The training ground of Guangming Academy was filled with shouts and the clanging of wooden weapons. The disciples were lined up, sweat pouring, eyes full of spirit. Only one person seemed different.
In the corner of the field, a black-haired youth was lying down, propping up his chin, the wooden sword beside him untouched.
"LIN XUAN!" the loud voice of the master, Master Wei, boomed. "Why aren't you attacking?!"
The youth lifted his head lazily, his eyes half-closed as if he had just woken up.
"Master," he said softly, "I am actually attacking. But in my mind. That should be enough, right?"
Silence fell for a moment.
Then—
"PUAHAHAHA!" All the disciples burst into laughter, some nearly falling to the ground holding their stomachs.
"Impudent!" Master Wei grabbed a training stick and threw it straight at Lin Xuan's head. "CRACK!" The stick hit his forehead squarely.
Lin Xuan staggered but still managed to mumble, "Ouch... so the mind can also suffer physical attacks, huh..."
The disciples' laughter grew louder, while the master was on the verge of exploding with frustration.
The training ended. The disciples gathered, some still bringing up the recent joke. An ordinary disciple, Lin Xuan's friend named Han Jie, patted his shoulder.
"Xuan, aren't you afraid of being ridiculed by everyone?" he asked seriously.
Lin Xuan chewed on a dry bun casually, then replied with a faint smile:
"Why be afraid? If I fall to the bottom, it means there's only one way up. And it's free."
Han Jie was dumbfounded. That sounded very wise... or just a stupid joke?
Not far from them, a girl in pink stood like an ice flower. Her face was beautiful but cold, her gaze sharp as a knife. She was Zi Yueyan, the most prominent disciple after Feng Zhiren.
She walked closer to Lin Xuan, looking at him as if she were looking at an insect.
"Lin Xuan," she said flatly. "You are truly useless. You should train harder. You should not be lazy in this academy."
Han Jie panicked, about to interject, but Lin Xuan just smiled casually.
"Thank goodness," he said lightly. "If I were useful, you would definitely bother coming near me."
Zi Yueyan was silent for a moment. For the first time, her cold expression slightly cracked. She didn't know whether to feel annoyed or... confused. She quickly looked away.
Han Jie was dumbfounded again. Was this guy stupid or intentionally looking for trouble?
That afternoon, the academy gong was struck three times. All the disciples immediately gathered in the main hall. In front of them, Master Wei stood with a rolled-up decree.
"Attention!" his voice boomed. "Starting tomorrow, every disciple will undertake an external mission. This will determine your rank, as well as your opportunity to enter the core ranks of the Guangming sect."
The atmosphere immediately became lively. The disciples were excited, discussing challenges like hunting wild beasts or guarding merchant caravans.
Master Wei continued, "You will be divided into groups, each consisting of five disciples. The group list will be posted tonight."
The disciples grew louder. Some cheered happily, some seemed anxious.
In the corner of the room, Lin Xuan simply let out a long yawn.
"A mission, huh... I hope my group is full of diligent people. So I can sleep peacefully."
Han Jie sighed in despair. If this was the case, anyone grouped with Lin Xuan would surely feel unlucky...
That night, a new scroll was posted on the bulletin board in the hall. Disciples crowded around, pushing shoulders with each other, trying to read the group list first.
"I'm in a group with Liu Shan! Hahaha, this mission will be easy!"
"Ah, why did I get Swordsman Song, he's so arrogant!"
The low murmuring voices mixed together, creating an atmosphere like a night market.
Han Jie crawled through the crowd and returned to Lin Xuan, who was sitting under a tree biting an apple.
"Xuan... do you want to hear the good news or the bad news first?" his face was sour.
Lin Xuan raised a lazy eyebrow. "The good news first. So after that, I can pretend to faint when I hear the bad news."
Han Jie sighed. "The good news is, I'm in a group with you."
"Oh, that's good then," Lin Xuan smiled casually. "That means there'll be someone I can tell to guard my stuff if I fall asleep on the mission."
Han Jie almost choked on himself. "Are you kidding?! This is serious, Xuan!"
"And the bad news?" Lin Xuan asked, still chewing the apple.
Han Jie looked at him desperately. "...Zi Yueyan is also in our group."
The apple almost fell from Lin Xuan's hand. "Eh?"
As if her name was called, Zi Yueyan emerged from the crowd, walking gracefully but coldly. Beside her, a tall youth with a confident aura also walked—Feng Zhiren, the academy's best disciple.
All the disciples immediately made way, looking respectfully at Zhiren. He smiled warmly, unlike Zi Yueyan's chilling aura.
"It seems we will be working together," Feng Zhiren said politely while looking at Han Jie.
Han Jie stammered, feeling like a commoner being addressed by a prince. "Y-Yes! It's an honor!"
