Forged in Blood and Shadow

John left the forest after five years of rigorous training, eager to explore this new world for the first time.

He reached a nearby border town within the Horn Dynasty, a bustling hub of merchants and travelers. Using the money he'd taken from the bandits, he enjoyed a hearty meal at a local inn and rented a modest room. The next day, he began his search for information about the Skyfall Sect. He learned that sects were ranked from one to six, with rank one sects boasting millions of years of history and influence, capable of overshadowing even powerful dynasties.

A rank two sect, like the Skyfall Sect, could rival two such dynasties. He also discovered that the girl he had killed was from a branch sect, not the main headquarters. This knowledge only strengthened his resolve.

The following day, he set out for the main city of the Horn Dynasty, hoping to uncover more detailed information. His journey took him through a dense forest. By chance, he stumbled upon a hidden cave concealed behind a cascading waterfall.

Inside, he found a scroll detailing a demonic technique known as the Ghost Shadow Flame. Despite its dark origins, John didn't hesitate.

His singular focus was power, whatever the source, to fuel his revenge. This technique was another step on that path.Several weeks later, he arrived at the Horn Dynasty's capital. The city teemed with cultivators, Golden Core and Foundation Forging experts visible everywhere.

John knew he had to be extremely cautious; a single misstep could cost him his life.Meanwhile, the girl from the Skyfall Sect had returned to her branch sect and reported the incident to her father, the branch leader. She recounted how John had killed her simply upon hearing the name of her sect. Enraged, her father immediately placed a bounty on John's head.

The girl could only offer a vague description of his appearance, leaving the sect with little to go on. John remained unaware of the hunt that had just begun. Meanwhile Back in the capital, John rented a room at an inn, ate a proper meal, and took a much-needed bath. The next day, he visited the Golden Star Pavilion, a place where anything could be obtained for the right price.

He gathered more information about the Skyfall Sect, learning that the main branch had experts at the second level of the Mortality stage and that the sect leader himself was at the third level of the Nascent Soul stage.

This information solidified his understanding of the power he needed to attain.After leaving the Golden Star Pavilion, John used his Shadow God technique to return to his old training cave. He began practicing the Ghost Shadow Flame technique. Three months later, he had reached the intermediate stage of the technique and the late level of Qi Forging.After three months of training, John returned to the Horn Dynasty.

He heard whispers that the Golden Star Pavilion was hosting a large auction, attracting powerful cultivators from across the region.He decided to attend, hoping to find something that could aid him in his quest for revenge. The auction featured a variety of items, from powerful magical weapons to rare martial arts techniques .

However, none of these caught John's interest. Then, a masked item was presented. An inexplicable pull resonated within him, a deep instinct telling him he had to possess it.

The auction attendees seemed largely indifferent to the mask, unable to discern its true value or purpose, making it surprisingly affordable for John.After the auction concluded, John secured the mask and made his way to leave.

As he did, he crossed paths with the daughter of the Skyfall Sect branch leader and five of her fellow disciples. He was still preoccupied, trying to understand the strange reaction he'd had to the mask, and didn't notice them. The girl, however, recognized him instantly. A wave of terror washed over her, freezing her in place.