Reincarnation of the Celestial Bastard

Chapter 47: Shadows of the Rogue Path

Li Tian stood at the edge of a cliff, gazing out over the vast wilderness. His heart raced with anticipation as the weight of his destiny pressed down on him. The world was vast, filled with dangerous cultivators, mysterious sects, and ancient powers. But none of that worried him. He was ready for whatever came next.

His system chimed in.

[Mission Update: Unravel the Mystery of the Eastern Wilderness. Objective: Defeat three powerful rogue cultivators.]

He grinned, eyes narrowing with excitement. Finally, something to sink his teeth into. He hadn't had a good fight since the tournament, and the hunger for battle was building.

With a surge of qi, he propelled himself forward, soaring through the skies towards his destination. The wind roared in his ears, and the landscape below blurred as he traveled at lightning speed. It wasn't long before he sensed the presence of his first target.

The rogue cultivator stood atop a rocky plateau, his black robes fluttering in the wind. His eyes glowed with a sinister light as he noticed Li Tian approaching. Without hesitation, the rogue unleashed a barrage of black flames toward him.

Li Tian smirked, weaving effortlessly between the flames with a series of quick, fluid movements. As he landed on the ground, he summoned his qi, forming an intricate shield that absorbed the remaining attacks. The air around him crackled with energy.

"You must be the infamous Li Tian," the rogue sneered. "I've heard tales of your strength, but let's see if they're true."

Li Tian chuckled. "You'll find out soon enough."

Without waiting for a response, he charged forward, fists blazing with raw energy. The rogue cultivator raised his arms to block, but Li Tian was too fast. His fist slammed into the rogue's gut, sending him flying backward. The ground shook from the impact, and a cloud of dust rose into the air.

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[System Analysis: Opponent severely weakened. Strike now for maximum efficiency.]

Li Tian didn't need any more encouragement. In an instant, he was upon the rogue again, delivering a series of lightning-fast blows to his chest and head. Each hit reverberated through the rogue's body, until finally, with one last powerful strike, Li Tian sent him crashing into the rocks below.

The rogue didn't get up.

[Mission Progress: One down, two to go.]

Li Tian wiped a bead of sweat from his forehead and set his sights on the next target. Time was of the essence, and he wasn't one to waste any.

Within moments, he found himself deep in a dense forest, the leaves rustling ominously above him. His senses were on high alert as he searched for the second rogue. This one was a woman, known for her mastery of illusion techniques. The air shimmered around him, distorting reality as he moved forward cautiously.

Out of nowhere, a sharp blade sliced through the air, aiming for his throat. Li Tian dodged just in time, spinning around to face his attacker. The rogue appeared before him, her figure flickering in and out of existence like a mirage.

"You're quick," she said, her voice echoing from every direction. "But can you keep up?"

Li Tian narrowed his eyes, focusing his qi. He knew this game. Illusionists relied on confusion and misdirection, but he had faced worse. Closing his eyes, he extended his spiritual sense, feeling the fluctuations in the air around him.

"There."

He moved in a blur, striking the rogue before she could vanish again. Her eyes widened in shock as his palm connected with her chest, sending her crashing to the ground.

[System Analysis: Opponent's illusions neutralized. Proceed with caution.]

She staggered to her feet, clutching her side, but it was already too late. With one swift motion, Li Tian unleashed a wave of energy that immobilized her. The fight was over.

[Mission Progress: Two down, one to go.]

Li Tian didn't hesitate. He launched himself back into the sky, heading toward the final target. The last rogue was rumored to be the strongest, a brute who had wiped out entire sects singlehandedly.

The sun was setting as Li Tian arrived at the rogue's stronghold—a massive fortress nestled deep within the mountains. The rogue, a towering figure clad in heavy armor, stood in the courtyard, waiting for him.

"You think you can take me on, boy?" the brute growled, his voice like thunder. "I'll crush you."

Li Tian smirked, his fingers flexing as he gathered his qi. "Let's see you try."

The brute charged at him with a roar, his fists shaking the very ground beneath them. But Li Tian was ready. He sidestepped the first attack, countering with a sharp strike to the brute's ribs. The rogue grunted in pain but quickly recovered, swinging a massive fist toward Li Tian's head.

Li Tian ducked, his movements fluid and precise. He was faster, more agile, and he knew it. With a series of rapid strikes, he targeted the rogue's weak points, slowly wearing him down.

[System Analysis: Opponent's defenses weakening. Fatal strike opportunity approaching.]

Seizing the moment, Li Tian summoned all his strength into one final blow. His fist connected with the rogue's chest, shattering his armor and sending him sprawling to the ground. The brute didn't move.

[Mission Complete: All targets eliminated. Reward: Shadow Step Technique unlocked.]

Li Tian stood over the fallen rogue, his chest heaving with exertion. The thrill of victory surged through him, but he knew this was only the beginning. There were greater challenges ahead, and he was more than ready for them.

He activated the new technique, feeling the surge of power it granted him. The shadows around him seemed to come alive, wrapping him in their embrace as he vanished from the battlefield.