With the first rays of morning sunlight kissing the majestic peaks of Kunlun Mountain, the entire sect was bathed in a warm, golden glow. The bricks paved grounds sparkled as the dew evaporated, revealing a flurry of activity as the Outer Disciples set about their morning duties.

Their white shoes scraped against the stone paths as they scurried back and forth, brooms in hand, sweeping away the delicate cherry blossom petals that had fallen overnight like a pink, fragrant carpet.

"Watch your step there, Brother," an Outer Disciple warned as he deftly trimmed the unruly blades of wild grass encroaching on the walkways with a pair of shears. The soft snipping sounds joined the chorus of morning industry.

"Clean it properly!" The imperious command carried the unmistakable tone of one accustomed to being obeyed without question.

All eyes turned towards the source - an Official Disciple garbed in flowing white robes emblazoned with dark blue stripes. Though standing in the shallow creek bed, his presence seemed to loom larger than his physical stature.

With brisk, practiced movements, he meticulously brushed away any errant speck of grime or moss that clung to the smooth creek pebbles. Each small stone received his exacting attention as his sharp gaze roved over the industrious Outer Disciples.

"The other sects are coming to our sect," he called out again, his voice resonating with clipped authority. "How embarrassing it would be if they were the first to spot the ugly side of our sect!"

The Outer Disciples redoubled their efforts, scrambling to brush away every last speck of moss clinging tenaciously to the stone pillars flanking the sect's gate.

Yet then, an Outer Disciple paused to wipe a bead of sweat from his brow, leaving a smudge of dirt on his forehead as he turned to address the Official Disciple.

"Senior Brother, what about that side?" He nodded towards a rarely-visited area beyond the wooden bridge spanning the burbling creek. "Do we need to clean that courtyard too? I heard Senior Brother Ji lives there, so I think it's inappropriate?"

The Official Disciple's gaze followed the Junior's gesture, his brow furrowing .

A heavy silence hung in the air, punctuated only by the gentle splashing of the creek. At last, he spoke, his tone resolute. "Clean it too, but this time I will come with you."

With an effortless leap, he cleared the creek and strode purposefully towards Ji Wuye's abandoned courtyard.

...

Outer Disciples did not have the right to temporarily own or have their own courtyard or residence, except for the dormitory assigned by the sect.

Even those dormitories were not officially given to them, as it was common for roommates to switch.

However, this rule applied only to the same gender; the female and male dormitories were in separate locations. But what about the abandoned courtyard where Ji Wuye resided and had occupied for some time?

The question remained: why was Ji Wuye allowed to reside there, despite not having the right? The reason was simple: no Outer or Official Disciples intervened because Ji Wuye occupied the courtyard, which otherwise served no purpose.

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However, with the upcoming event, a gathering of all forces, every place and courtyard would be needed for guests, including Ji Wuye’s courtyard.

…

The usual quiet tranquility of Ji Wuye's courtyard was shattered by the impending arrival of the Official Disciple and his subordinate.

As they approached, pushing open the remnants of a once broken wooden gate that had been meticulously repaired, the Outer Disciple's eyes widened in disbelief.

"W-what is this?" he stammered, struggling to make sense of the scene before him.

Boulders of varying sizes lined the perimeter, arranged with an almost artistic precision. Piles of neatly stacked logs completed the unusual decor, their bark stripped away to reveal the pale, smooth surfaces beneath.

Every chi of the courtyard had been tended to with an almost obsessive care - not a single blade of overgrown weed or patch of moss marred the impeccably swept ground.

Even the bamboo tiles adorning the roofs appeared newly replaced, their golden hues gleaming in the morning light.

The Outer Disciple turned to his Senior Brother with a bewildered expression. "This looks so clean, I feel like—"

His words trailed off as he took in the peculiar sight of the Official Disciple stroking his chin contemplatively, the hint of an enigmatic smile playing across his lips.

"Umm, Senior Brother?" the Junior prompted uncertainly.

