Golden light spilled out.
Tian Shen stepped forward, his robes in tatters, his body bleeding—but his eyes sharper than ever before.
He held a new sword.
Not forged metal—but a construct of pure intent. Transparent, humming, alive.
The elders gasped.
"That's—!"
Elder Duan's mouth twitched.
"A Soul Blade."
...
Back in the Sect Grounds
The news spread like wildfire.
Tian Shen had passed the Heart Chamber.
Disciples buzzed with awe.
"He's like a new core heir!"
But Tian Shen didn't care.
He returned to his courtyard, where Feng Yin waited with food, bandages, and that familiar scolding glare.
"You're insane," she said for the second time that week.
He grinned.
"You said that already."
"And I meant it," she muttered, wrapping his arm.
She paused halfway. Her fingers rested on his wrist.
"…You're changing, Tian Shen."
He looked at her, something quiet in his gaze.
"I have to. The world's too dangerous to stay still."
She didn't argue.
