The questions gnawed at him as he entered his room. Placing his sword carefully on its stand, he collapsed onto his bed. The exhaustion of the day weighed heavily on him, but sleep didn’t come easily. His thoughts drifted once more to Brother Shun—the warrior and martial artist he admired so deeply. Seeing him in such a state filled Wei with a frustration he couldn’t quite articulate.

In the quiet of his room, as the night deepened, Wei stared at the ceiling, lost in a swirl of uncertainty.

Cave Network in the far end of the northern mountains, Near Demonic Sect’s Blood Valley City,

The chilling air of the northern mountains swept through the cave system, its icy fingers brushing against the hardened faces of Elder Yang and his seasoned Mount Hua warriors. They had been waiting for over three hours, their patience wearing thin as the early morning sun began to peek through the jagged cracks in the rock walls. Elder Yang, wrapped in his heavy fur cloak, paced slowly near the entrance, his weathered face grim and set with purpose. His heart burned with a mix of anger and resolve. He wasn’t just here on a diplomatic mission—this was personal.

His grandson, Lu Shun, had been grievously injured due to the reckless actions of the demonic sect. Though the sect leader had sent a stern letter addressing the incident, words were insufficient. Elder Yang had chosen to handle the matter himself, unwilling to let the offense pass without consequence. The alliance between Mount Hua Sect and the Demonic Sect was necessary for their mutual rebellion against the Central Plains Empire, but this insult tested his limits.

The cave was vast, its dark, twisting passages a testament to the network of tunnels that honeycombed the northern mountains. No one had ever fully mapped these labyrinthine pathways, making it a perfect location for clandestine dealings. The flickering light from the warriors’ torches cast eerie shadows across the walls, adding an air of unease to the waiting party.

Finally, the sound of footsteps echoed from the depths of the cave. A group of twenty demonic sect warriors emerged, surrounding a striking figure at their center. Jinwo Yuan, the eldest son of the Supreme Leader of the Demonic Sect, walked forward with an air of authority. His fur-lined martial robe swayed with his movements, and his dark, piercing eyes scanned the Mount Hua warriors with disinterest. His sharp features and composed demeanor made it clear he was accustomed to command.

“You people have quite the sense of punctuality, don’t you?” Elder Yang said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

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Jinwo’s lips curled into a smirk. “It couldn’t be helped, Elder Yang. Blood Valley City has been in chaos for the past two days due to an unusual surge of aura that enveloped the entire city. It took time to restore order.”

Elder Yang scoffed, his patience already frayed. “An aura powerful enough to envelop an entire city? Spare me your fairytales. Even the strongest martial artists and mages in history couldn’t accomplish such a feat. The demonic sect seems to have grown more pathetic in their excuses since the last time we met.”

Jinwo’s smirk faded, replaced by a flash of irritation. “Believe it or not, old man, it’s the truth,” he retorted, his tone losing any pretense of politeness. “But I’m not here to argue over trivialities. State your purpose, and let us move on. I have more pressing matters to attend to.”

Elder Yang’s anger boiled over. “Trivialities? My grandson lies on the brink of death because of your underlings’ incompetence! And you have the gall to dismiss it as a mere trifle?”

Jinwo’s expression hardened. “I’ve already dealt with the fools who caused this. What more do you want? An apology?” He spread his arms mockingly. “Fine. I’m sorry. Does that suffice?”

“You insolent—” Elder Yang began, his hand moving instinctively toward his sword.

Jinwo cut him off, his voice cold and measured. “Enough theatrics, Elder Yang. Let’s not forget who needs whom in this arrangement. Your Mount Hua Sect depends on me to secure the First Prince’s throne and ensure your rebellion against Zhou Yongil succeeds. If I become the next Supreme Leader, it will be because of my strength and planning, not your sect’s charity.”

Elder Yang’s fury reached its peak. “You deluded brat! Do you think you can find another sect capable of assisting you? Mount Hua is the only force strong enough to stand against your father’s elite guards and the demonic clans loyal to him. You’re as arrogant as you are foolish.”

Before Jinwo could reply, a strange sensation washed over the cave. One by one, the demonic sect warriors began collapsing to the ground, their bodies succumbing to a mysterious force. Jinwo turned sharply toward Elder Yang, his face twisted in confusion and anger. “What is this? Some trick of yours, old man?”

Elder Yang remained still, his senses heightened as he channeled his Qi to protect himself. He quickly realized that the force wasn’t targeting him or his warriors—it was deliberate. Someone wanted him awake.

From the shadows of the deep cave emerged six figures. Four of them exuded a palpable energy Elder Yang immediately recognized as mana—mages. At the center of the group stood a young boy, no older than thirteen, with an aura that chilled Elder Yang to his core. The boy radiated demonic Qi, its intensity unnatural for someone so young. His sharp features and confident gait marked him as someone of importance.

The boy smiled, his youthful voice carrying an unsettling undertone. “Ah, Elder Yang. Don’t be alarmed. I’m not here to fight you. Let me introduce myself.” He paused, his smile widening. “I am Chaoxiang Yuan, the youngest son of Supreme Leader Guho Yuan of the Demonic Sect.”

Elder Yang’s eyes narrowed. This child was no ordinary figure. The tension in the cave thickened as he prepared himself for whatever this unexpected encounter would bring.

Jinwei Mansion, Blazing Dawn Sect, Gunghua Province,

The first light of dawn painted the snow-covered landscape of Gunghua Province in soft hues of gold and silver. The snow had begun to fall again, its gentle flakes drifting through the still air, adding to the pristine blanket covering the grounds of the Blazing Dawn Sect. Inside the Jinwei Mansion, Senior Edina stirred awake, the warmth of her bed cocooning her against the winter chill.

She stretched lazily, her delicate fingers brushing against the silk sheets as she reached for the letter placed on her bedside table.