eyes still blazing with an otherworldly intensity. Finally, he turned to face his teammates, his expression unreadable.
¡°I told you,¡± he said coolly, his voice carrying a chilling finality. ¡°Only I am enough.¡±
The group moved quickly, Li Yun leading the way through the jungle with his usual confidence. When they reached their base, they were greeted by the sight of Fang Zhen and Lin Ya standing guard. Fang Zhen waved them over, a wide grin splitting his face.
¡°We held the line!¡± Fang Zhen shouted. ¡°The enemy couldn¡¯t get through us!¡±
Li Yun smirked, a rare moment of warmth breaking through his cold exterior. He planted the enemy¡¯s flag beside their own, signaling their victory. The system chimed softly in his mind:
¡°Congratulations, Host. You have gained the sect leader¡¯s temporary acknowledgment.¡±
The announcement didn¡¯t faze him. He knew the real challenge lay ahead.
The illusion formation shimmered and dissolved, transporting the examinees back to the coliseum in an instant. The crowd erupted into thunderous cheers, their voices rising in waves of excitement that echoed across the grand arena. The sound was almost deafening, a cacophony of admiration and awe directed toward the victorious team.
Li Yun stepped onto the smooth white stone platform, his swords still sheathed but radiating a quiet menace. His crimson eyes darted briefly to the audience before settling on the elevated booth at the far end of the coliseum. The sect leader sat there, his regal demeanor amplified by the intricate silver embroidery of his robes. His eyes, sharp and calculating, met Li Yun¡¯s with a knowing glint, as though he had already discerned the depths of the young man¡¯s potential.
The sect leader¡¯s lips curled into a faint, almost imperceptible smile¡ªa gesture not of amusement but of interest. To him, Li Yun wasn¡¯t just another examinee. There was something about the boy¡¯s unwavering gaze, his sheer ferocity on the battlefield, that spoke of untapped greatness. Li Yun didn¡¯t waver under the leader¡¯s scrutiny; instead, he stood tall, exuding an air of quiet defiance.
The elders seated beside the sect leader murmured amongst themselves, their expressions ranging from impressed to intrigued. One of them, an elderly man with a long, snow-white beard, leaned closer to the sect leader.
¡°That boy,¡± he said, his voice low but tinged with excitement. ¡°Li Yun, was it? He¡¯s¡ remarkable. The way he dismantled those attackers was¡¡± The elder trailed off, searching for the right word.
¡°Savage,¡± another elder interjected, his tone a mixture of respect and unease. ¡°Yet controlled. He fought as though he had nothing to lose, but every strike was calculated. Dangerous potential, to say the least.¡±
The sect leader raised a hand, silencing their murmurs. As he did, the coliseum fell quiet, the cheers of the crowd dying down to an expectant hush. His voice rang out, clear and commanding, cutting through the tension like a blade.
¡°Congratulations to those who have passed the first exam,¡± he began, his tone measured yet authoritative. ¡°Your determination and skill have been noted. But remember, this is merely the beginning. A true disciple of the Heavenly Cloud Sect does not rest on a single victory. You must prove yourselves time and time again, for only through hardship can true strength be forged.¡±
The crowd remained silent, hanging onto his every word.
The sect leader¡¯s gaze returned to Li Yun, his expression unreadable. ¡°Rest well, all of you. For tomorrow, the second exam will commence. It is then we shall see who truly has the potential to ascend within our ranks.¡±
Li Yun tightened his grip on the hilts of his swords as the sect leader¡¯s eyes lingered on him for a moment longer. It was as though a silent challenge had passed between them, one that Li Yun fully intended to meet. He exhaled slowly, letting the weight of the moment settle before turning to rejoin his team.
The roar of the crowd resumed, but it was a distant hum to Li Yun now. His focus was sharp, his thoughts already racing ahead to the trials yet to come. Whatever awaited him in the next exam, he would be ready.
The sect leader raised a hand, commanding instant silence across the coliseum. His voice, steady yet brimming with authority, resonated through the massive arena, capturing the attention of every soul present. ¡°Congratulations to those who have passed the first exam,¡± he began, his tone measured but firm, each word striking like a hammer on an anvil. ¡°Your determination and skill have been observed, and they speak of promise. But let me remind you¡ªthis is merely the beginning.¡±
His gaze swept over the crowd, lingering for a moment on Li Yun, whose crimson eyes glimmered faintly even under the bright sunlight.
¡°The true test lies ahead,¡± the sect leader continued, his voice growing more intense. ¡°What you have achieved today is but the foundation of what is expected of a disciple of the Heavenly Cloud Sect. To stand among us is to shoulder the weight of excellence. You must prove, time and time again, that you are worthy of ascending the ranks of this sacred institution.¡±
A hush fell over the coliseum as his words sank in. The crowd, initially buzzing with cheers, now watched with bated breath, captivated by the gravity of the speech.
¡°Rest well,¡± he concluded, his voice softer but no less commanding. ¡°For tomorrow, the second exam will test the very essence of your resolve. Only then shall we see who truly has the potential to rise and endure in the Heavenly Cloud Sect.¡±
His eyes once again found Li Yun in the sea of candidates, the faintest hint of curiosity flickering across his otherwise composed face. It was as if the sect leader saw more in him than even Li Yun himself understood. Li Yun, unfazed, returned the gaze, his grip tightening on the hilts of his swords. It wasn¡¯t just acknowledgment he sought; it was to leave no doubt in anyone¡¯s mind that he belonged here.
Li Yun¡¯s eyes met the sect leader¡¯s, a silent challenge passing between them. He tightened his grip on his swords, determination burning in his gaze. Whatever the next exam held, he would be ready.
As the crowd began to disperse, murmurs rippled through the arena. Many whispered about Li Yun¡ªthe mysterious examinee who had single-handedly turned the tide of the first exam. To the spectators, he was no longer just another participant but a force to be reckoned with.
Li Yun turned back toward the coliseum¡¯s exit, his bloodied crimson eyes glinting in the fading light. His team followed him in silence, their earlier awe now mingling with unease. Fang Zhen and Lin Ya exchanged wary glances, while Bai Meixian walked a few paces behind, her gaze fixed on the swords strapped to his back.
The system¡¯s voice echoed in Li Yun¡¯s mind as he stepped into the open air outside the coliseum.
¡°Host, your actions have left a lasting impression. The sect leader''s acknowledgment is progressing. Continue to demonstrate your worth to secure your goal.¡±
Li Yun smirked to himself. ¡°Progressing, huh?¡± he muttered under his breath. ¡°Guess I¡¯ll just have to make sure there¡¯s no room for doubt.¡±
The sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over the Heavenly Cloud Sect. In the distance, the towering peaks of the sect¡¯s mountain range seemed to glow faintly under the encroaching twilight. Li Yun paused for a moment, staring up at the lofty spires. His fists clenched tightly at his sides.
¡°Tomorrow,¡± he whispered, the word carrying both resolve and challenge.
Chapter 14: Silent Steps, Hidden Strengths
The night air was crisp as Li Yun and his team descended the grand stone staircase of the Heavenly Cloud Sect. Their breaths formed wisps in the cool evening air, the sky above painted in shades of violet and gold as the last traces of sunlight faded beyond the horizon. The towering peaks of the sect loomed around them, shrouded in thin layers of mist, their grandeur enhanced by the dim glow of lanterns lining the stairway.
The others chattered among themselves, their voices filled with excitement and lingering adrenaline from the exam. Fang Zhen was recounting his battle at the base, boasting about how he held back three enemies on his own. Lin Ya interjected with a teasing scoff, ¡°Three enemies? More like one and a half. You barely held your ground against that spear-wielding disciple.¡±
Fang Zhen frowned, waving his hand dismissively. ¡°Details, details. What matters is that we won.¡±
Jiu Tang, walking a few steps ahead, let out a breathy chuckle. ¡°Still, what Li Yun did back there¡ that was something else.¡± His voice lowered slightly as he glanced toward Li Yun, who had remained silent since leaving the coliseum. ¡°What¡¯s on your mind?¡±
Li Yun¡¯s crimson eyes flickered in the dim light, reflecting the golden lanterns as he walked with measured steps. He wasn¡¯t listening to their conversation. His thoughts were tangled, his mind sifting through the events of the day.
The sect leader¡¯s gaze¡ his words.
The weight of that fleeting moment pressed down on Li Yun, setting his instincts on edge. The cheers of the crowd had been deafening, but beneath their admiration lurked something deeper¡ªexpectation, scrutiny, the kind of attention that carried a cost. He wasn¡¯t just another examinee anymore; he had stepped into the spotlight, marked as someone worth watching, worth testing.
Is that a good thing? Or a threat?
His fingers curled slightly, feeling the lingering strain from the battle. His bloodline quest had advanced, but his dantian still felt heavy, as though something within it was coiling, waiting to be fully awakened.
Upon reaching the disciples¡¯ quarters, the group parted ways, each heading to their own dorms. The sect¡¯s grounds were vast, and beyond the dormitories stretched an expansive training field, where flickering torchlight revealed disciples practicing their martial techniques. Even in the dead of night, the sound of swords slicing through the air and fists striking training dummies echoed across the courtyard. The scent of burning incense mixed with sweat and damp earth, a testament to the countless hours of effort poured into perfecting their craft.
Some disciples moved with the rigid precision of formal katas, each motion a textbook execution of sect-approved techniques. Others sparred with partners, their low grunts and rapid footwork punctuated by the sharp clash of weapons. In one corner, a disciple stood before a boulder, repeatedly striking at it with his palm, his fingers glowing faintly as he attempted to channel his internal energy. Further along, a group practiced synchronized movements, their matching robes billowing in the night breeze as they executed a seamless series of attacks.
The energy in the air was electric¡ªdetermination, exhaustion, and the quiet hum of ambition. Here, under the flickering torches, reputations were built, and the seeds of future legends were sown.
Li Yun didn¡¯t return to his quarters. Instead, he turned toward the training grounds, his steps light against the cobblestone path.
With a single exhale, he centered himself.
Training was the only way forward.
As the hours slipped by, Li Yun focused on refining his swordplay with unwavering discipline. His movements were deliberate, each strike honed to lethal perfection. The gleam of his blade caught the flickering torchlight, reflecting brief flashes of silver as it carved through the night air. He shifted fluidly between forms, his sword tracing seamless arcs, each stroke more refined than the last. Sweat beaded on his brow, yet his breathing remained steady, controlled.
He wasn¡¯t alone in his pursuit of mastery. Other disciples littered the training grounds, their voices hushed with quiet determination. In the distance, someone practiced a relentless barrage of thrusts against a wooden dummy, the repeated impact creating a rhythmic echo. Further away, two disciples sparred with focused intensity, their silhouettes flickering against the lantern-lit courtyard. The sharp scent of sweat and steel mingled with the faint fragrance of the night breeze, adding to the charged atmosphere of effort and perseverance.
Li Yun remained unaffected by the commotion around him. He closed his eyes for a brief moment, feeling the weight of his blade in his grasp. Adjusting his stance, he exhaled slowly before executing a precise downward slash, splitting a training post cleanly in half. The wooden halves groaned before collapsing, the clean cut a testament to his growing mastery. He watched as a few nearby disciples halted their practice to glance in his direction, their faces betraying astonishment. But Li Yun didn¡¯t pause¡ªhe simply moved on to the next sequence, pushing himself further, striving for something beyond mere skill¡ªsomething absolute.
You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.
Occasionally, his presence drew lingering stares. Female disciples passing by whispered among themselves, their eyes frequently drifting toward him. His eyes, like molten rubies infused with a mysterious, hypnotic depth, gleamed under the faint glow of the torches. The interplay of light and shadow only accentuated the striking contrast of his gaze¡ªboth piercing and unreadable, as if concealing a thousand secrets. Coupled with his perfectly controlled movements, he exuded an air of danger and effortless allure, an enigma wrapped in grace and silent power.
¡°Who is he?¡± one girl murmured.
¡°I heard he was the one who defeated Xue Han,¡± another replied, a faint blush dusting her cheeks.
A bolder disciple, a young woman dressed in a light blue robe, approached him after watching him for some time. ¡°Li Yun,¡± she called, hesitating slightly as he sheathed his sword.
He turned, his gaze cool but not unkind. ¡°Yes?¡±
She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her confidence wavering under his gaze. ¡°I¡ªI was wondering¡ Would you like to join me for tea sometime?¡±
Silence stretched between them.
Li Yun tilted his head slightly, amused by her sudden boldness. He had never considered such distractions before. He was here to grow stronger¡ªto survive.
But¡
Li Yun let the silence linger just long enough to watch anticipation flicker in her eyes. Then, with a slow, knowing smirk, he tilted his head slightly, his gaze half-lidded and unreadable. "I''ll think about it," he murmured, his voice smooth as silk, laced with just enough intrigue to leave her wondering. As he turned away, he could feel her lingering stare, her breath hitching ever so slightly before she hurried back to her friends, flustered whispers following in her wake.
The girl¡¯s eyes widened slightly before she nodded, scurrying away to rejoin her friends, who immediately bombarded her with excited whispers.
Ignoring the continued stares, Li Yun shifted his focus back to his own training.
Opening his system, he glanced at his status. His Bloodline Progress had increased significantly¡ª75%.
A slow smirk crept across his face. Good.
Still, there was more to be done.
After scanning through the system¡¯s available options, he purchased a One-Star Movement Technique: Shadow Step for a few Star Shards, which he had collected from completing various system-assigned side quests throughout the day. Each task had been small, yet through patience and diligence, the rewards had steadily accumulated.
One of the tasks involved helping a flustered junior disciple recover a set of lost training manuals. The boy had misplaced them near the sect¡¯s waterfall, where the constant mist and slick rocks made searching treacherous. Li Yun had navigated the slippery terrain with ease, retrieving the scrolls before they were ruined by the moisture. The grateful disciple had bowed deeply, promising to repay the kindness someday, though Li Yun merely waved him off.
Another mission had led him to the sect¡¯s storage chamber, a vast underground room filled with outdated or broken equipment. The task was simple¡ªclear out what was no longer needed. Yet, as Li Yun sorted through old weapons and armor, he couldn¡¯t help but marvel at how past generations of disciples had wielded them, their histories lost to time. He methodically separated usable parts from scrap, ensuring nothing went to waste.
The final task had been the most tedious¡ªassisting in the medicinal garden. Under the watchful eye of an elderly herbalist, he had carefully replanted delicate spirit herbs, their shimmering leaves infused with latent qi. Though the work was slow and meticulous, Li Yun found it oddly calming, the earthy scent of soil and herbs grounding him in the present moment.
By the end of the day, his efforts had earned him enough Star Shards to purchase his new movement technique. Though minor, each task had been a step forward on his path to mastery, and he knew that even the smallest gains could prove invaluable in the trials to come.
Shadow Step: A basic movement technique that allows the user to run swiftly and soundlessly, making their presence difficult to detect.
It wasn¡¯t much, but it would do for now.
The moment the purchase was complete, information flooded his mind. The technique was simple¡ªbased on controlled breathing and light-footed movement. He adjusted his stance, took a deep breath, and moved.
The effect was immediate. His footfalls were nearly silent, his body lighter as he dashed across the training field. He was no longer just running¡ªhe was gliding.
A few nearby disciples turned, startled by the sudden lack of sound. They hadn¡¯t even noticed his movement until he reappeared several meters away.
¡°Did he just¡ disappear into thin air?¡± one disciple murmured, blinking rapidly as if his vision had deceived him. The faint afterimage of Li Yun¡¯s movement lingered in the air, a ghostly blur that dissolved almost instantly. Others around him exchanged uneasy glances, their expressions wavering between awe and disbelief. "No way... He was right there a second ago."
