The halls of Wudang were quieter than usual. Though the sun had barely risen, Juwon sat cross-legged in his chamber, his breathing steady as he circulated his Qi.

  His cultivation had become instinctual, woven into his daily routine. After weeks of refinement, he could feel it—his Qi had deepened, his core stabilizing as he quietly stepped into the Third Layer of Foundation Establishment—still within the early stage, but steadily progressing. He wasn’t chasing power in this moment—only ensuring his foundation remained unwavering. With the mission ahead, his strength had to be absolute.

  A knock at the door interrupted his meditation. Rising to his feet, he opened it to find a junior disciple bowing respectfully. “Senior Brother Juwon, the Sect Leader has summoned you to the main hall.”

  Juwon nodded. “I’ll be there shortly.”

  The grand hall of Wudang was filled with an air of solemnity. Zhang Taichen stood at the center, his presence commanding as always, while the Pavilion Masters took their seats. Only a handful of elders remained, making it clear that this meeting was not for all ears.

  Juwon’s gaze swept over the assembled disciples, taking in their expressions as Zhang Taichen introduced each of them. They stood with distinct presences, their uniforms embroidered with symbols representing their Pavilion’s philosophy.

  Luo Qing (Early Core Formation, 3rd Layer) – Phantom Shadow Pavilion

  His black robes hung loosely, shifting unnaturally with his every movement, as if he were always fading into the background. A silver-threaded serpent coiled near the hem of his sleeves, fangs bared as if ready to strike. His sharp blue eyes flickered with quiet amusement, his silver-streaked black hair falling lazily over his face. He leaned against a pillar, smirking. "So this is who we’re following? An outsider? A guest? A… tourist?"

  Yan Huai (Mid Core Formation, 2nd Layer) – Stormbringer Pavilion

  His scarred hands rested on the hilt of his glaive, a weapon as tall as he was. The golden eagle emblazoned on his chest seemed to spread its wings as he shifted. His long red hair, tied into a warrior’s braid, gave him the air of someone always on the move, never at rest. He gave Juwon a curt nod—not out of respect, but as an unspoken challenge.

  Xu Weishan (Mid Core Formation, 5th Layer) – Ironclad Pavilion

  A living fortress. His bronzed skin looked tough enough to crack stone, his muscular arms crossed over his chest like an immovable wall. His robe’s sleeves were short, exposing forearms wrapped in thick iron bracers, and on his back, a roaring black tiger was embroidered, caught mid-leap. He said nothing, his stance alone carrying his thoughts: Prove yourself, or get out of my way.

  Bai Xueling (Early Core Formation, 3rd Layer) – Supreme Harmony Pavilion

  Her pale-blue robes flowed seamlessly, as if the wind itself adjusted for her presence. The delicate white crane woven into her collar stood in stillness, much like her. Her silver eyes carried no hostility, just quiet calculation, as if she were already judging every possible outcome before Juwon had even spoken.

  Zhen Yu (Early Core Formation, 4th Layer) – Heavenly Sword Pavilion

  His long, dark blue hair cascaded neatly over his pristine white robes lined with golden trim. A soaring azure dragon was embroidered near the hem, its scales stitched with masterful precision—pristine, like it had never known battle. His piercing green eyes held no emotion, but his fingers twitched subtly near the hilt of his sword, as if always expecting a reason to draw.

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  Juwon exhaled slightly. So even in Wudang, beasts fought for dominance.

  Zhang Taichen tapped the table, his gaze sharp. “The Wulin Summit is in two months. Officially, Wudang’s delegation will attend, as we always do. However—” he leaned forward slightly, “—you all know better than to take this at face value.

  The government monitors these summits, ensuring that no sects unite against them. That is their stated purpose.”

  Elder Huang Long exhaled through his nose. “And their true purpose?”

  Taichen’s fingers tapped again. “We suspect corruption. Hei Long’s influence within the political world is growing. If they have their hands inside the summit as well, they could use it to further their own power.

