The skies above Fengjian were bright, but the road to Xuanming was anything but welcoming.
Chen Yu soared through the air on a spirit-glider talisman, a gift from Master Ruo meant to shorten his journey through the treacherous mountain passes. The world below blurred into rivers and forests, ancient ruins swallowed by mist, and roads patrolled by bandits and beasts alike.
Xuanming lay to the northwest, bordered by steep ridges, frozen lakes, and a coldness that bit even the skin of cultivators. It was a land where only the tenacious survived. The very idea of building a sect there seemed mad to some—but for the bold, it was sacred ground.
Halfway into the journey, Chen Yu descended into a valley to rest. It was twilight, and the sun cast a bronze hue over a broken shrine tucked between jagged stones. The wind whispered through old carvings—names long forgotten.
He lit a small fire and unrolled a dried meat wrap, eyes scanning the stars. His thoughts drifted to Qinghe, to the ruins, to the corrupted beast he had slain. And now, a new challenge loomed—the Gathering of Shadows, where those who lacked power would be crushed without mercy.
His hand brushed over the hilt of his new blue sword, still unnamed, its surface faintly glowing under moonlight. A gift from the Heaven's Chronicle system after discovering Tianlong Keep.
[Heaven's Chronicle Notification]
Essence Level: 2nd Tier Initiate
System Reward Claimed: Azurefang Sword (Class: Rare), Elixir of Primordial Veins, Skill: Dragonstep Mirage
The elixir had awakened hidden channels in his body, strengthening his Qi flow. The skill—a movement art that left afterimages in his wake—made him a phantom in battle.
Suddenly, the wind shifted.
His instincts sharpened, and he rose to his feet.
A low growl echoed across the rocks.
From the shadows of the shrine, something massive emerged—a Snowhide Direwolf, fur like steel threads, eyes a glowing crimson. It had stalked him silently, drawn by the warmth of fire.
Chen Yu didn't hesitate.
He dashed forward, sword gleaming as Dragonstep Mirage activated. His body split into four flickering images, circling the wolf in a blur.
The beast lunged at one, only for its fangs to bite into air. Chen Yu struck from behind, Azurefang carving a searing arc of blue light across the beast's flank.
It howled and turned, but he had already moved again—this time above it.
With a downward strike, he pierced its spine.
The beast collapsed, shuddered, then went still.
Chen Yu stood over the body, breath steady. No cheers, no grand announcements—just the silence of the valley and the crackling of fire.
Another obstacle. Another lesson.
By dawn, he had resumed his flight, passing over frozen rivers and dark forests.
As the peaks of Xuanming State finally rose into view, wrapped in clouds and silver snow, Chen Yu's eyes narrowed.
"This is where I make them remember," he said softly.