Chapter 10 - The core that Sleeps in Silence

🌌 Within the Caveabode – Silent Meditation

Shěn Nìchén sat in absolute stillness.

His black robes flowed like ink on airless parchment. His obsidian eyes reflected nothing—not even the flickering spiritual flames hovering around him. His features were sharp, sculpted—flawless like porcelain carved by a heavenly artisan.

But none dared gaze upon him.

> "It's time."

"Foundation Establishment was merely the gate. I now refine the lock... and forge the key."

He inhaled once.

And the world fell away.

---

> 🔔 [System Notification]

🎯 Objective Complete: Foundation Stabilization – Supreme Body Synchronization

🎁 Reward Unlocked: Mind-Lotus Sanctuary

Mental Plane Constructed

Dao Perception increased

Timeflow Ratio: 5:1

Void Isolation Seal active – protected from Karma, Fate, and Divinity

Hidden Bonus Effect: This realm is beyond divine vision. Even a True Immortal cannot peer into it.

---

🌸 [Inner Realm – Mind-Lotus Sanctuary]

Inside his sea of consciousness, a lotus bloomed.

Black petals glowed faintly, suspended above a void sea. On each petal, ethereal runes shimmered—representing sword, void, silence, and rebirth.

He stepped onto one.

> "Here, I'll perfect Void Slash. Here, I'll prepare for Core Formation—not with desperation, but precision."

Time stretched. What was one day outside became five inside.

He cultivated.

He tempered his sword intent.

He visualized every Qi node until it was as familiar as his own breath.

When he opened his eyes—

The void rippled slightly.

---

> Foundation Establishment – Late Stage: Complete.

Qi Stability: Perfect.

Body–Spirit–Intent Alignment: 94%

Supreme Body Fusion: Ongoing…

---

🔥 Ashen Root Sect – Outer Grounds

In the physical world, weeks had passed.

Some outer disciples vanished. Killed in failed missions. Some advanced.

Yet the name "Shěn Nìchén" was never mentioned.

No one remembered him clearly.

No one noticed that the system had erased his karmic traces.

Even Wei Fan—the one who once mocked him—had been "coincidentally" transferred to a far border sect.

Coincidence? No. Precision.

---

🌑 Nightfall – Outside the Caveabode

A masked figure crept through the Blackpine Forest near the Mistveil border.

> "They say a strange power radiates here… and that no beasts go near."

He placed his hand on the cliffside.

Nothing.

He stepped back—confused.

Then… a faint pulse in the air.

The assassin's eyes widened—only for a moment.

Then he collapsed, eyes blank. A sliver of void energy erased his spirit.

Inside the cave, Shěn Nìchén hadn't even looked.

---

🧊 Back in the Caveabode

He stood.

His blade hummed softly at his back—still appearing dull and ordinary to all but him.

> "The next phase begins."

The system pulsed again.

> 🎯 New Mission Available

Objective: Construct a Void-Aligned Core

📜 Requirements:

Five Void-Type Spirit Stones

One Peak-Grade Dao Pill

One Live Void Flame

🎁 Reward: Sword Dao: "Intent Embodiment" (Mid-tier Comprehension)*

🔒 Hidden Bonus: Unknown

He said nothing.

Only a slight nod.

Only the faint shimmer of his pupils—like twin stars caught in endless night.

> "Even gods will ask my name soon."

"But they will find nothing."

"Because I was never here."

---

To Be Continued…