In the dim, incense-thick war room of the Scarlet Root Sect, a circular table bore witness to silent plots. On its surface, glowing glyphs flickered, displaying the status of a long-forgotten name—Celestial Sect.
Fang Zhu, head of intelligence and master of covert arts, spoke with slow precision, "The Celestial Sect. Weak? Yes. Broken? Perhaps. But irrelevant? No."
He tapped the edge of the table, and a scroll unfurled in midair, etched with shifting light.
"They've fallen far. But their roots... still go deep."
Another spy leaned in. "What's their leadership like?"
Fang Zhu's fingers danced across the scroll. "Sect Leader Yuan Xian—the 10th generation successor after the Universal War. While not as terrifying as the original Starflame Monarch, he holds the bloodline. His cultivation hovers around late-Saint stage. A quiet leader. Doesn't boast, doesn't roar—but he endures."
"They say his temperament is calm but unyielding," another murmured. "Like tempered steel."
Fang Zhu nodded. "Indeed. And under him stand ten elders. Each holds a distinct role."
He waved a hand. Ten glowing portraits appeared, each surrounded by symbols of their function.
1. Elder Qin Lei – External Combat Commander. Lost his arm in the War of Scars. Still leads outer sect patrols personally.
2. Elder Wu Jian – Strategic Operations Head. Cold-blooded tactician. Knows enemy movements before they do.
3. Elder Mei Lan – Disciplinary and Internal Order. Rumored to have once killed her own disciple for rule-breaking.
4. Elder Xue Tong – Alchemy and Medical Hall Head. His pills kept half the sect alive during the fall.
5. Elder Long Chi – Artifact and Forge Master. Silent, smoldering presence. His weapons still bear traces of ancient runes.
6. Elder Feng Yue – Beast Taming Hall Mistress. Her spirit panther is said to have eaten three assassins sent by Heaven-Fire Pavilion.
7. Elder Hei Zhen – Head of Shadow Division. No one knows his real face. Maybe even the Sect Leader doesn't.
8. Elder Yao Jin – Resource Management. Arrogant, greedy—but efficient. Keeps the six planets running.
9. Elder Bai Qi – Formation Hall Master. His defense seals held back a High-tier Sect's invasion for seven days straight.
10. Elder Yun Yi – Grand Archivist. Old as myths. Claims to have walked alongside the 1st generation Sect Leader.
"And their disciples?" a young spy asked, intrigued.
Fang Zhu gave a sharp smile. "Around 9,000 active disciples. Outer, inner, and core. Most are mediocre. Only a few shine."
He highlighted one name.
"Yun Qian, core disciple. Lightning and void root. Said to rival ancient prodigies. Cold, focused, and utterly loyal."
Another nodded. "I heard Heaven-Fire Pavilion wants her hand for their Sect Head's son."
Fang Zhu's smile faded. "Yes—and that proposal will be their noose. Internal tension is growing. The elders are divided. If she's forced into marriage, the sect may splinter."
A spy leaned forward, licking his lips. "Then we add fuel. Rumors. Doubts. Push them to crumble from inside."
Fang Zhu nodded slowly. "Exactly. Weak sects don't fall from war. They fall from within."
He turned to his squad.
"Begin phase one. Watch the girl. Watch the elders. Report everything. The Celestial Sect's final embers… are ripe to be snuffed out."