The Sword Hall's courtyard buzzed with noise as the morning sun lit the polished stone tiles. Disciples practiced their forms, each swing painting arcs of steel-bright light across the air. Yet today, a strange current rippled through them—whispers, sideways glances, a growing circle forming near the outer platform.
Because Lin Xuan had arrived.
Ever since yesterday's display—where his sword intent had shocked Instructor Zhao, and even caused the wooden practice field to split—rumors had spread like wildfire.
"The trash brother of Lin Feng awakened sword intent?"
"Impossible. Someone must've bribed Instructor Zhao."
"But Zhao is known for being strict…"
"Maybe the heavens made a mistake."
Lin Xuan ignored every word.
He walked with steady, silent steps—not commanding attention, yet drawing it all the same. His eyes were calm, unreadable, as if measuring every soul present and finding none worth remembering.
But above the whispers… one gaze pierced through them like a blade.
A young man sat cross-legged on a raised stone terrace, robes fluttering lightly despite the absence of wind. His long hair was tied with a black cord, his posture straight as a sword stuck into the earth.
Cold eyes. Unshakable aura.
The first core disciple of the Sword Hall—Jian Yi.
He wasn't just talented. He was the disciple most expected to enter the Inner Sect next year.
And now, Jian Yi's gaze had fallen directly on Lin Xuan.
Lin Xuan felt it instantly—sharp, heavy, assessing.
So the top disciple is interested, Lin Xuan thought. Good. The higher they stand, the easier it is to shake the ground beneath them.
Jian Yi's eyes narrowed, a spark of curiosity igniting.
A faint murmuring spread across the courtyard.
"Jian Yi looked at him!"
"Is he thinking of recruiting Lin Xuan?"
"Or crushing him?"
Instructor Zhao suddenly stepped between them, clearing his throat loudly as he realized tension was building too fast.
"Lin Xuan," Zhao called out, "you will train over here today."
His tone was respectful—far more so than usual. Disciples noticed immediately.
Jian Yi noticed too.
His eyebrow lifted slightly, as if something amusing had just happened.
Meanwhile… in the Lin Clan's Inner Pavilion
Lin Feng paced back and forth, hands balled into trembling fists. His complexion was pale, his hair messy as though he hadn't slept.
Lip curled, he slammed his fist against a wooden pillar.
"How!? How did he show sword intent? He was supposed to be broken—ruined!"
The old servant beside him—a hunched man with small, crafty eyes—bowed his head nervously.
"Young Master Feng, perhaps yesterday's plan failed because the poison you used was too weak?"
"Weak?" Lin Feng hissed, eyes bloodshot. "That poison was enough to cripple a peak Body Refining cultivator! And he should have collapsed during breakfast!"
"But instead," the servant whispered, voice shaking, "he defeated three disciples and impressed Instructor Zhao…"
Lin Feng's jaw locked with hate.
And then… realization struck him.
"No. No… this isn't a coincidence." His breath chilled. "Lin Xuan avoided the poison. He knew."
The servant froze.
"Y-You mean… the young master was intentionally tricked?"
"Exactly!" Lin Feng roared.
The more he thought about it, the more it made sense.
Lin Xuan's sudden changes.
The unbroken calm in his eyes.
The mysterious strength he displayed.
Even the way he stepped aside yesterday at lunch—just enough to let Lin Feng's hand brush his cup.
He had never intended to drink that meal.
"He set a trap," Lin Feng whispered, trembling. "He wanted me to expose myself."
Fear clawed at his chest.
If Lin Xuan had truly awakened extraordinary talent…
If he gained protection from the elders…
Then the tables could turn instantly.
"No," Lin Feng muttered, shaking. "I won't allow it. I must crush him first. Completely."
His eyes burned with manic light.
"Prepare the second plan. A stronger poison. One that leaves no trace."
The servant paled. "Young Master, if they discover—"
"They won't!" Lin Feng screamed. "He dies before anyone realizes anything!"
The servant bowed shakily.
"As you command…"
Back at the Sword Hall
Lin Xuan practiced quietly on the empty side of the field.
Every breath, every swing, was precise. Controlled. Unhurried.
But deep inside—beneath his still exterior—the Abyss pulsed with watchful hunger.
System, Lin Xuan thought, I felt movement yesterday. Are you inactive again?
A faint vibration rippled through his consciousness.