Li Yun grinned. Not bad for a beginner technique.
The night deepened, and as the last embers of lantern light flickered across the courtyard, Li Yun finally exhaled, feeling the exhaustion settle into his limbs. The training had been fruitful, but he knew the real challenge was yet to come.
As he made his way back to his dormitory, the faint chime of a system notification whispered in his mind.
¡°Second Exam conditions set.¡±
A strange stillness hung in the air, as if the very heavens themselves were holding their breath. The words resonated in his mind, weighty and deliberate. Not revealed, not explained¡ªonly set. That single word sent an unsettling ripple through his thoughts.
Li Yun narrowed his eyes, his instincts sharpening. The secrecy meant something. A test beyond the obvious, beyond mere martial skill or strategy. Something hidden within the wording, within the very structure of the trial yet to come.
What kind of exam is this going to be?
His steps slowed. Set? Not announced?
He lifted his gaze to the sky, his expression unreadable.
What are they planning?
| NOTICE |
Sorry PLEASE read the author note!!
but ive got to do atleast 500 words before i can post so im just going to ramble a bit so here you go.
im just gonna paste some random information about butterflies here so ignore it lol
IGNORE UNLESS YOU ACTUALLY INTERESTED IN BUTTERFLIES (idk how to make announcements)
There are more than 160,000 species of butterfly around the world, learn more about this iconic insect.
How many legs do butterflies have?
- Butterflies have six jointed legs, a pair of antennae and three body parts called a head, thorax (chest), and abdomen (tail end). The four wings and the six legs of a butterfly are attached to its thorax.
- Special sensors on a butterfly or moths'' feet allow the insect to taste their food. Butterflies can not taste through their mouthparts. They also do not have mouthparts that can bite and chew, instead they have a long thin tubular structure that acts like a straw.
How many wings does a butterfly have?
- Butterfly have four wings which are brightly coloured and patterned. Butterfly wings are covered in tiny scales and they are the only insects with scaly wings.
- Each scale on a butterflies wings are a single colour, either red, yellow, black or white. Butterfly colours, including green and blue, are created by light refracting (bending) on the butterfly¡¯s wings.
- The patterns and colours on a butterfly wings are symmetrical and as the butterfly grows older, its wings fade and become ragged.
What do butterflies eat?
- Most butterflies feed on nectar from flowers and many plants rely on butterflies to transfer pollen from one flower to another.
How far can butterflies fly?
- The North American black and orange Monarch Butterfly is the only insect known to be able to fly over 2500 miles. Millions of butterflies migrate south to overwinter and avoid the freezing conditions of the north, but as the plant that the caterpillars feed on, milkweed, does not exist in the overwintering sites, the spring generation fly back north for summer before laying their eggs and dying. The monarch butterfly is also poisonous to eat
The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.
Butterfly metamorphosis
Butterflies transform themselves four times in their life. This process is called metamorphosis. A butterfly begins its life as an egg, usually laid on a leaf. A larva (caterpillar) hatches from the egg and feeds on leaves or flowers. The larva will grow bigger and bigger until it is several thousand times its original size before turning into a pupae or chrysalis. Eventually a beautiful, butterfly emerges from the pupae.
Butterfly lifecycle
Butterflies and moths go through several different life stages in their lives. They start life as a small egg attached to a plant - often on the leaf - by glue that was produced from the adult butterfly as it laid an egg. When it is ready, the egg hatches out into a caterpillar, or larvae, which then proceeds to eat as much as possible. It often grows several times its original size and sheds its skin to do just that.
When it is fully gown, the caterpillar will fix itself to somewhere, again often the underside of a leaf or branch, and shed its final skin to reveal a pupae or chrysalis. Moth caterpillars actually spin a cocoon using a leaf, in which the pupae then develops.
Butterfly pupae
- Many pupae avoid being eaten by looking either like a dead leaf, fruit or twig. Pupae are vulnerable to predators such as birds, lizards and snakes, as they can not move or defend themselves. By resembling things found in nature they reduce their chance of being discovered and predated on. Some can even look like bird droppings!
- The Atlas Moth emerges from its pupae without mouthparts, leaving its soul purpose in life to find a mate and reproduce. It has 6 weeks in which to do this, living on the energy it stored as a caterpillar.
Yes this is all copy and pasted lol but its butterflies so read it if you want
Chapter 15: Sect Exam 2
Li Yun stood outside the dormitory, staring up at the celestial sky, the weight of the system¡¯s words lingering in his mind. ¡°Second Exam conditions set.¡±
Set? Not announced? What the hell did that mean? The ambiguity unsettled him. Was the challenge already in motion? Had he unknowingly begun the trial? These questions buzzed in his mind like an endless swarm of locusts, each whispering doubt and speculation.
Letting out a slow breath, he pushed those thoughts aside. Thinking too much wouldn¡¯t give him answers. He needed rest.
With silent steps, he made his way back into the dormitory, where the soft sounds of deep slumber filled the air. The moment he entered, a fist shot toward him.
Reacting instinctively, Li Yun caught the incoming strike just before it reached his jaw. His crimson gaze locked onto Jiu Tang¡¯s narrowed eyes, the younger Tang heir glaring at him.
¡°Where the hell were you?¡± Jiu Tang hissed in a hushed tone. ¡°Everyone thought you were dead. Some of them were happy about it.¡±
A scowl flickered across Li Yun¡¯s face, but it quickly melted into a smirk. Feared enough that his death was celebrated? Good.
Jiu Tang pulled his hand back, lowering his voice even more. ¡°You missed it. They already announced the second exam is tomorrow.¡±
Li Yun froze. Wait, what?
¡°¡You weren¡¯t listening, were you?¡± Jiu Tang sighed, rubbing his temples. ¡°I swear, for someone who¡¯s supposed to be a genius, you really space out at the worst times.¡±
Embarrassed but unwilling to admit it, Li Yun simply rolled his eyes and made his way to his bed. He undressed, brushing off the lingering tension from the day, washing his face in the cold water basin before slipping into his nightwear. The exhaustion of relentless training and battle settled into his bones, but his mind still hummed with questions. What would tomorrow bring?
Still, dwelling on it wouldn¡¯t help. Rest now. Conquer tomorrow.
He closed his eyes.
The crack of dawn came too soon.
Golden light streamed through the wooden windows, glaring straight into Li Yun¡¯s face. He groaned, rolling over, but it was useless. The dormitory was already stirring, men groaning as they woke to face the new day.
What greeted him next made him pause.
A long line of boys outside the bathroom, all of them standing with crossed legs, squirming as if they were about to burst.
One of them caught sight of Li Yun and immediately nudged the others. Within seconds, the entire dorm fell silent, and they all took a step back from the door, clearing a path for him.
Li Yun blinked. ¡°¡What?¡±
Jiu Tang, still half-asleep, snickered from his bed. ¡°Congrats, you traumatized the entire dormitory. After last time, no one wants to risk pissing you off over a toilet.¡±
Li Yun ran a hand through his hair, smirking slightly before heading toward the bathroom. When he emerged, the moment the door clicked shut behind him, chaos erupted as the dormitory boys scrambled for their turn. Watching them shove each other, desperate to claim the next spot, Li Yun couldn''t help but chuckle.
He dressed in his signature white-and-gold robes, adjusting the golden embroidery along the cuffs as his fingers brushed the intricate dragon patterns woven into the fabric. His swords, polished to a gleaming silver, hung securely at his waist, their weight a reassuring presence. He flexed his fingers, feeling the subtle hum of energy coursing through his veins.
Today was important.
The air was thick with an unspoken tension, the kind that settled in before a storm. He didn¡¯t know what was coming, but he¡¯d be damned if he wasn¡¯t prepared. His heartbeat was steady, his breath controlled, but there was something in the air¡ªsomething unshakable¡ªthat made him feel as though the moment he stepped forward, he would be walking into the unknown. And yet, despite the uncertainty, a smirk tugged at his lips. Let them come. He would face it head-on, as he always did.
An hour passed.
The guards arrived, the same two from the first exam. As they lined up, the guards checked their plaques once more, ensuring everyone present was still eligible.
¡°Move quickly,¡± one of them grunted. ¡°The female examinees are waiting outside.¡±
As expected, whispers spread through the crowd the moment they stepped outside. The female examinees were already gathered, their gazes flickering toward the male participants. Some were studying their potential competition, while others openly stared at Li Yun, their expressions ranging from curiosity to outright admiration.
¡°Is that him?¡± one whispered.
¡°The white-haired one? Yeah, that¡¯s Li Yun.¡±
¡°He¡¯s way too handsome for his own good¡¡±
Li Yun ignored the murmurs, his focus locked on what was ahead. The guards led them past the administration building, veering left instead of up the mountain. The path twisted sharply, leading them up another set of beautiful, towering stone stairs. Unlike the ones leading to the coliseum, these stairs ascended far higher. The higher they climbed, the thinner the air became, forcing some to reinforce their lungs with Qi just to keep pace.
At the top stood a massive, lone structure¡ªa tower so tall it seemed to scrape against the sky itself, its uppermost levels disappearing into the swirling clouds. The edifice was forged from ancient, silver-gray stone, each block etched with intricate patterns resembling flowing mist, as though the tower itself had been sculpted from the very heavens. Ethereal blue lanterns flickered along its base, their ghostly glow casting wavering shadows against the mist-covered ground. A strange hum resonated from within, as if the very walls held whispers of forgotten knowledge. Mist clung to its surface, shifting and twisting like phantom tendrils, curling around the towering monolith as if reluctant to let go. It radiated an overwhelming sense of mystery, a gate to an unknown world where only the worthy dared to tread.
Above the towering entrance, a plaque of polished jade gleamed faintly, engraved with golden calligraphy that read:
¡°Heavenly Misty Library.¡±
Li Yun raised an eyebrow. ¡°¡¡®Misty¡¯ as in literal water vapor?¡±
A quiet chuckle escaped him. Basic name.
The heavy black doors creaked open. From within the shadows, the head examiner emerged, his usual authoritative tone replaced by something softer. Almost¡ sympathetic.
¡°Welcome, examinees, to the second trial.¡± He gave them all a once-over before continuing, ¡°This exam will not test your strength. Instead, it will test your mind.¡±
Murmurs spread through the crowd, some sighing in relief while others paled in horror. Li Yun caught Jiu Tang¡¯s smirk, and he returned one of his own. They both knew¡ªthis test wasn¡¯t going to be easy.
¡°The rules are simple,¡± the examiner continued. ¡°You will have three hours inside the Heavenly Misty Library. Your goal? Find what you need to pass. That¡¯s it.¡±
This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.
Silence. Confusion flickered across everyone¡¯s faces.
¡°¡That¡¯s it?¡± someone finally whispered.
The examiner¡¯s eyes gleamed. ¡°However, there are two conditions. One¡ªyou may not harm others. Two¡ªyou may not make a single sound.¡±
The moment the words left his lips, an eerie chill settled over the examinees. A few looked around, uncertain, their expressions flickering between curiosity and apprehension. The air itself seemed to thicken, the weight of the unknown pressing down on them like an invisible force. Then, with a deep, resonant creak, the colossal doors groaned open, revealing a vast, towering space inside. A rush of cool air swept past them, carrying the faint scent of aged parchment and something indefinably arcane. Beyond the threshold, an impossible expanse of knowledge stretched endlessly, its presence beckoning and foreboding all at once.
¡°Your three hours begin now.¡±
Without hesitation, the crowd rushed inside.
The interior of the library was impossibly vast.
Endless bookshelves stretched into the heavens, some floating mid-air, others embedded seamlessly into the marble floors and walls as if they had grown there over centuries. Each shelf pulsed with a faint, golden luminescence, their ancient wooden frames seemingly untouched by time. The books themselves exuded an ethereal glow, some faint and gentle, others burning like miniature suns, as though the very knowledge they contained was too vast for the mortal mind to comprehend. Stairs twisted in unnatural directions, spiraling into the air without visible support, leading to pathways that defied logic¡ªbridges that vanished mid-step only to reappear elsewhere, ladders that extended infinitely into an unknown void. The air thrummed with an ancient energy, thick with the weight of countless forgotten secrets, as if the very knowledge within the books carried a will of its own, whispering to those who dared to reach for them. A faint mist curled through the vast expanse, carrying the scent of parchment and ink mixed with something more elusive¡ªsomething that smelled of destiny itself.
And yet¡ Li Yun felt it before he saw her.
A frail-looking old woman stood near the center, her silver hair neatly tied in a bun, a peaceful smile on her face. She looked like any ordinary librarian.
Then¡ª
DANGER. DANGER. DANGER.
The system¡¯s warning screamed in his mind, an urgent, blaring siren.
Immediate threat detected. Do not engage. Do not approach. Probability of survival¡ª0%.
Li Yun stiffened. What the hell?
As the thought crossed his mind, another boy¡ªfrustrated¡ªlet out an annoyed shout.
In a blur, the old woman vanished and reappeared next to him.
With a sickening snap, she broke his arm.
¡°You broke the rules, dear.¡± Her voice was eerily calm as the boy screamed. ¡°No talking in the library.¡±
She tossed him aside. The doors slammed shut.
Silence.
This really is the most unforgiving exam.
The boy¡¯s screams faded into nothingness as the massive doors of the Heavenly Misty Library slammed shut, sealing them inside. The air grew heavy, thick with tension as all eyes flickered between the discarded examinee writhing in pain and the elderly librarian, who had returned to her place as if nothing had happened.
Li Yun felt his pulse slow, not out of fear but sharpened focus. The system¡¯s alert still echoed in his mind.
Immediate threat detected. Probability of survival¡ª0%.
He knew the system was rarely this dramatic. That meant this old woman wasn¡¯t just a simple librarian.
The lesson was clear¡ªabsolute silence.
He turned his gaze away from the trembling examinees who now dared not breathe too loudly and instead focused on his surroundings. He had a three-hour time limit. That was all the instruction given. But if there was anything Li Yun had learned from past experiences, it was that cryptic trials like this had an unspoken rule: figure it out yourself.
The library was massive, impossibly so. If he hadn¡¯t seen it with his own eyes, he would have thought it was its own separate realm. The vastness of it stretched beyond logic, with staircases that twisted mid-air, floating bookshelves suspended in nothingness, and pathways leading to unseen destinations. Some shelves stood upside-down on the ceiling, while others disappeared into the walls as though they had been swallowed by the building itself. It was a labyrinth of knowledge, an endless ocean of secrets.
Li Yun¡¯s crimson gaze narrowed.
Three hours. No instructions. A silent guardian capable of breaking bones with a flick of her wrist. And a hundred examinees all scrambling for an answer.
His lips curled upward. This is getting interesting.
Without a word, everyone dispersed, moving carefully through the aisles and staircases. Some worked in pairs, exchanging hushed gestures, while others scoured the shelves with quiet desperation.
Li Yun, however, remained still, his mind working through the puzzle. What exactly were they supposed to find?
"Find what you need to pass."
That could mean anything. A book? A manual? A hidden artifact?
Then, an idea struck him.
If there¡¯s something hidden here, wouldn¡¯t the system be able to help me locate it?
He activated the system in his mind, sending a silent inquiry. A few moments later, a response flickered before his eyes.
[Limited Assistance Available.]
Unlocking "Qi-Sensing Eyes" for 5 Star Shards.
A martial art that enhanced his ability to see traces of qi? That sounded exactly like what he needed.
Li Yun didn¡¯t hesitate.
[Purchase Confirmed.]
