The school bell rang, echoing through the corridors as students spilled out of classrooms. Lu Fan walked calmly, books in hand, when suddenly a loud crash came from the far end of the hall.
A group of students circled around Chen Bo — the school's toughest bully — who stood sneering, towering over a smaller boy trembling in fear.
"Give me your lunch money," Chen Bo growled, cracking his knuckles.
Lu Fan's eyes narrowed. The tension was thick, like a storm ready to break.
Without hesitation, Lu Fan stepped forward, his voice steady but firm.
"Leave him alone, Chen Bo."
The bully laughed, stepping closer. "Or what? You gonna stop me, fairy boy?"
The nickname stung, but Lu Fan didn't back down.
A low pulse surged inside him, subtle yet powerful. His veins tingled, warmth spreading through his arms. The shadow skill awakened just enough to sharpen his reflexes.
Before Chen Bo could swing, Lu Fan moved with lightning speed—dodging the punch and grabbing the bully's wrist, twisting it until a sharp crack echoed.
The crowd gasped.
Chen Bo stumbled back, eyes wide in shock, pain shooting through his arm.
"You... what the—?"
"Stay away from him," Lu Fan said quietly, eyes darkening.
The bully glared but retreated, nursing his wounded pride.
The small boy looked up at Lu Fan, eyes shining with gratitude.
For a moment, the hallway was silent except for Lu Fan's steady breath.
Inside, his heart raced—not from fear, but the rush of power he was still learning to control.
This was just the beginning. Shadows lurked everywhere, and Lu Fan knew that his journey into the hidden world of cultivation would soon collide with dangers far greater than school bullies.