However, when Zhiren glanced at Lin Xuan, who was sitting casually while scratching his head, his faint smile dimmed slightly.
"He too...?" he muttered.
Zi Yueyan crossed her arms over her chest, her gaze piercing Lin Xuan. "If this is the case, this group will be a burden. It's better if you don't come if you only plan to sleep."
Lin Xuan smiled casually, raising the half-eaten apple towards Yueyan as if to toast.
"Don't worry. If I sleep, at least I won't cause trouble. That's more useful than a seemingly diligent disciple who likes to cause a ruckus."
The crowd of disciples immediately "Woooo!" some laughed, some held their breath.
Zi Yueyan was silent for a fraction of a second, her face slightly flushed—either from anger or embarrassment.
"Talking nonsense..." she muttered coldly and turned away, clearly not wanting to prolong it.
Feng Zhiren only sighed lightly. "We will prove ourselves on the mission field tomorrow. Hopefully, every member can contribute in their own way."
Han Jie quickly bowed, full of respect. As for Lin Xuan? He was already lying on the grass, yawning widely.
"If the journey tomorrow is long, I need to rest starting now..."
Han Jie slapped his forehead. "I can already imagine how tough this group will be..."
🌙 The night deepened.
Under the moonlight, the bulletin board was still crowded with excited disciples. Everyone looked forward to tomorrow's mission with burning enthusiasm.
But in a secluded corner of the academy, a youth sat alone, staring at the sky. Not Lin Xuan, not Feng Zhiren, but another mysterious disciple who smiled faintly while reading a secret scroll.
"Lin Xuan's group, huh? It seems tomorrow will be interesting..."
The shadow of a conspiracy began to spread with the moonlight.
Dawn broke, the eastern courtyard of Guangming Academy was filled with dozens of disciples preparing for the mission. The sound of horses neighing, the squeak of merchant cartwheels, and merchants busy checking their loads.
Group after group had gathered. When Group 7's name was called, the eyes of the other disciples simultaneously looked over—some with envy, some with disdain.
"Look, there's Feng Zhiren and Zi Yueyan. That group is definitely unbeatable!" someone whispered.
"Eh, but... they brought Lin Xuan too? Hahaha, it's over. Just imagine: the best disciple with the laziest disciple."
A small laugh was heard, and some other disciples just shook their heads.
Lin Xuan, who was walking at the back, was actually yawning while munching on boiled peanuts.
"Why do they look at me so seriously... I just want to sleep," he muttered casually.
Han Jie was almost frustrated. "Xuan! Please, at least show a little spirit!"
"If I'm too spirited, you guys will feel inferior. So let me lower my aura first."
"That's not what I meant!"
Zi Yueyan, who heard him, just snorted. "It's pointless."
Meanwhile, Feng Zhiren maintained a polite smile, although it was clear he was judging Lin Xuan with a sidelong glance.
Soon after, the leader of the caravan—a pot-bellied man with a thin mustache—welcomed them.
"Ah, thank you, disciples of Guangming! The road to Heiyan City is currently prone to bandits. Your presence calms our hearts."
"Rest assured, Sir," Feng Zhiren replied confidently. "We will guarantee the safety of this caravan."
The merchants immediately nodded in satisfaction.
Meanwhile, Lin Xuan was busy tapping the cart.
"Hmm... the wood is soft. If the road is bad later, it'll make a decent free massage bed."
Han Jie immediately covered his face. "Why am I in a group with this person..."
Zi Yueyan glared. "Don't let me see you actually sleeping the entire journey."
Lin Xuan shrugged casually. "If I sleep, doesn't that mean I'm not bothering you? You should be happy."
Zi Yueyan paused for a moment, then quickly turned away. Her cold cheeks almost looked flushed.
🌲 The journey began. Stony roads, thick forests left and right, the sound of squeaking cartwheels.
Feng Zhiren walked valiantly at the front, his sword at his waist reflecting the sunlight. Zi Yueyan was beside him, a faint misty aura surrounding her steps. Han Jie was in the middle, his spear ready even though his hands were shaking slightly. Lu Qing? As usual, he sometimes disappeared into the bushes, then reappeared silently, keeping everyone on edge.
And Lin Xuan?
He was already sitting comfortably on the rearmost cart, leaning against a pile of rice sacks while snacking on dried fruit.
"Xuan," Han Jie whispered from below, "if bandits really attack, can you fight?"
Lin Xuan replied with a yawn, "Of course I can."
Han Jie sighed in relief.
"I can sleep more soundly," Lin Xuan continued, turning his body.
"That's not what I meant!!"
Towards the late afternoon, the forest atmosphere grew quieter. Birds stopped chirping, the wind stopped rustling.