The moment he accepted, a tidal wave of information flooded his brain. His vision swam, turning blinding white as an unbearable pressure crushed his mind. He staggered, his knees nearly buckling under the weight of the influx. It was different from his previous purchases¡ªthis one was violent, overwhelming, like a river forcing its way into a narrow stream.
His nails dug into his palm as he forced himself to endure. Breathe. Process. Control.
After what felt like an eternity, the pressure snapped away, and when his vision cleared¡ªeverything had changed.
The world around him was no longer the same.
Bookshelves that had once seemed ordinary now pulsed with different hues of energy. Some radiated a soft, dull glow¡ªordinary books, nothing worth noting. Others gleamed a bright blue, containing some traces of qi. But then, scattered among them, were golden radiances¡ªscrolls and manuals bursting with dense, refined energy.
Li Yun¡¯s lips twitched. That¡¯s what I need.
He didn¡¯t waste a second. With swift, silent steps, he moved through the aisles, bypassing shelves filled with mundane texts. His new vision allowed him to navigate with precision, filtering through the noise and narrowing in on the truly valuable tomes.
Then¡ªhe saw it.
Tucked away, hidden within the shadows of a towering shelf, was a single golden scroll. Unlike the others, its radiance was richer, its aura more profound, as if centuries of wisdom had been meticulously etched into every fiber of its parchment. The glow it emitted was not just golden¡ªit shimmered with a shifting iridescence, flickering between deep amber and molten gold, as though the energy within it was alive, pulsing in anticipation of being discovered. Unlike the other manuals that merely sat upon their shelves, this one exuded an undeniable gravitational pull, beckoning the worthy to reach out and claim its secrets.
Li Yun¡¯s instincts screamed at him.
This is the key.
He reached out, his fingers brushing against the aged parchment.
Ding!
[Congratulations, Host! You have discovered the hidden piece required to pass the exam!]
A rush of relief filled him, but he didn¡¯t celebrate yet. Carefully, he unrolled the scroll, scanning its contents. His brow furrowed.
It was¡ a breathing technique?
The instructions were intricate, filled with ancient terminology that didn¡¯t quite match the common cultivation techniques he had studied before. The complexity of it made his head ache, but Li Yun was no stranger to deciphering difficult texts.
Still, this technique was deliberately convoluted.
He frowned. This wasn¡¯t something he could just brute-force. He needed control, precision, understanding.
And then¡ª
¡°System, assist in analyzing the breathing method.¡±
[Understood. Providing real-time guidance.]
A warmth spread through his chest as the system guided him, breaking down the steps into simpler, manageable pieces. Li Yun sat down in the lotus position, shutting out all distractions as he began the technique.
The results were instantaneous.
The moment he followed the correct breathing rhythm, he felt a surge of qi rush into his dantian. It was refined, purer than any he had ever absorbed before. It coiled inside him like a sleeping dragon, dense and untamed, pressing against the walls of his meridians.
A satisfied smirk curled his lips. This technique is powerful.
Time passed. One by one, his former teammates discovered their own golden scrolls. He gave them a subtle nod, gesturing for them to follow suit. As expected, each of them sat down, immersing themselves in the same technique.
And then¡ªthey waited.
Eventually, only 22 examinees had managed to find their way to the entrance, scrolls in hand. The rest? Still lost, searching blindly.
The final five minutes dragged on painfully for those still scrambling. And then, just like that¡ª
The doors groaned open.
The head examiner stepped forward, his gaze sweeping over the remaining examinees. ¡°Before you pass, you must demonstrate what you have learned.¡±
Li Yun stepped forward first. With perfect control, he executed the breathing technique, drawing in the surrounding qi with an elegance that seemed almost effortless. It looked divine, supernatural even.
The examiner¡¯s eyes widened.
¡And in that moment, high above, the sect leader watched with interest.
Chapter 16: Veiled Interests
Li Yun¡¯s performance had once again stunned the examiners. His mastery of the breathing technique was far beyond what any of them had anticipated. The sect leader¡¯s gaze lingered on him for a moment longer than before, though his expression remained unreadable. However, that single glance from the sect leader was enough to set off a silent ripple throughout the elders and even the examinees.
A surge of competitiveness ignited within the remaining candidates. Some clenched their fists, some gritted their teeth, and others immediately began focusing on refining their own techniques, trying desperately to replicate Li Yun¡¯s flawless execution. One by one, the examinees stepped forward, each performing their own version of the technique. While some managed a passable display, none could match Li Yun¡¯s level of refinement.
In the end, all 21 examinees passed¡ªexcept for one. A boy named Xue Yan stood alone, beads of sweat forming on his brow. His hands trembled as he demonstrated the technique. While he had grasped the basics, it was clear he hadn¡¯t fully comprehended it. His qi flow was unstable, his breathing erratic. The head examiner frowned deeply before shaking his head. ¡°Xue Yan, you have failed.¡±
Before Xue Yan could plead his case, a soft sound¡ªlike the rustling of fabric¡ªfilled the air. The librarian appeared behind him in an instant, her hand grasping his shoulder with an iron grip. ¡°Come along now, dear,¡± she said, her voice eerily gentle. ¡°Rules are rules.¡±
Xue Yan¡¯s face turned pale as he struggled, but it was useless. In a blink, the librarian dragged him toward the depths of the library, her figure vanishing into the swirling mists that clung to the entrance. A sharp silence filled the air. No one dared to speak. No one dared to ask what would become of him.
They had all seen worse.
The head examiner cleared his throat, breaking the heavy silence. ¡°Well done, examinees. The second exam is now concluded. You may return to your dorms and rest.¡±
This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.
Hearing this, everyone began descending the mountain, their bodies weary but their minds racing with everything that had transpired. Li Yun, however, remained deep in thought. While the second exam had pushed his mental capabilities to the limit, he couldn¡¯t shake an unease that settled in his gut. Why had the system stated that the second exam was ¡°set¡±? What did that mean? And why was there such a long gap between the second and third exams?
Unbeknownst to him, he had gained the attention of not just the sect leader but another individual as well¡ªan elder whose interest in him had gone far beyond mere curiosity.
High above, unnoticed by both the examiners and her fellow elders, a woman stood upon the air itself, her presence hidden within the drifting clouds. She was known as the Wandering Sky Elder, head of the Shadowmist Peak, a hidden sect within the greater Heavenly Cloud Sect. Her movements were like whispers on the wind, invisible to all but those attuned to her presence. She had been watching Li Yun closely since the beginning of the exam. Something about him called to her, something familiar yet unknown.
She needed him. No, she craved his potential.
As the examinees returned to their quarters, she followed Li Yun, unseen and unheard, her form blending seamlessly into the very fabric of the sky. She observed everything¡ªthe way he moved, the way he carried himself, the subtle shifts in his qi. She followed him from the dorms to the training grounds, from the well to the quiet walkways where he paced in thought. It was an urge she could not resist.
For two days, she remained in the shadows, content with simple observation. But on the third night, her curiosity became unbearable. She took a risk.
Under the cover of darkness, she moved closer¡ªso close that she could feel the rhythmic flow of qi within him as he slept. His body naturally absorbed the energy around him, pulling it inward with an efficiency she had never seen in someone so young. His mere presence stirred the air, as if the heavens themselves recognized him.
She watched, entranced, as his breathing synchronized with the energy of the world itself. It was mesmerizing.
Until his eyes snapped open.
In a fraction of a second, Li Yun moved. His sword was in his hand, its edge resting against the elder¡¯s throat before she could react. His pupils burned with a cold, calculating light as he growled, ¡°Who are you? And what are you doing here?¡±
For the first time in centuries, the Wandering Sky Elder found herself at a loss for words.
Chapter 17: A Claim Of Ownership
Li Yun''s sharp crimson eyes remained locked onto the figure before him, his sword unwavering as its cold edge pressed against the woman''s throat. The dormitory remained deathly silent, the other examinees oblivious to the tension crackling in the air.
"Who are you? And why are you here?" Li Yun''s voice was firm, controlled, but the subtle edge of irritation in his tone revealed his growing impatience.
The woman before him, entirely unfazed by the blade poised to slice through her skin, merely chuckled. Her silver hair shimmered under the faint moonlight filtering through the dorm¡¯s paper windows, and a playful glint danced in her eyes. "I am what the disciples call the Wandering Sky Elder," she said smoothly. "And as for why I am here?" She smiled mischievously. "I¡¯m not quite sure myself. I suppose I found myself interested in you. Like when you find a particularly shiny rock and decide to collect it." She tilted her head, watching his reaction with clear amusement. "I want to collect you."
Li Yun''s grip on his sword tightened slightly. She must be insane if she¡¯s laughing with a blade at her throat.
Before he could decide his next move, the system chimed within his mind:
[Host, if your wish is to kill this individual, I must express caution. Your current strength is insufficient. Attempting combat will result in immediate failure.]
Li Yun sighed internally. He had expected as much. Someone who called themselves an elder of the sect wouldn¡¯t be weak. That much was obvious. Yet, what unsettled him was her demeanor¡ªcompletely unbothered, as if she had already claimed victory before a battle had even begun.
The Wandering Sky Elder, seemingly entertained by his silent deliberation, finally spoke again, her voice carrying a melodic lilt that made her words feel oddly hypnotic. "I¡¯d like to introduce myself properly. My name is Xui Peng, the Wandering Sky Elder of the Heavenly Cloud Sect." She gestured vaguely toward the sleeping disciples around them, her expression unreadable yet filled with an almost playful amusement. "And as far as I can see, your friends are still sound asleep. Let¡¯s take this conversation elsewhere, shall we?"
She took a slow step forward, the air around her shimmering faintly as if bending to her presence. The pressure of her aura was subtle yet undeniable, wrapping around Li Yun like a tightening vice. "You intrigue me, Li Yun," she continued, her silver eyes gleaming like stars behind misty clouds. "Not just because of your strength, but because you are different. I can feel it. There is something about you that even the heavens have taken notice of."
A sly smile played at the edges of her lips, her presence both alluring and unsettling. "Come now, don¡¯t look so wary," she purred. "I mean no harm. If I did, you would already know. But I do insist we take this elsewhere¡ªsomewhere we can talk without interruption."
Before Li Yun could react, the space around them twisted violently, the air distorting as if reality itself was unraveling. A luminous formation burst to life beneath his feet, intricate symbols etched into the ground pulsing with an ethereal blue radiance. The ancient script, indecipherable yet strangely mesmerizing, shifted and rearranged itself like a living entity, glowing with an intensity that sent flickering patterns across the walls. Crackling arcs of energy slithered through the air, distorting gravity, making his body feel both weightless and unbearably heavy at the same time. His stomach lurched violently as the world around him fragmented into swirling light and shadow. The overwhelming sensation of being pulled through space clenched his gut like an iron vice, and in the blink of an eye, the dormitory dissolved into nothingness.
When the world steadied again, Li Yun found himself standing on a mountain peak shrouded in pink-hued cherry blossoms. The petals drifted through the air, carried by a soft, fragrant breeze. The sight was breathtaking, but Li Yun was in no mood to appreciate it.
His stomach churned. He swallowed hard, fighting the bile rising in his throat.
Xui Peng giggled at his discomfort. "Long-distance teleportation takes some getting used to," she mused. "But welcome to my peak. Consider this your unofficial introduction to the Shadowmist Peak."
If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.
Li Yun took a deep breath, forcing down his nausea before responding. "Thank you for the welcome, Elder, but don¡¯t get the wrong idea¡ªI have no intention of joining your peak."
A strange, almost hurt expression flickered across Xui Peng¡¯s face, quickly replaced by something more unreadable. She took a step closer to him, then another, each footfall echoing like a phantom drumbeat in the quiet air. With every measured step, her aura surged, an invisible force crashing down on Li Yun like a celestial tide. The very space around them seemed to ripple, bending under the sheer weight of her presence. It was as if the world itself acknowledged her authority, the gravity shifting, thickening, forcing him to bear an unbearable burden. His breath hitched as his muscles screamed in defiance, straining as if he were supporting the weight of a collapsing mountain. Yet, through sheer willpower alone, he forced himself to remain upright, even as beads of sweat traced slow, burning paths down his spine.
Still, he refused to kneel.
Then her voice changed.
"You¡¯re mine¡ mine¡ mine¡ mine¡ forever¡" Her voice was a breathless whisper, each word dripping with unshakable certainty. Her silver eyes glowed with an eerie obsession, unwavering, unblinking, as if engraving his very existence into her soul. It was not just a declaration¡ªit was a verdict, an unchangeable truth in her mind. The intensity of her presence bore down on Li Yun like a celestial force, suffocating yet intoxicating, her very aura weaving around him like invisible chains tightening with every beat of his heart.
Her soft, almost possessed whispers sent a shiver down Li Yun¡¯s spine. Her piercing gaze bore into him with an unnatural fervor, as if she were etching his existence into her soul. He had no doubt that, in her mind, she had already claimed him.
Li Yun exhaled sharply, refusing to waver. "I never said I wouldn¡¯t consider joining your peak," he admitted, his voice steady. "But for now, I won¡¯t join any peak. No one¡¯s peak. Understood?"
For a moment, silence stretched between them, thick with tension, as though the very air held its breath, awaiting the next move. Then, like a switch had been flipped, Xui Peng¡¯s eerie intensity vanished. The gleam in her eyes softened into something more playful, and she let out a lighthearted laugh, clapping her hands together with almost childlike delight.
"A wise choice, young one," she mused, her voice carrying a mixture of amusement and satisfaction. "After all, the sect leader has his eyes on you. That alone makes you quite the prized existence." Her lips curled into a teasing smirk, but there was something beneath her words¡ªsomething deeper, a possessiveness that hadn¡¯t entirely faded. "I suppose I shouldn¡¯t be too greedy... just yet."
She tilted her head, gazing at Li Yun with the faintest trace of intrigue, as if mapping out his future before her very eyes. "But be warned, Li Yun. The stronger you become, the more people will want to claim you. And not all of them will ask first."
Li Yun clenched his jaw. The mention of the sect leader¡¯s attention made his stomach twist uncomfortably. It was one thing to gain recognition¡ªit was another to be a target.
"Now then," he said, forcing himself to refocus. "How do we get back? Where the hell even are we?"
Xui Peng giggled again, her silver hair swaying as she tilted her head, a glimmer of amusement dancing in her eyes. "Simply teleport again, my dear. It''s quite simple once you get used to it."
She raised a delicate hand, her fingers tracing intricate patterns in the air, leaving behind shimmering trails of azure light. As she moved, the symbols interlocked like puzzle pieces, forming a luminous array that pulsed with an unseen power. The swirling energy coalesced into an ethereal gateway, its edges flickering like a mirage against the backdrop of the mountaintop.
The air around them vibrated with an otherworldly hum, the pressure making Li Yun''s skin tingle. The very fabric of space seemed to tremble as the formation solidified, casting eerie shadows against the cherry blossoms swaying in the wind. Xui Peng''s gaze lingered on him, playful yet knowing, as if she were revelling in his unease.
"Step through," she murmured, her voice velvety smooth. "Let''s see if you handle it better this time."
Before Li Yun could protest, she snapped her fingers. The space around him warped once more, and he barely had time to curse before the nauseating sensation of teleportation overtook him.
Li Yun reappeared in his dormitory, collapsing onto his bed with a groan. His stomach twisted violently, and within seconds, he bolted to the washroom, vomiting into the basin. The sensation of being yanked through space was far worse the second time around, and he made a mental note to never, ever get used to it.
As he rinsed his mouth and wiped his face, he scowled at his reflection. That woman is dangerous.
