The forest surrounding the Sky-Severing Sect was quiet, save for the rustling of leaves in the evening breeze. The setting sun cast long shadows between the towering trees, painting the ground in streaks of crimson and gold. Tianhai moved carefully along the narrow path, his senses on high alert.
His training had ended late, and he was making his way back to his quarters when an unsettling feeling crept over him. The forest, which should have been teeming with the sounds of distant beasts and rustling foliage, was unnaturally still. It was the kind of silence that only came before something dangerous.
A flicker of movement caught his eye. Before he could react, a powerful force slammed into his side, sending him flying. He crashed against a tree, pain blooming in his ribs as he struggled to catch his breath.
Laughter echoed through the clearing.
"You've been getting too full of yourself, Tianhai."
Tianhai forced himself to stand, wiping the blood from his mouth as he looked up. A figure stepped out from the shadows—a senior disciple clad in dark robes, his eyes filled with cold amusement.
"Shen Mu," Tianhai muttered, recognizing him instantly. One of Xue Wei's strongest supporters.
"You should have known this was coming," Shen Mu continued, cracking his knuckles. "Your existence is an insult to those of us who have fought to stand where we are. Do you really think you can rise so easily?"
Tianhai steadied his breathing. He had made a breakthrough to the Foundation Realm, but Shen Mu was stronger, more experienced. This wasn't going to be a fair fight.
"I don't need to explain myself to you," Tianhai said, tightening his fists. "If you want to stop me, come and try."
Shen Mu's smirk widened. "Gladly."
The senior disciple moved like a shadow, closing the distance in an instant. Tianhai barely had time to raise his arms before a strike crashed into his shoulder, forcing him back. The force of the attack sent tremors through his body—his newly strengthened physique was holding, but just barely.
Tianhai retaliated, channeling his Qi as he struck out. His punch landed against Shen Mu's ribs, but the older disciple barely flinched. Instead, he grabbed Tianhai's wrist and twisted, sending a shock of pain through his arm before slamming him into the ground.
The impact left Tianhai gasping for breath. He could feel his Qi scattering, his vision blurring at the edges. Shen Mu towered over him, his expression cold and impassive.
"This is the difference between us," he said, raising his hand. A surge of energy gathered in his palm, crackling with suppressed power. "You should never have been allowed to rise this far."
Tianhai tried to move, but his body refused to obey. He could feel the strain of battle weighing him down, his Qi reserves dwindling. This was it. If that attack landed, he wouldn't be getting back up.
And then, in an instant, the pressure in the air shifted.
A sharp wind tore through the clearing, and before Shen Mu could release his attack, a figure appeared between them. The sheer force of their arrival sent shockwaves outward, pushing Shen Mu back.
Tianhai recognized the flowing robes, the sharp gaze that burned like tempered steel.
Jian Xuan stood between them, his white robes billowing like a storm had gathered around him. The silver embroidery along the fabric caught the fading sunlight, making him appear ethereal—almost untouchable. His long black hair, normally bound in a simple knot, had come loose in strands, giving him an air of restrained wildness. But what caught Tianhai's attention most was his eyes. They weren't cold or distant as usual. Instead, they burned with quiet fury, their piercing gaze locked onto Shen Mu as if he were nothing more than an insect beneath his feet.
"Jian Xuan," Shen Mu whispered, taking an involuntary step back.
The elder stood tall, his presence alone sending a chill through the air. His hands remained at his sides, relaxed but poised, as though he could strike at any moment. His very existence commanded the battlefield, a sharp contrast to the arrogance Shen Mu had displayed moments before.
"You dare attack my disciple?" Jian Xuan's voice was calm, but there was an unmistakable edge beneath it.
Shen Mu clenched his jaw, but he didn't speak. He knew there was nothing he could say that would justify what he had done.
Jian Xuan took a step forward, his Qi rippling outward like an invisible storm. The sheer force of it made Shen Mu tremble. The oppressive energy pressing down on him made it clear—this wasn't just an elder of the sect. This was a force he could never hope to challenge.
"Leave," the elder commanded. "Or I will personally ensure you regret this night."
Shen Mu hesitated for only a moment before turning and disappearing into the shadows.
Tianhai let out a shaky breath, barely able to keep his eyes open. A pair of strong arms caught him before he collapsed, pulling him close.
"You fool," Jian Xuan murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "Do you think you're invincible just because you've broken through?"
Tianhai wanted to reply, but exhaustion pulled him under. He felt the warmth of Jian Xuan's presence, the steady rhythm of his breathing as he held him. It was comforting, reassuring in a way Tianhai hadn't expected.
"You did well," Jian Xuan said softly. "Rest now."
And as darkness closed in around him, Tianhai let himself fall.