Chapter 17: Phantom Shadow Steps and a Brewing Rivalry

After the incident in the forest, Lin Xuan quietly returned to the sect. His face remained calm, but there was a faint glow of satisfaction in his eyes.

As he walked through the sect grounds, he soon spotted Zhao Ming training near the martial platform.

"Zhao Ming," Lin Xuan called out.

Zhao Ming quickly turned and greeted him respectfully, "Young Master!"

Without wasting time, Lin Xuan took out a skill scroll and handed it over. "Here, take this. It's called Shadow Steps. Use it well."

Zhao Ming looked at the scroll, brows furrowing slightly. "Young Master, this is just a low-grade skill…"

Lin Xuan smiled faintly. "It may be low-grade, but it'll help your movement techniques. I had an extra one, so I'm giving it to you."

Ding! Host has gifted Shadow Steps.

Activating 100-fold return…

Congratulations! Host has received: Phantom Shadow Steps.

Grade: High-grade

Skill learned automatically.

Effect: Increases movement speed by 10x. Leaves behind 3 afterimages. Cultivators below the user's level cannot sense their presence. Full stealth activated.

Skill mastery: Complete.

As the system's voice faded, Lin Xuan's body trembled slightly. A wave of transformation surged through him.

He could feel it.

His body became lighter, almost as if the wind itself embraced him. His steps, even without using spiritual energy, felt smooth and silent—like a shadow gliding through the air.

"So this is Phantom Shadow Steps… Not bad at all."

Meanwhile…

Elsewhere in the sect, Ye Tian was returning from a mission. Just moments ago, he had rescued a beautiful girl from a ferocious Qi Refining Level 7 beast.

That girl was none other than Tang Xiaoran, the seventh sister of the inner sect's famed Seven Sisters.

"Brother Ye Tian!" Tang Xiaoran called out sweetly, her eyes filled with admiration. "You're so powerful! You killed that beast so easily… and even broke through to Qi Refining Level 8."

Ye Tian smiled humbly. "Senior Sister Xiaoran, you're overestimating me. I'm still far from being considered strong."

But despite his words, pride flickered in his eyes. He added with a confident tone, "Still, one day… I will become the strongest cultivator in this entire sect."

Tang Xiaoran giggled. "You're already strong, Brother Ye Tian. Not like that trash Lin Xuan, who spent ten years stuck in Qi Refining."

At her words, Ye Tian paused.

"Lin Xuan…? Isn't he an inner disciple?"

Tang Xiaoran nodded casually. "Yes, he is. He's… well, kind of like our pet. There are seven of us sisters, and he's always taken care of us since childhood."

She sighed lightly. "I'm the weakest among my sisters. The rest have already reached the early stages of Foundation Establishment and are in closed-door cultivation. But me… I'm still at Qi Refining."

"Lin Xuan used to bully me… he even hit me a few times. He may act gentle, but he's just a coward."

Hearing this, Ye Tian's heart stirred with ambition.

If all seven of these girls become mine…

With their beauty, status, and talent, I'll dominate this entire sect.

His eyes turned cold.

"I'll make Lin Xuan pay. Next time we meet in battle, I'll humiliate him completely."

Tang Xiaoran looked at him with admiration. "You're such a good person, Brother Ye Tian…"

Later that day, Ye Tian arrived at the residence of Elder Yue Qingshu.

"Disciple greets Master."

Yue Qingshu glanced at him and nodded. "Good. You've broken through again. Truly, a genius."

She continued, "But listen well. Lin Xuan recently defeated all competitors in the Outer Disciple Tournament and took first place. His name is rising quickly in the sect."

"I want you to do the same."

She stood up, her tone sharp.

"I want to defeat Elder Lan. Her disciple may be talented, but so is mine. I want to show the entire sect who the real powerhouse is."

Ye Tian bowed confidently. "Master, don't worry. I won't disappoint you."

A proud smile appeared on Yue Qingshu's lips.

Back at Elder Lan's residence.

Lin Xuan stood at the entrance.

"Disciple greets Master."

Elder Lan glanced at him, her expression clearly irritated. "Hmph~ Speak and leave."

Lin Xuan raised an eyebrow. As he looked closely at her face, he noticed her gaze was a strange mix of anger, jealousy, and something else that made her cheeks slightly red.

What's with Master today…?

Before he could think further, Elder Lan suddenly appeared before him and grabbed his wrist, checking his pulse.

A moment passed before she sat back down on her chair, her face thoughtful.

Still a virgin…

Then, she asked coldly, "A few days ago, did you go to Red Moon Hall with some other disciples?"

Lin Xuan's heart skipped a beat.

"M-Master… I only went there to drink… Nothing else happened…"

Her eyes narrowed sharply. "After this, you're not allowed to go again. If you do, I'll abolish your cultivation and lock you in the sect prison!"

Lin Xuan's face froze. "Disciple… will follow your instructions."

Satisfied, Elder Lan leaned back, her voice softening slightly.

"There will be another Outer Disciple Tournament soon. Yue Qingshu's disciple is participating too."

Her tone grew cold again.

"She's become far too arrogant lately. I want to see what kind of disciple she's so proud of. After all… her disciple may have supreme-grade talent, but so does mine."

She glanced at Lin Xuan.

"Let's go together and watch. I want to see this so-called genius get crushed."

Lin Xuan bowed with a faint smile. "Of course, Master. We'll see together."