The streets of the City of Blades were alive with the usual chaos—merchants shouting, travelers moving hurriedly, and the occasional clang of metal from wandering warriors. Ye Tian moved steadily through the crowd, his black cloak sweeping behind him. Lan Yuhua and Mu Qingyao stayed close, upright and confident, with Ye Xiuying trailing slightly, eyes wide at the sights.
Xiuying tugged at his sleeve. "Brother, look at that merchant!"
Ye Tian glanced at her briefly, then refocused, scanning the crowd for key figures using his system.
[System Scan Activated]
Boy – Name: Zheng Kai, Age: 16, Origin: Kun Clan, Talent: Hidden, Qi Potential: Moderate, Strength: Untrained, Personality: Proud, Determined
Ye Tian narrowed his eyes. "Interesting. Hidden potential. Pride, but also discipline that can be shaped."
Lan Yuhua looked at him quietly. "Who is he?"
"Someone worth noticing," Ye Tian replied simply.
---
Ahead, Zheng Kai worked in a small tavern, trying to keep order as some rowdy patrons argued. Ye Tian asked a nearby regular about him.
"He's Zheng Kai," the man whispered nervously. "Parents killed in a rebellion. He works here to survive."
Ye Tian observed carefully, his system confirming the boy's vital stats. "Not wasted. Willing to follow a stronger hand."
Lan Yuhua gave a small nod, standing upright. "Keep an eye on him."
---
A group of onlookers had gathered, murmuring among themselves as they watched Ye Tian approach.
"Why is someone so young being called the Nightlord?" one whispered.
"He has the Cursed Night Physique," another answered, voice low.
"Oh… so he's from the Ye Clan. That's one of the top three clans, right?"
"Yes… that explains it," a third remarked. "But why does everyone know he's the Nightlord? Weren't they supposed to be a secret force?"
"News has it," a man said cautiously, "his own clan spread it. So if they're ever killed, the blame can always be pinned on him."
The whispers traveled quickly, adding to the aura of fear and respect surrounding Ye Tian. Hands subtly reached for weapons, though none dared act.
---
Inside the tavern, Ye Tian subtly positioned shadow disciples around them. He noticed Zheng attempting to defend himself against a rough patron, lifting a crude spear. With a slight gesture, Ye Tian's psychokinesis stopped the weapon mid-air.
"Your strength is wasted here," Ye Tian said. "Follow me, and you'll learn control, loyalty, and purpose."
Zheng's eyes widened. "You… you're the Nightlord?"
"Yes," Ye Tian said. "And you have a choice—grow with me, or be forgotten."
Zheng swallowed hard but nodded, pride mixing with relief.
---
Later, Ye Xiuying tugged gently at his sleeve. "Brother… you've been drinking again. Limit it, okay?"
Ye Tian looked down at her and smiled faintly. "I will. Don't worry."
Lan Yuhua and Mu Qingyao watched quietly, upright but attentive. The bond between them was steady, intimate without being excessive.
As night fell, the tavern murmured with awe at the young Nightlord's presence. Zheng had begun a journey that would tie him to Ye Tian and Nightshade Hall forever.