Chapter 26: The Infernal Sanguine Heart (Part 2)

Memories began to crystallize; 

*Wei Tian gasping as Zhang Yan took his cleaver and slowly exerted force upon his sternum; cracking and wheezing lulled to a stop as Wei Tian's ribcage was crushed under the force...

His dagger pierced the wraith's skull, sinking into its festering flesh. The beast convulsed, then, with a final, shuddering gasp, it collapsed.

Tao Yiming's specter's howling and shrieking as Zhang Yan's dagger carved through their spirits.*

Each moment fed the inferno. His blood burned, scouring away doubt, hesitation, mercy...

When he opened his eyes, the world had sharpened to a razor's edge. The disciples around him gasped as their own qi flared; lesser flames guttering against his wildfire.

The master's scarred lips twitched; a smirk of recognition slowly crept across his marred face.

The warm, internal fire; a stark contrast to the cold, predatory power he had long embraced.

This was different. This was a melding of ferocity with clarity; a reminder that the strength of the Blood Banner was forged not just in the chaos of battle, but in the disciplined refinement of one's very essence.

As he sank deeper into the meditation, he felt his muscles relax and harden simultaneously, as if his body was being recast in the crucible of his own life force.

Those memories of every clash and every bitter victory had surged like an electric current, sharpening his mind and quickening his reflexes even in stillness.

In that moment, he knew that the Infernal Sanguine Heart Skill had begun to change him. His decision-making felt swifter, his reactions more instinctive.

The technique had not only mended his wounds but had also sharpened his very being...

The lesson came to an end, but the fire did not. Zhang Yan rose, his body humming with lethal precision. A novice stumbled into his path, muttering an apology; Zhang Yan sidestepped without thought, his shadow lashing out to steady the boy; or perhaps to taste his fear.

Instinct and Clarity.

The Infernal Sanguine Heart Skill had not just healed his old wounds. It had repurposed them. The gash on his side, once a vulnerability, now throbbed with a heat that sharpened his senses. Every scar was a ledger of survival, every pulse a drumbeat urging him forward.

"You."

An Elder stood at the hall's entrance, silhouetted against the crimson glare of sunset. "Zhang Yan, is it?"

Zhang Yan met his gaze. "Greetings, Elder..."

A beat of silence. The Elder's eyes dropped to the shadow pooling at Zhang Yan's feet, its edges fraying like smoke. "Be ready, your first mission commences tomorrow..."

Zhang Yan looked at the Elder and nodded as he had expected it...

...Nightfall descended like a relentless shroud, swallowing the last vestiges of light and plunging the world into a realm of silent secrets and lurking shadows...

Alone in his quarters, Zhang Yan pressed a dagger to his wrist. The blade trembled; not from fear, but anticipation. With a flick, he opened a shallow cut. Blood welled, glowing faintly as the Infernal Sanguine Heart Skill ignited, knitting the wound closed in seconds.

His shadow surged forward, lapping at the residue.

Two hungers...but...One purpose.

The Blood Banner thought they had given him a weapon.

They had given him...a Key...