Chapter 54: A Storm on the Horizon
Lin Yun remained seated in the shrine long after the mysterious young man had disappeared. His mind raced with unanswered questions.
*"That manual wasn't supposed to be found."*
*"Now, there are people who will come for you."*
Who were these people? How powerful were they? And what exactly was the **Drifting Shadow Art** that he had taken?
He clenched his fists. He had stepped into something **far beyond** what he initially thought.
But there was no turning back now.
**He would face whatever came his way.**
---
The sun had barely risen when Lin Yun resumed his journey. He moved quickly through the wilderness, staying off the main roads. **If he was being hunted, he needed to stay hidden.**
His next priority was clear—**find a place to train**.
He needed to refine the **Drifting Shadow Art** and gain better control over the **jade tablet's power**. If he kept using techniques without fully mastering them, he would eventually **destroy himself from within**.
A plan formed in his mind.
There was a mountain valley a few days' travel from here, a secluded place where Qi was dense. He had overheard travelers mention it before—a perfect place to cultivate in solitude.
But first, he needed supplies.
---
By midday, Lin Yun arrived at a **small town** hidden deep within the mountain range. Unlike the large cities controlled by sects, this place was run by mercenaries, rogue martial artists, and wandering cultivators.
A **black market.**
The streets were filled with stalls selling everything from weapons to forbidden techniques. Warriors of all kinds moved about—**some hiding their faces, others wearing their battle scars with pride.**
Lin Yun pulled up his hood and walked cautiously through the crowd.
He had **three priorities**:
1. **Healing pills** to restore his Qi.
2. **Information** about the assassins and the manual.
3. **A new weapon**—his current sword was too weak to handle high-level battles.
As he passed a stall selling herbs, an old man with a missing eye suddenly called out to him.
"You. Boy in the hood."
Lin Yun paused.
The old man grinned, revealing **golden teeth**. "You carry something interesting."
Lin Yun's grip on his sword tightened. "I don't know what you're talking about."
The old man chuckled. "You can fool others, but not me. Your Qi… it's not normal, is it?"
Lin Yun stayed silent.
The old man leaned forward. "That kind of Qi… it only comes from **forbidden things**."
A chill ran down Lin Yun's spine.
Before he could speak, the old man whispered, "You're not the only one looking for answers. Others are already searching for you."
Lin Yun's expression darkened. "Who?"
The old man smirked. "That, my boy, depends on how much **you're willing to pay.**"
Lin Yun exhaled. He **didn't** have time for games. "I'll find out on my own."
The old man's grin widened. "I admire your confidence. But remember… curiosity can get you killed."
Lin Yun ignored him and moved on.
He needed to prepare—**fast.**
---
Deeper into the market, Lin Yun found a stall selling weapons.
An old blacksmith stood behind a table filled with swords, daggers, and spears, his arms **scarred from years of forging.**
Lin Yun ran his hand over the blades, feeling their weight. Most were **ordinary**, a few were **well-crafted**, but none of them… **called to him.**
Then—**he felt it.**
A sword, resting at the very back, hidden in the shadows. Unlike the others, its sheath was plain, unadorned. But the moment Lin Yun touched it, a sharp **pulse of energy** surged through his fingertips.
The blacksmith looked up. "That one's different."
Lin Yun unsheathed the blade.
It was **black as night**, its edge carrying a faint **silver glow**. The sword was **perfectly balanced**, its weight feeling as if it had been forged **just for him.**
"What's its name?" Lin Yun asked.
The blacksmith hesitated. "That sword has no name. The one who wields it must give it one."
Lin Yun studied the blade. It was unlike any weapon he had used before.
Slowly, he whispered, **"Shadowfang."**
The blacksmith nodded. "A fine name."
Lin Yun placed **three gold coins** on the table.
The blacksmith chuckled. "For a sword like that? You owe me **a favor, too.**"
Lin Yun narrowed his eyes. "What kind of favor?"
The blacksmith smirked. "Not now. But one day, I will ask, and you will repay."
Lin Yun didn't like debts. But he had **no choice.**
He grabbed the sword and left.
---
As night fell, Lin Yun prepared to leave the town.
But just as he reached the outskirts, a **dagger flew past his face**, embedding itself in a wooden post.
Lin Yun turned sharply, his hand gripping **Shadowfang**.
A **man in a silver mask** stood a few meters away, watching him.
"The hunt has begun," the masked man said softly.
Then, **he vanished**.
Lin Yun remained still, his heartbeat steady.
He pulled the dagger from the post.
A small **symbol** was engraved on the blade—one he had never seen before.
But one thing was clear.
**They had finally found him.**
To be continued…