Night fell silently over Duskwind Academy.
In his simple stone chamber, Li Yun sat cross-legged, eyes closed, surrounded by a slow-rotating swirl of spiritual energy—like a mist breathing in sync with him.
Ever since his encounter with Yan Zhiya that morning, his mind hadn't found peace. He had witnessed true strength—not brute force, not rage, but something undeniable.
"I must become stronger," he whispered inwardly.
"Are you ready?"
The voice of Tian Luo echoed from the black pendant on his chest.
Li Yun gave a faint nod.
"Tonight, we begin to fully unseal the first lock. But remember—this will hurt. Your meridians have been sealed for too long. Opening them is like tearing flesh and weaving it back together."
Li Yun clenched his teeth. "I've felt worse."
"Not yet," Tian Luo replied with a sly grin. "But you will."
The black pendant on Li Yun's chest began to glow with a faint red light.
Spiritual flames leaked from its surface, slowly enveloping his body.
His muscles tensed immediately. A burning sensation surged from his back to his chest, down his arms and legs, piercing even his bones.
"This technique is called the Thousand Ember Path," Tian Luo said.
"An ancient method from the Primordial Flame Clan—used to awaken sealed meridians by injecting living flame into dead energy channels."
Li Yun groaned quietly, his body trembling violently. But he didn't back down.
He let the fire spread, burn, tear, and reforge the energy channels within him.
Time blurred.
An hour? Ten?
When he finally opened his eyes, something was different.
His body felt lighter—more attuned to the air itself.
The spiritual energy that once barely trickled in now surged like a river.
"You're now at the edge of the Second Foundation Stage," said Tian Luo.
*"Still far from powerful, but enough to keep you alive."
Li Yun steadied his breath. His hand clenched into a fist.
"The seal inside me… is it the only one?"
"Three," Tian Luo answered.
"The first is now broken. Two more remain—one hidden in your spine, the other in your forehead. One seals the inheritance... the other seals something far older."
Li Yun swallowed hard. "But we can break them all?"
"If you survive. And if... they don't kill you first."
Li Yun turned. "They?"
"Some clans are surely beginning to sense the ancient energy in your body. Even this seal carries the mark of the old Li Clan—proof that you are its heir.
Those who destroyed your clan… won't stand idly by if they find out you still live."
And Tian Luo was right.
Far away, deep within a hidden mountain chamber, a group gathered under the flickering light of a red formation.
In the center, a spiritual screen projected scenes of Li Yun—fighting Fang Lie, training by the river.
"He carries remnants of the Primordial Flame Clan's aura," murmured a man in black robes, violet eyes glowing.
"That boy… he's from the lost Li Clan," said another.
Their leader stood, eyes narrowing.
"If he unlocks all three seals, not just the Yan Clan, but the entire Northern Lands may tremble. We can't let that happen."
"Shall we kill him?" one follower asked.
The leader shook his head.
"Not yet. Too many eyes are watching Duskwind Academy.
But observe him... and plant someone on the inside."
The next morning, Li Yun trained again at the spiritual garden.
This time, spiritual energy came easier.
He could now channel it through three main meridian paths and two side routes.
Each breath strengthened his foundation.
But he wasn't alone.
Hidden among the trees, someone watched him closely.
Not an enemy.
Yan Zhiya.
She leaned against a tree, arms crossed, her expression serious.
"Your technique's improved. Your stance is steadier," she finally spoke.
Li Yun was surprised, but didn't show it. "How long have you been spying?"
Zhiya gave a faint smile. "Observing, not spying. There's a difference."
Li Yun shook his head. "What do you want?"
She hesitated, then met his eyes.
"I don't like owing debts. But after our duel, I realized… you have something rare.
The will to climb. And I don't want you dying before reaching the peak."
Li Yun narrowed his gaze. "Was that… a compliment?"
"Take it however you want."
She pulled a small scroll from her sleeve and tossed it toward him.
"A mid-tier breathing technique from one of the Yan Clan's side branches.
Not the best, but enough to help you reach the Third Foundation Stage."
Li Yun caught it, hesitant.
"Why give this to me?"
Zhiya turned as she walked away.
"Because I want to see how far you can chase after me."
Li Yun stared at the scroll.
Inside his chest, the newly kindled flame burned brighter.
Now he knew one thing for certain:
This journey wasn't just about revenge.
It was about proving the Li Clan's legacy wasn't lost.
And that he, Li Yun, would carve a new legend with his own hands.