Beneath the calm facade of the Evergreen Sect, a new storm had begun to stir.
Inside a hidden dimension that didn't exist on any map, Priyanshu stood alone. His eyes were shut. Black mist swirled around him — an ominous yet seductive energy that seemed to whisper secrets of the universe.
He had entered the Shadow Domain — a realm he had created using the inheritance of Lord Calamity Fang.
[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]
Shadow Domain Active. Time Flow Rate: 5:1Environmental Control: YESAccess Control: YESYou are now the Realm Master.
Priyanshu opened his eyes slowly. His irises shimmered with deep violet light — a side effect of the Sin Devouring Technique he was about to master.
On the ground before him lay three kneeling prisoners — captured rogue cultivators who had dared to offend the Loyal Dog organization in the outer sect.
"Y-you said you wouldn't kill us…" one of them begged.
Priyanshu smiled slightly. "I didn't say I'd let you live either."
He raised his hand.
[Activating Skill: Sin Devouring Technique Lv.1]
A black vortex appeared behind him, shaped like a fanged mouth. It roared silently as it sucked the dark karma, hatred, guilt, and sins from the prisoners.
Their eyes turned blank as their sins were peeled away — leaving only empty husks.
[3 Sin Fragments absorbed.]Sin Value +12Cultivation +1% (Foundation Realm 7/10)Passive Trait Progress: "Emotionless Heart" unlocked.
System Interface Update
Cultivation Stage: Foundation Realm (7/10)
Karma Type: Villainous (Balanced by Righteous Acts)
Active Traits:
Shadow Authority
Sin Devouring
Emotionless Heart
Items Gained:
"Ten Thousand Sins Manual (Page 1 of 12)"
"Forbidden Blood Seal"
Inventory:
Shadow Robes of the Sin Master (Unrefined)
Calamity Fang's Bone Ring (Sealed)
Priyanshu sat cross-legged in the center of his domain. Behind him, a throne made of obsidian and crimson metal began taking shape — the "Sin Throne." Only a true villain could sit on it without going insane.
He took a deep breath, letting the black mist enter his meridians.
"I can now cultivate even faster… by devouring the filth of the world."
The true horror of his new power wasn't that he grew stronger by killing — but by purifying the world of its sinners, and using their karma to fuel his ascension.
Outside World – Evergreen Sect Inner Grounds
Xue Li stood in front of the inner disciple's pagoda, drawing countless gazes. She was like an ice goddess from the legends — untouchable, unshakable, and undeniably beautiful.
Senior brothers and elders alike were drawn to her like moths to flame, but she ignored them all.
Because she had sensed a presence that disturbed her heart — something familiar yet terrifyingly twisted.
She murmured to herself, "He's here… the boy from my dream…"
Behind her, her attendant whispered, "Young Miss Xue, did you say something?"
She shook her head, her long silver hair swaying, and walked forward. "Nothing. But tell Elder Yun… I want to observe the outer sect's duel trials tomorrow."
Priyanshu's Courtyard – Next Morning
Back in the outer sect, everything seemed normal.
Priyanshu calmly watered his spirit herb garden and fed the pigeon spirit beast that delivered fake letters from his 'mother.'
The outer disciples laughed, gossiped, and practiced techniques.
No one knew that beneath the surface… the real cultivator controlling the game had already risen several levels beyond them.
[SYSTEM ALERT – SPECIAL EVENT UNLOCKED]
Outer Sect Annual Duel Trials Begin Tomorrow.Winner Gains Entry to the Inner Sect.Optional Challenge: Humiliate Chosen Prodigies.Bonus Reward: Access to Elder Yun's Hidden Artifact Vault.
Priyanshu smirked.
It was time to play another round of chess.
"Let's bait the so-called geniuses… and show them the real definition of fear."