The morning sun cast golden hues over Wudang's towering peaks, the crisp mountain air carrying a sense of quiet urgency.

  Juwon strode toward the grand conference hall, his mind already preparing for the mission ahead. Zhang Taichen had summoned him, along with the head elders, to finalize the details of their departure to Qinghai.

  Stepping inside, he was greeted by the imposing presence of Wudang’s highest-ranking figures. Sect Leader Zhang Taichen sat at the head of the room, his usual relaxed demeanor replaced by a look of contemplation. Beside him, the Pavilion Masters of Wudang, each a formidable force in their own right, listened intently as the discussion began.

  Zhang Taichen tapped the armrest of his chair. Zhang Taichen leaned forward, his fingers drumming against the polished wood of the conference table. "The situation in Qinghai is spiraling faster than we anticipated. The Kunlun Sect has called for a Wulin Summit. That alone is an anomaly—we all know Kunlun has avoided external affairs for centuries. If they’re reaching out now, the threat must be dire."

  Elder Shen Mu scoffed, adjusting his robes. "And how, exactly, do we know this isn’t a ploy? Kunlun operates in shadows. They guard their secrets as fiercely as we do ours. What proof do we have that this isn’t just another attempt to manipulate the martial world?"

  Elder Wang Jianhong, pavilion master of the Heavenly Sword Pavilion sighed. "Paranoia will not serve us here, Shen Mu. The resurgence of Qi, the sudden emergence of Divine Beasts—these are not mere coincidences. Something is disrupting the balance. If Hei Long is behind this, we cannot afford to ignore it."

  Zhang Taichen nodded. "Precisely. That is why Wudang will be officially attending the Wulin Summit. However, an official presence is not enough. We need people in the shadows, uncovering what lies beneath."

  The gathered elders exchanged glances. Elder Wang Jianhong, ever composed, stroked his beard thoughtfully. "A covert team… That is a wise decision. Who do you have in mind?"

  Zhang Taichen’s gaze swept over the room before settling on Juwon. "I will be assembling a secondary force—one separate from the main delegation. Core disciples from each pavilion will accompany Juwon. Their mission will be twofold: First, confirm whether Hei Long is truly affiliated with the demonic cult and uncover their objectives. Second, we must ensure that none of the sects within the Martial Alliance have already fallen under their influence."

  Shen Mu’s sharp laugh cut through the room. " Haha And let me guess—this is where Juwon comes in? You expect me to simply hand over one of my best core disciples to follow him? Juwon, talented as he is, remains an outsider to our sect. You cannot expect loyalty from men who do not recognize him as their leader.".

  Elder Wang Jianhong spoke before Juwon could. "That is a fair concern. Strength alone does not equate to leadership. However, if he proves himself, then even Phantom Shadow Pavilion disciples will have no choice but to acknowledge him."

  Juwon smirked, leaning back slightly. "Then let them recognize me." His voice carried a quiet confidence, unfazed by Shen Mu’s skepticism. "I don’t need blind loyalty. I need people who can think for themselves and adapt. We’re not walking into Qinghai as Wudang disciples. We’re going as investigators—and survivors."

  Shen Mu’s gaze sharpened. "Big words, but words alone do not lead warriors into battle. Why should my disciples trust you?"

  Juwon met his gaze evenly. "Because when the time comes, I won’t be asking them to trust me. I’ll be proving that I’m worth following."

  A brief silence followed.

  Then, Elder Mo Xinghe of the Supreme Harmony Pavilion chuckled, stroking his long beard. "Haha Interesting. You remind me of a young Taichen."

  Sect Leader sent out a faint cough, "The Kunlun Sect’s distress call was unprecedented. If they are calling for a Wulin Summit, then we must assume the threat is real. The official delegation, including myself and the head elders, will attend as representatives of Wudang.”

  The elders nodded in understanding, but Taichen continued, his gaze shifting toward Juwon. “However, we cannot rely on official channels alone. We must ensure we are not walking into a trap. That is why we are sending a second, covert team.”

  Juwon leaned forward slightly, listening.

  “Core disciples from each pavilion will accompany you,” Zhang Taichen continued, his gaze sweeping across the gathered elders. "Which means powerful warriors will accompany you. However, you must build up your own strength and prove yourself in this mission. If push comes to the shove, it would be up to the disciples if they want to follow you or abandon, you"

  Juwon nodded. “Understood.”

