Chapter 6 – The Path to the North

Wei Long woke before dawn, his senses sharpened by the weight of the mission he bore. The morning chill bit at his skin, but he ignored it, focused on dismantling his camp with near-ritual precision. He ensured no trace of his presence remained, burying the ashes of the fire and erasing marks from the ground. Every detail mattered, for he knew the eyes of the Black Serpent Clan could be anywhere.

With the crude map in hand, Wei Long began his trek. The northern mountains were unforgiving, with treacherous trails and dense vegetation that seemed to conspire against him. The mist that gathered between the peaks made him feel as though he were stepping into another realm, an isolated dimension where only the strongest survived.

As he advanced, he noticed signs of recent activity. Fresh footprints marked the damp ground, suggesting others had passed through mere hours earlier. Wei Long knelt to examine the tracks. The shape of the footprints indicated reinforced boots, typical of seasoned warriors. His eyes narrowed as he spotted deep scratches on a nearby tree, as if blades had clashed there. "The Clan is close," he thought, adjusting the grip on the hilt of his sword, ready for a swift draw.

Each step brought steeper trails, demanding his full physical effort and concentration. Loose stones threatened his balance, but Wei Long pressed on, driven by determination. The medallion hanging around his neck seemed to weigh heavier than usual, a constant reminder of his mission. This artifact, a family heirloom, was the key to uncovering the secrets of the Black Serpent Clan — and possibly to destroying them.

Upon reaching a plateau, he paused to catch his breath. The view was breathtaking: the valley below appeared as a tapestry of mist and shadows, while the surrounding mountains stood like silent sentinels. But Wei Long wasn't interested in the scenery's beauty. His eyes locked onto a structure in the distance, partially hidden by the fog. An ancient temple, with stone walls weathered by time, stood imposing, as if defying the centuries.

"The Clan's hideout…" he murmured, his eyes narrowing, his mind already calculating his approach.

Wei Long knew he couldn't approach recklessly. He studied the terrain around the temple, identifying possible entry points and areas that could conceal traps or sentries. This place wasn't merely a relic of old stories; it was the heart of his enemy, pulsating with danger.

As he descended toward the temple, he noticed more signs of movement. The muffled sound of voices reached his ears, carried by the wind. He hid behind a rock, controlling his breathing as he tried to identify the intruders. Two men dressed in dark cloaks walked along the path below, armed and speaking in hushed tones. Wei Long couldn't catch every word but heard enough to confirm they were Clan sentries patrolling the area.

Waiting for the right moment, Wei Long crept through the bushes, staying out of sight. He knew confrontation was inevitable, but he preferred to choose the time and place. Time seemed to stretch as he moved carefully, his eyes vigilant for every movement of the sentries. Finally, he managed to bypass them, leaving them behind without raising suspicion.

When he reached the temple's entrance, Wei Long stopped to observe. The place was in ruins, but there were clear signs of recent activity: footprints in the dusty ground, a lit torch left to the side, and the distant sound of voices coming from within. He touched the medallion around his neck, seeking courage. This was the moment he had been waiting for — the chance to confront the Black Serpent Clan and seek the answers that had haunted him for years.

He stepped into the temple, his senses on high alert. The torchlight revealed walls covered in ancient inscriptions, some of which seemed to depict battles and dark pacts. At the center of the main hall stood a statue of a serpent, its jade eyes glowing ominously. Wei Long felt a chill as he gazed at it, as though the statue were alive, watching him.

Suddenly, the sound of footsteps echoed through the corridor. Wei Long hid behind a column, holding his breath. Three figures appeared, discussing something in a language he didn't recognize. They carried weapons and seemed to be patrolling the area. Wei Long knew he couldn't avoid confrontation much longer.

As the three men approached, he emerged from his hiding spot with his sword drawn. The first strike was swift and precise, taking down the nearest man before he could react. The other two attacked simultaneously, but Wei Long moved with agility, dodging one strike and countering with a blade that gleamed in the torchlight. The fight was intense but brief. Wei Long emerged victorious, though not without sustaining injuries.

With the path clear, he pressed onward, delving deeper into the temple. Each step felt heavier, as though the air was thick with oppressive energy. Finally, he reached a large chamber where he found an altar. Atop it rested a rolled-up scroll, bound by an iron chain. The medallion around his neck began to glow, reacting to the artifact's presence.

Wei Long approached cautiously, sensing something was amiss. As he reached out to touch the scroll, a voice echoed through the chamber, cold and dripping with disdain.

"So, you've finally arrived, Wei Long."

He spun around quickly, his sword raised defensively. A figure emerged from the shadows, dressed in the Black Clan's dark robes. Malice shone in the man's eyes, and a threatening aura radiated from his presence.

"Do you think you can challenge the Black Serpent Clan alone?" the man asked with a cruel smile.

Wei Long didn't reply. He knew words wouldn't matter here. Only the blade would speak for him.

The battle began, and Wei Long found himself fighting not only a formidable opponent but also his own doubts and fears. Each exchanged blow was a reminder of what was at stake — his vengeance, his honor, and the future of those who depended on him.

When the dust finally settled, Wei Long stood, panting but victorious. He took the scroll from the altar, feeling that his journey was far from over. The temple held more secrets, and the Black Serpent Clan remained a threat, but he was ready for whatever lay ahead.

As he left the temple, the medallion glowing faintly against his chest, Wei Long gazed at the horizon. The path to the north was long and perilous, but he knew he couldn't stop. The real battle was yet to come.