đ˛ Heavenly Mist Sect â Outer Trial Grounds
The mountain range roared with commotion as hundreds of outer disciples gathered, ready for the once-a-year eventâThe Ranking Trial of Mistveil.
This was the only chance for a low disciple to rise in status, earn resources, or even catch an elder's attention.
Among the noisy crowd, a single black-clad youth leaned silently against a tree.
Expression unreadable. Sword slung lazily at his back. His presence so muted, many ignored him entirely.
That was the plan.
ShÄn NĂŹchĂŠn had re-entered the sect grounds three days ago using a low-ranked jade token and falsified cultivation data.
> [Aura Masked: Qi Refinement Late Stage]
[Caveabode Link Established â System Refuge Hidden]
---
> đ§ [System Mission: Trial Participation Activated]
đŻ Objective:
Enter and place within top 30 of Mistveil Trial
Do not reveal true cultivation or sword intent
Do not kill
đ Reward:
Top-grade Cultivation Pill â Violet Spirit Essence (Boosts breakthrough speed, body synergy)
đ Hidden Bonus: ???
---
âď¸ The Trial Begins
The disciples were thrown into a spiritual illusion realm called Wraithroot Hollowâa labyrinth of traps, puppets, and spiritual beasts.
Only those who reached the central monolith within three hours would pass.
ShÄn moved the instant it began.
While others clashed blades and summoned Qi techniquesâhe merely walked.
No sound. No Qi wave.
The mist moved around him like it obeyed his existence.
---
đ§ System Analysis ActiveâŚ
> Obstacle avoided.
Detection fields bypassed.
Conflict zones rerouted.
Inside the illusion, many began to struggle. Some formed alliances. Some fought.
But ShÄn never drew his sword.
He simply passed through everything, calm as death, invisible to all.
---
đ An Encounter
Near the final gate, a group of core-selected disciples blocked the path.
> "Stop. Hand over your tokens. You're not worthy of the top 30."
One smirked. "What's this? Another mute? Where's your courage, dog?"
They attackedânot to kill, but to humiliate.
But they never touched him.
Because by the time their blades movedâŚ
He was no longer there.
---
⥠Void Walk (Locked) â [Hidden Bonus Triggered]
> Your stillness in battle, avoidance of wasteful combat, and flawless movement triggered a hidden path.
đ New Reward Unlocked: Void Walk (Initial Layer)
> â Movement technique born from the gap between space
â Cannot be detected, tracked, or restrained
â Even time seems delayed for a breath
đ "Even gods cannot grasp what they cannot feel."
---
ShÄn appeared at the central monolith 27 minutes before anyone else.
He tapped it with a finger.
Then turned around and satâcalm, still, blade untouched.
---
đ§ [System Notification]
đŻ Main Mission Complete
> â Top 30 Achieved â Rank #1
đ Violet Spirit Essence Pill Added to Inventory
đ Bonus Reward Unlocked
> ⨠Void Walk (Initial Layer) Acquired
đ Talent Sync Progress: 37%
---
âŠď¸ Aftermath â Sect Pavilion
> "Who's this black-robed nobody that placed first?"
"He never even drew a weapon. His token shows Qi Refinement."
"Must be luck⌠or he cheated."
> Elder Lin frowned. "No⌠Something's off. I felt nothing from him. Absolutely nothing."
Another whispered, "That... is more terrifying than power."
---
đ Back at the Hidden Caveabode
ShÄn NĂŹchĂŠn sat cross-legged beneath the dim crystal light.
He consumed the Violet Spirit Essence Pill without hesitation.
The system softly pulsed.
> Absorption complete.
Physique harmonizing⌠Supreme Body progressingâŚ
He opened his eyes slowly.
A silver glint flickered within them, cold as void starlight.
> "Time to prepare for Core Formation."
> "Quietly."
> "Silently."
---
To Be ContinuedâŚ