He had no time to dwell on it, though. The sky outside was already tinged with the golden hues of dawn. The final exam was approaching.
Still feeling the lingering effects of nausea, Li Yun staggered back to his bed, exhaling slowly. He needed rest. He needed to be prepared.
Because whatever the final exam was, he had a feeling it would be far more difficult than anything he had faced before.
Chapter 18: The Final Exam
The next morning, Li Yun woke to the sound of two burly guards pounding on the dormitory door, their voices raised in urgent shouts. Bleary-eyed and still groggy, he stumbled from his bed. The guards barked out orders, and after a hasty check of his examinee plaque, they rounded up the remaining candidates once more.
"Get up, examinees! It''s time!" one guard roared, his tone both impatient and commanding. "Don''t let anyone linger¡ªif you¡¯re late, you¡¯re finished!"
Li Yun rubbed his eyes, still disoriented, as the guards herded everyone out. The group, a sea of groggy faces and reluctant energy, began a long descent from the dormitory. Amid murmurs of confusion, many questioned why they were being led back up the mountain instead of to a different venue. Li Yun himself furrowed his brow at the strange order, but the urgency in the guards'' voices left him no time for further inquiry.
Soon, the examinees found themselves ascending a grand set of ancient stone stairs that led high up the mountain. The stairs were lined with weathered carvings and flanked by clusters of ancient trees. The higher they climbed, the thinner the air became; several candidates paused to catch their breath, their lungs working hard to draw in the cool, crisp atmosphere. Still, the climb continued, slow and deliberate, as the guards urged them on with gruff commands.
At long last, they arrived at a massive coliseum built into the mountainside. The sheer scale of the structure was overwhelming: towering stone walls, engraved with the history of countless disciples, and a vast, open square filled with the roaring cheers of an assembled crowd. The sound was deafening¡ªa relentless, boisterous celebration that swirled around them like a tidal wave. Thousands of voices rose in unison, their cheers and shouts echoing off the ancient stone, nearly distracting the examinees from the task at hand.
Despite the cacophony, Li Yun¡¯s mind was focused. He could feel the power and weight of the moment, and for the first time, a deep sense of respect stirred within him for the head examiner. When the examiner stepped onto the central platform, a single, mighty gesture silenced the entire coliseum in an instant. In that breathtaking moment, as the crowd fell to a hush, Li Yun experienced a new perspective¡ªan almost reverent respect for the power and simplicity of that act.
The head examiner¡¯s booming voice filled the square. ¡°Welcome, final examinees, to your Third and Final Exam for the 2nd Class Outer Disciple Rank!¡± he announced, his tone full of authority and purpose. ¡°Today, we gather under the watchful eyes of the sect leader and his elders to demonstrate your strength. I now introduce you to the Heavenly Cloud Instructors Division¡ªthe elite who train every disciple. For this exam, each of you will individually choose one instructor to face in battle. This contest is scored on a point system: one point for blocking an attack, two points for a single hit, and four points for a critical strike. You must score a minimum of five points to be admitted as a Rank 2 Outer Disciple.¡±
The examiner paused, letting his words sink in as the roar of the crowd shifted to a nervous murmur. ¡°I wish you all the best of luck!¡± he concluded, his voice echoing powerfully across the square.
As the instructors formed an orderly line along the sides of the square, the atmosphere crackled with both anticipation and anxiety. Jiu Tang leaned in toward Li Yun, his voice low and trembling with nervousness. ¡°I¡¯m really worried about these instructors,¡± he confided. ¡°They¡¯re known to be incredibly strong¡ªwhat if you can¡¯t handle them?¡±
Li Yun merely watched the instructors intently, his eyes narrowing as he studied each one. His mind raced through possibilities, analyzing every movement and posture to decide which one was the strongest. Finally, with a voice that carried both defiance and certainty, he spoke loudly, ¡°I want the instructor who stands second to last¡ªthe big muscle woman.¡± His declaration resonated across the square, and a collective sigh of relief swept through the group; none of his peers wanted to face her, for she was rumored to be unmatched in strength.
Within moments, as the other examinees began selecting their opponents, the matches commenced. One by one, each individual examinee dueled their chosen instructors. In the first set of matches, eight of the less experienced examinees fell short¡ªtheir techniques faltering, their scores barely reaching the minimum threshold. Seven, however, managed to secure a passing score with mostly five points, though some even managed six points. Their brief battles were hard-fought, with some blood drawn here and there, but nothing out of the ordinary for such a trial.
After the matches of the aforementioned disciples concluded, the main group¡ªcomprising Li Yun, Jiu Tang, Xu Shuang, Fang Zhen, Bai Meixian, and Lin Ya¡ªprepared to enter their matches. The atmosphere grew thick with intensity as each of them demonstrated their skills in controlled duels that varied in length. Their fights were longer and more intricate, the techniques employed showcasing years of practice and innate talent. Each clash of sword and palm, each block and counter, was a testament to their determination. Yet, when it came time for the final bout, the tension in the square reached its peak.
All eyes turned to Li Yun as he strode forward. With a deep, resounding shout that echoed throughout the coliseum, he declared, ¡°I choose her¡ªthe big muscle woman!¡± His voice carried across the square, a bold challenge that left even the sect leader momentarily stunned.
A new system notification immediately pulsed in Li Yun¡¯s mind: [New Objective: Land three consecutive critical hits on the instructor. Reward: Full Bloodline Awakening.]
Li Yun felt a surge of determination. He knew exactly what he had to do. With a confident stride, he approached the designated instructor¡ªa formidable woman known for her incredible strength and mastery over palm techniques...
Her stance was firm, her towering frame exuding an overwhelming sense of dominance. Muscles rippled beneath her robe, and her arms, covered in faint scars, bore the marks of countless battles. A smirk played at her lips as she eyed Li Yun, a hint of amusement flickering in her expression.
¡°You¡¯ve got guts, kid,¡± she said, cracking her knuckles. The sound echoed through the coliseum like the snapping of tree branches. ¡°I¡¯ll give you one chance. Walk away now, and I won¡¯t break you.¡±
Li Yun merely smiled, his crimson eyes gleaming with confidence. ¡°I don¡¯t need a chance,¡± he replied coolly. ¡°But I¡¯ll give you one instead¡ªtry not to hold back, or you might regret it.¡±
The crowd erupted in whispers, surprised by his arrogance. Even the sect leader¡¯s gaze lingered on Li Yun with mild interest.
The head examiner raised his hand. ¡°Begin!¡±
The instructor wasted no time. She lunged forward with explosive speed, her palm glowing with condensed qi. The force of her strike tore through the air, creating a deafening shockwave as it hurtled toward Li Yun¡¯s chest.
Li Yun barely managed to sidestep, the sheer force of the attack rustling his robes and sending a gust of wind past his face. He felt the heat radiating from her palm¡ªit was no ordinary strike. One direct hit, and he might be finished.
His grip tightened around his swords. Without hesitation, he activated Shadow Steps, his movement art, vanishing from sight in a blur of speed. Reappearing behind her, he slashed at her exposed side.
Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
Clang!
Her arm shot up, blocking the attack with nothing but her forearm. The impact sent vibrations up Li Yun¡¯s arms, his hands briefly going numb.
She grinned. ¡°You¡¯re quick. But not quick enough.¡±
Before he could react, her other hand came swinging like a hammer. Li Yun barely managed to duck, feeling the force of the strike pass over his head. Dust and debris kicked up from the sheer force of her missed attack, sending small pebbles scattering across the arena floor.
Li Yun¡¯s mind raced. She¡¯s too strong for direct attacks. I need to be precise.
He activated Dragon¡¯s Fear, his newly acquired ability, letting his qi radiate with a suffocating intensity. A heavy pressure spread across the battlefield, weighing down on the instructor.
Her expression faltered for a split second¡ªjust enough time for Li Yun to move.
He surged forward, his crescent mark glowing faintly as his swords flickered in rapid succession. His attacks weren¡¯t meant to overpower her but to force her into a predictable pattern of defense.
Slash. Block. Slash. Block.
Her movements became more rigid, more focused on negating his offense rather than attacking.
Then he saw it¡ªa tiny opening.
With Shadow Steps, he vanished again, appearing at her unguarded side. His blade flickered like a phantom, striking directly at her ribs¡ªfirst critical hit!
She grunted, staggering backward. But Li Yun didn¡¯t let up.
Before she could recover, his second blade struck her knee joint with surgical precision¡ªsecond critical hit!
The instructor¡¯s leg buckled, her balance momentarily lost. Her eyes widened in shock¡ªno examinee had ever pushed her this far before.
Li Yun didn¡¯t hesitate. Using Shadow Steps one last time, he appeared above her, both swords raised high. His crescent mark flared brightly as he struck down, his blade carving a thin yet deep gash across her shoulder¡ªthird consecutive critical hit!
The arena fell silent.
The instructor staggered, her breathing heavy, sweat dripping down her forehead. Blood dripped from her shoulder onto the stone floor.
For the first time in years, she had been defeated in a public match.
The sect leader leaned forward, his gaze sharpening. ¡°Interesting...¡± he muttered.
Then, a chime echoed in Li Yun¡¯s head.
[Quest Complete: Land three consecutive critical hits on the instructor.]
[Reward: Full Bloodline Awakening.]
Li Yun¡¯s vision blurred. A surge of raw power erupted from within him, his qi twisting violently. The air around him distorted as his body trembled, undergoing a transformation far beyond his comprehension.
His eyes darkened to a deep, abyssal purple. His aura fluctuated wildly, switching between murderous bloodlust and the overwhelming presence of a dragon. The very ground beneath him cracked from the sheer force of his presence.
Then, the impossible happened.
Two massive wings sprouted from his back. But they weren¡¯t ordinary wings. One was a swirling mass of pure yin, dark and consuming like an eternal void. The other radiated yang, bright yet ominous, exuding the essence of life and destruction in equal measure.
The crowd gasped in horror and awe. Even the sect leader stood from his seat, his face betraying genuine surprise.
The instructor¡ªthe mighty woman who had never bowed to any mere student¡ªstumbled backward in sheer terror. Her once-confident smirk had vanished, replaced by an expression of absolute fear.
She let out a choked gasp. ¡°W-What are you...?¡±
Li Yun¡¯s consciousness wavered. His body moved on instinct, driven by an overwhelming hunger for dominance. His wings spread wide, casting a monstrous shadow over the coliseum.
Then¡ªhe lunged.
The instructor barely had time to react. She raised her arms in a desperate defense, but it was too late.
Li Yun¡¯s blade sliced through the air, aiming for her throat.
Boom!
A massive force slammed into Li Yun¡¯s body, sending him flying backward.
He crashed into the ground, a deep crater forming beneath him. Dust and debris filled the air.
A figure stood before him, his presence alone suppressing the chaotic energy that had overtaken the arena.
It was the sect leader.
His palm was still outstretched, having been the one to intercept Li Yun¡¯s final attack. But even he looked slightly shaken, his sleeves fluttering from the lingering force of his counter.
Li Yun tried to stand, but his limbs refused to move. His vision blurred, his strength draining rapidly. A wave of exhaustion crashed over him as his body collapsed.
The last thing he heard was the sect leader¡¯s deep, commanding voice.
¡°Take him. Now.¡±
Darkness swallowed him whole.
Li Yun¡¯s mind drifted in darkness, weightless, caught between the realm of consciousness and oblivion.
Faint murmurs echoed around him, muffled voices that sounded both distant and near. His body ached¡ªnot the dull pain of overexertion but the deep, consuming fatigue of something far greater.
His bloodline.
The awakening had taken a toll beyond his expectations. Even now, he could feel the remnants of that overwhelming energy coursing through his veins, unstable and unrefined.
Then, a presence¡ªpowerful, vast, and ancient¡ªcalled out to him from the depths of his mind.
You are not yet ready...
The voice rumbled like a storm, shaking the very foundation of his consciousness.
Before he could react, a wave of pure force dragged him deeper into the abyss.
Li Yun shot upright, gasping for air.
His surroundings were different. Gone was the grand coliseum, the roaring crowds, the blood-stained battlefield.
Instead, he found himself inside a lavish chamber, bathed in soft golden light. The walls were carved from shimmering jade, and intricate celestial runes lined the pillars that supported the ceiling. A gentle breeze carried the scent of incense, calming yet strangely suffocating.
A massive open balcony lay ahead, revealing a breath-taking view of the sect¡¯s highest peak, shrouded in mist and perched above the clouds.
He was in the sect leader¡¯s personal abode.
Realization struck him like a hammer. How did he get here?
The last thing he remembered was... unleashing his bloodline. The power. The fear in his instructor¡¯s eyes. The sect leader intervening.
He touched his back instinctively¡ªno wings. They had vanished. But he could still feel the lingering sensation, as if they were merely hidden beneath his skin, waiting to emerge again.
What the hell happened to me?
Before he could process further, a deep voice resonated through the chamber.
¡°So, you¡¯re finally awake.¡±
Li Yun turned his head sharply.
Seated across from him, behind a low wooden table, was a man draped in flowing silver robes. His presence alone seemed to command the very air around him. A single glance was enough to tell¡ªthis was no ordinary cultivator.
It was the sect leader.
He observed Li Yun with an unreadable expression, his piercing gaze carrying the weight of centuries. In his hand was a porcelain teacup, untouched, yet the steam still swirled in mesmerizing patterns, manipulated by his faint qi.
Li Yun swallowed. For the first time in a long time, he felt... small.
This wasn¡¯t some instructor or elder. This was the highest authority in the Heavenly Cloud Sect¡ªthe strongest cultivator in the entire sect, second only to the true titans of the cultivation world.
And he was staring directly at Li Yun.
A tense silence stretched between them before the sect leader finally spoke again.
¡°You are reckless,¡± he said, his tone measured yet sharp. ¡°Do you have any idea what you did in that arena?¡±
Li Yun didn¡¯t answer immediately. Instead, he exhaled slowly, trying to keep his composure. ¡°I passed the exam,¡± he replied coolly.
A flicker of amusement passed through the sect leader¡¯s eyes. ¡°That, you did,¡± he admitted. ¡°But you also nearly killed your instructor, defied an elder¡¯s intervention, and unleashed a power that even I had to personally suppress.¡±
Li Yun tensed. So it wasn¡¯t a dream.
The power he had awakened¡ªit was real. Too real.
¡°What exactly did I awaken?¡± he finally asked, voice low.
The sect leader studied him for a long moment before setting his cup down. He leaned forward slightly, his expression serious. ¡°A question even you don¡¯t have an answer to?¡±
Li Yun didn¡¯t respond.
The sect leader exhaled through his nose. ¡°Then listen well, Li Yun,¡± he said. ¡°Because what I¡¯m about to tell you will determine whether you live to see your full potential... or crumble under the weight of your own power.¡±
''''And I suggest you choose wisely young one.''''
''''Otherwise you''ll deeply regret your actions as you lay on the ground dying and bleeding wishing you took my advice...''''
Chapter 19: The Sect Leader鈥檚 Inquiry
The air was thick with incense, the fragrance curling in delicate wisps through the chamber. Li Yun sat on the polished wooden floor, his legs folded beneath him, though every muscle in his body screamed with exhaustion. Across from him, the sect leader sat with perfect composure, his silver robes draped neatly around him, his presence commanding yet unreadable.
The silence stretched between them, broken only by the faint crackle of the lanterns.
Li Yun shifted slightly, his throat dry. He had faced life-or-death moments, endured trials that pushed him to his limits, but something about the waiting¡ªthe weight of the sect leader¡¯s gaze, the unspoken judgment¡ªfelt just as suffocating.