  Shen Mu’s fingers drummed against the table; his dissatisfaction barely concealed. "The Phantom Shadow Pavilion is not in the habit of sending its finest to be commanded by outsiders," he said, his tone edged with steel. "If my disciple is to accompany this mission, I expect assurances that he will not be treated as a mere subordinate."

  Zhang Taichen gave a knowing smirk. "A mission like this does not require formal leadership. It requires capability. If Juwon proves his strength, they will follow. If he does not, they will make their own decisions. Isn’t that how your pavilion operates, Shen Mu?"

  The elder scoffed but did not argue further. The other pavilion masters, watching the exchange, seemed to silently accept the arrangement, though a few exchanged wary glances.

  Just as the meeting was concluding, a commotion echoed from outside the hall.

  The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

  A voice—frustrated and persistent—arguing with a guard.

  “I need to see brother Juwon! Let me through!”

  The entire hall turned toward the disturbance, some elders raising their brows at the audacity of the interruption. A junior disciple rushed in, bowing hastily before speaking.

  "Sect Leader… there is a man outside demanding to see Senior Brother Juwon."

  Juwon’s brow furrowed at the familiar voice. He turned toward the entrance and found none other than Lin Feng, dressed in travel-worn clothes, waving off a Wudang guard trying to push him back.

  Juwon smirked, shaking his head. “He’s with me.”

  The guard hesitated but stepped aside, and Lin Feng rushed forward. His expression was an odd mix of relief and frustration. “Brother Juwon! You’re really here!”

  Juwon chuckled. Juwon smirked, arms crossed. "Where else would I be, little brother? You look like you ran across half the mountain just to find me."

  Lin Feng exhaled sharply. “I heard you were leaving Wudang" Lin Feng took a deep breath, his eyes filled with resolve. "Let me go with you. Whatever happens, I won’t slow you down."

  Juwon’s smirk faded, replaced by a look of quiet seriousness. "No."

  Lin Feng clenched his fists, his jaw tightening. "Why not? I don’t want to just stand around anymore!". Let me come with you.”

  Juwon’s smirk faded. “No.”

  Lin Feng clenched his fists. “Why not? I won’t slow you down!”

  Juwon sighed. “This isn’t a merchant’s errand, Lin Feng. This is the path of a martial artist. It’s dangerous.”

  “Brother Juwon… Then I will follow the path of a martial artist!” His forehead nearly touched the ground as his knuckles pressed against the stone floor. “I refuse to stay weak! I refuse to live knowing that if you hadn’t been there, I would have lost everything!”

  Silence fell over the hall. The elders exchanged glances, some indifferent, others intrigued. But Lin Feng didn’t care about them—his gaze was locked solely on Juwon, eyes burning with unshakable resolve.

  “I don’t care what it takes. I will follow this path, even if it kills me.”

  The weight of his words lingered in the air. For a moment, even Juwon was caught off guard by the sheer intensity of Lin Feng’s determination.

  Juwon hesitated. He had seen determination in Lin Feng’s eyes before, but this time, it was different. This wasn’t desperation—it was conviction. Still, without a foundation in Qi cultivation, Lin Feng would never survive.

  He turned toward Sect Leader Zhang Taichen, wordlessly asking for his input.

  Zhang Taichen’s gaze darkened in thought. After a moment, he called out, “Summon Physician Bai.”

  A disciple rushed out of the hall. The other Pavilion Masters, having settled the matters of Qinghai, began to take their leave, uninterested in the affairs of an outsider.

  Only Mo Xinghe and the Sect Leader remained, their expressions unreadable as Lin Feng remained kneeling before Juwon.

  Moments later, Physician Bai entered, his hands folded behind his back. His gaze flickered toward Lin Feng, recognizing him immediately, but he said nothing.

  “Sit in a lotus position, we will have to check if you are suited for martial arts” Bai ordered, his voice calm but firm. Lin Feng obeyed, steadying his breath as the physician knelt behind him.

  Placing a palm on Lin Feng’s back, Bai closed his eyes, his Qi gently flowing into Lin Feng’s meridians. At first, everything seemed normal—until he reached Lin Feng’s core.