Lu Qing, who was walking at the edge of the forest, suddenly stopped, looking down at the tracks on the ground. His eyes narrowed.
"...Something is wrong."
Before he could explain—
WHOOSH!
An arrow shot quickly, sticking into the wheel of the frontmost cart!
"Attack!!" a rough voice shouted from behind the trees.
Dozens of bandits emerged from behind the bushes, faces scarred, rusted weapons in hand. They surrounded the caravan from all directions.
The merchants screamed in panic. The hired guards tried to hold them off, but the number of bandits was too great.
Feng Zhiren stepped forward, his sword drawn, an aura of sacred light emanating.
"Do not fear! As long as I am here, no one will touch this caravan!"
🌳 The Battle Begins 🌳
Feng Zhiren stood tall, his Guangming sword light radiating. With a single slash, a white flash cut through the air. Three bandits were immediately thrown, their bodies falling to the ground with light burn wounds.
Admiration cheers were heard from the merchants.
"It's Feng Zhiren! The number one disciple is truly amazing!"
Zi Yueyan advanced a few steps. Her sword was thin, her movements delicate like a dance. With one swing, pink petals scattered, confusing the bandits. They saw Zi Yueyan's "shadow" seemingly appear in several directions at once.
"What the hell is this?!" one bandit shouted before his neck was grazed by the thin sword.
🌸 The Thousand Petal Sword was wielded—beautiful, elegant, but red blood began to stain the ground.
Han Jie, though shaking, dared to step forward. His spear thrust forward, and although not as graceful as his two companions' moves, it at least managed to hold off two bandits simultaneously.
"I... I can fight too!" he said, his teeth chattering.
Meanwhile, Lu Qing moved in the shadows. He threw poisoned needles at the bandits trying to flank them. There were no loud screams—just bodies suddenly stiffening, falling silently to the ground.
And Lin Xuan?
He was still on the back cart, lying casually while chewing dried fruit.
One of the bandits climbed onto the cart, raising a large scimitar with the intention of cleaving Lin Xuan's head.
Han Jie shouted, "XUAN! BEHIND YOU!"
Lin Xuan turned lazily, half-asleep. As the scimitar was about to strike, he simply... yawned.
"Ahhh~"
Somehow, the bandit suddenly slipped off the cart roof by himself, falling to the ground with his head hitting a rock. Knocked unconscious instantly.
Everyone fell silent.
Han Jie was stunned.
"Uh... did you... do that on purpose?"
Lin Xuan shrugged. "I just yawned. He fell by himself. Don't blame me."
The merchants who saw the scene looked confused—did the lazy youth carry strange luck, or was he truly foolish but lucky?
The fight intensified. Dozens of bandits charged all at once. Feng Zhiren and Zi Yueyan fought at the front, like light and flowers clashing in beauty. Han Jie was drenched in sweat, Lu Qing kept disappearing from sight.
But the number of bandits continued to increase. A large figure emerged from the forest, the muscular bandit leader, carrying a giant axe. His eyes were red, his face full of scars.
"Children of Guangming Academy!" his voice boomed. "How dare you disturb my territory! Today, your heads will be trophies!"
He swung his axe to the ground—"BOOMMM!"—the ground shook, the cart almost tipped over. The merchants shrieked, horses neighed wildly.
Feng Zhiren stepped forward with a serious face.
"Be careful everyone. He is different from ordinary bandits."
Zi Yueyan tightened her grip on her sword. Han Jie swallowed hard, the spear trembling in his hand. Lu Qing stared intently but remained silent.
And Lin Xuan?
He sat, chewing peanuts again, muttering softly.
"Oh dear... I was just about to take a nap, and now there's a show like this. It's so tiring to be a diligent person..."
The giant axe was swung wildly. With one slash, a large tree beside the road was split in two, its trunk falling onto two carts. The merchants screamed in panic, some almost crushed.
"Quickly protect the caravan!" Feng Zhiren shouted, his body covered in sacred light. He blocked the axe with his sword, the impact thundering. "CRASH!" The shockwave sent dust flying.
Zi Yueyan leaped to the side, her sword dancing, her quick attacks only managed to make a small scratch on the bandit leader's arm. The man's muscles were like steel, not a drop of blood came out.
Han Jie tried to stab with his spear, but it just bounced off. "Arghh!" his hand trembled violently.
Lu Qing moved quickly behind the bandit leader, thrusting his dagger into a vital point. But the man just laughed. "Mosquito needles can't pierce my skin!" He punched back, almost hitting Lu Qing, who was forced to roll away.
The situation turned grim. The disciples began to tire, the caravan was close to breaking.
Meanwhile, Lin Xuan was still sitting on the rice sacks. But this time his face was not completely relaxed. His gaze narrowed slightly, observing the field carefully.
