Disciples congregated for the monthly allocation meeting, and the rising sun threw deep shadows over Celestial Sword Sect's Resource Hall. Standing calmly next to Senior Sister Mo Yu, Zhen Lu watched the complex resource allocation procedure across the several summits.
Mo Yu said, "Remember to watch closely." Knowing how resources move shows the actual power structure of any faction.
Zhen observed, underlining how Thunderblade Peak officials consistently got a little more than others, contrary formal equality policies. The politics were known—little had changed since his prior life.
Mo Yu went on, "The Danxia Sect messenger should show up for today's meeting." Her hosting has been assigned to Sword Heart Peak.
The hall doors opened to see a young woman in crimson robes stitched with golden flames as if called by her words. A jade pendant hung at her waist and her hair was decorated with elaborate pins that softly tinkled as she went.
The door attendant said, "Alchemist Yun Yao of Danxia Sect."
The room quieted as she came near. Even among haughty sword makers, alchemists merited respect.
Grand Elder Yun Wuhen said, rising to provide the official greeting, "Celestial Sword Sect honors Danxia Sect's presence."
Zhen's jade pendant unexpectedly resonated when the alchemist bowed in response. The feeling was clear: a piece of his own eternal essence from his former incarnation as Jiang Zhen.
He tensed, deliberately hiding his response. How could this lady have anything with his spiritual imprint?
Yun Yao said, her voice crisp and melodic, "The Danxia Sect invites Celestial Sword Sect to our centennial Alchemy Conference." Our particular request is for Sword Heart Peak representatives knowledgeable in energy manipulation to help with experimental formations.
Yun Wuhen nodded politely. Accompanied by our potential new talent, Disciple Zhen, Senior Disciple Mo Yu will head our delegation.
Zhen kept a neutral face despite his shock at being mentioned. Though her face showed nothing, Yun Yao's gaze met his and he felt a brief flash of recognition in her eyes.
Mo Yu went to the alchemist once the formalities finished. Being chosen is an honor. Zhen Lu will help throughout the conference.
Yun Yao looked at him with uncommon intensity. It's fascinating, your energy signature. Have you ever done alchemy?
Alchemist Yun, no. I have concentrated just on sword growing.
But your energy flows with amazing accuracy, she said. In twenty days, the conference starts. I will inform Senior Mo Yu specifics.
Zhen felt another spark of familiar energy as her pendant swung slightly and she turned to go. He had to find out how this lady came into possession something holding his eternal essence.
Later, as they went back to Sword Heart Peak, Mo Yu said, "Being picked for the Danxia Conference is both an honor and a test. Though occasionally requiring sword practitioners for particular experiments, alchemists zealously protect their secrets.
"Why me?" Zhen inquired. There must surely be more seasoned students.
Mo Yu grinned mysteriously. Since you see things others overlook. Such as how you saw Grand Elder Yun at yesterday's council meeting. Your eyes see under surfaces—a great quality for interacting with alchemists.
Zhen came to understand that he had observed Yun Wuhen's odd energy. He would have to be more cautious.
Mo Yu went on, "The link between Danxia Sect and our sect is more profound than many realize." Legends say the founders were siblings who picked opposite roads—one of sword, one of cauldron.
Zhen looked for his buddy Zhao Yunxiao that night. "What can you tell me about Danxia alchemists' jade pendants?"
Zhao appeared shocked. Said to hold essence of founding immortals, they're called Soul Vessels. What draws attention?
Zhen said nonchalantly, "Just curious about sect customs." Today's courier wore very amazing one.
Ah, you mean Yun Yao! Their prodigy is youngest alchemist to reach fifth-rank in decades. Zhao moved closer. Though neither openly admits it, rumor has claimed she is Yun Wuhhen's niece as well.
Zhen's thoughts were racing at this discovery. There could hardly be coincidence between Yun Wuhen—whom he suspected of connections to his foe Ye Qingqing—and an alchemist bearing his soul imprint.
Zhen sat in his room as night fell, closely reviewing the logs of the chaotic system. Should his immortal essence have been gathered following his death, it could offer hints of Ye Qingqing's actions in the five hundred years following his demise.
The invitation to Danxia Sect was both chance and risk. Before the summit, he would have to study more about Soul Vessels and their manufacture even while he hid his own identity from more and more observant eyes.
He resolved that Danxia Sect's alchemy customs will be studied at the sect library tomorrow. The link between his past and this young alchemist could be the key to revealing his enemy's schemes—and maybe clarifying why Grand Elder Yun possessed an energy signature alarmingly close to the woman who had once betrayed and murdered him.