playing the hero

Lao Xie continued his walk, leaving the gates of Silver Crescent Mountain Peak behind him. The sounds of the sect's life the clinking of weapons, the hum of conversation, gradually faded as he ventured further into the wilderness. The twisting trail underfoot led him through rugged terrain, the forest ahead growing denser with every step.

The deeper he went, the quieter the world became. No longer accompanied by the bustling life of the sect, he walked through a world of rustling leaves, the occasional chirp of birds, and the distant murmur of a stream. His expression remained calm, unreadable, his mind focused on the task at hand.

As the path wound its way deeper into the forest, the trees grew taller, their thick branches weaving into a canopy that dimmed the sunlight above.

After what felt like hours of walking, Lao Xie arrived at a secluded clearing. The place was unnaturally quiet, too still for a forest known to house dangerous beasts.

The fallen leaves underfoot crunched softly with every step, the faint scent of something dangerous lingering in the breeze. He could sense the presence of a demonic beast nearby, though it remained elusive, just out of reach.

He scanned the area, cold eyes calculating every detail. "This will do," he muttered to himself. His instincts were sharp, an innate ability which seems to be a gift from birth.

Just as he was about to set off deeper into the forest, a piercing scream tore through the silence, echoing through the trees. The cry was sharp, filled with raw fear and desperation, cutting through the calm like a blade.

It came from somewhere nearby, though the trees and the thick underbrush made it difficult to determine the exact direction.

Lao Xie paused his expression unchanged as the scream reverberated through the air. Most would rush to help driven by fear or compassion but not him. Compassion was a weakness he had long since abandoned.

"A scream, huh?" he murmured, a playful smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. "What a coincidence..."

He didn't move immediately. His mind worked quickly, calculating the potential benefits. Whoever screamed was either in trouble or fighting something dangerous. Either way, it might lead him to the demonic beast he sought. If not, there was always the possibility of other rewards.

Without hesitation, Lao Xie resumed his calm, measured pace, heading toward the sound with the same detachment he always carried. He didn't rush, that wasn't his style, he had no reason to concerned. 

As he approached the source of the scream, the air grew thick with tension. Branches snapped underfoot, and the once-distant sound of rustling leaves became louder. The forest felt more alive now, buzzing with an unseen energy.

Pushing through the dense underbrush, Lao Xie finally reached a small clearing. There, he saw the source of the scream a young female disciple, clad in the silver and white robes of Silver Crescent Mountain Peak, cornered by a massive, snarling demonic wolf. Its eyes glowed red, its fur bristling with a malevolent energy that radiated pure killing intent.

The girl, her face pale and drenched in sweat, held a trembling sword in her hand. Blood dripped from a wound on her arm, and she was clearly no match for the beast.

Suddenly, a panel appeared before Lao Xie, its familiar glow lighting up in the air.

[Cling~]

[System Task]

Task: Help Ling Ruxin.

Completion Reward: 50x Spirit stones

Failure Penalty: None

Followed by another.

[System Task]

Task: Earn Ling Ruxin's loyalty.

Completion Reward: 50x Spirit stones

Failure Penalty: None

Lao Xie watched from the shadows, hidden among the trees, his eyes narrowing as he observed the scene.

"What an opportunity," he mused, his voice barely above a whisper.

"And the clothes she's wearing.. A disciple from the Silver Crescent Mountain Peak..." He could see the fear in her eyes—the helplessness, the desperate clinging to life. But he felt no urgency, no compassion.

The fear in the girl's eyes was palpable, her desperation almost tangible. He felt no sympathy, but the situation intrigued him. "If she dies, she's of no use. But if I save her, perhaps I can use her..." a sweet smirked appeared on his face.

The demonic wolf growled, advancing on the girl with snapping jaws. She stumbled back, her legs trembling as panic overtook her. She wouldn't last much longer.

Lao Xie made his decision. With a flick of his wrist, the newly acquired Enchanting Spectral Sword slid into his hand. The blade shimmered faintly, as if sensing the impending conflict.

"Perfect timing to test the first move," the system chimed in, its voice in his mind.

"Agreed." Lao Xie didn't hesitate. He mentally pulled up the technique tab.

[TECHNIQUES]

Heavenly Echoing Sword Arts (0/7)

First Move – Sky's Whisperer

Mastery – 1%

Description: The first move of the Heavenly Echoing Sword Arts. It initiates a soft yet swift slash, with the sword whispering through the air like a gentle breeze, cutting with precision and stealth.

He didn't waste time reviewing the description. His mind had already absorbed it in detail. It was time to put it to use.

Mirage Walk (0/5)

First Stage - Fleeting Steps

Mastery - 0%

Description: A technique to briefly blur his form, allowing him to move with sudden speed, making it difficult for enemies to track him. His movements leave a faint afterimage, confusing opponents about his exact position.

"Mirage Walk – Fleeting Steps," he whispered, recalling the footwork technique he had gotten from the previous reward. It would allow him to blur his form, confusing his opponents, a perfect complement to his swordplay.

"An opportunity, Let's try this." he muttered.

With a soft step, Lao Xie vanished from his position, his form blurring as he moved with sudden speed. The girl didn't even see him approach.

The demonic wolf lunged towards the girl, its maw wide open, ready to tear into its prey. Unexpectedly, Lao Xie appeared in time in front of the beast with the elegance of a shadow, his sword cutting through the air with a whispering hiss. The movement was swift however it was lacking.

"Take a step back, I will handle this." Lao Xie said with a calm tone.

The demonic wolf startled, "Roarrrr!" Its crimson eyes locked onto him, sensing a new threat, and it rushed toward him.