Finally, the sect leader exhaled, setting his teacup down with deliberate slowness.
¡°Li Yun,¡± he said, his voice measured. ¡°What do you know of your own bloodline?¡±
Li Yun tensed. So that¡¯s where we¡¯re starting.
He met the sect leader¡¯s gaze. ¡°Not much,¡± he admitted.
The sect leader hummed, tapping a single finger against the table, the rhythmic sound filling the quiet space between them. "Honest. Good." His voice was measured, but his gaze remained unrelenting, studying every flicker of expression on Li Yun¡¯s face. He let the silence stretch, as if weighing something unspoken. Finally, he continued, his tone slightly lower, more contemplative. "Then tell me, in precise detail, what you felt in that moment. Not just the power¡ªbut everything. The first sensation, the shift in your mind, the way it coursed through your veins." He leaned forward ever so slightly. "Do not leave anything out."
Li Yun hesitated. In that moment¡
He swallowed. ¡°It was¡ overwhelming.¡± He clenched his hands into fists, his nails pressing into his palms. ¡°It didn¡¯t feel like something I was calling forth. It was like something inside me woke up, and it wasn¡¯t asking for permission.¡±
The sect leader studied him, his eyes dark and contemplative. ¡°And did you fight it?¡±
Li Yun hesitated. The answer should have been yes. That was the correct answer. But in truth¡
¡°I didn¡¯t want to,¡± he said quietly.
The sect leader¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change, but something flickered in his gaze.
Li Yun exhaled, forcing himself to continue. ¡°It wasn¡¯t just power¡ªit was right. Like I was supposed to have it all along, and only now was I remembering.¡± He swallowed. ¡°And it didn¡¯t want to stop.¡±
The sect leader lifted his cup once more, taking a slow sip before speaking again.
¡°That,¡± he murmured, ¡°is dangerous.¡±
Li Yun felt a chill creep down his spine.
The sect leader set the cup down again. ¡°You have awakened something old, something that predates even my knowledge.¡± His gaze sharpened. ¡°That alone is cause for concern.¡±
Li Yun frowned. ¡°You don¡¯t recognize it?¡±
¡°I recognize the pieces of it,¡± the sect leader admitted. ¡°A dual-aspect bloodline¡ªyin and yang, light and dark, creation and destruction. It should not exist in a single being. Such forces do not simply coexist.¡± He studied Li Yun carefully. ¡°And yet, they have chosen you.¡±
Li Yun inhaled slowly. ¡°Then¡ what does that mean?¡±
The sect leader leaned back slightly, his robes shifting as he regarded Li Yun with an unreadable expression. ¡°That is the question, isn¡¯t it?¡±
Another pause. Then¡ª
¡°You did not travel here with knowledge of cultivation, did you?¡±
Li Yun stiffened. ¡°¡No.¡±
The sect leader hummed. ¡°Then tell me, Li Yun. If you were to describe the feeling of your qi, of your bloodline¡ªwhat words would you use?¡±
Li Yun thought for a long moment, choosing his words carefully.
¡°¡Restless.¡± He hesitated. ¡°Like it¡¯s searching for something.¡±
The sect leader¡¯s gaze flickered. ¡°Searching?¡±
Li Yun nodded. ¡°It doesn¡¯t feel like something fully formed. It¡¯s not just power¡ªit¡¯s incomplete. Like a puzzle with missing pieces.¡±
Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.
The sect leader exhaled through his nose, fingers tapping rhythmically against the wooden table. ¡°That aligns with my suspicions.¡±
Li Yun¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°What suspicions?¡±
The sect leader¡¯s expression darkened.
¡°There are only two possibilities,¡± he said quietly. ¡°Either you are the first of your kind¡ or you are the last.¡±
Li Yun¡¯s breath caught in his throat.
The sect leader continued. ¡°A bloodline like yours would not remain unnoticed. If records of it do not exist, then that means they were erased¡ªor lost. That alone is troubling. But more than that¡¡± His gaze bore into Li Yun¡¯s. ¡°A force like yours does not remain dormant without cause. Something kept it sealed until now. And something forced it awake.¡±
A shiver ran down Li Yun¡¯s spine.
¡°Do you think¡¡± His voice was quieter now, barely above a whisper. He swallowed, his throat dry. ¡°Do you think something is still watching?¡±
A chill crawled down his spine as he said it aloud. The words felt heavy, like they carried weight beyond just a passing fear. He forced himself to meet the sect leader¡¯s eyes, but there was no comfort in them¡ªonly quiet calculation, an unreadable depth that made his unease fester.
Li Yun¡¯s fingers curled against his knee, nails digging into fabric. ¡°Because¡ I do.¡± His breath was uneven now, the words escaping before he could stop them. ¡°Not always. Not every second. But sometimes¡ªit¡¯s like I can feel it. Something just outside my reach. Like it¡¯s waiting for something. For me.¡±
The sect leader remained silent, his expression unreadable. Li Yun exhaled shakily, forcing a strained chuckle. ¡°Tell me I¡¯m wrong,¡± he muttered. ¡°Tell me it¡¯s just in my head.¡±
The sect leader was silent for a long time. Then, he spoke, his voice slow and deliberate.
¡°¡Have you felt that it is?¡±
Li Yun¡¯s throat tightened.
Because he had.
That presence¡ªjust beneath his skin, lurking in the corners of his mind. Not hostile, not kind. Just¡ there.
Watching.
Waiting.
¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Li Yun said finally.
The sect leader watched him for a moment longer, then exhaled. ¡°You are not ready for those answers yet.¡±
Li Yun scowled. ¡°Then what am I supposed to do?¡±
¡°For now?¡± The sect leader lifted his cup again. ¡°You remain here.¡±
Li Yun stiffened. ¡°You¡¯re keeping me in the sect?¡±
¡°I am ensuring that you do not destroy yourself.¡± His voice was calm but firm. ¡°You have barely begun to understand what you hold. If you leave now, if your bloodline fully awakens without control¡¡± He set the cup down, meeting Li Yun¡¯s gaze. ¡°You will not survive it.¡±
Li Yun gritted his teeth. ¡°So I¡¯m just supposed to sit here and wait?¡±
The sect leader chuckled softly, his gaze steady. "Cultivation is not about **waiting.** It is about **understanding.**" He leaned back slightly, his fingers tapping against the table in a slow, deliberate rhythm. "Many mistake patience for stagnation, but they are not the same. A fool waits for power to come to him. A cultivator seeks to **understand** the power that is already there¡ªwaiting within him, waiting to be grasped, controlled, and shaped." He studied Li Yun carefully. "Tell me, do you understand the difference?"
Li Yun exhaled sharply, tension coiling in his chest. He hated this¡ªthis feeling of being caged, of being at the mercy of something he couldn¡¯t yet grasp.
¡°¡And what happens if I can¡¯t control it?¡±
The sect leader¡¯s gaze darkened.
¡°Then,¡± he said softly, ¡°the world will decide your fate for you.¡±
Silence.
Li Yun clenched his fists beneath the table. His entire life, he had been at the mercy of forces beyond his control. But this¡ªthis was different.
This was his.
And he would not let it consume him.
The sect leader poured another cup of tea.
And without hesitation with one sip of his tea he began talking again, but in a more serious than ever tone.
The sect leader studied him for a long moment before speaking again.
¡°You wish to understand your power,¡± he said slowly. ¡°But power like yours cannot be cultivated in just any place. It requires a foundation that can withstand its presence, a space that will not crumble under its weight.¡±
Li Yun remained silent, sensing the weight behind the sect leader¡¯s words.
The sect leader exhaled, his gaze steady. ¡°As the leader of this sect, I hold the authority to grant land¡ªto choose those worthy of their own domain. It is not a privilege I have exercised in centuries.¡± His lips curled slightly. ¡°And yet, for the first time in all those years, I find myself doing so now.¡±
He lifted his sleeve, making a slight gesture. ¡°From this moment forward, you will have your own peak. A place solely for your cultivation, your growth.¡± His gaze darkened. ¡°Be grateful, Li Yun. This is a privilege few have ever received.¡±
Li Yun barely reacted. His own peak. He already knew this was coming¡ªthe quest reward had promised it¡ªbut hearing it spoken aloud, seeing the sect leader personally bestow it upon him, made it feel more¡ real.
His own land. His own solitude.
A place of his own, in a world where he still felt like a stranger.
It was more than a reward. It was a foothold¡ªhis first step toward something greater.
¡°I will leave the name to you,¡± the sect leader continued. ¡°The land will be yours to shape as you see fit. You may cultivate in isolation, train without restraint, and grow without fear of disrupting others.¡± He gave Li Yun a pointed look. ¡°Do not waste this.¡±
Li Yun nodded, his expression unreadable. As if I would.
The sect leader then sighed, a faint trace of amusement flickering in his gaze. ¡°Of course, I cannot allow a mere Rank 2 Outer Disciple to hold a peak of his own.¡±
Li Yun blinked.
¡°It is unfortunate,¡± the sect leader continued, ¡°but I will have to elevate your status.¡±
He leaned forward slightly. ¡°From this moment forward, you will no longer be an Outer Disciple. Your rank will be Special Disciple.¡±
Li Yun frowned. ¡°Special Disciple?¡±
The sect leader¡¯s voice was calm. ¡°A position given only to those who require the direct oversight of the elders¡ªand myself.¡± He tilted his head. ¡°You have proven yourself an anomaly, one that cannot be left to their own devices. This is both a privilege¡ and a responsibility.¡±
Li Yun exhaled slowly. So, in other words¡ªhe was too dangerous to be left unsupervised.
He didn¡¯t argue.
The sect leader leaned back. ¡°With this, you will have access to more resources, greater teachings, and, of course, my guidance when necessary.¡± He closed his eyes briefly. ¡°You may find it stifling, but understand this¡ªshould you lose control, I will be there to act.¡±
Li Yun understood the unspoken warning. He merely nodded.
The sect leader studied him for another long moment, then finally¡ª
¡°Rest,¡± he said simply. ¡°We will begin tomorrow.¡±
Chapter 20: Peak Of Isolation
The crisp mountain air was thin, almost biting, yet it carried with it an undeniable stillness. Li Yun followed behind the sect leader in silence, his gaze fixed on the path winding ever higher. The sect leader had said little since they departed, but his posture was relaxed, as if this was no more than a casual errand. Li Yun knew better.
His new peak was unlike anything he had expected.
As they ascended the final stretch, the scenery unfolded before him¡ªa peak higher than the sect leader¡¯s own, yet hidden behind it, shielded from view. The spatial distortions surrounding it made it seem almost unreal, a place untouched by the sect¡¯s presence.
"This peak has remained unclaimed for centuries," the sect leader finally spoke, his voice carrying through the wind, laced with something indecipherable. "For good reason. Few can handle its isolation, and fewer still have been worthy of it." He cast a long glance over the landscape before fixing his piercing gaze on Li Yun. "I chose this place because it exists beyond the perception of the sect, hidden in the folds of space itself. Here, you are free to cultivate without fear of harming others, but you will also be beyond their reach. Even if you lose control, no ruin will befall those below¡ªonly yourself."
Li Yun shivered, though not from the cold. There was something unsettling in the sect leader¡¯s tone, an implication that went unspoken. This wasn¡¯t just a place of solitude¡ªit was a place where the forgotten could remain forgotten. The peak itself felt eerily detached from the world, the silence so thick it was almost oppressive. "So, it¡¯s a cage," he muttered, though he already suspected the answer.
The sect leader let out a quiet chuckle, the sound devoid of humor. "A prison for some. A sanctuary for others. Which it will be for you depends entirely on your own strength."
Li Yun exhaled slowly. "So it¡¯s a cage."
The sect leader chuckled. "Call it what you will. I see it as a safeguard. Whether it keeps you in or protects others from you¡ that depends on your control."
As they reached the summit, Li Yun¡¯s eyes fell upon the wooden house nestled against the mountainside. It was simple, unassuming, yet something about it felt¡ sturdy. More than just its construction, there was an energy woven into its very foundation.
"Spirit-infused wood," the sect leader explained, noting Li Yun¡¯s stare. "It will not rot, nor will it yield to storms. This home will remain standing long after you¡¯ve left your mark on this world."
"Comforting," Li Yun muttered, though he wasn¡¯t sure if he meant it.
"A home is only as comforting as the person who resides within it," the sect leader said. "And you, Li Yun, are not yet at peace with yourself."
Li Yun said nothing.
The sect leader motioned towards the forest beyond the house. "This peak, though small in appearance, holds a spatial formation within. What you see is merely the surface. Beyond, a vast woodland exists, teeming with life¡ªboth natural and otherwise."
"Demonic beasts?" Li Yun asked, already knowing the answer.
"Correct. Some are weak, no stronger than an outer disciple could handle. Others¡" The sect leader¡¯s gaze darkened, his voice dropping to something more solemn. "Are remnants of something far older. Beasts twisted by time, by forgotten energies that seep through the very fabric of this place. Creatures that should not exist, yet persist. Their instincts honed by centuries of survival, their malice undiluted by the passage of time."
Li Yun felt a strange chill creep up his spine. "Then¡ staying away from them should be enough, right?"
The sect leader let out a quiet sigh. "If only it were that simple. You must understand, isolation does not guarantee safety. The deeper you tread into these lands, the less you will find the laws of nature to be reliable. Some of these beasts do not hunt for hunger, nor do they obey mortal reasoning. They are drawn to power, to fluctuations in qi. Some lie in wait for those who dare to challenge the unknown, while others¡" His voice lowered further. "Simply wish for something to destroy."
Li Yun''s fingers clenched slightly. He had encountered danger before, but this¡ªthis was different. "Have many disciples faced them?"
"Few have ever come here. And fewer still have left." The sect leader¡¯s expression remained impassive, yet his words carried a weight that made Li Yun uneasy. "Mark my words, Li Yun. You are alone here¡ªbut never truly alone. Even in silence, something watches. Something waits. Never forget that."
Li Yun glanced at the tree line. A large part of him wanted to scoff at the warning, but he held his tongue. He had seen too much in too little time to underestimate anything now.
Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.
The sect leader turned back to him and handed over several small bags, each one considerably heavy.
"These are grain pills. Five bags, twenty kilograms each. Proper cultivation will stretch this supply for five years. Waste them, and you will learn hunger the hard way."
Li Yun took the bags, slinging them over his shoulder. "Understood."
The sect leader then handed him a single, unmarked manual. "This is for your cultivation. It is not something given lightly. This technique will help you control the rampant qi within your dantian. Without it, your path ends before it even begins."
Li Yun took the manual carefully, thumbing through the pages. Each stroke of ink carried profound meaning, a structured path laid bare for him.
The moment his fingers brushed over the cover, a familiar voice echoed in his mind.
[System Notification: A top-tier cultivation manual has been obtained. Probability of success in taming unstable qi: 27%.]
Li Yun''s eye twitched. Only 27%?
[System Analysis: Additional techniques required. Current foundation lacking. Estimated probability of failure leading to potential implosion: 73%.]
His fingers tightened around the manual. So it¡¯s a gamble.
[Correction: It¡¯s your gamble.]
He let out a slow breath. "You couldn¡¯t have led with that information?"
[You didn¡¯t ask.]
Li Yun resisted the urge to rub his temples. The sect leader gave him an unreadable look but said nothing, instead walking towards the edge of the peak where a waterfall cascaded down into the unseen depths below.
