A shadow slipped between ancient trees, its presence subtle enough to avoid the senses of most creatures.
It paused.
Watching.
"…So this is where the disturbance originated," the figure whispered.
Its gaze settled in Leo's direction.
And for the first time since his transmigration—
Someone else had arrived in his world. of a God
As I journeyed down the mountain, a sound crawled up my spine.
Creepy laughter.
"Eh—?" I froze. "A new species?"
I spun, spear half-raised. "Who's there?" I shouted.
The laughter faded, replaced by a shifting darkness. A figure peeled itself from the shade of the trees, edges blurring as if light refused to touch it.
My heart sank.
Fear—raw, unprecedented—gripped me. As a Core Formation cultivator, I should have understood what I was facing.
I didn't.
The figure stepped forward. "You've come quite far, young one."
I swallowed. "Who are you?"
A low chuckle. "I am a shadow of a great god. I was sent to look for you."
"Why?"
"Do not ask."
I tightened my grip. "I'm not going anywhere with you."
"Is that a fact?"
Before I could react, my vision compressed.
A solid pitch shattered my protection.
The world flipped. I slammed into a tree, bark exploding outward. Blood sprayed from my mouth as I hit the ground, lungs screaming.
The shadow's voice drifted over me. "And now?"
My mind raced.
Solutions?
None.
What the hell is this thing?
"Are you ready?" the shadow asked calmly. "Let's go."
I clenched my teeth. "Fine."
The figure approached to lift me.
I grinned.
"Not yet."
I slid along the tree, surged forward, and threw a straight punch.
Caught.
A single palm.
I swept.
Blocked.
Every strike—diffused. Every angle—read. My fists felt like they were striking water.
The shadow laughed. "You have some skills. But that's all."
BOOM.
I flew backward, slammed into a boulder. Something shifted inside me—organs displaced, pain flooding my core.
The shadow walked closer. "Now, now. Be a good lad."
"No," I gasped. "I can't fall here."
Come on.
Something snapped into place.
Hand-to-Hand Combat — EVOLUTION DETECTED
72 Movements of Heaven
A boxing style of seventy-two linked movements that carry the rhythm of heaven.
Another surge.
Acrobatics — EVOLUTION DETECTED
Single Step
One step for every action.
Pain receded into clarity.
I stood.
The shadow paused.
"Well?" it asked.
I smiled, blood on my teeth. "Let's go again."
The shadow smiled back.
"I like your spirit."