  Bai’s eyes snapped open, his breath hitching. His hand trembled slightly, his brows furrowing deeper with every passing second.

  “This… this is impossible…” Bai murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

  “Impossible… This boy’s meridians should have collapsed long ago!” Bai muttered. “His body is flooded with Yin Qi, far beyond what any normal person should be able to handle… and yet, he is completely stable. "Ive only heard about this in legends"

  Juwon’s gaze sharpened. “What do you mean?”

  Bai slowly withdrew his hand, staring at Lin Feng as if seeing him for the first time. Then, in a voice edged with disbelief, he spoke:

  “He is a True Yin Vessel.”

  The room fell silent. Even Zhang Taichen raised an eyebrow, while Elder Mo Xinghe, who had remained quiet until now, finally took a step forward.

  “A Perfect Yin Vessel Constitution…” Mo Xinghe murmured. "Are you sure elder Bai?"

  Elder Bai nodded.

  Mo Xinghe is in disbelief, “It has been centuries since one was last seen. And for a man to possess it?”

  Juwon folded his arms. “Someone please explain.”

  Bai exhaled. “Throughout history, certain individuals have been born with unique constitutions—bodies that resonate with Qi in ways that defy logic. Your own Perfect Martial Body is one such rarity.”

  Juwon’s eyes flickered with understanding.

  “A True Yin Vessel, however, is far rarer. It is a body that can generate, refine, and command Yin Qi effortlessly. Normally, men struggle to cultivate Yin techniques because their constitutions lean toward Yang energy. But Lin Feng… his Yin Qi is already flowing naturally. If he learns to control it…”

  Juwon grinned. “Then I’ll find him a martial art worthy of it in my travels.”

  “There is no need for that,” Mo Xinghe spoke, stepping forward. He turned to the Sect Leader, then dropped to one knee with his one palm meeting his other fist.

  “Esteemed Sect Leader, this elder wishes to take this fledgling as a disciple.”

  Lin Feng’s eyes widened, his breath catching. "So can i become a martial artist and help brother Juwon?"

  Juwon exhaled, his gaze flickering with a mix of surprise and amusement. "Looks like you were always meant for this path, little brother."

  Elder Bai, still stunned, murmured to himself, "A True Yin Vessel... It has been centuries since we’ve seen one. And for it to manifest in a man? This defies all understanding.". Zhang Taichen rubbed his chin, watching Mo Xinghe curiously. “You’re willing to personally train him?”

  Mo Xinghe nodded. “This boy’s constitution is both a gift and a curse. Yin energy can be powerful, but it is also corrosive—not just to the body, but to the mind. Without proper guidance, he could become cold, ruthless… emotionless. His body is fine due to his natural balance, but his resolve must be tested.”

  Zhang Taichen considered for a moment, then smirked. “I see. Then I assume you’re changing your plans, Elder Mo?”

  Mo Xinghe nodded. “I will not be attending the Wulin Summit. Instead, I will take Lin Feng far to the east, to the Icy Tianshan Mountains.”

  Juwon raised an eyebrow. “Why there?”

  Taichen’s smirk widened. “Because the Frozen Jade Palace was there. It was once home to a sect of women cultivators who pushed Yin cultivation to the absolute extreme. Their teachings have long been lost, but perhaps…” He turned to Lin Feng. “You might find something useful in those ruins.”

  Lin Feng hesitated. “But… I want to go with brother Juwon.”

  Juwon sighed, placing a hand on Lin Feng’s shoulder, a rare warmth in his expression. "You have a long road ahead, little brother. But if you survive this, if you endure it… I’ll be waiting for you.". “But not yet. You’re not ready.”

  Lin Feng clenched his fists but slowly nodded. “Then I’ll train. I’ll grow strong. And when the time comes, I’ll stand beside you.”

  Juwon grinned. “I’ll hold you to that.”

  The two clasped forearms, a silent promise passing between them.

  Zhang Taichen waved them off. “You’ll leave tomorrow. Mo Xinghe will teach you the basics on the way.”

  Juwon exhaled as he watched Lin Feng step back, determination burning in his eyes. Their paths were diverging, but he knew one thing for certain—one day, they would stand side by side again, not as a merchant and a warrior, but as brothers in arms.. Their paths were separating, but he had no doubt—one day, they would cross again.