The wind howled through the mountain peaks as Feng Yuntian and Li Xue emerged from the hidden realm of the Skyshatter Sect. The air was crisp, and the sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows over the rugged landscape. Though the legacy had been claimed, the weight of their journey ahead lingered in the air.
Feng Yuntian tightened his grip on the Skyshatter Codex, feeling the immense power contained within its pages. The knowledge he had gained from the legacy was profound—an unmatched cultivation technique that, once mastered, could shatter the heavens. But such power came with its own burdens, and he knew there would be others who sought it.
"We should return to the sect," Li Xue said, breaking the silence. "They'll be expecting us."
Feng Yuntian nodded but remained silent. He glanced toward the distant horizon, his mind already racing ahead. His path was clear, but the enemies in the shadows would not remain hidden for long. The Skyshatter Sect's legacy was known to only a few, but even the slightest rumor could bring the most dangerous cultivators and sects hunting for it.
As they began their descent down the mountain, Feng Yuntian's thoughts turned to the future. He needed to consolidate his strength, master the Skyshatter Codex, and prepare for the challenges to come. But there was something else—a nagging feeling that had been growing ever since they left the hidden realm. The world around him felt... different.
It wasn't just the heightened sense of spiritual energy, nor the legacy he had inherited. It was something more primal, something lurking just beyond his senses. He stopped in his tracks, narrowing his eyes as he scanned the treeline below.
Li Xue noticed his sudden halt. "What's wrong?"
Feng Yuntian didn't respond immediately, his gaze fixed on the darkening forest. After a long pause, he spoke quietly. "We're being watched."
Li Xue's eyes widened, her hand instinctively reaching for her blade. Her senses sharpened, but she couldn't feel any immediate threat. Still, she knew better than to doubt Feng Yuntian's instincts. If he sensed danger, then there was no question—it was real.
They moved carefully, their steps deliberate as they made their way down the mountain path. The forest was quiet, too quiet. The usual sounds of birds and insects were absent, replaced by an eerie silence that made the hair on the back of Li Xue's neck stand up.
Suddenly, a flash of movement in the trees caught Feng Yuntian's attention. He stopped, his body tensing as he prepared for an ambush. He could feel the presence now—several, in fact. They were well-hidden, but not well enough to escape his keen senses.
A low, mocking voice echoed from the shadows. "You've got sharp eyes, boy. Most don't notice us until it's too late."
Feng Yuntian's eyes flicked toward the source of the voice. A figure stepped out from the underbrush, clad in dark robes, his face obscured by a hood. Behind him, more figures emerged, each one armed and radiating a sinister aura. Their cultivation levels weren't weak—these were seasoned assassins.
Li Xue's grip tightened on her sword as she took a defensive stance. "Who are they?"
Feng Yuntian's expression remained calm. "They're from the Bloodshadow Sect. Mercenaries and killers for hire."
The leader of the group chuckled, stepping closer. "Ah, so you've heard of us. That'll save us some introductions. You see, the moment you entered that hidden realm, a lot of eyes turned your way. The Skyshatter Sect's legacy is something people are willing to kill for."
Feng Yuntian's gaze didn't waver. "And what makes you think you'll succeed where others have failed?"
The assassin smirked. "Confidence, boy. It's kept me alive this long. You've got the legacy, but that doesn't mean you've mastered it yet. Hand over the Skyshatter Codex, and maybe we'll let you walk away with your life."
Li Xue glanced at Feng Yuntian, her expression tense but determined. She knew they were outnumbered, but she had seen firsthand what he was capable of. Still, these assassins weren't to be taken lightly.
Feng Yuntian's lips curled into a faint smile. "You should've chosen your prey more carefully."
Before the leader could react, Feng Yuntian moved with lightning speed. In an instant, his sword was unsheathed, its edge gleaming in the dim light. His movements were a blur, and in the blink of an eye, he was upon them.
The assassins barely had time to register his attack before two of their number fell, blood spraying from clean, precise strikes. The leader's smug expression faltered, replaced by a look of shock.
"What—?!" he barely managed to utter before Feng Yuntian was in front of him, his sword poised at the assassin's throat.
"You underestimated me," Feng Yuntian said coldly. "That was your first mistake."
The leader's eyes darted around, desperate for an escape, but Feng Yuntian's blade pressed closer, drawing a thin line of blood.
"Wait, wait! We can make a deal!" the assassin stammered. "You don't have to kill us! We were just following orders!"
Feng Yuntian's expression didn't change. "And who gave you those orders?"
The assassin swallowed hard, his fear palpable. "I... I don't know! We were just paid to keep an eye on you, maybe rough you up if we had the chance. But the real players—there are people higher up. We're just the foot soldiers."
Li Xue stepped forward, her blade still drawn. "Higher up? Who's pulling your strings?"
The leader hesitated, his eyes darting between Feng Yuntian and Li Xue. "I don't know their names, but I know they're powerful. Way above our level. They want that Codex, and they're willing to send a lot more than just us to get it."
Feng Yuntian's eyes narrowed. He knew this wouldn't be the last attempt on his life, but the fact that powerful forces were already moving against him so soon after claiming the legacy was concerning. Whoever was behind this was not to be taken lightly.
Without another word, Feng Yuntian withdrew his sword, and with one swift motion, ended the assassin's life. The remaining mercenaries, seeing their leader fall, fled into the woods, their courage broken.
As the silence returned to the forest, Li Xue sheathed her sword and looked at Feng Yuntian. "This isn't over, is it?"
Feng Yuntian shook his head. "No. It's only just beginning."
He turned his gaze back toward the horizon, where storm clouds were gathering. The Skyshatter Codex was a powerful tool, but it was also a beacon, drawing attention from those who sought power for themselves. Enemies from the shadows, hidden powers, and ancient sects would all be watching now, waiting for the right moment to strike.
But Feng Yuntian wasn't afraid. He had faced greater dangers in the Chaos, and now, with the Skyshatter Codex in his possession, he would face whatever came his way.
Far to the west, in a darkened chamber, a figure sat atop a throne, cloaked in shadows. His eyes glowed faintly as he watched the events unfold through a mystical scrying pool.
"So, the boy has claimed the Skyshatter legacy," the figure murmured, a hint of amusement in his voice. "It seems the game is about to get interesting."
With a wave of his hand, the vision in the pool faded, leaving only darkness.
"Prepare the others," the figure commanded, his voice echoing through the chamber. "We move soon."
The shadows stirred, and silent figures moved to carry out his orders.