Blackstone City woke to fear.
Iron Vein Sect disciples flooded the streets, sealing exits, interrogating civilians, overturning stalls. The message was clear: someone had crossed a line.
And Iron Vein Sect never forgave blood debts.
At the city gate, Elder Fang stood with his hands clasped behind his back. His robe fluttered despite the still air, Qi circulating with refined precision.
"Two dead," he said calmly. "Both killed without visible techniques."
A disciple swallowed. "Yes, Elder. Witnesses report… suppression. Like their Qi was strangled."
Elder Fang's eyes narrowed.
"That is not human cultivation."
He turned sharply. "Bring me the halfling's trail."
---
Ruined Hills Outside the City
Kael moved through the broken hills with steady steps. His breathing was even now, his movements sharper. Each kill had carved something into him—not cruelty, but clarity.
Survive. Grow. Dominate.
The system flickered.
[Abyss Mark: Suppression Sigil — Stabilizing.]
[Blood Echo Stage: 62% Integrated.]
Kael clenched his fist. Power answered immediately.
"So this is cultivation," he murmured. "Not sitting in caves."
A new prompt appeared.
[Hidden Mission Triggered.]
[Mission: Face Authority.]
[Objective: Withstand a cultivator two minor realms above you for ten breaths.]
[Reward: Abyss Mark (2)]
[Failure: Severe Soul Damage.]
Kael stopped walking.
"…You're insane."
[You are becoming suitable.]
Before Kael could respond—
The air distorted.
A figure stepped out as if tearing through the world itself.
Elder Fang.
His pressure slammed down like a mountain.
Kael's knees bent instantly. Blood rushed to his head. His Abyss core screamed.
"So," Elder Fang said calmly, eyes cold. "The trash learned to bite."
Kael forced himself upright.
"One breath," he muttered.
Elder Fang raised a finger.
The ground shattered.
Kael was driven back, skidding through stone. His bones screamed, but his soul burned brighter.
[Abyss Authority: Forced Activation.]
A black aura surged from Kael's body.
Elder Fang paused.
"…Interesting."
Two breaths.
Elder Fang's Qi lashed out, forming chains of light. They wrapped around Kael, crushing inward.
Kael's vision blurred.
Three breaths.
His Blood Echo howled, demon blood surging violently.
[Warning: Bloodline overload.]
Four breaths.
Kael roared—not in rage, but defiance.
The chains cracked.
Elder Fang's expression finally changed.
Five breaths.
"You should not exist," the elder said, voice cold with certainty.
Six breaths.
Kael met his gaze, eyes burning red.
"Neither should your rules."
Seven breaths.
The Abyss Mark flared, suppressing Elder Fang's Qi—just for an instant.
Enough.
Eight breaths.
Elder Fang stepped back.
Silence fell.
Nine breaths.
Kael remained standing.
Barely.
Ten breaths.
The system chimed.
[Mission Complete.]
[Abyss Mark Acquired: Blood Tyranny.]
[Authority greatly increased.]
Elder Fang laughed softly.
"…Good."
He turned away.
"Run, halfling. Grow stronger."
Kael collapsed to one knee as the elder vanished.
---
Aftermath
Kael coughed blood, smiling weakly.
"I survived."
[Correction.]
[You were acknowledged.]
Far above, the clouds twisted unnaturally.
In the Demon Realm, multiple thrones trembled.
And for the first time—
The Demon Clan noticed a name whispered by the Abyss.
Kael Ashborne.