''Sect Master Tan, I would like to start the reform. Now. Would that be alright?''
I say, my voice low, almost gravelly.
Sect Master Tan raises an eyebrow at my sudden change but nods shortly after. His gaze sweeps over the unruly disciples, a hint of sadness and disappointment flashing through his eyes.
''You may, Elder Xu. I will leave it to you. I'm afraid I missed my chance long ago.''
I stare at him for a moment, the pressure around me increasing with each breath. His eyes widen briefly, but then he gives me a satisfied smile.
''I won't be gentle. My methods might seem unorthodox.''
I press on, preparing the Sect Master for what's to come.
The smile vanishes, replaced by solemness. He might not like this approach, but he knows it's necessary. It's just impossible for him to do it himself.
''I understand. The sect is at a breaking point, Elder Xu. If unorthodox methods are what's necessary, and if they show results, you will have my unwavering support.''
He says, his voice filled with both resignation and expectation.
I nod in response and make my way towards the gate, the pressure around me bending the grass underneath, though my cultivation remains hidden.
'Drunkard will be perfect.'
A young boy, barely reaching adulthood, if at all, leans against the sect's gates, half asleep. A stream of saliva drips down his chin, his eyes nearly shut.
Shadowless Step.
The world bends in front of my eyes as I appear mere inches in front of him, my pressure pulling him out of his drunken stupor.
''W-what do you wa-hic...want~?''
Not even able to form a coherent sentence. Things are far worse than I thought. If I don't set an example out of him, I'm afraid things will be difficult in the future.
I let a sliver of Fear Qi leak into his body. His eyes widen instantly, hands clutching at his throat as if the air itself has disappeared from his surroundings.
[You've gathered 5 points of Fear.]
''If you can't even fulfill a simple task...''
I speak to the suffocating disciple, my voice cold and detached as I continue,
''Why should I let you live?''
The young disciple drops to his knees, gasping soundlessly for any semblance of air. His hands claw at his throat, leaving bloody markings in their wake.
With every second, the boy becomes more desperate, his movements more frantic, as if life itself were leaving him.
Sect Master Tan can't watch any longer. He steps forward, hesitation written across his face.
''Elder Xu, tha—''
I raise my hand, not even looking in his direction. My cold blue eyes never leave the dying boy.
''Not yet.''
The boy's body meets the ground as he desperately tries to cling to life. Unable to even claw at his neck anymore, he just stares blankly at me, his eyes begging for mercy.
The disciples gather around as the chilling scene unfolds. Some try to interfere, but the pressure around me stops them in their tracks. All they can do is watch their fellow disciple's last moments with their very own eyes.
[You've gathered 64 points of Fear.]
[You've inflicted a permanent Trauma on 7 people.]
Finally, I let the suffocation fade. He collapses, chest heaving, tears streaming down his face as he claws weakly at the dirt for comfort.
My gaze sweeps over the crowd. With a single thread of Qi infused into my voice, I deliver a warning.
''Starting from this moment, discipline is not an option. It is survival. If you cannot fulfill a simple task, then you're already dead. And the dead...''
My eyes drift back to the gasping boy on the ground.
''Are useless to me.''
[You've gathered 52 points of Fear.]
.
.
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[STATUS]
[Name: Han Ye]
[Age: 18]
[Cultivation: Terror Manifestation Realm - Late Stage ▸ Qi Condensation - Early Stage]
[Fear Points: 4 359]
[Trauma: +530/day]
[Infamy: +24/day]
[Fear Points needed for the next stage: 6 000]
[Techniques: Shadowless Step, Thousand Faces Arts (incomplete), Silent Pulse Breathing, Crow Shroud Technique]