Setting: Umbral City, the Black Moon Clan Estate.
Following the sensational awakening ceremony, the Black Moon Clan hosted a celebratory banquet at their estate. Though the clan was in decline, the event of Van Nam awakening the Dark Fang—especially with its pure Dark aura—had breathed new life into them, igniting hopes for a brighter future.
Lanterns were lit throughout the estate, dispelling some of the perpetual darkness of Umbral City. The sounds of laughter, clinking glasses, and the melodious tunes from musicians created a lively atmosphere, a stark contrast to the usual somber silence.
Clan Head Hei Jing, a rare, radiant smile on his face, personally greeted the clans that had come to offer their congratulations. The Thunderflame and Black Iron clans, the two other major powers in Umbral City, were also in full attendance. Though they wore congratulatory expressions, a flicker of envy and unease was difficult to conceal in the eyes of their clan heads.
"Brother Hei, congratulations to your clan for gaining another talented successor," Lei Zhen, the Thunderflame Clan Head, raised his wine cup, his voice tinged with a sour note. "My son, Lei Ming, may have awakened the Thunder Leopard, but compared to Van Nam's Dark Fang, I fear he is still a step behind."
"Brother Lei, you flatter us," Hei Jing replied modestly. "Van Nam is still young and has much to learn. The future of the Black Moon Clan will still depend on the support of all of you."
Hei Yan, the Black Iron Clan Head, also spoke up. "Brother Hei, no need to be so humble. The pure Dark aura from the Dark Fang is truly a rare sight. Van Nam's future will surely be anything but ordinary."
As the wine flowed, the clan leaders began to discuss the Astral Martial Academy's disciple selection trial, set to take place in half a year.
"I've heard that this time, the Astral Martial Academy will hold the selection in Peerless City—the heart of the Blackwind Territory. This is a great opportunity for the younger generation to display their talents and vie for a chance to cultivate at the territory's top academy," said Lei Zhen.
"Indeed," Hei Yan continued. "Rumor has it that besides our Umbral City, the other two major strongholds of the Blackwind Territory, Frostfall City and Blackrock City, will also send their finest disciples. The Han Clan of Frostfall City is particularly famous for its Ice-attuned geniuses, while the Shi Clan of Blackrock City boasts warriors of astonishing strength. I fear they will be formidable opponents."
"Clan Head Hei, with Van Nam's potential, the Black Moon Clan will certainly secure a spot in the Astral Martial Academy," Lei Zhen said with a smile, but a calculating glint flashed in his eyes. "When that time comes, I hope Van Nam won't forget the bonds of our shared home and that we can help one another."
Hei Jing merely smiled without replying. He understood perfectly that Lei Zhen's words, while congratulatory on the surface, were in fact a veiled probe and a warning.
As the clan leaders conversed, a clear, sweet voice called out, "Brother Van Nam!"
Everyone turned to see a beautiful young lady approaching them. She was about fifteen or sixteen, with long, silky hair, large, sparkling round eyes, and a smile as radiant as the moon. She wore a pale blue dress that accentuated her fair skin and graceful figure.
"Xiao Ling, you're here too," Van Nam smiled, a clear gentleness in his eyes.
The young lady, named Xiao Ling, was Zhou Xiao Ling, daughter of the Zhou Clan Head. The Zhou Clan was one of the five smaller clans in Umbral City, which also included the Li, Chen, Wu, and Zhao clans. While not comparable to the three great clans, the Zhou Clan had some standing and was especially known for its pill-concocting abilities.
Zhou Xiao Ling and Van Nam had known each other since childhood and could be considered childhood sweethearts¹. She had also participated in the awakening ceremony, but her Origin Spirit, a small, light-blue flower, was unremarkable. Many dismissed it as an ordinary Origin Spirit with no potential for growth.
"I heard you awakened the Dark Fang, so I came to congratulate you," Xiao Ling said with a smile, her eyes twinkling. "I hope that in half a year, we can enter the Astral Martial Academy's trial together."
"Definitely," Van Nam nodded. "We'll work hard together."
While Van Nam and Xiao Ling were talking, Lei Ming and Hei Tie Gang, the two youths who had also awakened powerful Origin Spirits, watched them from a distance. Their eyes shone with envy and irritation.
"Hmph, it's just the Dark Fang. What's so great about it?" Lei Ming snorted coldly. "He'll soon learn his place."
"That's right," Hei Tie Gang added. "We'll show him who the true geniuses of Umbral City are."
Meanwhile, in a secluded corner of the banquet, a middle-aged man with eyes as sharp as daggers was quietly observing everything. He was Hei Feng, an elder of the Black Moon Clan and also the most ambitious and scheming member of the family. His gaze settled on Van Nam, a strange light flashing within.
"Pure Darkness... the Dark Fang... None of this is as simple as it appears," Hei Feng muttered to himself. "Van Nam, what are you truly hiding?"
As the banquet gradually dispersed, night had fully descended upon Umbral City. Van Nam stood on the estate's rooftop, gazing into the distance where the mountains of the Blackwind Territory were faint silhouettes in the darkness. He knew the road ahead was long and fraught with thorns. But he was not afraid. Because he had the Primal Dark Origin Spirit, the Shadow Pact, and the loved ones who placed their faith in him.
"Origin Apprentice, Origin Disciple, Origin Master, Grand Origin Master, Origin Sect, Origin King, Origin Emperor, Origin Sovereign, Origin Saint, Origin Thearch, Divine Realm..." Van Nam murmured the cultivation realms of the Xuan Yuan Continent, his eyes glowing with resolve. "I will reach the pinnacle and restore the Black Moon Clan to its former glory!"
He took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and delved into his inner world. The Primal Dark Origin Spirit, that mysterious dark sphere, was slowly rotating within him, emanating a dark energy that was both wicked and powerful. He could feel his connection to the Shadow Realm, feel the snarls and roars of the Shadow Beasts awaiting their release.
"Just wait," Van Nam whispered. "That day is not far off."
(End of Chapter 2)