Li Shen had grown accustomed to the Vermilion Phoenix Sect's rigorous training. Every day was a test, every mission a chance to sharpen his River Soul Palm and refine his Qi. Yet, one afternoon, something unusual happened.
In the courtyard, a new "junior disciple" appeared—a quiet, seemingly ordinary boy with simple robes and a calm demeanor. He moved with grace, his Qi subtle and unassuming. Most disciples ignored him, thinking him weak. Li Shen, however, felt a faint ripple in his chest. Something about the boy felt… different.
Who is this new disciple? Li Shen wondered rhetorically. He's not radiating much Qi… but why does his presence feel… heavy?
The new disciple approached quietly during training, observing Li Shen's movements with intense focus. He didn't speak, didn't interfere, but his eyes tracked every subtle motion, every flicker of Qi.
It wasn't until a secluded evening, when Li Shen was refining Phantom Veil in the forest, that the boy finally spoke.
"You have talent," he said softly. "But raw power alone won't make you Immortal. You must learn control, patience, and subtlety."
Li Shen froze. How does he know about Phantom Veil? he thought. Rhetorical, but sharp with curiosity.
The boy smiled faintly. "I can teach you… if you're willing to listen. But you must never reveal that you are learning from me. The world is cruel, and attention brings danger."
Li Shen nodded cautiously, still unaware of the boy's true strength. He acts like an ordinary disciple… yet he's teaching me techniques I didn't even know I needed. Who is he really?
Over the next few weeks, Li Shen trained under the "junior disciple," learning subtle ways to refine his Qi, hide his Phantom Veil even more effectively, and act weaker than he truly was. The boy corrected mistakes Li Shen hadn't even noticed, and yet, when others observed, he appeared as nothing more than a quiet, unremarkable disciple.
One evening, while Li Shen thought the boy had left, he left a small token: a rare manual, sealed with hidden energy. A note accompanied it:
"True strength lies in concealment. Learn patience, Li Shen. Strike only when the time is right."
Li Shen held the manual, still puzzled. He acts like a disciple… but he's teaching me techniques beyond even the Ledger's guidance. How powerful must he be?
The Ledger pulsed faintly, offering no further insight. Li Shen understood one thing clearly: this boy—this "disciple"—was no ordinary junior. But for now, he had to keep learning, observing, and concealing his progress.
If I reveal too much too soon, everyone will notice. I must grow silently… and perhaps, one day, I will discover the truth about my mysterious teacher.
As night fell over the Vermilion Phoenix Sect, Li Shen's aura shimmered with hidden power, masked perfectly by Phantom Veil. Around him, disciples laughed and trained, oblivious to the storm of potential lying quietly in their midst.
The master watched from the shadows, appearing ordinary, yet every subtle breath and movement held the weight of countless years of mastery.