(≈800+ words)
The sun had barely risen when Sol Jin entered Cloud Fang Region—a sprawling stretch of forested valleys, broken ruins, and scattered outer-sect camps. Mist drifted between tall trees, giving the land an ancient, almost desolate feeling.
Perfect place for trouble.
Sol Jin carried himself with casual ease, hands behind his head, humming. Anyone watching would assume he was a wandering mortal boy, not someone who had just demolished three sect disciples and awakened heaven-breaking bones.
But the world seldom left him alone.
As he reached a narrow stone bridge, someone blocked his way.
A young man, about sixteen, with sharp eyes and a faint purple mark on his forehead. His robes carried the insignia of Cloud Fang Outer Sect—one rank above Silver Crest, and notorious for producing prodigies who believed they were heaven's chosen sons.
The youth smirked.
"You're Sol Jin."
Sol Jin paused. "Do I owe you money?"
"No… but rumors say you defeated a Silver Crest squad yesterday. And that you walked out of the Death Cavern alive."
Sol Jin sighed dramatically.
"And now you want to confirm if the rumors are true so you can feel superior?"
The boy blinked. "Actually, no. I want to fight you."
"Oh." Sol Jin nodded. "So you're just stupid."
The prodigy's face twitched. "My name is Lan Fong, ranked twenty-second among Cloud Fang's inner prospects. I wish to test your strength."
Sol Jin tilted his head. "Why?"
Lan Fong crossed his arms. "Because a great event approaches. Elders say the Lunar Holy Ground will open soon. Only worthy youths will enter. If you're strong, you're competition. If you're weak, you're not worth my attention."
Sol Jin smiled slowly.
"Ah… so if I beat you, I become competition?"
Lan Fong hesitated. "Technically… yes."
"Fantastic." Sol Jin cracked his fingers. "Prepare to lose."
Lan Fong's expression hardened as he launched forward, palm swirling with polished Qi. His movements were swift—sharper and more refined than the Silver Crest disciples from yesterday.
This one was the real deal.
He struck hard.
Sol Jin stepped aside lightly.
Not dodging fluently…
Dodging insultingly.
Lan Fong missed every strike by inches.
"You're mocking me," he growled.
"Mocking?" Sol Jin laughed. "My friend, this is charity. If I hit back, your bones might sue me."
Lan Fong roared and unleashed his full force, slamming his palms into Sol Jin's chest—
BONG.
He staggered back, screaming.
His hands throbbed violently.
"What… what is your body made of?! Iron?!"
Sol Jin tapped his chest. "Unbreakable charm and poor life choices."
Lan Fong backed away, sweating.
Sol Jin didn't even attack. He simply raised a finger—
Lan Fong panicked. "WAIT—!"
THWAP.
One flick to the forehead.
Lan Fong dropped like a sack of potatoes.
Sol Jin sighed. "Another day, another genius on the floor."
He stepped around the unconscious boy and crossed the bridge casually.
---
Meanwhile… elsewhere in Cloud Fang Region
An elder in deep blue robes hovered in mid-air, watching the fight from afar. His eyes scanned Sol Jin with curiosity and shock.
"What physique is that…? His bones rang like a sacred bell."
A second elder materialized beside him.
"Should we recruit him?"
The first elder hesitated. "The Sect Master must decide. There are whispers he may attract… dangerous interest."
Unknown to Sol Jin, Cloud Fang Sect had officially taken notice.
And they weren't the only ones.
---
Far across the region…
In a dim wasteland hut, the hooded genius sat cross-legged in silence. His features were hidden, but his breath was cold enough to freeze insects mid-air.
Beside him stood an older man, equally cloaked—a master with a pale, corpse-like complexion.
"Master," the hooded youth said quietly, "the boy with the cosmic fluctuation… defeated another disciple."
The master nodded. "His rise is fast. Too fast. If the sects suspect your corpse formula, we will become wanted."
"We already are," the hooded youth whispered.
The master didn't deny it.
Their cultivation path… was taboo.
Forbidden.
Demonizing.
And those who practiced it were hunted by every major sect.
The master gripped his disciple's shoulder. "If you encounter Sol Jin, eliminate him. His bones are valuable."
The hooded genius breathed slowly. "I will try…"
"No." His master's voice darkened. "You will succeed."
The corpses outside stirred as if agreeing.
---
Back to Sol Jin…
As Sol Jin continued deeper into the valley, he sensed faint movement behind him.
Not killing intent.
Not hostility.
But… curiosity.
He smirked without turning around.
"Elders watching from the sky… monsters in disguise… geniuses sniffing around… holy grounds opening…"
He raised a brow.
"Feels like the world suddenly remembered I exist."
The wind rustled the grass.
Sol Jin stretched lazily. "Good. Just keep the challenges coming. I'll scam, slap, and scheme my way upward."
He paused.
A faint metallic ring echoed through the valley.
Artifact resonance.
Something powerful was nearby.
Sol Jin's grin widened.
"Treasure time."
He stepped forward into the mist—
Unaware that the next person he would meet…
was the hooded genius himself.