Chapter Four: The First Threat
After Feng Chen accepted the invitation to join the Heavenly Sect, Rayan and Ling Xiao took him to the main hall. Feng Chen stood at the center, awestruck by the hall's majestic design—even though it was still in the early stages of restoration.
"If you want to become stronger, the first thing you need is a suitable cultivation technique," Rayan said as he opened the Heavenly Archive through the system.
Scrolls and ancient techniques appeared before him, but most were locked, requiring specific conditions to unlock. After a brief search, he found a technique titled:
> [Pure Energy Harmony] – A rare cultivation technique designed for those with the Pure Energy Body. [Status: Locked – Requirements: Upgrade the sect to level 2 or find a pure energy source.]
Rayan frowned. The sect wasn't ready for an upgrade yet, and he didn't currently possess a pure energy source. He needed another solution.
"Until I can unlock the technique, I need to first ensure you can control your energy," Rayan told Feng Chen.
"Understood!" Feng Chen responded enthusiastically, though a hint of worry crossed his face. Despite his excitement, he suddenly realized how weak he was compared to the others.
The First Threat Appears
Before Rayan could think of another solution, an unexpected figure appeared at the sect's entrance—a man clad in a deep blue robe, his eyes holding a mocking glint.
"So this is the Heavenly Sect? No wonder it vanished."
Rayan looked at him calmly, but a slight tightness gripped his chest. This man wasn't here out of curiosity.
"Who are you?"
The man chuckled and replied, "My name is Wu Jian, representative of the First Heavenly Sect."
Ling Xiao was surprised. "The First Heavenly Sect? Aren't they just a bunch of impostors who stole the original sect's legacy?"
Wu Jian sneered. "Call it what you will, but we are now the strongest sect bearing that name. However, I'll give you a chance—if you can defeat one of our cultivators, we'll return a portion of the sect's legacy."
Rayan didn't respond immediately. He studied Wu Jian closely.
"He's not offering this out of goodwill. He wants to measure my strength."
After a brief silence, Rayan replied coldly, "I accept your challenge—but on my terms. I'll choose the time and place."
Wu Jian laughed, brushing his hand across the hilt of his sword as if anticipating a fight. "Very well. I have a feeling you'll regret this decision soon." Then he turned and left.
Feng Chen had been watching the whole scene, tension coiled in his chest. He hadn't expected the Heavenly Sect to be targeted by forces far stronger than them. He was no longer just an ordinary cultivator—he was now part of a sect about to face dangerous adversaries.
The Dark Blades Move
Before the situation could settle, a new system notification appeared before Rayan:
> [Warning: The Dark Blades are on the move!]
"The Dark Blades?" Rayan muttered, eyes lighting up sharply.
Ling Xiao looked concerned. "It seems they've learned we're trying to rebuild the sect."
Only minutes passed before five men appeared at the sect's border, dressed in dark clothing, each holding a black dagger.
"Oh? That was faster than I expected," Rayan muttered.
The strongest of the group looked at Rayan and spoke in a low, threatening tone, "We heard the Heavenly Sect is trying to rise again. Unfortunately for you, we're here to make sure it stays buried."
Rayan smirked coldly. "So you're just dogs that came barking."
"What did you say?!" one of them yelled and charged with his blade!
Boom!
But before he could get close, Ling Xiao had already moved. No one saw how he moved—it was as if only his shadow had darted forward. In an instant, the attacker was coughing blood and trembling in pain.
"Pathetic…" Ling Xiao murmured as he slowly withdrew his hand.
Feng Chen, watching from the side, felt the power of the sect he had just joined. But instead of feeling safe, he realized how weak he was… and how far he had to go to match the strength of the sect's cultivators.
"If I want to stay here, I must become stronger!"
"Anyone else?" Rayan asked calmly, causing the assassins to grit their teeth in frustration.
"You'll regret this!" the leader shouted before they vanished into the shadows.
But before disappearing, Rayan noticed a strange tattoo on the man's neck—a black blade coiled by a serpent.
"That symbol…" Rayan muttered, then turned to Ling Xiao. "Do you know anything about them?"
Ling Xiao answered in a low voice, "That's the mark of a small branch of the Dark Blades… but if they're showing up now, it means their true leaders are watching."
Rayan realized the Heavenly Sect had already become a target for powerful enemies.
Feng Chen's Training Begins
That night, as Rayan reflected on the events, a new system notification appeared:
> [New Quest: Prove the Sect's Strength]
[Defeat the representative of the First Heavenly Sect or the leader of the Dark Blades' small branch]
Just before leaving the hall, Feng Chen suddenly approached, his eyes filled with determination.
"Master Rayan… how can I grow stronger quickly?"
Rayan paused for a moment, then looked at him sharply.
"Finally… he's ready for the next step."
With a faint smile, he said, "Get ready… your training starts tomorrow."
In that moment, another notification appeared:
> [Special Training Unlocked – Pure Energy Body Test]
Feng Chen looked at it with excitement, unaware that the next day would change his life forever.
Rayan raised his eyes toward the dark sky, where the stars glittered above. He whispered with a cold smile:
"If they think the Heavenly Sect will remain buried… it's time they learn otherwise."
— End of Chapter Four —
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