Feng Yunxian's encounter with the mysterious man had left a deep impression. The oppressive energy, the malevolent intent—these were not the marks of an ordinary cultivator. Someone had been watching him, sensing his faint, concealed power. If one person had found him, others would too. It was only a matter of time.
Back in the village, life continued as normal. The villagers went about their day, blissfully unaware of the unseen dangers lurking in the shadows. But Feng Yunxian could no longer afford to remain in the dark. He needed to push forward with his cultivation, to accelerate his progress. His enemies would come for him, and he would be ready.
Days turned into weeks, and Feng Yunxian found solace in the isolated woods where he could practice without interruption. His cultivation was slow but steady. The energy of the mortal realm lacked the potency of the Chaos, but his foundation was deep. Every drop of energy he absorbed was meticulously refined, strengthening his body and spirit. He was on the path of the mortal immortal—one who transcends the limits of both realms.
One evening, as the setting sun bathed the forest in a golden glow, Feng Yunxian sat cross-legged in meditation. His breath was calm, his mind sharp. The energy in the air was unusually dense tonight, and he could feel the faint stirrings of a breakthrough. His body hummed with anticipation as the energy flowed through his meridians, circulating with increasing intensity.
He focused inward, feeling the slow buildup of power in his dantian. The familiar sensation of pressure began to mount—a sign that he was on the verge of breaking through to the next stage.
But just as he was about to cross that threshold, a sudden disturbance shattered his concentration.
A presence. Faint but unmistakable.
Feng Yunxian's eyes snapped open, his senses on high alert. He scanned the surrounding woods, his mind racing. It was subtle, but there was no mistaking it—someone was approaching. This time, the presence was different from the man he had encountered before. It was more refined, more controlled.
He rose to his feet, silently positioning himself near the edge of the clearing. His body moved with practiced grace, every motion deliberate and quiet.
Moments later, a figure emerged from the trees. It was a woman, her robes flowing as she stepped into the clearing. Her face was obscured by a veil, but her aura was unmistakable. She was a cultivator—one far more powerful than anyone he had encountered in this realm so far.
"Who are you?" Feng Yunxian asked, his voice calm but firm.
The woman tilted her head slightly, her eyes—sharp and intelligent—peering through the veil. "I could ask the same of you," she said, her voice soft yet commanding. "You don't belong here, do you?"
Feng Yunxian's heart skipped a beat. She knew. But how much?
He remained silent, his expression unreadable.
The woman took a step closer, her movements graceful, almost ethereal. "I've been watching you," she continued. "Your aura is unlike any I've seen in this world. It's faint, but… ancient. Powerful."
Feng Yunxian tensed. This was dangerous ground. He couldn't reveal too much, not until he knew who she was and what she wanted.
"I'm just a cultivator," he said cautiously. "Seeking strength like anyone else."
The woman let out a soft laugh, though there was no malice in it. "Perhaps. But you're not like the others. I've traveled this land for years, and never have I encountered someone like you."
Her gaze lingered on him for a moment longer before she spoke again. "My name is Lin Yue. I come from the Iron Spirit Sect."
Feng Yunxian's eyes narrowed. He had heard whispers of the Iron Spirit Sect—one of the most prominent sects in this part of the world, known for their strict discipline and powerful martial arts. But why would someone from such a sect seek him out?
"What do you want?" he asked, keeping his voice neutral.
Lin Yue studied him for a moment before responding. "You have potential," she said simply. "You're far more than you appear to be. I could sense your power from miles away. It's faint, but it's growing. I'm offering you a chance—a chance to join the Iron Spirit Sect. You'll find the resources you need there to grow stronger."
Feng Yunxian's mind raced. Joining a sect? It wasn't what he had planned. He had always preferred to walk his path alone, but the Iron Spirit Sect… it could offer him valuable resources, techniques, and protection.
But could he trust her?
"What's in it for you?" he asked, his tone guarded.
Lin Yue smiled, though her eyes remained serious. "The Iron Spirit Sect seeks talent. And you, whether you realize it or not, are one of the most promising cultivators I've come across. You may not be strong now, but you will be. With the right guidance, you could become… exceptional."
Feng Yunxian remained silent, weighing his options. He didn't trust her—not entirely—but the offer was tempting. His enemies would eventually come for him, and if he remained in this village, he would be vulnerable. The Iron Spirit Sect could offer him the opportunity to grow stronger, faster.
Finally, he spoke. "I'll consider it."
Lin Yue nodded, as if she had expected that response. "Good. I'll return in three days. Think carefully."
With that, she turned and disappeared into the woods, leaving Feng Yunxian alone in the clearing once more.
For hours, Feng Yunxian sat in silence, contemplating the offer. Joining a sect could accelerate his cultivation. He could access techniques and resources that would be unavailable to him otherwise. But there were risks—sect politics, rivalries, and the possibility that his past might be discovered.
Still, the encounter with Lin Yue had been a reminder. His enemies would not wait forever. If he wanted to survive, to reclaim his former power, he would need to take risks.
By the time the sun began to rise, Feng Yunxian had made his decision. He would go to the Iron Spirit Sect. But he would tread carefully. He would learn what he could, grow stronger, and when the time came, he would strike.
His path was set. The road to the Chaos was long, but with each step, he was getting closer.
And when he returned, the world would tremble.