Rumors spread across the village: "The cursed child has awakened a demonic sword!" Fearing what he might become, the villagers plotted against him. That night, they came with torches.
But Jian did not run.
When cornered, his martial spirit flared to life, protecting him. Yet, he didn't attack back. Instead, he walked away—burned, bloodied, betrayed once again.
He wandered into the forbidden Crimson Void Gorge, a place where even beasts refused to tread. There, he found a hidden cave... and within it, an ancient skeleton seated cross-legged—clutching a black jade token etched with symbols from a lost era.
As soon as he touched it, knowledge flooded his mind:
The forgotten cultivation path: Shadow Flame Scripture
A power source beyond Qi: Nether Veins
And a bloodline... not human.
> "From now on," Jian whispered, eyes burning with cold resolve,
"I trust no one... and owe nothing."
His journey into the true cultivation world had begun. Not as a hero. Not as a savior.
But as a shadow born from fire and betrayal.