The forest gave way to rolling hills, shrouded in mist. Liang Ze, flanked by Jian Hao and Lin Bo, moved cautiously toward the Azure Fang Sect's territory. The system pulsed quietly in his mind, an unblinking guide through danger.
"User status: Level 11. Attributes: Vitality 57, Strength 50, Agility 61, Intelligence 72. Recommended action: Strengthen alliances, complete sect trial for recognition and artifact acquisition."
Liang Ze's grip tightened around the Shadow Core. "Recognition… and an artifact. Sounds like the perfect opportunity to grow stronger."
Jian Hao grinned. "You've survived the forest and that silver-haired cultivator. You'll survive the trial too. Just don't get yourself killed, alright?"
Liang Ze smirked. "You worry too much."
Lin Bo muttered, "I worry too much. That kid's energy is off the charts… even for someone our age."
Liang Ze ignored them, focusing on the task ahead. The Azure Fang Sect's gates appeared as mist swirled away, revealing tall stone pillars inscribed with runes, glowing faintly in the twilight.
---
The trio approached the gates. Two guards, clad in black and azure robes, stepped forward. Their auras were faintly oppressive, their cultivation evident.
"State your purpose," the taller guard said. "Who enters the Azure Fang Sect territory?"
Liang Ze stepped forward, confident. "I am Liang Ze. I come to participate in the sect trial for recognition and growth."
The guard's eyes narrowed. "You are not yet a disciple. Trials are dangerous. Few survive. Why should we allow you to enter?"
Liang Ze smiled faintly. "Because I don't die easily. And because I seek power, not comfort. Let me prove it."
The guards exchanged glances. After a long pause, one said, "Very well. Enter the trial grounds. But heed this—fail, and you will be expelled… or worse."
Liang Ze nodded, stepping forward. The system pulsed with excitement.
"Sect trial detected. Environment: high-level combat training grounds. Threat: severe. XP gain potential: high. Artifacts: possible."
---
Inside the grounds, the air crackled with energy. Martial cultivators moved with unnatural speed, practicing strikes that split trees and jumps that shattered stone platforms. Shadow beasts prowled, summoned to test contestants.
A voice boomed from above, echoing across the grounds:
"Welcome to the Azure Fang Sect Trial! Only the worthy shall survive! Show skill, courage, and strategy!"
Liang Ze's eyes narrowed. He felt the Shadow Core's pulse, guiding him. This was the first trial designed for someone like him—not an isolated fight, but a real test of combat, strategy, and survival.
"Recommended action: stealth and observation for first stage, gradually increasing aggression."
Liang Ze moved silently, shadows wrapping around him. The first challenge appeared: a courtyard filled with shadow beasts, claws and fangs glinting in the dim light.
"System, analyze."
"Beast count: 12. Threat level: moderate-high. Weak points: shadow energy concentration in chest and limbs. Recommended action: Shadow Manipulation Level 4 for crowd control."
Liang Ze's smile widened. "Time to test the new upgrade."
He extended Shadow Manipulation. Shadows erupted from the ground, curling around the beasts, binding and restraining them. Shadow blades slashed with precision, taking out multiple targets simultaneously.
XP +60. Level 12 achieved. Attribute points available: 5. Shadow Manipulation Level 5 unlocked.
---
The beasts defeated, Liang Ze advanced to the next challenge: a labyrinth of towering stone walls, twisting and shifting like living metal. He could feel cultivation energy emanating from traps hidden in the walls.
Suddenly, a volley of arrows and energy bolts flew toward him. Jian Hao and Lin Bo ducked, but Liang Ze teleported instantly, reappearing behind the attackers. Shadow Step Level 2 gave him mobility unmatched by any ordinary cultivator.
He countered with Shadow Blades, slicing at traps and attackers alike. Every move was precise, calculated, and deadly.
XP +50. Level 13 achieved. Attribute points available: 5. Shadow Step Level 3 unlocked.
Liang Ze's heart raced. The system hummed approval. He was adapting faster than expected. Every challenge was shaping him, pushing him closer to the power he craved.
---
The final stage of the trial appeared as a massive stone platform suspended over a pit filled with shadow energy. At its center stood a figure cloaked in black, aura radiating intense energy.
"You seek recognition," the figure said, voice echoing with authority. "Then prove it. Defeat me, and the trial—and your place in the sect—are yours. Fail, and you perish."
Liang Ze's fingers tightened around the Shadow Core. "I don't fail."
The cloaked figure lunged, faster than the eye could follow. Liang Ze dodged, Shadow Step carrying him across the platform. Shadow blades extended, clashing with the opponent's strikes. Energy erupted, shaking the platform, causing cracks to form beneath them.
The fight was brutal. Every strike, every dodge demanded full attention. Liang Ze realized the cloaked figure wasn't just testing strength—he was testing adaptability, creativity, and the ability to control shadows under extreme pressure.
XP +100. Level 14 achieved. Attribute points available: 5. Shadow Manipulation Level 6 unlocked. Shadow Strike Level 3 unlocked.
---
Minutes—or hours—passed. Liang Ze felt the strain, the burn in his muscles, but the Shadow Core pulsed, feeding him energy. The system guided every movement, highlighting weak points, predicting patterns, and sharpening instincts.
Finally, Liang Ze found an opening. The cloaked figure overextended in a high-energy strike, leaving the center of the chest exposed. Liang Ze lunged, shadows coiling into a spear that pierced the air, striking with precision.
The figure faltered, energy flickering. Liang Ze pressed the advantage, teleporting, striking, and weaving shadow manipulation in a dance of lethal efficiency.
With a final, calculated strike, the figure fell to one knee. The aura dissipated. Silence settled over the platform.
Liang Ze's chest heaved, heart pounding. Level 15 achieved. XP +150. Shadow Manipulation Level 7 unlocked. Shadow Step Level 4 unlocked. Shadow Strike Level 4 unlocked.
---
The cloaked figure removed the hood, revealing a middle-aged cultivator with silver streaked hair and piercing eyes.
"You've done well, Liang Ze," he said, nodding. "You possess strength, intelligence, and the resolve to survive. Rare traits in someone of your age. Take this—the Shadow Emblem. It grants authority and recognition within the Azure Fang Sect. Use it wisely."
Liang Ze accepted the emblem, feeling power surge through him. The system chimed:
"Artifact acquired: Shadow Emblem. Sect recognition: confirmed. New quest unlocked: Azure Fang Sect Initiation and Artifact Enhancement. Main quest progress: 75%."
Jian Hao and Lin Bo approached, both panting but smiling.
"Not bad, orphan," Jian Hao said. "You actually did it. And I thought the Shadow Core was just hype."
Lin Bo added, "Yeah… you actually earned it. Respect."
Liang Ze smirked, brushing dust from his robes. "This is just the beginning. The Azure Fang Sect is powerful, but I'll grow stronger here. And soon… those who destroyed my village will pay."
---
As night fell, Liang Ze stood atop the sect's training grounds, Shadow Core and Shadow Emblem glowing in harmony. Mist curled around him, shadows responding eagerly to his command.
Somewhere beyond the mountains, the silver-haired cultivator watched, eyes narrowing. "Interesting… the orphan has survived the trial. Stronger than expected. This will be… fun."
Liang Ze's fists clenched. "Bring them all. I'm ready."
The system pulsed warmly, guiding, whispering, promising power. The orphan was no longer weak. The hunter, the shadow prodigy, was rising.
And the world would tremble before him.