The moon hung like a blade in the sky—sharp, cold, and unyielding.
Ye Feng stood shirtless atop a rocky plateau behind the outer sect grounds, sweat glistening on his skin as he struck out with a brutal, fluid motion. Each movement carved the air, each breath fed the growing storm within.
He was training alone—or so it seemed.
[System Notice]Training Bonus: Nighttime + Isolation + Host Resentment Lv. 5→ +35% EXP per hour
[Skill Progression: Iron Palm Art (Lv. 2 → Lv. 3)]
Increased blunt impact. Slaps now register bone-jarring effects.Bonus Effect: Leaves visible palm imprint.
System: Host, you're now legally obligated to register your hands as "weapons of face destruction."
Ye Feng exhaled slowly, ignoring the jab.
His fingers ached. His bones buzzed. But he was evolving.
[Quest Update: Judgment Trial Countdown – 4 Days Remaining]Objective: Outperform an Inner Sect Elite before all Elder Judges.Reward: 1x Rare Skill Card + Increased Rank EvaluationFailure: Demotion to Outer Sect Labor Force. No pressure.
Ye Feng's fists tightened. "Not happening."
Not again.
From afar, hidden beneath the shade of peach trees, Lin Ruyan watched.
She told herself it was coincidence—just passing by, just a glance. But her fingers gripped her sleeves tightly.
This wasn't the same Ye Feng she remembered. The broken boy from the rain… was gone. What remained was sharper, colder. His silence screamed louder than any words.
"He should be crushed, not… growing stronger."
Her voice faltered even in her own mind.
And that girl—the quiet one with the emerald eyes—Wei Qingyue—had been following him like a shadow lately.
Why? Why her? Why now?
Later that night…
A cold wind drifted through the pinewood clearing. Ye Feng sat cross-legged beneath a dying lantern flame, eyes closed in meditation.
Then—
A soft rustle.
He opened his eyes. A figure stood at the edge of the shadows, clad in black, a silver mask hiding their face.
"Who's there?"
The voice was calm, feminine—older than his own, yet soft like silk."Someone who sees potential in your rage."
[System Alert: Hidden Encounter – "Stranger of the Veiled Path"]
Dialogue Branch Unlocked: "Forbidden Knowledge"
System: ...This smells like the start of a very bad idea. I approve.
The masked figure held out a scroll sealed in wax. "This technique is forbidden. Outlawed. Not because it's evil—but because it's efficient."
Ye Feng's eyes narrowed. "And why me?"
"You've been slapped by life. I find that… relatable."
He took the scroll.
[New Technique Acquired: Echoing Palm – Ghost Vein Variant (Sealed)]
Description: Channels internal force through acupuncture lines for a slap that strikes twice—the second echoing from within.
Requirement: Must cultivate in silence under the moon thrice. Risk: Minor spiritual backlash if interrupted.
System: Side effects may include: explosive spiritual growth, sudden arrogance, and uncontrollable face-slapping urges. Proceed?▸ Yes ▫ No
Ye Feng smiled. "Yes."
Meanwhile, in Lin Ruyan's courtyard…
Her eyes stared at an old keepsake—a hand-woven charm Ye Feng once gave her.
She gripped it tighter.
"Why… Why won't you stay broken?"
The charm slipped from her hand.
And shattered.