If they keep going like this, the caravan will surely be destroyed... he murmured to himself. And if the caravan is destroyed, I'll also lose my soft bed.
For the first time, his lazy smile faded slightly.
Han Jie, who was almost dragged down by a bandit, shouted desperately. "Xuan! If you don't help, we might all die!!"
Lin Xuan gripped his last peanut. He sighed deeply, then slowly stood up.
"Ugh... I really hate being forced to work."
He picked up the cheap wooden sword he often used as a pillow.
"Okay... maybe I'll help a little this time. Just a little."
The bandit leader charged again. His body was large like a bear, veins bulging on his arms, the giant axe spinning in his hand. With one slash, the ground split!
Lin Xuan tried to block a blow—his reflexes were good, but the opponent's strength was too great. The wooden sword shattered into pieces, Lin Xuan's body was thrown and fell, hitting the hard ground. Dust billowed.
"XUAN!!" Han Jie shouted in panic.
Lin Xuan lay there, a little blood coming from his lip. But before anyone realized, he opened one eye and murmured softly, "Heh... turns out falling doesn't feel so bad..."
He stayed on the ground, pretending to be unconscious. But in his heart, he observed the battle calmly.
The bandit leader swung his axe again, this time towards the undefended merchant caravan! The merchants screamed, "Help! Our goods—!"
Zi Yueyan ran as fast as she could, blocking the giant blow with her sword. The hard impact made the ground tremble. Her body was thrown back a few steps, her knees shaking.
"Ugh... the strength... is too much!"
The bandit laughed savagely. "A woman like you isn't suited to playing with swords!"
He raised the axe to strike again—
But before the axe came down, Feng Zhiren shot forward like a flash of light.
His sword shone brightly, his aura reflecting a golden color that pierced the forest mist. In an instant, he was between Yueyan and the bandit.
"Guangming Sword—Sin-Slaying Light!"
"SWOOSH!"
A golden sword light shot out, splitting the air and hitting the bandit's axe. The sound of metal echoed, followed by a loud crash. The giant axe broke in the middle, and the giant bandit was thrown backward, hitting three large trees before falling silent and motionless.
Silence descended upon the field. The other bandits immediately fled helter-skelter into the forest.
Feng Zhiren stood tall, his sword still emitting a soft glow. His breathing was stable, his face remained calm. Everyone who witnessed it looked on with admiration—especially Zi Yueyan.
She held her chest lightly, her eyes fixed on Feng Zhiren's figure.
So beautiful... she thought unconsciously. He is like an untouchable light.
Han Jie helped Lin Xuan, who was still sprawled on the ground. "You're still alive, right?"
Lin Xuan slowly opened his eyes, looking towards Feng Zhiren, who was being surrounded by the other disciples.
A faint smile appeared on his face.
"...Well, the best disciple has to shine. I'll just be a spectator for now."
But behind that lazy smile, his eyes narrowed sharply.
Feng Zhiren... your strength is incredible. But somehow, I feel there's something behind that light... something not as pure as it seems.
The dust slowly settled.
The sound of crickets returned amidst the chilling silence. The lingering scent of metal and blood hung in the air, heavy, stinging the nostrils.
The merchants dared to breathe again. Some cried with relief, checking their merchandise, some of which was crushed by the falling tree trunk.
Feng Zhiren lowered his sword. The golden light on its blade slowly faded, leaving a soft sheen like the afternoon sun.
He glanced at the bandit leader's corpse, then turned to the others. "Check the surrounding area. Make sure no one is hiding."
"Understood, Senior Feng!" Han Jie exclaimed, though his voice was still trembling. He held his bruised hand, then turned to Lin Xuan, who was leaning against a pile of sacks.
"If you had genuinely helped earlier, maybe I wouldn't have almost died."
Lin Xuan smiled weakly. "If I had genuinely helped, you wouldn't have had a chance to show off. I'm a generous person, you know?"
Han Jie sighed heavily. "Stupidly generous..."
Lu Qing held back a laugh. "At least your fall looked cool, Xuan. I thought you died for real."
"If I had really died, I'd be more peaceful than having to listen to your nagging," Lin Xuan replied lightly while wiping the dust off his clothes.
Zi Yueyan walked closer.
Her face was slightly pale, but her gaze was still sharp. She looked at the scratch marks on her sword, then glanced at Lin Xuan.
"Are you hurt?" she asked flatly.
Lin Xuan looked back at her. "Just a small scratch on my ego."
Yueyan let out a small sigh, then looked down. "You're lucky to be alive. That bandit leader had strength beyond a normal person. There was something strange about his body—his aura seemed contaminated."
"Contamination?" Han Jie frowned. "Do you mean a demonic force?"
