**Chapter 6: Whispers of the Elders**
The air in the training grounds remained heavy with tension long after Shen Liang had walked away. His victory had shattered the sect's expectations, leaving behind a storm of whispers that refused to settle.
In the inner halls of the Silver Moon Sect, the elders gathered in a dimly lit chamber. Candles flickered against the stone walls as the highest-ranking members of the sect debated in hushed tones.
"Impossible," Elder Wu muttered, stroking his graying beard. "A cripple, with no cultivation core, suddenly defeats Bai Cheng? There must be a secret at play."
Elder Rong, a woman with piercing eyes, folded her arms. "Secret or not, we cannot ignore the truth. Shen Liang has tapped into power beyond our understanding."
Elder Han, the eldest among them, exhaled slowly. "If we do not control him now, he may become a threat to the sect's future."
Silence fell over the chamber as the elders exchanged uneasy glances. Power was both a gift and a danger—especially when wielded by someone who had nothing to lose.
---
Meanwhile, Shen Liang made his way to his small, dilapidated quarters. His body ached, but the exhilaration of victory numbed the pain. He sat cross-legged on the wooden floor, closing his eyes to steady his breathing.
Then, the system's voice echoed in his mind.
**[System Notification: New milestone achieved.]**
**[Combat Victory Against Higher Ranked Opponent – Reward Issued.]**
His breath hitched. A reward?
**[New Skill Acquired: Phantom Step – Allows the user to move at blinding speed for a short duration.]**
Excitement surged through him. He clenched his fist, feeling the energy ripple through his veins. This was only the beginning. If he could keep growing stronger, keep defying the heavens, he could carve a path for himself—one that no sect or elder could stand against.
A knock at his door pulled him from his thoughts.
"Shen Liang."
The voice was familiar. Cold, yet tinged with curiosity.
He opened the door to find Yu Xinyi standing there, her silver eyes sharp. The celestial priestess, a figure of untouchable grace, rarely spoke to those beneath her station. Yet, here she was, looking at him with an unreadable expression.
"What do you want?" Shen Liang asked, his voice guarded.
She tilted her head slightly. "I saw your fight. And I have a question."
Shen Liang folded his arms. "Then ask."
She hesitated for only a moment before speaking. "Who are you really?"
A small smile played at the corner of Shen Liang's lips. He had wondered the same thing himself.
"Wouldn't you like to know?"
---