The night was quiet.
Too quiet.
Ye Tian walked along the back path of the sect, heading toward the outer courtyard. The moon hung above, casting long shadows.
He felt it.
A chill in the air. A pair of eyes watching him.
System:Warning: Killing intent detected. Someone is planning an ambush.Recommendation: Prepare for battle.
Ye Tian narrowed his eyes. "Come out."
A gust of wind blew—and a figure dropped from the roof.
Dressed in black robes and a white mask, the attacker held two short swords glowing with poison.
"You're becoming a problem, Ye Tian," the voice said coldly. "I was sent to fix that."
Ye Tian didn't speak. He dropped into a stance.
The Fight Begins
The masked man moved fast. His swords danced like snakes.
Ye Tian dodged the first few strikes, but the enemy was faster than anyone he'd fought before.
A slash grazed his shoulder.
System:Minor injury detected. Toxin level: Low.Suggest using Soulburn Palm OR evasive combat.
Ye Tian focused his energy.
"Tiger Fang Fist!"
He struck out, landing a clean hit on the man's side. The attacker flew back but flipped in the air, landing like a cat.
"You're better than I thought. But you're still going to die."
The masked man charged again.
Soulburn Evolves
Ye Tian felt his anger rise.
Memories of betrayal… being thrown out… mocked by everyone…
"Soulburn Palm!"
Black flames lit up his hand. But something changed this time.
Ding!Skill Upgrade: Soulburn Palm → Soulburn Claw (Stage 2)Effect: Extended range, deeper burn.
He struck with the claw.
The air itself sizzled. The masked man screamed as flames burned through his chest armor.
CRACK!
His mask shattered.
Ye Tian stared.
It was a fellow disciple—Ren Mu, a student from the inner sect. He had mocked Ye Tian during the humiliation trial.
"You…!" Ren Mu gasped. "This... wasn't supposed to happen…"
System:Target defeated. Reward: +500 EXP, +5 SP, +1 Skill Slot Unlocked.
Ye Tian stood over him, breathing hard.
"I don't care who sent you. Tell them—if they want me gone, they better come themselves."
Ren Mu fainted.
Back in the Shadows
In a high tower, Mo Yuyan leaned on her arm, smirking as she watched through a glowing jade mirror.
"So... he broke through again. That system of his must be quite something."
A mysterious elder behind her said, "Shall we report him to the Grand Council?"
Mo Yuyan shook her head. "Not yet. Let's see just how far this 'rejected disciple' can go."
Ye Tian's Status
Cultivation: 4th Layer – Qi Condensation
SP: 21
Skill Unlocked: Soulburn Claw (Stage 2)
Passive Skills: Pain Resistance (Lv.1), Illusion Resistance (Lv.1)
Skill Slot Available: 1
Reputation: Underground – Rising Star | Sect – Troublemaker
System Mood: Mildly Impressed
System:Congrats, Host. You lived through your first real assassination attempt.Spoiler: There will be more. So... wanna spend those skill points or just nap on rooftops all day?
Ye Tian smiled.
"I'll train. I'm not done rising yet."