The cold morning mist clung to the mountain path, wrapping the air in silence. Lin Fan moved like a phantom, his body lighter than air, every step echoing with unseen power.
He felt it—within his flesh, within his bones.
System Notification:
[Rebirth Count: 1]
[Power Amplification: 10x]
[New Passive Skill: Soul Perception]
[Temporary Title Unlocked: Revenant] — Your aura suppresses enemies one realm above you.
His cultivation had soared from Qi Tempering Stage 3 to Peak Qi Condensation, a leap that would take geniuses years—if not decades.
Yet all it cost him… was death.
Lin Fan clenched his fists. The power wasn't just strength—it was vengeance incarnate.
"Zhao Tian… the Sect Master… every single one of you who watched me die—"
"I'll make sure your screams echo through the heavens."
A rustle in the trees.
"Lin Fan?!"
Three silhouettes burst from the mist—outer sect disciples in Black Rain Sect robes. Their leader, Zhang Mu, stepped forward with a look of disbelief, followed quickly by hatred.
"We buried you! How are you—?!"
Lin Fan didn't answer. He stepped forward once.
The earth cracked under his foot.
Zhang Mu unsheathed his blade. "You think just showing up is enough to scare us? You were trash when you were alive—and now you're just a ghost without a grave!"
A ghost?
Perfect.
Skill Activated: Soul Perception.
He could feel their pulse. Their fear. Their hesitation.
And he struck.
With a flick of his hand, he vanished—appearing behind the third disciple in a blink. A single strike crushed the man's spine, his body folding like paper.
The second disciple screamed and turned to run.
Skill Triggered: Fear Dominance
Enemies below your power level suffer 40% agility reduction.
Lin Fan caught up in a heartbeat and drove his fist through the man's back. Blood painted the forest red.
Only Zhang Mu remained.
He staggered back. "You… you're not human anymore…"
Lin Fan raised his hand, the air pulsing with dark energy. "You're right."
Soulburn Punch – Activated
The ground exploded beneath Zhang Mu's feet as Lin Fan's fist connected with his chest, shattering ribs and caving his body inward. He collapsed, gurgling blood.
Lin Fan knelt beside him, whispering:
"I want you alive."
"Go tell Zhao Tian that I'm back."
"And I will make him die… slower than me."
Zhang Mu passed out before he could crawl away.
Lin Fan stood in the forest of blood and silence.
And for the first time since rebirth, he smiled.