[Name: Elliot / Seong Jang]
The sound of the wind was the first thing that reached his consciousness.
Then pain.
Then, the scent of blood.
Elliot slowly opened his eyes.
Where am I?
The sky was covered in gray clouds. The ground beneath him was damp with a deep crimson hue.
He rose with difficulty. His body felt different… stronger, yet weighed down by bruises and scars.
He looked at his hands.
Rough hands. Tensed muscles.
Then, he caught his reflection in a shattered sword beside him.
A sharp face, long black hair, dark eyes.
This… isn't my face.
[Mind Awareness System Activated…]
A translucent screen suddenly appeared before him.
[Name: Elliot / Seong Jang]
Age: 35
Location: Black Shadow Sect – Completely Destroyed.
[Special Ability: Mind Reading available upon knowing the target's name and age.]
[Ability Reactivation: 60% Complete.]
What… is this?
Suddenly, memories of this new body flooded into him:
Leader of the Black Shadow Sect.
An attack by the Grand Alliance of Sects.
Betrayal by one of the senior disciples.
I'm in… Murim.
He looked around. The temple that once stood as the sect's center lay in ruins. Corpses were scattered across the courtyard.
They crushed everything.
Yet deep within him, a spark ignited.
Elliot stood in the middle of the shattered courtyard, staring at the ruins of the Black Shadow Sect.
Broken pillars. Burnt temples. The ground stained with blood, and the echoes of the souls that once lived here whispered in eerie silence.
But amidst the devastation, he felt a faint pulse… as if the sect refused to die.
I will rebuild it.
The thought struck his mind like lightning.
I will become the master of this sect. I will bring it back from the shadows… to the peak.
He took a deep breath.
[Ability activated at 60%. You can read the thoughts of those whose name and age you know.]
No problem… 60% is enough to start.
He walked through the ruins.
He found the old training hall. The ground bore deep grooves from past battles.
He picked up an ancient sword.
[Basic Martial Art: Shadow Fist – Intermediate Level.]
He closed his eyes, and the martial art flowed into his consciousness—fluid movements, deceptive strikes.
He attempted one of the techniques… and promptly tripped, falling face-first onto the ground.
Alright… I have a long way to go.
All night, he wandered through the sect.
He found hidden storage rooms containing torn manuals on combat techniques.
In an abandoned temple, he saw an inscription:
The shadow is not a weakness… but a weapon for those who understand it.
Elliot smirked.
This will be our motto.
As the sun rose, he stood at the shattered gate.
He gripped the ancient sword and drove it into the ground.
To all who remain of the Black Shadow Sect…
He whispered as if they could hear him.
I am your new leader. We will not remain hidden in the shadows.*
…
…
Elliot stood at the broken gate, staring into the horizon. Behind him, the sect he had sworn to revive. Before him, an unknown world.
If I want to rebuild the sect… I must know who surrounds us.
He tightened his belt, concealed a dagger in his sleeve, and set out through the mountain paths.
The wind was cold, carrying the scent of old soil and ash. The terrain was rugged, and the mountains enveloped the sect like a natural fortress.
A strategic location… this works in our favor.
But after an hour of walking, he noticed fresh footprints.
If we were isolated… then who are they?
He followed the tracks until he reached a massive tree. Behind it, he heard hushed whispers.
He approached cautiously, then activated his ability.
[Activating Ability: Mind Reading…]
Target Name: Unknown.
Damn… I need a name.
He peeked carefully.
Two young men in gray robes stood there. One looked nervous, the other chuckled quietly.
What's your name? the nervous one asked.
Kwang, and I'm 22, the other replied.
Elliot smirked from the shadows.
Thank you, Kwang.
The moment he learned the name and age, thoughts poured into his mind.
The leader ordered us to keep watch over the old sect… He wants to make sure it doesn't rise again.
In a week, we'll report back that no one is there.
So someone is keeping an eye on us… and they don't know I exist yet.
Elliot rushed back to the sect.
He sat in the main hall, deep in thought.
There's a leader out there ensuring we stay buried. I need to know him before he knows us.
Then, he looked at the ancient sword before him.
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Elliot woke up at dawn, his eyes blazing with determination. Today, he would take his first step toward fame and prestige.
The sect needs disciples… and the tournament is my opportunity.
He tightened his black robe and fastened his sword to his waist. Leaving the sect behind, he set out toward the grand city.
### Two Days Later
He arrived at the gates of Tianzhou City, the largest city of the Refiners in the region. Towering buildings stretched high, and the markets buzzed with vendors and warriors.
He approached the gatekeeper.
Name and purpose? the guard asked.
Elliot, 22 years old. I'm here to participate in the Refiners' Tournament.
The guard eyed him with suspicion, then nodded toward the path.
Follow the line to the assessment grounds.
Elliot stepped into the city, his strides unwavering.
I will make everyone remember the name Elliot… the leader of the Shadow Sect.
### The Assessment Grounds
Dozens of competitors stood in the square. At the center stood a glossy black stone.
That's the assessment stone! a spectator whispered.
It reveals one's spiritual power level! another added.
The first competitor stepped forward and placed his hand on the stone.
The stone glowed blue.
[Power: Level 3 – Beginner Trainee]
The second contestant followed.
[Power: Level 4 – Advanced Trainee]
Murmurs of approval and admiration spread through the crowd.
Then, it was Elliot's turn.
He approached the stone confidently and placed his hand on it.
Silence.
Then, suddenly
The stone erupted in a dark crimson light, an intense humming sound reverberating through the square.
[Power: Level 7 – Mysterious Refiner]
Shock painted every face in the crowd.
Level Seven?! That… that's impossible!
Elliot smirked.