The sun dipped low behind jagged peaks as Li Tianchen returned from the forest, his body aching but his spirit burning brighter than ever. The Heavenless Codex had stirred something primal within him — a power that refused to be denied.
But the cultivation world was unforgiving.
---
Back at the desolate outskirts of Mount Yuxian, Tianchen's progress had not gone unnoticed.
From the shadows of the nearby village, a group of cloaked figures watched him silently. Their eyes glowed faintly — cultivators of the Black Lotus Sect, a forbidden clan rumored to use dark cultivation arts outlawed by all sects.
Their leader, a tall woman with eyes like burning embers, stepped forward. Her voice was cold and sharp.
"Li Tianchen," she said, "you carry the Heavenless Codex — a path that should have been buried with the old world."
Tianchen met her gaze, steady despite the threat. "And yet, here I am."
---
Suddenly, the leader flicked her wrist.
A dark vortex erupted, sending shards of black energy flying toward Tianchen.
He barely dodged, the ground exploding where he'd stood seconds before.
Instinct took over — Tianchen summoned the black flame from his veins, a shadowy aura swirling like a storm around him.
The air crackled.
He struck back with a blast of dark energy that scorched the earth.
---
The battle was fierce, raw, and unrefined. Tianchen was no expert, but the Heavenless Codex's power was relentless.
Each clash pushed his limits, burning away his weakness.
---
Mid-fight, a sharp pain blossomed in his side — the scratch from the Azurefang Wolf had opened again.
Blood dripped, but he refused to fall.
---
Finally, with a surge fueled by desperation and hatred, Tianchen unleashed a shadow strike that shattered the leader's defense.
She stumbled back, eyes wide with shock.
"Impressive," she hissed. "But this is only the beginning. The Heavenless path brings ruin to all who walk it."
Before he could respond, she vanished into the darkness, leaving only a faint trail of black petals.
---
Breathing heavily, Tianchen sank to one knee.
The battle had taken more from him than he realized.
But a spark inside burned brighter than ever.
---
In the distance, a faint voice whispered through the wind.
"Trust no one but yourself, Tianchen. The world will come for you… but so will destiny."
---