Yueyan looked at the bandit's corpse. "I don't know for sure. But I sensed something foul... like a dark spirit clinging to him."
Feng Zhiren approached, adjusting his sword sheath.
"That's right. I felt it too. But now is not the time to discuss it here."
He looked at the sky, which was beginning to turn a sunset red. "We continue the journey before night falls. This forest is not safe."
A few hours later.
The caravan continued its journey slowly. The dirt road was beginning to be damp with the evening dew, and the scent of the forest grew thicker.
The slow creaking of the cartwheels was heard, along with the heavy footsteps of the horses.
Feng Zhiren walked ahead, leading. The orange light of the setting sun reflected on his hair, making him look even more valiant.
Han Jie and Lu Qing took turns checking on the merchants, ensuring no one was seriously hurt.
As for Lin Xuan... yes, he had returned to his old habit—sitting on the rearmost cart, leaning back casually, half-closing his eyes.
However, this time his gaze occasionally darted towards the forest on the side of the road. His eyes weren't truly asleep.
A gentle breeze blew, carrying the scent of earth and wet leaves. But amidst the wind, there was a faint rustle—a sound like a whisper, almost inaudible.
"You are awake... the devil king..."
Lin Xuan opened his eyes slowly.
His gaze sharpened for a moment, but only for a second, then he leaned back again, feigning laziness.
"Hmm... seems I can't relax just yet, huh," he muttered quietly. "Interesting."
Meanwhile, in the front cart, Zi Yueyan was changing the bandage on a small cut on her arm.
The twilight light shone on her face, revealing a soft hue behind her cold expression. Han Jie sat beside her, looking at her with a bit of awkwardness.
"You were great earlier," Han Jie said. "I thought you were going to die when that axe almost fell."
"It's not easy to kill me," Yueyan replied curtly.
Han Jie scratched his head, grinning sheepishly. "Yeah, yeah... I'm just impressed. But honestly, I'm more impressed with Zhiren. He's like a god of light descending from the heavens!"
Yueyan was silent. Her gaze softened slightly.
"Light, huh..." she murmured softly. "But even light can be so blinding that you don't realize what it hides."
Han Jie looked at her in surprise. "What do you mean?"
"Nothing," she replied quickly, turning her face away again.
On the other side, Feng Zhiren was talking to the elderly merchant head who was in charge of the caravan.
"We owe you our lives, especially you, Young Master Feng," the merchant said, bowing deeply. "If not for you, all these goods would have been reduced to ashes."
Feng Zhiren smiled kindly. "It is our duty to protect you. But I hope you will quickly strengthen the security of this route. Bandits like those... don't just appear out of nowhere."
The merchant swallowed. "You mean... someone is organizing them?"
"Perhaps," Zhiren replied, his eyes gleaming calmly. "The world is not as safe as it seems."
Night slowly descended.
They stopped at a small camp by the riverbank. A bonfire burned, casting orange light on the faces of each disciple.
Han Jie was busy roasting sweet potatoes, while Lu Qing sharpened his dagger blade. Feng Zhiren sat a little distance away, meditating in silence.
Zi Yueyan stood on the riverbank, staring at the moon's reflection in the water. The night wind blew her long hair, making her silhouette appear like an unyielding cherry blossom.
Lin Xuan sat near the bonfire, looking in her direction without truly gazing.
"She looks cold, but she's actually fragile," he muttered softly.
Han Jie snorted. "What? Are you falling in love?"
"Falling in love? No." Lin Xuan smiled wryly. "I just know... the ones who hold themselves back too tightly are usually the easiest to break."
Han Jie glanced at him strangely. "You talk as if you know everything."
Lin Xuan didn't answer. He just stared at the night sky. Among the stars, a faint red light twinkled.
Red star... what kind of omen is this?
Somehow, his heart felt a tremor.
Suddenly, the sound of a twig snapping came from the direction of the forest.
Lu Qing immediately stood up, his dagger drawn. "Who's there?!"
Everyone instantly went on alert.
From behind the trees, a figure in a black robe appeared. His body was thin, but his aura was terrifying. His face was covered with cloth, only his glowing red eyes were visible.
"So you are the ones who killed the leader of the Black Wolf group," his voice was heavy, like two overlapping tones. "That was a big mistake."
Han Jie raised his spear. "Who are you?!"
The figure did not answer. His hand moved slowly... and from beneath the robe, a dense purple aura emerged, like a poisonous mist.
Zi Yueyan leaped forward, her sword ready. "Everyone step back! He's not an ordinary human!"
But Feng Zhiren stepped forward instead, his aura beginning to shine.
"Whoever you are, I will not allow you to hurt anyone here."
The figure in the black robe laughed quietly. "Sacred light from Guangming... interesting. But you know nothing of the darkness that is coming."
