---
Chapter 1 – The chase
"Junior, come back! Let me see you," a man shouted from below.
I sneered. "Hmph… you just want to steal my technique. You think I'll fall for that?"
The man laughed. "Junior, you don't understand what you possess. This technique was lost for ages. Nobody like you should have it."
My blood boiled. I wanted to strike him down, but he was stronger than me. I regulated my Qi and shot into the sky, leaving him behind.
The man snorted. "Since you refuse to share it, don't blame me for being rude." He surged after me.
I clenched my teeth. Using the secret technique from the Star Manual, I teleported far away. Exhausted, I hovered mid-air and sighed.
The Star Manual—I had found it atop a peak while cultivating. It contained countless techniques, a treasure from a bygone era. It was also my greatest curse: everyone who discovered it would come after me. I had thought to cultivate slowly and carefully, but survival forced me to use it whenever opportunities appeared. Being from a poor background, I had no one to rely on.
I gazed at the setting sun and muttered, "I have to cultivate as fast as I can." Since obtaining the manual, I had made countless enemies. Time was a luxury I could no longer afford.
I arrived at Lin Peak, where an old man, Linfeng, awaited.
"Old man, today I was chased by Bingyin. I barely escaped him," I grinned, landing before him.
Linfeng smiled. "Good, Wuxian. But don't fight someone beyond your level. You're still a realm behind."
"I know, old man. But I'm growing fast. Soon, I'll surpass him and teach him a lesson."
Linfeng nodded. "It's evening. Let's move."
We entered Xin Cave, a hidden place rich with Qi. Its abundance would accelerate my cultivation. Linfeng had saved me once from the Bing Clan, recognizing the Star Manual's significance. He had agreed to help me—but not as my master. Still, he had guided me to this point.
Hours of cultivation left me exhausted, but when we emerged, Linfeng said, "In eight months, you'll reach Sect Master level. Then… you may take revenge."
I clenched my fists, excited. The path ahead was dangerous, but I would grow stronger.