The Azure Fang Sect's courtyard was alive with activity. Students sparred, practiced, and shouted, their cultivation a constant hum in the air. Liang Ze walked among them, the Shadow Emblem glowing faintly on his chest. The artifact marked him as a recognized aspirant, but respect among peers was a battle of its own.
Jian Hao and Lin Bo followed closely. Jian Hao whispered, "Remember, this isn't the forest. These people have years of experience. Don't underestimate them."
Liang Ze nodded. "I don't underestimate anyone. But I'm not intimidated either."
The system pulsed with excitement.
"New environment detected: Azure Fang Sect main grounds. Social threat: moderate. Combat threat: high. Recommended action: observation, alliance formation, skill practice."
Liang Ze's eyes scanned the courtyard. He noticed groups forming naturally, disciples of similar levels clustering together, whispering, sizing one another up. The system highlighted individuals of interest:
"Potential rival detected: Long Wei, Level 16. Aggressive, competitive, high combat skill. Recommended action: avoid unnecessary confrontation until skill alignment achieved."
Liang Ze's lips curved into a faint smile. "A rival, huh? Good. I like a challenge."
---
The first challenge was subtle but unmistakable. Long Wei, a tall, lean youth with piercing eyes, approached Liang Ze as he practiced shadow strikes near a training post.
"Hey, new kid," Long Wei called, voice casual but laced with sharpness. "I hear you survived the Whispering Shadow Ruins. That's… impressive. But surviving doesn't mean you belong here."
Liang Ze's shadow blades froze mid-air. "I don't belong? Then what does belong to you, exactly?"
Long Wei smirked. "This sect rewards skill. Strength earns respect. And if you want to survive here… you'll have to prove it."
Liang Ze's eyes narrowed. "Then I will. But know this: I don't fight for respect. I fight to grow stronger. Anyone in my way… will regret it."
Long Wei's smirk didn't falter. "Bold words. Let's see if your skills match them. Training match, right now?"
Liang Ze adjusted his stance, shadows coiling around him like living weapons. "I accept."
---
The courtyard cleared quickly as students gathered. Jian Hao muttered, "You really don't waste time, huh?"
Liang Ze ignored him. The system whispered:
"Rival detected: High threat. Recommended action: Shadow Step + Shadow Manipulation + Shadow Strike combination. Environmental advantage: utilize courtyard obstacles and mist for concealment."
Liang Ze smirked. "Then let's dance."
Long Wei struck first, lightning-fast, a blur of fists and energy. Liang Ze teleported behind a training post, shadow blades extending. The clash was instantaneous—metal, shadow, and energy colliding with explosive force.
The students gasped. Shadow manipulation coiling around Liang Ze allowed him to attack from multiple angles, slicing the air and forcing Long Wei to dodge continuously.
XP +45.
Long Wei gritted his teeth, clearly impressed but unwilling to show it. "Not bad… but speed alone won't win."
Liang Ze grinned, feeling the Shadow Core pulse. He teleported again, this time above Long Wei, summoning shadow spears to force him backward.
Level 16 achieved. Attribute points available: 5. Shadow Step Level 5 unlocked. Shadow Manipulation Level 8 unlocked.
The battle was intense, moving across the courtyard with lightning speed. Students ducked and jumped out of the way as energy blasts and shadow blades collided.
---
Finally, Liang Ze saw an opening. Long Wei overextended in a high-energy strike, leaving his side exposed. Liang Ze lunged, Shadow Strike piercing through Long Wei's defenses.
The youth stumbled but smiled faintly, eyes sharp. "Impressive… most I've faced would have panicked. You… adapt."
Liang Ze smirked. "I don't panic. I survive. And I strike."
System notification: Rival defeated (training match). XP +100. Level 17 achieved. Shadow Strike Level 5 unlocked. Combat skill efficiency +20%.
Long Wei straightened, brushing dust from his robes. "Not bad, new kid. Looks like I'll have to watch you closely from now on."
Liang Ze nodded. "I don't need your approval. Just don't get in my way."
Jian Hao and Lin Bo looked relieved. "You actually held your own," Jian Hao said. "Against a Level 16? That's insane."
Lin Bo added, "Yeah… and he wasn't holding back either. You're crazy strong, Shadow Core or not."