Then, he raised his hand.
From the ground, a black shadow in the shape of a large hand emerged, grasping the air and smashing towards Zhiren with unimaginable speed!
"Zhiren!" Han Jie shouted.
Golden light and black shadow collided—the explosion shook the entire forest. The bonfire was extinguished instantly.
In the darkness, Lin Xuan slowly stood up.
His eyes were fixed on the two auras colliding in the distance. His lazy smile vanished.
"Hmm... disturbing my rest."
He stretched his hand forward, and from beneath his sleeve, a faint white light appeared for a moment—only a flash, but enough to make the air around him tremble.
But as soon as Han Jie turned his head, Lin Xuan was already sitting down again, as if nothing had happened.
The clash of light stopped. The figure in the black robe took a step back, staring at Feng Zhiren, who was still standing tall despite his slightly ragged breath.
"Interesting..." he said softly. "You possess sacred power, but your soul is not clean. That will lead you to ruin."
Before anyone could attack, the figure vanished, swallowed by the night mist.
Silence returned. The wind carried a strange smell—like blood and wilted flowers.
Feng Zhiren closed his eyes for a moment, holding back a heavy breath. Zi Yueyan stepped closer. "Are you alright?"
Zhiren smiled faintly. "I'm fine."
But Lin Xuan, sitting far behind, just looked at him silently. His gaze seemed to pierce the surface.
In his eyes, the golden light on Zhiren's body trembled strangely—as if something was creeping beneath the sacred light.
He closed his eyes slowly, whispering softly to himself.
"A light that is too bright... sometimes hides the deepest shadow."
The mist slowly dissipated, leaving a damp aroma and a residual spiritual energy that had not completely vanished. The ground around them was shattered—forming cracks like black veins under the moonlight.
The merchant caravan, which had been panicked earlier, was now silent, some still trembling. Several merchants knelt, staring at Feng Zhiren as if he were a saving deity.
Zi Yueyan still stood near him, her clear eyes slightly widened. She hadn't expected Zhiren to truly be able to withstand the strange figure's attack alone. "Sacred light from Guangming..." the robed creature's words kept ringing in her head.
Lu Qing stared at the spot where the figure vanished, plunging his dagger into the ground with a wary face. "He left no trace. His stealth ability is far above average. That was no ordinary bandit."
Feng Zhiren lowered his gaze, his eyes inspecting the black handprint mark on the ground. He felt a chill spread from it. Dark energy... something that should not appear in the western region of Longyuan.
Meanwhile, Lin Xuan just sat leaning against the tree trunk, as if the world around him didn't matter.
But his fingers, hidden beneath his sleeve, were still slightly trembling.
"Lin Xuan," Han Jie called. "Are you alright? You were hit by the shockwave earlier."
Lin Xuan opened one eye, lazily. "Hm? Oh, that... just a slight headache. But I'm fine."
Han Jie sighed in relief, but Zi Yueyan, observing him from afar, narrowed her eyes. Just a headache? The man had been thrown almost ten steps backward by the energy clash of two intermediate-level experts. Normally, his body should be shattered.
Something was strange.
But Lin Xuan covered everything up awkwardly—his hand patted the dust off his clothes, then he muttered,
"Next time you guys want to have a big duel, let me know first so I can move away. My sleep was disturbed."
Han Jie looked at him with a mixed expression of annoyance and amusement. "You lazy bum."
A moment later, they decided to continue their journey. Dawn broke over the hills, illuminating the long and winding rocky road.
During the journey, Zi Yueyan was at the front, occasionally glancing back at Zhiren. "Your sacred energy... is very pure. That's a technique from Guangming Academy, isn't it?"
Zhiren smiled politely. "That's right. The Sacred Eon Light. I am still at the fourth stage."
"The fourth stage?!" Han Jie, hearing from behind, almost dropped his reins. "You're only twenty-four and already that far? I'm barely at the second stage!"
Zhiren chuckled softly, but his gaze remained calm. "I was just lucky to receive direct guidance from the Head of the Light Division."
Lin Xuan, sitting on the back cart, stared at the morning clouds, saying nothing. But in his mind, a faint voice echoed, like a whisper from the past.
Sacred Eon Light... a technique born from an unstable foundation of power. They call it sacred, but every ray of light leaves a shadow. Once... I saw a few people who were the same, but they perfected it in the wrong way.
He sighed quietly, looking towards Feng Zhiren's back, which shone under the sun. And now, they call him the best disciple.
Towards the afternoon, the caravan arrived at a narrow valley known as the Wolf's Gate. It was the last path before entering the western city, Heiyan. But strangely, the valley was quiet—too quiet.
Birds were not heard, the wind felt heavy, and in the air, a faint metallic scent lingered.
Lu Qing dismounted to check, sniffing. "The smell of blood."
