Chapter 7: The Elder of Ash and Shadow
Kael's reputation had begun to spread far beyond the mountains. Rumors of a shadow cultivator who could control darkness itself reached the ears of the Ashfang Sect, one of the continent's most powerful organizations. Their elders, masters of fire and martial precision, saw him as a threat or perhaps, an opportunity.
Kael knew an encounter with the Ashfang Elder was inevitable. The sect's aura radiated power, disciplined and overwhelming, but the shadow within him whispered strategies, possibilities, weaknesses. They will fall.
He approached the Ashfang stronghold under the cover of night, the wind carrying the scent of molten stone and burning incense. The gates were massive, guarded by dozens of elite cultivators. Kael let the shadows flow, tendrils slithering silently, binding sentries before they could react.
Inside, the courtyard was ablaze with torches, the elders meditating in ritualistic formation. The most powerful among them, Elder Ravok, sensed Kael immediately a presence dark, alive, almost sentient.
"You are bold," Ravok said, eyes narrowing. "Few dare approach the Ashfang Sect without permission."
Kael's shadow extended, wrapping around the ground, trees, and pillars like a black sea. "I seek knowledge… and power," Kael said calmly. "And I take what is mine if necessary."
Ravok rose, flames flickering around his form. "Then come. Show me the extent of your darkness."
The battle erupted. Flames and shadows collided with earth-shattering force. Kael's tendrils twisted around Ravok's strikes, intercepting and redirecting them. Each blow, each movement, Kael's shadow learned and adapted. He was no longer just a cultivator he was an extension of darkness itself, unpredictable and lethal.
Hours passed in a blur of movement, sparks, and destruction. Finally, Kael focused all his power into a single strike, binding Ravok in a cocoon of shadow that pulsed and writhed. The elder struggled, then finally relented.
"You… are no ordinary mortal," Ravok said, panting. "I will teach you… but know this the shadow is a path with no return. It will demand everything from you."
Kael absorbed Ravok's teachings: advanced cultivation techniques, fire-combat mastery, and spiritual energy refinement. The shadow integrated them, evolving yet again. It became semi-independent, capable of attacking multiple targets, defending Kael instinctively, and even predicting opponents' moves before they fully formed.
When he left the Ashfang Sect, Kael was no longer merely a shadow cultivator. He was a force, a predator in human form, and his legend spread across the continent. Kingdoms, clans, and sects whispered his name in fear: The Shadow Ascendant. The Darkness Unseen. Kael Veyra.
The boy who had lost everything had become unstoppable. Yet, even as his power grew, the shadow whispered, hungrier than ever, promising even greater strength… if Kael was willing to risk himself entirely.
This is only the beginning.
Kael's eyes glimmered with cold ambition. The world would kneel or be consumed.