"To survive in this world, one must possess strength and wisdom, tempering and honing the soul to attain true greatness."
Such were the words spoken by Farkan in his previous life—a truth born from a thousand years of bloody experience.
He had once reached the Realm of the Sixth Rank, shaking the foundations of every continent. In his final act, he slaughtered millions of innocent souls, refining a forbidden, ancient technique that granted him the power to defy death and reincarnate.
In that past life, Farkan had known all manner of men: sworn brothers, casual acquaintances, mortal enemies, and those whose hatred burned to the bone. Yet, amidst them all, there was one person he held dear—his closest friend from the Northern Continent, Lin Xuan.
The nature of their power differed drastically due to the fundamental divide between their continents. The Northern Continent was a land dominated by arcane academies and magical arts, whereas the Eastern Continent was ruled by sovereign kingdoms and ancient crystals that harbored boundless martial techniques.
On the day Farkan was hunted down and cornered, Lin Xuan knew nothing of his desperate plight. Sick and bedridden, he was locked away in a secluded chamber, guarded day and night by the elite sentinels of the Academies.
Farkan had felt no surprise at Lin Xuan's absence—he knew there was a reason behind it. And so, without hesitation, he had activated the forbidden rite of reincarnation.
Days Later: The Northern Continent
Days passed before Lin Xuan finally awoke, his vitality restored. News of the Seal Master's recovery spread like wildfire across all the Academies.
Outside his private quarters, two guards exchanged looks as the rustling of bedsheets echoed from within. The first guard cautiously opened the door, stepping inside to find Lin Xuan standing up and neatly arranging his bedding.
"Master Lin Xuan, it seems you have fully recovered!"
The second guard entered, and both bowed respectfully.
"Thank you both for guarding me," Lin Xuan replied softly. "You may take your leave."
Lin Xuan stepped out of his dark, quiet chamber and walked through the grand corridors. Passersby and young disciples stared in awe, their eyes wide with reverence. After all, he was the renowned Seal Master, Lin Xuan.
Descending the central staircase, his gaze landed on his beloved, Yu Chu, who was absorbed in a thick tome detailing the origins of ancient magic.
At the sight of him, whispers rippled through the hall. Yu Chu turned her head, and their eyes met.
"Lin Xuan!"
She gasped, rising so quickly that her chair clattered to the floor. Lin Xuan walked toward her, and the two embraced tightly.
"I missed you, my love," she whispered, leaning in to kiss him softly on the lips.
"Ha-ha-ha! It seems we arrived at an improper time!" a boisterous voice called out.
The Academy Headmaster and his Vice-Headmaster stepped into the hall. Flushing slightly, Yu Chu pulled back and bowed respectfully to the Headmaster. Lin Xuan's eyes met the old man's, and the two embraced warmly.
"How grand it is to see you back on your feet, Seal Master!"
"The feeling is mutual, Headmaster."
The Headmaster turned toward the gathering crowd, his voice carrying across the pavilion. "Gentlemen! To celebrate the full recovery of our Seal Master, a grand banquet shall be held tonight, uniting all Five Academies!"
Lin Xuan smiled faintly. "A wonderful announcement, Headmaster."
Night fell, and by eleven o'clock, the grand hall was alive with preparations. Long banquet tables were set for the high officials, surrounded by smaller tables for the disciples, all laden with exquisite delicacies and fine wine.
When the hall was filled, the Grand Headmaster rose to address the assembly.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I trust you are all well tonight. Today is a day of immense joy for all five Academies, for we celebrate the return of our noble chivalrous hero—Seal Master Lin Xuan!"
Thunderous applause erupted throughout the hall. Radiant lamps illuminated the feast, and silver platters overflowed with freshly prepared meats. Yu Chu reached out, gently taking Lin Xuan's hand as the feast began.
Minutes later, an informant slipped into the hall, hurrying to the Headmaster's side. "My Lord, news has arrived from the Eastern Continent."
The Headmaster looked at him with cold, impassive eyes. "Speak. What happened?"
"It is widely rumored... that Lin Xuan's friend, the man known as Farkan, has perished."
The Headmaster swallowed his bite of meat, his gaze lingering on the informant. "You may go."
Turning his head slightly toward Lin Xuan, the Headmaster asked, "Lin Xuan... how is that friend of yours from the Eastern Continent?"
"I left him happy in his modest home, if memory serves," Lin Xuan answered, a hint of confusion in his eyes. "Why do you ask?"
"Stand up. Walk with me."
The two rose from the table, walking side by side out into the courtyard, surrounded by lush, vibrant grass swaying in the night breeze.
"Lin Xuan, I will not waste words," the Headmaster said quietly. "I must inform you that your friend, Farkan, died today. He was besieged by all the major sects and powers, forced to trigger a forbidden technique... the details are scarce. I thought you should know. If you wish to take leave, you may. Or you may return to complete your dinner."
Lin Xuan stood frozen, the color draining from his face. "Headmaster... I wish to be alone tonight. I hope you understand."
"Granted, Seal Master."
