They’re All Fools

"Senior Brother, are we going to make a move?" asked a young man in robes marked with a winged demon symbol on his clothes as he stood atop a thick tree branch.

The man he addressed, clearly in charge, shook his head with a calm yet serious expression. "At least two other groups are watching. Anyone who acts first will pay the price. We'll wait for chaos to break out and fish in troubled waters," he said.

Nearby, two other members of their sect stood silently, observing the situation. Even the weakest among them had reached the 7th stage of the Foundation Establishment realm.

Although the Qian Empire was considered weak compared to the other sects under the protection of the Dao Seeking School, the top sects were notable exceptions. The Heavenly Demon Sect, as a top sect, could provide resources and training far beyond what smaller sects like the White Crow Sect could offer.