You've probably heard this story before. A boy obtaining unimaginable power from simply being the first one to find and open a book. He takes revenge on those who have trampled upon him, ridiculed his unfortunate circumstances, and treated him like trash. If this sounds familiar to you, it should. It's a story that many have told—that many have lived, but this story...

This story's a little different.

"I hope you're ready because I'm coming for blood."

Red stains decorate the land. Its freshness soaked into the soil that wept, quelling the cries of the deceased. For the death above gave the soul below the rest it sought. Thus, it was deemed Righteous. Thus, Justice was acknowledged.

"Ah. He's another child that stumbled upon a skill book with a unique grade Cultivation Technique. That mistaken power will be his downfall, and he'll join the many others who thought reading a book would take them to the top of Kunlun."

This is how Order is maintained.

"Be careful! He's not an ordinary Cultivator!!"

The blur of a hand paired with the fall of bodies. The shadows aren't dark enough for those undeserving of its cover. The light isn't bright enough for those unworthy of its Mercy.

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"You're not a genius, Hao. If you want to ascend higher, you'll need people you can rely on. Don't underestimate the barriers that separate the wheat from the chaff."

Trust is only possible when the swords resting against each other's throats are of the same weight.

"I and my future generations swear loyalty to you."

"I wish to serve you, my lord."

"My life is in your hands."

"Take me to the top. That is my only requirement for me to follow you to the end."

A butterfly flaps its wings, and the gathering of a few turn into the recognition of many. A cook stirs the broth, and the test of establishment rocks a foundation built upon Loyalty. Yet when I peer down at the torches lighting the houses on fire—when I see the workmanship of delusion replace sanity with shortsightedness, I pity them.

And then, I judge them.

Each trial sets a limit I break. Each tribulation strengthens my dominance. Fate has selected an author responsible for enacting its will so I do my part in accordance to the path I walk.

"Damn it!! Call the Grandmaster! We need him dead now!"

"Summon all Elders. Mobilise the entire Sect. We shed the blood of a fake king at dawn!!"

"O' Heavens! Bestow upon me the power to crush the embodiment of evil that roams the land of the East!"

I turned to the sky full of stars, but their light wasn't needed since I shined brighter than them. The battlefield awaited my appearance; it called for an announcement to be made, and that came once the arms behind my back reached my sides. However, it was the flutter of unblemished robes that signalled the end.

"You were not chosen. I was."

Another trial arrived.

I tilted my head to the uninvited guest parting the first heaven. Conflict would be solved once they submitted to the greater will.

Such was the path that required power.

Yet I stared at the chasm between us, causing beads of sweat to slide down the sides of my forehead. Then I remembered...

Such was the Way of Kunlun.