Lin Feng's rise in the Black Lotus Sect did not go by in vain: His scheming, forming alliances, and his progress in cultivation turned him into a double-edged sword. The rumors regarding how he brought Luo Jian down had reached every disciple, yet no one knew if this was actually the case.

In the darkness of his room, Elder Shen sat in quiet contemplation. A single candle showed long, sinister shadows on the walls. A report lay before him detailing Lin Feng's actions and the rumors spread about his name.

"He rises fast," Elder Shen whispered. "Too fast."

The elder's sharp eyes gleamed as he reached a decision. "Let's see how deep his ambitions run."

---

Two days later, Lin Feng received an unexpected summons. A robed disciple delivered the message to his quarters, his demeanor stiff and formal.

"Outer Disciple Lin Feng," the messenger said, "Elder Shen requests your presence in the Hall of Serenity at once.

Lin Feng nodded respectfully, but his mind pre-emptively raced on. The reputation of Elder Shen was fearsome; he groomed the most ruthless disciples within the sect and got rid of those he did not like.

As Lin Feng walked toward the Hall of Serenity, he noticed other disciples looking at him curiously. The attention was neither comforting nor reassuring.

The hall was large and severe, and the black stone walls were carved with the figures of blossoming lotuses. Elder Shen sat cross-legged on a high dais, his eyes staring steadily at Lin Feng when he entered.

"Lin Feng," Elder Shen said with a smooth and forceful tone, "Do you know why I have summoned you?"

Lin Feng bowed profoundly and kept the unease at bay. "No, Elder Shen, but I'm honored by your attention."

The elder's lips quivered with a faint smile. "Flattery is an art, and you wield it well. I prefer actions to words, however. You have caused waves since joining the sect-some would say too many. I called you here to understand whether those waves were born of ambition or recklessness."

Lin Feng stood tall, his expression composed. "Ambition, Elder Shen. For me, strength means nothing without the will to use it."

Elder Shen's eyes narrowed, studying Lin Feng. "A pretty bold answer. Let's see whether your deeds will substantiate that. I have an assignment for you-a test of sorts."

Lin Feng inclined his head. "I await your instruction, Elder Shen."

The assignment was explained by Elder Shen; thus, a rogue disciple in the person of Han Yu took flight from the sect when he stole an artifact-the Bloodshadow Orb, a mighty tool, at a terrible cost, through its use to enhance cultivation. Han Yu's betrayal utterly dishonored the Elder Council, where his capture or death presently became a matter of pride for them.

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"You will hunt him," Elder Shen said. "The Bloodshadow Orb corrupts its wielder, but it also grants them strength. Han Yu is no longer the disciple he once was. Do not underestimate him."

Lin Feng nodded, already thinking of a plan.

"You leave tonight," he said. "Succeed, and you will earn my favor. Fail, and you will not return.

Lin Feng got very little information, but it was a lead: Han Yu was last seen in the Bonefire Woods, a dangerous forest for its thick fog and spirits of dead cultivators said to plague the area.

Lin Feng left at dusk, his black-robed figure merging with the shadows. The dark silhouettes of gnarled trees loomed ahead, their twisted limbs tangling together like skeletal fingers.

The air grew colder as Lin Feng entered the woods. The faint cries of unseen creatures echoed through the air. He immediately activated the Thousand Veil Technique, creating two illusory duplicates to scout the area. Their movements were almost a dead ringer for his own-an advantage that had already proven invaluable in previous encounters.

As he ventured deeper, Lin Feng noticed signs of a struggle: broken branches, scorched earth, and traces of blood.

“Han Yu,” Lin Feng murmured. “You’re not far.”

---

Lin Feng found Han Yu near a clearing at the heart of the woods. The rogue disciple sat cross-legged beneath some twisted tree, the Bloodshadow Orb floating before him, the crimson glow pulsating with his breathing.

The face of Han Yu was ghastly, his eyes sunken and his skin pallid. Veins had turned dark, filled with the corrupting energy of the orb. Yet around him was a raw power, far beyond what Lin Feng had anticipated.

"So, they sent you," he said without looking up, his voice hoarse with bitterness. "A fledgling to kill the fallen. How poetic."

Lin Feng strode forward, his eyes cold. "You're coming back with me to the sect. In one piece or in pieces; your choice."

Han Yu laughed, his laughter hoarse and cold. "You want to take me? You won't be able to understand what this orb has revealed to me. You don't know how much it made me strong."

The Bloodshadow Orb flashed, and Han Yu stood up. The Corrupted Qi roiled around him in a storm.

"So be it." Lin Feng said as his voice would always be.

---

Han Yu attacked first, sending a torrent of crimson energy ripping through the clearing; Lin Feng's illusions absorbed the brunt of this attack, dissipating into nothingness as the real Lin Feng darted to the side and managed to close the distance through the use of Phantom Steps.

The two clashed, and their strikes sent shockwaves through the forest. Han Yu fought like a man possessed, his movements erratic yet powerfully devastating. But Lin Feng soon realized the truth-the corruption of the Bloodshadow Orb was taking its toll. Han Yu's attacks were unfocused, his breathing labored.

You're burning yourself out, Lin Feng said, evading yet another wild strike. The orb may have given you strength, but more than that, it made you weak.

With a bellow of fury, Han Yu called upon a surging tide of crimson energy. Lin Feng countered with a flick of his wrist; the Thousand Veil Technique whirred to life, filling his opponent's vision with maze-like illusions.

Confused and disoriented, Han Yu lashed out at his surroundings, striking one phantom after another. Lin Feng seized the opportunity and struck in from the shadows with a blade of black qi.

The attack pierced into Han Yu's chest as the rogue disciple staggered and the corrupted energy in his body started to come undone.

---

Han Yu fell to his knees, the Bloodshadow Orb falling from his hand. Lin Feng crept closer with care, eyes fixed on the orb. The crimson light was now throbbing weakly within, luring him.

"You think you've won," Han Yu rasped, drool trickling down from his lips. "But the orb… it whispers, doesn't it? It offers you power. Take it. See what it's shown me."

Lin Feng hesitated, the charm of the orb undeniable, its energy thrumming with power, with the promise of strength beyond imagination. But Lin Feng knew what one had to pay for such powers.

In a flash, he released his wrist and sent a jet of black qi, which exploded the orb into pieces. The red glow vanished, and Han Yu's body went limp, falling to the ground.

Lin Feng returned to the sect with the head of Han Yu as proof of his mission's success. In the Hall of Serenity, Elder Shen was waiting for him, expressionless. Lin Feng immediately pulled out the trophy and gave it to him.

"Well done," he finally said after some time. "You have proved that you are capable-and ruthless. I expect great things from you, Lin Feng.

Lin Feng bowed, concealing the flash of satisfaction in his eyes. Indeed, he had passed the test and earned the elder's favor, but he knew this was only the beginning.

As he left the hall, Lin Feng's mind began to wander into the future. The sect was a battlefield, and he wanted to rise above all of it. But the Bloodshadow Orb's whispers lingered in his mind, hauntingly reminding him of the power he had denied.

"This world is full of devourers," Lin Feng muttered to himself. "I will be the one who devours them all."