"Down this path," the sect leader gestured, "past the large tree, you will find a spatial array. It will take you back to the base of the disciples¡¯ area should you choose to leave. However¡" He paused, his gaze lingering on Li Yun, his expression unreadable. "I suspect you will find little reason to return. And even if you do, it would not be the reunion you imagine."
Li Yun stiffened slightly. "What do you mean?"
The sect leader¡¯s voice lowered, carrying the weight of unspoken truths. "Your presence there, as you are now, is dangerous. Not because of any ill intent on your part, but because power breeds fear. The disciples who once saw you as a peer may no longer view you the same. Some will envy. Some will fear. Others may seek to test you. Regardless of the outcome, you are not yet in control of yourself. If you return too soon, the ones you once called friends may suffer for it."
A cold knot formed in Li Yun¡¯s chest. He had thought about it¡ªbriefly¡ªbut hearing it so plainly unsettled him. He had seen the looks in their eyes during the exam, the moment his control had slipped. A mixture of awe and apprehension, of admiration tainted by something less pure. "So you¡¯re saying I should stay here indefinitely."
"I am saying," the sect leader corrected, "that until you understand your own power, you will bring more harm than good to those you wish to protect. If you care for them, truly, then patience is the least you can offer."
Li Yun understood the implication.
The moment he had lost control, the moment his bloodline surfaced, everything had changed. The bonds he thought he had formed in the sect would not hold. Fear, uncertainty, distance¡ªthey would build walls higher than this peak itself.
"This place is yours now, Li Yun," the sect leader said finally, his gaze sweeping across the peak as though seeing it anew. "It belongs to you in its entirety. Whether you reshape the land, carve paths through the mountains, or even build a grander dwelling to replace what has been provided, it is your right." His eyes, steady and piercing, met Li Yun¡¯s. "And in the distant future, should you grow strong enough, you may even take disciples here, forge your own legacy within these isolated heights. But understand this¡ªwhat you do with this place will reflect the path you choose to walk."
Li Yun processed the words in silence. His own peak, a place where he alone decided the rules. It was something beyond what he had ever imagined. Yet, the weight of it was unmistakable. This was not just an honor¡ªit was a responsibility.
"You will not be entirely alone forever," the sect leader continued. "I will check on you¡ but perhaps only once every twenty years or so." He exhaled lightly, as if remembering something distant. "Longevity cultivators perceive time differently. Decades pass as fleeting moments to those who walk our path. When I return, I expect to see progress. What you do with these years will define not just your strength, but your worthiness."
Li Yun swallowed. Two decades. For others, it might have felt like a lifetime, but in the grand scheme of cultivation, it was little more than the blink of an eye. Still, it was enough time to lose oneself. He nodded slowly. "I understand."
The sect leader regarded him for a long moment before giving a slight nod. "Your choices here will define you. Make them wisely."
With that, the sect leader turned, his robes billowing as he descended the mountain path, leaving Li Yun standing alone atop the peak.
The silence stretched.
Li Yun sighed, shifting the bags on his shoulder before glancing around. The vast emptiness was suffocating, stretching endlessly in every direction like a void carved from the heavens themselves. The land was his, yet it felt alien¡ªtoo large, too still, too untouched. The silence pressed against him, not comforting but oppressive, as if the weight of the unclaimed space bore down on him, demanding he make it his own. The wind howled through the trees, carrying with it a whisper of loneliness that settled in his chest like a stone. He had yearned for a place to belong, but now, standing at the precipice of his newfound domain, he wondered if this desolation would consume him before he could claim it.
[System Notification: Commencing ¡®Nothing to Do¡¯ Protocol.]
Li Yun narrowed his eyes. "What."
[Initiating boredom analysis¡]
"I swear, if you¡ª"
[Boredom level: 87%. Recommended actions: Self-reflection, reading, immediate cultivation, yelling into the void.]
Li Yun stared at the system¡¯s text. "You¡¯re enjoying this, aren¡¯t you?"
[Your suffering is my entertainment.]
Li Yun exhaled sharply. "Fine. If I¡¯m stuck here, I might as well start." He set the grain pills and manual inside his house before heading toward the waterfall.
One step at a time.
Chapter 21: The Slumbering Ember
As Li Yun approached the waterfall, he found himself lost in thought. How long would he have to stay here before he could return to normal¡ªif such a thing was even possible anymore? His bloodline had calmed, but could he truly control it? Would it ever stop being a looming force that threatened those around him? He had worked so hard to uncover its secrets, to unlock it, but now he feared that it might bring more harm than good.
¡°System,¡± Li Yun asked, his voice laced with hesitation, ¡°are you sure this bloodline is the right thing for me? I worked so hard for this, but¡ I¡¯m scared it¡¯s going to hurt more people than help them.¡±
The system, detecting the weariness and doubt in Li Yun¡¯s voice, responded in an unusually sympathetic tone. ¡°Host, you have struggled and suffered for this bloodline. It is not something to be feared, but something to be understood. You will not harm those you do not wish to. With training, you can overcome this burden. And perhaps, one day, you may even walk across the jianghu with a lighter heart.¡±
Li Yun took in those words, and while they gave him some comfort, the bitterness in his heart did not fade. He had to believe the system was right, but doubts still clung to his thoughts like shadows. Shaking his head, he pushed them aside. If he wanted control, then the only path forward was training.
Steeling himself, he settled beneath the roaring waterfall, the relentless cascade pounding against his shoulders as a fine mist soaked through his clothes. He closed his eyes, inhaling deeply as he steadied his breathing, drawing in the rich qi of the mountain peak. The energy was different here¡ªdenser, purer. As it swirled through him, filling his dantian at a slow yet steady pace, he let himself sink into the rhythm of cultivation.
Time stretched, the outside world fading into obscurity as his focus deepened. But then¡ªsomething strange. An unfamiliar presence, nestled just above his dantian. A pulse, faint yet distinct, like a slumbering ember hidden within the depths of his being. His breath hitched slightly, but he remained still, observing. What was this? It wasn¡¯t part of his qi, nor did it belong to the chaotic energy he had struggled to contain. And yet, it existed within him, waiting, watching.
Curiosity sparked. Li Yun pushed his senses further, attempting to probe the anomaly. The moment his consciousness brushed against it, a subtle but firm resistance met him, like a creature stirring from its rest, aware of his intrusion. His brow furrowed. It wasn¡¯t rejecting him outright, but it certainly wasn¡¯t welcoming him either.
Intrigued, he reached out again, determined to unravel the mystery. The tiny ball of energy trembled slightly, reacting to his intent. A slow smirk played on his lips. So, it had a will of its own? Fine. He would see just how much.
Li Yun frowned. What was that?
It was unfamiliar, yet it didn¡¯t seem dangerous. It did not disrupt his qi, nor did it cause pain. For a long while, he merely observed it, his curiosity outweighing any immediate concerns. Deciding there was no harm in experimenting, he reached out to it with his consciousness.
The moment he made contact, the energy rebounded forcefully, pushing him away as if it had a will of its own.
Li Yun blinked in surprise before grinning. ¡°Oh? So you have a temper?¡±
Taking it as a challenge, he reached for it again, only to be met with the same response. He wasn¡¯t deterred. If anything, he was more intrigued. Hours passed as he prodded and experimented, testing the limits of what the small energy ball could do. It resisted fiercely, refusing to be tamed, but it never harmed him.
As night fell and the air cooled, the world around him seemed to hold its breath. The waterfall¡¯s roar dulled to a gentle murmur, as if retreating into the night¡¯s embrace. The leaves on the trees barely rustled, their movements so subtle that they seemed caught in a timeless lull. Above, the stars shone in still silence, scattered like celestial watchers observing the lone figure beneath them. Hours stretched into one another, blending seamlessly into a haze of passing time. The moon arced across the sky, dipping lower on the horizon, yet Li Yun remained entirely unaware, too engrossed in his newfound game. The rhythmic passage of time became meaningless as his focus honed in on the tiny, elusive energy within him, a silent dance of curiosity and challenge unfolding in the depths of his mind.
Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.
¡°What are you, little ball?¡± he mused aloud in the mind realm. ¡°You haven¡¯t killed me yet, so you must like me, right?¡±
The small energy sphere pulsed in response, nudging him lightly with its own energy.
Li Yun¡¯s grin widened. ¡°Are you¡ trying to talk to me?¡±
The ball spun rapidly, as if excited by his recognition. Faster and faster it spun, creating a tiny whirlwind of energy around it, pulling in stray strands of qi like a miniature star. Li Yun chuckled. ¡°Imagine if you could grow into a whole solar system,¡± he joked absentmindedly.
The energy ball vibrated eagerly, almost bouncing in delight.
Li Yun laughed. ¡°You¡¯re not the sun, don¡¯t go getting any grand ideas.¡±
The ball slowed its spin, almost as if it were pouting.
Unbeknownst to him, outside the mind realm, time flowed without pause. The sun had risen and fallen multiple times, painting the sky in hues of gold and crimson before retreating into the deep blue embrace of night. The once gentle breeze had shifted, bringing with it the crispness of passing days. Morning dew formed and dried, leaves fell and were replaced, the steady hum of life in the secluded peak undisturbed by the lone cultivator lost in his trance. Days turned into nights and back again, yet within the depths of his consciousness, Li Yun remained utterly unaware, caught in the endless rhythm of his silent experiment.
At the base of the mountain, his friends grew restless. Jiu Tang paced anxiously, his arms crossed tightly over his chest. "It¡¯s been too long. Li Yun should¡¯ve been back by now."
Zheng, usually calm, frowned deeply. ¡°The sect leader didn¡¯t say anything. Not even our instructors know what happened.¡±
Rumors spread through the sect like wildfire. Some whispered that Li Yun had been expelled for injuring an instructor, while others claimed he had failed to control his bloodline and had been sealed away. No one knew the truth, and that made the unease worse.
¡°What happened to the top star of the Heavenly Cloud Sect?¡±
No one had an answer.
Meanwhile, Li Yun was still locked in his mind realm, completely oblivious. Eventually, he decided he had spent enough time trying to understand the little ball of energy. It wasn¡¯t his rampant qi¡ªhe could still feel that struggling within his dantian, attempting to integrate with the natural qi of the mountain. However, this little ball seemed to stabilize it, as if it were sapping the chaotic energy¡¯s strength to keep it in line until he could purify it.
This revelation brought him some relief. At the very least, he wouldn¡¯t be rampaging any time soon.
Returning to the real world, he opened his eyes and stretched. The night sky greeted him, filled with stars.
¡°System,¡± he muttered, rubbing his temples. ¡°Was I in the mind realm all day?¡±
The system¡¯s voice was flat and unimpressed. ¡°No, Host. You were in the mind realm for approximately 4.27 days. And for your information, your body is in dire need of sustenance. A starved body will not last long. I have no desire to search for another host.¡±
Li Yun paled. ¡°F-Four days?!¡±
As if to confirm his plight, his stomach let out a monstrous growl.
Dragging his feet back to his wooden cabin, Li Yun could feel the weight of fatigue pressing down on him like an unshakable burden. Every step felt sluggish, his body drained not just from the prolonged mental strain but from the gnawing hunger that had been neglected for far too long. Pushing open the creaking wooden door, he stumbled inside, his vision slightly blurred. His fingers clumsily grasped at a bag of grain pills, the simple motion feeling far more difficult than it should have been.
With barely a moment''s thought, he tore it open and shoved a handful into his mouth¡ªfive, then six, barely chewing as he swallowed them down. The dry texture scratched his throat, but he was too exhausted to care. The moment the pills settled in his stomach, warmth spread through his limbs, offering temporary relief from the weakness clawing at him.
Yet, his body had already reached its limit. His vision swam, his limbs trembled, and before he could so much as move toward his bed, the weight of exhaustion dragged him downward. His knees buckled, and with an unceremonious thud, he collapsed onto the wooden floorboards.
His breathing slowed, his body finally surrendering to the deep, dreamless void of sleep. The door to his cabin remained wide open, the cool night breeze slipping in, rustling the edges of his robes. Outside, the forest stirred, the rustling leaves and distant cries of nocturnal creatures carrying through the air. And yet, Li Yun remained utterly still, lost in the depths of his exhaustion, entirely unaware of the vulnerabilities he had left himself open to.
As he drifted into unconsciousness, the system let out a resigned sigh.
¡°¡°Host, you absolute idiot,¡± the system¡¯s voice rang out, dripping with exasperation. "At least close the door before passing out. Or do you enjoy inviting every wandering beast, insect, and stray breeze into your home? Truly, your survival instincts are astonishingly lacking.¡±¡±
Chapter 22: Glimmers of the Void
The soft rustling of leaves and the gentle hum of the wind slipping through the cracks of his wooden cabin roused Li Yun from the depths of sleep. The weight of exhaustion still clung to his limbs, but the sheer length of his rest had finally begun to work its magic. Slowly, his senses returned to him, the distant cries of birds and the rhythmic sway of trees whispering their morning greetings.
His fingers twitched against the rough wooden floor, the cool breeze licking at his exposed skin. With a groggy groan, he forced himself up, blinking against the dim morning light filtering through the gaps in his cabin. His mind was still sluggish, his thoughts tangled in a haze of half-dreamt memories.
"System... how long did I sleep?" he asked groggily, rubbing his temples.
"Host, you have been asleep for approximately 15 hours," the system replied matter-of-factly.
Li Yun¡¯s bleary eyes widened in disbelief. "No way! That long?! You must be pulling my leg."
"Host, I am incapable of making jokes. You have been unconscious for nearly 15 hours due to extreme exhaustion and starvation."
He let out a heavy sigh, rubbing his face as he processed the information. "Was it because of the starvation from staying in the mind realm for too long? Or am I just a lazy fatty? is that what your trying to say to me system?"
Choosing not to dwell too much on the question, he stretched his stiff limbs, dusting off his robe as he forced himself fully awake. His stomach rumbled in protest, reminding him that while the grain pills had sustained him, they had not satisfied the deeper hunger gnawing at his core.
Still, before eating, he needed water. The only source he knew of was the waterfall, and it wasn¡¯t as if he had many other options.
Stepping outside, Li Yun inhaled deeply, the crisp mountain air filling his lungs. His surroundings were untouched, a testament to the isolation of the peak he had been left on. The vast expanse of greenery stretched endlessly before him, the sheer scale of the mountain making him feel as though he were but a speck lost in the wilderness. It was impossible to tell just how far this place extended, how much lay beyond his immediate surroundings. He could spend years exploring, yet he doubted he would uncover all its secrets.
He began the slow walk toward the waterfall, savouring the stillness around him. There was something oddly serene about this isolation, a quiet that was neither suffocating nor overwhelming. The sound of his footsteps, the occasional rustle of unseen creatures in the underbrush¡ªthese small disturbances only made the silence feel more alive.
When he arrived at the waterfall, he didn¡¯t rush. One by one, he undid his clothes, allowing the cool mountain air to embrace him fully before he stepped into the water. The shock of cold against his skin sent a shiver through him, but he welcomed it, wading deeper until the water reached his shoulders. It had been days since he had last cleaned himself, and the feeling of fresh water washing over him was nothing short of divine.
Memories flickered at the edges of his mind¡ªmemories of a life that felt distant, yet still clung to him like a shadow. The feeling of stepping into a hot shower after a grueling day at work, letting the scalding water wash over him, loosening tense muscles, numbing his thoughts. How many times had he stood there, forehead pressed against the cool tiles, allowing the heat to chase away the weight of the day? Sometimes, he stayed there long after the steam had faded, long after the warmth had turned to a chill, simply because the thought of stepping out meant returning to a world that never seemed to care whether he stood or fell. A faint, bittersweet smile touched his lips, but it wavered, threatening to break. Here, in this foreign world, he was alone in a different way, yet somehow, the ache in his chest remained the same.
