The morning mist clung to the mountains like a silken veil, softening the jagged rocks around Nightshade Hall. Ye Tian stood atop the main terrace, eyes sweeping across the sprawling grounds. His heart swelled with quiet satisfaction — what had begun as a harsh trial had now become a fortress of obedience, skill, and loyalty.
> [Ye Tian]
[Age: 17 Years]
[Realm: Body Tempering (5th Layer)]
[Abilities: Shadow Manipulation, Psychokinesis, Finger Qi Bullet, Night Immortal Physique]
Below, the hundred survivors of the Poison Gourd Trial moved in precise formations, each one a living testament to his ruthless selection. Out of over six hundred hopefuls, only these hundred remained — the best, the strongest, and the ones he had personally tested to the limits. Every disobedience, every hesitation had been punished. Every failure had been eliminated.
"Master… shall we begin the next phase of training?" asked Jian Feng, one of his oldest disciples, bowing low.
Ye Tian's lips curved in a faint smile. "Yes. Today, we teach fear… and loyalty. They must learn that Nightshade Hall obeys without question — and that failure has a price."
---
Lan Yuhua appeared from the inner courtyard, her steps light yet confident. The soft morning light caressed her hair, highlighting the warmth in her amber eyes. She had moved into Nightshade Hall several days ago, choosing to stay close to him after he had rescued her.
"Good morning, Master," she said softly, a teasing tilt in her voice. "Did you miss me?"
Ye Tian smirked, the corner of his eyes crinkling. "You think I would waste a second without noticing your absence?" He stepped closer, brushing a strand of hair from her face with delicate precision. "Even the shadows miss you."
Lan Yuhua's cheeks flushed, her lips parting slightly. "You… you always know what to say to make me blush."
Before she could retreat, Ye Tian pressed a quick, teasing kiss to her temple, the warmth of his lips sending a shiver through her. "Consider it practice," he murmured, his tone edged with both authority and mischief.
---
The hundred disciples gathered below, unaware of the private exchange above, waiting for their next lesson. Ye Tian raised his hand subtly, signaling the start of the morning drills.
"Line up," he commanded. His voice, calm yet firm, carried over the grounds. "Today's lesson — shadows strike unseen, and obedience is life."
From the crowd, the disciples moved as if one entity, their movements precise, controlled, and deadly. Ye Tian allowed himself a small nod of approval — each had survived the Poison Gourd Trial, and now they were the core of Nightshade Hall.
Lan Yuhua stepped closer to him, her voice soft, almost a whisper. "They're… impressive."
"They are mine," Ye Tian said, his hand brushing hers briefly, sending a spark that made her heart race. "Every one of them. And they will learn that disobedience is not tolerated… not even by the strongest."
She looked up at him, amber eyes glimmering. "Just like you… they're afraid of you."
Ye Tian's smirk deepened. "Fear is a tool. Respect comes later… after they see that the night itself obeys me."
---
Training began in earnest. Shadows slid across the hall, each disciple moving silently as they practiced attacks, defense, and coordination. Ye Tian's eyes tracked them, correcting, guiding, and testing. A wrong step, a hesitation, and the lesson was clear — failure would not be forgiven.
Lan Yuhua watched silently, occasionally offering pointers, but mostly observing Ye Tian's teaching style. She had grown stronger under his tutelage, learning more in these weeks than she had her entire life. When she finally approached him, she brushed against his arm, her warmth lingering.
"Master… may I try leading a group?" she asked, a playful challenge in her tone.
Ye Tian's eyes gleamed with approval. "You may. But remember, leadership is more than giving orders. You must anticipate, react, and dominate. Otherwise…" His lips grazed hers briefly, a teasing promise of more. "…you will fail."
Her blush deepened, and she stepped back, biting her lower lip. "I won't fail you."
---
The morning passed in a blur of motion. Ye Tian tested the disciples' control over their abilities, observing their coordination, and executing subtle psychokinetic maneuvers to challenge their reflexes. He allowed a few small mistakes — enough to reinforce lessons — but the fear of failing him kept everyone sharp.
During a break, he called Lan Yuhua to his side. "Come closer," he murmured. She obeyed, and he leaned down, whispering against her ear. "You've done well… but remember, your strength is tied to your obedience to me."
She shivered, her voice barely above a whisper. "And if I… want more than obedience?"
Ye Tian's hand cupped her cheek, tilting her face up to his. His eyes burned with quiet intensity. "Then you'll earn it." With that, he kissed her fully, slow and possessive, leaving her breathless. She leaned into him, amber eyes closing in a mixture of embarrassment and desire, a hint that the nights together were growing more… intimate.
---
As dusk approached, Ye Tian summoned the hundred disciples to the main hall. "Today you have survived the trial of obedience. Tomorrow, we will begin specialization — assassinations, infiltration, espionage. Only those who can act without hesitation will thrive."
Jian Feng stepped forward, voice steady but filled with awe. "Master… we will not fail you."
Ye Tian allowed himself a rare smile. "Good. Because the shadows will obey no one but me… and my family."
Lan Yuhua moved closer, whispering softly, "I'm honored to serve you, Master… in more ways than one."
Ye Tian chuckled, pulling her into a gentle embrace. "And I am honored to have you by my side. Tonight… rest well. The night belongs to us — and to Nightshade Hall."
As the sun set behind the mountains, casting long shadows over the hall, Ye Tian allowed himself a moment of quiet reflection. Six hundred had entered the Poison Gourd Trial. Only one hundred survived. And those one hundred would become the foundation of his empire — trained, loyal, and unstoppable.
His hands brushed over Lan Yuhua's, fingers intertwining. "Soon… everyone will know what it means to face the night. And you… will always be mine."
She blushed, leaning closer. "Always… Master."
And under the shroud of twilight, with shadows stretching long across the training grounds, Nightshade Hall solidified its power — a fortress of obedience, fear, and devotion. Ye Tian's rule had begun, and nothing would stand against him.
AUTHOR'S NOTE:- Introduction finishes here now.Start of the first main arc from now on , entering the main story.