The Rise of an Evil Sect Leader

The days in the Serpent Shadow Division passed in relentless training and quiet observation. While other divisions thrived on group exercises and sect teachings, the Serpent Shadow disciples operated in chaos. Sparring matches often turned brutal, injuries were common, and resources were fought over like scraps among wolves.

For most, it was a struggle to survive.

For Ye Tian, however, it was the perfect hunting ground.

Training in the Shadows

Ye Tian quickly realized that the Serpent Shadow Division had its advantages. The lack of structure meant no one paid close attention to him. While the other disciples wasted their energy in pointless squabbles, Ye Tian spent every night cultivating in solitude.

He had already begun to refine the Shadowstep Technique further, pushing its speed and fluidity to the next level. But it wasn't enough.

"I need a technique for attack—something deadly," Ye Tian murmured under his breath one evening, sitting cross-legged in his small, dusty chamber.

The golden energy from the Heavenly Soul Relic stirred faintly, responding to his thoughts. In his mind's eye, flashes of ancient memories surged to the surface. Techniques. Secrets. Forbidden arts buried in his previous life.

Suddenly, one technique revealed itself in his consciousness:

"Nine Hell's Serpent Palm."

It was a brutal and sinister martial art he had perfected in his previous life. Each strike targeted the opponent's internal organs, leaving them writhing in agony before death.

"Perfect," Ye Tian whispered, his lips curling into a dark smile.

That night, he began practicing in silence, his strikes becoming faster, sharper, and infused with killing intent. His room echoed with faint, chilling energy that seemed to darken the air itself.

The Weak Become Prey

On the third day, Luo Xiang summoned the Serpent Shadow disciples to the crumbling courtyard for a sparring match. Ye Tian stood quietly among them, observing.

"Listen up, trash!" Luo Xiang barked, his gaze sharp. "The sect's Outer Disciple Tournament is only two weeks away. If any of you idiots think you're worthy of competing, you'll need to prove yourselves first."

The disciples stiffened. The Outer Disciple Tournament was the most important event for those at their level. It offered not only fame and recognition but also access to rare resources like pills, weapons, and manuals.

"This will decide your status in the sect," Luo Xiang continued, his eyes narrowing. "But remember, weaklings have no place here."

At this, the scarred disciple Ye Tian had defeated earlier—Liu Shan—stepped forward. His injuries had healed, but the hatred in his eyes had festered like an open wound.

"Senior Brother Luo Xiang!" Liu Shan shouted, pointing a finger at Ye Tian. "I demand a match with him!"

The other disciples murmured, their eyes darting to Ye Tian.

Luo Xiang glanced lazily at Liu Shan, then at Ye Tian. "Are you sure? He put you down last time, and it wasn't even close."

Liu Shan's face twisted with anger. "That was a fluke! He's nothing but a lucky dog. This time, I'll crush him!"

Luo Xiang's lips curled into a faint smirk. "Fine. Ye Tian, step forward."

Ye Tian didn't protest. Without a word, he stepped into the center of the courtyard, his gaze as cold as ever.

Liu Shan sneered, cracking his knuckles. "You think you're some big shot? I'll make you regret humiliating me!"

The other disciples gathered around, forming a circle. Their faces showed equal parts curiosity and schadenfreude. They wanted to see blood.

The Battle

Liu Shan wasted no time. With a roar, he charged forward, his fists glowing with low-grade martial energy. "Die, you bastard!"

Boom!

His punch exploded through the air, the force creating a gust of wind that rattled the nearby leaves.

But Ye Tian didn't move. He stood there, calm and motionless, like an immovable shadow.

At the last moment, he sidestepped effortlessly, his footwork refined to perfection. Liu Shan's punch missed completely, throwing him off balance.

"Too slow," Ye Tian said softly.

Liu Shan gritted his teeth, veins bulging from his neck. "Stop running!"

He spun around and unleashed a flurry of strikes, his fists and legs a blur. To the spectators, Liu Shan's attacks seemed fierce and overwhelming.

But to Ye Tian, they were slow, predictable—childish.

Using Shadowstep, Ye Tian weaved between the attacks like smoke in the wind. Every strike passed harmlessly through the air, leaving Liu Shan gasping for breath.

"You…" Liu Shan growled, frustration filling his voice.

Ye Tian's eyes narrowed. "You're done."

Nine Hell's Serpent Palm.

In a flash, Ye Tian's palm struck Liu Shan's chest. The force reverberated through his body like a shockwave, and Liu Shan's eyes widened in horror as his internal organs screamed in pain.

Thud!

Liu Shan collapsed to the ground, clutching his chest and vomiting blood. His face twisted in agony, his body twitching uncontrollably.

The other disciples froze. The courtyard fell deathly silent.

"What… What technique was that?" someone whispered.

"He didn't even use spiritual energy…"

"Impossible…"

Ye Tian stood tall, his expression indifferent. "Pathetic."

Luo Xiang watched the display with interest, stroking his chin. This kid… He's far stronger than I thought.

A Rising Threat

After the match, word of Ye Tian's victory spread through the Serpent Shadow Division like wildfire.

Some disciples avoided him altogether, their fear evident in their eyes. Others looked at him with grudging respect, their hostility turning to wariness.

As Ye Tian sat alone that night, cultivating beneath the dim moonlight, he couldn't help but feel the shift in the air.

"This is only the beginning," he murmured to himself, his eyes glinting with ambition.

The Outer Disciple Tournament was approaching fast, and Ye Tian knew what it meant: a chance to showcase his strength to the entire sect—and climb the ranks.

But in the darkness, unseen forces began to stir. Other divisions had taken notice of the Serpent Shadow's rising star. Rivals sharpened their swords, and whispers of plots and assassinations carried on the wind.

From atop the sect's tallest peak, Elder Wei stood alone, staring toward the Serpent Shadow Division. His expression was unreadable, but his thoughts were sharp.

"This boy… Is he a genius or a devil?"

The storm was coming, and Ye Tian was ready to meet it head-on.