Chapter 4: The Night of Shadows

Yi Zhen sat cross-legged in the dimly lit courtyard, his breaths slow but labored. The Golden Breathing Method, passed down through his family, should have been second nature to him, yet no matter how much he focused, he couldn't summon even a trace of Qi to his dantian. The frustration built inside him like a storm ready to break.

His father's voice echoed in his mind. "The Golden Breathing Method is the foundation of our strength. It is not just a technique but a way to attune oneself with the world. If you master it, you will never falter."

Yet here he was—faltering. The words that once inspired him now felt like a cruel taunt. The whispers of the other students in the training grounds did not help.

"Still can't do it?" one sneered.

"I guess the merchant's son really isn't meant to cultivate."

Yi Zhen clenched his fists. The humiliation burned, but more than that, doubt crept into his heart. Was he truly hopeless? Would he never step onto the path of cultivation? He remembered watching his father demonstrate the technique years ago, how effortlessly he breathed in harmony with the world. The contrast between then and now felt like a blade cutting into him.

He tried again. And again. And again. Still, nothing.

The sun dipped below the horizon, and his frustration turned into restless energy. He couldn't bear to face his father like this. Yet when he finally did, he found warmth instead of disappointment.

"Strength isn't built in a single night," his father said, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "It took me years to refine my own breathing. Your journey is just beginning, Yi Zhen."

His father's words calmed him, but the unease in his chest did not vanish. What if I don't have years? What if I never get it? And what if the whispers were right?

The Silent Wraiths' Mission

In the dead of night, shadows slithered through the dark streets of Zhen Mansion's district. Within an abandoned temple, the Silent Wraiths gathered, their movements cautious. Their leader for the night's attack, Gui Wang, stood before them, his gaze cold as ice.

One of the subordinates hesitated. "Leader, the protection array... If Yao Zhen senses us, we're as good as dead."

A flicker of irritation crossed Gui Wang's face. "Then you better not get caught."

Another spoke up. "But how do we bypass it? The array was set by Xiao Wei himself. Even Golden Core cultivators have trouble slipping past his barriers."

Gui Wang exhaled, stepping forward. "Watch closely."

He vanished from sight, a mere ripple in the air the only trace of his movement. Then, in a blink, he was behind the doubting subordinate, whispering into his ear. "This is the Ghostveil Phantom Step."

The subordinate flinched, his body going rigid. He hadn't even sensed the movement.

Another Wraith still looked uneasy. "Even so... are we truly certain it will work?"

Gui Wang's gaze darkened. Without warning, he flickered forward, appearing inches from the doubter's face. His Qi surged just enough for the man to feel the suffocating presence of death.

"Would you like me to test it on you?"

The Wraith swallowed hard and stepped back. The fear in their eyes lessened, replaced with awe. One by one, they steeled their resolve, ready to strike.

Gui Wang's Shock

Meanwhile, outside the mansion, Yi Zhen faced off against the weaker Silent Wraiths. Though he couldn't cultivate, his raw physical strength rivaled a Foundation Establishment cultivator. His fists tore through them, his body moving on instinct.

He didn't know why, but he felt drawn toward Xiao Wei's room, as if something was pulling him there.

When he arrived, his heart pounded. He saw Xiao Wei cornered, and before him stood Gui Wang.

Gui Wang's eyes narrowed. "How?"

The brat shouldn't have even noticed them, let alone defeated his men. And yet here he stood, defying logic.

Yi Zhen didn't hesitate. He lunged forward, his fist crackling through the air with force beyond his realm. Gui Wang lifted an arm lazily to block it.

And then he felt it—a tingle. A faint, almost insignificant sting on his skin.

His eyes widened slightly. Impossible.

Stronger men had failed to make him feel pain. This boy—who couldn't even cultivate—had managed it?

Gui Wang's mind raced. Even a peak Foundation Establishment cultivator shouldn't be able to make me feel anything. He absently rubbed his arm where the impact landed, his fingers lingering on the spot.

He gripped Yi Zhen by the collar, lifting him effortlessly. The boy dangled, refusing to show fear.

Gui Wang sneered, ready to end him. But then his gaze landed on Yi Zhen's forehead.

A mark. A seal.

His master's words echoed in his mind. If you encounter someone with this mark, do not kill them. Bring them to me alive.

Gui Wang's grip tightened. He wanted to crush this defiant brat. But he didn't dare disobey.

With a swift motion, he knocked both Yi Zhen and Xiao Wei unconscious and disappeared into the night.

The Silent Wraiths' Torture

Yi Zhen awoke to the scent of blood.

His arms were shackled above him, his body dangling in a dark, damp chamber. Nearby, Xiao Wei was slumped against the cold stone floor, bruises covering his face.

A Silent Wraith chuckled. "The young master looks pitiful now."

Yi Zhen glared at him, his lips cracked but his defiance unshaken.

A blade traced across his arm, drawing a thin line of blood. "You're an interesting one. A mortal who can make Gui Wang react? Tell me, boy... What are you?"

Yi Zhen spat blood at the man's feet. "Wouldn't you like to know?"

A fist drove into his ribs. Pain exploded through his body, but he gritted his teeth.

Xiao Wei, barely conscious, muttered, "Don't... give them... anything."

The torturer grinned. "Oh, we don't need you to talk. We just need you to break."

He lifted a branding iron from a nearby brazier, the metal glowing red-hot. "Shall we begin?"

Yao Zhen's Fury

The moment Gui Wang vanished, Yao Zhen felt it.

By the time he arrived, it was too late. The protection array was breached, his comrades were missing, and the scent of foreign Qi lingered in the air.

He clenched his fists, the air around him crackling with energy. His heart pounded as guilt and fury swelled inside him.

I should have trained Yi Zhen differently. I should have seen this coming.

With a burst of rage, he slammed his fist into the courtyard stone, shattering it into dust. His Qi flared uncontrollably, sending a shockwave through the area.

"Gui Wang..." he seethed. His eyes burned with determination. I will find you. And I will take them back.