— DING! —
Dao Comprehension System acknowledges host's inquiry.
Analyzing host's recent progress…
Sword Intent detected. Mental clarity increased. Host meets conditions for first Active Skill.
Lin Xuan's eyes sharpened.
So it finally came.
A swirl of dark light formed behind his vision—like a nebula of shadows rotating slowly.
— DING! —
New Skill Unlocked: Silent Sword Step
Rank: Mortal Dao — Unformed
Effect: Allows host to erase sound, presence, and killing intent for a single movement. Perfect for assassination, evasion, or approach.
Cooldown: 1 hour
Additional Note: Skill can evolve through combat and Dao comprehension.
A skill. A true, active skill.
Not merely comprehension. Not merely insight.
Something he could use in real combat.
A faint smile tugged at his lips.
Silent Sword Step… fitting.
As he tested the technique, a soft shimmer crawled across his skin. His presence thinned—no sound, no breath, no aura. For a brief moment, he felt like a blade sliding through the shadows.
Invisible.
Untouchable.
A disciple staring at him blinked in confusion.
"Huh? Where'd he go?"
Lin Xuan reappeared a heartbeat later, the step completed.
Whispers spread instantly.
"Did you see that…?"
"I think he disappeared!"
"What kind of movement technique was that?"
Even Instructor Zhao's eyes widened faintly.
But the one who reacted the most…
Was Jian Yi.
From his perch above the courtyard, Jian Yi's eyes sharpened like drawn steel.
"That step… that presence…" he murmured. "He hid his intent completely. Even Core disciples struggle with that."
His heartbeat ticked faster.
Interesting. Very interesting.
Like someone had just carved a mark across his sword heart.
He stood.
The courtyard froze.
Jian Yi walking down from his platform meant one thing:
Someone had impressed him—or offended him.
Lin Xuan paused mid-swing as Jian Yi stopped in front of him.
The first core disciple looked him over carefully.
"You. What technique was that?" Jian Yi asked, tone flat, but eyes burning with intensity.
Lin Xuan replied calmly, "Just something I realized yesterday."
Shock rippled across the disciples.
He created his own technique!?
Jian Yi narrowed his gaze. For a moment, their eyes locked.
Sword against abyss.
Both sharpened by something deeper than talent.
Instructor Zhao swallowed hard.
"Jian Yi, this is—"
"I know who he is," Jian Yi cut him off. His voice remained calm, but something like suppressed excitement flickered beneath it. "Lin Xuan, correct?"
"Yes."
Jian Yi stepped closer, his presence washing over Lin Xuan like a mountain of steel.
"Good. Don't waste that talent. I'll be observing you."
He turned away without further explanation.
But everyone knew what it meant.
Jian Yi had acknowledged him.
The entire courtyard erupted.
Lin Xuan stood motionless, expression unchanged.
But inside, the System pulsed again—like a beast whispering victory.
— DING! —
New Pathway Detected:
Sword Hall Core Disciples have taken interest in Host.
Potential Threat Level Increased. Adaptation Protocol Activated.
A panel unfolded before him:
[New Mission Unlocked]
Title: Step Into the Shadows of the Sword Hall
Objective: Survive the attention of Jian Yi and hidden threats.
Reward: Unknown Dao Fragment.
Failure: Death.
Lin Xuan exhaled softly.
At least the system has a sense of humor.
Night Approaches
As the training session ended and disciples returned to their quarters, Lin Xuan stayed behind, practicing alone beneath the crimson sunset.
He repeated the Silent Sword Step—
once, twice, ten times.
Every repetition made it smoother. Cleaner. Deadlier.
When he finally stopped, sweat trickled down his jawline. His breath was calm.
But then—
A cold wind slithered behind him.
The Abyss stirred.
And a familiar voice whispered within his mind.
— DING! —
Abyssal Whisper: "Blood will chase you soon."
System Recommendation: Prepare. Kill if necessary.
Poisoned intent detected approaching host's vicinity.
Lin Xuan's lips curved slightly.
So Lin Feng couldn't sit still after all.
Good.
A hunter who moves early… dies early.
He tightened his grip on his sword as the crimson light faded from the courtyard tiles.
"Come, Lin Feng," Lin Xuan murmured into the silent dusk. "The night is long. And I need a warm-up."
The wind answered with a hollow whisper.
The Abyss listened.
And fate sharpened its blade.