In the Blackcloud Forest,
'Ding,
The host's Special Talent [I am Your Killer] has been triggered.
'Ding,
The host has received 120 Life Points.
'Ding,
The host's Lifespan has been increased by 15 years.
'Ding,
The host's mastery of Shadow Steps has been slightly increased.
'Although I didn't get another Storage Ring, it is nice to receive extra Life Points and the increase in my Lifespan.'
Shadow Lee was completely devoured by the spirit beasts, and Ethan didn't bother to risk his life retrieving Lee's storage ring.
'With the Eternal Shadows on my back, I can't visit my parents yet.'
After learning about the [Eternal Shadow Guild] and the [Soul Whisper] effect, Ethan knew he was still in danger, and he didn't want to put his new parents in danger too.
"The main thing to do right now is return to Ironwood Town."
The safest place for him right now was Ironwood Town, which was under the control of the Skycloud Sect.
Hence, without wasting any time, Ethan used the Completion Stage [Shadow Steps] to return to Ironwood Town.
Of course, he covered his face before entering the town.
'System, status.'
After renting a room at an inn, Ethan checked his status.
'Ding,
Host Name: Ethan Kai.
Lifespan: 16/115.
Cultivation: Qi Refining Realm (Completion Stage).
Cultivation Technique: Cloud Grasping Art (Spark Stage), Shadow Steps (Completion Stage).
Cultivation Talents: None.
Special Talents: I am Your Killer.
Spirit Root: Chaotic Multi-Attribute Root (Fire, Water, Earth, Wind, and Metal).
Life Points: 117.
System Items: Revival Life Card.
Ethan spent 50 Life Points to buy the Killer Tracking Talisman because he felt he might need it in the future to find his killer.
How could Ethan let go of his killer? Not only to avenge his previous life but also to gain additional Lifespan, Life Points, and mastery of cultivation techniques.
'With my current cultivation, I can easily join a good Cultivation Family and slowly begin my new life.'
In this world, other than the Sects, there were Cultivation Families that recruited good seedlings every now and then.
Although they lacked the power and wealth of the great sects, cultivation families still held significant influence within their towns or villages.
Ethan, despite his impressive cultivation for his age, knew he couldn't join a sect. His pitiful spirit root would only invite unwanted scrutiny, and the sect might respond with suspicion or worse.
Seeking a safer path, Ethan decided to settle down by joining a cultivation family far from the reach of the Skycloud Sect.
'Before that, I have to find a solution to stop the [Eternal Shadow Guild] from hunting me,' Ethan thought grimly.
He had no idea who had hired the infamous guild to kill him, but that person was not his immediate concern.
What truly troubled him was the endless loop of assassins pursuing him—no matter how many he killed, another always followed, thanks to the special effect [Soul Whisper].
Thus, he decided to find a solution to sever his connection with the [Eternal Shadow Guild] and create a new identity before joining a cultivation family.
…..
Time continued to pass, and in a flash, nearly seven days had passed since he killed Shadow Lee.
During these seven days, Ethan occasionally left the inn but never ventured outside Ironwood Town.
He dedicated most of his time to thinking of a solution to end his toxic relationship with the [Eternal Shadow Guild] and eventually found a few.
'As long as one thinks properly, they can find a solution to any problem.'
After finding multiple solutions to his single problem, Ethan was in a good mood.
'Ding,
The host's [Godly Revival Ability] has come out of cooldown.'
The much-awaited system notification appeared in Ethan's head.
'Since the new assassin is already here, it is time to sever my connection with the Eternal Shadow Guild.'
Yesterday, while strolling through the market, he felt someone observing and even following him.
Without a doubt, Ethan could tell it was the new assassin who had already found him.
Since Ethan's revival ability was out of cooldown, he decided not to waste any more time and get done with the [Eternal Shadow Guild].
…..
Outside Ironwood Town,
'Swiish'
As soon as Ethan left Ironwood Town, he chose a particular direction and ran at an extremely high speed.
With a mastery of the Completion Stage in [Shadow Steps], even some Foundation Establishment Cultivators would find it hard to match his current speed.
'According to the map, it is around 150 kilometers from Ironwood Town.'
With his current speed, Ethan believed he could reach his desired location within three hours.
'Huh? His mastery over [Shadow Steps] has reached the Completion Stage.'
From a distance, a silhouette was watching Ethan and was shocked.
The silhouette belonged to none other than Shadow Lu, who had travelled over a thousand kilometers to track Ethan and had been silently observing him for the past few days.
Despite being a Foundation Establishment Cultivator, Shadow Lu understood his limitations in the face of the powerful Skycloud Sect. Within Ironwood Town, attacking Ethan would be tantamount to courting death, so he refrained from making any reckless moves.
Instead, he kept his distance, wary that Ethan might choose to remain within the safety of the town. However, the moment Ethan ventured beyond its borders, Shadow Lu began tailing him without urgency. After all, to him, dealing with a mere Qi Refining Cultivator was as simple as swatting a fly.
'Let's see where you are rushing to.'
Shadow Lu slowly followed Ethan, maintaining a proper distance.
'Swiish'
'Swiish'
As for Ethan, he pushed himself to his limits, running relentlessly for nearly three hours before finally stopping at the edge of a jagged cliff.
'This is the perfect place to escape from the daggers of the [Eternal Shadow Guild].'
Ethan took a break as he sat on the edge of the cliff and thought, 'Now, the rest depends on the assassin.'
'He really chose a good place to die.'
Looking at the sunset from the cliff, Shadow Lu smiled; however, he didn't act immediately and silently observed Ethan.
It was Shadow Lu's habit to be careful, even when dealing with weak targets, and that's how he had survived until now.
After waiting for a while, Shadow Lu finally stepped from the cover of the trees, his figure looming like an executioner.
"You've run far enough," he said coldly, his voice ice-cold, and continued, "But this is where it ends."
'Swiish'
As soon as he finished his words, Shadow Lu moved at lightning speed, intending to slash Ethan's neck in a single strike.