Chapter 1 – The Night of Betrayal
The moon hung low, its pale glow spilling across the training courtyard of the Azure Cloud Sect. The night was silent, almost too silent—as if the heavens themselves were holding their breath.
Leon Jian stood at the center of the courtyard, his robes tattered, his body bruised. The faint copper taste of blood lingered in his mouth, yet his eyes still burned with determination. He had given everything to this sect—his youth, his sweat, his loyalty.
And tonight, it was all being torn away.
"Leon Jian," a cold voice echoed. From the shadows emerged Eldric, the Senior Brother he had once trusted like family. Behind him stood several disciples, their faces twisted with greed and mockery.
"You've served your purpose. Hand over the Celestial Jade and perhaps… we will grant you a painless death."
Leon's grip tightened around the small jade pendant at his chest. This artifact was his master's final gift—the key to a power said to connect mortals to the heavens. He had protected it for years, never allowing it to fall into the wrong hands.
"Senior Brother," Leon rasped, his voice hoarse. "I treated you as family… why betray me?"
Eldric sneered. "Family? Do not be naïve. In this world, only strength matters. You are weak, and weakness deserves no loyalty."
The words cut deeper than the wounds on Leon's flesh.
One by one, the disciples struck him down. His bones cracked, blood stained the ground, and his vision blurred. Yet, even as his body failed him, his spirit refused to shatter.
As his consciousness began to fade, Leon clenched the jade tightly against his chest. If heaven gives me another chance… I will return. I will make them pay.
The night wind howled. The pendant pulsed with a faint golden light, as if answering his dying wish.
And then—darkness.
---