Lin Xuan walked away with slow, heavy steps, grief carving deep lines into his once-cheerful face. Bitter self-reproach consumed his heart—he blamed himself entirely for his friend's demise.
Executing a movement technique, he leaped atop one of the highest roofs, sitting alone beneath the cold radiance of the moon.
"Farkan... my dear friend, I am so sorry," he whispered into the wind, his voice trembling. "My health failed me at the worst possible moment... Had I been whole, I would have rushed to your side without second thoughts. Even if it meant dying together, dying by your side would have been my greatest comfort..."
A moment later, tears broke through, and he wept bitterly into the night.
From that night forward, the warm, gentle, and cheerful Lin Xuan was no more. A cold melancholy took root in his soul, driving him into isolation. He performed his duties mechanically before retreating to his dark room, avoiding everyone—even Yu Chu.
Days later, an assassination attempt was made on the Grand Headmaster. Lin Xuan personally slaughtered the assassins, his ruthless efficiency shocking the Academies. It was clear to all that his combat power was multiplying at a terrifying rate. Following the death of the aging Grand Commander, Lin Xuan was officially appointed as the new Supreme Commander of the Academy Forces.
One evening, Lin Xuan sat on a wooden bench overlooking a quiet river, the moonlight reflecting off the dark waters. In a flash of motion, the Grand Headmaster appeared beside him, gazing at his hollow expression.
"How are you holding up?"
Lin Xuan raised his eyes, staring coldly into the Headmaster's. "How do I look to you?"
"I see a man who has plunged headfirst into the abyss, Seal Master," the Headmaster sighed deeply. "In truth, I do not blame you. It is your path to walk. But I hope you can return to who you once were and let go of the past. Your friends, your beloved... everything awaits your return."
Lin Xuan tilted his head back, staring up at the vast, star-littered sky.
"Let us hope so."
Two Days Before the Quest for the Blue Lotus Water: Eastern Continent
Inside his chamber, Farkan stood before a full-length mirror. Moments later, a spatial portal rippled into existence, and a figure stepped through. The man bore a deep, jagged scar across his left eye. He immediately dropped to one knee.
"Greetings, Master Farkan."
Farkan turned with a faint, enigmatic smile. "Silfu. It has been a while."
"The Alliance Leader assigned me a secret task, which is why I could not present myself sooner."
"What was the task?"
"To retrieve a black crystal harboring two dual-path abilities of the Shadow Dao."
"I see. I have a task for you as well, Silfu, and I need it completed as quickly as possible," Farkan said calmly. "Bring me robes from the Northern Continent."
"Robes??" Silfu blinked in confusion.
"Yes. The official robes of the Northern Academies. Bring me two sets."
"As you command, Master Farkan."
Farkan narrowed his eyes, staring into Silfu's face. "Did you engage in combat?"
Silfu touched the scar near his eye, chuckling nervously. "Ah... yes. I had a slight clash with the First Deputy of the Demonic Alliance. He was enraged because I took too long retrieving the crystal."
"You are dismissed."
Silfu rose, summoned the spatial portal, and vanished into thin air.
Deep Night: The Northern Continent
Mid-forest in the Northern Realm, a spatial portal tore open, and Silfu stepped out. Moving like a ghost, he sprinted through the shadows before leaping onto the roof of the Academy's laundry and uniform facility.
Peering down, he spotted two guards patrolling the entrance. Dropping from the roof like a falling stone, he landed directly before them.
"Hey! Who are—"
CLANG! BANG!
Before the sentence could be finished, both guards were sliced cleanly in two. Silfu pressed his ear against the heavy oak door, listening for any heartbeat inside. Sensing nothing, he pushed the door open, dragging the severed corpses inside to hide the blood.
Browsing through the racks, he carefully selected two pristine Academy robes and stowed them into his spatial pocket. But just as he turned to leave, heavy footsteps approached from the outer corridor. Silfu immediately ducked behind a massive steam-washer.
Two Academy officials stepped into the room, their eyes freezing on the bloodstains pooling on the floor.
"You! Hurry, alert the guard commander!" one of the men barked in panic. "Something terrible has happened here!"
The younger man turned and sprinted toward the command tower. Though rattled, the remaining elder unsheathed his thin, silver rapier—a weapon characteristic of Northern cultivators—and crept forward cautiously.
Silfu waited in the shadows, his eyes burning with predatory patience.
As the man passed his hiding spot, Silfu struck. Wielding a jagged spear formed of pure bone—a weapon born from his Bone Dao—he hurled it with terrifying force.
THUMP!
The spear pierced the man's chest, pinning him dead against the stone wall. Without a second glance, Silfu summoned his spatial portal and vanished.
The Eastern Continent
Farkan was resting in his quarters when the spatial portal opened once more. Silfu stepped out and bowed.
"Master, I have brought what you requested." With a wave of his hand, he pulled the two Academy robes from his spatial pocket.
"Well done. You may leave."
Farkan picked up the crisp Northern robes, running his fingers over the fabric as memories flooded his mind. A subtle, dangerous smile touched his lips.
"Lin Xuan... it won't be long now before we meet again."
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End of Chapter