The Rogue Cultivators’ Trial: Baptism in Blood

The forest beyond the sect was a different world—a place of untamed wilderness, where the scent of damp earth and rotting leaves filled the air. The moon cast an eerie glow through the thick canopy, and the distant howl of a spirit beast echoed through the darkness.

Shen Tian moved like a shadow, his footsteps silent, his breathing controlled. The system's map had led him to a hidden valley, where rogue cultivators had made their camp.

These men were outlaws—exiles, criminals, and failed disciples who had resorted to murder, plundering, and deceit to survive. Unlike sect disciples, they did not fight with honor.

They fought to kill.

And that was exactly what Shen Tian needed.

Shen Tian perched on a thick branch, overlooking the camp. There were six of them—stronger than common bandits, yet not quite at the level of true sect disciples. Their cultivation ranged from Late Core Formation to Early Nascent Soul.

A fire crackled in the center of their camp, casting flickering shadows on their weathered faces.

The fire crackled in the dead of night, illuminating the six rogue cultivators lounging around, their weapons resting nearby. Their laughter was crude, their conversation filled with the spoils of their latest robbery—a group of traveling merchants unlucky enough to cross their path.

Shen Tian watched from the shadows, his golden eyes gleaming under the moonlight. His grip tightened around the sheathed saber at his waist, his heart steady.

The system's voice whispered in his mind.

[Ding! New Quest Activated!]

Quest: Eradicate the rogue cultivators.

Objective: Kill all six enemies and absorb their souls.

Reward: +20 System Points, [Soul Devour Technique], +1 Saber Mastery Level.

Penalty: If you fail, you die.

A cold smirk formed on Shen Tian's lips.

Then I won't fail

His movements were fluid, his body a shadow slipping through the night. The rogue cultivators remained oblivious—until it was too late.

Shen Tian descended upon the first one like a phantom, his saber flashing in the moonlight. The rogue barely had time to gasp before the cold steel sliced through his throat, blood spraying onto the dirt.

[Ding! Soul Absorbed!]

Strengthening Divine Sense…

The moment was intoxicating. Shen Tian could feel the essence of his kill surging into him, his mind-expanding, his senses sharpening.

The second rogue turned, eyes widening in terror.

"Wha—?!"

Shen Tian's blade tore through his chest, silencing him before he could alert the others.

The camp exploded into chaos

The remaining four rogue cultivators scrambled for their weapons, their faces twisting in panic and rage.

"Who dares?!"

Shen Tian charged forward, his saber a blur of silver light. He twisted mid-air, dodging a spear thrust and countering with a brutal slash that severed an arm. The man's scream was cut short as Shen Tian's blade pierced through his heart.

[Ding! Soul Absorbed!]

Clang!

A massive broadsword came crashing down at him, but Shen Tian pivoted, barely evading the crushing blow. He retaliated with a vicious kick, shattering the enemy's knee.

The rogue collapsed, shrieking.

Shen Tian's blade whispered through the air, and his head fell from his shoulders.

Only two remained.

Fear clouded their faces. They knew—this wasn't an ordinary disciple. This was a monster.

Desperation overtook them. One attempted to flee.

Big mistake.

Shen Tian flung his saber with deadly precision, the spinning blade piercing through the man's back. He fell, convulsing.

The last rogue dropped his weapon, falling to his knees.

"P-please… spare me!"

Shen Tian tilted his head. Spare him?

Would these men have spared the merchants they killed? Would they have shown mercy to him, if the roles were reversed?

He placed a hand on the man's head.

The system whispered.

[Activating Soul Devour Technique…]

A cold energy surged from Shen Tian's palm, tendrils of shadow wrapping around the rogue's body. The man's screams tore through the night, his eyes rolling back as his very essence was drained away.

The body collapsed—nothing more than a dried husk.

Ding! Quest Completed!]

+20 System Points!

Acquired: Soul Devour Technique

+1 Saber Mastery Level!

Shen Tian exhaled, his body pulsing with newfound strength. His divine sense had grown sharper, his movements more fluid.

But this was only the beginning.

He turned his gaze toward the distant city, where the tournament loomed ahead.

Soon, the world would know his name.

Shen Tian was coming.

And he would take everything.

Sorry, I've been busy with school because I have an upcoming examination.