Su Vaen remained seated on his wooden bed, his fingers lightly pressing against his temples. His head throbbed—not from pain, but from the vast knowledge that had settled within him overnight.
It wasn't just the truth about the world, the Union, or the Rank 5 limitation no, there was more.
Inside his mind, as if carved into his very soul, lay the foundation of a completely new cultivation path 'Tenebris Energy Path'.
Unlike Origin Qi, which was drawn from the world's natural energy and refined within the body, Tenebris Energy was fundamentally different.
It was not something generated by the world. It was not bound by the rules of nature.
It was a force beyond this reality.
He inhaled deeply, feeling the flow of energy inside him. It was unfamiliar yet instinctively natural, like a forgotten power he had always possessed but never used.
Then, like unraveling a scroll within his consciousness, the knowledge of Tenebris Energy Skills began to surface.
Void Absorption (Passive)
- The most basic skill of the Tenebris Energy Path. Unlike Origin Qi, which must be actively cultivated, Tenebris Energy could be absorbed passively.
- Not just Tenebris Energy but any kind of energy ; with this skill he can devour any energy passively aslong as he wish.
- Higher the rank, the higher the level of this skill. However, this came with a warning : excessive usage of Tenebris Energy at Rank 4 or beyond could destabilize the world.
Shadow Veil (Active, Concealment Skill)
- A technique that allowed him to hide his Tenebris Energy, making it seem indistinguishable from Origin Qi.
- Since no one in this world understood Tenebris Energy, this skill was crucial for survival.
- At higher mastery, it could even mask his physical presence, allowing him to blend into the surroundings like a shadow.
Tenebris Reinforcement (Active, Combat Skill)
- A technique that coated his body in Tenebris Energy, enhancing strength, speed, and durability far beyond what Origin Qi could achieve at the same level.
Dimensional Perception (Passive, Sensory Skill)
- The most intriguing ability. While Su Vaen's eyes remained blind, this skill allowed him to perceive the world beyond ordinary senses.
- It was not sight in the traditional sense—rather, it was a form of awareness, as if he could "feel" the shape of his surroundings, the movement of people, the shifting of the air.
- This ability was weak at Rank 1 but would grow stronger as he advanced.
As the knowledge settled in his mind, Su Vaen clenched his fists.
These weren't just techniques—they were his path forward.
For years, he had lived in darkness, relying only on his keen hearing and intuition to navigate the world. Now, for the first time since he lost his sight, he had a way to sense the world beyond sound.
But that wasn't all.
There was another realization Tenebris Energy could transform into any form of energy.
That meant if he practiced correctly, he could mimic bloodline-exclusive abilities from noble clans, something that had always been impossible for those born without special bloodlines.
A slow smirk spread across his lips.
His clan was at the bottom of the Bloodline Nobility Hierarchy. Their only redeeming trait was their unique Beast Taming Art, which required mutual commitment between cultivator and beast.
But with Tenebris Energy, he could go beyond that.
If he studied enough, learned enough, he might one day replicate even the strongest of bloodline techniques.
His fingers tightened.
This was power.
This was control.
Yet, a part of him still hesitated.
Was it truly the right choice? Would he lose himself on this path?
No! He shook his head. He was still Su Vaen.
He would not recklessly reveal this power. He would not let it consume him.
For now, he would observe, adapt, and wait.
Tomorrow, he will accompany Princess Mei and Prince Xian through the forest.
They saw him as nothing more than a humble guard, a blind man chosen for his solitude.
They had no idea what he was becoming.
A quiet chuckle escaped his lips.
If they only knew.