The moon hung high in the sky, its silver glow casting faint light through the thin paper windows of Yohan's room. The quiet hum of the sect at night surrounded him—muted footsteps of patrolling guards, the occasional rustle of leaves, and the distant chirp of night insects.
Yohan sat cross-legged on his simple bed; his crimson eyes closed. His breathing was steady, his mind calm, yet thoughts churned beneath the surface. The events of the past weeks played out in his memory like fragments of a dream—his reincarnation, the grueling tests, and the faces of those he now called teammates.
Selene's boldness, Elara's jealousy, and the tension between them were distractions he didn't need. He had seen enough of human nature in his past life to know that emotions like these could derail even the best-laid plans.
His fingers unconsciously traced the edge of his storage ring. Inside were his Shadowfang daggers and Nightshade armor—tools that would help him survive. But tools weren't enough. The Verdant Sky Sect was no sanctuary; it was a battlefield cloaked in discipline and hierarchy. Every disciple here was a potential rival, and every mission a test of survival.
"This place… it's nothing but a den of wolves," he muttered to himself.
Yet, amidst the challenges, Yohan saw opportunity. The sect was rich with resources—libraries of cultivation techniques, mentors with knowledge, and missions that promised not only growth but the chance to earn more Path Tokens. He could feel the tug of power calling to him, urging him to climb higher, faster.
Opening his eyes, Yohan stared at the faint glow of moonlight reflecting off his daggers. His resolve hardened.
"I didn't come here to make friends or indulge in pointless rivalries," he thought. "This is my stepping stone. Nothing more."
He opened his eyes, the crimson glow reflecting his resolve. The sect wasn't a home or a sanctuary—it was a stepping stone, a means to an end. He would use its resources, learn its secrets, and grow stronger. And when the time came, he would leave it behind without hesitation.
The faces of Elara and Selene flashed briefly in his mind, accompanied by a faint twinge of guilt. They were allies, perhaps even something more, but he couldn't afford distractions. The path he walked was solitary, and he intended to keep it that way.
He exhaled deeply, his breath steadying his focus. The Phantom Eclipse Art thrummed within him, its passive energy working in the background, strengthening his core. The system's shop was another boon—though limited by his Path Tokens, it held the promise of growth tailored to his needs.
Yohan stood, moving to the window. The sprawling sect grounds stretched before him, shadowed but teeming with hidden potential. Somewhere out there, the strong were rising, and the weak were being trampled.
"Let them fight among themselves," he murmured, his voice cold. "I'll carve my path through this chaos."
As the night deepened, Yohan returned to his bed, his mind clear and his purpose sharper than ever. He would endure the drama, the danger, and the trials, all for the sake of power.
Tomorrow, the journey would begin in earnest with that thought yohan drifted to sleep.
The Verdant Sky Sect's training grounds bustled with activity the following morning. Disciples sparred in open courtyards, their movements precise and their auras flaring with controlled intensity. Others gathered in groups, whispering about upcoming missions or exchanging techniques. Amidst the vibrant chaos, Yohan moved silently, his calm presence contrasting with the energy around him.
As he crossed one of the sect's main squares, a group of senior disciples lounged nearby. Their uniforms bore the distinct markings of high-ranking members, and their confident postures spoke of experience and dominance. Among them stood a tall man with sharp features and piercing golden eyes. His aura exuded arrogance, and the disciples around him deferred to him with evident respect.
The man's gaze locked onto Yohan, his expression shifting to one of mild disdain. He observed Yohan's black armor and the twin daggers at his side, his lips curling into a smirk.
"Hey, you," the man called out, his voice loud enough to draw attention.
Yohan stopped but didn't bother turning his head. The lack of reaction only seemed to irritate the senior disciple further.
"You must be new," the man continued, stepping closer. "Let me give you a bit of advice. Around here, strength speaks louder than silence. And your little act of indifference? It won't earn you any favors."
Yohan finally turned, his crimson eyes meeting the man's golden gaze without a hint of emotion. "I don't need favors," he replied flatly before walking away.
The senior disciple's smirk faded, replaced by a cold glare. His companions exchanged uneasy glances but said nothing.
"He's got guts," one of them muttered.
"Guts won't help him when I decide to teach him a lesson," the man replied, his voice icy. "He'll regret that attitude soon enough."
Later that day, Yohan found himself in the sect's library, flipping through a manual on spiritual energy refinement. Selene appeared beside him; her usual cheer replaced by a serious expression.
"Yohan," she said quietly, glancing around to ensure they weren't overheard.
He raised an eyebrow but didn't respond, waiting for her to continue.
"That senior disciple you brushed off earlier? His name is Zane Stormborne, and he's not someone you should underestimate," Selene warned. "He's one of the top-ranked disciples in the sect and hes from a noble family. He might not challenge you outright, but he won't let your slight go unnoticed."
"I'm not worried," Yohan replied, turning a page.
Selene sighed, her silver hair catching the light as she leaned closer. "You should be. This sect isn't as simple as it looks. Rivalries here aren't just about pride—they can ruin you if you're not careful. Some people won't stop until they've crushed you completely."
Yohan glanced at her; his crimson eyes unreadable. "You seem to know a lot about how this place works," he said, his tone neutral but probing.
Selene hesitated; her expression conflicted. "I've been here longer than you think. Just… be careful, okay?"
Without waiting for a response, she turned and walked away, leaving Yohan to his thoughts.
He closed the manual and leaned back, his mind piecing together the fragments of information. The sect was proving to be more dangerous than it appeared, but danger was something he had long since learned to navigate.
If Zane or anyone else thought they could crush him, they were in for a rude awakening.