Forged in Blood and Shadow

The disciples of the Skyfall Sect chattered excitedly around the table near John, their words buzzing like flies. He watched them, a calculating glint in his eyes. Which of them holds my secret realm ticket? he wondered. He strolled out into the street, the disciples' words echoing in his mind. They spoke of a small secret realm, accessible only to minor sects and families. That explains it, John mused. A larger, more prestigious realm would have locked out these smaller branches. I have already gotten my ticket to the secret realm. "John"

As he walked, a man stopped him. "Warrior Jo Lee," the man said, a forced politeness in his voice. "Young Master Zoe Loni invites you to dine with him."

John's mind raced. A late-stage Foundation Forging cultivator sent to invite me? This reeks of coercion. He met the man's gaze. "What if I don't want to?"

The man's polite veneer cracked. "Then I'll take you by force."

John shrugged. "Lead the way." That bastard Zoe Loni This is clearly a Threat, he thought.

They arrived at a building called the Plum Blossom Spring House. Inside A room, Zoe Loni sat at a table laden with food and wine. He gestured with a wine-filled cup. "Warrior Jo Lee, you've arrived! Please, take a seat."

John remained standing. "I'm not here to eat. I've already eaten. If that's all, I'll be on my way." He turned to leave.

"I suppose you know why I called you here," Zoe Loni said, his voice hardening. "I want you to join me. I'll give you twice what Karen promised."

John turned back, his expression unreadable. "That's a tempting offer, but I've already made a promise. If you have nothing else to say, I'll be on my way."

Zoe Loni's eyes narrowed. "I guess you haven't gotten it yet. If aren't with me, you're against me. And those against me have only one outcome: death." He snapped his fingers. "Kill him!"

The man outside burst through the door, sword flashing. John moved, Disappeared from site – using the Shadow God Technique.

He reappeared behind Zoe Loni, grabbing his neck and lifting him from the ground. A chilling smile spread across John's face. "Since you're so eager to kill me, I suppose I can't let you live either." He released a wave of Qi, the force of it pressing down on Zoe Loni.

Zoe Loni gasped, struggling. "Aren't you just mid-stage Foundation Forging? How did you dodge a late-stage cultivator's attack?"

John laughed. "Am I supposed to explain? Let's just say I'm stronger."

Zoe Loni, his face turning purple, choked out, "My offer still stands! Join me, and I can give you whatever you want!"

"Shut the fuck up," John hissed. "The only reason you're still alive is because I not going to be the one to kill you. But since you tried to kill me…" He trailed off, his eyes glinting.

Zoe Loni, barely conscious, managed to whisper, "Then… what do you want?"

John swiftly produced lengths of Qi-woven thread, binding Zoe Loni's hands. With a sharp tug, he severed Zoe Loni's right hand. He released his grip, and Zoe Loni crumpled to the floor, bleeding and screaming.

Turning to the man who had attacked him, John unleashed his Qi again, a terrifying aura emanating from him. "You tried to kill me. So you have to die."