Duality of Shadows

It was early morning on a small trading planet in a solar system north of the Demon Eye galaxy. On this planet, any cultivator could enter without much inspection. And on that peaceful day, a human figure dressed flamboyantly, for the wrong reasons, descended smoothly over the largest city.

When the young human arrived, his eyes were drawn to an imposing tower with a giant symbol of a pill and a phoenix in the center. His eyes sparkled slightly with admiration at such grandeur.

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"Alchemists really make a lot of money. I think I picked the wrong profession…" Bruno murmured.

The tower stretched up to the clouds, so tall that its top was invisible. It was made of crystals that sparkled like a rainbow under the sunlight, creating a stunning spectacle.

Surrounding the main tower were 99 smaller towers, arranged like stars around the moon, forming a powerful visual effect.

This was just a trading city of the Phoenix Cry Sect, but it was already way more glorious and magnificent than the entire Yinblood Sect.

Weapons and pills were essential for cultivators, but while one or two powerful weapons were enough for a cultivator, pills were consumables, requiring a constant and infinite demand.

Alchemy was definitely much more lucrative, and no one wanted to be an enemy of an alchemist. This kind of privilege and wealth was enough to stifle countless other sects.

"Hey, kid, what are you doing with that suspicious look?"

The figure was at the entrance of the central tower, admiring its splendor, when a cold shout rang out.

Several soldiers, dressed in red with the Phoenix Cry Sect symbol, were guarding the entrance and found the human unpleasant to look at.

Naturally, the men expected to be more attractive than others. Alm and Bruno had definitely altered this human’s face. He wasn’t ugly now; he was tall and could be considered attractive.

After spending a long time with a robust appearance, Alm and Bruno, without even thinking, chose a new look. However, his clothes were tattered, and there was no grandeur around him. He didn’t look much better than a beggar.

"Please forgive me," the figure turned, speaking politely. "I’m actually the champion of the recruitment competition from the Eastern branch. I found a great opportunity with a mutant herb... time flew, and when I realized, six years had passed. I just got here now."

"Champion? Six years?" The soldiers’ expressions changed immediately. They were just workers, but talented alchemists were always rich. It was unexpected that this seemingly poor guy was really who he claimed to be. They couldn’t believe it.

"Please don’t mind my torn clothes. I’m bothering you to report that the champion of the Eastern branch competition, Raoni, has arrived. I hope you won’t laugh at me for this humble gift." Bruno said, handing over several small bottles, each filled with liquid.

"Soul Nurturing Dew?" The soldiers were surprised. They suspected this guy might be a con artist, but seeing this treasure immediately made them more confident in him.

Although it wasn’t something extravagant, the herbs needed to produce it were very rare, making it expensive. The item was in Raoni’s spatial ring, which he had found by chance during his adventures.

Seeing that this poor guy could pull something like that out, their opinion of him immediately rose several levels.

They quickly stashed the bottles. Seeing their experienced movements, Alm and Bruno knew they were specialists in accepting bribes. They probably received this kind of gift often.

One of the soldiers turned and entered the tower. Money could make even ghosts work; quickly, a middle-aged man was brought in. He looked at the handsome young man and asked:

"You say you’re the champion of the Eastern branch? Do you have any proof?"

Bruno handed a golden badge to the middle-aged man. "This is the identity badge I got for placing first in the competition."

"Come with me!" The middle-aged man’s expression softened a bit when he saw the badge.

Alm and Bruno followed him to a courtyard. After crossing two long corridors, they reached the main tower.

When they entered the main tower, they realized the interior was even larger than it appeared. There was a spatial formation present. Inside the tower, there was a lake with a beautiful island in the center, a scene worthy of a painting.

They had just stepped onto the green island when they saw two people standing not too far away. The middle-aged man signaled for the young man not to move.

"Reporting to High Elder Zemuo; they assured that no one approached the solar system," a voice sounded.

Alm and Bruno saw an elderly figure contorting his face in fury. It was precisely the High Elder who had destroyed Raoni’s planet.

They had many options; but with their divine souls, it wasn’t hard for Alm and Bruno to discover that Zemuo was on that planet. They had chosen to come precisely because they knew this.

The recruitment sites of the Phoenix Cry Sect were spread across several planets near the main sect. Annually, during one week, champions from the branches would present themselves to join the sect. An Elder in charge would direct them to the main sect, and this was an opportunity for the Elders to recruit new disciples and raise their status.