  That is why Juwon and his group are being sent to Qinghai—not just to investigate Hei Long’s activities, but to determine just how far this corruption spreads.”

  Juwon folded his arms. “So we’re not just watching Hei Long. We’re watching the government.”

  Taichen smirked slightly. “Precisely.”

  Bai Xueling’s silver eyes flickered with thought. “If we do find evidence of their involvement, what then?”

  “First, report it! Then We act accordingly,” Taichen said simply. “But first, you must confirm it.”

  Luo Qing sighed loudly, leaning against a pillar. “Great. And how exactly are we supposed to get to Qinghai without alerting every damn eye in the sky? Flights are monitored. Even civilian travel is restricted in some places.”

  Taichen nodded. “Hei Long controls large portions of Qinghai’s airspace. Their private facilities are spread throughout the mountains, and unauthorized flights risk immediate detection. The government’s security network only makes things worse.”

  Yan Huai scoffed. “So we drive? That’s still a seventeen-hour trip.”

  “Longer,” Taichen corrected. “Because your vehicles will have altered registration. Civilians will see you as private contractors.

  Avoid government checkpoints if possible—any delay could alert Hei Long."You’ll make multiple stops—intelligence gathering, resource acquisition, and” his gaze flicked toward Juwon, “opportunities for growth.”

  Juwon raised a brow. “You want us to get stronger along the way?”

  Xu Weishan, ever silent, finally spoke, his deep voice steady. “You want us to make this journey meaningful, not just strategic.”

  “Exactly.”

  A brief silence settled over the room before Zhen Yu crossed his arms. “And what about our mission in Hei Long’s research facility of Qinghai? Are we expected to raid it?”

  Taichen smirked. “No. That would be reckless. Your mission is to observe, infiltrate, and gather intelligence. We have marked several Hei Long locations along your path.

  Some are factories, others research centers, and one in particular—a hidden facility deep in the mountains—is our primary concern. If we are correct, it could hold the key to understanding their true purpose.”

  Luo Qing’s gaze sharpened slightly. “And what do we do if we find demonic cult disciples inside?”

  The room fell silent for a moment before Taichen spoke. “If they are indeed affiliated with the demonic cult, then they are our enemy. You will deal with them as necessary.”

  A low hum of acknowledgment passed through the disciples. Juwon remained still, processing the weight of their task.

  Then, Taichen pulled something from beneath the table—a sleek, black bulletproof vest. He tossed it to Juwon, who caught it with a raised brow. “You’ll be needing this.”

  Juwon looked at the vest, then back at Taichen. “Expecting an ambush?”

  “No,” Taichen said. “But you are still in the Foundation Establishment Realm. Bullets can kill you.”

  Juwon blinked. “Excuse me?”

  The Sect Leader’s expression remained neutral. “Once a cultivator reaches the Core Formation Realm, their body becomes naturally resistant to small firearms. Bullets may slow them down, but they won’t be fatal. Nascent Soul cultivators? Unless you have high-caliber explosives or specialized anti-cultivator weaponry, modern firearms are useless against them.”

  Juwon turned the vest over in his hands. “And yet, I’m not Core Formation.”

  Taichen nodded. “Exactly. Until then, I suggest you keep this on.”

  Juwon smirked slightly but slid the vest under his robes without argument.

  “Now,” Taichen said, “you have your mission. Do not waste this opportunity. Your first vehicle is on standby outside the sect gates.”

  With that, the meeting was concluded. The disciples gathered their gear, making final preparations for departure.

  With their plan in place, the group left the hall and gathered at the sect gates.

  “Be careful who you trust,” Taichen said one last time. “And Juwon—” his gaze sharpened. “Do not disappoint me.”

  Juwon gave a small nod, then turned to his team.

  “Let’s move.”

  And with that, they stepped into the unknown.

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