white phantom

The water remained still—too still.

Bai Shen focused, stretching his senses as far as they could reach. The Blackwater Serpent was there, hiding beneath the rushing current, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

It was a patient hunter. It didn't need to rush. One mistake, one slip, and Bai Shen would be dragged into the depths and torn apart.

But Bai Shen was patient too.

His grip on his sword tightened. He listened.

The faintest ripple. The subtle change in pressure. There!

The serpent lunged, cutting through the water like a shadow. Its movements were silent, but Bai Shen felt the shift in the current. At the last second, he twisted his body, narrowly avoiding the fangs that snapped inches from his throat.

A splash echoed through the night as the serpent's body crashed back into the water.

Bai Shen exhaled slowly. This thing was fast.

But it wasn't invincible.

Phantom Echo - First Technique: Vibration Sense

He adjusted his stance, lowering his center of gravity. His sword hovered just above the water's surface, steady as a blade of grass in the wind.

Then, he did something strange—he closed his ears.

He ignored the sound of rushing water, silenced the distractions, and focused entirely on the tremors beneath his feet.

He could feel the way the serpent coiled itself, preparing for another strike.

He could sense the shift in weight as the beast adjusted its angle.

The moment it moved, Bai Shen struck first.

Slash!

His blade carved through the air, meeting the serpent mid-lunge. A sharp cry echoed as blood sprayed across the water. The creature thrashed violently, but Bai Shen didn't let up. He followed the vibrations, each movement precise, each strike cutting deeper.

The serpent tried to retreat, but Bai Shen wouldn't allow it.

With a final spin, he drove his sword through its skull, pinning it against the rocky riverbed. The beast convulsed once… then fell still.

Silence returned.

Bai Shen stood there, panting. His body ached, but his heart was steady. He had won.

But this was just the beginning.

The Night Shadow Sect was still out there. His enemies were far stronger than a mere serpent.

If he wanted revenge, he would need to be stronger.

Much stronger.

And so, as the blood of his first true kill washed away in the river, Bai Shen tightened his grip on his sword and continued his training.