The World Hidden Within the Flesh of a God

The central village square was unrecognizable.

Obsidian pillars had been erected by flying monks. At the top of each one, a black lantern burned without flame, slowly consuming the surrounding light.

The representatives of the five sects had just arrived.

The crowd held its breath. It was the first time the Sect of Scorched Shadows—known for only recruiting disciples with terrifying potential—took part in a local selection.

A master dressed in red robes with black edges, his face hidden behind a mask, observed the children.

His gaze showed nothing… until he saw Shen Mu walking alone toward the selection circle.

He froze.

— …The void. He walks… without leaving a trace.

 The Trial

The first step was simple: place your hand on the Spiritual Resonance Stone.

Children came forward one by one.

Blue: Weak talent.

Green: Acceptable talent.

Red: Promising.

Purple: Genius.

Then came Shen Mu.

He placed his hand. Nothing.

Not a flicker. Not a single light.

A burst of laughter.

— He's empty! Even the stone refuses to acknowledge him!

It was Qin Hailong, the son of the Grand Elder of the Sacred Claw Sect.

Thirteen years old and already at the 3rd level of Qi Refining, he was known for his cruelty.

— Get lost. You don't belong here. Go graze in the fields.

Shen Mu turned his head toward him.

Calmly. Slowly.

— Are you afraid… of what the stone doesn't show?

Qin Hailong paled… then laughed.

— Playing smart? Fine. I challenge you to a life-and-death duel, here and now!

Silence.

Even the masters froze.

— That's forbidden…

But the representative of the Sect of Scorched Shadows raised his hand.

— No. The Black Stone of Judgment is here. If they sign the pact, none may interfere.

 The Pact

Two drops of blood fell onto the black stone.

Thunder rumbled. The oath was etched into the world.

Qin Hailong immediately invoked his Celestial Claw Technique—a fiery, metallic strike that tore through the air like the fangs of a divine beast.

— Die like the rat you are, nameless shadow!

But Shen Mu didn't move.

He simply closed his eyes.

A violet aura escaped from his spiritual heart. The ground beneath his feet cracked.

A black line surrounded his shadow.

 [Function Activated: Karmic Reflection]

Murderous intent link detected

 Returning malicious karma…

Qin Hailong stopped instantly. His claws disintegrated mid-air.

His body trembled.

— Wh… what is this?!

He backed away… and screamed.

For behind him, a karmic thread had turned back.

He saw his own murderous intent… take form and strike him.

A black hand emerged from the void and crushed him like a leaf.

Silence.

Qin Hailong's body collapsed.

No visible wound. But his soul had been annihilated.

The masked representative of the Sect of Scorched Shadows fixed his gaze on Shen Mu.

He whispered, barely audible:

— That's not a technique… it's a verdict.