In the secret chamber, the air was as thick as phlegm that refused to dissolve.
The two corpses still warm to the touch and the blood-soaked mess across the floor silently proclaimed the slaughter that had erupted only moments ago.
The shadowy figure stood there, its immense shadow nearly swallowing Han Yuchen whole.
The hand it had extended still hung in midair.
Han Yuchen knelt on one knee, gulping down breaths, his chest heaving violently like a young beast that had just survived a fight to the death.
His pale face was covered in fine beads of sweat. The madness and dominance in his eyes had yet to fully fade, but his body had already reached its limit.
That weak yet defiant appearance perfectly struck some point of excitement within the shadowy figure.
This was the kind of person I wanted.
Not some groveling lapdog, but a lone wolf with fangs, ambition, and faith in nothing but strength!
As long as someone like this was tempted with even greater power, they could become the sharpest blade!
"From today onward, you are an outer member of the Shadow Contract."
The shadowy figure withdrew its hand, its hoarse voice carrying a trace of undisguised admiration.
"Your codename will remain Chen Xing."
It was done.
The first step of going undercover had succeeded.
Han Yuchen felt utterly calm inside, but outwardly forced a weak yet fanatical smile.
Supporting himself against the wall, he staggered to his feet as though that attack had drained every last ounce of strength from him.
"Very good."
The shadowy figure was extremely satisfied with his condition.
It turned around and sat back down in the enormous blackwood chair, its entire body once again vanishing into the shadows.
"Since you are now one of us, your first mission has