Chapter 6 - Mysterious Journey

Yuxian continued his steps with a heart full of questions and anxiety. Every step felt heavier, as if the weight of the world was on his shoulders. The perilous and mysterious journey seemed to have just begun, and he wasn't ready to face it all. The darkness of the night grew thicker around him, illuminated only by the faint moonlight reflecting off the ground. The piercing cold air added to the eerie atmosphere of the night.

Yuxian found himself in the middle of a vast forest, far from the village and even farther from his ruined home. He didn't know where he should go, but his feet kept moving north, toward a place he believed could offer a glimmer of hope, no matter how small.

As he walked, his mind kept shifting between the old man's warning and the recent events—the massacre of the Shen clan, and how he had managed to escape from the powerful clan leader, Zhao Wudi. It all felt like a nightmare that continued to haunt him. Yuxian knew he wouldn't be able to forget those events easily, and they would keep chasing him wherever he went.

Suddenly, a rustling sound came from behind the bushes. Yuxian stopped instantly, his eyes cautiously scanning the surroundings. His instincts immediately kicked in, and he swiftly drew his flying sword.

"Who's there?" he asked firmly, despite the lingering anxiety within him.

From behind the bushes, a figure emerged—a young man with a serious expression. He wore a simple black robe, but there was something different about his aura. It felt heavy, as if filled with hidden energy that Yuxian couldn't comprehend.

"I don't want to cause trouble, but it seems we have unfinished business," the man said calmly, though there was a palpable tension in his voice.

Yuxian frowned, recognizing the aura emanating from the man. "Who are you?"

The man didn't answer right away. Instead, he took a step closer, his eyes sharply observing Yuxian. "My name is Liang Xun, and I was sent by one of the major clans that have an interest in the Shen clan. I'm here to make sure you don't become a further threat."

Yuxian's eyes widened. Liang Xun, a hunter, sent by one of the major clans involved in the destruction of the Shen clan? A sudden wave of tension rushed through him.

"What do you want from me?"

Liang Xun smirked thinly, but his smile didn't lessen the pressure emanating from him. "I just want to test how much you can endure, Yuxian. If you can fight me and survive, I'll give you a chance to live. But if you lose, there's nothing that can protect you."

Without giving Yuxian a chance to respond, Liang Xun launched his first attack. A sharp wave of energy shot toward him at incredible speed. Yuxian couldn't withstand the attack easily. With quick reflexes, he dodged using his sword, deflecting the attack, though his body was pushed back by the powerful impact.

"Your strength is still too weak!" Liang Xun sneered, but he quickly darted forward again, this time with an even stronger attack.

Yuxian struggled to withstand the attack, his body growing more exhausted. Every movement felt heavier, and he knew that if he didn't change the situation quickly, he would lose.

His flying sword began to vibrate in his hand, as if sensing his desperation. "Now! There must be a change!" Yuxian thought rapidly.

Using the last of his energy, Yuxian activated a technique he had learned before—one that came from the demonic scroll he had found. The technique required a significant sacrifice of energy but granted extraordinary power in return.

In an instant, a menacing dark aura began to engulf his body. His black hair turned into a deep, gleaming red, as if set ablaze by an invisible fire. Liang Xun was stunned by the transformation.

"What is this?!"

However, Yuxian ignored Liang Xun's shock. With swift movements, he counterattacked with greater force. Each of his strikes now carried an unpredictable power, targeting Liang Xun with speed that was difficult to evade. Liang Xun was forced to dodge, but Yuxian's attacks were so overwhelming that they made him stumble backward.

During the battle, a significant change occurred within Yuxian. He successfully advanced to the middle stage of the Foundation Establishment realm, feeling an incredible surge of strength throughout his body. It was as if demonic power was flowing through him, bringing drastic changes to the surroundings. The dark aura surrounding him thickened, making the air feel heavier and more oppressive.

Liang Xun sensed the change, and his expression shifted dramatically. "What have you done, Yuxian?! You… are using demonic power?!"

However, Yuxian only gave a cold smile, his eyes, once filled with doubt, now brimming with determination. "If I must be called a demon to survive, then so be it. I will not back down!"

With one final strike full of power, Yuxian slashed at Liang Xun with his flying sword. Liang Xun tried to evade, but the unexpected force rendered him unable to move. In an instant, his body was sent flying, crashing to the ground in a severely wounded state.

Yuxian stood, breathing heavily, his body still trembling from the power he had just unleashed. Yet, a sense of relief flowed through him. Even though he had managed to defeat Liang Xun, he knew this was merely the beginning of a long journey he had to face.

But one thing was certain—Yuxian had stepped onto a darker path, one filled with terrifying power. There was no turning back, and he had to be ready to face whatever came his way with greater courage than ever before.