In Lei City, aside from the Jin Sect, there were three other sects: the Sù Sect (宿宗 / Sect of the Eternal Nest), the Chéng Sect (城宗 / Sect of the Fortified City), and the Láng Sect (琅宗 / Sect of the Pure Jade).
Though the Jin Sect held significant prestige in other parts of the nation, its standing within Lei City was relatively weak—especially when compared to the Su and Cheng sects. The two, one renowned for its business prowess and the other for its brawny, iron-willed disciples, had formed a solid alliance through marriage.
Su Wen, heir and head disciple of the Su Sect, was wed to Cheng Ru, the only daughter of Cheng Zhe, leader of the Cheng Sect.
The Su Sect controlled the Lei City marketplace, far surpassing the other sects in influence and wealth. Its Sect Leader, Su Meng, was born into a merchant family but had the fortune of encountering a traveling cultivator in his youth. Under this mentor's guidance, he cultivated diligently and, at the age of fifty-eight, established himself as the head of what would become a flourishing sect in Lei City.
Though Su Meng's cultivation was only at the Early Nascent Soul Stage, the sect's true strength lay elsewhere. Unlike traditional martial sects, the Su Sect emphasized commerce over combat. Its disciples were trained in the appraisal of spiritual herbs, rare artifacts, cultivation tools, and other valuable resources—anything that could be bartered, traded, or sold for profit. Combat techniques were taught, but only as a means of protection rather than as a focus of advancement.
In contrast, the Cheng Sect had always boasted a strong and assertive presence in Lei City. Founded some eighty years ago, the sect was known for producing hot-blooded, muscular disciples who valued strength above all else. Their martial prowess was considered equal to that of the Jin Branch Sect and the Lang Sect, making them one of the three core martial sects of the region. All three traced their roots to the mountains, and this shared origin only deepened the competitive rivalry among them.
The Lang Sect was the second oldest of Lei City's sects, distinguished by its strict code of conduct and unwavering discipline. It maintained a stance of neutrality in times of peace, avoiding entanglement in sectarian politics. Its disciples adhered rigidly to tradition, and the sect was firmly guided by its austere leader, Láng Yuán (琅渊 / Jade Abyss).
The moonlight draped softly over the lacquered rooftops of the Su Sect's main hall. Lanterns glowed warm along the eaves, casting golden reflections on polished wood. Within, six figures sat in quiet harmony—on the surface.
Sect Leader Su Meng occupied the central seat, his robes immaculate, a gentle smile curving his lips as he sipped from a porcelain cup. Across from him, Sect Leader Cheng Zhe lounged with one leg folded beneath him, posture casual but eyes sharp, like a tiger pretending to nap.
To Su Meng's right sat Elder Su Ling, an elderly man with hawk-like features and fingers perpetually wrapped around a string of spirit jade beads. To the left, his son and heir, Su Wen, wore his usual white robes trimmed with gold, bearing the elegance of a merchant prince.
Across from them, the Cheng siblings flanked their father. Cheng Ru, poised and observant, occasionally leaned in to whisper to her brother, Cheng Yan—the Cheng Sect's heir—who watched the room like one assessing a battlefield.
Su Meng placed his cup down gently. "The Sect Conference is just two weeks away. Preparations are in motion, and our position is… comfortable. But comfort alone does not win hearts."
Cheng Zhe grunted. "Or cities."
A smile tugged at Su Ling's mouth. "The Jin Sect's name still carries weight."
The Jin Branch Sect, long known for its connection to the Main Jin Sect and its deep-rooted history, was still spoken of fondly. It carried weight—not in power, but in loyalty.
Cheng Yan's voice was quiet but firm. "And the Lang Sect plays the benevolent watchdog to the public. Neutral, charitable, clean-handed." He set his cup down with a resonant thud, the sound revealing the simmering displeasure behind his calm tone.
"They're soft," Su Wen added with a lazy smile. "And soft things break easily."
The Jin and Lang Sects had only the people's loyalty to their name now—fragile things in a world shaped by power.
Cheng Ru turned her gaze to her husband. "We don't need to break them. Just tarnish their shine a little."
"Exactly," Su Meng said smoothly. "A small accident. Something that reminds everyone who truly holds the strength to protect Lei City now."
Cheng Zhe leaned forward. "You've chosen the beast?"
"We have a few options." Su Ling nodded thoughtfully. "A mid-grade demonic beast—dangerous enough to cause injuries, but not so wild it'll spiral out of control. Something native to the mountain passes. Perhaps a Blackspine Howler or a Flame-Winged Tiger."
"Both aggressive by nature," Su Wen added. "We'll lure it near the outskirts of the conference grounds and wait. When it attacks the weaker disciples—"
"Preferably Jin or Lang," Cheng Yan said coolly.
"—our disciples will 'intervene,'" Su Meng finished with a smile. "They'll work together, neutralize the beast, and earn the gratitude of the other sects. We appear united. Merciful. Capable."
"While planting the seed that the others are reckless, unprepared," Cheng Zhe chuckled. "It's simple, elegant."
Su Ling nodded. "And only the first step. Once the public sees their heroes falter, they will begin to look elsewhere for strength. And we'll be there, ready."
Cheng Ru's eyes narrowed. "Let's make sure it doesn't go wrong. Even a single fatality could change the tone."
"We'll keep it controlled," Cheng Yan said. "I'll select the disciples myself. Those we can trust to perform as needed—and not overstep."
Su Meng raised his cup again. "Then, to the future of Lei City. May it be led by those with vision—and the strength to realize it."
They drank.
And in the quiet that followed, the fate of two sects was quietly sealed.