He blinked the memories away before they could fully settle, pushing them into the depths of his mind. Now was not the time for nostalgia.
Finishing his bath, he stepped out and dressed, shaking off any lingering water droplets before making his way back to his cabin. The moment he arrived, a thought occurred to him¡ªa lingering curiosity that refused to be ignored. He wanted to check on the little ball again. He knew he couldn¡¯t afford to lose himself for days at a time, but surely a brief visit wouldn¡¯t hurt.
This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.
Settling into a lotus position, he steadied his breathing, sinking into the familiar rhythm of cultivation. Within moments, the world around him faded, and he found himself once again in the dark expanse of the mind realm.
The instant he appeared, the little ball spun rapidly, vibrating with an almost frantic energy. It zipped toward him at blinding speed, its motion a blur of light and excitement. With a sudden burst of force, it rammed into his astral form, sending him careening backward into the abyss. For a moment, he lost all sense of direction, tumbling helplessly through the void. Laughter bubbled up from his chest, startled yet genuine, as he struggled to right himself. When he finally regained his balance, he found the little ball hovering nearby, pulsing with an almost needy anticipation, as if afraid he might disappear again. The sheer intensity of its joy made something deep in Li Yun¡¯s heart clench¡ªhad it been waiting for him all this time?
"Alright, alright, I get it. You missed me," he chuckled, floating closer again.
The ball pulsed, vibrating with an energy that felt almost alive. It was happy¡ªso happy, in fact, that it seemed to be generating emotions all on its own. Li Yun could feel them swirling in the air, unformed yet potent, as though a god were sculpting the raw essence of life itself.
"I can¡¯t stay long," he told it, watching as it spun faster in protest. "I just came to check on you. I¡¯ll come back soon, alright? Just be patient."
The energy ball trembled, then slowly stilled, its spinning coming to a near halt. After a brief moment, it pulsed softly in acknowledgment.
Satisfied, Li Yun pulled himself back into reality, blinking as he adjusted to the shift. But just as he did, a familiar chime rang in his ears.
Ding!
"Congratulations, Host, for taming the wild little ball of energy within the mind realm. Reward: 150 Star Shards."
Li Yun¡¯s eyes widened. "Wait¡ does that mean I can finally buy something from the shop?"
Excitement surged through him as he pulled up the system¡¯s interface. But before he could browse, he noticed something new. A previously locked section had been opened.
"Boxes?" he muttered.
The system chimed in eagerly. "You have met the requirements to unlock the Lucky Boxes section! I will now explain how they work¡ª"
As the system began to ramble on about the different types of boxes, Li Yun¡¯s expression twisted in confusion.
"There are three types of Lucky Boxes available to you!" the system announced with an almost unsettling enthusiasm. "First, the Box of Requirement¡ªthis marvellous box will provide you with an item that you desperately need at the moment of opening!"
Li Yun''s brow twitched. "That sounds¡ oddly convenient."
"Second, we have the Stat Box! A thrilling choice, where upon opening, one of your stats will increase by a completely random amount!" The system practically beamed with excitement. "It could be a small boost¡ or a grand one! Who knows? That''s the fun of it!"
Li Yun narrowed his eyes. "Right. Totally fun."
"And finally, the greatest of them all¡ªthe Random Box!" The system¡¯s voice somehow managed to grow even more dramatic. "This magnificent box could contain anything! An item you need! A stat increase! Perhaps something far more valuable than what you could ever purchase with your meagre star shards! But of course¡ it could also be something far less useful. It¡¯s all about the thrill of chance!"
Li Yun¡¯s face darkened. "So, in short, you want me to become a gambler?!" he shouted. "You want me to get addicted?! My lord!"
He shut the interface immediately, refusing to entertain the idea any further. Rubbing his temples in frustration. "As if I''d willingly throw myself into that bottomless pit," he muttered, shaking his head. The very thought of relying on blind luck left a bitter taste in his mouth. No way was he falling into that trap.
Shaking his head, he sighed and opened the normal shop instead, scanning through the available items. His 150-star shard budget limited his options, but there were still a few useful things available:
-
¡î¡î Spirit Cleansing Pill (120 Star Shards) ¨C Helps remove impurities from the body, allowing qi to circulate more freely.
-
¡î¡î Enhanced Qi Recovery Talisman (90 Star Shards) ¨C Speeds up qi regeneration for an hour.
-
¡î¡î¡î Low-Grade Martial Art: Soaring Step (150 Star Shards) ¨C A movement technique that Blinks the user in a 10 metre direction.
-
¡î¡î¡î¡î Mysterious Seed (130 Star Shards) ¨C An unknown seed that requires nurturing. Its effects are uncertain.
-
¡î¡î¡î Minor Blood Refinement Elixir (140 Star Shards) ¨C Strengthens blood and improves physical endurance.
-
¡î¡î¡î Qi Condensation Array (150 Star Shards) ¨C A small formation that gathers qi within a set area.
As he scrolled through the options, indecision took hold. There were too many choices, and his tired mind wasn¡¯t making it any easier. His eyes darted from one item to the next, weighing possibilities, only to feel more overwhelmed with each passing second. A deep groan escaped his lips as he slumped back against the wall, rubbing his temples. "Why is it so damn hard to pick something?" he muttered. "This shop is supposed to help, not give me a headache." Eventually, frustration won out, and he waved the interface away with an exhausted sigh. "Forget it. I¡¯ll decide tomorrow. Maybe."
Chapter 23: Star Arrival
Waking up once again, Li Yun felt his stomach growl. The sound grated on his nerves, an unwelcome reminder of his mortal limitations. Frustration bubbled up within him, and before he could stop himself, he groaned loudly. "My lord! You never cease to need food, do you?" His own body was beginning to feel like an insatiable beast, constantly demanding sustenance despite his best efforts to ignore it.
With a resigned sigh, he pushed himself up from the floor, his muscles stiff from prolonged stillness. He glanced at the grain pills sitting nearby, their dull sheen catching the faint morning light. Not bothering with decorum, he snatched up a handful and shoved them into his mouth, chewing mechanically. The taste was bland, but the relief was instant as the gnawing hunger receded. He exhaled slowly, rubbing his temples. At least that was one problem temporarily dealt with.
Now, onto more pressing matters.
Pulling up the system shop, he scrolled through the available items, his gaze landing on the ¡î¡î¡î Body Refinement Manual ¨C Forged Titan Physique (140 Star Shards). The description intrigued him: "A powerful technique that tempers the body, refining muscles, bones, and organs to withstand greater strain and store latent strength. Enhances durability and grants gradual physical transformation."
It was exactly what he needed. He had no illusions about his own strength; his body was still leagues behind what he wanted it to be. His muscles lacked the tempered resilience required to withstand true hardship, and his bones, while strong, did not yet carry the weight of true cultivation. The fragility of mortality still clung to him, a shackle he refused to accept. He exhaled sharply, his fingers tightening over the interface, hovering just above the purchase button. This was an investment, a necessary step forward. No hesitation. With a resolute nod, he pressed the button, sealing his decision.
Ding!
"Congratulations, Host, for purchasing the Forged Titan Physique Manual! The knowledge will now be directly transferred to your mind."
A sudden surge of information flooded his consciousness, an overwhelming tide of knowledge that crashed against the walls of his mind. He gasped, his vision blurring as intricate diagrams burned themselves into his memory, each line and stroke etched in searing clarity. Techniques unfolded before him, their complexity twisting like endless threads weaving together a grand tapestry of power. He saw the precise method to temper his bones, the rhythmic breathing patterns to harden his muscles, and the excruciating yet necessary conditioning that would push his body beyond mortal limitations. His jaw tightened, his fingers clenching into fists as his mind struggled to process the sheer magnitude of it all. It felt as if he had lived through years of rigorous training in an instant, the echoes of pain and endurance seeping into his soul. His body instinctively yearned to begin, his muscles twitching with a newfound understanding of what they could become. But he forced himself to remain still, pushing away the urgent need to act. There was still another task he had to complete first.
Taking a deep breath, he settled into a meditative pose and entered the mind realm.
¡ª
The moment he arrived, the little ball shot toward him, vibrating with barely contained excitement. It circled around him, pulsing in rhythmic bursts, as if it had been eagerly awaiting his return.
"Yeah, yeah, I know. I kept you waiting again," Li Yun said, smirking as he reached out, brushing his fingers against its surface. The ball emitted a pleased hum in response. "I have to admit, it''s nice to be welcomed so enthusiastically."
He let out a breath, letting the weight of his thoughts settle. "This place... it''s still a mystery to me," he admitted. "And this peak, the one I woke up on¡ªit''s too isolated. There¡¯s something about it that doesn¡¯t sit right with me."
The little ball hovered closer, pulsing as though listening intently.
"Before I came here, my life was... different. I wasn¡¯t strong. I wasn¡¯t special. Just another person, trying to get by." His voice grew quieter. "I had things I cared about, things I wanted. But no matter what, I always felt like I was running in circles. Like no matter how far I walked, I''d end up right where I started."
The little ball trembled, then suddenly began to spin, gathering energy from the surrounding void. Light flared, illuminating the darkness, and the energy within it surged outward like a rushing tide. Li Yun gasped as his own body reacted¡ªhis dantian shuddered violently, rampant qi thrashing like an untamed beast. The little ball darted forward, weaving through his energy channels with precision. It was taming the chaos, guiding the wild qi into order, purifying his dantian as it moved. A sharp pain shot through him, but it was fleeting, replaced by an overwhelming sense of clarity.
Then¡ª
Boom!
A pulse of energy erupted from within him, a violent explosion of force that sent shockwaves rippling through his body. His entire being convulsed, veins bulging as the surging power tore through every fiber of his existence. It was not a clean transition¡ªit was brutal, agonizing, as though molten fire had been poured into his bones, searing away his former limitations. His muscles twisted, contracting and expanding erratically as if being reforged under the hammer of a merciless blacksmith.
A sharp, piercing pain lanced through his core, spreading outward in jagged waves. His dantian felt like it was being ripped apart, shredded into unrecognizable fragments before being forcefully reassembled. He clenched his jaw so hard that he thought his teeth might crack, his breath coming in ragged, uneven gasps. His mind reeled under the onslaught, flashes of white-hot agony threatening to consume him whole.
And yet, through the torment, there was exhilaration¡ªundeniable, raw, intoxicating. He could feel the difference. Every shattered barrier within him was being reconstructed into something stronger, something greater. His body was reforging itself anew, evolving past its former weaknesses. He was crossing the threshold, stepping beyond what he had once been, into something far more formidable. But the price for such power was undeniable, and he paid for it in suffering.
Then, at last, the pain began to ebb, leaving behind a terrifying, electrifying stillness. He was different now. He could feel it. And nothing would ever be the same again.
The little ball, however, was not done. It continued to draw in energy from the surrounding void, its glow intensifying to a near-blinding radiance. It pulsed rhythmically, each beat sending out ripples of pure power that distorted the space around it. Slowly, deliberately, it began to spin, its movements gaining speed with each passing moment. Then, something astonishing happened.
Fragments of energy peeled away from the main entity, yet instead of dispersing into nothingness, they coalesced into smaller orbs¡ªeach one a new born sphere of light. One by one, they emerged, forming a halo around the little ball, their paths perfectly synchronized as though bound by an unseen force. The air trembled with their motion, an unspoken harmony reverberating through the mind realm.
This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.
Li Yun''s breath caught in his throat as the scene unfolded before him. It was a cosmic birth, a miniature replication of the grand celestial bodies that dotted the universe. The little ball, now pulsing at the center, resembled a star¡ªa nascent core of boundless energy drawing its children into perfect orbit. The smaller orbs moved with unwavering precision, their motion forming an intricate, mesmerizing dance. A system had been born, not of planets and suns, but of raw, cultivated energy.
Awe flooded through Li Yun as he stretched his senses toward them. They were not mere illusions; they were real, each one a conduit of power feeding directly into his dantian. And with every completed revolution, a faint yet tangible stream of qi was siphoned into him, nourishing his cultivation like the gentle flow of an eternal river.
He swallowed hard. "It looks like... the beginning of a solar system."
Li Yun''s eyes widened. "It looks like... a solar system," he murmured, stepping forward in awe. "Or the beginning of one."
His curiosity got the better of him. Extending his senses, he reached toward the tiny orbiting spheres, trying to grasp their nature. As he focused, a deeper truth unfolded before him¡ªeach smaller orb acted as a conduit, drawing in ambient qi before releasing it in a precise stream toward his dantian. The moment they completed a full orbit around the Stellar Core, an almost imperceptible pulse rippled through the system, transferring refined energy into his body. It was as if an invisible cycle had been set in motion, an endless, self-sustaining mechanism of qi absorption that functioned independently of his will.
He felt the energy accumulate within him, slow but steady, like the soft, ceaseless flow of a river carving its path through stone. The realization sent a shiver through him. This wasn¡¯t just a minor boon¡ªit was a revolutionary shift in cultivation. He had unknowingly created a system that gathered qi for him, a celestial cycle that would continue long after he stopped actively cultivating. The sheer potential of it sent his mind racing.
His breathing quickened as the possibilities unfurled before him like a boundless sky. If he could nurture this, refine it, expand its influence¡ªwhat heights could he reach? What if more orbs formed? What if they stabilized into larger celestial bodies, each one drawing in qi from an even greater range? The very thought sent a thrill through him. Could he push this system further? If planets could form, could they sustain something beyond just energy circulation? What if he could create something akin to the world he stood on now¡ªa self-contained realm, a living cultivation ground where qi thrived, evolving on its own? What if he could foster life within it, cultivate beings that would generate even more qi, feeding back into his own dantian like an infinite cycle of growth? His heart pounded, a mix of exhilaration and terror rippling through his chest. Was he glimpsing the first step to something truly divine?
This wasn¡¯t just automatic qi gathering.
This was the birth of something far greater¡ªsomething beyond mere cultivation, beyond mortal comprehension. Li Yun¡¯s breath hitched as the magnitude of his achievement truly sank in. This wasn¡¯t just a new method of gathering qi, nor was it merely an advanced cultivation technique. No, what had manifested within his mind realm was the foundation of a self-sustaining, evolving system of celestial energy¡ªa cosmic cycle that imitated the very mechanisms of creation itself.
For a long moment, he stood frozen, his thoughts racing with both exhilaration and fear. Was this what his bloodline had been leading him toward all along? A power so immense, so utterly ground-breaking, that it could reshape the very way cultivation functioned? His heart pounded in his chest as realization after realization crashed into him like tidal waves. If word of this ever got out... if someone discovered that he had formed his own celestial system within his dantian, harnessing qi like the heavens themselves...
He swallowed hard. This was no mere breakthrough¡ªthis was a revelation. A blessing wrapped in the skin of a curse, for power of this magnitude was bound to attract the attention of forces far beyond his ability to resist. To create a world, to shape and nurture it, to cultivate life itself¡ªwas he not treading the path of gods?
His fingers clenched into fists, a cold sweat breaking out along his back. The weight of what he had achieved was staggering. If he pushed forward, if he continued to refine this system... what would he become? And more terrifyingly¡ªwould he even have a choice?
This was the birth of something far greater¡ªsomething that could redefine cultivation itself. But with such immense potential came an equally terrifying truth: it might also be the birth of his greatest peril. If the wrong eyes caught wind of what he had done, he would not be seen as a genius, but as a threat¡ªan anomaly that needed to be erased.