Feng Zhiren immediately signaled a stop. "Everyone be on guard."
Just as the words left his mouth, a hoarse laugh was heard from behind a large rock.
"Hahaha... I thought you died at the hands of the shadow that night."
From behind the rock, a large man with tattoos on his face appeared, his body muscular, carrying a large axe. On his back, the Black Wolf emblem was clearly carved—but different from the previous one.
"The leader of the Black Wolves is dead, but we still have another head," he said with a vicious smile. "And you... will be a sacrificial offering for his revival."
"Revival?" Feng Zhiren narrowed his eyes. "What do you mean—"
Before he could finish, dozens of dark arrows were shot from behind the cliff! Zhiren immediately raised a barrier of light, protecting the caravan.
"Han Jie! Guard the right flank! Zi Yueyan—!"
"I know!" Zi Yueyan had already leaped forward, her body spinning, her sword tracing a pink trajectory that cut the air. Every slash generated spiritual sparks in the shape of petals, destroying the incoming arrows.
However, from the left side, three bandits in black clothing appeared, attacking the carts. Han Jie immediately jumped to block them.
Lin Xuan? He seemed calm on the cart, as if observing everyone's movements with a relaxed eye.
Black Wolves... so this is the next test, huh? he thought. He slowly stood up, picking up the wooden stick he used for support. The stick was ordinary, but when he gripped it, the air around him subtly changed.
The fight intensified. Zi Yueyan struggled to fend off the tattooed man's attack—every swing of the axe created waves of black energy capable of splitting rock.
She tried to counter, but the man's strength was beyond her expectation. With one swing, her sword was knocked away, her body was thrown to the ground, and before she could get up, the large axe was already heading towards her.
Feng Zhiren saw her from afar. "YUEYAN!!"
In an instant, his body was enveloped in golden light. He stomped the ground—creating a small explosion—and shot forward like lightning. He closed the distance in a flash, blocking the axe with his bare hand wrapped in sacred light.
BOOOM!!
The tremor shook the valley. Stones split, dust flew everywhere. Zhiren pushed his opponent back, then concentrated the sacred aura in his palm. The golden light shone brightly, forming a luminous circular symbol in the air.
"Eternal Light Technique—Sin-Slaying Cutter!"
The light hit the tattooed bandit squarely in the chest. A cracking sound was heard, the large body was thrown far back and hit the cliff—dying instantly.
However, Zhiren's own body trembled violently, his knees almost giving way. He bit his lip, holding back the pain spreading from within his chest—the sacred light in his body trembled strangely, as if disturbed by something invisible.
Zi Yueyan looked at him, her breath ragged. "Zhiren... you—"
"I'm fine," he said quickly, smiling despite the cold sweat dripping down. "The important thing is that you're safe."
Meanwhile, from a distance, Lin Xuan just sighed quietly. He saw the aura around Feng Zhiren starting to become unstable. That light... was starting to crack. So the black-robed creature had left a seed of darkness inside.
His eyes looked towards the remaining bandits who were fleeing in panic. He tapped the wooden sword on the ground gently.
"Just a little nudge," he muttered.
A small trrt! sound was heard, and suddenly, the ground in front of the bandits cracked—black tree roots wrapped around their feet, pulling them into the ground.
Han Jie, who saw it, shouted, "Eh!? What was that?! Yueyan, did you—?"
Zi Yueyan looked in Lin Xuan's direction, but the man was already leaning back on the cart, pretending to yawn.
"Is it over? Can I sleep now?"
Han Jie rubbed his temples. "This guy... is truly bizarre."
But no one laughed this time. Everyone was silent, because somehow... they knew Lin Xuan was not as strange as he seemed.
The sun began to set. The valley was now silent again.
Zi Yueyan stood on the edge of the cliff, staring far into the forest. The wind carried the smell of blood and wet earth. "The black-robed figure... and the bandits talking about revival. Something big is moving."
Feng Zhiren walked up to her, looking at the fading sun. "Yes. And I feel this is only the beginning."
Behind them, Lin Xuan looked at the silhouettes of the two, then looked at the twilight sky. The orange light reflected in his calm eyes.
"The beginning, huh..." he whispered softly.
"But sometimes... a light that is too bright only makes us blind to the shadows at our own feet."
He closed his eyes. A faint smile appeared on his face.
Alright. I'll play your game. For now.
The night sky turned a silvery purple as the caravan finally reached the gates of Heiyan City. The city was famous for its dark walls and the red lanterns hanging on every street, creating a warm yet somber atmosphere.
The sound of rolling wheels and horse hooves echoed, piercing the thin fog descending from the hills.
"At least we arrived before it was fully night," said Zi Yueyan.
