Su Chen sat cross-legged on the wooden floor of his temporary quarters, the faint glow of dawn slipping through the paper windows. His breath steadied, his qi circulating in perfect rhythm.
But today… something new pulsed inside him.
A lingering echo from the shadow—its warmth settled deep within his dantian, like a flame hidden under still water.
He focused…
and the world shifted.
A technique rose to the surface of his mind—not words, not diagrams, but memory, as if the shadow had etched it directly into his soul.
Two ancient characters appeared:
[Void Resonance Flow]
Su Chen opened his eyes, breath shaking.
So this… is the inheritance left behind by the original Su Chen?
He concentrated again, feeling a strange duality—his qi circulated normally, but every time it reached his palms, it split, like two layers overlapping.
One tangible.
One intangible.
He lifted his hand experimentally.
The air dimmed.
The outline of his fingers blurred.
Then—
BANG!
A ripple of invisible force exploded across the room, shaking the walls.
Su Chen winced.
"That was… the Void Strike," he murmured.
Not pure energy.
Not physical force.
Something in between—something that ignored conventional defenses.
"And this is just the first stage?"
His heart pounded with excitement—this was a technique no normal sect disciple could dream of.
---
Morning Visit
Just as he stabilized his breathing, a knock sounded.
"Su Chen! Are you awake?"
It was Yun Mei—voice bright, though strained from worry.
Another voice followed.
"Hurry up. We're going to the Inner Sect today."
Lei Xinyue, naturally impatient.
Su Chen stood, adjusting his robes.
"Coming."
When he opened the door, the two girls stood side by side—Yun Mei smiling warmly, Lei Xinyue looking aloof but attentive.
"You look…"
Yun Mei blinked.
"Different."
Not physically—his features were the same.
But his aura seemed deeper, calmer, heavier.
Lei Xinyue's eyes narrowed.
"Your qi… it feels like a lake hiding a hurricane."
Su Chen smiled lightly.
"Let's just say the trial gave me more than a headache."
Both girls exchanged suspicious glances but didn't push.
---
Walking Toward the Inner Sect
The path to the Inner Sect wound through tall bamboo, their leaves whispering as wind swept the peaks. Spiritual energy grew denser with every step.
Yun Mei walked just a little closer than usual—subtle, but he noticed.
"I've never been to the Inner Sect," she said with wonder. "Outer disciples only ever hear stories."
Lei Xinyue walked on his other side, arms folded.
"The stories don't do it justice. Inside, geniuses gather like clouds. Every corner has someone who could crush the average disciple."
She paused.
"Now you're one of them."
Su Chen laughed softly.
"I'm still just learning."
"You're already a Heaven-Selected Candidate," she replied, almost annoyed.
Yun Mei elbowed her.
"Don't scare him."
Lei Xinyue looked away, cheeks faintly red.
"I'm not trying to…"
Su Chen hid a smile.
---
Entering the Inner Sect Gates
The gates rose like a monument—carved stone beasts flanking the entrance, their eyes glowing with formations.
Disciples in silver-lined robes passed through, each radiating strength.
As Su Chen approached, the guards stopped him.
"Name?"
"Su Chen."
The guards stiffened. One quickly checked a jade slip.
"Heaven-Selected Candidate. Permission granted."
Disciples passing by turned their heads.
Some were curious.
Some impressed.
Some hostile.
A tall inner disciple whispered to his companion:
"So that's the new kid who caused a sect meeting."
"Looks ordinary."
"Ordinary? Look at his eyes. That's not someone you can underestimate."
Yun Mei grinned.
"See? Even inner disciples are talking about you!"
Lei Xinyue simply muttered, "Hmph."
---
Exploring the Inner Sect
They walked deeper inside.
Sword Peak—where sword cultivators trained on floating platforms.
Pill Pavilion—filled with cauldrons burning with rainbow flames.
Beast Garden—where spirit beasts roared from behind enchanted barriers.
Heaven Bridge Market—bustling with merchants selling artifacts, talismans, herbs, and rare beasts.
Yun Mei's eyes sparkled like a child in a candy shop.
"Look at that! A flame dragon scale! And that—oh! A spirit fruit!"
Lei Xinyue, however, focused on something else—the stares.
"People are watching you," she whispered.
"Too many."
Indeed—disciples whispered behind fans, behind scrolls, behind pillars.
"That's Su Chen?"
"He's handsome."
"He's dangerous."
"He's the one the Sect Master picked?"
"He better not rise above us."
Some gazes were admiration.
Some envy.
Some… killing intent.
Yun Mei stepped closer to him, voice low.
"Are you okay? It must feel weird."
Su Chen shook his head.
"I've been looked down on before. Being looked at differently isn't any harder."
Lei Xinyue smirked softly.
"Good. Because this is just the beginning."
---
Arrival at the Heaven-Selected Residence
They reached a massive courtyard—ancient trees, peaceful ponds, training stones, and temples.
This place wasn't a home.
It was a statement:
Only monsters live here.
A jade tablet glowed at the entrance:
Heaven-Selected Courtyard – Reserved for Future Pillars of Azure Cloud Sect
Yun Mei let out a breath.
"It's… beautiful."
Lei Xinyue nudged Su Chen.
"This is where you'll live. Don't slack off."
Su Chen chuckled.
"Who said I'm moving in alone? You two will visit often, won't you?"
Yun Mei nodded immediately.
"Of course!"
Lei Xinyue looked away, ears reddening.
"I-I might… if I'm not busy."
---
A Sudden Ambush—First Test of Void Resonance
Just as Su Chen stepped inside—
Four masked figures dropped from the roof.
"Found him."
"Quick—before he settles!"
"End it fast!"
Their killing intent flooded the courtyard.
Yun Mei screamed, "Assassins?!"
Lei Xinyue drew her sword instantly.
But Su Chen stepped forward.
A calm breath.
A raising of his hand.
The air warped.
His fingers blurred.
VOID STRIKE.
A ripple of invisible force cut through the assassins' attacks.
The masked men staggered back—shocked.
"What—what was that?!"
Su Chen stood tall, eyes sharp.
"You chose the wrong day to test me."
The assassins hesitated.
Then rushed again.
Su Chen clenched his fists—Void Resonance flowing.
Time to see how far this shadow-given power could go.
---