[Location: Crimson Moon Sect – Execution Cliff]
Rain poured from the heavens, turning the jagged stone platform into a stage of ruin. Disciples gathered in silence, robes soaked, eyes filled with hatred, fear—or barely concealed excitement.
At the center knelt a young man, bound in black iron chains.
His once-white robes were shredded and stained crimson. His long hair, drenched and matted, clung to his face. Blood dripped down his chin, but he didn't tremble.
Ye Tianfeng.
He was once the pride of the Crimson Moon Sect.
Now he was condemned as a traitor.
> "The Heaven-Forging Manual... you stole it, didn't you?!"
> "Trash like you isn't worthy of a Heaven-grade technique!"
Mocking voices stabbed from the crowd like arrows. Yet Tianfeng's gaze remained low, his silence more defiant than any outburst.
A shadow stepped forward.
Elder Mo. Crimson-robed, eyes sharp as knives, lips curled in disdain.
> "Ye Tianfeng," Elder Mo announced coldly, "By the decree of the Sect Master, your cultivation shall be abolished. Let your death be a warning to all low-borns who overreach."
He raised his hand.
Lightning gathered—crackling with judgment.
A blinding bolt struck Ye Tianfeng's chest.
There was no scream. No final cry.
He simply collapsed backward, staring into the dark clouds as if they might answer him.
> "This world worships talent..."
"But what if I could engrave it?"
As death closed in, something ancient stirred within him.
A whisper—divine, ancient, eternal.
> [Heavenly Engraving Panel Activated.]
Talent Engraving System Booting...
User: Ye Tianfeng — Status: Critical
Initiating Emergency Protocol: Life Preservation Mode
A golden rune seared into the depths of his soul.
> New Feature Unlocked: Talent Scan (Locked)
Engraving Slot: 1/1
Initialization Complete
His body vanished in a burst of golden light.
---
[Location: Unknown Forest – Misty Hollow]
The scent of wet grass and ash filled his lungs.
Ye Tianfeng awoke with a gasp, heart pounding.
He clutched his chest.
No wound.
No pain.
Only a strange warmth pulsing beneath his skin.
> "I'm alive…?"
A translucent panel hovered before his eyes, glowing faintly in the air like a decree from the heavens.
---
🔹 [Heavenly Engraving Panel]
Talent Scan: Locked
Martial Archive: Empty
Engraving Slot: 1 / 1
Available Talent Detected: Minor Wind Affinity (Lv.1)
> Source: Injured Rogue Cultivator – 3 meters west
---
Ye Tianfeng turned his head.
A bloodied man crawled from the underbrush, veins glowing faintly with green qi. His eyes were wide with terror.
> "No… not like this…" the man gasped, clutching a dagger.
Tianfeng didn't hesitate.
He moved—one clean, precise strike.
The man collapsed.
> [Talent Engraved: Minor Wind Affinity]
[Martial Technique Acquired: Gale Step (Basic Movement Art)]
A breeze stirred around Tianfeng's body, light as breath.
The wind welcomed him.
He rose slowly, eyes sharp, expression unreadable.
For the first time since his fall… he smiled.
Cold. Focused.
> "They stripped me of my talent…"
> "Now I'll engrave theirs."
---
[End of Chapter 1]