She dismounted from the cart, flicking dust from the tip of her sword, which still retained a soft glow. Her pink attire shimmered under the lanterns—a contrast to the look of exhaustion on her face.
Han Jie immediately collapsed near a wagon. "I swear, if this mission has a second round, I'm quitting!"
Lu Qing didn't respond. He looked towards the valley, which was already covered in fog, his eyes narrowed.
"There's something strange. The smell of blood there hasn't disappeared, but I feel... something is following us."
Feng Zhiren looked at him seriously. "Are you sure?"
"Not certain. But instinct doesn't lie."
Lin Xuan straightened up, staring from a distance. "Maybe it's just your own shadows," he said casually, biting into a piece of dried fruit.
But beneath his lazy tone, his gaze swept over the rooftops of the buildings. He could sense traces of black energy—faint, like night dew clinging to the skin.
That night they settled in the "Stone Lantern" Inn. A three-story wooden building with an arched roof and a small garden behind it.
Zi Yueyan sat at a table near the window, looking out. Outside, the lanterns swayed gently in the wind. She was still thinking about the battle earlier.
"The black-robed creature, and the bandits, they spoke of 'revival'," she muttered softly. "Does that mean—"
"That the world is about to fall apart again," Lin Xuan interjected from the side of the room. He was lying on a long bench, his hands behind his head. "Evil spirits that sleep too long are usually awakened by human greed. That is the law of nature."
Yueyan turned with a frown. "How do you know that?"
Lin Xuan opened one eye, looking at her lazily. "I once read it on a street wall in Longyuan City."
His tone was light. Yueyan was silent, unsure how to respond.
Feng Zhiren entered shortly after, carrying a command scroll.
"We will be staying in this city for the next 2 days. Master Wei sent a message through a communication talisman. We must go to the western headquarters to report the arrival of this merchant caravan... and besides that, there is a mission to investigate the 'Corridor of Spirits' outside of Heiyan City."
"Corridor of Spirits?" Han Jie asked. "Isn't that place... forbidden to enter?"
Lu Qing nodded slowly. "Even the city guards avoid it. There are rumors that whenever a red fog descends, voices are heard calling names from within the valley."
Lin Xuan chuckled softly. "Ah, a good place for a nap."
Yueyan snorted quietly, but she looked at him for a long time. "You... aren't afraid?"
"Afraid? I thought they were just the spirits of the dead wanting to be revived,"
Two days later, the fog truly descended. Thick, damp, smelling of iron and earth.
Their group headed west, following the stony path towards the Corridor of Spirits—a gap between two high cliffs where a mass slaughter of officials afflicted by evil spirits had once occurred.
The further they walked, the clearer the strange sounds became—like whispers from behind the fog.
Han Jie swallowed. "Did you hear that...?"
Zi Yueyan drew her sword. "A sound like... someone is calling our names."
"Yes," Feng Zhiren replied softly. "But do not answer. That is not human."
They stopped. The fog in front slowly swirled, then gradually formed silhouettes—faceless black bodies, standing in the middle of the road.
Feng Zhiren raised his sword, sacred light appearing around him. "Evil spirits... I will purify you!"
But as the light erupted, Lin Xuan suddenly restrained his hand. "Don't use that light!"
Too late—the burst of sacred light swept through the fog, and a moment later, the spirits screamed piercingly. But not because they were burned—instead, they absorbed the light into their bodies, transforming them into winged shadows.
Zi Yueyan paled. "What happened?!"
Lin Xuan closed his eyes, his voice deep.
"They are not ordinary spirits... they are soul fragments of the spirit that once merged with the bodies of these city officials. Sacred light actually gives them form."
"Xuan, how do you know about that story?" Han Jie asked.
"Yes, I know, a little..." Lin Xuan replied.
He opened his eyes, and this time, behind his lazy gaze, a faint red glow appeared. "The wrong move, Zhiren. Now see... light can give birth to darkness," he murmured inwardly.
Darkness then exploded. The sound of screams, light, and shadows mixed into one. The surrounding view was obscured by the dark smoke.
And in the midst of it all, Lin Xuan stepped forward, bringing forth from another dimension the sword he had been concealing all this time. Slowly, he loosened the sword's sheath.
A faint whisper was heard from the legendary sword.
"Has the time come again, my master...?"
Lin Xuan smiled faintly. "It's not time for the world to know who I am. But... if the shadow of an evil spirit appears before me, then I too must dance with it."
He drew his sword halfway from its sheath—a dark red aura pulsed from the blade, like the breath of a black dragon newly awakened from a long sleep.
An explosion sounded.
The fog trembled, then instantly vanished.
But no one knew what had just happened. The surroundings returned to normal. Lin Xuan looked relaxed in the back, rubbing his head, as if he also didn't know what had just transpired.