---
The moon hangs high. Jiang Chen sits cross-legged atop the Wind-Listening Cliff, the ancient site where sect legends say sword saints once meditated to "hear the voice of wind."
His sword rests in its sheath across his knees. The wind whispers past him—subtle, rhythmic. It begins to match his breath. Suddenly, he senses something stir within his dantian. The Whispering Veins Pulse begins to ripple.
> Breakthrough Condition Met: Whispering Veins Realm – Foundation Layer
He breathes slower. In his mind, sword qi flows like brushstrokes, not slashes. A new sensation forms—the idea that movement could cut more deeply than force.
Jiang Chen (inwardly):
"My sword isn't sharp because it cuts… it's sharp because it knows when not to."
A soft bell chimes behind him.
Elder Mei Ling (approaching quietly):
"Many warriors chase force. But clarity… clarity cuts deeper."
She sits beside him.
Elder Mei Ling:
"What you touched tonight—was the first layer of Echo Resonance. Only those with the Whispering Pulse can hear it."
---
In the central hall of the Inner Courtyard, a meeting of the Elder Council is underway. Instructor Mei, Elder Wei (a supporter of Lin Shaoyu), and others gather. The topic: Jiang Chen.
Elder Wei (skeptical):
"Too fast. No lineage, no backing, yet he defeats disciples three stages above. What if he's hiding something?"
Instructor Mei (stern):
"He's not hiding. He's climbing. And I see no reason to punish talent for being too real."
Elder Wei (coldly):
"The tournament must be fair. We suggest limiting him to sword arts only—no movement techniques."
Elder Mei Ling (entering quietly):
"Anyone who fears a rising sword is welcome to face it head-on."
The room falls into silence. Instructor Mei smirks.
Instructor Mei:
"We'll see if talent or politics win the second round."
---
The next morning, Jiang Chen walks through the Tea Pavilion Courtyard when a disciple from the Sword Union sect, Zhao Fei, blocks his path. Zhao is one of Lin Shaoyu's pawns—a brash mid-stage inner disciple wielding the "Ringing Wind Saber."
Zhao Fei (mocking):
"Jiang Chen! You like skipping stages, don't you? Let's see you dodge this."
Without warning, Zhao slashes at him, causing a loud gust of wind. Disciples gather quickly, sensing a public challenge.
*Jiang Chen moves once—just once. He doesn't even draw his blade. A flick of his wrist with the sheathed sword knocks the saber aside mid-swing.
Jiang Chen (calmly):
"If that was your strongest move, don't stand in my way."
Zhao glares and retreats. Lin Shaoyu watches from a distance, unreadable.
---
Back in his quarters, Jiang Chen examines his meridians. Something has begun happening inside his body—subtle currents are forming in his limbs.
> Whispering Veins Trait Activated – "Soundless Flow"
Internal qi now moves silently, with no pressure or energy leak.
Increases stealth, and makes his moves unreadable to those sensing qi.
He begins refining a new sword form—not from the scrolls, but from instinct.
> Form Developing: Whispering Form III – "Before the Thunder Falls"
A delayed strike technique. Sword qi remains suspended, then falls like lightning.
Ideal for overwhelming those who rely on speed or reaction.
---
That evening, Lin Shaoyu pays a personal visit, arriving at Jiang Chen's training platform with two disciples flanking him. He carries wine and a pleasant smile.
Lin Shaoyu:
"You've caused quite a stir, Brother Jiang. Fast rises attract shadows."
Jiang Chen (quietly):
"I thought I saw one behind you."
Lin Shaoyu (laughing):
"I like you. So I'll give you a warning. There are techniques… beyond cultivation. Like the one that buried your clan."
Jiang Chen's eyes narrow slightly. He says nothing, but his hand touches the hilt.
Lin Shaoyu (still smiling):
"Come to the second round. Show us all what a whisper sounds like when it becomes a storm."
He leaves without turning back.
---
After Lin leaves, Jiang Chen notices something left behind—a single black lotus petal, pressed beneath his wine cup. A subtle warning. A calling card of the Vermilion Shadow's Black Lotus Cell.
Jiang Chen (coldly):
"First they erased my clan. Now they want to erase the echoes."
---
End of Chapter 7