Ascension of the Forsaken

Chapter 5: Encounter

After his breakthrough, Kael continued to move through the forest with steady strides, his body relaxed yet perfectly attuned to his surroundings. Every step he took was effortless, as though the world itself yielded to his presence. He could feel the Qi in the air shifting around him, responding instinctively to his movements.

The more he walked, the more he understood.

This world was alive with power.

His mind was extremely active, unraveling the very nature of the Qi around him. The energy wasn't simply floating in the air—it was part of a greater system, cycling through the environment, flowing in distinct currents like unseen rivers.

And if it flowed…

Then it could be controlled.

Kael's lips curled into a faint smirk. This world keeps getting more interesting.

But before he could dwell on it further—

Voices.

His steps slowed. His enhanced senses picked up the sound of movement ahead. Rustling foliage, the sharp scrape of boots against stone, the quiet murmur of conversation.

Kael's eyes sharpened.

Cultivators.

Without hesitation, he moved. His body blurred as he scaled a nearby tree in a single, silent motion, perching effortlessly on one of its thick branches. From this vantage point, he gazed down at the scene unfolding below.

Three men stood in a clearing, their robes marking them as disciples of a sect—though which one, he did not yet know. They were dressed in dark green, their clothing adorned with silver embroidery resembling coiling serpents.

They weren't alone.

A fourth figure knelt before them, his arms bound, his face bruised and bloodied. His robes were tattered, though Kael could make out faint traces of gold lining along the edges—clearly once belonging to someone of a more prestigious background.

The three standing cultivators were smirking, their expressions filled with arrogance and cruelty.

"This is a so-called 'genius' from the Golden Lotus Sect?" One of them sneered, prodding the kneeling man's chest with the tip of his boot. "Pathetic."

Kael watched, his expression unreadable.

Golden Lotus Sect. He hadn't heard of it before, but that meant nothing—his knowledge of this world was still expanding.

The kneeling man coughed, spitting blood onto the ground. His golden eyes, dim with pain, still burned with defiance.

"Kill me if you wish," he rasped. "But don't think your Serpent's Fang Sect won't pay for this."

Kael's gaze flickered. So that's who they are.

The three disciples of the Serpent's Fang Sect chuckled.

"Oh? And who will avenge you?" The tallest of them knelt beside him, gripping his chin roughly. "Your sect will not even be able to find your corpse after we are through with you. No one is coming to save you."

Kael exhaled softly, his fingers tapping against the branch beneath him. He contemplated on whether he should just observe as a bystander or actually do something about the current situation

He wasn't interested in saving people. He wasn't some hero, especially since the pain of the betrayal was still fresh.

But this situation…

There were benefits to be had if he played his cards well.

As he observed the disciples in the dark green robes he realized the aura radiating from them was slightly more potent than his, pointing to the fact that they were most likely  a stage above him

Normally this would mean they were stronger hence caution should be exercised but for someone of Kael"s talent they were simply weaklings wearing the skin of the strong.

Kael's smirk widened. Perfect stepping stones.

The disciple gripping the captive's chin sighed dramatically. "It's a shame to waste a talent like you. But we can't let someone from the Golden Lotus Sect live, now can we?"

He raised his hand, Qi surging at his fingertips, preparing to strike—

Then, in an instant—

BOOM!

Something exploded from above.

The Serpent's Fang disciples barely had time to react before a figure dropped from the trees like a thunderbolt, landing with earth-shaking force. The ground cracked beneath his feet, dust and leaves scattering in all directions.

Kael stood, his crimson eyes gleaming with amusement.

The three disciples stumbled backward, stunned by the sudden intrusion.

"Who the hell are you?!" one of them barked.

Kael rolled his shoulders lazily. "No one important."

He turned his gaze to the bound disciple. "But this one looks useful. you won't mind giving him to me, will you?"

The Serpent's Fang cultivators processed his words—then their faces twisted in rage.

"You dare interfere with the Serpent's Fang Sect?!"

Kael tilted his head. "Interfere?" His smirk deepened. "No, no. It's just that when i see something I want, I take it."

The three disciples exchanged glances, then sneered.

"Another fool with a death wish."

They attacked.

Kael sighed. Disappointing.

The first disciple charged, brandishing a curved blade wreathed in dark Qi. He moved fast—faster than a normal human should—but Kael had already seen everything.

.The moment the blade came within striking distance, Kael's body moved on its own.

He twisted, leaning slightly to the side—

His hand shot out—

And his fingers closed around the disciple's wrist.

CRACK!

Kael squeezed.

The sound of shattering bone filled the air.

The disciple screamed. His sword dropped uselessly to the ground.

Before the others could react, Kael ripped him forward, slamming his elbow into the man's chest with enough force to cave it in. and then

BOOM!

A brutal kick slammed into the face of the disciple crushing his skull.

The body flew, crashing against a tree and slumping lifelessly.

Silence.

The remaining two disciples froze.

Their 'comrade' had been killed in less than a breath.

Kael turned to them, his smirk widening.

"I hope you two last longer."

Their faces paled.

Kael took a single step forward—

And they ran.

Cowards.

Kael let them go.

He had no interest in chasing down trash.

Instead, he turned to the bound disciple, who stared at him with wide, disbelieving eyes.

"You…" The young man's voice was hoarse. "You… who are you?"

Kael knelt, untying his bindings with ease.

"Kael Varian," he said simply. "And you owe me."

The man swallowed, rubbing his bruised wrists. "…Jin Mu of the Golden Lotus Sect." He hesitated, then lowered his head. "I won't forget this."

Kael chuckled, rising to his feet. "Good."

He had no interest in meaningless alliances.

But useful people?

"You come with me". He said while preparing to depart.

As he stepped away, Jin Mu struggled to his feet, watching him carefully.

“Where are we going?”

Kael's smirk was sharp.

"To find something stronger to kill."