The dawn broke cold and sharp over the outer sect courtyard.
Li Xuan stood alone, arms folded, his saber leaning against the stone wall beside him. He was calm. Too calm.
Across from him, three disciples gathered, their auras blazing with provocation.
"Name's Mu Kang," the first sneered, cracking his knuckles. "I've been waiting a month for this challenge."
The second stepped forward, eyes narrowed. "Outer sect rules—five challenges a month. You've ducked none so far. Let's see if the demon's blade still bleeds."
The third remained silent, but the veins on his arms bulged with tightly controlled spiritual energy. His aura was unstable—a beast barely leashed.
Spectators crowded the edges of the courtyard, murmuring, whispering.
"He's accepted three already this week…"
"Is he trying to die?"
"He hasn't lost once."
—
System
—Challenge Protocol Active—
—Opponent 1: Mu Kang — Late Qi Condensation
—Opponent 2: Yao Lin — Peak Qi Condensation
—Opponent 3: Rong Yi — Hidden Cultivation—Early Foundation Realm Suppressed
—Warning: Lethality Probability — 63.4%
—Strategy Suggested: Use Close Combat precision. Disable Mu Kang first. Avoid prolonged clash with Rong Yi. Watch Yao Lin's footwork.—
Li Xuan stepped forward.
No words. Just movement.
BOOM.
He vanished.
Mu Kang barely blinked before the blunt edge of Executioner smashed into his ribs. The impact launched him backward into the wall, collapsing it in a plume of dust and shattered rock.
+3 SP. Total: 259 / 500
Yao Lin attacked next, a bladed chain sweeping across the field like a whip.
Li Xuan rolled beneath it, his saber singing. A thin line of blood bloomed across Yao Lin's cheek.
The chain came again—faster now.
This time Li Xuan caught it mid-air and yanked.
Yao Lin stumbled forward. Too close.
Li Xuan's elbow slammed into his throat. A kick sent him sprawling.
But then Rong Yi moved.
And the entire field changed.
Spiritual energy surged.
Spectators screamed as the suppressed Foundation Realm power leaked. Elders watching from spirit mirrors tensed.
"He dares release it?! That's—"
"Illegal. But it's too late to stop."
Li Xuan barely raised his saber in time.
CRACK!
Rong Yi's fist collided with his blade. Sparks flew. Li Xuan was hurled backward like a rag doll, skidding across the courtyard floor.
Blood dripped from his lips.
System:
—Spiritual Damage Detected
—Right Shoulder Dislocated
—Death Prediction Raised to 82.6%
—Warning: If retreat is unavailable, use Soul Sight—
Li Xuan forced himself to stand.
Rong Yi's smile widened. "What now, demon? Gonna run?"
"Yeah," Li Xuan muttered. "Eventually."
He blurred forward, movement technique flaring.
One, two, three slashes—each faster than the last. But Rong Yi batted them aside, his aura swallowing the blows. He struck again—a hammering palm that shattered the earth.
Li Xuan ducked—barely. Countered with a sweeping slash that bit deep into Rong Yi's thigh.
Roaring, Rong Yi charged.
This time, Li Xuan fled.
Not cowardice.
Calculation.
He weaved through buildings and trees, leading Rong Yi into a narrow alley between two sect towers.
System:
—Location Restriction Detected. Enemy Mobility Lowered.
—System Suggestion: Go feral. Disarm. Disable. Escape.—
He turned mid-run and hurled a vial from his ring.
BOOM!
The explosion of smoke and flame bought seconds.
It was enough.
He dropped low, sweeping Rong Yi's legs with a spin, then smashed the pommel of his saber into his temple.
Rong Yi stumbled, blinded.
Li Xuan didn't try to kill. That wasn't the goal.
Just escape.
With Phantom Step, he vanished again—reappearing at the edge of the courtyard where elders were already descending.
Rong Yi exploded out of the alley seconds later, panting, blood dripping, eyes mad.
Before he could speak, Elder Qingye's voice cracked the air.
"That's enough."
The courtyard fell silent.
The elder's gaze swept over Rong Yi. "You revealed suppressed Foundation cultivation. You forfeit. Li Xuan wins."
The air seemed to hold its breath.
Then a wave of murmurs followed.
"He won again…"
"Even against that?"
"He ran. But it was smart…"
"A demon… but not reckless."
From the crowd, a girl stepped forward—silver hair, violet robes, and an infuriating smile.
"Ohhh, you're more interesting than I thought," she said. "I'll be following you now."
Li Xuan turned.
Paused.
And walked away without acknowledging her.
She skipped after him.
"I'm Lan Yuer. Peak alchemy disciple. You're a bit rude, you know."
System:
—New Companion Request: Lan Yuer—
—Threat Level: Annoying
—Recommendation: Ignore or endure—
—Emotional Stability Factor: 88.7% if left alone
—Projected Frustration: 146% if confronted—
Li Xuan sighed.
So, he didn't say no.
Didn't say yes.
Just kept walking while she talked nonstop beside him.
—
That night, he sat atop the mountain behind the academy, overlooking the glowing lights below.
System:
—System Points: 262 / 500
—Challenge 3 of 5 this month Completed
—Popularity Increase: +3 (Feared, Respected, Targeted)
—Spiritual Pool Residue Still Active: Slightly increasing perception—
Down below, disciples trained. Some watched him.
Not in fear anymore.
In awe.
In curiosity.
In ambition.
Not everyone feared him. Some… wanted to follow.
But he wouldn't take just anyone.
Only the broken. The desperate. The forgotten.
Those were the ones who would become monsters under him.
And the monsters would become legends.
Cultivation: Late Qi Condensation (97%)
System Points: 262 / 500
Fights Accepted This Month: 3 / 5
Known Techniques: Phantom Step, Qi Compression, Close Combat Mastery
Passives: Kill Instinct
Weapon: Heaven-Shearing Executioner
Followers: Lan Yuer (Annoying Alchemy Disciple – Uninvited)
Reputation: Demon Blade (Outer Sect) – Feared, Respected
Legion Status: None (Yet…)