A New Brotherhood

Chapter 14: A New Brotherhood

Leon stood at the edge of the Forsaken Ruins, the air thick with the scent of blood and decay. The Trial of Blood had left him battered but victorious. He had gained new power, but he had also gained enemies—powerful ones.

The moment he stepped outside, the system pulsed.

[Warning: High-Ranking Sect Forces Approaching the Forsaken Ruins.]

Leon clenched his fists. The ones who abandoned him had come to ensure his death.

He had to leave—now.

Escape from the Forsaken Ruins

Using Void Requiem, Leon shrouded himself in darkness and vanished into the shadows. He moved through the ruined pathways with inhuman speed, dodging groups of armored cultivators scanning the area.

"We need to confirm his corpse," one of them muttered.

Leon smirked from the darkness. "Too late."

Slipping past the patrols, he reached an ancient transportation array at the base of the ruins. The system scanned it.

[Dilapidated Teleportation Gate Detected. One-Time Use Available.]

Leon wasted no time. He activated the array—and the next moment, the ruins faded.

He reappeared miles away, in a desolate wasteland near Nightveil City.

A City of Shadows

Nightveil City. A lawless metropolis where mercenaries, assassins, and fugitives gathered. Here, strength ruled above all.

Leon had been here before—before his betrayal. He still remembered the names of the city's most notorious figures.

The Crimson Lotus – An elite assassin who had betrayed her former masters.

The Black Fang Mercenaries – A brutal group of warriors that sold their blades to the highest bidder.

The Ghostblade Exile – Once a famed assassin, now hunted by those he once served.

They were outcasts, just like him.

The system confirmed his thoughts.

[New Quest Generated: Form the Brotherhood of the Forsaken.]

[Objective: Gather allies who share your thirst for vengeance.]

Leon's lips curled into a smirk. "Then let's begin."

First Contact – The Crimson Lotus

Leon made his way through Nightveil's underbelly, where whispers of his survival had already begun to spread. He entered the Scarlet Ember Tavern, a well-known meeting place for killers and thieves.

She was there.

The Crimson Lotus sat in a secluded corner, clad in her signature red cloak. Her piercing golden eyes locked onto him.

"Leon Voss." Her voice carried a mix of amusement and curiosity. "I heard you were dead."

Leon sat opposite her, meeting her gaze without hesitation. "You should know by now—I don't die easily."

She smirked. "Why are you here?"

Leon leaned forward. "I'm forming a Brotherhood. A force that will burn this world's corruption to the ground. Join me."

The Crimson Lotus tilted her head, eyes narrowing. "And if I refuse?"

Leon's voice turned cold. "Then you'd better pray we never meet as enemies."

Silence stretched between them. Then, a slow, dangerous smile spread across her lips.

"Interesting."

The Test of Blood

The Crimson Lotus wasn't one to trust easily. If Leon wanted her loyalty, he had to prove himself.

"The Scarlet Veil assassins want me dead," she said. "Help me kill them, and I'll consider your offer."

Leon nodded. "Done."

That night, on the rooftops of Nightveil, the assassins came.

They were fast. Elite killers. Their blades gleamed with soul-poison—designed to kill cultivators permanently.

Leon struck first.

Using Void Requiem, he faded into the darkness, then reappeared behind an assassin. His blade, Abyssal Fang, plunged into the man's back—devouring his life force in an instant.

The Crimson Lotus moved like a wraith, her daggers severing throats before her enemies could even react.

But the last assassin was different. Stronger.

Leon barely had time to react before the killer vanished—then reappeared inches from him, dagger aimed for his heart.

A fatal blow—

Except—

The Crimson Lotus intercepted. Her blade clashed against the assassin's, sparks flying.

Leon recovered instantly, activating Energy Drain. His sword pulsed with dark energy, stealing the very essence from the enemy.

The assassin's scream echoed through the night before he collapsed into dust.

Leon turned to the Crimson Lotus. She had a small cut on her arm but smiled.

"Well," she said, sheathing her daggers. "That was fun."

Leon held out his hand. "Join me."

She looked at him for a long moment. Then, she gripped his hand firmly.

"Fine. But if you betray me, Leon… I'll kill you myself."

Leon grinned. "Get in line."

The Brotherhood Begins

With the Crimson Lotus by his side, Leon's Brotherhood of the Forsaken had begun.

But this was only the first step.

His next destination—the Black Fang Mercenaries.

They were ruthless, powerful, and had no allegiance. But they had a price.

Leon was ready to pay it in blood.