---
The system pulsed with a new alert.
"Quest update: Rival engagement complete. Recognition among peers increased. Suggested next action: skill integration and practice under senior guidance. Artifact enhancement possible."
Liang Ze's mind raced. Recognition among peers was valuable, but actual growth required guidance. He needed mentors who could challenge him further.
As he wandered through the sect grounds, a voice called out:
"You there, Shadow Core bearer."
Liang Ze turned. A tall, stern-looking man approached, aura radiating authority. "I am Elder Yun. I oversee initiation and skill guidance for new aspirants. You've completed the trial remarkably fast. I wish to see your potential further—under my tutelage."
Liang Ze inclined his head. "I accept. I want to grow stronger, as fast as possible."
Elder Yun's eyes narrowed, sharp and calculating. "Ambition is good. But ambition without control leads to ruin. Follow me."
The trio followed Elder Yun to a secluded training pavilion. Mist and shadows hung thickly in the air, perfect for cultivation practice.
---
"First lesson," Elder Yun said, "is control. Power without control is wasted. You have raw skill, Shadow Core, and talent… but you must harmonize these, or risk destruction."
Liang Ze listened intently as Elder Yun demonstrated movements, integrating energy flow with shadow manipulation. Liang Ze followed, his shadows twisting, extending, retracting, forming both offense and defense seamlessly.
System alert: Skill integration in progress. XP +80. Shadow Manipulation efficiency +25%. Shadow Strike efficiency +20%. Level 18 achieved.
Jian Hao and Lin Bo watched in awe. "He's actually… keeping up with a senior cultivator," Jian Hao muttered.
Lin Bo whispered, "And learning faster than anyone I've seen. That Shadow Core… it's insane."
---
Training continued into the afternoon. Elder Yun pushed Liang Ze relentlessly, forcing him to teleport, strike, defend, and manipulate shadows simultaneously. Every movement tested his endurance, strategy, and reflexes.
At one point, Elder Yun created multiple illusionary opponents, simulating a full battlefield. Liang Ze moved like a phantom, Shadow Step carrying him from one enemy to the next, Shadow Manipulation cutting down dozens of simulated foes.
XP +120. Level 19 achieved. Shadow Step Level 6 unlocked. Shadow Manipulation Level 9 unlocked. Shadow Strike Level 6 unlocked. Combat skill synergy +30%.
Elder Yun finally stepped back, eyes approving. "You are extraordinary. Few in my decades of teaching have learned so quickly. But strength attracts attention—rivals, enemies, and powers beyond this sect. Be cautious."
Liang Ze nodded, determination burning in his eyes. "I won't fail. I'll surpass anyone, anywhere, anytime."
---
Evening fell, and the sect grounds quieted. Liang Ze stood alone on a balcony overlooking the courtyard, shadows curling around him like loyal companions. Jian Hao and Lin Bo approached.
"You're… unstoppable," Jian Hao said softly.
Lin Bo grinned. "Yeah… and that silver-haired cultivator? He's probably watching now. And he'll regret it when he sees how strong you've become."
Liang Ze's eyes gleamed. "Let them watch. Let them all watch. I'll rise faster, fight harder, and grow stronger every day. By the time they realize, it'll be too late."
The system pulsed in agreement.
"User progression: significant. Artifact enhancement possible: Shadow Emblem integration with Shadow Core. Recommended action: sleep, recovery, plan next quest for combat experience and artifact mastery."
Liang Ze clenched his fists, shadows swirling with anticipation. "Tomorrow, I push further. I find new challenges, stronger rivals, and I don't stop until I'm unbreakable."
From the courtyard below, shadows shifted unnaturally. Somewhere, hidden, the silver-haired cultivator watched.
"So, the orphan survives… grows stronger every day. Interesting. I'll make sure his next test… is unforgettable."
Liang Ze didn't know it yet, but every step he took in the Azure Fang Sect was being watched, measured, and calculated. His journey was accelerating, and the world itself seemed eager to test him.
The Shadow Core pulsed. Shadows stretched. And the orphan who had survived death and ruin now stood on the cusp of true power.
"Bring it on," Liang Ze whispered to himself, eyes glowing. "The world can try. I won't falter."