A slow grin spread across his lips, tinged with both exhilaration and unease. "This... this changes everything," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper, as if speaking it too loudly might summon unseen forces into motion.
He thought for a moment, then looked at the little ball, watching the smaller orbs swirl around it in their celestial dance. "You deserve a name, don¡¯t you? You¡¯ve been with me from the start, guiding me, protecting me, growing alongside me." His voice softened, the weight of their shared journey settling in his chest. "How about... Stellar Core? You''re the heart of this system, the anchor that holds everything together."
As soon as he spoke the name, the little ball pulsed, a deep resonance echoing through the mind realm. The smaller orbs vibrated in unison, their movements becoming more synchronized, as if acknowledging their newfound identity. Li Yun felt a strange warmth in his chest, an unspoken connection solidifying between him and the entity before him.
"Yeah," he murmured, a small smile tugging at his lips. "That fits."
The newly named Stellar Core vibrated in apparent approval, the smaller spheres pulsing in response, as if celebrating their new identity.
Satisfied, Li Yun let himself drift back into reality.
¡ª
The moment his consciousness returned to his body, he stiffened. The air felt different. His limbs were lighter, his breathing easier. But something else was off.
Glancing outside, he noticed the position of the sun. It was lower than it should have been¡ªno, not lower. Time had passed.
A lot of time.
He pulled up the system interface.
Time Elapsed: 10 Days.
Li Yun nearly choked on air. "Ten days?! I was in there for ten whole days?!"
His pulse spiked, a rush of alarm tightening his chest. Had anything happened while he was gone? The thought sent a prickle of unease down his spine. But as his fingers curled against the wooden floor, he realized something odd¡ªhis body didn¡¯t feel weak. He should have been sluggish, his muscles atrophied from neglect, his stomach hollow with starvation. Yet, he felt... whole. Strong, even. The lingering effects of his breakthrough and the Stellar Core¡¯s influence had sustained him. He wasn¡¯t immortal, but his body had undeniably changed.
He exhaled slowly, rubbing his temples. "Well... that¡¯s something."
Despite everything, he didn¡¯t leave his cabin that day. He needed time¡ªto process, to recalibrate, to understand the transformation within him. The weight of the past ten days still clung to him, an unseen pressure pressing against his mind. When he finally stepped outside, the crisp mountain air filled his lungs, carrying with it the scent of damp earth and pine. The sun was beginning its slow descent, casting long golden streaks through the gaps in the canopy. The world outside was quiet, untouched, as if waiting for him to return to it.
Each step toward the waterfall was deliberate, his bare feet pressing into the cool grass, the sensation grounding him in the present. The distant roar of rushing water grew louder, a steady rhythm that seemed to echo the pulsing energy within him. He moved through the dense foliage, brushing aside low-hanging branches, his senses sharpening with each passing moment. The air grew cooler as he neared, the fine mist from the waterfall clinging to his skin before he had even reached the clearing.
When he finally stood before it, the sight stole his breath. The cascade of water crashed down from a towering cliff, its force carving into the rock below, sending up a shimmering veil of mist. The pool at its base was a deep, cerulean blue, its surface rippling with every droplet that fell from above. Without hesitation, Li Yun stepped forward, shedding his outer robe and stepping into the frigid water. The moment it surged around him, a shudder wracked his body¡ªnot from the cold, but from the sheer relief of being anchored in something tangible.
He tilted his head back, letting the water pour over him, washing away the remnants of exhaustion and uncertainty. The sensation was both cleansing and invigorating, the icy embrace shocking his nerves awake. He lingered there, standing beneath the relentless downpour, allowing himself to simply exist. The roar of the falls drowned out everything¡ªthe thoughts spiraling in his mind, the weight of his revelations, the lingering traces of fear and exhilaration tangled within him. For now, in this moment, he was just Li Yun, a man beneath the sky, standing in the cold embrace of nature¡¯s unyielding force.
When he returned, he collapsed onto his bed, letting exhaustion claim him once more.
And outside, the world continued to turn.
And so did the one inside. Faster than the one outside.
Chapter 24: The Beast Trial
Li Yun¡¯s eyes fluttered open once again, staring at the unfamiliar ceiling of the wooden house he now called home. No matter how many times he woke up here, the feeling of displacement never faded. He belonged here now, but he couldn¡¯t quite accept it.
His thoughts drifted back to his friends, to the sect, to the life he had before everything changed. He could still remember their voices¡ªlaughing, arguing, teasing. He could almost hear the steady clatter of training swords, the scent of incense lingering all around the sect coliseum. Those days felt like a lifetime ago, yet they remained vivid in his mind, as if mocking his solitude.
A cold ache settled in his chest. He had never been truly alone before. There had always been someone by his side, even if it was just a fellow examinee complaining about how hard the next exam was. Now, silence greeted him at every turn, stretching endlessly with no one to fill the void. He hadn¡¯t realized how much he had taken their presence for granted until it was ripped away from him.
He sighed, rubbing his face. He was alone again.
Well, not entirely. At least he had Stellar Core to keep him company.
Sighing, he sat up and stretched, trying to shake off the lingering weight in his chest. Today, he wanted to do something different. He needed to familiarize himself with the land.
¡°The forest is vast. Not knowing its layout could mean the difference between survival and death,¡± he murmured, his mind quickly assessing the situation. If he were to stay here long-term, he needed to understand the terrain, locate safe zones, identify natural water sources, and pinpoint areas teeming with dangerous beasts. Without knowledge of the land, he was vulnerable.
He needed to approach this strategically. Instead of wandering aimlessly, he would first survey the outer perimeter, mapping key landmarks and memorizing potential escape routes. From there, he could gradually extend his exploration, ensuring he always had a path to retreat if necessary.
With a firm plan in mind, he readied himself to set out. But just as he was about to step outside, the system chimed.
[Congratulations, Host. You have levelled up!]
A window appeared before him, displaying his new level.
Li Yun''s Status
Level: 15
Skills:
-
Shadow Step (Intermediate): Enhances movement speed and agility.
-
Blade Art - Crescent Blade (Advanced): A quick, precise blade technique designed for rapid strikes formed from the celestial energy embedded in the users hand.
-
Qi Control (Intermediate): Allows the user to manipulate internal energy with improved efficiency.
-
Endurance Training (Advanced): Increases stamina and resilience to physical damage.
-
Fallen Leaf Sword Arts (Intermediate): Grants the user the ability to see red threads that efficiently lead the user to the best course of elimination.
-
Forged Titan Physique (Beginner): Grants the user an extraordinarily sturdy body, enhancing the muscle fibers with every strand of qi available.
Stats:
-
Strength: 23
-
Agility: 25
-
Endurance: 22
-
Qi Reserves: 100
-
Perception: 20
Titles:
-
Celestial Descendant: A mysterious title linked to an unknown lineage.
-
Survivor of the Abyss: Granted for enduring near-fatal encounters.
-
Heaven¡¯s Child: The one and only child that is favored by the heavens but is greatly watched by them.
Click to View More.
[Additionally, Host has discovered a Celestial Art within your body.]
Li Yun frowned. ¡°A Celestial Art? Does it have something to do with this crescent mark on my hand?¡± He had speculated about its significance before, but there had never been an answer.
The system remained silent for a moment before responding.
[A Celestial Art is linked to the path of ERROR -- ERROR -- ERROR ^&^%(&**!*??. I hope this helped the Host.]
You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.
The moment the words left the system, something shifted. A shrill, high-pitched screech rang out in his mind, like metal scraping against metal. The system¡¯s usual crisp voice fractured, distorting into something unrecognizable.
[ACCESS DENIED. SYSTEM RESTRICTED. WARNING: INTRUSION DETECTED¡ª] The message cut off into static, replaced by an eerie, whispering murmur¡ªlike a chorus of voices speaking over one another, their words unintelligible but laced with something sinister.
Li Yun clutched his head as a wave of nausea rolled through him. The air around him felt heavy, oppressive, as if an unseen force had descended upon the space.
Then, for the briefest moment, his system window flickered, its usual text replaced by garbled symbols and corrupted data. Within the mess, a single phrase stood out, written in jagged, crimson letters:
¡°DO NOT SEEK THE TRUTH.¡±
And just as suddenly as it began, everything returned to normal.
Li Yun staggered back, his breath uneven. ¡°What the hell was that?! System, are you okay?¡±
[I¡¯m sorry, Host. It seems I have been prevented from revealing this information. Your access authority is not high enough for this classified data.]
Li Yun clenched his fists. Someone¡ªsomething¡ªwas restricting the system¡¯s knowledge. If there was an entity that could do that, then surely they knew why he had the system, why he was reincarnated into a world of cultivation. Was it some divine being playing with him? A cosmic joke?
He paced back and forth, his mind a tempest of speculation, trying to piece together the implications of what had just happened. Who¡ªor what¡ªwas interfering with his system? Was it a divine force? A remnant of his past life? The more he thought, the more the unease in his chest grew, an oppressive weight pressing down on his every breath. He ran a hand through his hair, exhaling sharply. There were too many unknowns, too many gaps in his understanding, and chasing after elusive answers would only lead him in circles. He clenched his fists, forcing himself to focus on what was tangible, what he could control. If there was a force working against him, then the only solution was to get stronger¡ªstrong enough that nothing could stand in his way, not even the unseen hand manipulating his fate.
Returning to his original plan, he prepared for his exploration. He fashioned a small green-leaf pouch from the nearby trees and stored some grain pills inside¡ªjust in case. Once ready, he stepped out into the dense jungle.
At first, the forest was serene. The chirping of birds echoed through the towering trees, the vibrant colors of flora a stark contrast to the sterile white halls of the sect. The scenery was beautiful. Peaceful.
But peace never lasted long.
As he ventured deeper, slicing away obstructing vines with his blades, he paused near the base of a towering tree, reaching into his makeshift pouch to retrieve a grain pill. The moment he sat down, the forest seemed to breathe around him¡ªthe distant hum of insects, the rustling of unseen creatures, the occasional flutter of a bird taking flight. The dense canopy above filtered the sunlight into fragmented patterns on the ground, casting shifting shadows that danced around him as he chewed absentmindedly.
He wouldn¡¯t have stopped otherwise. He wouldn¡¯t have noticed.
But in the moment of stillness, a faint sound reached him. At first, it was so distant, so fragile, that he almost dismissed it as the creak of swaying branches. But as he held his breath, straining his ears, it became clearer¡ªa cry, thin and wavering, lost amidst the whispering leaves. It was almost as if the forest itself was mourning. A sound so subtle, so easy to miss, yet so profoundly out of place. His pulse quickened. If he had kept walking, if he had pushed forward just a little faster, he would have never heard it.
Something¡ªsomeone¡ªwas in distress.
Heart pounding, he followed the sound, his every step slow and deliberate as the weight of an unseen dread settled over him. When he reached the clearing, the sight before him made his breath hitch.
A massive beast, resembling a panda yet grotesquely altered, lay sprawled across the ground, its body covered in jagged iron scales that glistened menacingly under the fractured sunlight. A single, twisted horn jutted from its forehead, cracked and oozing dark blood. Its heaving breaths were ragged, laboured, its limbs twitching as it clung desperately to life.
Standing over it was a horror beyond words¡ªa monstrous serpent-like creature, its elongated body covered in thick, armoured hide that pulsed with a sickly sheen. Coiling muscles flexed beneath its scaled surface, each movement exuding terrifying strength. But it was the legs that unnerved Li Yun the most¡ªthick, powerful avian limbs, ending in razor-sharp talons that dug deep into the earth, cracking the ground beneath its weight.
The creature¡¯s maw opened, revealing jagged fangs slick with fresh blood, and from its throat erupted a sound that was neither hiss nor roar, but a horrifying amalgamation of both, like the screech of metal grating against bone. The air itself seemed to shudder under its fury.
Li Yun felt a chill crawl down his spine. He had seen beasts before, but nothing like this. This was a predator born from nightmares, a force of raw destruction. And it was still hungry.
Li Yun¡¯s eyes widened as he took in the tragic scene before him. The massive panda-like beast, its once-pristine fur now matted with thick, dark blood, lay sprawled across the forest floor. Its iron-scaled body shuddered with shallow, laboured breaths, each exhale accompanied by a wet, gurgling sound that sent chills down Li Yun¡¯s spine. Its limbs twitched, futilely grasping at the air as though it were trying to fight against the inevitable pull of death.
But it wasn¡¯t just fighting for itself.
Nestled within its massive embrace, barely visible beneath the weight of its protective arms, was a small cub. The tiny creature trembled violently, its round eyes wide with terror as it whimpered softly, nuzzling desperately against its parent¡¯s unmoving form. The frail cries were heartbreakingly weak, a desperate plea for comfort, for warmth, for something that would never come.
The parent¡¯s broken eyes flickered toward Li Yun, its gaze filled with unspoken sorrow and desperation. With the last ounce of its strength, it raised a trembling claw¡ªreaching out, beckoning him forward. It wasn¡¯t a gesture of aggression, nor a plea for its own salvation.
It was a final, silent request.
Please I beg of you please save my child.
His breath hitched. He couldn¡¯t. But he so desperately wanted to help. He knew he couldn¡¯t. No he knew he cant.
This beast¡ªthis monstrous lizard-serpent¡ªwas beyond anything he had ever encountered at the sect. He had no hope of challenging it. Even the system was screaming inside his head, blaring warning alerts.
[WARNING! WARNING! THREAT LEVEL: MORTAL PERIL. HOST IS ADVISED TO EVACUATE IMMEDIATELY!]
Li Yun swallowed hard and took a step back.
But the moment he moved, the lizard beast¡¯s reptilian eyes snapped toward him. Its pupils narrowed into slits as its long neck stretched forward. And then, it charged.
Darkness.
| NOTICE | again....
Hey everyone,
I never thought I¡¯d be writing something like this, but here we are. First off, I just want to say how much I appreciate every single one of you who has followed this story, engaged with the characters, and stuck with me through each chapter. Your support, enthusiasm, and feedback have meant more than I can put into words.
Unfortunately, due to some personal circumstances that have come up recently, I find myself at a bit of a crossroads. As much as I love writing this story and seeing the excitement it brings, I¡¯ve been dealing with some unexpected burdens that have made it difficult to keep up with the same passion and dedication I started with. Because of that, I¡¯m faced with a tough decision: whether to continue this story or step away from it entirely.
Now, before anyone grabs their pitchforks or starts mourning like I just killed off everyone¡¯s favourite character (which, to be fair, I¡¯ve probably considered doing at some point¡ªwriters, am I right?), I want you all to know that this isn¡¯t a decision I take lightly. I understand that good stories, ones that really pull you in and make you feel something, can be hard to come by. I also know that as much as this story is something I¡¯ve created, it¡¯s something that belongs to you, the readers, just as much.
The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.
That¡¯s why I don¡¯t want to make this decision alone. I¡¯ll be putting up a poll where you all can vote on whether or not this series continues. Your voices matter to me, and I want to make sure I respect the opinions of those who have been here since the beginning, as well as those who may have just recently joined. If the majority wants the story to go on, I¡¯ll seriously consider pushing through. If not, then at least I¡¯ll know that I¡¯m making the right choice with your input.
Regardless of what happens, I just want to say thank you. Thank you for the time you¡¯ve spent reading, the comments you¡¯ve left, the theories you¡¯ve shared, and the genuine love you¡¯ve shown for this world and its characters. It truly means the world to me.
So, go ahead¡ªvote, let me know what you think, and no matter what the outcome is, just know that I appreciate you all. And hey, if nothing else, at least I can say I didn¡¯t end things on a cliff-hanger¡ or did I?
Much love,
beachbear112