Golden_Satyr

In a fractured world where shadows whisper forgotten truths, a man cursed with a dark awakening hungers for power no mortal should wield. Guided by a forbidden art, he learns to devour the lingering essence of the dead; their strength, their memories, their shadows.

However with each stolen fragment, the line between human and something sinister blurs.

As ancient forces stir and the ruins of empires watch in silence, he walks a razor’s edge: Will the shadows forge him into a conqueror, or unravel him into the very darkness he seeks to master? 

The price of ascension is paid in blood but the dead do not rest quietly.....

Devil's Shadow, Heaven's Bane

The moment the first strike was thrown, the forest erupted into motion.

Wu Jian's figure blurred, his shadow trailing unnaturally behind him as he lunged. Zhang Yan barely had time to react before a dagger sliced toward his throat, its edge glinting with cold intent. He twisted, his body flowing like water as the blade passed within an inch of his skin. His own dagger flickered upward in response, but Wu Jian was already gone—his form vanishing into the darkness like a specter.

Zhang Yan narrowed his eyes. Fast.

His shadow pulsed beneath him, infused with the stolen qi of those he had slain. He shifted his weight and lunged forward, his dagger striking toward the empty space where Wu Jian had been. But as his blade cut through the air, his senses screamed—

Zhang Yan twisted just as Wu Jian's shadow lashed out from the ground, forming a jagged tendril that aimed for his back. He barely managed to pivot away as the attack whistled past him, slicing into a nearby tree trunk with enough force to carve through bark like flesh.

His mind raced. He can already manipulate his shadow to attack.

This wasn't just speed or technique—Wu Jian had progressed further along the path of shadow manipulation. His control over his Devouring Nine Shadows technique had reached a level that allowed him to use it as both offense and defense.

But Zhang Yan wasn't afraid. If anything, his blood ran hotter.

Zhang Yan's fingers tightened around his dagger. "Let's see if you can keep up."

No more words were needed. They moved at the same time.

Zhang Yan surged forward, his dagger slicing through the night. Wu Jian's movements were fluid, his shadow stretching and curling like a living thing as he danced between the attacks. Blades clashed in rapid succession, sparks flashing in the darkness.

But the battle was not fought with steel alone.

Their shadows coiled and writhed beneath them, unseen forces clashing as fiercely as their weapons. With every movement, with every shift in their qi, the darkness responded.

Wu Jian struck low, his blade aiming for Zhang Yan's ribs. Zhang Yan deflected, but in that instant, Wu Jian's shadow darted toward him like a striking viper. Zhang Yan barely had time to react before it coiled around his ankle, tightening with unnatural force.

Wu Jian's eyes gleamed. Got you.

But Zhang Yan's smirk didn't falter. Did you?

Chapter 17: A Clash Of Monsters (Part 1)