A thick mist enveloped the stone steps spiraling up to the mountain peak. Beyond the fog, the Xuandu Mountain Sect stood in majestic silence—a place where cultivators gathered and trained.
The peak of the mountain, where the Xuandu Sect was located, seemed hidden behind the clouds, as though separating the world of cultivators from that of ordinary humans.
Liu Xing Sheng dismounted from Liu Ye Rin's Flying Sword and walked slowly beside Zhao Feng Ying, passing the large wooden gate guarded by two bronze dragon statues. The scent of fresh grass and morning dew greeted his arrival.
Not far behind, Liu Ye Rin stopped and spoke. "Forgive me, Young Master, but we can escort you no further."
Liu Xing Sheng turned around, cupping his hands respectfully as he said, "Thank you for bringing us this far, Miss Liu. I will not forget your kindness."
Zhao Feng Ying also cupped his hands but offered only a simple thank-you. His expression had been sour since earlier, perhaps due to nerves from being near Liu Ye Rin and the two Tian Feng Sect members.
On the other hand, Liu Ye Rin and her companions gave a respectful bow before mounting their flying swords and leaving Liu Xing Sheng and Zhao Feng Ying behind.
After a brief moment of silence, Zhao Feng Ying turned to look at Liu Xing Sheng. A warm smile crossed his face as he said, "Xing Sheng Dàgē, come on! I want to introduce you to my teacher."
Beneath his Daoli hat, Liu Xing Sheng looked at Zhao Feng Ying for a long moment before letting out a quiet breath. He felt a slight reluctance to step onto Xuandu Sect's grounds, especially knowing it was filled with cultivators.
"Xing Sheng Dàgē, what are you waiting for? Let's go," Zhao Feng Ying called, walking ahead as if guiding his new friend.
Liu Xing Sheng stepped up each stair, following Zhao Feng Ying from behind. Occasionally, he glanced at the lush bushes and trees lining the path. The Xuandu Sect still lay far ahead.
Along the way, Liu Xing Sheng pondered various possibilities. One of them was the risk of his identity being revealed—and the strong rejection that might follow from the fellow disciples of the Xuandu Mountain Sect or its elders.
"Xing Sheng Dàgē, don't be nervous," Zhao Feng Ying said calmly. "Xuandu Mountain Sect is divided into five regions. There's a place called Mist Lake Pavilion—this is where the disciples live. Then there's Lotus Lake Pavilion, which is specifically for alchemy and herbal medicine."
"Then there are the Twin Pagodas, where disciples train and where the martial arts manuals and heirloom weapons are kept. And finally, there's the Zi Chen Pavilion, where the sect elders reside and manage sect affairs."
Zhao Feng Ying turned back, smiling at Liu Xing Sheng. "I may not be very talented, but I know this sect and its people well. If Xing Sheng Dàgē is curious about anything, feel free to ask me. I'll answer anything,"
"..." Liu Xing Sheng was silent for a moment before asking, "Young Master Zhao said the Xuandu Sect has five regions, but you only mentioned four. What's the last one called?"
"Ah, that's Xuandu Peak. It's better I don't speak much of it, Xing Sheng Dàgē."
"Mn? Why?"
"It's extremely cold up there. The training is harsh, and it's also a place of punishment. Disciples who commit serious offenses are taken there for disciplinary action. It's forbidden, and even I don't know much about it."
"Didn't you say earlier that you knew everything about the sect?"
"Xing Sheng Dàgē, don't tease me. Xuandu Peak is something else. I can give you any information about the sect—except that area. It's far beyond my reach."
Liu Xing Sheng smiled faintly and shook his head. Zhao Feng Ying had confidently claimed he could answer any question, but even he didn't know what lay atop Xuandu Peak.
Truthfully, Liu Xing Sheng didn't care much about any of this. He had his own problems to deal with. He had already decided not to get too involved with Zhao Feng Ying, the Xuandu Sect, or the world of cultivators.
*
*
Zhi Chen Pavilion, Main Hall.
Liu Xing Sheng continued following Zhao Feng Ying until they arrived at a spacious courtyard. Not far ahead stood a building with the inscription "Zhi Chen Pavilion"—the residence of the elders of the Xuandu Mountain Sect.
Beneath his Daoli hat, Liu Xing Sheng noticed several people in pale blue robes. They were clearly disciples of the Xuandu Sect and seemed curious about his presence.
Zhao Feng Ying, however, walked straight into the Main Hall without bothering to introduce Liu Xing Sheng to the other disciples.
At the end of the hall, Liu Xing Sheng saw an old man with long gray hair, a white beard, and a simple pale blue robe. He sat calmly, as if the air around him had fallen silent, emanating a subtle pressure that commanded reverence from those around him.
"Shizun," Zhao Feng Ying said, clasping his hands and bowing. "Zhao Feng Ying reporting in. I've returned to report on my mission and bring someone who saved me... His name is Liu Xing Sheng."
Liu Xing Sheng had been calmly observing the hall. Upon seeing the elder, he cupped his hands and bowed in the same manner.
The old man slowly opened his eyes and looked directly at Zhao Feng Ying. Then, he gestured for the two young men to take a seat.
The elder looked at Zhao Feng Ying again. "You've been gone too long, Ying'er. I asked your fellow disciples to search for you, yet all I received were troubling reports."
His voice was low, yet carried warmth. Liu Xing Sheng sensed that this man was wise and deeply respected within the sect.
"Forgive me, Shizun. Something terrible happened, and I had to recover for a few days before returning. It was Xing Sheng Dàgē who saved me and helped me get back safely," Zhao Feng Ying said.
The old man nodded slowly before shifting his gaze to Liu Xing Sheng, who still wore his Daoli hat. Then, he spoke again.
"My name is Mo Jian Zhi. As Ying'er's teacher, I thank you, Young Master Liu Xing Sheng, for saving my disciple."
"Helping those in need is my duty. There's no need to thank me," Liu Xing Sheng replied calmly.
Mo Jian Zhi smiled at the young man's wisdom. "This is the first time I've heard your name. If I may ask, which sect do you belong to?"
Liu Xing Sheng was slightly taken aback by the question, though his expression remained hidden beneath his hat. He took a slow breath before answering.
"I belong to no sect. I'm merely a wanderer, traveling across the Central Plains to help others."
"Shizun, even if Xing Sheng Dàgē isn't part of a sect, he's highly skilled in combat," Zhao Feng Ying added. "He's saved me more times than I can count."
"I understand," Mo Jian Zhi nodded. "Ying'er, our guest must be thirsty. Would you bring some tea?"
"Ah, of course, Shizun." Zhao Feng Ying seemed flustered, only now realizing his oversight.
"Xing Sheng Dàgē, I should've treated you better. Please wait here. I'll be right back," Zhao Feng Ying said.
"It's alright, Young Master Zhao." Liu Xing Sheng didn't stop him. He sensed that the elder before him wanted to speak privately.
Mo Jian Zhi spoke once Zhao Feng Ying had left. He looked at Liu Xing Sheng and said, "The Eastern Plains are home to humans, spirits, beasts, and demons. Long ago, there was a spirit that absorbed the essence of Heaven and Earth, took the form of a demon beast, and brought disaster upon the world."
"With its power, it could take human form and speak the human tongue. This being was a Hellwolf demon—known as the 'Bringer of Nightmares and Death.'"
Liu Xing Sheng gave no response, though tension clearly welled up inside him. The old man's words struck too close to a truth he had long kept hidden.
"The Hellwolf Demon… is an enemy of this world—and of the Mount Xuandu Sect."
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