4 The Mysterious Encounter

Of course, the heavens would not wait as Lin Jian was drawn away from the mortal world. In an instant, his surroundings transformed, shifting from the bustling market around him to the vast expanse of deep space. As he blinked in disbelief, he found himself suspended amidst the endless cosmos. 

Amidst the inky blackness, a radiant figure appeared, a being of pure light. Its form was vaguely humanoid, but its luminous essence made it hard for Jian to focus on its features as it radiated an aura of immense power and authority. 

As Jian gazed upon this otherworldly being, he couldn't help but feel dwarfed by its presence. He sensed that this entity was far beyond his understanding, an existence that transcended mortal comprehension.

The radiant being spoke, its voice echoing through the cosmos like a gentle breeze. "You, mortal of the lower realms, why does your essence burn so brightly, yet your cultivation realm remains but a flickering ember?"

Jian was taken aback by the being's words. How did it know about his cultivation strength? And what did it mean by his essence burning brightly?

Unsure of how to respond, Jian cautiously replied, "I... I am but a humble cultivator, seeking to grow stronger. Who are you, and why have you brought me here?"

As Lin Jian inquired, "Who are you?" the radiant being remained silent for a moment, almost as if it hadn't heard the question at all. Its form flickered gently, as if contemplating its response.

However, instead of answering, it continued with its cryptic observations, "You possess an unusual essence, mortal. It is a fire that burns with intensity. Perhaps there is more to your journey than you yet comprehend. In time, you may find the answers you seek."

The deity's evasion left Jian even more perplexed. It was as if his question had fallen on deaf ears, and the being had its own enigmatic agenda.

And then, without a word spoken, the deity raised its hand, a gesture filled with otherworldly authority. In that instant, Jian felt himself being whisked away from the celestial expanse, returning to the realm he had known, with the deity's cryptic words and enigmatic agenda lingering in his thoughts.

Despite the overwhelming confusion and intrigue that had surrounded his encounter with the enigmatic deity, Lin Jian felt a newfound determination growing within him. He knew that, for now, the answers he sought were beyond his reach.

But he also understood that, in time, the truth would reveal itself. 

With a firm resolve, he turned his thoughts to his path of cultivation, focusing on the challenges and mysteries that lay ahead.

In the depths of his heart, he pledged that when the time truly came, when he had ascended to new heights in his cultivation journey, he would seek the answers he so desperately craved.

Suddenly though, Lin Jian had a thought. 

"Well then, system!"

Ding! 

"Tell me, what happened just now?"

Host,  #@#/ $%#@... 

<Error, System Info Blocked by #Unknown>

Lin Jian frowned, his curiosity growing stronger.

It was clear that there was more to the situation than met the eye, and he couldn't help but wonder about the mysterious forces at play. But for now, all he could do was to remain vigilant and prepared for whatever challenges lay ahead, both in his cultivation journey and in the quest for answers to the enigmas that surrounded him.

After a period of time, Lin Jian had returned to the streets near the sect, but he knew there would be trouble, especially when he crossed paths with the three inner disciples who had once made his life miserable. They hadn't recognized him yet, and he didn't intend to let them.

As he walked by, he overheard their arrogant laughter and mockery, he couldn't help but grit his teeth. These three had always thought themselves superior to others, relishing the torment they inflicted on weaker individuals. Today, they would learn that things had changed.

Li Wei, the leader of their group spot Lin Jian, as he shouted with mockery, "Oh? if it isn't the genius trash of the sect. Come here!"

The first inner disciple, Li Wei, lunged forward with a flicker of his index finger, releasing a surge of a sharp ray directed at Lin Jian. It was a shoddy technique meant to cause harm without killing.

His index finger, bathed in azure energy, released a blue ray. However, what was supposed to be a precise strike like Li Wei's turned into something far more potent, far more destructive. The beam intensified into a colossal force, no longer a mere qi piercing ray but a torrential surge of energy.

Before anyone could react, the unstoppable blue beam hit Li Wei, engulfing him in a blinding flash. He had no time to defend himself, his last words being a simple "Wha-" as the overwhelming power of Lin Jian's attack disintegrated him instantly. All that remained was a trace of ashes.

As the light subsided, Lin Jian stood there, his face a mix of shock and realization. His ruthless nature kept any guilt at bay, but he couldn't deny the immense strength he had accidentally unleashed. This was a force he had yet to fully comprehend.

Zhang Hua and Qian Yuan, who had been preparing to strike, watched in horror as their companion was obliterated.

Fear and disbelief washed over them, and they took a trembling step back, suddenly uncertain of the opponent they had so brazenly challenged as their cunning mouths let out words fitting that of a coward, "Lin Jian! How dare you kill Li Wei? We'll report you to the elders, they will definitely not let you go!"

The shameless brats continued while shivering in fear as their voices cracked, "But of course, if you just go away this won't be remembered!"

The brats said, their legs shivering as they suddenly made a run for it. 

But no, Lin Jian wasn't about to let them escape so easily. He watched their backs receding into the distance with an evil glint in his eyes and a wicked smile playing on his lips.

His voice, laced with malevolence, rang out through the air, chilling their hearts.

"Where do you think you're going?"

The words hung in the air like a death sentence, and they knew there was no escape from the ruthless cultivator who had unleashed such devastating power. Lin Jian took a step forward, his aura growing more menacing with each passing moment.

As they ran, Lin Jian quickly closed the gap between him and the fleeing inner disciples. With swift and precise movements, he seized Zhang Hua and Qian Yuan by the back of their heads, his grip firm and unyielding. Their futile struggles proved futile as he pinned them both to the ground with an unrelenting force. 

Lin Jian's voice was chilling as he whispered, "There's no one around, who will ever know?" His words hung in the air, laden with menace and darkness. 

With a cruel smile, Lin Jian raised his hand, fingers forming the familiar gesture. A dark, blue ray burst forth, instantly ending the lives of Zhang Hua and Qian Yuan. Their bodies went limp, their eyes devoid of life, and their tormenting presence silenced forever...