The sun blazed overhead as Yun Shaoyun and Luo Feng faced off in the training courtyard. A circle of Outer Disciples watched, whispering amongst themselves.
Luo Feng stood with an easy grin, casually twirling his sword. “Alright, Junior Brother Yun Shaoyun, let’s see if you’ve improved. Try to land a hit on me.”
Yun Shaoyun took a deep breath. He knew Luo Feng wasn’t being arrogant—he was just that much stronger.
But if Yun Shaoyun wanted to climb higher in this sect, he had no choice but to push forward.
With a sharp exhale, Yun Shaoyun dashed forward. His sword flashed as he aimed a precise strike at Luo Feng’s ribs.
Clang!
Luo Feng deflected it effortlessly.
“Too slow,” Luo Feng teased, stepping aside and flicking his blade toward Yun Shaoyun’s exposed side.
Yun Shaoyun barely managed to twist away, but Luo Feng’s foot shot out—
Thud!
Yun Shaoyun stumbled backward, barely keeping his balance.
The disciples watching chuckled.
“He’s trying, at least.”
“But he’s still too weak.”
“No wonder he took so long to break through.”
Yun Shaoyun gritted his teeth.
Luo Feng sighed, lowering his sword. “You’re holding back again, Junior Brother Yun Shaoyun. If you hesitate like this, you’ll never make it as a cultivator.”
Yun Shaoyun didn’t reply. He knew Luo Feng was right. But how could he just throw himself into a fight recklessly? He wasn’t like Luo Feng—bold and fearless.
I need to be careful. I need to survive.
Still, he felt frustration burning inside him. If only he had more strength.
That night, Yun Shaoyun sat on his bed, absently rubbing a small cut on his palm.
The day’s fight replayed in his mind. No matter how hard he tried, he was still just an average disciple.
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He sighed and looked down at the silver locket around his neck. A reminder of his past. A meaningless trinket.
Or so he thought.
Because as soon as a single drop of his blood touched the locket—
Boom!
A pulse of energy exploded from it, slamming into his chest.
His vision blurred. The room vanished.
He was falling—
Then, everything went dark.
---
When Yun Shaoyun opened his eyes, he was floating in an endless void of swirling golden mist.
A deep, ancient voice echoed through the space.
"You have awakened."
Memories that weren’t his own flooded his mind—scenes of warriors wielding black swords, shattering mountains with a single strike.
The Primordial Chaos Origin Bloodline.
One of the rarest, most powerful bloodlines in the cultivation world. Hidden deep within Yun Shaoyun. Sealed away—until now.
Energy surged through his veins, transforming him. His body felt lighter, stronger, faster. His senses sharpened.
But something else changed, too.
His hesitation? Diminished. His fear? Muted.
His caution was still there, warning him not to reveal too much. But alongside it came something new—
A shameless, unrestrained confidence.
For the first time since arriving in this world…
Yun Shaoyun smirked.
---
Keeping Secrets
When Yun Shaoyun came back to his senses, he was still in his room. His body was drenched in sweat, but he felt incredible.
He clenched his fists. The power inside him was real.
But he couldn’t tell anyone.
Not yet.
If others found out he had a rare bloodline, they might try to control him—or worse.
He exhaled slowly, letting his cautious nature take control again.
Act normal. Don’t attract attention.
Still… his lips curled into a grin.
But maybe I can have a little fun.
Knock, knock.
“Junior Brother Yun Shaoyun! Open up!” Luo Feng’s voice rang out.
Yun Shaoyun’s smirk disappeared. He took a deep breath, adjusted his expression, and opened the door.
Luo Feng and Mu Qinglan stood outside. Luo Feng, as usual, looked relaxed, while Mu Qinglan studied Yun Shaoyun with sharp, unreadable eyes.
“You good?” Luo Feng asked, raising an eyebrow. “You locked yourself in here all night.”
Yun Shaoyun forced a tired sigh. “Training. I realized I was too weak today.”
Luo Feng smirked. “At least you’re self-aware.”
Mu Qinglan, however, continued staring at Yun Shaoyun. “…Something’s different about you.”
Yun Shaoyun’s heart skipped a beat, but his shamelessness took over. He grinned. “Ah, Senior Sister Mu Qinglan, are you saying I’ve become more handsome overnight?”
Luo Feng choked on a laugh. Mu Qinglan’s eyes narrowed.
“…No.”
Yun Shaoyun shrugged. “Shame.”
Luo Feng nudged him. “Well, since you’re awake, let’s spar. I want to see if this ‘training’ of yours did anything.”
Yun Shaoyun’s smirk widened.
Perfect.
“Alright,” he said, stretching his arms. “But don’t be mad when you lose.”
Luo Feng blinked. “Hah! That’s the funniest thing I’ve heard all day.”
Mu Qinglan tilted her head. “…You really do seem different.”
Yun Shaoyun simply smiled. Let them wonder.
The courtyard was quiet when they arrived. Only a few disciples were still awake, training under the moonlight.
Luo Feng lazily drew his sword. “Alright, Junior Brother Yun Shaoyun. Same rules. Try to land a hit on me.”
Yun Shaoyun rolled his shoulders, his confidence radiating. “You sure you don’t want to change the rules? Might be embarrassing for you.”
Luo Feng snorted. “Big words for a guy who lost in ten moves earlier.”
“Ten? I counted eight.” Yun Shaoyun smirked. “But alright, let’s go.”
Mu Qinglan, standing off to the side, folded her arms. “Begin.”
Luo Feng lunged first, his sword a blur.
Last time, Yun Shaoyun barely reacted in time. But now—
Everything felt slower.
The moment Luo Feng moved, Yun Shaoyun’s instincts kicked in. His body knew where the attack would land.
He stepped aside effortlessly, letting the blade whiff past him.
Luo Feng’s eyes widened. “What—”
Before he could react, Yun Shaoyun struck—fast.
Luo Feng barely managed to block, stumbling backward.
Gasps rang out from the watching disciples.
Yun Shaoyun stretched lazily. “Huh. That felt easy.”
Luo Feng narrowed his eyes. “…You’re messing with me, right?”
Yun Shaoyun shrugged. “Maybe you’re just getting slow, Senior Brother Luo Feng.”
Mu Qinglan’s gaze sharpened. “Your movements are different.”
Yun Shaoyun smiled innocently. “Oh? Maybe I just needed some good rest.”
Luo Feng scowled. “One more round.”
Yun Shaoyun grinned. Oh, this is fun.
“Alright, Senior Brother Luo Feng,” he said smoothly, lifting his sword. “Try not to lose too quickly this time.”
Luo Feng’s eye twitched.
Mu Qinglan just sighed. This is going to be a long night.