Lin Yuan stood in the clearing, his body still faintly glowing with the remnants of Heavenly Thunder. The power surged within him, a constant hum beneath his skin, but he knew better than to lose himself in it. He had gained something incredible, but it also marked him as a target.
Quietly, he calmed his breathing, letting the energy settle. His journey didn't end here. In fact, this was only the beginning.
Deciding it was best to stay low-key, Lin Yuan moved away from the charred clearing, blending into the forest. His footsteps were light, his senses sharp. With his newfound power, he could feel the world in a way he hadn't before—every flicker of life, every ripple of energy. It was a sense that went beyond the physical.
But he wouldn't stay in this place for long. He needed to test his abilities, to refine them in real combat.
His journey led him down winding paths, through dense forests, and across mountain trails. Every so often, he would pause, practicing his lightning manipulation in secret, careful not to draw attention. A snap of his fingers would create a small arc of lightning, a whispered word could summon a faint spark. Yet he never used it recklessly. It was a weapon, a trump card.
Days later, he arrived at a bustling city—Brightcloud City. Its towering walls were lined with merchant stalls, and the streets were filled with a constant hum of life. Lin Yuan kept his head down, a simple cloak concealing his features. He looked like any other young traveler, his aura perfectly hidden.
The city was vibrant, but he didn't come here for mere sightseeing. Lin Yuan had heard rumors of an underground auction, a place where rare cultivation treasures could be found. His own growth was rapid, but he knew he needed more techniques, more resources to ensure his foundation remained stable.
Disguising his identity, he entered a modest inn. The owner, an old man with a shrewd gaze, looked at him once but didn't pry. Lin Yuan handed over a few coins and took a room at the back. That night, as the city quieted, Lin Yuan slipped out. Following whispered directions he had gathered, he made his way to a hidden alley. A flickering lantern hung by the door of a seemingly abandoned building.
Knocking in a specific pattern, the door creaked open, and a masked figure waved him in. The underground auction was a shadowed chamber, filled with robed figures whose faces were hidden. Some exuded powerful auras, while others seemed ordinary—disguises, Lin Yuan suspected.
He kept to the back, observing. Rare herbs, spirit weapons, and cultivation techniques were paraded out one by one, each one stirring the interest of the crowd.
But Lin Yuan's attention was caught by something else—a small, black crystal, pulsing with a faint, sinister energy.
"A Fragment of Demon Essence, extracted from a fallen demon cultivator," the auctioneer announced, a sly grin on his face. "An extremely rare find, perfect for those who dare to walk the demonic path."
A chill ran down Lin Yuan's spine. Memories of the demon cultivator he had fought resurfaced. This was a dangerous item, and he knew it.
Yet he also understood its value. In the right hands, it could be a potent weapon or a valuable resource. But in the wrong hands...
The bidding began, and Lin Yuan's gaze sharpened. He needed to ensure it did not fall into the hands of someone who would use it for evil.
The initial bids were aggressive, silver and gold exchanged with whispered commands. Several shadowed figures competed, their voices calm but their auras betraying eagerness. Lin Yuan's expression remained neutral, but his thoughts raced.
"1,000 gold coins," a voice declared, the tone sharp and cold. Lin Yuan's eyes shifted towards the speaker—a figure clad in dark robes, a faint murderous aura radiating from him.
"1,500," another countered, a tall, slender man with a masked face.
Lin Yuan waited, watching. He would act, but only at the right moment. For now, he measured the competition.
"2,000 gold coins!" the dark-robed figure snapped, impatience clear in his voice.
The murmurs quieted. It seemed most had given up.
But Lin Yuan's hand rose. "2,100."
Silence. The dark-robed figure turned slightly, but Lin Yuan's face was hidden in his cloak's shadow.
"2,100, going once... going twice… Sold!"
Lin Yuan's lips curved slightly beneath his hood. He stepped forward, received the crystal, and slipped it into his spatial pouch. His senses remained sharp as he left the hall—he knew someone would follow.
True enough, footsteps echoed behind him in the narrow alley. A cold smile appeared on Lin Yuan's face. He was ready.
Dark shadows flickered from the rooftops. Three figures descended, each one masked and shrouded in killing intent. Lin Yuan's eyes flashed with a hint of electric blue. "So impatient."