Chapter 5: Shadow of the Bloodshade Assassin
The silver moon hovered low over the Zhuo estate, casting long, wavering shadows across the ancient walls. Inside the servant quarters, Zhuo Fan lay reclined against a wooden beam, eyes closed, the Soul-Forged Hollow Flame simmering softly within his dantian.
System Notification:
Passive Seal Strain: Active (–5% Qi Recovery)
Side Quest "Nine Secrets – Page 2" Progress: 0%
World Awareness: 15
Hidden Faction Alert Level: Medium
A flicker of movement outside snapped his senses awake. He sat up, silent as smoke, and activated Qi Sense (Lv. 1).
System Scan:
Multiple Qi signatures converging from the west gate.
Signature A: Stealth Suppression (Lv. 2)
Signature B: Disguised as Estate Personnel
An infiltration… Zhuo Fan's lips curved in a cold smile. Perfect timing for my first outside test.
West Gate — Midnight
Two cloaked figures slipped through the shadows, weaving between lantern light and patrols. Their footsteps were swallowed by the night—until the first guard collapsed, poison trickling from his neck.
The second figure hesitated, then drew twin daggers etched with crimson runes. As he slashed the next guard, a black shadow whipped around him and pinned him to the wall.
Zhuo Fan stepped from the darkness, face half-covered by his hood. "Who sent you?" he asked, voice low.
The intruder's eyes narrowed. "The Bloodshade Pavilion. Elder Cai wishes to test the strength of the Hollow Flame's bearer."
System Notification:
Alert: Official Assassination Contract Detected.
Difficulty: ★★★★☆
Recommended: Soul-Forged Hollow Flame + Devil Devour Scripture combo.
Zhuo Fan didn't wait for more. He lunged.
Clash of Shadows
Steel met shadow. The assassin's blades danced toward Zhuo Fan's throat, but he twisted, the Iron-Forged Gauntlets absorbing the blow. He countered with Qi Burst Palm (Lv. 1), the impact sending ripples through the assassin's Qi core.
+40 EXP (Skill Hit)
Assassin Qi Down: 30%
The assassin snarled and vanished—melding into the night as if he were part of the darkness itself. Zhuo Fan's palm glowed black, and he whispered:
"Devil Devour Scripture!"
A tendril of void-like Qi shot forth, striking the assassin's back. He staggered, clutching his side as delicate runes on his cloak pulsed and disappeared.
+60 EXP (Devour Successful)
+20 Qi Absorbed
Assassin Qi Down: 10%
The assassin recovered with unnatural speed and charged, daggers aimed at Zhuo Fan's temples. But Zhuo Fan's eyes flared violet as he summoned the Soul-Forged Hollow Flame:
System Alert:
Skill Activated: Soul-Forged Hollow Flame (Rank 1)
Duration: 10 sec | Cooldown: 60 sec
Flames licked the air, burning soundlessly but with searing intensity. The assassin's blades dissolved in the halo of ghostly fire. He screamed—then collapsed, body smoking.
+100 EXP (Finish with Forbidden Skill)
Weapon Drop: Bloodshade Dagger (Rare)
Reputation Gain: +2 (Hidden Factions)
Aftermath
Zhuo Fan stood over the fallen killer, chest heaving. The moonlight glinted on the assassin's rune-carved blade. He sheathed it at his belt and turned toward the silent estate walls.
Combat Summary:
Enemies Defeated: 1
EXP Gained: 220
Level Progress: 650 / 1600
He opened his menu:
Zhuo Fan – Level 4
EXP: 650 / 1600
Realm: Body Tempering (Peak)
Strength: 7
Agility: 5
Soul Power: 10
Intelligence: 5
HP: 400 / 400
Qi: 120 / 120
Equipment:
• Iron-Forged Gauntlets (Uncommon)
• Bloodshade Dagger (Rare)
Stat Points Available: 3
He tapped "Distribute" and allocated: +2 Soul Power, +1 Agility.
System Notification:
Seal Break Progress: 10% → 12%
Side Quest "Shadow of the Past" Unlocked
New Objective: Trace the assassin's origin to uncover hidden enemies.
Dawn's First Light
By sunrise, the west gate stood quiet once more. Guards found only a single dagger etched with the Bloodshade Pavilion's emblem.
In the inner courtyard, Zhuo Qin received the report from her handmaid. Her expression was unreadable as she slid the dagger across her palm.
"He survived…" she whispered.
As the estate stirred to life, only one pair of eyes watched from the shadows—those of Zhuo Fan, the servant boy who should have no power. A soft grin touched his lips.
Let them come.
I will be ready.
And so the first true storm of his rebirth had come—and passed. But in its wake, darker currents began to swirl.
End of Chapter 5