"Interesting..." the Official Disciple mused, his gaze sweeping over the boulders and logs that seemed so out of place in the meticulously maintained space. "Using boulders and logs? The Wudang style of training?"

He let the rhetorical question linger for a moment before shaking his head dismissively. "Well, forget about this. I shall talk to the Elder."

With that, he turned on his heel and strode away, leaving a thoroughly perplexed Outer Disciple gaping at the inexplicable scene before him.

…

While the Kunlun sect bustled with preparations to host the imminent gathering of martial forces from across the land, the other parties were likewise making their own arrangements.

In one distant courtyard, an ornate horse-drawn carriage stood at the ready, its gleaming lacquered exterior a stark contrast against the humble surroundings. A cluster of lightly-armored martial artists had assembled, awaiting final instructions.

From an archway draped with richly embroidered silk panels emerged a regal figure - a middle-aged woman whose snowy white tresses belied the youthful radiance of her fair features.

Elegant in a flowing white hanfu, she addressed the group softly with affection.

"Take care on your journey, Luo'er," she intoned, her voice resonant with paternal concern. "Also, remember to bring back a force. Our clan is indeed in need of their reinforcement."

The words were directed at a young woman, no more than eighteen, who stepped forward with a deferential nod.

A gauzy veil partially obscured her face, yet could not conceal the striking blend of blue and brown that colored her unique eyes. Like her mother, her hair was an immaculate white, flowing unbound down her back.

"Of course, mother," she spoke and then swept into the carriage.

...

While the Kunlun and others made their preparations, high in the remote mountain ranges, another formidable force was stirring.

Here, ancient temples perched precariously atop sheer cliff faces, their gilded roofs piercing through the swirling mists like golden talons. The air was thick with the heady aromas of incense and the low murmur of mantras.

Amid this sanctified setting, a group of monks clad in kasaya robes had gathered, their shaven heads bowed as they surrounded one of their own - a towering figure whose muscular frame seemed at odds with his humble vestments.

Though his features were obscured by the shadows cast from the overhanging eaves, an aura of quiet strength emanated from his very being.

"Amitabha, Buddha is merciful," intoned one of the elder monks, his deeply lined face serene as he raised a gnarled hand in blessing. "I hope Little Shao brings good news to us."

The other monks hummed in solemn agreement, their expressions equally tranquil despite the rugged cut of their features.

Though their builds suggested a life of arduous physical exertion, their eyes remained closed in meditative repose as if enveloping the young monk in a collective mantra for his safety.

"Thank you for the blessing, Shifu," Little Shao replied, his rich baritone reverberating with profound gratitude as he bowed deeply.

…

Elsewhere, preparations were also underway at the famed Wudang Mountains - a realm where the most elite martial artists honed their deadly skills amid the mist-shrouded crags.

A contingent of disciples, forgoing any conveyance, was about to depart for Kunlun when an Elder emerged from the hazy distance.

"Greetings, Elder," the five disciples chorused, cupping their hands in a respectful salute.

The Elder's rheumy eyes swept over them with an appraising look before he gave a curt nod of acknowledgment. Yet his expression quickly soured into a scowl of disdain.

"You fools," he rasped, his voice like gravel tumbling down a mountainside. "Do you think you can handle this on your own? Did you forget or disrespect me?"

The disciples exchanged bewildered glances.

"But Elder, are you sure you want to come with us instead of using a carriage?" he ventured cautiously.

"Please reconsider your decision, Elder," another chimed in with equal trepidation. "You are not young anymore!"

Their words carried the unmistakable lilt of genuine concern, sparking a conflicted flicker in the Elder's eyes.

For a fleeting moment, his stern mask wavered, betraying a glimmer of gratitude amidst the furrowed brow of exasperation. These reckless disciples may try his patience, but their solicitous regard was not lost on him.

Finally, he relented with a huff. "Fine then! But you need to come with me!"