The wildlands beyond the Tianwu Sect were known as the Scorched Frontier—a barren stretch of ravines, jagged cliffs, and bone-dry wind. It was where beasts ruled and exiled souls perished.
But for Lin Xian, it was rebirth.
His footsteps echoed down the narrow gorge, dragonfire still pulsing faintly beneath his skin. He had been cast out—but not broken. Not even close.
[System Alert: Passive Skill 'Soulbound Flame' Now Active]
[Effect: Immune to low-tier illusions and corruption aura | Bonus: Fire-based attacks +22%]
[Next Objective: Forge your path | Optional Quest: Seek allies among the Rebellion Tribes]
"Rebellion Tribes?" Lin Xian narrowed his eyes. "Sounds like my kind of people."
As he moved deeper into the ravine, a scream rang out.
He dashed forward, faster than mortal eyes could track, and skidded to a halt just as three armored mercenaries surrounded a small caravan of wanderers—scrap-armored, weary, and outnumbered.
"Hand over the food and the spirit stones!" one thug snarled. "This is Ghost Fang territory now!"
Lin Xian's expression didn't change. He simply stepped forward.
"I already destroyed one Ghost Fang den," he said calmly. "You're late to the funeral."
The mercenaries turned—and saw death walking.
In a single breath, Lin Xian launched himself forward. A spinning kick shattered the first man's jaw. Flames erupted from his palm, engulfing the second. The last tried to run—but found a fist already buried in his gut.
It was over in seconds.
The wanderers stared in silence.
A girl with dirt-smudged cheeks stepped forward, her voice trembling. "You… who are you?"
Lin Xian looked around at the ragged group—dozens of them, men, women, even children—all bearing the marks of exile.
"I'm nobody," he said. "But if you're tired of being hunted… I'll give you a reason to fight."
[Side Quest Complete: Defend the Weak – First Flame Ignited]
[New Faction Created: Rebellion Spark – Loyalty: 12% | Morale: Low]
[You are now a Leader. Build your uprising. Burn the system.]
As the stars rose above the canyon, the fire behind Lin Xian's back was more than just light.
It was a revolution.