A heavy silence filled the courtyard as everyone froze in place, their eyes locked on the mysterious man who had appeared at the entrance. His black cloak fluttered despite the absence of wind, and his glowing red eyes radiated an undeniable sense of dread. He wasn't just a powerful cultivator—he was a terrifying existence in and of himself.
The man stepped forward calmly, and with each step, the air grew heavier, as if an invisible force was pressing down on everyone. Even seasoned cultivators struggled to breathe, while the weaker ones felt their legs trembling involuntarily, cold sweat trickling down their backs. Some couldn't even stand steadily, as if their very souls were on the verge of being ripped from their bodies.
Suddenly, dark clouds gathered in the sky, despite the clear weather moments ago. Fierce winds began to howl, swirling around the man as if responding to his presence. The ground trembled beneath his feet, as though the earth itself groaned under the weight of his being.
Yet despite this overwhelming fear, Rayan was not one to yield easily. Even as he felt an unparalleled pressure bearing down on him, he kept his expression cold, refusing to show weakness. Inside, however, he was analyzing the situation. This person wasn't just a powerful cultivator… he was a living catastrophe. But why appear now? And why the Heavenly Sect specifically?
The mysterious man stopped in the center of the courtyard and looked straight at Rayan, ignoring everyone else around him. Then he spoke in a cold, majestic voice:
"So… you're the new leader of the Heavenly Sect?"
Rayan raised an eyebrow coolly, despite feeling the oppressive aura emanating from the man. He wasn't someone who cowered before fear. He replied with a steady voice:
"And who are you?"
The man gave a faint smile, devoid of any warmth.
"Just a messenger, come to deliver a warning."
Rayan's eyes narrowed. "A warning? From whom?"
The man glanced at those around him, then slowly raised his hand. Suddenly, a dark aura swept across the courtyard, making everyone feel as if they were drowning in a sea of pure darkness. It wasn't just fear—it felt like they had fallen into another dimension where nothing existed but crushing emptiness.
Even the strongest cultivators felt utterly powerless before this force, while some of the disciples gasped and dropped to their knees, unable to withstand the pressure. One of the senior leaders, usually calm and indifferent, gripped his sword tightly, sweat trickling down his forehead.
"This… this isn't normal power. What is this monster?"
Then, as abruptly as it had come, the aura vanished, as if nothing had happened. But the terror it left behind was written all over their faces.
"Enjoy these last few days of peace… because soon, you will understand the true power of the real world."
Rayan took a step back, his eyes narrowing. He knew this man wasn't just boasting—he was a true monster. Behind him, some of the senior leaders exchanged glances, their hands already reaching for their weapons, but none dared to act. They knew that if they attacked, it would not end well.
Yet instead of showing fear, Rayan smirked and said mockingly:
"If you're going to threaten me, at least give me your name."
The mysterious man turned his back and whispered, his voice low but echoing throughout the area:
"Remember the name 'Long Xin' well… because it will be the nightmare that brings your sect to ruin."
For a moment, a chill ran through Rayan's body. That name… it wasn't just an empty threat.
He had heard it before.
"They say he destroyed the Heavenly Blade Sect in a single day…" "Even the Black Vortex Sect, once one of the strongest, fell before him within a week!" "He's not a mere cultivator—he's a walking catastrophe…"
Whispers spread among the sect, as fear grew on every face.
Before anyone could process it further, Long Xin's body began to fade, as though he had been a shadow all along. As he vanished, reality itself seemed to warp, unable to contain his presence. In the final moment, a black rift opened in the void, swallowing him quietly before closing as if he had never existed.
Amid the remaining dark smoke, his chilling voice echoed in the air.
No one moved for several moments after he disappeared. But his presence had already etched itself deep in their hearts.
Disciples exchanged worried glances, some whispering among themselves:
"If our enemies are that powerful… do we even have a chance?" "What if this is just the beginning of a greater disaster?"
Even the senior leaders couldn't hide their concern. Ling Xiao looked to Rayan and asked quietly:
"Rayan, how are we going to deal with this?"
Rayan didn't answer immediately. He stood in silence, his eyes gleaming with sharp determination. Then he spoke confidently:
"No matter who Long Xin is… if he thinks he can destroy the Heavenly Sect, I'll show him he made a grave mistake."
Yet deep inside, he couldn't deny that the name was far more than just an idle threat.
[System Analysis: Information on "Long Xin" recorded. Threat Level: [Very High]. Caution and strategic planning strongly advised.]
This message appeared in his mind, causing him to frown slightly.
"Very high threat, huh? That means he's a real monster."
At that moment, the air around him shifted slightly, as if something invisible was watching.
Then, from deep within the sect, another powerful aura emerged—unlike Long Xin's dark aura, this one was bright, filled with pure, radiant energy.
Rayan realized this was another kind of warning… but this time, not from an enemy.
It came from something belonging to the Heavenly Sect itself.
The Heavenly Sect was just beginning to rise… but was it about to face an unimaginable enemy?
One thing was certain—if Long Xin thought the Heavenly Sect was just another obstacle in his path… Rayan would show him it would be his downfall.