The Moonlight Garden, hidden behind the royal palace, was more than just a place of serenity. Beneath its ethereal petals and softly glowing trees lay ancient relics, once used by sword saints to test their intent. A place where a warrior's will could literally cut the wind—or be consumed by it.
Priyanshu stood at its edge, blindfolded.
"Sword intent... I can feel it brushing against my skin," he whispered.
[System Message: Hidden Quest Activated – Walk Barefoot Through the Garden of Blades.]Conditions: No armor. No cultivation. Only intent.Reward: +500 Fate Points | New Passive Skill: Phantom Step (Rare).
Warning: This challenge killed 7 saints and 2 kings. Proceed?
[Yes] [No]
He smirked. "I'm not a saint. I'm worse."
He tapped [Yes] in his mind.
At once, the mist thickened. The ground beneath his feet shifted—becoming blades of thin, flexible crystal grass, honed to divine sharpness. He walked barefoot, unguarded, each step potentially fatal. A single misaligned intent, and he would be carved into spiritual ribbons.
But Priyanshu was calm. Each step radiated confidence.
With every inhale, he breathed in sword aura. With every exhale, he shaped it.
The garden responded.
Blades lifted off the ground, dancing around him, forming a storm of silver and energy. Yet not one cut his skin. Instead, they bowed.
[System Update: Passive Skill Learned – Phantom Step: Your movements become unreadable to those below your cultivation level. Chance to evade locked-on attacks +35%.]
He opened his eyes and removed the blindfold.
The Moonlight Garden shimmered, as though acknowledging its new master.
But before he could leave, he heard a soft laugh.
"You really do live up to the rumors," said a voice, sultry and teasing.
A woman emerged from the shadows, dressed in a gown woven from silk and shadows. Her eyes gleamed like violet stars.
"Who are you?" Priyanshu asked, though his tone wasn't hostile.
The woman curtsied. "They call me Mistress Shaya. I'm part of the Shadow Pavilion... and I've been watching you for some time, Void Monarch."
He stiffened only slightly. She knew his secret alias?
"How did you—?"
"I have my ways. And besides, I bring an offer."
She extended a jade slip.
[New Side Quest Available: Join Hands with the Shadow Pavilion?]
Accepting this alliance will lead to greater information control and underworld access across five empires.Refusing may lead to unpredictable consequences... including assassination attempts.
Priyanshu glanced at her again. The confidence. The danger. The charm.
Another piece for the harem? Or a trap?
He smiled.
"Let's talk... over tea," he said. "But fair warning—I poison both cups."
Mistress Shaya laughed like wind through a blade field.
"You'll fit right in."