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

"Who is this disgusting cur?" Bai Ziyun muttered under his breath, his voice sharp enough to carry to those nearby. "Seems like this outer disciple thinks the inner sect is beneath him."

The remark was a jab, an attempt to belittle Zhang Yan in front of the crowd. But Zhang Yan didn't react. His expression remained impassive as he continued across the courtyard, his focus unwavering. He had no time for petty rivalries or hollow ceremonies. His purpose was clear: to recuperate, to cultivate and to use the qi stored to finally break through to the Blood Ignition Realm.

As Zhang Yan disappeared into the shadows of the sect, the courtyard slowly returned to life. The ceremony resumed, but Bai Ziyun's pride had been wounded. His smile was now strained, his eyes darting toward Elder Bai Jingtian as if seeking reassurance.

The elder's expression was unreadable, but his voice was calm. "Do not worry, Ziyun. His time will come. There is always a way to deal with those who stand in the way of the Bai Family's interests."

Bai Ziyun's jaw tightened, his mind already racing. He turned his gaze to a disciple and whispered, soon Tao Yiming and Meng Yue, who stood nearby, was brought to the disciples' side.

Both had crossed paths with Zhang Yan before, and Bai Ziyun sensed an opportunity to exploit their rivalry.

"Tao Yiming," he said, his voice low but commanding, "find out where Zhang Yan has been. Who has he spoken to? What has he been doing?"

Tao Yiming hesitated for a moment, then cupped his fist woodenly. "Of course, Senior Brother Bai. I'll gather what I can," his voice eerie, like the whispers of the dead.

Bai Ziyun's lips curled into a cruel smile as Tao Yiming hurried off. He turned to Meng Yue, his tone softer but no less calculating. "And you, Meng Yue. Keep an eye on him. Let me know if he makes any moves."

Meng Yue inclined her head, her expression unreadable. "As you wish."

As Bai Ziyun returned to Elder Bai Jingtian's side, his smile returned, though it no longer reached his eyes. "This Zhang Yan," he said, his voice dripping with disdain, "he has no respect for those of us who have earned our place. It's almost as if he believes he's above everyone else."

Elder Bai Jingtian's gaze was steady, his voice calm but firm. "Do not let him unsettle you, Ziyun. Arrogance has a way of undoing even the strongest of cultivators. We will deal with him in due time."

Bai Ziyun's eyes gleamed with a dangerous light. "Yes… I understand."

Chapter 33: The Uninvited (Part 2)