Chapter 5
The body was gone by morning.
The blood had been scrubbed from the stone floors. The broken window was replaced, and the scorch marks from the Flame Serpent's first form had mysteriously vanished.
To the clan, nothing had happened.
But Xio Xun knew better.
The assassin hadn't come for gold. He hadn't stolen anything. His goal was simple: kill the heir.
> "System Analysis Complete: Assassin belonged to the [Silent Veil], a covert mercenary sect specializing in internal clan purges. Probability of internal involvement: 89%."
Xio Xun clenched his fists.
Someone from within the Xio Clan wanted him dead.
And now, he wanted names.
---
The Hall of Echoes – Clan Elder Council
Xio Tian sat with half-lidded eyes at the head of the round stone table as the council debated mundane matters—crop yields, beast incursions, trade disputes.
Xio Xun stepped into the hall uninvited, eyes cold and unwavering.
"Elders," he said, "someone sent a killer into my quarters last night."
The room fell silent.
Only Xio Tian raised an eyebrow. "And where is this killer now?"
Xio Xun tossed a small token onto the table. The silver medallion bore a serpent with no face—the emblem of the Silent Veil.
Gasps rippled across the room.
"This cannot be…" muttered one elder.
Another glared. "You dare accuse your own kin of conspiracy?"
"I accuse no one," Xio Xun said. "Yet. But I'll find who did this. And when I do…" His voice turned sharp, dangerous. "There won't be a second warning."
Tian finally sat up. "You've changed, boy."
"I had to."
"Then you must be ready to carry the weight of truth," the patriarch said quietly. "Come see me tonight. Alone."
---
Later That Night – The Patriarch's Chambers
Xio Tian's room was far simpler than the opulence most expected of a clan head. No golden walls or spirit beasts. Just scrolls, tea, and weapons. Lots of weapons.
The old man sat by the fire, motioning for Xio Xun to sit.
"You've drawn attention," Tian said. "Too much, too fast. The clan bleeds in silence—years of decline, our bloodlines thinning, enemies circling like vultures."
Xio Xun listened without interrupting.
"There are three factions in the clan now," Tian continued. "One loyal to me. One loyal to Elder Kwan… and one that serves no one but ambition. Someone from the third faction sent that killer."
"Why haven't you crushed them?" Xio Xun asked.
"Because I don't know who they are."
Tian leaned forward, eyes sharp. "But you… you might flush them out."
"How?"
"There's a sect tournament in two weeks. Hosted by the Azure Sky Sect. The top ten outer clans will send disciples. Glory brings attention. Power brings fear."
He tossed Xio Xun a sealed scroll.
"Take this token and represent the Xio Clan. Fight. Win. Make them believe you're too dangerous to ignore."
> "Main Quest: Enter Azure Sky Sect Tournament. Survive and place in the top 10."
> "Bonus: Identify traitors from within the clan using tournament infiltration."
> "Reward: Sect Invitation + System Skill Upgrade."
Xio Xun stood, holding the scroll tightly.
"I'll win."
Tian nodded once. "And when you do… I'll make you my successor in full."
---
Three Days Later – The Road to Azure Sky
Xio Xun traveled with a small escort—three guards and Mei, who insisted on joining as a servant. She said it was to cook and care for him. He suspected it was more.
They crossed valleys cloaked in morning mist and rivers that glittered under moonlight. The world outside the Xio estate was beautiful—and cruel.
Bandits attacked on the second night.
Ten of them.
Only three left breathing when it was over.
None of them human anymore.
> "Qi Refining Stage – Third Layer Achieved."
> "New Ability: Flame Serpent Second Form – Ember Veins. Temporarily boosts movement speed and reflexes. Side effect: Internal Qi instability."
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Azure Sky Sect – Outer Arena
The sect grounds were vast—floating pavilions carved into the side of an endless mountain range. Disciples soared on flying swords, and spiritual beasts roamed under waterfalls that defied gravity.
The arena where the outer clan tournament would be held was a massive stone coliseum surrounded by roaring spiritfire torches. Flags of the competing clans fluttered like war banners.
Xio Xun stepped into the arena with his black robe trimmed in red flame, the Iron Fang blade sheathed at his side.
He was among over a hundred contestants.
And some of them looked terrifying—hulking men with bone armor, veiled women with icy auras, and even a boy younger than him whose eyes glowed silver with unknown power.
> "Warning: Multiple participants have reached Foundation Realm. Threat Level: High."
Xio Xun exhaled slowly.
Good.
Let them be strong.
Because he would burn through them all.
---
To be continued...