The night was cold, but deep within Xuan Hao's chest, something burned.
He stood alone at the edge of the cliff, overlooking the vast valley of Black Ash. Below him, shadows moved — not beasts, but disciples of the Scarlet Vow Sect, scouring the woods like wolves scenting blood.
He clenched his fists.
Three days. That's all it had taken for chaos to spread. Word of the "reborn cultivator" had reached the ears of too many. And in the world of cultivation, envy bred faster than respect.
"They're afraid," a voice said behind him.
Xuan Hao didn't turn. He recognized the voice — old, rasping, yet oddly comforting.
Elder Wuyi stepped beside him, hands clasped behind his back. "You lit a flame, boy. Now they want to snuff it out."
Xuan Hao exhaled slowly. "Let them try."
There was silence, broken only by the distant howls of spirit beasts in the forest.
"I assume you're not running?" Wuyi asked.
Xuan Hao finally turned. "Would you?"
The old man smiled. "Good. Then you'll need this." He tossed him a scroll — old, tattered, reeking of ancient power.
"What is it?"
"A forgotten technique. Banned by the Five Great Clans. It draws from your core, but demands your will."
Xuan Hao unrolled it. The characters inside shimmered, as if breathing.
Blazing Void Fist.
"This is..."
"Dangerous. But if you survive, the next time someone dares challenge you, they'll remember why the heavens cursed you once."
He looked back at the valley. The fire within him roared.
---
At the Scarlet Vow Sect...
A young man knelt before the Sect Master. "We've confirmed it. He's alone. Preparing something."
The Sect Master — a woman with silver hair and violet eyes — leaned back in her throne. "Xuan Hao... you truly think you can rise again?"
She raised a hand.
"Send the Blood Talons. Tonight, we end his second life."
---
Back at the cliff, Xuan Hao closed his eyes. The technique surged into his mind, twisting, reshaping. His veins felt like they were melting.
But he smiled.
Let them come.
This time, he wouldn't run.
This time, he would make them burn.
[To Be Continued…]
End of chapter 17