During the early days of the Sky Sword Sect, under the rule of the Sword Sage Li, there existed an infamous thief known as the shadow kingpin.

This mysterious figure struck fear into the hearts of nearly all major powerhouses, earning a reputation that spread far and wide.

The shadow kingpin operated with audacity, looting from kings and empires without fearing anyone’s wrath. His elusive nature ensured that none had ever laid eyes on him, despite his daring exploits.

For many years, his deeds went unchecked, and no one managed to bring him to justice.

One day, he received news about an emerging powerhouse. Intrigued, he decided to visit this new force, relishing the opportunity to sow fear among the masses.

Sneaking into the sword city within the eternal forest, where only one sect, the Sky Sword Sect, held sway at the time, the shadow kingpin knew exactly where to find the heart of all this.

“Keke, Let’s see what valuable do they have?”

He slipped into the palace unnoticed by anyone, his mastery of stealth allowing him to move undetected even by those mere meters ahead of him.

Finding himself before a vast hall, the shadow kingpin spotted two figures on the throne at the far end.

“So she is the Sword Sage Li,” he thought, fixing his gaze ahead at a female figure.

However, his attention was soon drawn to another figure besides Sage Li.

With long red hair and two horns protruding from the forehead, this figure met his gaze.

Suddenly realizing he had been spotted, the shadow kingpin cursed under his breath. He couldn’t linger here any longer; he had to escape.

With the swiftness of an eagle, he departed the hall.

His steps didn’t falter even as he reached the forest; he continued running.

However, when he sensed danger from above, he abruptly halted.

BAM!

A large sword materialized from energy particles, fell a few meters in front of him, obstructing his escape.

“Tired yet?” a voice drifted from above.

Looking up, he saw the Sword Sage Li floating overhead.

“I don’t believe we’ve met before,” the kingpin remarked.

“Less talking, draw your weapon,” she commanded, pointing her sword at him. “Let me see if you’re as good as rumored.”

With that, she vanished from her spot and reappeared before the kingpin.

The shiny sword swung towards the kingpin, but with the swiftness of the wind, he managed to dodge it.

Beads of sweat formed on his forehead; even for him, that swing was too quick. Before he could catch his breath, another swing followed sharply, and again he barely managed to dodge it.

“Quite the slippery one,” the Sword Sage Li remarked, sheathing her sword back into the scabbard on her waist. “Let’s see how long you can keep running.”

As the surrounding atmosphere changed and a sense of heaviness filled the air, an intangible wave of energy spread across a certain distance.

“Domain?!” the shadow kingpin realized, intending to escape the area.

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However, it was too late. Before he could take a step, he felt a prick on his neck, and countless small cuts formed around his body.

This was her sword domain. Inside it, she held absolute control; she could end his life with a mere thought.

Frozen in fear, the shadow kingpin dared not make a move.

At that moment, he knew he had lost.

“How have you survived this long with such strength?” said Sage Li. “If you have any tricks left, now’s the time to use them.”

The kingpin could only manage a wry smile from behind his hood. No other powerhouse would dare to slight him in front of his face, fearing swift retribution. But this sage remained aloof and possessed the strength to back up her words.

“Speed and stealth are also forms of strength,” a broad voice echoed from above.

The red-headed figure arrived on the scene, floating alongside Sage Li.

“What should I do with him, father?” she asked.

“Killing him would be a waste,” the red-headed figure added. “Since you’ve recently established yourself, recruit him as one of the elders. The prerequisite is that he remains in the shadows.”

From that day onward, the shadow kingpin vanished from the rest of the world. Many speculated that he had perished beneath the sword of Sage Li, further elevating her reputation and reverence.

…

“That sword demoness’s sect is still here,” sighed an old voice.

The old ghost floated around the temple, gazing at the statue of Sage Li. “Did you really perish in that place, Li’er?”

Many generations had passed, yet the old ghost remained wandering to this world as a specter, consumed by one unfulfilled obsession.

Lost in his memories, the old ghost was interrupted by a voice that entered his mind. “Old ghost, where are you? Come out.”

Only one person could address him in such a manner. Slightly annoyed by the disturbance, the old ghost left the temple.

The two had become mentally connected after Lin Mo accepted his belongings. Yet, at times, the old ghost couldn’t help but wish it were someone else who would unearth his skeleton. At least then, he might retain some semblance of respect.

“You’ve finished your seclusion,” the old ghost remarked, appearing beside Lin Mo. “But why do you look unhappy?”

Lin Mo pointed at the sword strapped to his back.

“What about it?” the old ghost asked.

“It’s too freaking heavy,” Lin Mo exclaimed.

The old ghost couldn’t help but laugh at Lin Mo’s pitiful state.

“What have you been doing while I was in seclusion?” Lin Mo asked.

“Just wandering around,” the old ghost replied.

Indeed, for the past month, he had been aimlessly wandering the sect, sightseeing.

From his memory, the old ghost observed much had changed, even the city appeared different. Although he was taken aback by the emergence of the two branched-out Sun and Moon Sect, he wasn’t entirely surprised. He knew such changes were bound to happen in the future.

In his ghostly form, invisible to others, he wandered around carefree, entering almost every place in the sect and lost in sightseeing. However, there was one place he did not dare to enter.

“Where were you?” Lin Mo asked. “You should’ve seen Master using that bluish energy.”

“I think Master Zen is a hidden expert,” Lin Mo continued, boasting about his master’s abilities.

Meanwhile, the old ghost listened with cold sweats, remembering the first time he had seen the Sixth Elder.

…

After Lin Mo was brought back to the sect, the old ghost appeared out of the ring, observing Lin Mo’s unconscious body on the bed.

Taking in his surroundings, he noted the plain wooden building. Suddenly, he noticed someone at the side seemingly looking towards him.

“Is he looking at me? I must be imagining things,” the old ghost thought, shaking off the idea. “He must be this brat’s master.”

Floating around the hatted figure, the old ghost attempted to peer through the hat and see his appearance.

“What are you doing?” came the abrupt question.

Startled, the old ghost looked around to see if there were others present.

“I’m talking to you, ghost.”

“!!!”

From that day forward, the old ghost dared not casually appear before Master Zen or around the courtyard.

This place felt far more terrifying than any danger zone or battle he had ever encountered in his lifetime.