Location: Crimson Sky Sect – Internal Halls
The news spread like wildfire.
A mysterious rogue killed Liu Feiyan—a ranked Inner Disciple—in front of the entire sect. No hesitation. No mercy.
Disciples whispered. Elders debated. Some demanded punishment. Others… watched in silence.
But one moved.
---
High Pavilion – Azure Flame Hall
A withered figure sat beneath a cherrywood canopy, sipping spirit wine with his eyes half-closed.
He wore flowing midnight-blue robes, embroidered with stars and flame, his long beard tied with silver rings.
Elder Myung Jin—Crimson Sky Sect's Grand Strategist.
A cultivator from a forgotten era. Cold. Brilliant. Feared.
He set his wine down as a black-robed servant kneeled before him.
"Speak."
"The outsider… he killed Liu Feiyan."
"I saw."
"He—"
"I said I saw," Myung Jin interrupted, opening his eyes at last. Deep gray, like fading embers.
Then he smiled faintly.
> "Finally… something interesting."
---
The Invitation
Later that evening, as Jinhyuk meditated near a quiet spring, a crane-shaped sigil lit up beside him.
A voice echoed from the glowing symbol:
> "Come to the Azure Flame Hall. Refuse, and be hunted."
Jinhyuk smirked.
"Subtle."
---
The Meeting
Inside the grand hall, Elder Myung Jin sat alone, surrounded by hundreds of formation seals that drifted in the air like stardust.
Jinhyuk entered, calm and quiet.
Neither bowed.
"I've seen many monsters rise and fall," the Elder began, tone like steel. "But none who kill so calmly without fear of consequence."
"I don't fear power," Jinhyuk replied. "I become it."
Silence.
Then Myung Jin chuckled. "Good answer."
He flicked his fingers, tossing a scroll at Jinhyuk.
> [Scroll Acquired: Sect Disciple – Direct Appointment]
> [You have bypassed standard trials.]
[New Role: Personal Disciple of Elder Myung Jin]
[Access Granted: Azure Flame Library, Tier 2 Artifact Armory, and Inner Domain Training Hall]
Jinhyuk raised an eyebrow.
"Why me?"
The old man's smile faded.
> "Because you're dangerous… and I like dangerous things under my eye."
---
Outside the Hall
From a rooftop across the sect, Yue Qingxue watched the scene through her spirit mirror, eyes narrowed.
> "Grand Elder Myung Jin… chose him?"
Her grip on her fan tightened.
And for the first time… she was curious.
---