The Broken Fang Gorge lay silent now, although the sounds of warfare still haunted its depths. As messages from the student body and sect records began trickling in, people started talking. But in this chapter of events known to future ages, it would really depend on who was doing the telling. What had really occurred amid these twenty-five pages of destiny?
From Death to Rebirth
Lin Xuan was born into a world of apparent spiritual affluence. But his family dismissed him as an amateur with no future when he came of age because they were already suffering from other problems in their lives that took priority – one such problem being intergalactic war which threatened everyone around them. After this eventful event, Lin Xuan's path changed forever. Until the night of the Spirit Moon Festival, when an ancient jade slip revived his cards. Ning'er tutored him behind closed doors all day before accompanying her master's daughter to her home.
The Road of Blood and Jealousy
First came the sect of Luo Feng - a minor adversary who later turned to knives. Poison, humiliation, ambush after ambush. But Lin Xuan turned each new beginning into his stepping stone to success. Every rumor added weight to rumors that the "crippled man" was not really so powerless after all. Then there was the sect's probing eyes. Underneath an outwardly tranquil and somewhat sharp gaze, Yun Ruo recognized a trace of fire that it was worth investigating. Desperately, Lin, like an ambush, followed right behind him. Even a Foundation Establishment foe failed to knock his fingers from their natural balance as he hacked one opponent after another to death without mercy on his opponents. The moment he entered the sect, Meng Zhao had already classified him a dangerous person.
Politics and Shadows
In the Azure Spirit Sect, life proved to be no milder. Using small petty means, whispered conspiracies, and assassination attempts, he was put in a weaker position before his robes of blue had been dyed sect-style. But each time he turned the tables, finding more and more clues that led straight back to Meng Zhao.
But even conflict had taken shape: Once a faction massed around him, he and he alone stood steadfast beneath the moon. He made no boast; he did not crow. Still, he won the fight. And the elders themselves were puzzled whether such a youth should have encouragement or be repressed. Unfortunately, their crackdown continued. As they seated themselves, several sects also launched their disciples towards Broken Fang Gorge.
Where Seals Break
The purpose of this trial was to train. Beasts, assassins, traitors, shadows - every kind of sharpened knife was turned against Lin Xuan. Compiled from blood and claw, his deeds advanced. It was there, in fact, that the truth started to emerge: a Primordial Seal whose age reached back past the sect itself. As it slipped open, the gorge started to shake, unleashing terrors on earth that changed souls and its nature barren. When everybody else fled or was slaughtered, Lin Xuan alone took a step forward. Under the silent guidance of the System, he grasped at the heart of that seal and saw there a vision of the Primordial Emperor he thought was still held captive. The mark upon his soul now is reward - and also what brings pain.
Ex-Cripple
In the eyes of the sect, Lin Xuan's appearance was pitiful but alive. They saw luck, maybe hardiness. They did not see the mark. They did not hear the sound of chains breaking within him. But Meng Zhao saw enough to know: the people around him must stand in fear of storms. His hatred hardened into steel. In this way ends the story of Arc One -- the rebirth of a cripple who adamantly refuses to submit.
Status at the End of Arc One
Cultivation: Late Qi Gathering plus hidden gains from Primordial Qi.
System Unlocks: Talent Replication, Skill Perfection, Material Insight, Hidden Quests, Talent Fusion.
Enemies: Luo Feng (fallen rival), Meng Zhao (core sect enemy).
Allies: Yan Ruo (secret-depth scout), whoever owed him debts still outstanding among the scattered disciples.
Hidden Fate
Bearer of the Inheritance Mark of the Primordial Emperor.
Wherefore the lame walks unknown as yet and unseen for some time—but it is certain that no path he comes.