It was, coincidentally, the last day of the recruitment week. Zemuo, the High Elder, had probably used his influence to be present, determined to continue hunting Raoni.

Zemuo had been on this search for six years, and his frustration at not being able to find him in the vastness of the galaxy made him furious. For someone cunning and quick in a place as large as a galaxy and universe, it was easy to keep running forever.

"That damn... He’ll leave a trace eventually...!"

Zemuo growled, suddenly turning as he sensed the presence of two people nearby. They had been discussing such a secretive matter, but someone was eavesdropping. The murderous intent in the air became palpable.

"What are you doing here?!" the man beside Zemuo shouted in a severe tone.

"Reporting to the Tower Master, this person is…" the middle-aged man began to explain, sweating profusely. He was one of the heads of the Tower, and thus had the authority to bring the young man there. But he didn’t expect them to be discussing such confidential matters during the meeting.

When he realized it, it was too late. He couldn’t interrupt them, nor could he back away. He had no choice but to remain still and silent.

Under interrogation, he quickly reported everything he knew about the young man beside him, even handing over his identity badge.

For some reason, he didn’t mention his name. When the badge floated into the man’s hand, Zemuo saw the name engraved on it.

"RAONI! YOU DAMNED FOOL, how dare you play games with me?!" Zemuo’s expression turned into pure hatred, and he grabbed the young man as if he wanted to tear him apart right there.

Raoni, in turn, showed absolute panic. "I... I am Raoni, but you’ve got the wrong person! It must be a coincidence! Please, listen to me!"

"Hahaha, the audacity! You really think you can fool me with this nonsense?! Whether you’re him or not will be clear when I search your memories!"

Zemuo spat the words with contempt, a sinister smile forming on his face. It wasn’t surprising that he felt something familiar in this young man, a feeling that filled him with aversion.

Despite the different appearance and aura, something about this young man stirred an inexplicable repulsion in him. He then pointed a finger at the young man’s head.

Raoni’s body trembled violently. He didn’t stand a chance of resisting as Zemuo’s immense power invaded his body and soul, probing his memories.

At first, the High Elder’s expression was twisted with rage, but then he was shocked. As he delved deeper into the memories, his sinister smile began to fade.

"He... he really isn’t Raoni." Zemuo released the young man, disappointed.

He had finished inspecting the memories, seeing the young man’s entire past. This person really was who he claimed to be—a young man from a common planet who studied alchemy to the limit and won the competition; afterward, he found rumors about a mutant herb and spent years studying it.

Of course, all these memories were fake. Using divine soul power to create memories was a trivial task for Alm and Bruno. Even before mastering their divine souls, they could do this easily and deceive anyone.

The young man stood still, expressionless, as he "recovered" from the brutal invasion. His appearance matched exactly what someone who had suffered such a violation should show. Even a seasoned veteran like Zemuo was fooled.

After a few seconds, Raoni’s gaze steadied, but he quickly lowered his eyes, as if he didn’t dare to look directly at the High Elder.

Zemuo lightly nodded, touching his chin. The young man was clever, which pleased him. "He really has potential. His techniques are rudimentary, but the talent is there. If he follows orders, he could be molded into a true genius. I’ll take him with me."

Inside, Alm and Bruno smiled sinisterly. They could have gone to any of the recruitment points, but they chose this one specifically because this idiot was a great opportunity.

They altered Raoni’s appearance and aura, but not completely. They also kept the same name on purpose. The reason was simple: Zemuo’s hatred and relentless pursuit of vengeance meant that even after confirming this wasn’t the real Raoni, he still felt an instinctive rage around him.

Alm and Bruno had only a month to complete their mission. Becoming a newly recruited disciple in the sect wouldn’t be enough; they needed a powerful sponsor.

Zemuo, driven by hatred and the strong impression this young man made on him, even if it was something negative, was much more impactful than anything good.

His confusion combined with the young man’s talent seen in the forged memories led him to be manipulated by the sinister figures into recruiting him. Creating completely perfect lies was impossible, but crafting some that could withstand scrutiny for a short period was more than feasible.

Surely this old cunning fox was already planning some things for him. Saying he could be molded into a genius if he followed orders was a subtle red flag.

"I have no words to express my gratitude, High Elder! I’ll never forget your generosity and favor!" The young man feigned uncontrollable joy, bowing deeply.